The Flower Blog

We love when fall season is in full bloom and what better way to celebrate than with our favorite flowers autumn has to offer! From the golden glow of sunflowers to the colorful selection of chrysanthemums; we have a plethora of fall flora!

We'll begin this list with a burst of the biggest blooms heralding the entrance of fall: the sunflower.

Sunflowers

Sunflower is the top flower which comes to my mind when thinking of the beginning of fall season. Harvested in the late summer/early fall, there are many uses for this beautiful bloom including delicious seeds, cooking oil, and fall decorations of course!  The friendly color of sunflowers go hand in hand with what they symbolize: Loyalty, friendship, strength and adoration. Their sentimentality will brighten someones day whether it be friend, family and/or loved ones. We incorporate sunflowers in bouquets, fall decor, wedding florals and more! You can find these golden beauties in many of our favorite fall arrangements. Find a great selection here.

Chrysanthemum (Fall Mums)

Pictured above is a cushion mum in a colorful blend of burgundy and white. Mums, much like sunflowers, are a staple for our fall floral selection. These hardy, long lasting flowers are available in traditional autumn colors such as crimson, golden yellow, lavender, violet and white. Known as the "Queen of Fall Flowers", the chrysanthemum is the birth month flower of November and considered the official city flower of Chicago.
We love how these flowers can be enjoyed outdoors in the garden or incorporated in bouquets for any occasion. During early fall season we carry a large selection of mums available at our store and for delivery.  Learn more about mums and how to care for them here.

Fall Daisy

We call them fall daisies but they are actually a part of the Chrysanthemum family. Daisy chrysanthemums are a type of garden mum that you often find in our Fall and Thanksgiving arrangements. We love the pop of color and fullness they add to any bouquet. Daisy mum colors include white, yellow, red, purple, pink and orange. 

Asiatic Lily

Adding drama and elegance to the fall floral lineup is the Asiatic lily. Originally native to Asia and Europe these lilies are now grown around the globe. Asiatic lilies gorgeous blooms are available in many colors however their warm colors such as red, orange and yellow represent energy, creativity, drive and passion. As beautiful as lilies are it's important to note that most varieties of lilies are toxic to cats. If you're planning on incorporating lilies into your next fall arrangement or sending to loved ones remember to consider the recipient's furbabies!

Alstroemeria Lily

Peruvian Lily, also known as Alstroemeria lily, are known for their vibrant colors, versatility and low maintenance style. Trumpet shaped like lilies, alstroemeria sports brown freckles in their blooms and exotic appeal. Their meaning and symbolization often connect around friendship, love, strength and devotion. You can find many of their most popular colors in our 500 sq ft cooler on any given day.

Carnation

Carnations are popular for all seasons! These floral chameleons of color have rich shades of burgundy, peach, red and lavender. Pictured above is an example of a more recent addition to our carnation collection in the cooler: The Moon Series. Moon Series carnations feature beautiful blended colors such as Lavender Carnation Moonlight, Dark Purple, Moon Series Purple and lavender. These stunning colors give Fall Halloween arrangements a dash of dark romance and flair.

Carnations, fall daisies, asiatic lilies, alstroemeria and sunflowers are a few of our favorite fall flowers but there's always more you can find in our store at 9255 W 10th St, Indianapolis IN and online here. 
See some of our favorite fall flowers in action below!

Hanging Basket Plants can be a wonderful way to decorate your porch, garden and patio. Filled to the brim with some of our favorite florals such as begonias, petunias, geranium and lush green leafy fern, ivy, philodendrom: these baskets make fantastic gifts for almost any occasion!
Here are a few quick tips about caring for your hanging basket plants so they can be enjoyed all season long! 



1. WATERING
Watering hanging baskets is different from watering plants in the ground. Outdoors, above the ground, in the sun and the drying winds will eat up the moisture before you know it! Check your hanging basket for watering time by sticking your finger inch-deep in the soil. If it's dry, time to water! Another method is lifting the basket: feels light? Time to water!  Most hanging baskets are watered daily whereas potted/ground plants can go a few days to a week without watering. Keep in mind location of your hanging basket. Full sun during the summer may require two waterings daily. Shaded hanging baskets may vary from watering every day to every few days.

2. DEADHEADING BLOOMS
If you're reading this you may be new to plant care. As am I! The first time I heard of deadheading it didn't sound very good. However it is very good for your blooms and plants! Keep surrounding blooms fresh by pinching off the dried and dead blooms where they meet the stem. This also promotes new growth so it's a win-win! We can also add pruning to this category. Cutting back straggling and lengthy stems keep your plants looking healthy and full.

3. FERTILIZING
Hanging baskets need more frequent watering which means they need nutrients more often. There are a variety of options for fertilizer out there so pick what will work best for you! Slow release granules, water soluble and liquid fertilizers are among the top choices. There are plenty of DIY alternatives worth exploring on the internet as well. Moral of the story, your hanging basket flowers will thrive with consistent application of nutrients. 

4. REPLACING MIXED BASKET PLANTS
Some blooming plants, when they're done, they're DONE! Remove the finished blooming plant and replace it with another or add soil instead. I like the idea of giving my mixed plants more space to grow in the basket. Room to breath and flourish. But also, more flowers, more color: sometimes I want a hanging basket exploding with colorful flowers and textures.




5. RELAX AND ENJOY
Lastly, sit back and relax on the porch, patio, swing, whatever you've got and enjoy the fruits (or blooms) of your labor. These are a few basic tips to get starting with hanging basket care. Information flows aplenty online so check your favorite plant sites. With a little TLC, fertilizer and LOTS OF WATER, your hanging basket will thrive. Happy planting!
Our hanging baskets are seasonal however you can find fresh green plants in our store seven days a week.

Picture this. You need flowers, like yesterday. You hop online to gillespieflorists.com to find the perfect arrangement and much to your delight there are so many choices! Your budget is set and time is of the essence, what to do? 

Calling us at 317.273.1100 is always a great option and now there is another a few clicks away:
Our Designer's Choice Bouquet.

The Designer's Choice bouquet is a top notch option when there are so many amazing bouquets to choose from. As an indecisive person myself, I appreciate having a selection which takes all the guess work out of it! I can leave it in the hands of the talented and creative professional floral designers at Gillespie Florists! They will create a unique arrangement using the freshest seasonal flowers available. Simply select your preferred price and these fantastic designers will make a one-of-a-kind bouquet you can be sure will delight! 

If you have a specific request, such as a color theme, enter your request in the Special Instructions section on the Delivery Information area upon checking out and we will do all we can to meet your needs. As an added bonus, after creating your arrangement, we will email an image of your bouquet so you know what is being sent!

Visit, give Gillespie Florists a call or order a Designer's Choice bouquet today. You're a few short clicks from having a stunning arrangement arriving at a loved one's door. 

Pop Quiz!  When is the best time to give and receive flowers?
Birthdays? Anniversaries? 
Congratulations?

The best time, in fact, is any time.
Why? Because. Just Because.

Because "I'm thinking of you; you're fantastic; feeling lucky to have you in my life; It's Monday; It's a day of the week ending in "day"; dinner last night was amazing; can't wait to hang out with you this weekend; you've had a hard day, a frustrating day, the best day ever, the most exciting day, or maybe just an ordinary day; there were these flowers and I knew they needed to be in your hands; I love making you smile; the kids decided your favorite color today was the lavender in these lilacs...the list goes on and on and on!

Get where we're going with this?  If you're not convinced yet, here's my personal testimony. I love getting flowers. Birthdays, anniversaries, etc, name the event and I will super appreciate having gorgeous blooms to celebrate the occasion. But what if there is no occasion and it's just another day? I'm just going about my day and I turn around and there are flowers being given to me. For no other reason than "just because" someone was thinking of me. I didn't do anything special. Didn't complete a 5k or win an award for "Mom of the Year". 

It's "just because" I'm me. It's a thoughtful gesture. An act of kindness. An unexpected gift which always makes my day brighter and adds extra smile wrinkles to my face. Which is good. We all need more smiles.

"Random flowers! What's that going to cost me, an arm and a leg?" you ask? Few stems of daisies or maybe some alstroemeria and we're set!  For the price of a grande fancy coffee which may last a couple of hours; there could be a container of refreshing floral delight for days. But don't take it from me! Go out there and ask your friends! It's a great topic of discussion and the answers may be surprising when you start asking "Why?". I did and had a broad range of responses but the top one with a strong lead was Just Because.  

Flowers are appreciated all the time; for many occasions. But it doesn't mean you have to wait for something special to share some love through the beauty of flowers. So get out there, pick up a sunshine bouquet; a single rose; a basket overflowing with daisies or whatever suits your fancy and make TODAY a special occasion. Just because.

Visit our website to send your "Just Because"

Did you know giving/receiving gifts is a language of love?
Find out more here!

Welcome back! After closing our showroom to the public on March 22nd we are pleased to be now open to the public once again. To keep our staff and customers safe, we will be following the guidelines required by the Mayor of Indianapolis and Governor of Indiana. We have put several measures in place for everyone to feel safe and secure as they come to back to our store.

Our store hours will remain 8am-6pm Monday-Saturday, 11am-3pm Sunday.  Customers can be assured our staff will using proper guidelines by wearing mask and gloves. We will be allowing up to 10 customers in the store at a time. Our 500 sq ft cooler will be back open to the public so you can be our guest and enjoy choosing from our entire selection again. Our conference rooms are open and available for Funeral and Wedding appointments.

We will continue to offer no-contact delivery to our customers *when requested* otherwise our drivers will follow traditional delivery protocol. Curbside Service will also be available to those who request it. 

We look forward to seeing everyone back! Even though times have been uncertain we have enjoyed working together and finding new ways to keep people connected through the beauty of flowers. From everyday occasions to the most significant life events, we have been and will continue to be here for you.  #FlowersForLife

Be safe, be well and welcome back! We are in this together.

Gillespie Florists
9255 W. 10th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46234
Voice: 317.273.1100
Text: 317.509.0668
gillespieflorists.com
gillespieflorists@gmail.com

Business Hours:
Monday - Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm

Stay in touch with us via social media:

Even when you can't be there, life still goes on. Though our showroom will continue to be closed through May 15th per requirements of the Mayor of Indianapolis and Governor of Indiana; we are still available online at gillespieflorists.com and on the phone (317.273.1100) for all your floral needs.

To keep our staff and customers safe, we will be continuing to offer No-Contact delivery as well as Curbside Pickup at our store so that we may continue to be there for you and your loved ones when you need us. For No-Contact Delivery, with your permission, Gillespie Florists can connect with the recipient ahead of delivery to establish their preferences for receiving your gift.  This connection can be through text, email and/or phone. Deliveries can be left at a predetermined location (like the front or back porch), if the recipient prefers not to have face to face contact with our drivers. For customers who prefer to pick up at our store, we’re offering curb-side service. Upon arrival, you can call us at our main number and someone will bring the order directly to you. No need to leave your vehicle!

Here is a short video of FAQ's with Sarah and Della. Have questions? You can call our store, message us on Facebook and Google and even send us a text!

From everyday occasions, special occasions like Mother's Day and to the most significant life events, we have been and will continue to be here for you.  #FlowersForLife

 Be safe, be well and as always...wash your hands!

Gillespie Florists
9255 W. 10th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46234
Voice: 317.273.1100
Text: 317.509.0668
gillespieflorists.com
gillespieflorists@gmail.com

Temporary Business Hours:
Monday - Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm

Stay in touch with us via social media:

Even when you can't be there, life still goes on. Though our showroom is temporarily closed during this time, we are still available online at gillespieflorists.com and on the phone (317.273.1100) for all your floral needs.

To keep our staff and customers safe, we are offering No-Contact delivery as well as Curbside Pickup at our store so that we may continue to be there for you and your loved ones when you need us. For No-Contact Delivery, with your permission, Gillespie Florists can connect with the recipient ahead of delivery to establish their preferences for receiving your gift.  This connection can be through text, email and/or phone. Deliveries can be left at a predetermined location (like the front or back porch), if the recipient prefers not to have face to face contact with our drivers. For customers who prefer to pick up at our store, we’re offering curb-side service. Upon arrival, you can call us at our main number and someone will bring the order directly to you. No need to leave your vehicle!

Here is a short video of FAQ's with Sarah and Della. Have questions? You can call our store, message us on Facebook and Google and even send us a text!

From everyday occasions to the most significant life events, we have been and will continue to be here for you.  #FlowersForLife

 Be safe, be well and as always...wash your hands!

Gillespie Florists
9255 W. 10th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46234
Voice: 317.273.1100
Text: 317.509.0668
gillespieflorists.com
gillespieflorists@gmail.com

Temporary Business Hours:
Monday - Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm

Stay in touch with us via social media:

We are offering Curbside Pickup for orders. Here is some helpful information to pick up the order and be on your way home as quickly as possible.

CALL AHEAD
Call ahead at 317.273.1100 and place an order for curbside pickup at our store.
Pay by phone using credit/debit card. Don't forget the card message for your order and we'll make sure it is included with your order!

ALLOW TIME FOR ORDER FULFILLMENT
Please allow at least 30 minutes between the time your order is placed to when it will be ready for pickup. Help us streamline the process by letting us know what time range you will be picking up your order. 

PICK-UP
When you come to our store please pull up to the main entrance. Have your order number ready (We'll provide you that information during order placement).
Call 317.273.1100 when you arrive! Our customer service rep will retrieve the order and bring it directly to your vehicle. Please have a space available for us to place your flowers and let us know where they should go! Your order will be wrapped and boxed for transportation.

SPECIAL NOTES
* Please remember to call us when you arrive at the main entrance. Our front doors will be locked so there is no way to enter the building to retrieve your order. We will bring it to you.

* If you do not have a credit/debit card we will accept cash however please notify us IN ADVANCE so we can be prepared with access to change, protective gloves, etc.

* Opt to receive your receipt via email (paperless/touchless). We will not share your information with outside sources.  

* Lastly, please be patient. We are all learning as we go and coping during these unprecedented times!

From everyday occasions to the most significant life events, we have been and will continue to be here for you. #FlowersForLife

Be safe and well,

Gillespie Florists
9255 W. 10th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46234
gillespieflorists.com
gillespieflorists@gmail.com

Business Hours:
Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm

Stay in touch via social media:

During a time of recommended Social Distancing, your Gillespie Florists family wants you to know that we’re still here for you, when you need us. Our commitment to our community remains unwavering. We proudly serve our neighbors, friends and family with the same values we’ve had for decades: the highest quality product and service in the Indianapolis area. With a permanent staff of 27 people and 3 furry friends (Evie, Pearl and Sawyer), we thank you for your business now and always.

We know that social interaction is a precious commodity. Sometimes, it takes a major catastrophe to remind us how important human connection can be. Although we still welcome our customers in person at our store, we understand that not everyone is comfortable with physical interaction at this time. You can keep connected with us digitally through our social media accounts. Gillespie Florists is committed to keeping in touch and will produce additional opportunities to share Evie TV and FB Live posts so you can see what we’re up to from anywhere!

Gillespie Florists is committed to helping our friends and neighbors feel safe and comfortable. For any customers who wish to have delivery service, we are offering “No Personal Contact” delivery options. With your permission, Gillespie Florists can connect with the recipient ahead of delivery to establish their preferences for receiving your gift. This connection can be through text, email and/or phone. Deliveries can be left at a predetermined location (like the front or back porch), if the recipient prefers not to have face to face contact with our drivers. For customers who prefer to pick up at our store, we’re offering curb-side service. Upon arrival, you can call us and someone will bring your order to your vehicle.

We are open 7 days a week, 362 days a year (363 this year!) to take care of all your floral needs. Gillespie Florists has been serving the Indianapolis community since 1960 - for those of you counting, that’s 60 years and 4 generations of the Gillespie Family being a part of your life. From everyday occasions to the most significant life events, we have been and will continue to be here for you. #FlowersForLife

Be safe and well,

Patrick and Susan Gillespie (3rd Generation Owners)
Sarah Gillespie and Della (Gillespie) Mendenhall (4th Generation Operators)
And the entire Gillespie Florists Family

Gillespie Florists
9255 W. 10th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46234
gillespieflorists.com
gillespieflorists@gmail.com

Business Hours:
Monday - Friday 7am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm

Stay in touch via social media:

Fall Wedding Season is well underway and we've recently had one of our own staff as a customer for her special day! Not only did she use our services she also did all the floral processing (part of her day job) herself!

We're taking an up close look at how Kelli's wedding flowers featuring sunflowers turned out for her and Zachary's Brown County wedding .

Kelli and Zachary's feature flower for their special day is the sunflower! With bold golden colors and hardy nature they blend in harmony with the colors of autumn. Did you know sunflowers also symbolize loyalty, adoration and faith? The meaning and nature of sunflowers make it a popular option for the season and as you can see it's a perfect choice!

Sunflowers may take the main stage however spray roses, limonium, seeded eucalyptus and statice play an important role in the design. These tried and true accessories of wedding florals add depth and texture to create visually stunning bouquet. Colors of lavender, orange and cream complement bold golden yellow without becoming overwhelmed. The final effect is a celebration of the season and this special moment!

The celebration continues with mason jar magic happening with the centerpieces! Three large sunflowers plus a sprig of limonium plus a steady hand arranging them in a mason jar equals a cozy bouquet! We love the simplicity and visual impact of these table pieces. 

Speaking of visual impact, we won't forget to mention the sweet color combinations on the corsages and boutonnieres. Lovely lavender spray roses, yellow spray roses and violet statice highlight the complementary colors from the bridal bouquet. The final product is a fall themed flowers followed through from start to finish!

Have about thirty more seconds? Make sure to check out our video with more photos of these wedding flowers.

Have another minute or two? View our online wedding collection for inspiration!