The Flower Blog

Why Do We Celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

Posted by Fri, Mar 09, 2012 @ 02:24 PM

Della Gillespie MendenhallPeople in the US love to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day every March 17th by wearing green, decorating with shamrocks and buying green specials such as green beer or green flowers. But do we know why we celebrate the holiday? Other than knowing it’s an Irish holiday, I couldn’t really tell you why this holiday came about or why it’s important to us.potatoes and flowers

We have St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate none other than Saint Patrick whose death was on March 17th in the fifth century (461). He is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. He was born in Roman Britain but was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He escaped but returned to Ireland and is credited for bringing Christianity to the people of Ireland. During the centuries following his death the myth surrounding his life became ingrained in the Irish culture. The best-known myth is the story that he explained the Holy Trinity using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock. Which is why we decorate so much with the color green and shamrocks for the holiday! 

Erin go Brach flowersThis has been an observed holiday for over 1,000 years by the Irish! St. Patrick’s Day falls during the Christian period of Lent and the Lenten restrictions against the consumption of meat were waived on this day so people would dance, drink and feast to their hearts content! Although there is a lot of Christian religion behind the origins of St. Patrick’s Day, people from all walks of life celebrate the holiday. 

Now that you know the history behind the holiday, hopefully you will be able to enjoy and appreciate it even more! You will certainly be able to impress your friends with a little history behind the holiday!

Gillespie Florists is Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, how about you? Let us help you set up your St. Patrick’s Day party or send an unique gift of flowers to someone who loves St. Patrick Day!


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Thanks to History.com for the helpful information behind St. Patrick!



Topics: Holidays

Five Thrifty Valentine’s Day Ideas

Posted by Mon, Feb 13, 2012 @ 09:36 AM

Della Gillespie Valentine’s Day is coming soon and many people will be celebrating however there is often criticism regarding the cost for this day of romance. While we agree Valentine’s Day can elicit some cost; we also believe any occasion is what you make of it. We're big fans of saying "I Love You" in any way, on any budget. Here are five cost effective ways to let your Valentine know they are special!

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1. Wrapped Flowers
Go to your Local Florist and pick up wrapped flowers. Gillespie Florists offers a large selection of sunshine bouquets, deluxe sunshine and constantly run specials on flowers by the bunch! Want to select your own flowers? We also sell them by the stem!

When you purchase wrapped flowers at Gillespie Florists, the cost is less because we are not paying a designer to arrange them in a vase. You can save 20%-60% off your total cost. The only downside is that most florists will not deliver wrapped flowers.

More than likely your Valentine already has a vase at home. If not, containers can be easily purchased at the florist or you can get creative! Go to a local thrift store and find unique ways to vase your flowers with found containers such as mason jars, ceramic pitchers, cookie tins and more!

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2. Personal Chef
We're not saying hire a personal chef (although you could). Surprise your sweetheart with the best recipe on earth! Anything made by you, because it's made with love. Sounds corny but picture a candlelit dinner for two complete with your finest display of cuisine artistry! Add extra flair to dîner chez vous with a bouquet or wrapped flowers from Gillespie Florists and creatively arranged by you!

 

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3. Surprise Picnic
Surprise your valentine with a picnic at work! We love this idea because
A. Homemade lunch prepared with love, B. A break from the ordinary work day and C. A lovely romantic gesture. and D. Also a great opportunity to pick up a beautiful flowering plant for office decoration!

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4. Cupid's Treats
Treat your valentine with coupons and/or a homemade gift basket! Buy a Valentine’s Day card and on a separate piece of paper create a “Coupon” that gives her a body massage from you or a promise to spend a day doing what ever she wants and put that with the card. Make sure what you are offering something your valentine would really like even if you don’t, that is part of what makes it a great gift! Have a basket around the home? Upgrade the coupon idea to a homemade gift basket. Surround the envelope with coupon enclosed with a few of their favorite things including chocolates, bath bombs, candles, etc!

 

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5. Think Outside the Box!
Does your valentine love movies, long walks in the park, window shopping at the mall, reading, ice cream, petting animals? Pick up the latest of your true love's favorite movie genre, treats, games, and put aside time to do some of their favorite things! Find more ideas for what to do around Indy here!


So, lets get down to the brass tax. Valentine’s Day is about letting your significant other know you love and appreciate them! It's not about the expense, it's another day to express yourself! Don’t the day of romance get you down; you can have a great holiday with out emptying you wallet!

Read about some of our Take Out specials below!

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Click the button to view our Valentine's Day collection! 
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Topics: Holidays, valentine's day,, gift ideas, valentine gift ideas

How Deep is Your Love? - Say it with Flowers

Posted by Wed, Feb 08, 2012 @ 12:31 PM

Della Gillespie MendenhallWe are getting ready for Valentine’s Day here at Gillespie Florists and we look forward to it year after year! We communicate your feelings with flowers every day but we specialize in love! Let us help express your love to your Valentine! So the question is, How deep is your love?Nuts for You! flowers avon, in

New Love


Is this a new love? Not even sure it’s love yet but know it’s someone special? Nuts for you! is the perfect bouquet! This bud vase comes with two red roses, babies’ breath and a cute little plush squirrel. Every time she looks at that cute little squirrel she will smile and think of you!


This is Love

Love is flowers Avon, INThis is love. You know are in love but you do not want to over do it. There will be many years to come and many years of out doing yourself from the previous year. The Love is... bouquet is the perfect arrangement for you! This bouquet includes tea roses, daisies, mini carnations, alstroemeria lilies, babies’ breath and a keepsake infinity heart ornament with the words inscribed, “Love is patient, Love is kind, Love never ends”. This heart is something she can cherish and remind her of your commitment to her!

Old Love


Vin Rouge Dozen roses

Is this an old love? The ultimate symbol of love for Valentine’s Day is a dozen roses! You have been together for years but your love for her grows with every passing day. Show her she always has been and always will be your true love with the Vin Rouge bouquet! This bouquet includes one dozen long stem red roses with babies’ breath, greenery, a bow and a clear glass vase! She will remember this stunning arrangement for years to come! 

No matter how deep your love is, we have a way to express it with flowers! Let this Valentine’s Day be the most spectacular by letting express your feelings in ways words cannot express!

 

 

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Topics: Holidays, Videos

After Christmas Sale! 2011

Posted by Sat, Dec 24, 2011 @ 04:30 PM

Della Gillespie Mendenhall
Christmas will soon be over but the fun doesn't have to be! Stop in for our After Christmas sale where we will have almost everything in the store on sale! See below for details!
Christmas Sale 2011
Christmas Sale at Gillespie Florists!
50% off all Christmas gift Items!
Poinsettias 50% off!
40% off All Webkinz Product!
50% Off Cemetery Saddles & Cans
Grave Blankets $19.95
Select Plush 50% Off
December 26th-31st!
Take Out Only!
This sale does not include Fresh Flower Product.
Sale items may not be sent out on delivery.
All Sales are Final.
No House Charge Sales.
Kinz Club Cards may not be used in conjunction with Sale.

Topics: Holidays, Sales

Don’t Call Your Local Florist!

Posted by Thu, Dec 22, 2011 @ 03:40 PM

Della Gillespie MendenhallJoys of ChristmasIt’s Christmas Eve and you just remembered you forgot to get a gift for your favorite Uncle Joe and it’s too late to have something shipped. You call your local florist who is crazy busy with Christmas orders for all the other customers who forgot someone and need a last minute delivery.  As soon as your florist hears that you want to send flowers out of state, they tell you “Sorry, we won’t be able to find anyone to fill your order.” Then promptly get off the phone, leaving you to wonder what to do.

As a proud member of the Teleflora network, I can tell you most of the year we have no problem sending orders all over the country, even the world! But a few days out of the year, it can be very difficult.  On Christmas Eve, Valentines Day, Mother’s Day and July 4th, we find that to be true. Here at Gillespie’s we will take your order at no obligation to you and attempt to get your order filled. If we cannot find someone to fill your order then we will cancel the order and call to let you know.

Most florists want to make sure their customers are taken care of first then accept orders from other florists. So, if you find that your local florist can not send flowers out of town for you, call the out of state florist directly! You can do this in 5 easy steps.

 

  1. Get access to the Internet and do a Google search. In the search field enter the word “florist” and the zip code your recipient lives in. 
  2. Make sure to skip over the advertisements. Usually shaded in light pink or yellow. Then pick out a listing and click to go to the website.Local florist 46234
  3. Once you are at the website, check out a few things to make sure they are a Real Florist. Click on the “About Us” page and see if there are any pictures of the shop or personal videos. On the same page check the address and phone number to make sure they are actually located near the area you want to send to. If those check out, you’ve got a local florist!
  4. Now, check out the selection of flowers on the website. Find at least two bouquets you like. It’s always best two have a backup in case the florist is out of a certain product.
  5. Call the florist. Place the order. Some florists restrict their website during a busy holiday like Christmas Eve to not except orders. But if you call, they are more likely to accept the order. Also, you will be able to discuss what product they will be sending and making sure on when your delivery will be made.  Make sure when you call to mention you are sending to your Uncle, wife, ect. This clears up for the florist that you are NOT another florist but a Real customer!

Is it Christmas Eve and you need flowers delivered in Indianapolis? Click Below!

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Topics: Holidays, informational

Last Minute Gifts, Christmas Flowers!

Posted by Mon, Dec 19, 2011 @ 12:00 PM

Della Gillespie MendenhallChristmas Flurries IndianapolisChristmas is almost here! Have you checked everyone off of your list? If your answer is “No” then avoid the lines and crowd! Order flowers for the rest of your list and be done! We will specially design a beautiful Christmas bouquet for your loved one.

With bouquets starting at just $29.95, you can have convenience and value! Melt their hearts with the Christmas Flurries bouquet! This bouquet is filled with evergreens, red carnations, babies breath, and pine cones. This bouquet will be perfect for the Christmas party dining room table!

Prancer bouquet Avon, INWant to send something that will be cherished year after year? The magic of Christmas is reflected in this beautiful keepsake resin reindeer detailed in a lovely ivory with green and gold motiff. Prancer is surrounded by sparkling gold pine cones, carnations and mixed seasonal green to create a memorable setting for your table this year.

Heaven on Earth flowers Avon, INNeed a gift that will really “Wow” them? Bring a little heaven to your holiday celebration this year with this stunning, one of a kind design. It features a stately resin reindeer, dusted in gold, standing atop a sculptured snowy cliff. Dazzling white Asiatic Lilies are set amid unique Lotus pods, fragrant white roses, carnations, pine cones, yoko ono poms and mixed winter greens. The finishing touch is created with stylish curly willow.

Don’t fret about the little stuff this Christmas! Let us help you with your last minute gifts by delivering flowers for you through Christmas Eve! Want to pick up flowers? Stop in the store where we have ready made bouquets just for you!

Our hours Christmas week:

Monday - Friday 7am - 7pm

Saturday 9am - 4pm

Christmas Day Closed

Shop our large Christmas selection by clicking below!

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Topics: Holidays, Videos

Do It Yourself Christmas Centerpiece

Posted by Tue, Dec 13, 2011 @ 05:35 PM

Della Gillespie MendenhallDo it yourself centerpieceWant a gorgeous Christmas centerpiece this year for your Christmas party but think you cannot afford one? What if I tell you that you can have one for as little as $9.95? If you are a “Do it Yourself” type of person, then you will love this!

For $9.95, we will provide you with kit filled with a tapered candle, design bowl, floral foam and assorted evergreens! You can take this kit home to make on your own or make in the store and our expert designers can give you tips along the way!

Want to add a little color to your bouquet? We suggest adding two red carnations, a stem of white snowflake daisies and two pinecones! Each is just a $1.00 so your additional cost is only $5.00 for a total cost of $14.95!  A centerpiece designed by one of our expert designers like this one would be $29.95! You save 50% by going DIY!

Christmas Centerpiece do it yourselfThis is also a great gift idea that won’t break the bank! Evergreens can last up to a month so this is a long lasting gift too! To make your gift even more special, go through our wide selection of keepsake containers here in the store to design your centerpiece in and your loved one can enjoy it year after year!

Ready to get started? Stop in at 10th & Raceway!

Have any questions? Click below to ask!

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Don’t have time to make your own centerpiece? Our expert designers will be happy to do it for you! Click below to start shopping!

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Topics: Holidays, informational

"The Art of the Holidays" Design Show at Vans!

Posted by Tue, Nov 08, 2011 @ 12:00 AM

Della Gillespie-MendenhallUnique Fall Bouquet

Every year Van’s has a Holiday Design show and everyone at Gillespie Florists loves to go to these shows! Van’s partners up with the Teleflora Indiana Unit to bring a great designer to the show to give us new ideas for the upcoming holiday season! This year we had Bert Ford AIFD, PFCI from Ford FlowerCompany in Salem, NH.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece IdeasBert was a great teacher! He covered a range of topics like the basics of running a flower shop, how to price your flowers, new trends in the coming Holiday season and of course new design ideas! Though we at Gillespie’s are seasoned employees, we enjoyed getting a refresher course on some things and also learning totally new things! Holiday Design class

While Bert was fielding our many questions he was also showing us dozens of bouquets he and his staff designed! He showed us great bouquets for Christmas
parties, Christmas and fall wreaths for your door, Thanksgiving centerpieces and decorations for your home!

Everyone at Gillespie Florists understands that new fresh ideas help to create great designs for our Custom Products. That is why Gillespie Florists pay to send everyone on staff to continuing education classes when possible! Now, we will take these great ideas and put them into action! Watch our website for the most unique Holiday designs on the web!

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Want to see what we’ve got so far?

Click below to view our Gillespie Florists Custom Products!

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Topics: Holidays, Seasonal, informational

Trick or Treat at Gillespie Florists!

Posted by Tue, Oct 25, 2011 @ 01:58 PM

Della Gillespie Mendenhall Trick or treat and flowers

Treat or Flower!

Actually, Treat and Flower! This will be our third year having Trick or Treat hours at Gillespie Florists! We are excited to see what everyone will dress up as! I'm going to share some of my favorite pictures from the last  couple of years!

wizard of oz dorothy at gillespie florists  As always we will be offering candy and free flowers to anyone coming in dressed up during our Treat or Treat hours!

We have some really cool displays that are perfect for taking pictures! We'll take pictures for you and will be happy to email you a copy of the picture!

  My English Bulldog Pearl will be joining Trick or Treat hours on Saturday! She loves to meet new people so, if you would like to visit with Pearl, be sure to be here Saturday!getting free flowers

English Bulldog Pearl at Gillespie FloristsTrick or Treat Hours

Saturday Oct. 29th 4p-6p

Sunday Oct. 30th 11a-3p

Monday Oct. 31st 5p-7p

 

Trick or Treat Sale!

Since you'll be in for Trick or Treating, why not pick up a few things? Especially since they will be on sale! We are having a store wide sale Oct. 29th, 30th & 31st! Everything in stock is on sale! Take out only!

Candles, Webkinz, Silks, Comfort Throws, Plants, Flowers, Angels, gift ware...Everything!

40% OFF!

This is for Take Out Only and on items already in stock. This sale does not include Serviced Product. Call us at 317.273.1100 for more details!

For Halloween, Pearl and I made a video that was supposed to be scary but ended up being very funny! Click below to watch the video!

Topics: Holidays, Videos, Sales

Great Employees make a Great Boss!

Posted by Mon, Oct 17, 2011 @ 08:00 AM

Sarah Gillespie

As the boss, I often ask myself “How fortunate am I to have such an awesome staff”?Shades of Autumn

Just this week, several of my staff members worked over their scheduled hours and helped out in different departments to keep our business running smoothly. Truly, their commitment and dedication to our company is the best gift they could ever give to me.

For me, bosses day is a celebration of the team as a whole. Every staff member is an important piece of our business. From sales to design to delivery- there are many people involved in the process of getting our customer’s flowers processed, designed and delivered.

My employees always have something for me to show their appreciation on bosses day. I enjoy the recognition (everyone likes a little pat on the back)! However, this bosses day, I would like to thank my staff for making my job so wonderful every day of the year.

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Topics: Holidays