The Flower Blog

Say “I Love You” Effortlessly with Valentine’s Day Delivery 💖

Skip the traffic, the lines, and the last-minute scramble. This Valentine’s Day, let love arrive right at their door with our reliable, hand-delivered floral service. Whether it’s a classic bouquet of roses or flowers paired with a sweet surprise, we’ll help you make a heartfelt impression—without the stress.

Valentine’s Day Delivery Details

Valentine’s Day is our busiest day of the year, and to maintain the quality and care you expect from us, a few delivery guidelines are necessary.

Beginning Friday, February 13, we will no longer accept morning delivery requests for Saturday, February 14.
All orders scheduled for Valentine’s Day will be delivered Saturday afternoon, regardless of special time requests noted in the order.

Due to the high volume of deliveries, specific delivery times cannot be guaranteed for Valentine’s Day afternoon. Orders placed after February 13 will be delivered at our earliest available opportunity to ensure your Valentine still receives their floral love note.

Thank you for understanding as we prioritize exceptional design, freshness, and service for every delivery.

💝 Want to Save $5? Choose FLEX DELIVERY

Our Flex Delivery option allows us to deliver your order anytime between February 10–12 at our earliest opportunity—and you’ll save $5 on delivery.

It’s a win-win: beautiful flowers for your Valentine and extra savings for you.
Watch Sarah explain how it works in the video below!

The Flex Delivery Option appears when a delivery date from February 10-12 is selected.

From timeless roses and whimsical Valentine’s designs to decadent chocolates and heartfelt cards, we have everything you need to make your Valentine swoon. Browse our full Valentine’s Day collection and find the perfect expression of your love.

Still Have Questions? We’re Happy to Help 🌸

Our friendly customer service team is here for you.

📞 Call: 317.273.1100
🏬 Visit: 9255 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46234

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love—so relax, order early, and let us take care of the rest.

Extended Store Hours:
Thursday, February 12: 8am–8pm
Friday, February 13: 8am–8pm
Saturday, February 14: 8am–8pm

P.S. Don’t forget our FLEX DELIVERY option—it’s a sweet deal for both your Valentine and your wallet.
P.S.S. 💡 Delivery Hack! Order by phone or in person and save $1 on delivery fees.

Happy Valentine’s Day! 💕

🌹 Your Luxury Bloom Care Guide
Simple steps to keep your Valentine’s flowers fresh, vibrant, and breathtaking.

Your luxury floral arrangement is designed to make a statement—and with just a little care, it can stay beautiful for days to come. Follow these expert tips to help your roses, lilies, and premium blooms look their best.

1. Refresh the Water Regularly

Keep It Clear:
Check the water level daily. If the water looks cloudy or drops below the stems, it’s time for a refresh.

The Perfect Pour:
Use lukewarm water mixed with the provided flower food to nourish your blooms and keep your roses or carnations properly hydrated.

2. Give Them a Fresh Trim

The 45-Degree Cut:
Every 2–3 days, trim about one inch from each stem at a 45-degree angle to improve water absorption.

Clean Cuts Matter:
Always use sharp scissors or floral shears. Clean cuts prevent stem damage and allow your flowers to drink more efficiently.

3. Choose the Right Location

Stay Cool:
Place your arrangement in a cool area away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or drafty windows to slow wilting.

Fruit-Free Zone:
Keep flowers away from ripening fruit. The natural gases released can cause roses and lilies to fade prematurely.

4. Prune for Longevity

Keep It Tidy:
Remove any fallen petals or leaves from the water to reduce bacteria and extend the life of your arrangement.

Individual Bloom Care:
For designs like the Indianapolis Sweetheart, gently remove individual lily blooms as they fade so the remaining flowers can continue to shine.

💡 Pro Tip for Statement Arrangements
For grand designs like the Room Full of Roses & More, use a small watering can to add water directly into the glass vase. This helps maintain hydration without disturbing the carefully crafted design of the 36 roses.

🌹 In Summary

With just a little daily care, your luxury floral arrangement can remain vibrant, fragrant, and stunning well beyond Valentine’s Day. Refreshing the water, trimming stems, choosing the right location, and gentle pruning all help preserve the beauty and longevity of your blooms—so you can enjoy every moment they bring.

💝 Shop More Luxury Flowers Online
Looking for your next statement arrangement or a thoughtful gift? Visit our website to explore our full collection of premium flowers, luxury rose arrangements, and seasonal designs. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or another special occasion, you’ll find expertly crafted florals designed to impress—available for easy online ordering and delivery.

🌿 Your Everlasting Magenta Care Guide

Thank you for choosing a gift that grows! Your Everlasting Magenta dish garden is a curated collection of premium indoor plants designed to bring lasting beauty to your home. Follow these simple tips to keep your garden lush and vibrant.

Light & Placement ☀️

Find the Sweet Spot: Most plants in this garden thrive in bright, indirect sunlight.

Avoid Harsh Rays: Keep the basket away from direct, hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves.

Temperature: These plants are happiest in standard home temperatures (65°F–75°F) and should be kept away from cold drafts or heating vents.

Watering Wisdom 💧

The Finger Test: Check the soil every few days. If the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water.

Watering Technique: Pour water slowly near the base of the plants, avoiding the leaves. Ensure the soil is moist but never soggy.

Magenta Carnations: To keep your fresh magenta carnations looking their best, you can mist them lightly with water once a day.

Ongoing Love & Maintenance ✨

Fresh Blooms: Once the seven magenta carnations have finished their show, gently remove them from the garden.

Long-Term Growth: As your plants continue to grow, you may eventually want to move them into individual pots to give their roots more room to flourish.

Feeding: You can use a standard indoor plant fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer to encourage new growth.

With proper light, thoughtful watering, and occasional maintenance, your Everlasting Magenta dish garden will remain a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your home. As the plants mature and evolve, small adjustments will keep them healthy and thriving—ensuring this living arrangement continues to bring joy well beyond its first bloom. For more plants, floral arrangements, and thoughtfully designed gifts, visit our website and explore all the ways we can help you bring lasting beauty into your space. 🌿

As we ease into the new year and settle into winter, it’s the perfect time to revisit one of our favorite traditions—celebrating birth month flowers. January kicks things off with one of the most classic blooms of all: the carnation. Timeless, meaningful, and endlessly versatile, this beloved flower sets a hopeful tone for the year ahead.

What are the January birth flowers?

January is represented by carnations and snowdrops—two very different blooms that share a quiet strength during the coldest time of year.

Carnations are known for their ruffled petals, soft fragrance, and wide range of colors, from whites and pinks to deep reds and purples. Their durability and classic style make them a staple in floral design, appearing in everything from everyday arrangements to weddings, corsages, and boutonnieres.

Snowdrops may be small, but they’re mighty. These delicate white blooms often appear while snow is still on the ground, offering one of the earliest signs that spring is on its way. They’re commonly associated with hope, renewal, and fresh beginnings—perfect symbolism for January.

A little history behind carnations

Carnations have been loved for more than 2,000 years, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Their name, Dianthus, means “divine flower,” and over time they’ve become a staple in floral traditions across Europe and Asia.

What do carnations symbolize?

Carnations are often associated with love and affection, with meanings that vary by color:

• Red: Admiration

• Deep Red: Romantic love

• Pink: Gratitude

• White: Purity and friendship

• Yellow: Sorrow

• Purple: Royalty

Their long-lasting nature has also made carnations a symbol of enduring love.

A few fun carnation facts

• The green carnation became a symbol in LGBTQ+ history after Oscar Wilde popularized it in the late 1800s.

• In Victorian times, striped carnations were used to subtly say, “I cannot be with you.”

• The Carnation Revolution in Portugal (1974) turned the flower into a lasting symbol of peace and change.

While the carnation takes center stage as January’s primary birth flower, it’s often paired with the delicate snowdrop. Blooming bravely through snow, snowdrops symbolize hope, renewal, and resilience, offering a quiet reminder that brighter days are ahead—even in the heart of winter. Their calm presence and winter bloom time make them a natural companion to January celebrations.

Fun fact: Snowdrops contain galantamine, a compound still used in modern medicine—connecting this petite bloom to a long history of healing and care.

At Gillespie Florists, we love flowers that tell a story. January’s birth blooms—especially the ever-classic carnation—are a beautiful way to brighten winter days and celebrate the fresh start of a new year. 🌸

Tap here to browse our entire birthday flower collection today!

Celebrate love in full bloom with a hands-on floral design experience at Gillespie Florists! Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a Galentine’s outing, or simply treating yourself to something beautiful, this Valentine-themed DIY flower class is the perfect way to create something heartfelt and unforgettable.

💐 What You’ll Learn

Join our talented designer, Kayleigh, for a fun and inspiring 1–2 hour session where you’ll explore the art of romantic floral design. With years of experience and a passion for flowers, Kayleigh will guide you step-by-step as you create your own Valentine’s arrangement filled with lush blooms, soft textures, and love-inspired colors. You’ll leave with a stunning piece that’s perfect for gifting—or keeping all to yourself.

❤️ Class Details

When: Saturday, 1/24 at 4PM
Where: Gillespie Florists — 9255 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46234
Cost: $50 per person
Ages: 18 and older (due to use of sharp instruments)
Includes: All materials — fresh flowers, romantic foliage, decorative accents, and a vase or container. Extra accessories will be available for purchase.

Luxury Upgrade: Want to turn up the romance? Choose a Single or Double Luxury Flower Upgrade to include premium blooms like roses, lilies, and other Valentine favorites. Our lead designer will hand-select the perfect flowers to make your arrangement truly swoon-worthy.

🌹 Why Join Us?

No experience necessary—just bring your love for flowers! Kayleigh’s hands-on guidance makes floral design fun and approachable for everyone. Class sizes are limited to keep the experience personal, so grab your sweetheart, your best friend, or come solo and enjoy a creative night surrounded by beautiful blooms.

Questions? Give us a call at 317-273-1100 — we can’t wait to design, laugh, and share the love with you! 💖

SIGN UP HERE TODAY!

Poinsettias & Pets: What You Really Need to Know This Holiday Season

At Gillespie Florists, we love poinsettias—those bold, festive blooms are a Christmas classic for a reason! But every year, we hear the same question: “Are poinsettias dangerous for my pets?”

Great news: poinsettias have earned a reputation they absolutely don’t deserve.

The Real Scoop: Are Poinsettias Poisonous?

Poinsettias are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs—and not nearly as dangerous as the myths claim. According to current veterinary sources, a pet would have to consume a very large amount of plant material to experience anything more than mild discomfort. (Think: gnawing through multiple plants—not a casual nibble.)

So why the concern?
Poinsettias contain a milky white sap that can cause:

• Mild stomach upset (vomiting, drooling, occasionally diarrhea)

• Skin irritation if the sap touches the skin (redness, itchiness)

That’s it. No organ damage, no long-term risk, and they are not toxic to humans at all.

If your pet does happen to snack on the plant, symptoms—if they appear—are usually minor and pass quickly. Still concerned? You can always call your vet for guidance, but poinsettias are far from the holiday hazard they’re rumored to be.

So go ahead—bring one home and enjoy that beautiful color all winter long!

Plants That Are a Concern for Pets

While poinsettias get too much blame, there are some holiday favorites you’ll want to be mindful of:

❗ Lilies

Extremely dangerous to cats. Even a tiny bite—or pollen exposure—can cause acute kidney failure. We never include true lilies in pet-friendly arrangements.

❗ Holly

Holly leaves and berries can cause significant stomach upset. The spiny leaves often cause lip-smacking, drooling, or pawing at the face.

❗ Mistletoe

American mistletoe is less toxic than European varieties, but ingestion can still lead to mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Keep an eye out for dried leaves or berries that may fall to the floor.

We’re Here to Help Keep Your Pets Safe

When placing an order, just let our sales team know if there are pets in the home. Our designers will happily tailor your bouquet with safe selections—and for those beautiful holly accents we all adore, we keep silk holly on hand just for pet-friendly designs!

Explore Our Holiday Plants

Ready to brighten your home or gift someone special?

Check out our gorgeous poinsettias and seasonal favorites below!

🌼 Faces of Gillespie Florists: Meet Autumn! 🌼

This month, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Autumn, one of our talented floral designers who has been adding her creativity and bright spirit to Gillespie Florists for the past four years.

Whether she’s crafting thoughtful tributes or designing cheerful everyday arrangements, Autumn brings artistry, heart, and genuine care to everything she creates.

🌸 Get to Know Autumn

✨ Favorite Flower: Ranunculus — those delicate layers get her every time.
✨ Go-To Arrangement: Designer’s Choice. She loves the freedom to let the flowers—and inspiration—guide her.
✨ What She Loves Most: Sharing joy. For Autumn, every design is a chance to brighten someone’s day while expressing her creativity.

🌿 Her Design Passions

Autumn has a special talent for creating casket sprays and meaningful funeral designs. Honoring loved ones through flowers is something she approaches with compassion and intention, making each piece unique and heartfelt.

🌼 Her Floral Journey

Her start in floral design began nine years ago when a friend mentioned a job opening at a local florist. That simple tip set her on a path that eventually led her to us—and we’re so glad it did!

🌄 Life Outside the Shop

When she’s not designing, you’ll find Autumn exploring the outdoors on a good hike or playing bass guitar. She’s also currently studying Business Administration at Ivy Tech, adding even more to her already impressive skill set.

Help us celebrate Autumn and the beauty, care, and creativity she brings to our team and our community every single day! 💐💛

Want to learn more about the Faces of Gillespie Florists? Click the names below!

Sarah      Tyler

Duane    Kayleigh  Sheila

The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year at Gillespie Florists. Our design room fills with the scent of evergreens, the sparkle of holiday ribbon, and buckets of beautiful seasonal blooms just waiting to be turned into something special. Christmas flowers have a warmth, charm, and festive spirit all their own — and today, we’re sharing the top stems our designers reach for when creating holiday magic.

Whether you love traditional Christmas colors or a more modern winter look, these are the flowers and greens that make our arrangements shine all season long.

🌹 Red & White Roses

Roses are timeless for a reason. Red roses bring rich holiday warmth, while white roses lend a soft, snowy elegance to winter designs. Paired with pine, cedar, berries, or gold accents, roses are the perfect blend of festive and refined.

🌲 Fresh Evergreens (Pine, Fir, Cedar)

Nothing says “Christmas is here!” quite like the fragrance of winter greens. These holiday staples add fullness, movement, and natural texture to nearly every seasonal design. They form the lush backdrop that makes Christmas bouquets feel cozy, classic, and welcoming.

🍒 Hypericum Berries & Seasonal Berries

Looking for instant holiday cheer? Berries do the trick. Red hypericum berries, ilex berries, and other seasonal varieties add bright pops of color and a festive, textured look. They pair beautifully with roses, mums, and holiday greens — making every arrangement feel merry and full of life.

🌼 Chrysanthemums (Mums)

Reliable, long-lasting, and available in gorgeous holiday hues, mums are a designer favorite. We use red, white, green, and sometimes bi-color varieties to add full, plush texture to arrangements. They complement everything from classic Christmas styles to more modern winter designs.

🌺 Carnations

Carnations shine during the holidays thanks to their ruffled petals, vibrant colors, and incredible durability. Red, white, and green varieties blend seamlessly into festive arrangements and stand up beautifully through days of decorating, gifting, and celebrating.

🌿 Holly & Variegated Greens

When we want that classic “Christmas card” feel, holly leaves and berries are our go-to. Paired with variegated greens like pittosporum or festive textures like seeded eucalyptus, they bring brightness and holiday charm to any design.

⭐ Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria adds delicate beauty and soft texture to Christmas arrangements. In white and red, it complements roses and mums perfectly, bringing depth and movement to bouquets and centerpieces alike.

🌺 Poinsettias (Customer-Favorite Plants!)

While we don’t often use poinsettias inside vase arrangements, we can’t talk about Christmas flowers without mentioning the holiday icon. Poinsettias remain one of our bestselling Christmas plants — available in classic red, pure white, pink, and marbled varieties. Perfect for gifting and holiday décor!

🎁 Bring Home the Holiday Magic

Whether you’re decorating your home, sending a seasonal surprise, or picking up a festive centerpiece, our designers love helping you find the perfect Christmas blooms. Stop by the shop or browse our holiday collection online — there’s a little bit of Christmas magic in every arrangement.

Tap here to shop our holiday selections today!

🌻 Giving Thanks with Flowers: Thanksgiving DIY Floral Design Classes

Celebrate the warmth and beauty of the season with our Thanksgiving DIY Floral Design Classes at Gillespie Florists! Whether you love fresh flowers, seasonal decorating, or a fun night out with friends, these hands-on workshops are the perfect way to get creative and craft a stunning arrangement for your Thanksgiving table.

🍂 What You’ll Learn

Join our talented designers for a fun and inspiring 1–2 hour session where you’ll discover the art of floral design. With expert guidance and all materials provided, you’ll design your very own Thanksgiving centerpiece filled with vibrant fall blooms, seasonal foliage, and festive accents. You’ll head home with a beautiful arrangement ready to display or gift for the holiday!

🌾 Class Details

✨ Saturday, November 15th at 4:00 PM
Lead Designer: Kayleigh

✨ Wednesday, November 19th at 6:00 PM
Lead Designer: Sheila Wise

📍 Location: Gillespie Florists — 9255 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46234
💐 Cost: $50 per person
🔪 Ages: 18 and older (due to use of sharp instruments)
🌻 Includes: All materials — fresh flowers, seasonal foliage, decorative accents, and your choice of vase or container. Extra accessories will be available for purchase.

🌸 Luxury Upgrade

Looking to elevate your design? Choose a Single or Double Luxury Flower Upgrade to add premium blooms like lilies, roses, and other seasonal favorites. Our lead designer will hand-select the perfect flowers to make your arrangement even more stunning.

🦃 Why Join Us?

No experience? No problem! Our friendly designers will walk you through each step, offering hands-on guidance and expert tips to help you create a one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving arrangement.
Class sizes are limited to ensure personalized instruction — so bring a friend, sip something warm, and spend an evening (or afternoon!) designing, laughing, and celebrating the season with us.

Questions? Call 317-273-1100 — we can’t wait to see you there!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR SATURDAY 11/15 @ 4PM

Give Thanks with Flowers: A Thanksgiving DIY Floral Design Class

Celebrate the beauty of the season with a hands-on floral design experience at Gillespie Florists! Whether you’re a flower enthusiast, a DIY lover, or simply looking for a cozy way to welcome Thanksgiving, this class is the perfect way to create something truly special for your holiday table.

🌻 What You’ll Learn

Join our talented designer, Kayleigh, for a fun and inspiring 1–2 hour session where you’ll discover the art of floral design. With decades of experience, Kayleigh will guide you step-by-step as you create your own Thanksgiving centerpiece bursting with fall blooms, seasonal textures, and warm autumn colors. You’ll leave with a gorgeous arrangement ready to take center stage at your Thanksgiving celebration!

🍁 Class Details

When: Wednesday, November 15th at 4:00 PM
Where: Gillespie Florists — 9255 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46234
Cost: $50 per person
Ages: 18 and older (due to use of sharp instruments)
Includes: All materials — fresh flowers, seasonal foliage, decorative accents, and a vase or container. Extra accessories will be available for purchase.
Luxury Upgrade: Looking to elevate your design? Choose a Single or Double Luxury Flower Upgrade to add premium blooms like lilies, roses, and other seasonal favorites. Our lead designer will hand-select the perfect flowers to make your arrangement even more stunning.

🦃 Why Join Us?

No experience? No problem! Kayleigh provides hands-on guidance and expert tips to help you create an arrangement you’ll be proud to display or gift. Our class sizes are limited to ensure everyone receives personal attention, so grab a friend and make it a fun, creative night out before the holiday rush!

Questions? Give us a call at 317-273-1100 — we can’t wait to design, laugh, and give thanks with you!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!