The Flower Blog

'Tis the season of giving, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than with the gift of nature's beauty? In this festive blog post, we'll explore the unique gifts that plants and flowers bring to the table. From classic elegance to vibrant charm, these treasures are sure to make your Christmas celebrations even more special. 

Poinsettias: The Classic Elegance: Poinsettias are the most popular plants of the Christmas season. Their vibrant red, green, and white hues instantly evoke the spirit of the season. Considered a symbol of prosperity and good cheer, poinsettias make for a timeless and thoughtful gift. With various sizes and color options available, you can choose the perfect poinsettia to brighten someone's holiday and home.

Christmas Cactus: A Delicate Surprise: For a unique and unexpected gift, look no further than the Christmas cactus. With its trailing branches and delicate blooms, this plant brings a touch of elegance to any space. The Christmas cactus is not only beautiful to look at, but it's also easy to care for, making it an ideal gift for both seasoned gardeners and those new to the world of plants. 

Centerpieces: A Table Set for Joy: Elevate your holiday table with the gift of a festive centerpiece. A centerpiece can add a touch of warmth and charm to any Christmas gathering. Consider gifting a beautifully crafted centerpiece to friends or family, bringing the joy of the season right to their dining table.

Wreaths: Welcoming the Season with Style: Wreaths are not just for the front door—they make exquisite gifts that symbolize the circle of giving and love. A wreath is a versatile and thoughtful present to help your loved ones adorn their homes with the spirit of the holidays.

No matter what your budget or style, we have a Christmas flower arrangement that is perfect for you.

Visit us in store or online to see our selection of Christmas flowers and arrangements. And don't forget our holiday sale coming up December 18-24th.

As we enter back to school season, we thought we'd share some interesting things about the impact of plants and flowers in the classroom. 

Here are just a few of the benefits to having a little bit of nature in the classroom. 

• Improve air quality: Plants and flowers can help to remove toxins and allergens from the air, which can improve students' breathing and concentration. A study by NASA found that spider plants, English ivy, and peace lilies were particularly effective at removing pollutants from the air.
• Boost mood and productivity: Studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue, and can even improve creativity and productivity. A study by the University of Exeter found that students who had plants in their classrooms were more likely to report feeling relaxed and focused.
• Teach students about nature*: Plants and flowers can provide a hands-on learning opportunity for students to learn about different plants and flowers, their lifecycles, and how they interact with the environment. A study by the University of Illinois found that students who had plants in their classrooms were more likely to learn about and appreciate nature.
• Add beauty and interest to a classroom: Plants and flowers can brighten up a space and make it more inviting and stimulating for students. A study by the University of Texas found that students who had plants in their classrooms were more likely to report feeling positive about their learning environment.

If you are looking for a way to improve your classroom environment, consider adding some plants or flowers! When selecting plants and flowers, remember to choose plants that are easy to care for and are non-toxic to children. (Learn more about types of plants ideal for classrooms here.) Place them in an area with enough sunlight and rotate them regularly. Prune and water plants to keep them healthy and attractive.

*Gillespie Florists has a history of working with classrooms to provide flowers to students for hands-on experience in creating bouquets and working with flowers as well as the scientific side, getting up close and personal with how different flowers look through a microscope. 

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.

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

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