The Flower Blog

A Blooming Surprise: The 5 Ways to Gift Flowers on Valentine's Day

Posted by Sun, Feb 04, 2024 @ 05:51 PM

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Flowers have long been a symbol of love and affection, making them a classic and timeless Valentine's Day gift. If you're looking to surprise your special someone, consider these creative and thoughtful ways to present flowers on Valentine's Day.

 

The Classic Bouquet Delivery💐:
Start with the timeless elegance of a classic bouquet delivery. Choose your loved one's favorite flowers or opt for an assortment of popular flowers like roses, lilies, and daisies. Have the flowers delivered to their workplace, home, or any location that will catch them by surprise, creating a moment of joy and admiration.

Floral Scavenger Hunt🔍:
If your Valentine is always seeking out adventure, turn the act of receiving flowers into a memorable experience by organizing a flower scavenger hunt. Leave clues leading them to different locations, where they will find a portion of the bouquet waiting for them. This not only adds an element of excitement but also builds anticipation as they discover each new bloom.

DIY Flower Arranging Date🌷🌼🌻:
Instead of presenting a pre-arranged bouquet, consider gifting a DIY flower arranging experience. Purchase an assortment of fresh loose flowers and spend quality time together arranging a beautiful bouquet. This personal touch adds a meaningful and creative element to the gift, and you get to enjoy the process together.

Flower Subscription📆:
Extend the joy of receiving flowers beyond Valentine's Day by gifting a floral subscription. Your loved one will receive fresh blooms regularly, keeping the romance alive throughout the year. This thoughtful and ongoing gesture ensures that they are reminded of your love long after the holiday has passed.

Flower Petal Pathway🌹👣:
Create a romantic pathway using flower petals leading to a surprise location. Whether it's a candlelit dinner, a cozy picnic, or a scenic view, the flower petal pathway adds a touch of enchantment to the celebration. It's a visual and aromatic feast that enhances the overall Valentine's Day experience.

This Valentine's Day, elevate the tradition of gifting flowers by adding a personal and creative touch. Whatever you choose, Gillespie Florists has the just what you need to make this Valentine's Day a blooming success.

Check out our Valentine's Day specials for more bouquet ideas. 

 

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Topics: Holidays, Gillespie Florists, Indianapolis, Valentines Day Roses, Valentines Day Gift Ideas, Valentines Day flowers Indianapolis, Valentines Day roses in Indianapolis, Valentines Day flowers, Valentines Day Design Trends, Valentine's Day flowers, flowers in Indianapolis, holiday, Flowers and gifts, gift ideas, valentine gift ideas, fresh flowers

Valentine's Day and The Value of Roses

Posted by Sat, Jan 21, 2023 @ 05:13 PM

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and we are working diligently to have beautiful arrangements delivered and delightful bouquets at our shop for you to select when stopping by!  The most popular flower by far is the rose. Considered the favorite flower of Venus, goddess of Love, they are definitely a hot commodity right now! Across the globe, people celebrating Valentine's day are in the market for beautiful roses and are paying a higher dollar amount to get them, which begs the question "Why are roses so expensive this time of year?"  It's a great question and we have the answer!

Click the video to learn more about what happens behind the scenes of product pricing and how it affects our business and consumers.


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The most important reason is the growing period for a rose. It is sixty days from a rose bush. In order for the grower to have sufficient quantity to meet the high demand on Valentine's Day, during the month of December, they cut back production of their current crop of roses by cutting them early.  Which means that the growers must throw away a potential good crop to have more room available for the roses on Valentines day. That is quite a gamble, especially considering the sporadic nature of inclement weather.

Growers only have a limited amount of space and the fact that they are dealing with a perishable product, makes it impossible to stockpile.  Winter and shortened daylight hours also plays a factor in the added expense of heating.

 The grower sets the price for the roses- which is higher due to the dumping of the crops in December- and the additional cost gets passed through each market level.  From the grower, the wholesaler, the florist and finally to the customer. 

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Another factor is transportation. Most roses are imported in from Ecuador, Columbia, across the country in California. As the demand for roses rise, so does the space for cargo. More space needed leads to more vehicles on the road and in the air to transport the popular rose. It's remarkable, from cutting back crops, adding more vehicles, spending more money on gas, and that's not all!  Valentine's Day isn't the first day to hit high demand for roses in the new year.  

The Rose Bowl in Pasedena, California uses thousands of roses. The Tournament of Roses parade, well, it's hard to imagine how many roses are used for this event! The average float in the Rose Parade uses approximately 160,000 flowers...that's a lot of flowers! 

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Now you know the story but what does this mean for you? Should you forgo buying roses or flowers this year altogether? Here are Gillespie's we have plenty roses AND alternatives to roses if the cost is a bit too steep this year.  Some of our other favorite flowers are stargazer lilies, gerbera daisies, carnations, alstroemeria lilies, hydrangea; the list is endless! Our design staff has made fabulous designs this year for Valentine's day and with or without roses, our bouquets are sure to thrill your loved one!

 

 Click below to see our specials for Valentine's Day this year!

Valentine's Day Flowers

Topics: Holidays, Seasonal, Valentine's Day flowers, Roses in Indianapolis

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Topics: Valentines Day Roses, Valentines Day roses in Indianapolis, Valentines Day flowers, Alternative to roses

Valentine's Day Picks 2017

Posted by Tue, Jan 31, 2017 @ 11:02 AM

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"Love is just a word until someone comes along
and gives it meaning."
- Paulo Coelho


 

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and the flowers and gifts options are limitless! What to do? What to choose! I'm narrowing down the options to a few of my favorites which range from petite and sweet to full-on fancy! With our Valentine's Collection, you can express your love on any budget!

 

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1. I Love You Everyday...Let's Celebrate Just Because It's Valentine's Day!

Gerbera Crush [17V10] - $29.95

 

We are starting off this quirky list with the happiest flower on earth! Go ahead and look upon gerbera daisies and try not to smile. It's a challenge!

Gerbera Crush is filled with fun brightly colored red gerbera daisies, red hybericum berries, and a swanky aspidistra leaf (also known as the cast-iron plant). Easy on the wallet and just the right size to enjoy it's beauty anywhere in the office or home!

 

 

 

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2. I Know You Like Sweet Sayings...

To the Moon and Back [17V06] - $36.95


This fancy cylinder vase wrapped with violet wire is brought to life with two lavender roses suspended in water-storing gel beads. Added bonus, this bouquet includes a lovely keepsake heart etched with a phrase long known and loved in the childrens book Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney. Your love can be perfectly expressed with this sweet bouquet with a nod to those of us who adore the sentiment "I Love You to the Moon and Back".

 

 



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3. You Can't Stand Valentine's Day...I'm Gonna Send You Something

Love Stinks [17V06] - $39.95

Is the love of your life not a big fan of Valentine's Day? Cupid make them cringe? That's reason enough to send something to help them with the cause of Anti-Valentine's Day!

Love Stinks is filled with daisies, carnations, alstroemeria and carnations with an adorable and non-scented plush skunk holding an adorable heart with "Love Stinks" embroidered on it.

(Click here to check out our Budvase version Little Stinker)

 

 



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4. This Will Make Your Office Mates Beary Jealous...

Crazy About You [17V02] - $62.95

This is one of those arrangments we have to be careful with because it is SO adorable that one may attempt to hug the entire bouquet before removing the plush bear!

Three lavender-kissed roses, nine Purple Moon series carnations, limonium and a huggable, lovable teddy bear dressed to the nines with a bouquet matching ribbon. I'm a sucker for plush animals and if your special person can't say "no" to them either AND loves getting flowers at the office...this one is the winning pick.

 

 



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5. Going All Jane Austen for You...

Love Speak [11V01] - $82.95

Did I have you at Jane Austen? Strike a chord on the piano forte?

How else to elicite "a thousand times yes!" than with fragrant stargazer lilies, pink carnations, and the most delicate pink roses you've ever seen? Artfully arranged eucalyptus, airy larkspur and leatherfern combine for a final look fit for a romantic walk-out-of doors with your beloved. Except you don't have to take the walk if it's not on the order of the day; we can bring the view straight to you!

 

 



 

 

 

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 6. Roses are Red, and Many Colors It's True, During       Valentine's Day They Are Precious but not as Precious as You...

Vin Rouge [13V07] - $99.95 

The rose. Timeless, elegant and representing love and romance through the ages. This still holds true today as roses are still the most popular flower to send celebrate the Valentine's Day.

If your relationship leans towards the classics then Vin Rouge is quite the catch with twelve long stem beauties, babies breath, greenery and lovely ribbon! 

(Click here to send a modern version of the classic dozen with Red Passion!) 

 
 

 

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7. My Life  Overfloweth in Color and Joy with You in It

Enchantment [17V03] - $139.95

 Life is grand when you have love in it. Our Enchantment bouquet is visual expression of what cannot always be articulated with words.  

The fine designers at Gillespie Florists start with a large 10” Gala vase and expertly design your bouquet with yellow lilies, bright blue delphinium, purple larkspur, vibrant orange carnations, blazing orange roses, truly yellow daisies, white monte casino, deep red mini carnations, solidago and lush greenery! Wow! That's a mouthful isn't it? Speaking of mouths, this bouquet is a jawdropper. One cannot see the intensity of the colorful florals and not be blown away...in my humble opinion.

  

There are so many eligible bouquets in our Valentine's Day Collection which almost made the list for this year but better for you to see what I like and then decide what fits your valentine's day needs and check out our offerings for yourself! Come to our store and browse what we have created fresh daily and pick up sweets and gifts for your sweetheart or call us today to make something perfect for your Valentine!

Valentine's Day Flowers

 

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Topics: spring flowers, Valentines Day Gift Ideas, Valentines Day flowers

Valentine's Day Bouquet Favorites

Posted by Fri, Jan 15, 2016 @ 02:48 PM

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Show of hands! How many of you have already made plans for Valentine's Day? Anyone? Who plans in advance and who just wings it? Who among you isn't even sure what to do, what to get, etc?  This article is meant for everyone because what better way to express love than by adding flowers to the occasion!  It's not necessary but it definitely steps up your game a notch. think I'm joking? Check out this article about how flowers can have an impact on your day!
 
Sold yet? Then let me sell you on some bouquet ideas. Gillespie florists has a plethora of designs inline for your selection as well as in our store.  So many choices for you but don't get overwhelmed because I'm going to share my bouquet picks for this year. You can trust my choices as a person who loves receiving flowers of all kinds, for any occasion.
 

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1. Sweet Annie

Maybe it's the name of the bouquet or the fact it is the most cheerful mixture of lavender and pink! Sweet Annie is overflowing with sweet lavender daisies, delightful pink alstroemeria lilies, fun dark pink carnations, and adorable waxflower. This bouquet is beyond darling and the corners of my mouth immediately raise because it's so darn sweet looking. It reminds me of springtime, young love, laughter, and sunshine. Looking for something light, relaxed, and fun? Sweet Annie is your go-to.

 

 

 

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2. Orchids Renoir

Give your valentine a taste of the tropics with this new arrangement for 2016! Orchids Renoir is a modern design with a taste of the exotic with phalaenopsis orchid blooms. Three tea rose and waxflower blooms placed intermittently complete this work of art suspended in water gel beads! A subtle shade of pink decorative wire encircles the cylindrical vase for a striking finish. 

 

 

 

 

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3. Te Amo

Say "I love You" with this breathetaking design which started out as a wedding bouquet translated into a vased arrangement. Between the vintage colors and the sophisticated blooms of hydrangea, roses, tea roses, and eucalyptus, this bouquet is a visual symphony which will make hearts sing. 

 

 

 

 

  

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4. Starry Night

If you haven't noticed, I lean towards non-traditional Valentine bouquets; the ones which do not have half dozen to a dozen roses in them. I most certainly do adore roses, but love having a mixture of all kinds of flowers. Variety is the spice of life, and then some!  Here, however, is one particular rose arrangement which stopped my scrolling in its tracks. Starry Night with a stargazer lily artistically displayed amongst elegant and rich red roses. It is truly like there is a star bursting out of this arrangement with babies breath sprinkling in all directions. This eye-catching piece is an exquisite fusion of traditional and dazzling flair.

 

 

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5. Add a little Extra

Let's talk about the extra mile, shall we? You're already there! Flowers are beyond romantic and timeless in their beauty and meaning. Want to go alittle further? Turn that mini to a full marathon? Have you ever sampled Moonstruck Chocolates? Move over, Godiva, there's a new kid in town. I dedicated an entire article to these superbly savory chocolates because they are just that good. Really. Really. Good. I had a box of four truffles...I was reluctant to share with the people I love the most but somehow I did. Barely...and it almost broke my heart when they were gone. Flowers and chocolate..they go hand in hand.  If you're in need of something with a lower calorie intake then try some plush love! Burn calories by hugging the stuffing out of these adorable creatures! Plush animals are for everyone. Young, young-at-heart and everyone in between; the soft fluffy huggy goodness is calling. 

 

 

Congratulations! You've made it through the top bouquet picks of Valentine's Day! We've gone from traditional to modern and a few in between to help you find the perfect bouquet to help celebrate and remember the crazy beautiful thing we call love.  Want more choices? Look no further than our complete Valentine's Day collection below!  

Valentine's Day Flowers

And don't forget Valentine's Day falls on Sunday this year so stop by our store and pick up fresh bouquets, stems of your favorite flowers and something extra!  Want to super surprise your valentine? Send flowers Friday, the 12th! Unexpected, gorgeous, and a fabulous way to start off a romantic weekend.

 

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Topics: Valentines Day Roses, Valentines Day Gift Ideas, Valentines Day flowers

A Day of Romance - Valentine's Day Display

Posted by Thu, Feb 10, 2011 @ 11:56 AM

Susan Gillespie

 

 

 

 

Valentine's Day Cupid & hearts

When deciding how we are going to present Valentines Day to our customers, we like to come up with a theme that you see with-in ten feet of the main entrance.  We focus on creating an elaborate display designed to amerce the customer in the feeling of the holiday and then pull that theme through to the main show room floor inviting them to investigate further.

Cardinal on a heartThis year we are celebrating one of our favorite Valentines Day legends pertaining to Spring that originated in England and France.

Around 1400, during the dark ages, it was commonly believed that February the 14th, was when all the birds returned from Winter.  Signifying the beginning of their nesting season, it added to the idea that the middle of February -Valentines Day- should be a day of romance.

 

 

Love Birds for Valentines day

In keeping with the beginning of nesting season, we have featured 2 white doves building their nest under the careful watch of cupid.  The display is brought to life with an authentic woods scene depicting the last winter's snow holding on even as the Spring approaches.  Brightly glittered red hearts give a dynamic color infusion against the stark white background also featuring little red birds spritely perched among the branches.  To finish the effect, several different silk arrangements are set in at any given time to enhance the overall effect.

Click Here select a bouquet to help you celebrate your day of romance!

Watch us put this amazing display together! Watch the video below!

 

To see more videos by Gillespie Florists, Click Here!

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Topics: Holidays, Videos, Valentines Day Roses, Valentines Day Gift Ideas, Valentines Day flowers Indianapolis, Valentines Day roses in Indianapolis, Valentines Day flowers, Valentines Day Design Trends, Valentine's Day flowers, Fast Forward Video

What does Mrs. Gillespie get for Valentine's Day?

Posted by Thu, Feb 03, 2011 @ 01:50 PM

Della Gillespie-Mendenhall

Every year, all of us at Gillespie's enjoy seeing what Mr. G will come up with for his wife on Valentines Day.  No matter how busy we get, he takes time out of his schedule to make her the perfect bouquet.  Knowing that she has been surrounded by flowers for the past 36 years, we were wondering if she ever tires of receiving flowers for special occasions.  So, we asked her!

"The answer is an emphatic NO.  I always love getting flowers because they are an instant pick me up.  It brings unparalleled beauty and fragrance to where ever I place them.  It's like a little luxury just for me especially when he designs them himself.  On several occaisions, he has even brought home a loose assortment of flowers wrapped in tissue and then arranged them in one of my vases that I keep at home.  So, I absolutely love receiving flowers, every time!"

Mrs. Gillespie's Valentine's Day bouquet

What will Mrs. Gillespie's bouquet look like this year? I asked Mr. G if he would mind doing it up early for us. This is what he came up with!

 

He designed a beautiful arrangement just for her!  He started by filling a large clear glass vase with several different varieties of spring flowers that he knows she loves. Featuring an elegant pink Star Gazer Lily, snapdragons, tea roses, larkspur, heather and alstromeria, he always adds a few pastel roses that are her particular favorite.  This stunning bouquet stands over three feet tall and will fill the entire room with fragrance!

 Buy Now!

Want your Valentine to feel just as special as Mrs. Gillespie? Click here to buy this exclusive arrangement!

Or Click Here to shop all of our Valentine's Day bouquets! 

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Topics: Holidays, Valentines Day Roses, Valentines Day Gift Ideas, Valentines Day flowers Indianapolis, Valentines Day roses in Indianapolis, Valentines Day flowers

Why are Valentine's Day Roses more Expensive?

Posted by Mon, Jan 24, 2011 @ 04:12 PM

Sarah Gillespie Blog Badge

 

 

 

 

Red Rose for Valentine's Day in Indianapolis

Growers Cut Back Crop for Valentine's Day.

The growing period for a rose is 60 days from a rose bush.  In order for the grower to have sufficient quantity to meet the high demand on Valentines Day, during the month of december, they must cut back production of their current crop of roses by cutting them early.  That means that the growers must throw away a potential good crop to have more room available for the roses on Valentines day.  Growers only have a limited amount of space and the fact that they are dealing with a perishable product, makes it impossible to stockpile.  Winter and shortened daylight hours also plays a factor in the added expense of heating.
 The grower sets the price for the roses- which is higher due to the dumping of the crops in december- and the additional cost gets passed through each market level.  From the grower, the wholesaler, the florist and finally to the customer. 

What you can do about it.

Just because rose prices are higher at Valentine's Day doesn't mean that all flowers are more expensive.  Keep your cost down by asking your local florist to create you an arrangement without roses.  A clear glass vase with mixed garden flowers will be fragrant and beautiful!  You will still be conveying the important message "Be my Valentine".
Check under the sink at home- do you have a vase?  Great!  You can save even more money by stopping in the store and picking up wrapped flowers then designing them in your own vase!

What's the deal with Grocery stores?

Why are grocery store flowers less expensive?  Chains stores buy in volume, which might result in lower prices.  Also, They usually provide a shorter stem rose that is cut earlier than long stem roses.  Shorter roses mean less growing time, which equals less cost.  Grocery stores do not always implement the same design and quality principles as that of a traditional full service florist, which can also reduce labor and overall cost.
Don't forget Valentine's Day is February 14!
Have a Happy Valentine's Day! 
Shop Valentine's Day flowers Now!

 

Buy Valentine's Flowers!

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Topics: Holidays, Valentines Day roses in Indianapolis, Valentines Day flowers, Alternative to roses, Roses in Indianapolis, informational

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