There is so much to love about fall—the crisp air, colorful leaves, cozy gatherings and all the warm shades that begin filling our cooler. From the golden glow of sunflowers to the rich colors of mums, carnations and dahlias, autumn gives us plenty of beautiful flowers to work with!

Here are a few of our favorite fall flowers and the special touches they bring to seasonal bouquets, centerpieces, weddings and everyday gifts.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are often the first flowers that come to mind when we think about the beginning of fall. Harvested during late summer and early autumn, their cheerful golden petals fit perfectly alongside pumpkins, wheat, cattails and colorful leaves.

These friendly flowers are associated with loyalty, friendship, strength and adoration. Whether they are included in a birthday bouquet, fall centerpiece or wedding design, sunflowers have a way of making everything feel brighter.

You can find these golden favorites in many of our fall flower arrangements.

Chrysanthemums and Fall Daisies

Mums are true fall favorites—and for good reason! These hardy, long-lasting flowers come in traditional autumn shades of burgundy, bronze, yellow, orange, lavender, purple and white.

The flowers we call fall daisies are also part of the chrysanthemum family. Their cheerful, daisy-shaped petals add fullness, texture and pops of seasonal color to bouquets and Thanksgiving centerpieces.

Mums can be enjoyed as outdoor plants or incorporated into fresh arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, thank-yous and other fall occasions.

Dahlias

Dahlias bring texture, personality and plenty of color to the season. Depending on the variety, their flowers can be small and neatly shaped or large and dramatic.

Available in an incredible range of colors and forms, dahlias look beautiful in garden-inspired bouquets, wedding flowers and seasonal centerpieces. Their layered petals add a lush finishing touch whenever they are available.

Asters

Asters are delicate, daisy-like flowers that bring a soft, natural look to fall designs. They are commonly found in shades of white, pink, lavender and purple.

Monte Casino, a type of heath aster, is one variety you may recognize in our arrangements. Its clusters of tiny flowers are wonderful for filling spaces, adding texture and giving bouquets a light, meadow-inspired feel.

Asters are also one of September’s birth flowers and are often associated with love, wisdom and patience.

Asiatic Lilies

Asiatic lilies add height, drama and elegance to fall arrangements. Their warm red, orange and yellow varieties pair beautifully with sunflowers, mums, carnations and other seasonal favorites.

These lilies are often associated with energy, creativity and passion. They are beautiful statement flowers, but it is important to remember that true lilies—including Asiatic lilies—are highly toxic to cats. If you are sending flowers to a home with feline family members, let us know so we can help you select a pet-friendlier option.

Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian lilies, are loved for their vibrant colors, delicate markings and long-lasting nature. Their striped and freckled petals give each flower a little extra personality.

Often associated with friendship, devotion and strength, alstroemeria are a thoughtful addition to arrangements for friends, family members and loved ones. You can usually find several colors in our 500-square-foot cooler, including warm shades that look right at home in fall designs.

Carnations

Carnations are floral chameleons that work beautifully throughout the year. For fall, we especially love shades of burgundy, peach, orange, red, lavender and deep purple.

The rich, blended colors of Moon Series carnations add a little drama to autumn and Halloween arrangements. Carnations are also long-lasting and wonderfully versatile, making them a reliable favorite for everything from cheerful everyday bouquets to large seasonal centerpieces.

Solidago

Solidago, commonly called goldenrod, produces clusters of tiny golden-yellow flowers that bring warmth, movement and texture to an arrangement.

It may play a supporting role, but it makes a big difference! Solidago helps connect larger flowers, fill open spaces and carry those beautiful autumn colors throughout the entire design.

Find Your Fall Favorites

Sunflowers, mums, dahlias, asters, lilies, alstroemeria, carnations and solidago are only a few of the flowers we love using during fall. Because flower varieties and colors change with seasonal availability, there is always something fresh and interesting waiting in our cooler.

Stop by Gillespie Florists at 9255 W. 10th Street in Indianapolis to explore our cooler and seasonal gift shop, or browse our fall flower collection online.

What are your favorite fall flowers? 🌻🍁

Halloween is creeping closer, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with fresh fall flowers and a little creative time for yourself! Join us at Gillespie Florists for our Boo-quet Bash DIY Floral Design Class on Saturday, October 24th at 4:00 PM.

This hands-on workshop will feature rich autumn colors, fresh seasonal flowers and playful Halloween accents. Whether you’re brand new to floral design or already love working with flowers, you’ll receive step-by-step instruction in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

What to Expect

Led by Gillespie Florists designer Kayleigh, this 1–2 hour class will guide you through creating a festive Halloween arrangement filled with seasonal personality. You’ll learn helpful design tips, professional techniques and a few insider tricks to help your arrangement look balanced and polished.

Want to make an even bigger statement? Add a Single or Double Luxury Flower Upgrade featuring premium stems hand-selected by our lead designer for extra texture, depth and wow factor.

What’s Included

Your $60 registration includes:

• Fresh fall flowers
• Vase or seasonal container
• Halloween-inspired decorative accents
• Personalized instruction and design guidance

All tools and materials are provided—just bring your creativity and Halloween spirit! 🧡

Class Details

• Event: Boo-quet Bash DIY Floral Design Class
• Date: Saturday, October 24th
• Time: 4:00 PM
• Duration: Approximately 1–2 hours
• Location: Gillespie Florists, 9255 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46234
• Cost: $60 per person
• Ages: 18+ due to the use of sharp floral tools

How to Reserve Your Spot

Space is limited, so we encourage early registration!

1. Select “Pick Up In Store Instead.”
2. Choose Gillespie Florists & Flower Delivery under “In Store Pickup.”
3. Select October 24th as your pickup date.
4. Choose the latest available time slot.
5. Complete checkout.

That’s it—your seat will be reserved!

Whether you’re looking to decorate your home, learn new floral techniques or enjoy a creative fall afternoon, Boo-quet Bash is sure to be a frighteningly fun time. Gather a friend or come solo and create something beautifully spooky!

Click here to sign up today and reserve your seat! 🎃

“Why spend the money? Flowers just die after a few days anyway.”

I hear that a lot, and I get it. Why buy something you can’t keep forever? Then again, how long did your last birthday cake last? Mine is lucky to make it through the day. I LOVE cake. And chocolate, wine, chips and salsa—but I’m getting off topic.

We enjoy plenty of things for the experience, even though they don’t last. Flowers are one of them.

A Little Beauty in an Ordinary Day

Have you ever put a bouquet on your dining room table and noticed how often you look at it? You see it when you walk in, when you sit down for breakfast and when you come home after a long day. Its colors make the room feel brighter. You might catch its fragrance as you pass by or pause to look at a flower that opened overnight.

Eventually, the bouquet will fade. That’s a good reason to enjoy it while it’s here: put it somewhere you’ll see it, change the water and take a moment to appreciate it. Flowers remind me to pay that same attention to the people I love. Make time for them. Notice the little things. Tell them what they mean to you.

Why Do We Send Flowers?

Sometimes there’s a big occasion. We send flowers for birthdays and anniversaries, to congratulate someone on a new job or to welcome a new baby. They help us say, “This matters, and I’m happy I get to celebrate with you.”

Other times, flowers help us reach out when life is difficult. A get-well bouquet can bring a little color to someone’s room. Sympathy flowers can let a person know we’re thinking of them, both during the funeral and in the quieter days that follow.

And then there are my favorite deliveries: the ones sent just because. Maybe a friend has had a rough week. Maybe someone helped you out and you want to thank them. Or maybe you saw sunflowers and knew exactly who would love them. No occasion required.

When someone gives you flowers, they’ve chosen to give you something beautiful to enjoy right now. The flowers won’t last forever, but the feeling of being remembered can stay with you long after they’re gone.

“In joy or sadness flowers are our constant friends.”
— Okakura Kakuz

That’s the heart of Flowers for Life at Gillespie Florists. Through celebrations, hard days and perfectly ordinary Tuesdays, flowers give us one more way to connect with the people who matter to us. 💐

Find Flowers for Your Moment 💐

Have someone in mind—or want to treat yourself? Stop by Gillespie Florists to see what’s fresh, or shop flowers online. We’d love to help you find something beautiful.

This month, we’re excited to introduce Taylor Smith, one of the friendly faces on our Customer Service team.

Taylor joined Gillespie Florists six months ago as a Customer Service Representative, and she has already become a wonderful part of our floral family. She enjoys the warm, welcoming atmosphere at the shop and loves helping our customers create something beautiful for life’s special moments.

One of Taylor’s favorite parts of her job is helping customers select prom corsages. She enjoys seeing all the unique dresses, colors and styles that come through our doors—and helping each customer bring their prom vision to life with the perfect flowers and finishing touches.

When it comes to her own favorite flowers, Taylor has a beautiful trio: peonies, ranunculus and gerbera daisies. 💐 Her favorite holiday to work at the shop is Mother’s Day, and her favorite arrangement from our website is Peaches and Cream.

Outside of Gillespie Florists, Taylor enjoys hiking, reading and fishing. 🎣 She is also beginning an exciting new chapter in her life. Taylor recently graduated from high school and is starting college this month at IU Indianapolis, where she will study Environmental Science. 🎓

Although Taylor hasn’t been with us long, her warm smile and calming demeanor have already made a meaningful impression. She has a natural way of helping everyone who walks through our doors feel comfortable and welcome, and we truly appreciate the kindness and care she brings to our customers and team each day.

We’re so happy to have Taylor as part of the Gillespie Florists family, and we look forward to watching her continue to grow—both here at the shop and as she begins her college journey. 💕
Come Say Hello!

Visit our store to meet Taylor and the rest of our Gillespie Florists family. We’d love to welcome you, help you find the perfect flowers and create something beautiful together!

When flowers are part of your everyday life, you tend to notice them everywhere—even when you are surrounded by mountains, glaciers and some of the most incredible scenery you have ever seen.

This summer, our family traded Indiana for Alaska! All of my siblings, some of our kids, our dad and my brothers’ wives spent five wonderful days together in Palmer, about an hour outside Anchorage.

We packed plenty into those five days. We went fishing, took family photos at Hatcher Pass, explored Independence Mine and rode the Glacier Discovery Train to the Whistle Stop for an unforgettable glacier adventure. Everywhere we looked, Alaska gave us another beautiful view—and another reason to pull out our cameras.

Even the weather gave us something to smile about. The Anchorage and Palmer areas were under a heat warning as temperatures approached 73 degrees—which felt pretty wonderful to those of us visiting from Indiana!

Of course, we were also looking at the flowers.

Alaska’s landscape can feel huge and dramatic, but some of its loveliest details were growing right at our feet. We found tiny bell-shaped blossoms tucked into alpine groundcover, bright fireweed lining the roads and hillsides, bold columbines, peaceful patches of wild geranium and even a miniature red-tipped lichen that looked like something from a fairy garden.

Some of our finds were native wildflowers, one was a cultivated Alaska favorite and one was not technically a flower at all—but every one of them was worth stopping to admire.

The Flowers and Botanical Treasures We Found

Alaska Moss Heather (Harrimanella stelleriana)

Also known as Alaska bellheather, this tiny evergreen shrub hugs the ground in alpine areas. Its dainty cream-white bells nod from pinkish-red stems, creating a surprising amount of detail in a very small package. It was a wonderful reminder to look down while taking in those enormous mountain views.

King’s Crown (Rhodiola integrifolia)

King’s Crown, also called ledge stonecrop, is a hardy succulent built for rocky, high-elevation conditions. Its tight clusters of deep reddish-maroon flowers sit above thick green leaves like a tiny crown. Delicate-looking flowers growing in such a rugged place felt very Alaskan—beautiful, tough and completely at home.

Alaska-Grown Peonies (Paeonia species)

Our gorgeous pink peonies were different from the wild alpine blooms around them. Peonies are cultivated rather than native Alaska wildflowers, but they have become an important specialty crop in the state. Alaska’s later blooming season helps growers supply these sought-after flowers during summer months when peonies are harder to find elsewhere.

As florists, finding those big, fluffy blooms in Alaska felt like running into an old friend very far from home.

After we returned, Sarah visited Life.Style.Live! to share more about Alaska’s remarkable peony season. During our trip, the Anchorage and Palmer areas received about 17 to 18 hours of sunlight between sunrise and sunset. Add in the long twilight, and the flowers experienced roughly 22 hours of functional light each day.

That abundance of light helps flowers move through their summer growing cycle quickly, despite Alaska’s short season. The peonies we saw were incredible, with some blooms stretching five to six inches across. Alaska’s late peony season also helps fill a summertime gap when these favorite flowers are difficult to find elsewhere.

Watch Sarah share the full story on Life.Style.Live!

Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)

Western columbine knows how to make an entrance. Its dangling red-and-yellow flowers have long, swept-back spurs and a shape unlike anything else around them. These colorful blooms are also attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. They looked both wild and wonderfully fancy—like Alaska dressed up for a special occasion.

Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)

If one flower could represent the color of an Alaskan summer, fireweed would be a strong contender. Tall spikes of brilliant pink-purple blooms covered roadsides, fields and hillsides everywhere we traveled.

Fireweed gets its name from its ability to grow quickly in disturbed ground, including areas affected by wildfire. It brings bright color back to recovering landscapes and is one of Alaska’s most recognizable summer sights.

Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum)

Cow parsnip is impossible to overlook. This large plant can grow taller than a person and produces wide, umbrella-shaped clusters of tiny white flowers. We saw it lining moist woodland areas and trails, where its impressive size added even more drama to the landscape.

It is a “look, but do not touch” beauty. Cow parsnip sap can make skin extremely sensitive to sunlight and may cause a painful rash or blistering, so it is best admired with a little distance.

Wild Geranium (Geranium erianthum)

Also called woolly geranium, this lovely wildflower brightens meadows and open hillsides with soft purple, five-petaled blooms. We found it glowing beneath the Alaskan sun with mountains rising behind it—which was a fairly spectacular setting for such a sweet little flower.

Bunchberry or Dwarf Dogwood (Cornus canadensis)

Bunchberry looks like a tiny dogwood growing directly on the forest floor. What appear to be four white petals are actually bracts surrounding a cluster of very small flowers. Later in the season, those flowers give way to bright red berries.

It is small, tidy and unbelievably charming. If woodland fairies needed landscaping, bunchberry would be an excellent choice.

Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a resilient plant with soft, fern-like foliage and broad clusters of tiny white flowers. It grows in many different places and has a long history of traditional use. Even among Alaska’s flashier pinks, reds and purples, its simple white blooms held their own.

Red-Tipped Cladonia Lichen (Cladonia species)

This one earns a place as our honorary flower! Lichens are not flowers—or even plants—but the tiny green cups with brilliant red tips looked like miniature forest blooms.

Red-tipped Cladonia species can be difficult to tell apart from a photograph alone. Cladonia bellidiflora is commonly called “toy soldiers,” while the similar “British soldiers” name usually refers to Cladonia cristatella, a species associated with the eastern United States. Whatever its exact name, finding this tiny living world tucked among the moss was pure magic.

Wild Alpine Penstemon (Penstemon procerus)

Our final purple find featured small tubular flowers clustered along upright stems. Alpine penstemon thrives in rocky, subalpine settings where many less-hardy plants would struggle. Its rich blue-purple color stood out beautifully against all that green.

A Trip We Will Always Remember

We went to Alaska for the adventure, the scenery and—most importantly—the chance to spend time together as a family. The fishing, train ride, glacier, mountain views and family photos were all incredible, but some of the best memories came from simply experiencing everything together.

The trip carried extra meaning for our family. It was a bucket-list adventure we had hoped to take together, but our mom passed away last year before we had the chance. Sharing Alaska with our dad, siblings, spouses and some of the kids gave us time to make new memories together while carrying her with us.

Spending time with family is important, and this is a trip we will remember for a very long time. Getting to experience the beauty of Alaska together was priceless. Coming home with a phone full of cool flower photos to share with all of you? Also priceless. 💚

The next time you travel, remember to look down between those big scenic views. You never know what tiny bloom—or honorary flower—is waiting to be discovered.

Which of our Alaska flower finds is your favorite?

Lewis Carroll had a point. Birthdays are fun! Getting gifts is fun, and finding just the right gift for someone you love can be even better. There is something special about choosing a surprise that says, “I know you, I thought about you and I’m glad you’re here.”

Of course, finding that perfect gift can also leave you staring at your phone and wondering what people even want these days. The good news? A meaningful birthday gift does not have to be the biggest, newest or most expensive thing. Some of today’s best gifts create a memory, feel personal or bring a little more joy to everyday life.

Here are a few fresh ideas to help make their birthday feel extra special. 🎉

Give Them Something to Look Forward To

Experience gifts continue to be a fun way to celebrate, especially for the person who says they do not need more “stuff.” Think concert or theater tickets, a cooking or art class, a museum visit, brunch at a favorite restaurant, a spa appointment or a day exploring somewhere new.

You can still give them something beautiful to open. Pair the plans with a colorful bouquet, a box of chocolates or a candle in a scent they will love. The experience gives them a memory to make, and the smaller gift makes the birthday moment feel complete.

Turn Flower Shopping Into the Treat

Sometimes the outing itself can be part of the gift! Bring the birthday person to Gillespie Florists and let them explore our store, see what is blooming and choose their favorites from our cooler. They can pick out fresh flowers for a hand-wrapped bouquet, find a cheerful arrangement or discover a little something they did not know they needed.

Add lunch, coffee or dessert afterward, and you have an easy birthday experience with flowers included. Honestly, wandering through beautiful blooms and leaving with an armful of color sounds like a pretty good birthday to us. 💐

Choose Something That Keeps Growing

Plants are wonderful gifts for someone who enjoys bringing a little nature indoors. A peaceful dish garden, blooming plant or collection of greenery in a fun container adds life to a desk, kitchen, office or favorite reading corner.

Choose a container that fits their personality—sweet, colorful, modern, rustic or whimsical—and the planter becomes part of the gift. With the right care, they can enjoy it long after the birthday candles have been blown out.

Create a Cozy Birthday Bundle

Small luxuries are always welcome. Start with flowers or a plant, then add a few treats chosen just for them. Candles, chocolates and thoughtful keepsakes can turn one gift into a whole little moment of comfort.

Try pairing:

• A bright bouquet with chocolates for someone who loves a classic birthday surprise.
• A peaceful plant with a candle for the person who deserves a quiet afternoon.
• A keepsake container filled with flowers for a gift that stays useful after the blooms are gone.
• A wind chime with fresh flowers for someone who enjoys their porch, patio or garden.

It does not have to be a giant gift basket. Two or three well-chosen items can feel wonderfully personal.

Add a Personal Touch to a Gift Card

Gift cards are still useful—especially when they are for a favorite restaurant, local shop, creative class or special outing. The trick is making one feel like more than a last-minute envelope.

Tuck it into a bouquet, pair it with chocolates or include a note explaining why you chose it. A card for a bookstore feels more thoughtful with a note about the book you cannot wait for them to pick. Tickets feel more exciting with flowers in their favorite color. It is the personal connection that adds the “WOW!”

Celebrate With Little Moments

You do not need a seven-day birthday extravaganza—unless that is your thing, in which case, please proceed! A few small surprises throughout the day or weekend can be just as memorable.

Bring them coffee in the morning. Take over a chore they hate. Send a funny message at the exact time they were born. Plan their favorite dinner. Surprise them with flowers at home or work. The goal is not to make the celebration elaborate; it is to make the person feel seen.

Flowers Are Always a Beautiful Idea

When you are unsure what to give—or the birthday arrived a little faster than expected—flowers are a joyful place to start. Colorful blooms instantly make the day feel like a celebration, and our designers can create something that fits the recipient’s favorite colors, personality and style.

Choose a bright birthday bouquet, a peaceful plant in a unique container or a hand-wrapped bundle of fresh blooms. Add chocolates, a candle, a wind chime or another thoughtful keepsake, and you have a gift that feels personal without making birthday shopping complicated.

Let’s Make Their Birthday Bloom! 🎂

Explore the birthday collection on the Gillespie Florists website to send something beautiful, or stop by our Indianapolis store and enjoy browsing the cooler, plants, candles, chocolates, wind chimes and keepsakes in person. Bring the birthday guest along and let choosing fresh blooms become part of their celebration—or visit us on your own and keep the surprise!

However you celebrate, we would love to help you make their one official birthday feel a little more extraordinary.

Ready to make their birthday bloom? Visit the Gillespie Florists website to browse colorful bouquets, cheerful plants and thoughtful gifts for every kind of celebration. Choose their favorite and let us help deliver a little birthday happiness! 🎉💐

It can be difficult to know what to say when someone is grieving. If you’re anything like me—and your natural instinct is to make people smile or laugh—you may feel especially unsure of yourself. You want to offer comfort, but no joke or perfect phrase can make the loss disappear.

Fortunately, showing someone you care doesn’t require perfect words. A simple message, a thoughtful gesture or a beautiful arrangement can remind them that they are loved and remembered.



Last year, grief touched our immediate Gillespie family when my siblings and I lost our mom, and our dad lost his wife. We each experienced that loss in our own way. For me, it helped when people reached out. They didn’t have to say anything profound. Sometimes a simple “I’m thinking of you” was enough to remind me I wasn’t alone.

What Can You Say?

“I’m sorry for your loss” is a traditional expression of sympathy, but it isn’t the only option. If those words don’t feel natural—or you didn’t know the person who passed away—focus on letting the grieving person know you care.

You might say or write:

• “I’m thinking of you and your family.”
• “Sending you love during this difficult time.”
• “Holding you close in my thoughts.”
• “I know how much they meant to you.”
• “Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.”
• “I’m here if you need anything.”
• “Thinking of you—there is no need to reply.”
• “Wishing you comfort in the days ahead.”

If you knew the person who passed away, using their name or sharing a brief memory can make your message especially meaningful:

• “I will always remember how she made everyone feel welcome.”
• “He always knew how to make me laugh.”
• “I feel fortunate to have known her.”
• “One of my favorite memories of him is…”

You don’t need to explain the loss, find a silver lining or write something elaborate. A few sincere words are often enough.

Let Flowers Help Express What Is in Your Heart

Flowers have long been a traditional way to express sympathy. When words are difficult to find, blooms can communicate love, remembrance and support in a beautiful and gentle way.

Sympathy flowers may be sent to a visitation, funeral or memorial service. They can also be delivered directly to the family’s home. An arrangement sent in the days or weeks after the service can be especially thoughtful, bringing a little warmth and beauty when the first rush of activity has quieted.

Flowers can also be personalized. A favorite bloom, meaningful color or special style can reflect the personality of the person being remembered. Keepsake containers, garden stones, figurines and wind chimes offer the family something they can hold onto after the flowers have faded.

If you aren’t sure what type of arrangement is appropriate, that is where we can help. Tell us a little about the person, your relationship with the family and where the flowers will be delivered. Our Gillespie Florists team can guide you toward something thoughtful and fitting.

Consider a Living Tribute

A green or blooming plant can be another meaningful option for someone who enjoys caring for plants. It may bring comfort to a home or office while serving as a lasting reminder of the person who sent it.

I received a plant when my first baby was born and kept it until we moved—more than a decade later. Over the years, it became more than a plant. It reminded me of an important chapter in my life and of the people who cared enough to mark it with something living.

Plants may not last forever, but the memories connected to them can remain long after the gift itself is gone.

Other Ways to Show Your Support

Flowers are a beautiful way to express sympathy, but they aren’t the only way to show someone you care. Support can also look like:

• Delivering a meal or sending a restaurant gift card
• Picking up groceries or household necessities
• Helping with children or pets
• Taking care of the lawn or trash bins
• Sending a handwritten letter or card
• Inviting someone for a quiet walk
• Sitting with them and listening
• Checking in without expecting an immediate reply

If you offer practical help, try to be specific. “I can leave dinner on your porch Thursday” may be easier to answer than “Let me know if you need anything.”

Keep Showing Up

Grief doesn’t end after the funeral. Immediately following a loss, families may be surrounded by calls, cards, flowers, meals and visitors. As the weeks pass, that support often becomes quieter—but knowing someone still cares can mean just as much later.

Consider checking in again after a few weeks or months. Send a text, mail a card, bring dinner on an ordinary Tuesday or deliver flowers simply to say, “We’re still thinking of you.”

Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and other meaningful dates may also be difficult. Remembering those days lets someone know that their loved one has not been forgotten.

You don’t have to ask questions or expect a reply. A simple message such as, “Thinking of you today—no need to respond,” offers support without placing any pressure on the person receiving it.

Sometimes Comfort Comes Without Words

Even quiet companionship can help. We have several friendly dogs around the Gillespie Florists shop. They aren’t service or therapy animals—they are simply shop dogs who love giving affection. For visitors who are comfortable around dogs, a wagging-tail welcome and a few minutes of puppy love may offer a small moment of comfort during a difficult day.

There Is No Expiration Date on Caring

Flowers, plants, cards, meals, practical help and quiet companionship are all meaningful ways to show someone you care. Your gesture doesn’t have to be grand, and your words don’t have to be perfect. What matters is reaching out—and continuing to remember them after the first difficult days have passed.

The Gillespie Florists team understands how personal these moments can be. Whether you need help choosing sympathy flowers, selecting a living tribute or finding the right words for a card, we are honored to help you send comfort in a thoughtful and beautiful way.

Visit our Sympathy & Funeral Flowers page, call us at 317-273-1100 or stop by the shop at 9255 West 10th Street.

September is here, bringing cooler mornings, early fall color and plenty of birthdays to celebrate!

The traditional birth flowers for September are the aster and morning glory. One blooms brightly as summer winds down, while the other greets each new day with colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers. Together, they represent love, wisdom, patience, hope and fresh beginnings.

Let’s get to know these September favorites!

Asters: Little Stars of the Garden

Asters get their name from the ancient Greek word for “star,” inspired by their star-like, daisy-shaped blooms. They typically flower in late summer and fall, adding a welcome burst of color as many summer flowers begin to fade.

Asters are associated with wisdom, patience, faith and powerful love. Their meaning can also change with their color:

• Purple asters represent wisdom, dignity and royalty.
• White asters symbolize purity, innocence and trust.
• Pink asters express affection and gentle admiration.
• Blue asters are associated with tranquility and reflection.

Quick Facts and Care Tips

• Asters are late-season favorites for bees, butterflies and migrating monarchs.
• Most varieties grow best in full sun, although some are happy with a little afternoon shade.
• Plant them in moist, well-drained soil and water regularly during dry weather.
• Taller varieties may appreciate a little support to keep their stems standing proudly.

With the right location, asters can bring cheerful color to the garden from late summer well into fall.

Morning Glories: A Bright Start to the Day

Morning glories are fast-growing climbing vines with colorful, trumpet-shaped blossoms. True to their name, the flowers open in the morning sun and begin closing later in the day.

Because their blooms are brief, morning glories remind us to slow down and enjoy the beauty right in front of us. They are associated with affection, hope, fresh starts and new beginnings.

Their colors add even more meaning:

• Blue morning glories represent trust, calmness and enduring affection.
• Purple morning glories symbolize grace, hopefulness and peace.
• Pink morning glories express gratitude and joyful energy.
• White morning glories represent purity and new beginnings.

Quick Facts and Care Tips

• Morning glories love sunshine and grow best in moist, well-drained soil.
• Give these twining vines a trellis, fence or another sturdy support to climb.
• Soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting can help them germinate.
• Morning glories can grow quickly and may reseed enthusiastically, so keep an eye on where they wander!

Some varieties can grow 6 to 10 feet in a single season, creating a colorful covering for fences, trellises and garden structures.

Two Flowers Made for September

Asters and morning glories may look very different, but they make a wonderful pair. Asters keep blooming as the seasons change, while morning glories encourage us to welcome each new day.

Together, they offer a cheerful September reminder: appreciate today, look forward to what comes next and always make room for something beautiful!

Celebrate a September Birthday 💐

Birth flowers are a fun way to make a birthday gift feel more personal. Choose the flower itself when available or select an arrangement inspired by its colors and meanings.

Ready to make their day? Browse our Birthday Flowers collection to find something bright and beautiful, or visit us at 9255 W. 10th Street in Indianapolis. Our Gillespie Florists team would love to help you choose the perfect flowers for your favorite September birthday!

Welcome to the Gillespie Florists Family, Izzy Mae! 🐾

There’s a new little face joining the Gillespie Florists family, and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce her!

Izzy Mae Mendenhall, the newest addition to Della’s family, was born on June 5, 2026. We are thrilled to welcome this sweet girl into our hearts, our lives and all the flower-shop fun that awaits her.

Of course, Izzy Mae already has a very important mentor. Minnie is a proud big sister and will be showing her the ropes—from keeping an eye on the shop’s daily activity to posing for plenty of adorable pictures. We have a feeling these two will make quite the team!

Bulldogs have long been a special part of everyday life at Gillespie Florists. They aren’t simply pets who occasionally visit the shop; they are beloved members of our family and unofficial mascots who bring plenty of personality, companionship and joy to our days.

We are excited to see Izzy Mae grow alongside Minnie, learn the ropes, make new memories and add her wonderful personality to the shop. 💕 As she settles into the familiar rhythm of life at Gillespie Florists, we already know there will be plenty of “SO CUTE!” pictures and videos ahead—and we can’t wait to share them with you.

Come Say Hello! 🌸

Keep an eye out for Minnie and Izzy Mae when you visit our store. Our Gillespie girls are an important part of what makes the shop feel like home, and we can’t wait for everyone to get to know the newest member of our floral family!