How To Keep Your Cut Flowers Fresh Longer

It’s always a pleasure to  receive a bouquet of luscious fresh flowers.

Most cut flowers and roses can last for one week but with so many emotions attached to your fresh flowers, wouldn’t it be good to make them last longer? The good news is, roses can last longer than a week if you properly care for them. Follow these simple tips to extend the life of your Valentine’s Day roses so that they can remain a beautiful sight for days!

How long do cut roses last?

Cut roses typically last up to one week if they’re kept in a cool place and flower food is used as directed. However, you can make them last longer than a week by following additional care tips. This will allow you to properly enjoy your bouquet. The longevity of roses will depend on how long you have them without water, the overall health of the flowers and what variety of roses you receive. We always source the freshest and highest quality flowers possible, so you’re already ahead by ordering from Flowers Plus.

How do I keep my roses from dying or wilting?

Follow these easy tips to prevent your roses from dying and wilting too soon:

Begin with a clean vase

Once you receive your flowers, make sure you have a vase that is completely clean to use. Dirty vases can harbour bacteria, which can cause cut flowers to deteriorate and wilt very quickly.

 A simple way to ensure a bacteria-free vase is to use rinse it with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This combination can effectively remove any dirt or built-up residue.

Follow these steps to clean your vase:

1. Fill a medium-sized vase with warm water, then pour a tablespoon of baking soda. If you have a very large vase then it’s recommended that you pour more.
2. Next, pour in a small amount of white vinegar. This combination will become fizzy, which is what removes any residue from inside the vase.
3. Rinse with clean water and then wipe the vase clean with a soft cotton cloth.

 Trim the stems of cut flowers

Changing the water of cut flowers roses every alternate day will keep them fresh longer.  However, each time the vase water is changed, the stem of the rose needs to be trimmed by about an inch. It’s important to trim the stem under water at a slight angle. You can either do this in a bucket of cool water or under a running tap. This ensures the xylem capillaries don’t get blocked by microscopic air bubbles, which can impede water and nutrient uptake.

The shorter you cut the stem, the longer it will last. This is because the water has the least distance to travel to the blooms.

Remove the leaves from the stems

When placing your cut flowers in a vase, try to have no leaves submerged in the vase water. As leaves under water start to decay, they harbour bacteria that will hasten the wilting of roses and cut flowers too. This is a simple trick that can increase the life of your flowers.

Always keep roses in a cool spot

The best place to keep your Valentine’s Day cut roses is in a cool spot of your office or home. Warm temperatures are not ideal because the flowers will overheat and dry up. It’s also a good idea to not keep roses directly under an air-conditioner.

Change the vase water regularly

The simplest way to give cut roses a longer life is by changing the vase water every day. If that’s not possible, try to change it every other day. This will help keep the flowers and the vase, fresh and clean. Stale water in a vase creates perfect conditions for bacteria growth. This will drastically limit the life of cut flowers.

Does aspirin keep flowers fresh?

Yes, it can! Crushing an aspirin tablet into the water of the vase will help keep flowers fresher for longer. Simply place aspirin tablets on a plate and crush them by using the back of a spoon. This will form a powder that you can pour into your vase of roses. The salicylic acid in the aspirin will keep the water clean and free from bacteria.

Is it better to keep roses fresh in the fridge?

If you’re unable to give your Valentine’s Day roses to your special someone right away, one of the ways you can keep them fresh for a day or so is by placing them in the fridge. This will ensure they keep cool. Here’s the correct way to store roses in the fridge:

• Place your bouquet of roses into a vase that is filled ¾ of the way with cool water
• Check the temperature of the fridge and make sure it’s set below 40 degrees F
• Remove any fruit from the fridge. This is critical because the fruit will release gases that encourage bacteria and may deteriorate the roses.
• You can keep roses in the fridge for at least 6 hours each night. This will allow enough time for the flowers to absorb the water and stay fresh longer

The big question: How long can roses remain fresh without water?

Cut rose stems can only last a couple of hours if not immediately provided with water after gifting has occurred. If you notice that petals appear limp or begin to wilt, it’s a sign that the flowers need water immediately.

Give some beauty this Valentine’s Day

Send a beautiful bouquet of fresh roses or other cut flowers to your loved ones and friends and special others and tell them how much they mean to you. Order your flowers by contacting us at (704) 342-4529 or by ordering online at https://www.hecharlotteflorist.com. We can provide almost any special arrangement or plant garden that will delight your recipient.

Now that the Holiday Decorations are Packed Away, Does Your Home Look Bare?

The gifts have all been unwrapped, the candles have been extinguished, the parties are over, and you’ve packed away all of the sparkling decorations.

The house looks so empty and bare.

We have the perfect antidote to that sad feeling of looking around at a cold, empty environment. Fresh flowers and beautiful floral arrangements can improve not only your living or office space’s appearance, abut also provide a soothing, welcoming feel. For instance, here is one of our special winter-themed arrangements that will warm up any environment.

Flowers have been proven to make people happy and inspire connectivity by two university studies. There honestly is no downside to flowers, except allergies, but even if you have allergies, there is a variety of blooms that are allergy friendly. Check them out here!

Flowers are beautiful and easy to incorporate into any design, wonderfully complimenting any theme chosen by you or your designer. There is a variety of flowers for you to choose from every season in a wide range of colors that opens us up to endless possibilities. And the best thing, Flowers Plus can help you make the right decision when it comes to what’s best to spruce up the area of your choice.

Are you ready to enhance the look of your home, office or other public spaces? Call us today at (704) 342-4529 or order online here.

How To Avoid the “Dash-And-Stash” Syndrome

Ding dong.
Gasp!
Most people can relate to feelings of angst when a friend or neighbor stops by without warning and your home is not at all company-ready. Embarrassed, you make your way to the door, tidying as you go, and stand in the doorway shielding the disorganization within. Organizing experts call this phenomenon the dash and stash, when we frantically rush around hiding clutter, hanging up coats, or even strategically placing a plant or floral arrangement, before opening the door. 

“Many people stuff things in the nearest closet at these moments,” says Vicki Norris, organizing expert, author of Restoring Order™ to Your Home, and featured expert on HGTV’s Mission: Organization. “But you still have to deal with the closet later. To turn panic into poise at the doorway, I recommend people strive to keep the most visible spaces of their home organized 24/7. It’s not nearly as hard as it sounds.”

According to Norris, organizing doesn’t have to translate into time-consuming, it’s just a matter of figuring out what systems work best for you and your lifestyle. It boils down to prioritizing projects, finding purpose for each space and personalizing one’s home. Here is Norris’ how-to for the top three most important spaces in which to create inviting, hospitable spaces that are always ready for company – even when you aren’t.

The Entry Way a.k.a. The Drop Zone 

Because the entry way is the easiest place to drop shoes, coats and handbags, and it is the first space that guests see, the focus in this area is clutter control. Implementing a clutter capture system is the key. People must determine what types of items are dropped here, and then consider the ideal way to manage it.

• First, to help identify your storage solutions, judge the quantity of each item that lands in the foyer or entryway. Look around. Do you see a handful of coats or an entire closet full? Do you spy a few shoes or a shoe mountain?
• Second, select and install your storage solutions, whether they are hooks, bins, shelving, benches or other furnishings. Think about your aesthetic preferences. If you simply prefer not to see clutter, perhaps you should purchase a narrow armoire to neatly store your belongings.
• Third and last, personalize your entryway. Make it yours! Welcome your guests with an inviting display of family photos, a favorite collection, or fresh flowers to suit the season. Having these items on tables actually will prevent future clutter from collecting. Also, a strategically placed floor plant can divert attention from less appealing areas.
• Find an arrangement for your entry way here.

The Kitchen a.k.a. The Command Center 

The kitchen naturally and almost effortlessly has a way of accumulating papers, mail and a variety of misplaced possessions. Yet, it happens to be the most popular place in the home to invite guests. According to Norris, the mission here is search and sort.

• Incoming! Dedicate real estate for daily drop-offs such as mail and newspapers to be sorted into actionable categories.
• Create a plan of attack, including a reference binder to create a permanent home for take-out menus, coupons, gift certificates and commonly reached-for numbers such as the dry cleaner, your florist, hair stylist and movie theatre.
• Strategically place a trash, recycle and shred receptacle, essential tools for eliminating junk and keeping the paper from piling up.
• Create a communication command center by setting aside a place to take and leave messages, and write notes to family. And, use your computer as a tool to manage the household calendar.
• Get a wreath like the one shown in the photo here.

The Family Room a.k.a. The Home’s Highway 

This household superhighway is the most trafficked room in the home, and that can lead to roadway rubbish. Norris recommends determining the rooms’ direction, de-littering, and finding homes for nomadic items such as backpacks, toys, magazines and everything in between.

• Decide upon your family room’s direction. For example, should it be an off-ramp of the kitchen or an entertainment hub where you will gather to play games? Being intentional will help set boundaries for how many uses the room has.
• Set up a “go-elsewhere” basket, so at the end of each day you can relocate items that don’t belong in the family room to their proper place.
• Don’t be a litter bug! Keep surfaces such as ottomans and tables clear, so you can put up your feet or pull out a puzzle.
• Beautify your interior landscape with flowers or a plant to reclaim the space and make it a nice place to spend time in.

“Perfection is unattainable and should never be the goal,” says Norris. “I want people to feel good in their surroundings and when it comes to organizing, one size does not fit all. By clearing out the clutter and reclaiming your space, you create more time for the things that are truly important in your life.”And how can we maintain our newfound order? There is a simple way for people to inspire themselves to keep public spaces organized says Norris: “Personalize and beautify your space. Placing flowers or a favorite accessory where clutter typically congregates does two things: it brightens the room and prevents future messes from settling there.”

Organize and Beautify

Once the public spaces of your home are sorted out, Norris suggests taking the next step toward a guest-ready home – beautifying.“Organizing is the first critical step to increasing the functionality and enjoyment of your home. After you’ve put in the effort to make better use of your space and establish systems, beautifying your home can be an incentive to maintain your newfound order.”

The following are Norris’ four favorite finishes, along with her organizing advice.

• Fab Finish #1: Flowers and Plants
  According to Norris, flowers and plants are two elements of décor that do not actually create new clutter. Not only do they uplift and warm a room, they also prevent clutter from building up, when they are placed on surfaces and tables to avoid accumulation. Finally, Norris suggests sending flower arrangements or potted plants as gifts to help brighten others’ moods and spaces.
  
  
• Fab Finish #2: Family Photos
  Not only are photos of loved ones cherished, but they can be neatly displayed in just about any public area of the home. You can declutter surfaces by arranging frames on the wall instead of propped on tables. Photos give a sense of history, belonging, and fellowship and can brighten any hallway or room.
• Fab Finish #3: Marvelous Memories
  Nothing personalizes a room better than a collection of family heirlooms. Items such as antique vases, musical instruments, or teacups that have been passed down make great conversation pieces and add personality to any room. The key is to display your collection artfully and with simplicity.
• Fab Finish #4: Everyday Extraordinary
  Even ordinary items like purses can be organized in a way that maximize access and add beauty to the home. Norris herself displays her own handbag collection on vintage hooks in her closet. Her daily purse contents can then be easily transferred to any purse of her choice to complement the outfit of the day! Norris recommends that as you organize your everyday belongings, you think about those interesting items (like handbags) that you could display for enhanced enjoyment and ease        of use.

Call our shop at (704) 342-4529 for a personal consultation about which holiday decor will be best for your home. We have everything from tree ornaments to wreaths to poinsettia plants to holiday-themed gifts, along with our spectacular fresh flower arrangements and bouquets.

Decorating for Halloween with Fresh Flowers

Decorating for Halloween is always a fun idea but it requires so much time and energy. First, numerous hours are spent at the store searching for the right decorations. Then more time is used figuring out where to display the new finds and getting everything set up. Then as soon as the day is over, everything gets put away into boxes and stored until next year.

Who has time for that these days?

Of course you want your home to look festive, but surely there is an easier way.

That’s why more people are choosing to order fun flower arrangements instead. Ordering a few festive arrangements takes two minutes and they are delivered right to your house!

You can choose fall themed arrangements, Halloween themed arrangements, or go with colors that match your current home decor. A festive arrangement makes the perfect centerpiece for a kitchen or dining room table. Order multiple arrangements and display them on your mantle, coffee table, decorative shelves and kitchen counters.

Flower arrangements are quick, easy, and bring the fun of Halloween to your home!

Don’t put yourself through the time-consuming task of decorating your home for Halloween. Call us at (704) 342-4529. We are experts at design and can create exactly what you are looking for.

When spooky frights and ghastly sights have your head all in a spin over Halloween decorations, put your mind at ease with these great decorating tips!

• Quirky jack-o-lanterns become the life of the party when used as a creative vase for fresh fall flowers. This idea is also great for pumpkin decorating parties, Halloween party ideas, or for fun daytime autumn decor without hassle. Another great perk is that flowers are much safer for children than candles. Stop in to our shop for daily specials on bouquets full of seasonal colors.

• Pumpkins, gourds, and squash come in a variety of colors making them perfect for lining along a walkway, adorning a stairway, decorating a mantlepiece, or as festive minis inside colorful fall flower centerpieces and arrangements. 

• Whisper a sweet hello to candy corn! The sugary confection is always one of the first signs that fall has arrived. Small containers or glasses filled with candy corn make excellent placecard holders for Halloween parties. When sending flowers for Halloween, ask us  to attach a small bag of candy corn to the arrangement with orange and black ribbon. Sending a gift basket? Don’t forget this unforgettable item!

• Christmas has mistletoe; Halloween has mums. Another way to decorate for your Halloween party is by carefully placing potted chrysanthemum blooming plants around the home and garden. Chrysanthemums are easily decorated with small plastic spiders and scary toys. When lining walkways or adding color to a porch, mums scream “frighteningly fun” — and isn’t that what you’re going for?

Call us today at (704) 342-4529 for more ideas for custom arrangements specifically designed to complement your decor, or order online here.

Holiday Decorating with Fresh Flowers

The holiday season is one of the most cheerful times of year, and what better way to get in the mood of the holidays than with fresh flowers? There is nothing like the scent of flowers and other holiday plants, and their essences and aromas can do a lot to lift our spirits. The holiday season can get busy for many people and with all the shopping, decorating and preparation, and stress can creep in during what should be a season of cheer. Fill your home with floral arrangements and bouquets this month and let their natural presence and soothing smells waft through your home.For your Fall family gatherings, at Thanksgiving or just everyday meals, a centerpiece of beautiful fresh flowers in the colors of the season can make everyone feel welcome and at ease. Candles can be real or everlasting, and either variety will help create a festive ambience.

There is nothing better than coming home at the end of a hectic day and walking into a room filled with red roses, red and white carnations or huge blooming poinsettias. Flowers act as beautiful reminders of what the holiday season is all about. If you have children at home, holiday time is perfect to teach them about the benefit of enjoying plants and fresh flowers.

Holiday flowers also make festive gifts and a perfect way to spread cheer into the lives of those you love. Have a new neighbor this year? Why not welcome them to the neighborhood with a gorgeous holiday floral arrangement. Maybe you’ll be heading to a get-together of family or friends at another person’s home. Bring a festive floral setting to spread the smells and colors of the season.

Think outside the box when it comes to fresh flowers and how you can add them around the house to enhance your holiday decor. Guests will be thrilled to see fresh autumn colors or red and white flowers in your powder room, displayed in your family room, or even dressing up your kitchen counters.

Fresh flowers in your office can help spread goodwill to everyone who enters. Arrangements can be festive but not religious, so everyone can enjoy them.

Flowers have a magical way of enhancing your holiday joy, and can be just the finishing touch you need to complete your decor. Check out our seasonal arrangements online now, or give us a call today to select the perfect option for you.

Funeral Service and Sympathy Flowers

Funeral Service and Sympathy Flowers

We have recently seen the importance of traditional gestures to honor the deceased and flowers sent to the funeral home serve as a tribute at the service of the deceased. They add decoration, beauty, fragrance, and life to a somber event. They are symbolic not only of love and sympathy, but also of eternity and immortality. Throughout the world, funeral flowers have played an important role in funeral customs because of their fragrant beauty and comforting qualities. In ancient times, tradition called for loved ones to use flowers and herbs to anoint the bodies of the deceased, while aromatic flowers and plants were used to decorate the burial site. Today, flowers remain one of the most beautiful ways to express our condolences when words fail us. Need help getting started? Shop our Funeral Collection or read on for more helpful information.

What’s the difference between “funeral flowers” and “sympathy flowers”?

Flowers for the funeral service go directly to the funeral home. These floral arrangements are often large and formal. like the featured image at the beginning of this post. They provide decoration and serve as a tribute to the deceased. Due to this, they look best in a funeral home and at graveside services. Funeral flowers are usually not addressed to a particular loved one of the deceased but are intended, instead, as a way to pay respect to the deceased themselves.

Sympathy flowers go to the home of the deceased. They should be addressed and sent directly to a loved one of the deceased (family member, friend, acquaintance or business associate) who has suffered a recent loss. They are usually smaller or mid-sized floral arrangements that look good on end tables or used as centerpieces. Plants also make a great sympathy choice because they provide a lasting reminder of your thoughtfulness and serve as a keepsake in memory of the recipient’s loved one.

Is it appropriate to send flowers for the casket?

The tradition of adorning the casket with fresh flowers is typically reserved for the closest family members, often the deceased’s children or those making the funeral arrangements. For that reason, it’s recommended that you inquire with the family before ordering a gift of flowers for the casket.

I just heard the sad news…
is it too late to send funeral flowers?

No matter when you hear the sad news, sending flowers is always appropriate. If you still have time, you can choose to send a flower arrangement to the funeral service, or if you already missed the funeral, then you could send a plant, food basket or sympathy flowers to the home of the surviving family members.

Are there certain types of flowers that are not appropriate for sending to a funeral service?

Every flower, when tastefully arranged, is appropriate for expressing condolences. Designs that are going to a memorial or funeral service usually have larger flowers to create dramatic tributes. These might include gladioli, snapdragons, lilies, standard chrysanthemums, carnations and roses. Small-scale flowers in mid- to small-size designs are usually used for sending to the home. Only family members who are arranging the funeral should order flowers for the casket.

The obituary says “In lieu of funeral flowers,” but I still would like to send flowers – is this appropriate?

As part of making funeral arrangements, family members sometimes request a charitable donation is made “in lieu of flowers”. We think you should make the contribution; however, it is also acceptable if you decide you would also like to send flowers to the funeral service. Your donation will honor the family request and the flowers will add beauty, fragrance and life to a somber event.

I’d like to send a colorful, less somber arrangement that celebrates life.

A funeral service is as much about gaining closure following a death as it is about celebrating the delight and energy the deceased brought to life. For that reason, selecting vibrant, colorful, and bright funeral flowers are just as appropriate and can add a joyful note of remembrance to an otherwise somber occasion.

I am not certain where the service is being held. Can the florist help me?

Don’t worry, if you have the name of the deceased and the funeral home, we normally have the local obituaries to check them. You can trust Flowers Plus to take good care of your order and get your arrangement to the funeral on time. Also, it is possible that we may have multiple orders for the same funeral, so we will be aware of any theme or color scheme preferred, and know the local customs.

I don’t know what to send to a funeral that is out-of-town or overseas

If you are sending flowers to a service that is out-of-town, ask us to fill it “according to local customs.” Then we will send the style of design that is best suited for the service. There are many types of services, from traditional funerals to memorial services. It’s appropriate to buy and send funeral flowers to any of these services.

I am unsure on what to say and how to sign the card.

Most enclosure cards are pre-printed with messages like “Deepest sympathy” or “With love and sympathy.” All you need to do is sign your name. You should use your first and last name to avoid confusion for the family. If there are a group of names, you should spell each one for the person taking the order to make sure we have the correct information. Also, take a look at our suggestions below:

• Please accept these flowers and hear the words we are not able to speak
• With my deepest sympathy
• You are in my thoughts and prayers
• With love to you and your family
• In loving memory
• With heartfelt condolences
• My thoughts are with you at your time of need
• I want you to know that I am here for you at this time of grieving
• Thinking of you in these difficult times
• Please know our loving thoughts embrace you
• Our deepest sympathies during your time of loss. Please know that we are here for you.
• Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are sorry for your loss.
• In loving memory of [NAME], [HE/SHE] will be missed dearly.
• Please accept our condolences on the loss of your [MOTHER/FATHER/OTHER RELATION].
• Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. From all your friends at [BUSINESS NAME]
• [NAME] will always be in our hearts and memories. With sympathy, The [YOUR LAST NAME] Family

I’d like to send flowers to the memorial that can also be enjoyed at the viewing and church service.

For multiple day services, it’s best to send flowers that will be designed in a container with water or floral foam. This will keep the flowers fresh for the longest possible time. Design styles include vase arrangements, baskets, and container designs. Plants are also an excellent choice, as they can be enjoyed in the home long after the services are over. Browse our Funeral Bouquet Collection for ideas.

If you have any other questions, please call us at (704) 342-4529. Our experts at Flowers Plus have “seen it all” and will be happy to help you choose the perfect funeral or sympathy flowers.

Planning Your Wedding and the Flowers to Make It Perfect!

Planning a Wedding can be overwhelming, with all of the details and decisions looming! Flowers are an important element to any Wedding and here are some time line tips to keep you on track and the stress away!

10-12 Months Before Your Wedding

Research Wedding floral information online and in print. Accumulate and develop visual ideas such as, images of flowers, color palettes, designs and themes that you are drawn to. It’s also helpful to make note of the things that you do not like. Check out our portfolio (http://www.flowersplusonline/portfolio) to see some creating we have made for other weddings and occasions. Each wedding is custom designed, so your will be unique to you, but the portfolio can give you some ideas to start. Develop Wedding boards on Pinterest and catalog your preferences. You can also privatize your Pinterest boards if that is a priority for you.

8-10 Months Before Your Wedding

Determine your Floral Budget. This is often the most neglected item for couples because they just don’t have experience with wedding related items and their costs. Research shows that Floral Budgets on average are 10% of your total Wedding Budget.

A $30,000 Wedding should allow minimum of $3,000 for Floral Budget. Expect that figure to slide up the scale if flowers will be one of the main attractions at your Wedding.

Round up your Bridal Party and choose their colors and dresses for the Wedding. This is key for floral choices and most Florists will require this information as it drives the color palette and style of your Wedding.

4-8 Months Before Your Wedding

Schedule your consultation with us. We do not charge for an approximate 1-hour consultation. Please call (704) 575-0394 to book an appointment. Download and fill out this form in advance of your appointment with all of the information you have at this time. It will help us give you the best service and value for your wedding flowers. Don’t expect to be handed a price list or an estimate on the spot. Allow us up to a week to get back to you with their proposal, it takes time to consider and develop creative ideas for your wedding flowers.

Be prepared for your consultation with a wish list of all the areas you would like decorated at your ceremony and reception sites with flowers. Also list the Bridal Party, Men, Women, children who will need bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, etc. as well as your estimated budget. We will consider your budget and your wish list to make creative recommendations for beautiful floral options.

Flower and Plant Care Tips

Flower Care

It goes without saying that all flowers and plants should be handled with the utmost care and attention. Always keep out of reach of children and pets. Certain plants and flowers may be harmful or may cause irritation so please be careful when handling. We recommend that you do not place your gift on an unprotected surface.

Here are some useful tips for different types of flowers:

Fresh Cut Roses:

FlowersPlus offers a variety of wrapped roses for graceful giving. See some beautiful selections here or call us at 704-342-5429 for more information.

If you have received a gift of fresh cut roses please use the following care instructions to prolong the vase life of your Roses:

Upon arrival you should immediately prepare a clean vase with fresh water and if provided, some floral food. Fresh cut roses require lots of water. Fresh roses will drink at least a quarter of the vase each day so it is advisable to re-cut the stems at an angle under warm water with a sharp knife. It is important to remove any foliage below the water line. Avoid injuring stem bark. Changing the water on a daily basis will help eliminate any bacteria. Display roses in a cool location avoiding direct sunlight, excessive heat or cold. Do not display roses on the top of appliances such as a television, microwave or stereo. Appliances generate heat that will shorten the life of your fresh cut roses.

Key tips in success:

Re-cut stems underwater if needed. Keep vase full of water and use floral preservative. Display in a cool location.

Roses Arranged in a Vase:

FlowersPlus offers a variety of rose arrangements to delight that special someone. See selections here or call us at 704-342-5429 for more information.

If you have received a gift of Roses arranged in a vase by your local flower shop, remove all wrapping and check the water level. If low, bring the water level to the top of the vase. Do not display roses in the sun or on top of appliances. If a rose should wilt prematurely, submerge the entire flower & stem in a tub or tray of warm water (100 degrees F or 38 degrees C) and straighten. On an angle, cut one inch from the end of the stem under warm water using a sharp knife. Allow the rose about two hours under water to revive. If the roses are arranged in floral foam, keep the foam saturated with fresh water and add floral food if proved by your local flower shop.

Wrapped Bouquets:

FlowersPlus offers a variety of wrapped bouquets for graceful giving. See some beautiful selections here or call us at 704-342-5429 for more information.

Select a vase that best compliments your bouquet and add warm water and floral preservative. Remove foliage that will be below the water line in the vase and re-cut the stems underwater with a sharp knife. Check your bouquet daily and add fresh water when needed. Keep your vase 2/3 full. Display your bouquet in a cool location away from direct sunlight and enjoy!

Further supplies of flower food are available from your local garden center or florist. Some of your flowers may still be in bud. This is because we want you to enjoy them for as long as possible.

Fresh Flower Arrangements:

FlowersPlus offers a variety of floral arrangements to delight everyone on your gift list. See some beautiful selections here or call us at 704-342-5429 for more information.

If you have received a fresh flower arrangement from your florist, please use the following care instructions to prolong the life of your flowers:

Immediately upon arrival, check the water level in your fresh flower arrangement. Add warm water and floral food if provided by the flower shop as needed. If your arrangement is in a basket or a shallow dish, please keep the floral foam saturated. Remove fading blooms and foliage. Some flowers last longer than others. To keep your entire arrangement looking fresh, simply pluck fading flowers off the stem. Flower arrangements do not require sun. Do not display flowers in direct sunlight or on top of appliances. Keep flowers from extreme heat and cold.

Key Tip:

Lily pollen can stain. Please carefully remove lily stamens from any newly opening blooms and avoid direct contact.

Plant Basket or Dish Garden Care:

FlowersPlus offers a variety of plant baskets and dish gardens to brighten your home. See some beautiful selections here or call us at 704-342-5429 for more information.

If you have received a dish garden prepared by a local flower shop please use the following care instructions:

Moderately moist soil is best. Avoid over watering your garden. Shallow non-draining containers require less frequent watering then those with drainage. Place your Plant Basket or Dish Garden near a sunny window but keep it protected from direct sunlight.

Key Tip:

Most plants like light and an even temperature. Avoid draughts, fumes and cold .Foliage plants require little water in winter. Flowering plants generally need more water.

Fruit Basket:

FlowersPlus offers a variety of fruit and gift baskets for every occasion. See some selections here or call us at 704-342-5429 for more information.

If you have received a Fruit or Fruit & Gourmet Basket from your local florist remember to remove the cellophane wrapping upon arrival. If you leave the cellophane wrapping on the fruit, it will over ripen very quickly.

Typically the basket will arrive with a mixture of red and green apples, oranges, bananas and an “exotic” fruit such as kiwi, pineapple or cherimoya. Clean all fruit before eating. Soft skin fruit should give slightly when touched. If they are hard leave them at room temperature to ripen.  Apples, oranges and kiwi can also be consumed over several weeks when stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Bananas should not be refrigerated as they will discolor. Fruit will spoil quicker in warm temperatures.

Key Tip:

Fresh or artificial fruit is sometimes included in flower arrangements for decorative purposes only. Do not remove or eat this, as it may have been secured with wooden, plastic or wire fixings.

House Plant Care:

FlowersPlus offers a variety of house plants to brighten your home. See some beautiful selections here or call us at 704-342-5429 for more information.

Here are some tips to keep all of your house plants in tip-top shape all year round:

1. Avoid annoying little flies by being careful not to tip tea and coffee into plant containers. The sugars left in the compost make it an ideal breeding ground for sciarid flies.
2. Use trough planters as natural screens. They reduce noise and are useful as barriers to separate walkways etc.
3. One of the most common causes of plant death is over-watering. Common signs of over-watering are a wet but wilting plant (it looks wilted but the soils wet), brown leaves or yellow falling leaves. Make sure there are holes in the bottom of the container to allow proper drainage.
4. Your plants need water, light and warmth to survive. So when you’re off on holiday, don’t forget about your green friends. Make sure that someone else knows to keep the blinds open and the thermostat up.
5. Peat free compost is suitable for all your indoor plants.
6. Variegated plants (featuring leaves with white edges or white flecks) often need more light than their green cousins. Keep them nearer to a window so that they can get all the light that they need.
7. Plants acclimatize slowly to different surroundings by changing their leaf orientation and structure. If you can, try not to move them around, as they may not adapt as easily as you think.
8. Plants reduce stress. Every room in your home will benefit from a nice plant, as long as you have the correct light conditions for it.
9. You can still have plants where space is at a premium. Some of our latest designs use tall containers to show off the plants, thus taking up as little floor space as possible.
10. Regularly prune your plants to stop them becoming ‘leggy’. Once they’ve lost the foliage on their lower branches, it’s very difficult to get it to return.

Orchid Care:

FlowersPlus offers a variety of orchids to bring elegance your home. See some unique selections here or call us at 704-342-5429 for more information.

Orchids need ample water but should be allowed to dry out some between waterings. One way to check for watering is by poking your finger about an inch into the growing media. If it’s dry, give it some water; otherwise, let it be. Indoor orchid plants also need adequate humidity, about fifty to seventy percent.

Prom Season…

Each year we get a new group of juniors and returning seniors that have to get ready for their Prom. Here are a few pointers to get you started and help you along the way.

• Visit Flowers Plus at least two or three weeks prior to your prom. This will allow us to special order the flowers
• Bring in a swatch of your dress or your date’s dress to match the ribbon for your corsage, wristlet and/or boutonniere
• Ask your date what her favorite color is and if she has a favorite flower. By using her favorite flower and/or color you can personalize her prom flowers and make her feel even more special
• Prom Flowers are special order flowers and must be paid for when placing your order.
• Visit our website www.flowersplusonline.com or our facebook page for ideas

Trust Flowers Plus to make your beautiful prom flowers …after all, we are the experts. Each of our designers have made 1000′s of corsages, wristlets and boutonnieres. We stay current with the latest trends and designs. Please stop by so we can assist with your prom needs.

Sympathy Flowers …

Comforting those who have lost a loved one is never easy.  In fact, we are often unsure how to commemorate the death of loved ones.  Today’s services are sometimes more simple and shorter in duration.  An increase in cremations has resulted in shorter or even no memorial services.  Flowers remain an appropriate and thoughtful way to honor the loss of a beautiful life.

Personalized funeral and sympathy tributes are a growing trend.  If the deceased loved the outdoors, a design incorporating branches and natural materials would be ideal, if the deceased was an avid gardener, a tribute composed of garden flowers or a vine of tomatoes, garden gloves, or trowels would be a perfect choice.

Sending a gift of flowers to the home is a wonderful way to express your sympathy and is a popular trend.  Some prefer to send flowers to the home immediately while others wait a week or more.  There are no rules of etiquette, simply follow your heart.  Flowers are a comforting reminder during the grieving process that friends have not forgotten.

A question we are frequently asked …“Is it still appropriate to send flowers if the death notice mentions a charitable donation?”  The answer is … Yes.  Sending flowers is always appropriate and in good taste.  Flowers communicate what is often difficult to say in words.  Flowers add warmth and provide visible emotional support needed during difficult times.

Flowers are always a beautiful way to honor a beautiful life.