Fall Colors for Decor and More

Upcoming color trends for the 2019 Fall season are all about using new and exciting colors. Now, we know what you’re thinking… Fall colors have been the same forEVER! Reds, oranges, yellows, browns… Those are very fun colors to use, but this year add in accent colors like lime green, magenta, or orange cream for exciting and unique arrangements, or in your other Fall decor.

Check out these great palettes, get inspired and start planning your fall season!

Don’t forget your metals! Copper, Gold, Bronze, and Greened Copper are very trendy elements for fall floral design!

Here is a great list of more options you can ask us for in your floral arrangements for fall:

• Harvest time veggies – okra, cherry tomatoes, gourds, pumpkins, etc
• Wheat
• Fall foliage
• Pine Cones
• Rustic Sticks
• Artichokes
• Succulents
• Red/yellow sunflowers (also try using them without the petals, the green/brown is a great look)
• Lotus pods
• Mango calla lilies
• Orange pin cushions
• Fern leaves
• Fern fronds
• Kangaroo Paws
• Hanging Amaranthus
• Corn husks (natural or dyed)

Need more inspiration? Call us at (704) 342-4529 and let our expert Designers create something unique for you!

 

Or view our Fall selection of arrangements to order online at https://www,thecharlotteflorist.com.

Boss’s Day is October 16, 2019

“What exactly is Boss’s Day?” We hear this question quite a bit, so we have set out to answer this question and give some tips on what to do for your own boss.

What is Boss’s Day?

Boss’s Day is a day for employees to show appreciation and give thanks to their bosses for all the good things that they have done throughout the year. It is celebrated all around the world on October 16 by exchanging flowers, gifts, and candy. Boss’s Day always falls on October 16th unless that day is either Saturday or Sunday.

Flowers Plus is taking it one step further this year and is giving our bosses the entire week! Celebrate bosses’ week this year from October 14th-18th.

Defining a Good Boss

Does your boss have what it takes to be a great boss? According to popular wisdom, a great boss does the following:

1) Sets clear expectations.

A great boss identifies priorities and entrusts employees to get work done how they see fit. Rather than telling someone how to do something they allow their employees to work through their own processes.

2) Gives feedback.

Regular scheduled feedback lets employees know what they are doing well and what they may need to work on. This also creates a more positive relationship between boss and employee.

3) Recognizes efforts.

Positive reinforcement shows employees they are appreciated. A great boss recognizes positive efforts which reinforces high quality performance.

4) Finds each person’s unique talents.

A great boss takes advantage of what each employee does best. This leads employees feeling confident about their work and talents and benefits both parties.

5 ) Is open and truthful.

A good boss is aware of the importance of communication. Sharing their opinions and providing employees with important information is helpful for directing employees in the right direction.

 

Appreciating Your Boss Gift Guide and Ideas

Show your boss your appreciation with our wide selection of flowers and gifts. Here are some options for you:

The Snack Attack Sweet & Salty Gift Basket which includes the widely popular candies and peanuts to satisfy any craving. Each selection is custom made and substitutions may be necessary. Your order will be produced as closely as possible to the picture.

Or choose our Chocolate Lover’s Gift Basket filled with sweet surprises.

Or send something more personal like The Fall Flower Gala Arrangement, a beautiful arrangement of fall colors.

We also carry a wide assortment of plants and dish gardens. perfect for office light.

Or choose from our variety of gourmet chocolates, artisan-made gifts, unique cards and balloons, and fun plush.

All can be combined with floral arrangements or bouquets to make up a very special package for your boss. Stop in any day M-F from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, or Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. We look forward to seeing you!

Or call (704) 342-4529 or order online at https://www.thecharlotteflorist.com

Support Local Businesses and Shop Small

We have been your local Uptown florist in Charlotte since 1983, and the shop has been owned by Joel Houston since purchasing it from the original owner in 1997. We are proud to use local flower suppliers, and we also stock a wide variety of artisan gifts in the shop.

It’s hard to believe that the year is flying past so quickly, but here we are at the end of August and we’ve entered the busiest shopping season of the year. Remember, it’s better to be nice than naughty. Rather than shopping in the behemoth big box stores, there are so many positive aspects to patronizing small businesses.

Here are a few good reasons to shop locally:

• Small businesses support your local economy. Shopping small has a big payoff for your local community. According to Metro Family Magazine, $73 out of every $100 spent at your neighborhood shop stays in the community, funding city programs and improving neighborhood services. By comparison, the amount drops to $43 at big box stores.

• Small businesses build strong neighborhoods. Small businesses know and love the community that helps them thrive. Want to catch up on neighborhood news? Make meaningful connections? Look no further than your local deli, boutique or flower shop.

• Small businesses preserve community distinctiveness. Independent businesses, run by people who genuinely care about customer satisfaction, celebrate your city’s uniqueness. Small business owners pride themselves on offering stellar service and responding to their community’s needs and wants with products that exude character and quality.

• Small business owners possess product expertise. Local merchants know their products backwards and forwards and are eager to help you make the best purchasing decision.

• Small businesses fund local charitable programs. Studies confirm small business owners are exceedingly generous. According to Sue Lynn Sasser, PhD, a professor of economics at the University of Central Oklahoma, nonprofits received 250 percent more funding from small businesses than large ones.

• Small businesses support local suppliers. Studies confirm small business owners are exceedingly generous. According to Sue Lynn Sasser, PhD, a professor of economics at the University of Central Oklahoma, nonprofits received 250 percent more funding from small businesses than large ones.

 

We have always stocked a variety of work from Local Artists, and we will  be adding more throughout the season, so be sure to drop in to the shop on the lower level of Two Wells Fargo Center to see our artisan gifts, unique greeting cards and specialty chocolates. While you’re visiting us you can pick up a ready-made arrangement of designer selected wrapped bouquet to take home with you. We love seeing our customers in person!

 

Hydrangea – Our Signature Flower

With their blooming poms and beautiful colors, hydrangeas are a popular choice for florists, and in fact they are our Signature flower. They’re gorgeous, showy, long lasting and make a great addition to flower arrangements. Before you send them, find out more about the history and meanings behind hydrangeas in this month’s blog post.

Forget about peaches and cream! This arrangement is filled with peaches and dreams! Dreamy blue hydrangeas and marvelous peach gerberas and lilies are a delight in this bouquet. For just because or a beautiful Summer day, this arrangement will have them Filled with Delight! Order by clicking here or on photo. It’s available in three sizes.

Origins

Hydrangeas were originally cultivated in Japan and made their way to North America and Europe in the 1700s. A Japanese emperor once gave them to the family of his lover to show them how much he loved her and express his regret over his decision to put business over her. Because of this, hydrangeas are a symbol of heartfelt emotion and apology.

Facts

• Hydrangeas are available in several different colors. Their color is determined by the acidity of the soil they are grown in.
• Their name comes from the Greek words for water (“hydros”) and jar (“angos”), roughly translating to “water barrel,” which is a reference to the flowers’ need for plenty of water.
• Hydrangeas are common flowers to give on 4th wedding anniversaries. Sending them will symbolize appreciation to your spouse.

Color Meanings

Pink- romance, heartfelt emotion
Blue- apology, asking for forgiveness
White- purity, grace, abundance, but can be seen as bragging or boasting
Purple- desire to understand, or abundance and wealth

Soothe The Soul (shown above) comes in a cylinder vase, with Aspidistra leaves, Variegated Pittosporum, Green Hydrangea (Antique), Lavender Roses, Purple Carnations, Hot Pink Mini Carnations, Green Echeveria (Succulent), and Green Button Poms. *Some substitutions are occasionally made due to availability, Call (704) 342-4539 for details.

With such a wide range of meanings among hydrangeas, make sure you’re choosing the right type to send to your special someone. No matter which color you pick, we will be sure to create a beautiful arrangement using the hydrangeas of your choice.

Call (704)342-4539 to order, or order online at https://www,thecharlotteflorist.com. All of the arrangements you see here are currently available, and more!

Keeping Your Flowers Beautiful

What is the best way to take care of a flower arrangement?

It depends on how they are packaged:

• If you receive flowers in a container with floral foam, be certain the container is full of water every day. The water should be treated with the floral food provided by your florist. Using your finger, feel under the greens for a place where water can be added. Or you can pour water slowly into the center of the arrangement, keeping a finger in the container to gauge the water level.

  

• If you receive flowers in a vase, check to be sure the water is always clear. If the water turns cloudy, empty it and add fresh water mixed with the floral food provided by your florist. If possible, re-cut the stems with a sharp knife before placing them in the fresh water.
• If you receive flowers in a box or tissue, remove all of the foliage that falls below the water line, then cut the stems with a sharp knife in a sink full of warm water. Be sure to cut the stems under the water and place them immediately into a vase of warm water mixed with the floral food provided by your florist.

No matter what type of arrangement you have, it is important to keep your flowers off of televisions, appliances and heating/cooling units. You should also keep them away from hot or cold drafts and out of direct sunlight.

What is wrong with the water in a vase when it turns yellow and cloudy?

This is a natural sign that bacteria are growing in the water. Bacteria can clog stems and shorten the vase life of flowers, so keep the water clear at all times to ensure the longevity of your blooms. If your water starts to turn cloudy, immediately empty the vase and add fresh water, preferably mixed with the floral food provided by your florist. Re-cut the stems with a sharp knife under warm water before placing them in the vase of fresh water.

Since flowers like sunshine, should I put my arrangement in the sun when I get it?

No. Growing flowers require sunshine for maturation, but cut flowers will fade much faster if exposed to heat and direct sunlight. To keep flowers fresh longer, place them in a location away from sun and drafts.

Is it possible to revive a wilted rose?

Sometimes. If a rose wilts prematurely, remove it from the arrangement and try the following easy tip to perk it up. Fill a sink with warm water. Lay the rose horizontally in the water bath and cut the stem (about 1″) with a sharp knife under the warm water. Leave the rose in the bath for about two hours and let the water cool. This process can work wonders, but if the rose is already past its vase life it will not revive.

 

We hope this information helps you to keep your flowers lovely much longer. Always feel free to call us with any questions at (704) 342-4529.

Summer Dining with Flowers

One of the best ways to celebrate summer is to host a gathering that reflects all that’s best about the season—and there’s a lot, if you ask us here at Flowers Plus. The longer, warmer days and milder nights practically require a party that takes place outdoors, ultimately lit by candles and moonlight as it winds into the evening.

Menus might take a farm-to-table approach, showcasing the season’s bounty. Imagine a platter of salmon or herb-encrusted pork next to a heaping salad topped off with garden-fresh veggies. Or a charcuterie full of meats, cheeses and seasonal fruits, a cherry pie or refreshing sorbet waiting in the wings, and plenty of chilled wine on hand. All that’s missing? The flowers to go with it.

A hand-arranged wrapped bouquet is always welcome, and our designers create them just like it’s done in Paris. They create the arrangement in their hands, just as if it was meant for a vase, and then wrap it up for you to pick up in our shop on the lower level at Two Well Fargo Center. We always have a selection of these bouquets available in different price ranges, and we’re open six days a week.

Flavors are bright and citrus-forward in the summer, and maybe the floral menu should follow suit. For instance, our Dancing Blossoms delights in vibrant, rainbow hues. It’s hand-arranged, giving it that fresh and bright feeling, which is a great way to describe summer, too. The relaxed elegance of the season is reflected in this design, which is full of flowers of all varieties, including lilies, tulips, hydrangeas, roses, and carnations.

Yes, it looks pretty enough to eat. But that’s what the gorgeous feast you’ve laid out for your guests is for. Let your flowers complement the meal!

Here are some other suggestions to brighten your summer table:

Fun lime green spider mums, bright yellow spray roses, daisy poms, and white asters are playfully arranged in a modern cube vase. For a petite arrangement that really packs a punch, Lemon-Lime Zest is a refreshing slice of sunshine. Click on the image to purchase.If your party moves indoors, this lovely arrangement will bring the garden inside. Stems of pink and white alstroemeria, mini spray roses, lavender stock, yellow button poms and blue hyacinth are peacefully cradled in a wicker basket. For a little slice of springtime, perfect for any time, click on the image to order this sweetly-scented arrangement today!You can find these and many more summer bright arrangements at our online store site, here. And we are always happy to discuss something custom for you. All you need to do is call us at (704) 342-4529.

Happy summer living!

Mother’s Day is around the corner and it’s one of the busiest times of year for us at Flowers Plus. Everyone is working hard to make sure that we’re ready to send out the best flowers to your Mom in the coming weeks so that her Mother’s Day is a memorable one!

Mother’s Day is the occasion when all Moms get honored for the support and love they give to their children. Everyone pampers their Mom then with gifts and surprises. The most popular gift is still the traditional bunch of flowers and we have a huge variety of flower bouquets and arrangements that will make your mother’s day.

So, what if you can’t decide which flowers to give? Below are a few different meanings of flowers so you can choose the right one for whatever message you want to send to your Mom.

During the Victorian era it became a trend to give flowers and other gifts. The so often called “language of flowers” came up to create a language for friends, family and lovers to replace words.

Every flower has a different meaning and is right for different occasions. So when you want to express your love for your Mom with more than just words, pick the best fitting type of flowers.

With red roses you always make the right choice due to their expression of love, respect and courage.

Chantilly pink roses are a perfect way to say “Thank You Mom”.

Daffodils are the first flowers that show their beauty and bloom after a cold winter season. With their bright yellow blossoms they look pretty and express faith and honesty and add an extra highlight to your flower bouquet.

Tulips are a good choice because they represent genuine cosiness and comfort in all of the right ways. So show your Mom that she is your home and thank her for her protection and understanding with lovely colourful tulips.

Send your Mom wishes of prosperity with lilies.

We hope this information helps find the right flower to show your Mom what she means to you and make her happy on that special day.

Add a yummy chocolate box to sweeten her day and a lovely card where you can express everything flowers couldn’t say. we have both available, just ask when you call (704) 342-4529. And remember to call early for the best delivery options.

It’s a Spring Fling!

Spring always seems to go too quickly – the glorious span between the cold and the heat beckons us outside, and inspires us to relax, smile, and breathe the fresh air in deeply. And although the days are fleeting before the summer, we still have time to enjoy the many beautiful aspects of springtime – not the least of which being the lavish late spring flowers. Before the fiery, vivid and bold days of summer take over, spring floral designs showcase the soft and carefree shades of pink that signify spring days.

Flowers Plus would like to present the spring blooms that are perfect for any occasion – or no occasion at all! To celebrate springtime in Charlotte, just add flowers!

While roses are popular all year long, they are so colorful and add a bright spring touch to any arrangement.

Pink stargazer lilies and roses are the hallmarks of this springtime bouquet. Pure pink and bright red together never looked so elegant.

The season which encompasses late spring and early summer sees the return of many tropical varieties and designs incorporating them are the perfect transition between seasons. Prepare for the long, relaxing days of summer with a tropical design from Flowers Plus, ideal for adding a vacation vibe to your home.

Seasons come and go, but this year make sure to savor the time. Throw open the windows, let the fresh air in,  and fill your home with the late spring flowers that will celebrate springtime in Charlotte. Special occasion or just because, Flowers Plus should be your first call for all things beautiful.

Visit our shop in the lower level of Two Wells Farge Center in Uptown Charlotte

for a selection of wrapped bouquets or redy-to-go arrangements, shop online at

https://www.thecharlotteflorist.com, or call 704-342-4529 to discuss a custom

arrangement.

International Women’s Day – Celebrating the Women in our Lives

Each year on March 8^th, millions of women across the world unite to honor International Women’s Day – a global event which celebrates the social, economical, cultural and political achievements of women from all walks of life.International Women’s Day dates back to 1908, when 15,000 women from New York City marched to demand voting rights, better pay and shorter working hours.

That led to the first observation of National Women’s Day in the United States on  February 28, 1909. International Women’s Day as we know it today was first celebrated on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. A couple of years later, the date was moved to March 8^th  and remained the same ever since.

Flower giving

Flower giving is one of the traditional ways to recognise the achievements of women on this day. The origins of that tradition in the Western World date back to March 1946 (a year after the end of World War II) when a group of Italian feminists chose the mimosa flower as the symbol of strength, sensibility and sensitivity.

Today Italian women dedicate the whole day to celebrating with each other with meals out and a glass of wine on the Festa della Donna.

Did you know that Russian florists alone sell as many as 150,000 roses on International Women’s Day? So, if you are not in Italy on the March 8^th this year, consider a nice bouquet of roses for the important women in your life.

Gender equality

Although women have been campaigning for equal rights and pay on this day for well over 100 years, the gender gap still remains. The World Economic Forum estimates that we need at least another 100 years to reach global equality between men and women.

The gender pay gap is the equivalent of women working for free from November 10^th until the end of the year! That shocking statistic affects the lives of many hardworking women across the globe.

International Women’s Day 2019 theme

Ever since it was designated as an annual commemoration by the United Nations in 1975, each year celebrating International Women’s Day has a theme. The campaign theme for this year is #BalanceforBetter which aims to drive gender balance across the world.

Flower giving ideas inspired by International Women’s Day traditions across the world

In many countries, International Women’s Day is the equivalent of Mother’s Day which means that children are encouraged to give flowers and small gifts to their grandmothers and mothers.

• In Vietnam, it is customary for bosses and co-workers to send flowers to their female colleagues.
• In Italy, women are given yellow mimosas.
• In Russia, women are given roses or seasonal flowers such as snowdrops, tulips or daffodils.
• In some countries, students also give flowers to their female teachers.

At Flowers Plus we are proud to champion this day and offer a range of arrangements, ideal for showing the influential women in your life what they mean to you. Call (704) 342-4529 to discuss a custom arrangement for the special women in your life.

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.