Bitersweet :)

Alas, my avid blog readers. I have some tragic news to share with you all. I warn you; you all may want to sit down while you read this. Are you ready?

Today's entry shall be my last blog entry you read for Arapahoe Floral.

Hush, sweet fans. Do not cry! For I have bright news about the future! A new Arapahoe Floral employee shall be taking over the entries. A light at the end of the tunnel! But of course I will share deep insight with you one last time about the underground world of flowers. Today's entry topic, you ask? Well, it's all about me :)

I thought it would be fun to do a verbal montage of my favorite blog entries [you know, similar to those sitcom series finales].

-"Somewhere over the rainbow...rose?" has always been one of my favorites. How could rainbow colored roses not cheer a person up? I'm guessing all of you reading this could use a rainbow rose right now. *sniff* I'll miss you too...

-"Fellas, This could be you". The bouquet in the picture is gorgeous, but honestly, Ashton Kutcher is just super hot.

-"Terrariums make a comeback". Maybe it's my draw towards vintage trends, but I think terrariums are pretty neat. Plus they are super easy to take care of. Win, win!

-Finally, "Everyone Likes A Nice Lei". Maybe it's because I happen to find myself entirely entertaining and truly just hilarious, but I thought the orchid lei blog wasn't too shabby :)

While we're on the subject of, well, myself, I would like to share some of my favorite flowers with you as well. Please feel free to send them to me as a goodbye gift. I shall miss having them in my house.

-Liatris: I've written a blog about this little flower gem before. I don't know what it is about liatris. Maybe it's the bright purple color or the unusual shape? Whatever it may be, I absolutely love it.

-Tulips: There are so many varieties of tulips. We ran across one in the store recently that I'm pretty sure we described as "magical". Absolutely gorgeous. Plus, they remind me of spring. I can't get enough of tulips!

-Spider/Fuji Mums: Specifically the green ones. Their color is stunning, and they last for such a long time! Plus, their shape is somewhat unusual, and I'm a fan of all things weird.

Well, avid blog readers. I hope you enjoy future posts as much as you have enjoyed reading mine. I don't doubt that you will. Just remember, shop local as much as you can, even when it comes to flowers!

Goodbye... for now ;)

Everyone Love A Nice Lei ;)

Orchid lei have a lot of history, and since summer is coming and graduations are near, I thought it would be a splendid idea to share some fun facts with y'all. [ie. "lei" is used for both the plural and singular form of the noun :)]

During the "Boat Days" of the early 1900s, lei vendors lined the pier at Aloha Tower to welcome malihini (visitors) to the islands and kama'aina (locals) back home. It is said that departing visitors would throw their lei into the sea as the ship passed Diamond Head, in the hopes that, like the lei, they too would return to the islands again someday.

Today, visitors can easily bring back the nostalgia of old Hawaii by ordering a traditional flower lei greeting for their arrival at the airport. Greeters welcome visitors with a warm “aloha” and adorn them with beautiful fresh leis. It's a wonderful way to begin a Hawaiian vacation.

You can wear a lei at anytime. Heck, you can even buy one for yourself, but it's good to know that there are a few rules when it comes to lei etiquette. The proper way to wear it is gently on the shoulders so it hangs down both the front and back. Also, it is a sign of affection if someone gives you a lei. Therefore, it is pretty rude to refuse it [I recommend you never do]. Once you do have your lei on, it is rude to remove it in front of the person that gave it to you; so if you need to take it off, make sure they don't see!

Graduations are a very popular time to adorn someone with a lei. In Hawaiian tradition, graduates are likely to be given so many lei that they can sometimes come up to the persons eyes!

There are lots of types of leis, but orchid leis tend to be the most popular here in the Continental United States. In case you do want a lei, but you aren't sure where to get one in Colorado, I have good news for you! I, yes your trusty blogger, am actually pretty darned good at making a lei :) So if you know someone who is graduating but don't want to bog them down with a loose bouquet of flowers or if you want to show your affection in a creative manner, give Arapahoe Floral a call and order your lei. The sooner, the better. These suckers can take sometime :)

Aloha!

Happy Mother's Day!

We did it! Arapahoe Floral survived the Mother's Day weekend... barely :) We happily created hundreds of flower arrangements for lots of lucky moms. Thank you so much for having us be a part of your family's holiday celebrations. We hope that we served you well.

This year the main trend we saw being ordered were nice spring bouquets with lots of colorful flowers! With color combinations like reds, yellows, purples, and greens, we successfully made lots of beautiful pieces! We even had fun vases to use, adding a playful element to the arrangements.

The flowers that were most requested were daisies, tulips and roses... but not red ones! The roses we used were shades of pinks, purples, yellows, and oranges. Red is more romantic, thus being superior during Valentine's Day, but this holiday lends itself more towards roses symbolizing joy and friendship.

Don't forget, if you didn't order your arrangement for Mother's Day and still want to do something nice for your momma, we can make an arrangement for Monday! We can even send it to her work, making a great start to their work week. It's never too late to show some love!

Way to go, team. We did it! Now to get back to my glass of wine...

Thinkin' Outside of the Box!

As promised, I have some alternative Mother's Day gift ideas for my avid blog readers! [Though I stand by flowers thru and thru.] We are going to keep this post simple and straightforward, bullet point style...

- Cards! It is nice to give a gift, but what you have to say along with it means the most. We all have a sentimental side, but, based off of personal experience, mommas tend to really love the sappy stuff. My exciting twist on the card? Make it yourself! And better yet, bring it in to us so we can attach it to a colorful arrangement.

- Plants! Before you say "psh, you're such a cliche gift idea giver", let me explain. You can absolutely stick with the classics and do a nice green or blooming plant in a pretty container, but this year we are thinking out of the box. Since you all read my blog religiously, I know you know what a dish garden is. Why not send your mother a collection of HERBS?! It is unique and functional! It will look pretty, smell incredible, and even taste delicious :)

- Gift Certificates! The ultimate cop out gift idea, you say?! Shame on you! We have seen some pretty creative gift card giving in our days. Bring us a collection of gift certificates to your mom or wife's favorite hot spots and we can make an arrangement with them! She can get all of her favorites in one: flowers, a spa day, a lovely dinner at her favorite restaurant, and maybe even a mini shopping spree. But don't think you have to have a ton of gift cards for one of these arrangements; you could have just one that we feature in the bouquet!

If you're still stumped, come into our store! We are full of ideas, and sometimes it's best to talk about them in person. But hurry up! Mother's Day is soon and you are running out of time!

Mother's Day Is Sunday!

That's right everyone, this Sunday!!! We know not all of you have sweethearts at Valentine's Day, but it is true that you have all had a mother at some point. This is the one day of the year that you should absolutely take the time to make sure they know how much they mean to you and how grateful you are for all that they've done. It's every mom's favorite holiday. That's what we are here to help you with.

Now, if you are anything like me, you might be thinking, "Hey, aren't flowers a totally cliche gift for Mother's Day?". Let me assure you, dearest friends, after careful research and contemplation, they most certainly are NOT. This year I asked around in order to get some ideas for my momma, and almost every mom I spoke with answered with a no-fail gift... a beautiful bouquet! This truly did surprise me until they explained that having flowers around the house is a luxury they don't often receive. It's rare for a person to buy themselves flowers, and almost just as rare for a hubby to bring them home :) So when one of their kids takes a minute out of their day to send them a nice floral arrangement, it not only brightens up their house, it brightens up their week.

The ultimate "push your mother's day gift over the edge and super impress her" touch, you ask? Make sure to ask the florist to include her favorite flower or color. It really shows and makes a difference when you add those personal touches.

Later this week I'll have a few more gift ideas and tips if you still aren't keen on a nice spring bouquet, but I'm tellin' y'all, it's a classic.

Oh yeah, that's me and my momma in the picture [I've heard we look alike] and her favorite flower [an iris]. Had to do a shout out to the lady I owe it all too :)

The Royal Wedding Bouquet!

Alright, readers, we finally have the inspiration behind weddings for the next ten years. The Royal Wedding has happened, and it's time for us to talk about the flowers!

First of all, let's give it up for Shane Connolly who was the lead florist. Know for his sustainable and green approach towards design, he stunned everyone with his unique but eloquent work. Westminster Abbey was adorned with English field maple trees. That's right... trees! Instead of using cut flowers, they decided to keep the plants alive! I applaud you, Shane, for you naturalistc and successful approach towards the ceremony.

Now... drum roll please... the bride's bouquet! I think our predictions were pretty dead on [way to go, guys]. The bouquet was white with green accents; it was elegant, demure, and simple. It was a small cascade and proportionate to Kate. Though it was beautiful, it didn't distract from the lace detail in her dress.

All of these are very important, but what I found to be the most impressive, interesting, and trendy detail was the significance of each flower. Style was important, but symbolism reigned in this wedding bouquet. Lily-of-the-valley represents the return of happiness. Sweet William was used not only for it's meaning [gallantry], but as a tribute to Kate's prince. Hyacinth [a personal favorite of mine for it's wonderful scent] means "constancy of love". Ivy, another form of foliage which was a theme throughout the ceremony, symbolizes fidelity, marriage, friendship, and affection.

Finally, the main attraction of it all, the myrtle! Myrtle may not be the most impressive amongst the list, but the back story to this particular myrtle is extraordinary. That's right, the sprigs of myrtle in Kate's bouquet were actually from a myrtle planted by Queen Victoria in 1845. Queen Victoria received this original myrtle in a nosegay from Prince Albert's Grandmother that gave it to her on a trip to Gotha, Germany. How's THAT for tradition!

So in one quick sentence, here is the rundown of the newest wedding trends, thanks to the Royal wedding... Your bouquet should be proportionate to your size, accentuate your dress, and most importantly should have personal significance and symbolism. Oh, and don't forget to think green! There you have it, folks. Happy Wedding Season!

It's Administrative Professionals Week!

That's right all you bosses out there, it's the time of the year where you show all of you wonderful employees how much you appreciate their dedication and hard work!

Let's reflect on what Administrative Professionals Week is all about. Since 1952, the International Association of Administrative Professionals has honored office workers by sponsoring Administrative Professionals Week. It's one of the most recognized workplace observances, next to employee birthdays and major holidays. The name was changed to "Administrative Professionals Week/Day" from "Secretaries Week/Day" in the year 2000. The main reason for this name change was simply to keep pace with changing job titles and workplace's expanding responsibilities. Not only is this holiday a great way to celebrate your employees, it also introduces the opportunity for community events, educational seminars, and corporate activities.

Now lets get to down to business... what more simple and better way to thank your employees then to give them the gift of flowers! If you have lots of people on your gift list, you can stick to smaller, colorful arrangements, or even single flowers! Little plants are a great idea, as well. Whatever budget you have for this holiday, we will be more than happy to accommodate you. And... we can deliver to your work place!

So on behalf of your employers, my dearest readers, thanks for all of your hard work! Now, let's just hope my boss doesn't forget to celebrate Administrative Professionals Week!

Love My Momma :)

I'm unfortunately far away from my family, and around the holidays it gets extra tough. Fortunately, my mom knows it's hard on me and somehow always manages to include me in celebrations despite the distance.

This Easter I got a special surprise in the mail from my wonderful momma... and English Garden! English gardens, in a florist's world, are arrangements of plants. They are skillfully organized in a lovely white wicker basket. With lots of green plants and bursts of blooming plants, these arrangements are stunning. Their classical look is reminiscent of actual English gardens, staying true to their namesakes. If you decide you want to spread your plants throughout the house, you can take them out of the basket. That's right! These aren't planted together like a dish garden; they are still separable- mind blown. Plants outlast flowers, so as long as you take care of them they'll stick around. Hopefully I'll have mine for years :)

Not only did I get a lovely English Garden, she even included a stuffed pet for my dog. Little Dubs got her own duck that she promptly destroyed. [Her favorite past time is tearing stuffing to shreds] She proves that gifts from a flower shop can be creative if you think outside of the box. We have stuffed animals you can cuddle, or stuffed animals you can share with you doggie.

My momma knows me and my pup well. It's the best gift I could have asked for :)

Super Saver Tips Continued!

For flower shops, Easter is over, and I have some super saver tips for you!

Flower shops tend to carry a lot of holiday themed flowers, containers, vases, and accessories. At Christmas time we have lots of winter containers, ornaments, and santas. Valentine's day calls for heart containers, chocolates, stuffed animals, and occasionally an overflow of roses. The lovely Easter holiday means we have lots of Easter lilies, bunny containers, and other themed items around the shop. Every holiday comes with some sort of theme!

This means those flower shops probably have some leftover holiday stock, and they will want to get rid of it. Bunnies are cute and all, but if we have them laying around the shop for no good reason, we tend to look (and feel!) a bit cluttered. If you're looking to be prepared for decorating your house next year, or want to celebrate a little later, it's a great idea to head to a flower shop a day or two after the chosen holiday and check out their sale selection! My mom and I do this every Christmas, and I think it's slowly becoming an every holiday tradition for me...

Sometimes it pays to be frugal :)

We Love Wedding Season!

To continue on our wedding-themed topic, today I am going to talk about the 2011 wedding season's color choice of the year... Honeysuckle!

For those of you unfamiliar with honeysuckle, it is a gorgeous shade of pink with hints of darker rose hues. It is very feminine and perfect for spring and summer weddings! You can expect to see it used in textiles, accessories, apparel, decor, attire, and of course FLOWERS!

When it comes to using honeysuckle colors in a flower bouquet you have lots of options. You can have the color stand alone with a simple monochromatic bouquet, or you can pair it with neutrals like whites and creams- perfect for the classical romantic garden wedding which is so very popular right now! Some flowers that can come in these shades are roses, gerbera daisies, lilies, and even tulips... and those are only a few examples!

Honeysuckle isn't just a color either. They are actual plants that springs beautiful flowers! The flowers are sweetly scented and trumpet shaped. They bloom primarily in early spring and last all summer. These plants do best outside, often being used as a ground cover. They also prefer lots of light and moderate water.

So set up your wedding consultation with us and we'll make sure you have the brightest and best wedding you could ever imagine <3

Wedding Season Starts with a Royal Theme

Celebrity gossip has always been a guilty pleasure of mine, and I know I'm not alone. The highly anticipated royal wedding is quickly approaching [April 29th], and what we're most excited about at Arapahoe Floral are, of course, the wedding flowers! With Kate's class and elegance, there are some pretty high expectations for the wedding bouquets. Not to mention, a whole new trend is likely to emerge from the royal theme and decor!

So I've been snooping and guessing. Assuming you are as excited as I am, I figured it would be fun to share it with you all! There have been reports that the flowers at the ceremony alone are going to be budgeted around $800,000. [Woah, right? If only we were all princesses...] The "experts" are saying that Kate will be carrying an all white bouquet. The flowers are also going to be locally grown. The only ones predicted to be flown in are fair-trade roses from Kenya, where the couple was engaged. Adorable and responsible; I would expect nothing less :)

I think we can make some educated guesses when it comes to flower specifics, as well. Kate's wedding flowers will most likely be of a very different style than Princess Diana's were [pictured], but they will probably be as extravagant, dramatic, and breathtaking. They will be spring flowers [seasonally appropriate]. White lilies are Kate's favorites, so I bet we will see those featured. Myrtle is traditional in royal wedding bouquets. Myrtle is a beautiful green sprig with a lovely fragrance. Other flowers that people are guessing to be present include gardenias, lilies of the valley, delphinium, and [like I previously mentioned] roses.

The cake will also be adorned with flowers! All will be symbolic. They will represent the four corners of the United Kingdom: the English rose, Scottish thistle, Irish shamrock, and the Welsh daffodil.

So future brides-to-be, get ready for some new and excited trends. Expect a follow up after the wedding and details are released :)

Terrariums Make a Comeback!

For those of you unfamiliar with the crafty world of terrariums, I am here to inform you today. Terrariums are enclosed areas where ecosystems are recreated on a smaller scale. They can simulate a dry habitat, like a desert or savannah, a temperate woodland habitat, or even a jungle-like one.

Our terrariums include soil and supports a variety of plants, anywhere from african violets to bromeliads. You mist the terrariums, and a natural water cycle occurs within the environment by condensation forming on the lid causing precipitation. Terrariums need a lot of light for both the plants and condensation. Besides that, they are very easy to take care of! So don't let this little ecosystem scare you off if your green-thumb is slow to develop :)

As our title proclaims, terrariums have made quite the comeback recently... with a modern twist! Instead of the 70's style fish tank terrariums, more elegant and creative containers are being used; we have one in our store right now that is in a cylindrical vase! Terrariums are the perfect craft and opportunity to turn your drab interior into a bright a green landscape. Not only are terrariums super trendy, but they are budget-friendly! Which is a rare plus when it comes to home decor. And if you really want to think out of the box, we can add figurines or even driftwood to yours!

Now, don't get us wrong. We love flowers, but plants tickle our fancy too. So if you're looking for a peaceful, inexpensive, and modern way to spice up your decor, come to Arapahoe Floral and have us create a one-of-a-kind terrarium just for you!

Are You Feeling Lucky?

I'm not sure I want to admit this to you all, but I used to be so bad with plants that I couldn't keep the notoriously simple bamboo plant alive. Oh, the good ol' college days! Don't worry though, my green thumb has grown.

However, I have recently learned something that made me feel a bit better about my past life. Bamboo, aka "lucky bamboo' is very easy to take care of, but you do need to know a few things! Bamboo loves lots of indirect sunlight, but make sure to keep it out of the way of direct rays. If it is in direct sunlight, the leaves will turn yellow. Change the water once a week to keep it fresh. It is also a good idea to use a low fluoride water. If the leaves are turning yellow and it's definitely not in direct sunlight, it's probably because of the amount of fluoride in your tap water. Try using bottled water instead!

Now that you know how to take care of your "Lucky Bamboo", let me fill up your brain-box with some fun facts! Lucky bamboo that you get at your local flower shop, like Arapahoe Floral, is not actually bamboo! In fact, it isn't even related. Shocking, I know. They actually grow in rain forests, such as the tropical parts of west Africa [i.e. Cameroon]!

So when you're feeling exotic and want to step away from traditional flowers, Lucky Bamboo is a great option! We carry it in a variety of sizes from 3 inches to a couple of feet tall. Give us a call and let us balance your home's feng shui. It will help your chi flow :)

In Your Dreams!

I don't know about you, but I have some crazy dreams. [Don't worry, I won't make you read the specifics.] When it comes down to it, no one really knows the exact reason or meanings behind dreams, but recently Arapahoe Floral discovered some very interesting influences on them.

German researchers performed a smell-exposure experiment in 2008 which consisted of three sleeping groups. While the first group slept they were exposed to rotten-egg smells. The second group was flushed with the scent of roses, and the third group was the control group therefore they were not introduced to any smells while sleeping. All of these people were roused and asked to describe their dreams. The incredible conclusion, you ask?

Good smells = good dreams! Smell significantly affects the emotional coloration of one's dreams. The sweet and lovely smell of roses lead to sweet dreams. The unpleasant smells resulted in a more than average unpleasant dream experience, often creating nightmares for the participants.

Our conclusion from the researches conclusion, you ask, again? Flowers! If you want sweet dreams and a good night of sleep, keep a nice, fresh, and fragrant bouquet by your bed! I would recommend roses, as they used in the experiment, but also stock, oriental [aka stargazer] lilies, carnations, and eucalyptus because they also have lovely scents about them.

So, avid readers, it really is science. Let Arapahoe Floral will tuck you in with some of our freshest flowers, and let your dreams come true :)

Purple Sticks of the Gods. Wait. What?

Sticking to the wildflower theme of Wednesday's blog post, I have decided to indulge you all in one of my personal all-time favorite flowers... Liatris!!

Liatris are native to North America [that's right, you can grow them], Mexico, and the Bahamas. They also have some nicknames [which are always fun]: "Blazing Star", "Gay-feather", and "Purple Stick of the Gods". [Alright, I made that last one up, but I thought it sounded pretty legit. And only the last one. I promise.] They also tend to attract butterflies and are low maintenance- perfect for an at home garden!

And lucky for all of you, we at Arapahoe Floral carry liatris all the time! The bright purple works beautifully with any color palate [my personal favorite being with greens and warm hues]. They add height to arrangements, and their unique look will impress anybody and everybody. They also tend to age well, so if you want a long-lasting arrangement, liatris is a great way to go.

Swing by and pick up a bunch or just ask us to include some liatris in your next arrangement. You'll be happy you did. Trust me. I have great taste :)

Colorado Pride :)

We might have had some crazy weather this past week, but you can't ignore those few sunny and warm days we've had too! And for me at least, it reminds me of how much I love good ol' Colorado. Spring is officially here, and I'm ready to get my pack out, drive to the mountains, and go hiking! This weather also promises blooms. So while you're enjoying nature and loving Colorado, pay attention to the wildflowers! Wildflowers are what I'm going to pay homage to today, and, more specifically, Colorado's very own state flower... the Rocky Mountain Columbine!

Columbines [aka Aquilegia caerules] are white, blue, and lavender in color. It was adopted by the General Assembly as the official state flower on April 4, 1899, and in 1925 it was made the public's duty to protect this rare and beautiful bloom. This means while you're hiking along the Rocky Mountains [or any other public land] you are prohibited to dig or uproot this fragile little guy. You can gather the buds, stems, and blossoms, but you are limited to 25 a day. So don't be greedy, kids!

Unfortunately, the rareness and protection of the Columbine means that we can't have them readily available for you at Arapahoe Floral, but even if we could, once these flowers are cut, they don't last long at all. If you really love that wildflower look though, just let us know! We can customize the perfect arrangement just for you :)

Alright folks. I know this blog is addicting, but get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and go find some Columbines!

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is soon to be here, and that doesn't just mean it's almost time to drink soda and eat candy again, folks. But it does mean that it's time to stock up on your palms!

In many christian churches it is tradition to decorate with and distribute palm leaves, which are often tied into the shape of a cross. Palm branches symbolize triumph, victory, and welcome. When you take your palm home it is common to save it, often by placing it on a crucifix, holy picture, or other blessed object in the house. This reminds those who see it that Christ is a part of their daily lives. It is also tradition to burn the palm the following year in order to provide ashes for Ash Wednesday. [Christians love recycling too, not just hippies!]

Palms are typically only in demand this time of year [surprising, I know], so they aren't that easy to get ahold of. Luckily, at Arapahoe Floral we have a few tricks up our sleeves. That's right, we're not just about flowers! We have your backs once again...

Give us a call [the sooner the better] and we can have palms ready for you to pick up whenever you find convenient. We are always more than happy to accommodate any order- no matter how big or small! Happy Holy Week, readers :)

A Whole New World

This past weekend, in New York City, Macy’s 37^th Annual Flower Show began. The even consists of the store being entirely adorned with a vast variety of floras and living plants. This year’s theme is “Tower of Flowers”, giving the designers the opportunity to play with height. There are eleven gardens to explore, each with a subtheme such as “the Orchid Garden”. The shop creates a whimsical environment during this show, enveloping the guests in its scents and colors. And that’s not where the fun stops, folks! “Petacular Fair” starts right after; you get to dress your pups up with the most fashionable flower around!

If you can’t make it out to NYC to take part in this spectacular display, we have an alternative for you! We might not have an event quite as extravagant as this one going on, but come on into our shop and you’ll really feel the difference our flowers make. Step into the cooler and out of your everyday life!

Please click here to read the full article. It really is amazing!

Easter is Coming!

Easter is approaching and we at Arapahoe Floral are getting ready! You might not automatically associate flower shops with Easter, but one of the most prominent Easter symbols is the Easter lily [pictured].

Easter lilies represent purity, virtue, innocence, grace, hope, and life. They are also directly related to Easter; tradition has it that these white lilies grew where Christ’s tears and sweat fell in the Garden of Gethsemane after His agony. At churches during the Easter season lilies are used to decorate altars and crosses, reminding everyone, through their symbolism, of hope, virtue, and innocence.

Easter lilies are fairly easy to take care of. They like indirect light and moderately cool temperatures. Make sure they avoid direct light, drafts, and excessive heat. Keep their soil moist, but not over watered. When you do water them, make sure the water drains out; don’t leave them in foil or in a pot that retains all the water!

We carry Easter lilies in a few different forms. We have them in stems, so you can buy them individually or have us put them in an arrangement for you. However, around Easter we carry them in plant form. This means you can give them as a gift, keep them in your home, and replant them outside so they can bloom again in the future.

Decorate Your Cake

If you enjoy baking like I do, you know how important the final presentation of your masterpiece is. What better way to spice up your hard work than with some fresh flowers?! They are very popular for many reasons. Whether you are hosting a party and want to impress some guests, or you are getting married and need to give your cake a special and unique touch, we have the best, most simple, and elegant solutions!

Fresh flowers are a beautiful accent to add to your baked goods. Their colors stand out and really pop against your cakes, creating a beautiful color palette. The picture I've showcased today is from an actual wedding that we did the cake table decorations for. Remember that though these flowers are beautiful and might look delicious, it's typically not recommended to eat them. Just in case you are tempted, though, I have compiled a general list of flowers that are okay to use for cake decorations:

-Apple Blossoms -Begonias -Cornflower -Daisies -Freesia -Geranium -Hibiscus -Honeysuckle -Lavender -Pansies -Roses -Tulips

-Violets

Please refer to my previous post on cooking with flowers for more information if you are doing your own cake decorations. [Remember, make sure your flowers are clean and pesticide-free!]

If you would like us to help you out or want us to work on your wedding, we are full of wonderful ideas for details that will make every evening extra special!

Bon Appétit!

Will You Go To Prom With Us??

Prom season is quickly approaching and everyone here at Arapahoe Floral is getting excited! Though none of us plan on getting asked to go (sad, I know), we still look forward to this time of year because it means lots of corsages and boutonnieres. And that our Saturdays are going to be getting nice and busy :)

So, let me tell you a bit about our custom made corsages and bouts. Every order is made individually. That means you have control over ribbon color, flowers being used, accents... everything! And really, the options are endless. So when you place your order, tell us your color preferences and maybe a bit more and we will have a beautiful piece ready for your big night out.

Molly is our corsage queen. She uses ribbon instead of the uncomfortable elastic bands to hold the corsage on your wrist. She also uses unique accents to get just the right colors, and her "spring mix" corsages are to die for. Nikki is our boutonniere master. She can use any color rose available, or even a calla lily [pictured] and make the most simple and elegant or colorful and crazy bout you could imagine. Color accent loops are all the rage right now, and she has turned them into an art.

So pre-order your flower accessories with us, and we promise to make your exciting day a bit more colorful :)

March Madness!

I’ll admit it. I’m not a big “sports” fan. But, with March Madness going on I’ve had a hard time avoiding them. So while pretending to know what I’m talking about and discussing an ongoing game, my boyfriend came up with today’s blog post concept! [He’s brilliant, I know]

For all of you that DO care about March Madness and are planning on having people over to watch some games [or are going to a friend’s house to do it- reference Saturday’s post!] we have come up with a fun little idea. Sport’s Flowers! Take this concept as you may, but our general idea is to make an arrangement using your favorite basketball team’s colors! You could also use a fun container with the team name on it or even possibly basketball shaped. The possibilities are endless!

In case you need some inspiration I’ve come up with a slightly biased example. We could make you an Ohio State arrangement, possibly using a black container, some red and white flowers, and maybe even some silver spray-painted curly willow mixed in. WA-LA! You now have a personal tribute for your favorite team!

So whether you want to surprise a special fan in your life or spice up your house décor, “sports flowers” are a great go-to!

Good luck with your brackets, readers!

For the Up-And-Coming Socialites

This post was been inspired by my entirely busy [and absolutely unusual] social calendar from this past week.

Typically, I spend my evenings lying around in my sweats, cooking up some tasty food, reading a good book, making a mess with crafting, and watching 30 Rock with the boyfriend and pup. These past few days have thrown me entirely off track though! Something planned every night and several dinner parties in one week?! Unheard of! Despite this chaotic whirlwind, I knew in return for my friends' hospitality I needed to bring them something nice.

This led me to my next dilemma... Bake cupcakes? Definitely not enough time. Bring an appetizer? They didn't need help with their fine cooking skills. Finally, it hit me. Flowers! [I know. I should have probably thought of that sooner, working at Arapahoe Floral and all...] Anyways, I put together a couple of beautiful and colorful arrangements. I went with the short, compact modern style. If they use it as a centerpiece, it's great because it isn't blocking anyone's view; and that is exactly what they did! My gift showed them my appreciation, and was a great hit!

So, believe me. The next time you're headed to a dinner party, remember that a beautiful flower arrangement, or even some loose flowers wrapped up for them to drop in a vase, is the perfect accompaniment. They'll be touched that you took the time to show your thanks, and you'll feel good knowing you could contribute to the beautiful evening ahead of you.

Enjoy your night out!

Happy Birthday Molly :)

All right my fellow bloggers. Today is a very special day in our little shop. It’s Molly’s birthday! Molly is one of our beautiful and ridiculously [almost obnoxiously J] talented floral designers at Arapahoe Floral. From the Chicago area, Molly has been working with flowers for about 10 years. [That, surprisingly, does not make her old. I promise.] She is also one of the nicest people I know. So, in honor of my dear friend and our beloved employee we are going to blog about her favorite flower… hydrangea! And to be more specific, antique hydrangea, which is our featured picture today.

Hydrangeas are beautiful and delicate pom-pom shaped flowers that come in a plethora of color. Whites, blues, purples, pinks, and even greens! They look beautiful on their own in a simple clear vase or mixed into a lovely high-end arrangement. However, hydrangeas are most prominent and very popular [rightfully so] in wedding bouquets. They hold up well, have a beautiful round shape, match exquisitely with a palate of colors, and they subtly shout class and elegance.

Hydrangeas are so darn pretty you probably don’t ever want to part with them. Well everyone, it’s your lucky day! I am including a possible solution for your emotional attachment. Hydrangea flowers are great candidates for drying. Based off of my research there are a few important guidelines. If you are picking your own blooms, make sure to do so towards the end of their season, August-October. Simply let the stem dry; hydrangeas do not need to be hung upside down. Finally, if you don’t want to keep it au ‘natural you can use silica gel which produces breathtaking colors.

Help us celebrate Miss Molly’s Birthday! Give us a call and ask about her favorite flower. We would love to get some fresh hydrangea in for you, and maybe for us too J

Shamrocks- It's Your Lucky Day!

Our next blog for our mini St. Patrick’s Day series is about shamrock plants because St. Patty’s Day isn’t complete without one! Shamrocks are said to have been used by Saint Patrick himself to illustrate the Christian concept of the Trinity, represented by the three leaflets surrounding the one stalk. Like Bells of Ireland, shamrock plants are also symbols of good luck.

Shamrocks have three heart-shaped leaves per stalk with small white flowers. Not only are they beautiful and delicate in appearance, they are incredibly easy to take care of! Just keep these three simple guidelines in mind…

1.This houseplant loves bright, indirect light.

2. Don’t drown them; simply let the soil dry slightly before re-watering.

3. Indoor houseplant fertilizer isn’t a bad idea either.

Finally, and most importantly, they come in both green and purple so you can mix and match :)

Just give us a call to order your shamrock plant, either for yourself or someone special. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Top O' the Mornin' to Ya!

In preperation for one of my all time favorite holidays [you guessed it- St. Patrick's Day!] the next few blog posts are going to share an all-too-cliche-and-obvious-Irish theme. Today's topic: Bells of Ireland!

Bells of Ireland, or Moluccella Laevis, actually have no direct relationship with with the country, except by their name! These flowers are, in fact, native to western Asia. However, we can make some indirect correlations. Bells of Ireland are a brilliant green color, often associated with Irish landscapes. Also, in the language of flowers, they suggest good luck, and we all know the common [yet entirely misinterpreted] expression: “luck of the Irish”.

Whatever the origins or meanings may be Bells of Ireland are graceful, elegant, simple, and beautiful. Their color goes perfectly with other greens, pastels, or even bold jewel colors. They add height and texture to any arrangement. So when you are decorating for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, or setting your table for your traditional Irish stew, remember that Bells of Ireland will be the perfect addition to your home and table.

Calling All Foodies

For the blog readers that love to cook, today we are going to expand your repertoire by introducing you to edible flowers! The first and absolute most important part about cooking with flowers is to know which ones are edible and which can be poisonous. Please click the link to get a thorough list of edible flowers as well as further information about the topic:

http://homecooking.about.com/library/weekly/blflowers.htm

There is a lot you need to know about cooking with flowers before you start, and in this post we are simply touching the basics. As previously mentioned, it is imperative that you are fully knowledgeable about what flowers are going to hurt you and which ones are going to make your taste buds happy. But here are a few other tips:

-Only eat flowers that are grown organically; you want to avoid digesting pesticides. Be very aware of this wherever you purchase or pick the flowers you plan to eat.

-Introduce flowers to your diet gradually; it might not be pretty if you overwhelm your stomach with something entirely foreign.

-Wash the petals, or whichever part you plan to use, thoroughly!

-Remove pistils and stamens from flowers before consuming; the standard is that you will only eat the petals.

-Once you have familiarized yourself with all of the guidelines and information, you can get to cookin’!

Here is a fairly simple recipe I found [at www.homecooking.about.com] to get you started:

Rose-Glazed Brie

You’ll need…

• 1 15-ounce round brie cheese, or similar cheese

• Rose petals, pesticide-free rinsed and patted dry to taste

• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin

• 1/4 cup cold water

• 2 cups dry white wine

To make…

- Remove the rind from the top of the brie cheese round, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Arrange rose petals on and around brie wheel.

-In a small bowl, soften gelatin in the 1/4 cup cold water for 5 minutes. In a saucepan set over moderate heat, combine white wine with softened gelatin and heat, stirring, until gelatin is dissolved. Transfer to a bowl and let cool, stirring. Gently brush rose petals and cheese with gelatin mixture and chill until set. Serve with crackers.

Good luck with your cooking adventures!

Somewhere Over The Rainbow... Rose?

That's right. Today we wanted to highlight the unique but ever-so-beautiful RAINBOW ROSE! If you've never seen one in real life, these flowers are exactly like what you're seeing to the right; all of the petals of the rose are a different color of the rainbow!

These roses are not naturally colored this way, but they aren't painted either. In order to create a rainbow rose a unique process is used. The stem of the cream or white rose is split and each part is dipped into different water, which has been colored. The stem then absorbs or "drinks" the water which is drawn into the petals, creating a multicolored rose! If you're worried about the dye affecting the life of your flowers, don't be! It doesn't affect their lifespan, just their appearance!

The versatility of this rose is endless. Their bright and colorful appearance make them perfect for almost any occasion or holiday! I would personally recommend to use them in arrangements for birthdays, get wells, as an addition to a nice spring mix, baby showers [especially when the gender of the baby is going to be a surprise], congratulations, etc. I'm sure you can all see where this is headed!

And for all you event seeking-high school dancing-mardi gras celebrating-masquerade going customers, another application that is really fun, and will make you stand out like the bright individual you are, is to use them in boutonnieres and corsages! [the corsages will typically use the colors and petals as an accent; the rose heads are too big for the ladies' wrists!] It's the perfect way to accessorize your outfit and make a statement.

So don't worry, Dorothy. You don't have to go far to get to your rainbow. We carry them almost all of the time, and if we don't have them in stock, we will make that extra effort to get them. Just for you :)

Spring is coming!

What you're seeing in this blog post are some of the seasons most beautiful flowers! Spring is the perfect time of the year to indulge yourself in a bouquet of tulips, hyacinth, or daffodils (pictures in order from top to bottom). Unfortunately, we don't get these flowers all year long, but that does mean that once Spring starts creeping in on us we have lots to look forward to. Right after a cold Winter, that's exactly what us flower lovers need!

Let us give you a quick breakdown to make your flower shopping this season nice and easy.

Tulips come in all sorts of colors from pinks and purples to two tones of oranges and reds. There are also a wide variety of types, such as French or Parrot Tulips (both are inarguably stunning). Daffodils come in yellow, orange, and white. And last but not least, Hyacinths, which are one of the best smelling flowers of all time (in my totally justified opinion), come in puples, pinks, and whites! As you can see from just these three flowers highlighted in this post, Spring has so much to offer!

Get over your winter blues, Sunshine, and brighten up your life with a bundle of color :)

Fellas, This Could Be You.....

Now, what girl wouldn't be thrilled to get flowers personally delivered by Ashton Kutcher?!?!

Don't worry guys! You can still manage to impress your lady this Valentine's Day. Surprise your Love with a personal delivery to their work or even bring an arrangement home with you!

I can promise you, that personal touch means a lot to us girls.

Happy Valentine's Day, friends! Arapahoe Floral loves you.

Back To The Basics

Admit it. You get an arrangement, love it, and, then, you leave it. This tends to be a common trend, but if you want to care for your bouquet and keep it kickin' for as long as possible we have a few tips for you...


Bad Idea: putting your arrangment near a freezing cold window or right next to a heating unit
Good Idea: putting your arrangment in a warm area to keep 'em comfy, which should be nuetral to both extreme heat or cold


Bad Idea: ignoring your flowers and therefore making them cry
Good Idea: nurturing your flowers! cut the stems as much as you can. once a day is good, or even every other day works. this should instantly cease the tear flow.


Bad Idea: not changing the water. yuck.
Good Idea: changing the water every few days or whenever you notice it looking a bit scummy. keep it clean!


Bad Idea: kicking your flowers and throwing them around.
Good Idea: hugging and maybe giving a smooch or two. even flowers need a little love sometimes.


Bad Idea: starving your arrangment to death
Good Idea: feeding your little guys some tasty flower food whenver you change the water


Bad Idea: not ordering your next arrangement from us. :(
Good Idea: supporting your local flower shop and coming to us with all of your floral needs :)!!!


We are full of good ideas here at Arapahoe Floral, so if you ever have any questions on how to care for your flowers, or even a plant, just give us a call!

Shopping Smart :)

I have a confession for my dear avid blog readers. I am cheap. I mean, super cheap. Cheap to the point where I don't go shopping at Goodwill unless it's the 50% off of everything day. Excessive, I know, but I am sure I am not the only one out there like this... right??


As a fellow frugal friend, I am sure you've often questioned a flower purchase or two. But do not worry! Don't let prices scare you away from telling someone you love them or wishing them a Happy Birthday! Arapahoe Floral has, yet again, come to your rescue. We have the uncanny ability to work with any budget. And we really mean it- any! You can come in and get a single flower stem starting $2.50. We can make a nice wrap for you at any price. We can do vase arrangements. Heck, we even do wedding budgets! So tell us your ideal estimate of expenses, and we will be more than happy to accommodate!


Another super saver tip... Pick up your arrangement; you'll save on your delivery! (But do not feel obligated. We thoroughly love sending them directly to you!)

Valentine's Day Is Quickly Approaching!

Alright folks, I don't want you all to take this the wrong way because we here at Arapahoe Floral love the classics, tradition, and especially roses, but why not mix it up this Valentine's Day?!?


Show your sweetie you can be unique, spontaneous, and extra thoughtful by thinking outside of the box this year! Instead of the same ol' one dozen red roses try a bouquet of tulips! Or maybe a big colorful spring mix that is sure to make anyone smile.


You can try going a step further, even, and get them a plant. It's perfect for their desk at work, and is a constant reminder of how loving and wonderful you are!


And the ultimate gift for this year in our collective opinion here at Arapahoe Floral... Orchids!! They are a gorgeous, unique, and a long lasting way of saying "Hey babe, ya know I love ya. Didn't I do swell this year?!"


So give us a call and we will work with you to customize your order and make this Valentine's Day one that will really stand out!

It's A New Year!

Happy 2011 to our loyal customers!!


Here at Arapahoe Floral we have been working on our New Year resolutions, so we figured there might be a few of you out there doing the same. You've got your standard "get in shape", "kick the bad habits", "be more responsible with money", etc... But we got to thinking about how we could help YOU make this year the best one yet! What better way to start fresh with your friends, family, coworkers, and significant others than by working on random acts of kindness?! "Just Because" flowers are an incredible way to make someones day, prove your spontanaeity, and solidify that resolution to be a better friend, parent, child, and partner.


Luckily, these gestures don't have to be a strain on your wallet (refer to resolution #3)! Give us a call and we can work with any budget to make a lovely arrangement or even a nice wrap to put in your own vase at home. And if you pick it up you can save on that delivery fee!


Two birds with one stone :)


Here's to a happy and healthy New Year!