Flowers & Business

We know that in today's economy, businesses are striving to gain competitive edge and innovative ideas. With the constant fluctuations in unemployment it's no wonder that productivity and consumer confidence in down leaving it that much harder for businesses and employees to stay on the right track.

According to business experts, the key to gaining the competitive edge in the modern economy is easy to understand - a happy, productive workforce. And, while sometimes the easiest notions can be the most difficult to achieve, a recent scientific study conducted at Texas A&M University finds that nature can hold the secret to business success. The research demonstrates that workers' idea generation, creative performance and problem solving skills improve substantially in workplace environments that include flowers and plants.

So brighten someones day by sending them flowers to their office or bring flowers into the office to brighten the office mood. Flowers are sure to bring in some cheer and positive energy into the office environment.

Study courtesy of SAF

Wedding Wednesday

Where and how do I begin choosing a Floral Designer?

What would a wedding be like without the beauty and romance of flowers? The colors, shapes, textures and smell as well as quality design lend an air of ambiance to your event. Not to mention they are woman’s main accessory when walking down the isle.

So when do you need to start the process for wedding flowers? Well, you will want to have the set vision of your wedding. For example, you will want to know if you will be in a church, on the beach, in a formal hall or the casual outdoors. Have an idea of what the setting will be like. No, it does not need to be all set in stone, but this is going to help you know the style and have an idea of your budget for flowers.

On average you should expect to spend about 8-10% of your overall wedding budget on the flowers. This will include the bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, and any ceremony and reception decor.

Collecting photos is going to be the next best thing you can do. Use the internet, bridal magazines and any photos to show your “likes” and even “dislikes.” This is going to help you narrow down designs trends.

Then it’s time to start shopping around for floral designers. Believe it or not, at this point you do not have to know the color of your bridesmaids' gowns, nor do you have to have a color scheme in mind. Your concern is to view their work and to feel comfortable with the designer. It is best to make an appointment, so you can be sure they will have time to talk with you. Don't be afraid to ask how many weddings they've done and to see photos of their work.

Once you have narrowed down your designer, secure the date. You will most likely have to put down a deposit to secure that date and make sure you get everything in writing.

As you get closer to your wedding date now you go armed and prepared! Show them everything you've got. Don't worry if you're stuck on ideas. Your designer will know how to draw out your likes and dislikes. It’s our job is to guide you, not to bowl you over with ideas that don't suit your personality and overall desires, not to mention budget.

The best part of a fabulous and credible floral designer is all of this can be done even long distance; so flower planning for a destination wedding can be easily executed. It is all about the feeling comfortable with the designer to craft beautiful floral designs on your special day.

Get Your Daily Dose of “Vitamin F”

Small Doses of Nature, Like Flowers, Can do a Wonder for one’s Well-being-

From A to E, vitamins are known to be responsible for strengthening our senses, bolstering our bones and invigorating to our bodies from the inside out. And now, we would like to add Vitamin F to list of vitamins that have benefits to our bodies.
Research has linked flowers with happiness, creativity, compassion and tranquility. Mind and matter are said to be interconnected and when we are surrounded by beautiful nature, our emotions are calmed and harmonized.

We are fortunate to come to work every morning and get our daily dose of “Vitamin F.” When walking into our design center our senses immediately perk up with the smell of fresh flowers and the sight of bright beautiful colors. There is an “at ease” feeling with nature coming from the outside, in.

Anyone can let Vitamin F fortify their home, office and favorite interior by simply bringing in a unique and beautiful floral design. Try it, and see for yourself the positive energy it brings!

Research from SAF

The Power of Giving Flowers

Happy birthday, congratulations, thank you, I love you, thinking of you. Each day, millions of gifts are exchanged by people who want to send thoughtful regards to deserving friends and loved ones. According to research from Rutgers University, the presents we pick to convey our special messages say a lot about us.

Rutgers University researcher Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., director of the university’s Human Emotions Lab, explored what the gifts we choose say about who we are and whether they affect how we are perceived. The research reveals that those who send flowers, in comparison to other gifts, are viewed as successful, caring and emotionally intelligent people.

More specific findings include:

• Both men and women who give flowers are perceived as happy, achieving, strong, capable and courageous people;


• Men and women come across as more emotionally intelligent; they give the impression they can effectively express their feelings and take time to understand the feelings of others;


• and Female floral gifters are viewed as more appreciative of beauty and nature.

“Our findings show that you can influence and change what people think of you in a significant way through the gifts you give,” says Haviland-Jones. “That news is particularly important to those interested in enhancing friendships and romances, even business relationships.”

Discovering the scientific power of flowers is not new to Haviland-Jones. Previous Rutgers University research conducted by her team found that flowers create instant delight and happiness, and increase enjoyment and life satisfaction. Specifically, upon receiving a gift of flowers, the female study participants responded with true smiles and reported positive moods that lasted for days. The presence of flowers also led to increased contact with family andfriends.

“Flowers have evolved to activate positive emotional responses from people,” says Haviland-Jones. “Each bloom has the potential to put a smile on our face and sway our opinion of a friend, colleague or loved one. That’s powerful.”

Study by Rutgers University & SAF