Early, TX Florists

Early Flower Shop News

This florist started caring for ailing orchids on the side. He’s now babysitting 13,000. - The Washington Post

The quantity of orchids sold in the United States pales next to the 140 million raised for the mass market in Europe. One major grower in the Netherlands alone produces nearly 4 million phalaenopsis annually.This translates into a $15 or $20 potted orchid at the grocery store and makes Chadwick & Son seem like a dinosaur, with its phalaenopsis costing $35 to $50, even if its plants are more luxurious in size, color and general vigor.Jennifer HeffnerFor The Washington PostCommon moth orchids, or phalaenopsis, are revived by Chadwick’s growers and returned to customers during the blooming cycle from January to April. In his Powhatan County greenhouse, he cares for 13,000 orchids owned by 2,000 customers. “Some people have one, some have 500,” he says.Chadwick opened his business in 1989 with the help of his father, who is now in his late 80s and still raises 800 cattleyas in his Wilmington, Del., home. Art Sr. helped his son build his first greenhouse and provided thousands of his own plants to create an early inventory but has not been involved in the day-to-day running of the business.His son opened the Museum District shop 15 years ago, about the same time affordable orchids were flooding the market and on their way to edging out the poinsettia as America’s most popular houseplant. Was he perturbed? “I was a little worried until I saw how dreadful they looked in the stores,” he says. “The first few days they are there they’re okay, but soon afterward they start to go down.”Another reason for his viability is the sale of other, more specialty orchids. In addition to the cattleyas, customers find such beauties as vandas, similar in size and form to phalaenopsis but bluer and patterned, and oncidiums, with their profuse sprays of bright, delicate blooms.But to see Chadwick’s biggest bulwark against the cheap orchid tidal wave, you have to take a little trip. We climb into his plush if aging Lexus SUV and make our way west out of the city to Powhatan County. After 25 minutes we are in a place whose rural character is being eroded by the lapping waters of suburban development, but when we turn into a short driveway, we find a property that i... https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/this-florist-started-babysitting-ailing-orchids-on-the-side-hes-now-boarding-13000/2019/04/03/e5bc550e-3ba1-11e9-a2cd-307b06d0257b_story.html

'Selling an emotion': Estero, Bonita flower shops prepare for Valentine's Day - Naples Daily News

It was a similar scene about 10 miles north on U.S. 41 at Petals & Presents in Estero, where owner Thea Cernohous and her team of five had been working since the early morning to fill orders. A methodical sound of slicing stems accompanied by the faint song from a radio filled the flower shop’s workspace. Only the ringing of a phone or a conversation about the location of a pending delivery would interrupt them on occasion.  The two south Lee County flower shops were in the sprint portion of a preparation marathon before Valentine’s Day, one of the busiest days of the year for the two local businesses. Three thousand roses had come in to the 33-year-old Bonita Springs flower shop since Friday. Five hundred more were stacked against a wall bundled in boxes. “We’ll get 500 more tonight and another 500 tomorrow,” Sayger said. At the 15-year-old Estero shop, Cernohous said the store can receive upwards of 500 orders in a three-day window, which includes deliveries and pickups. More: 13 romantic date spots in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers But she uses plenty of extra hands to help tackle the number of orders that come for Valentine’s Day. “You can’t do this on the same staff you run your daily flower shop on,” she said. “It’s just not possible.” Heaven Scent offers a menu of options for people to wow their loved ones, each with a quirky name. ... https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/local/communities/the-banner/2018/02/14/selling-emotion-estero-bonita-flower-shops-prepare-valentines-day/320016002/

Growth in gardening: August birth flowers - San Marcos Daily Record

Gladiolus is native to tropical Africa and areas around the Mediterranean and Middle East. It is believed that gladiolus plants were first brought to Europe in the early 18th century. Around the 1820s, gardeners began to seriously cultivate gladiolus and create hybrid varieties that became very popular in gardens and as cut flowers.Around 1837, new green, brown and purple shades of gladiolus flowers were developed in Belgium. In 1870, the French introduced a newly discovered species with deep purple streaks. By the 1880s, German and other European plant breeders had developed over 2,000 named varieties of gladiolus, which first appeared in American nurseries around 1891 and became wildly popular.In floral history, gladiolus flowers have several different meanings. Because of their association with gladiators, they traditionally symbolize strength, sincerity and moral integrity. Gladiolus flowers also represent remembrance, calm and integrity. And even though their sword-shaped leaves hark back to ancient swords and battles, Victorian romantics determined that gladiolus flowers were capable of piercing someone’s heart with their beauty, adding infatuation to the list of traditional floral meanings.If care is given to a planting schedule, flowers can be available from early summer until frost. To achieve this, the corms are planted at various times, usually at two- or three-week intervals, from as early as mid-February until the last of April. Set the corms 4 to 5 inches deep and 5 to 6 inches apart in groups or rows.Gladiolus prefer well-prepared garden soils with good drainage. As soon as plants are 6 to 8 inches tall, apply fertilizer, such as 13-13-13, at the rate of 3 to 4 pounds per 100 square feet. Organic fertilizer sources, such as cottonseed meal, also work well. Water thoroughly when soil appears dry and stake the plants if necessary.To save gladiolus corms for next year, dig up the corms after the foliage has dried back in late summer or fall. Remove the soil and snap off the dead tops. The old or original corm may be removed and discarded. Spread the corms out on the garage or storage-room floor and allow to dry for three to four days. Place the corms in boxes with dry peat moss or sawdust. Store in a dry, cool place at a temperature of 45 to 50 degrees F. Check them periodically during the winter for signs of rotting or rodent damage and discard those affected.At least two species of gladiolus are considered heirloom plants in our area and may be left in the ground and grown as perennials. Gladiolus byzantinus, sometimes known as cornflags, mark many old home sites and cemetery plots in Texas and the south. Their magenta and... https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/features/growth-gardening-august-birth-flowers

Gardening: Enjoying the flowering rebirth of perennials while they bloom - OCRegister

They must be soaked for six hours until toxins are fully removed at which point they can be placed in vase arrangements without causing an early demise of other blooms.Narcissus, the botanical Latin name for daffodils, is an elaboration of narco, a word that means numbness and refers to the incapacitating and narcotic effect of daffodil toxins. Narcissus makes reference to a character in Greek mythology who was so enamored of his reflected beauty in a passing stream that he could not avert his gaze; he froze into a narcotic somnolent state and was transformed into a flower. It is not clear whether the flower was named for the myth or the myth originated with the flower, but the nodding aspect of daffodils is said to mimic the head of Narcissus bent admiring himself over a reflecting stream.Although herbaceous perennials are generally associated with spring bloom, some flower in summer. The two most notable among these summer bloomers are gladiolus and dahlia. Gladiolus corms – which are swollen root stems – may be planted at virtually any time of the year in our area. For continuous bloom, space their planting over several months. Gladiolus requires a fast-draining sandy soil and regular water. To keep plants blooming year after year, it is advisable to remove their corms in late fall for winter storage. Throw away old corms and plant out the attached, newly developed ones the following spring.Cymbidium orchid. Photo by Joshua SiskinMy personal favorite among summer-blooming herbaceous perennials are the giant dahlias of central Mexico, which can grow up to 20 feet tall with blooms that are eight inches wide. While dahlia tubers can remain in the ground during winter, storing them over winter in sand or vermiculite will enhance their performance the flowing spring. Blooming dahlias should be available now in most nurseries and garden centers.Tip of the Week: A special sale of orchids to readers is being held by Art and Aurora Mendoza on March 22, 23, and 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 16057 Nordhoff St., North Hills, 91343. Refreshments will be served. The Mendozas specialize in growing dozens of cymbidium orchid varieties, available in 8-inch and one-gallon containers for $5-10 dollars. Dendrobium and Cattleya orchids will also be on sale. Cymbidiums are nearly always grown in containers but they may also be planted in the ground in suitably amended soil. Just the other day in West Los Angeles, I saw the most glorious cymbidium growing in the protective shadow of a bronze Codyline. https://www.ocregister.com/2019/03/21/gardening-enjoying-the-flowering-rebirth-of-perennials-while-they-bloom/

Jersey City flower shop turns 50 this September - NJ.com

JERSEY CITY -- Joseph Pollifrone knew nearly nothing about running a business when he bought his first flower shop in the 1970s at age 27."I had so much business, but not that much experience," he said. And Valentine's Day was approaching. "I was drinking Pepto Bismol bottles."But Pollifrone learned a lot in the years to follow.Next month, he will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his store, Joseph's Florist. The vibrant flower shop on Kennedy Boulevard near the North Bergen and Union City border will offer deep discounts and special deals on Sept. 15 to mark its half century milestone. Born and raised in Jersey City, Pollifrone was initially a special education teacher for the Jersey City Public Schools. But he worked part-time at a flower shop while teaching, and caught the bug to own a business at 27.The same day his deal to buy a bar fell through, the owner of the flower shop he worked at proposed to sell him the shop. Pollifrone agreed."I thought it was cool," said Denise Pollifrone, Joseph's wife. But Denise adm... https://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2018/08/jersey_city_florist_50_years_in_the_biz_and_counti.html

Flower Delivery Vancouver: Marketing to the millennials - Augusta Free Press

Tony Bennett and his team used that loss as the source of strength, through to the ACC regular-season championship, the run to the Final Four, and the thrilling overtime win over Texas Tech to win the 2019 national title, the first in school history.  ... https://augustafreepress.com/flower-delivery-vancouver-marketing-to-the-millennials/

Friendly Flower Shop spreads joy for 75 years and counting - Standard-Times

A: I am a fourth generation florist; this is where I found the love to serve others through flowers. Although I learned lots from my mother and grandmother I also received my Texas Master Florist (certification), then my Texas Master Florist Advanced Advanced (certification). Q: What makes your business stand out? A: Our business stands out because we are the oldest, locally owned and operated, the great love and appreciation we share for our community and wonderful customers; customer service is our No. 1 priority. Q: What’s the best thing in your business?  A: My favorite part of owning a florist (shop) and being a floral designer, is the happiness we give others. Whether for a new baby, celebration of an anniversary or birthday, and especially sympathy flowers; my true passion in serving. Q: What are your hopes for the future? A: We are celebrating 75 years, our diamond anniversary. Also our grand opening of “The Cottage” Studio-Venue. Our hopes for the future are to continue serving the community with beautiful fresh flowers and also providing a great place for our San Angelo family to attend fun classes and have a wonderful place for all their get togethers.   Q: What motivates you to go to work every morning?  A: At our small business we are motivated to continue great and friendly service because our town deserves nothing less. The smiles and comfort we provide are truly what drives us to create life-long relationships within our business; you are a part of the family when you visit us. Are you a small business owner who wants to share your story? Contact Yffy Yossifor at 325-812-7215 or yfat.yossifor@gosanangelo.com ... https://www.gosanangelo.com/story/news/local/2018/10/26/friendly-flower-shop-san-angelo-spreads-joy-75-years-and-counting/1761576002/

Festive plants bring fragrance, color to holiday decorating - Standard-Times

Allison Watkins is the Texas A&M AgriLife extension agent for horticulture in Tom Green County. Email her at aewatkins@ag.tamu.edu. https://www.gosanangelo.com/story/news/2018/12/16/festive-plants-bring-fragrance-color-holiday-decorating/2311380002/

Growth in gardening: August birth flowers - San Marcos Daily Record

Gladiolus byzantinus, sometimes known as cornflags, mark many old home sites and cemetery plots in Texas and the south. Their magenta and rarely-white flower spikes are smaller than the hybrids usually available in florists and nurseries.Another interesting gladiolus is Gladiolus natalensis, sometimes known as the parrot gladiolus. Flowers of this species, which is native to Africa, are larger than those of G. byzantinus, and are a brilliant combination of yellowish green and red. Both of these gladioli may be grown as perennials, and usually increase in numbers each year. They are commercially available, however, only from specialty bulb sources.As for the poppy, these comparatively dainty blooms are also available in a wide variety of colors. Red poppies symbolize pleasure, white ones are sent to console the recipient, and yellow poppies send a message of success and wealth. If you don’t want to choose a particular color, you can always plan on having a bouquet by planting a wide range of poppies of many colors in your garden.There is evidence of poppy culture back as far as 5,000 B.C. in the Tigris and Euphrates river region in modern day Iraq. Egyptian tombs contain poppies and the ancient Greeks associated them with Demeter, the goddess of fertility and agriculture. They considered the presence of poppies around a field of grain crops a sign of the goddess’ blessing, which insured a good harvest.Poppies are best planted directly out in the garden as they are not fond of being transplanted. They germinate best at soil temperatures in the 50s or 60s so mid fall is generally a good time to plant them.Select a location with full sun although a little shade is okay as long as they get at least six hours of direct sun. Build up a raised planting bed if the area is not well drained. Most species won’t tolerate soggy soil conditions at all.There are several that I know do very well in our area, I like Breadseed (Papaver somniferum) as their foliage is a grayish blue green and plants reach a height of 2 to 3 feet tall bearing single or double blooms in colors ranging from deep red to pink and lavender.Another nice one is Flanders Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) it has bright red blooms with one or two rows of slightly crinkly petals that somewhat resemble crepe paper. Flanders Poppies were brought to the Georgetown, Texas, area by local resident Henry Compton as he returned from service in France during World War One. These Flanders poppies are still found throughout the area, making Georgetown “The Red Poppy Capital of Texas.”Yet another beauty is the Iceland Poppy (Papaver nudicaule) which sports some of the brightest colors in our Texas gardens. The blooms are rather large single flowers in glowing shades of white, yellow, coral orange, pink or red. The plants are typically 1 to 2 feet tall depending on variety and growing conditions.If you know somebody who is celebrating their birthday during the month of August, it’s always a good idea to consider these flowers as a suitable and meaningful gift. Be sure to let the recipient know that these are special August birth month flowers as most folks don’t even know that birth-flowers exist.--Joe Urbach is the publisher of GardeningAustin.com and the Phytonutrient Blog. He has lived in the Central Texas area for over 30 years. Urbach is a certified Texas Master Gardener from Hays County. For more information on the Master Gardener program contact the Hays County AgiLife Extension Service at 512-393-2120.s... https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/features/growth-gardening-august-birth-flowers