Agawam, MA Florists

Agawam Flower Shop News

Flower Barrels from Fini's Plant Farm brighten up sidewalks - Reminder Publications

Just recently, Pat said, ‘I would really like to see a return to doing flower barrels in town,’” Pasquerella said.The West Springfield Garden Club was inspired by similar barrels found in the town of Agawam. “They have these beautiful flower barrels all around Agawam. We contacted Al Fini to see how it works. We now have gotten him to do the program and he grows [the flowers] and provides the outer barrel and places them all around. He said he would be more than willing to do what he does for Agawam for West Springfield,” Pasquerella shared.Pasquerella said she feels that the flower barrels will improve the town of West Springfield. “I think it’s a quality of life thing. There’s something about flowers. There’s a reason why Home Depot or even your local grocery store sells flowers, because it does something for you. It lifts up your heart. It provides a moment of beauty when you drive by or you’re in a store. Psychologically, it improves your mood,” Pasquerella said.Pasquerella shared that the West Springfield Garden Club is already looking to the future of the flower barrel project. “Next year, we’d really like to do 100,” Pasquerella said.The West Springfield Garden Club is currently accepting sponsorships on each of the barrels. Each sponsorship costs $120 and includes the barrel, soil, watering from June 10 to Sept.15, and a 4 by 10-inch all-weather sign inserted in the barrel to display the name of the sponsor. Sponsorships can be purchased by a donor, company, group or in honor of a loved one.Signs will be collected in mid-September and kept by the West Springfield Garden Club for use in future years. If a sponsor chooses to participate in a future year, the same sign will be used and the sponsorship will only cost $100.At the time of publication, 35 of the 50 barrels had been sponsored. To sponsor a barrel, contact Kate Parrow at kfparrow@comcast.net. https://www.thereminder.com/localnews/west-springfield/flower-barrels-from-finis-plant-farm-brighten-up-s/

Deep field set for Bridge of Flowers 40th anniversary

New England.Last season, John Busque, of Manchester, Connecticut, showed up on the morning of the event, registered and won.Busque tracked down defending champion Glarius Rop, of Agawam, on the stretch of course that no longer exists. He passed Rop and beat the two-time champion by 43 seconds.Those two men are back this season and both will be among the favorites to win the race. The third-place finisher from a year ago, Scott Mindel, of Burlington, Vermont, also returns.Rop is a member of the Western Mass. Distance Project, and will have four teammates joining him. One of those is Amos Sang, of Chicopee, who won the 2014 Bridge of Flowers. Sang won the New England 5-mile championship this season with a time of 24:36.Northampton’s Ben Groleau, another Western Mass. Distance Project runner, is the UMass record-holder in the mile with a time of 4:01. Groleau was fourth at the New England 5-mile championships in 25:27. Dennis Roche, of Springfield, another WMDP runner, finished fifth last year at the Bridge of Flowers.The women’s field will be just as deep. Last year’s champion, Holly Rees, of Cambridge, is returning. Rees ran an average of just under 6 minutes a mile in winning the women’s crown in 37:05.Rees will be challenged by Semehar Tesfaye, of West Roxbury. Tesfaye won the Bridge of Flowers in 2016 in 39:03.Another major challenger is newcomer Aisling Cuffee, who graduated from Stanford but now lives in North Grafton and runs for Saucony under coach Ray Treacy. Cuffee has a 15:11 personal record in a 5K.The third, fourth and fifth-place finishers from a year ago also return in the women’s field. Apryl Sabadosa, of Westfield, took third. Karen Bertasso, of Albany, New York, is a two-time Bridge of Flowers winner. She was fourth last year. The fifth-place finisher from a year ago was Jenna Giglioti, of Northampton, who joins Sabadosa as two of the top female runners in the We... https://www.gazettenet.com/Bridge-of-Flowers-19387803

Sang, Cuffe rule Bridge of Flowers

Benjamin Groleau finished third overall in 25:37, as he was in the lead pack for much of the first half of the race before Sang and Leibold separated themselves. Two-time champion Glarius Rop of Agawam was fourth in 26:03, followed in fifth place by Teague O’Connor of Burlington, Vt. (26:10). Shelburne Falls’ Dan Smith was the top local runner across the Iron Bridge, finishing ninth in 27:21.Cuffe and Leibold moved to Massachusetts just two weeks ago, as Leibold began medical school at UMass in Worcester last week. Cuffe said the pair was looking for something to do over the weekend, and discovered the event. Leibold said it was a nice escape from a chaotic first week of school.“We’re kind of aficionados of old races so when we saw this one, it was a no-brainer,” Cuffe explained.While she mostly competes in shorter races, Cuffe, who was 22nd overall in the field, felt right at home on the 8K course. She said she raced against Rees in a 5K last year, and knew the Bridge of Flowers defending champion was the one to watch when the opening gun went off.“I figured she knew what she was doing,” Cuffe said of keeping Rees in her sights.Semehar Tesfaye of West Roxbury, the 2016 champion, finished third in the women’s race with a time of 30:18. Karen Bertasso of Albany, N.Y. was fourth in 30:31, and Mohawk Trail star and Plainfield resident Meghan Davis was the fifth-fastest woman across the tape in 30:55.The weather cooperated for the 3K Charity Race and 8K Classic, as rain held off and the overcast morning made for comfortable, mid-August temperatures. The traditional charm of the race was evident throughout the course, with bagpipers, drummers and fans lining the streets and trails of Shelburne Falls to the delight of the over 800 runners combined between the two fields.“I love the history of Massachusetts races,” explained Leibold. “Old, long-standing races like this one, the community can get behind it and come out and support every year no matter who is running. That’s the great thing about it, it’s really an event that gets people coming back every year.”Locals ruled the Steve Lewis Subaru Charity 3K Run and Walk, with Buckland’s Bryan Dole finishing first overall in 10:24. Jacob Hughes of Shelburne Falls was the runner-up in 10:31, while Toby Hughes was fifth overall in 11:40. Amherst’s Cortney Berling was the first woman across, as she was third overall in 10:54. Leyden’s Kate Ashley was next in fourth place as the second woman across in 11:34.In the 8K Classic, Greenfield’s Aaron Stone was the top area finisher behind Smith as he crossed 31st overall in 30:10. Shelburne’s John Herron finished 36th (30:33), with Davis’ showing making her the top area woman and fourth-fastest Franklin County finisher overall. Shelburne Falls’ Jeremiah Jones was 40th in 31:01, and Shutesbury’s Andy Reagan joined him in the top 50 thanks to a 49th place performance in 32:09. https://www.recorder.com/Bridge-of-Flowers-19415790

Yuletide celebration coming to Storrowton Village Museum - MassLive.com

Thelma Greene of Chicopee will oversee the festive decorating project. Participating clubs and florists who deck out the village through their generosity and inspired ideas include: the Agawam, East Longmeadow, Wilbraham, Springfield and West Springfield Garden Clubs; Garden Club of the Westfield Woman's Club; Deena Rollet of Merry Mite Gardens in Suffield, Conn.; Anthony Gladu of West Springfield's Rose Petal & Thorn; Flowers by Webster; and the Eastern States Exposition Landscape Department.  "Many of these people have been decorating our village for years and are really familiar with its history and surroundings, so they know what they're doing when it comes to sprucing up the village for an old-fashioned holiday. I think what keeps them coming back is the fact that it gives them a chance to step outside what they do every day and to decorate for the past. They go out and gather natural things.....dried things.....that they wouldn't necessarily use all year long," Green said. "Visitors will see natural flowers and plants, and the natural decorations are usually very colorful and relaxing to see. Some folks will be creating garlands to go over the mantles and fireplaces in the village. We have one florist from Connecticut who will be doing a big Christmas tree in the Gilbert Parlor that will be decorated only with dried and other natural products. There are no electrical lights allowed in keeping with the period," she added. Greene noted that many visitors each year attend the event to see how they can incorporate natural materials into their home decorating and take those ideas back with them. It's Jessica Fontaine's first Yuletide at Storrowton as new director of the museum. "I'm very excited about this year's event. We have a lot of things that people have grown to love and expect over the years, as we... http://www.masslive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/11/yuletide_celebration_coming_to.html

Snow's impact on Valentine's Day sales at florists and bakeries - wwlp.com

If customers aren’t home, the flowers are brought to a close neighbor’s or back to the shop.Others show their love through sweet treats, like cupcakes and cannolis at Giovanni’s Italian Pastries in Agawam. “Flowers die, but this, it’s nice you know, you get something out of it!” said Patsy DePergola of Agawam. He was picking out cannolis and carrot cake with his wife to enjoy at home later on Valentine’s Day.Manager Teresa Russo said the snow did impact business a bit over the weekend, with more people staying inside than enjoying an early Valentine’s Day treat. But, she said business was steady on the holiday. She said most of their business was day-of, rather than pre-orders: “You don’t really always know what to prepare for, but the chocolate covered strawberries are very popular, so we always make sure to order plenty of strawberries to be dipped in chocolate.”WWLP.com > Share this:Like this:LikeLoading...Related PostsAdvertisement... http://wwlp.com/2017/02/14/florist-busy-for-valentines-day/

At Christmas time, poinsettias for everyone who mattered - The Boston Globe

He travels as far north as Wells, Maine, (“That’s where the owners of the Valerie’s Restaurant in Ogunquit are buried. They used to make Caesar salad right at the table.”); and as far south as the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne where Dennis LeFort, one of his best friends, is buried (“He was a Frenchman”). It takes him a week to make the flower arrangements, (“I make each bow myself”) and a week to deliver them. He says he doesn’t mind. “It’s nice to remember all the good people I’ve known.”The day we drive to Everett, his poinsettias are already on all of the graves. He finished early this year, Dec. 1. “Which cemetery do you want to go to so I can see your work?” I ask him, thinking he’ll choose someplace close to where he lives in Quincy. But he chooses Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett because that’s where most of his family is buried and where he will be buried. His stone is already engraved, he tells me.Fred was diagnosed with cancer this year. But he insists he’s in great shape for the shape he’s in. The cancer is gone (“That’s what they say”), and after some hard months, he has his strength back. Most of it, at least. This day he says, with a shrug and a smile, “If this is my last Christmas, I’m gonna enjoy it.” Then he eases himself into my car, propping his cane between his knees.AdvertisementHe tells me stories as I drive. At the cemetery, he tells me more stories. He points to his brothers’ graves. One is a World War II veteran. The other a veteran of Korea. “There were six of us,” he says. “Boy, girl, boy, girl. Boy, girl. I’m the only one left.”There’s snow on the ground and the snow has buried his poinsettias. He walks slowly with his cane and points to where the flowers should be. I dig and find five red flowers in one spot, and five more in another.Next we head to his parents’ grave. “My dad was 56 when he died. My mom died 29 years ago on Sept. 8. I come here every Saturday morning after I go to the Market Basket. I cruise by and say hello to my brothers and sister. I say, “I’m here, Bob! I’m here Mel and Ruth and John!”That’s what he does at Christmas. He stops and says, “I’m here!” He stands at the graves of all the people who were important in his life and says, “Merry Christmas. I’ll never forget you.” And, with a tip of his hat, “I’ll see you one of these days.”AdvertisementBeverly Beckham’s column appears every two weeks. She can be reached at bev@beverlybeckham.com. https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/globelocal/2019/12/11/christmas-time-poinsettias-for-everyone-who-mattered/rMrpN2ISnDXX7pdSDe0fXN/story.html

Winston Flowers Acquires L'Olivier Floral Atelier - PerishableNews

USA. Additional information can be found at www.winstonflowers.com.#     #     #About Winston Flowers:Founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 1944, Winston Flowers began from a floral pushcart by Robert Winston and his son, Maynard. Currently in its third generation, Winston Flowers is run by David and Ted Winston who continue to grow the company through their unwavering commitment to quality and service. Today, Winston Flowers has a worldwide online presence, two design studios—one in Boston and one in New York—and seven retail shops throughout Massachusetts and Greenwich, Connecticut. This year, Winston Flowers celebrates their 75th anniversary.About L’Olivier Floral Atelier:Since 1994, L’Olivier, under the direction of renowned floral artist Olivier Giugni, has represented the epitome of elegance and creativity. L’Olivier’s distinctive style, innovative outlook on beauty, commitment to quality, and relentless attention to detail have established the brand as the “Haute Couture” of floral creation. Their one-of-a kind arrangements adorn the homes and workplaces of A-list New Yorkers from the worlds of fashion, finance, and fine arts. ... https://www.perishablenews.com/floral/winston-flowers-acquires-lolivier-floral-atelier/

The Florists - Martha's Vineyard Times

Morning Glory elevating what they are doing with flower production. We use a few off-Island growers who put flowers on the Seastreak for us — sustainable-practice farms in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We’ve found the right farmers who grow such an incredible product — flowers that will last a week to two weeks. We are lucky that we have access to them.Talk about timing and shelf life.Working with such a perishable product is tricky. It’s hard to feel like you can get ahead when you’re constantly ordering fresh flowers every week, as I have to put orders in for the week before. Mentally, it’s very challenging. Like a restaurant, a chef would do the same. We have four giant coolers here that help with shelf life, and so does the way we process them. After the week is over, we move any remaining flowers to another cooler, and figure out other things to do with them. Sometimes I make arrangements for Hospice — we give the older flowers away to people the best we can. Recently, Felix Neck needed flowers for a kids’ program, and we were able to give them some. It’s hard throwing them into the compost, but we can’t sell them either. How much of your business is weddings?We do a ton of weddings, but really only about 25 percent of the business (we did 60 weddings last year). The single purchase of everyday flowers keeps us so busy and really keeps the business going. We have a driver delivering flowers all over the Island all day, every day. The elements make it very tricky, whether it’s a 90-plus day, or pouring rain.Do you feel you are on a 24-hour alert?Definitely. We opened up on Sundays this summer, too. Sometimes I work seven days in a row — it may be 14 days before I get a day off. I feel like I’m so obsessed and so immersed in what I’m doing. Whether I’m here or not here, I’m still always here. There’s never a moment when I’m not thinking about the shop.What’s your biggest challenge?Trying to be a mind reader for what people want. It’s very difficult to get that information out of people, and they can be very particular, but they don’t know how to tell us what they want in flowers. And everyone has a different idea of what’s beautiful. We do a lot of picture sharing. We hired a photographer to help us organize and update our website, and it’s making a huge difference. People are calling us now because they like our aesthetic — that’s working out in our favor. What sets you apart from other florists?I grew up on the Island, Rebecca [Swartwood, floral designer] grew up here, and other staff understand the Vineyard so well. We tap into this vibe that can be very elegant, but also very laid-back. We have a Vineyard vibe that makes flowers not feel fussy or too much, but approachable while being really beautiful. Our flowers can be put on any elegant table or a kitchen counter in your summer cottage. They speak the Vineyard. We don’t manipulate the flowers to do anything they don’t want to do. So our arrangements feel very free and natural and very elegant at the same time. Which is very Vineyard in a nutshell. Marc Cooper, floristMiddletown Gift & Floral Shop680 State Rd., West Tisbury508-696-7600middletownnursery.comWhere do your flowers come from at Middletown?We get cut flowers from Holland, we get local flowers, we get a lot of flowers from Boston. Basically the style of flowers that I like determines where we buy from. I like classical, vintage-looking roses, hydrangeas, mostly big white lilies. I still like to get some tulips in — the parrots and the doubles. Right now we are getting a lot of local items; the sunflowers are big. But many of the flowers that I have you can’t grow here; the quality is not the same. How did you learn the florist trade?For 10 years I had a gift shop in Worcester where we brought in flowers, and I had to learn quickly. My business partner at the time liked doing flowers, then she had a child so could not be in the shop that often. I ended up working with flowers. I learned to do what I wanted to do with them, and c... https://www.mvtimes.com/2019/08/28/the-florists/

A Guide to Florist's Emily Alone - Talkhouse

I feel desire grow away from comfort and crawl toward cavesThere where I find more interesting things.In Southern California I sing a Rain Song I still Dream about Western Massachusetts deep down I still dream About the left hand side of your face with a scar but it has no scarAnymore It looked like a river And Still my head turns toward sea If it claimed me I Would not be upset I know there Are deeper things But I do Just love the sound of One or two guitars And the Feeling of water as it Trickles down my spineSo comes now the Shadow Bloom after a long dredge in which shaded I accept the offerings of a mortal life. I can’t find the answers in the search but the search is why I’m alive and why... https://www.talkhouse.com/a-guide-to-florists-emily-alone/