Andover, MA Florists

Andover Flower Shop News

Ask the Gardener: Holiday book ideas for gardeners and arrangers - Boston.com

Winterlights” this month at three historic gardens owned by the Trustees of Reservations: the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton, Stevens-Coolidge Place in North Andover, and Naumkeag in Stockbridge.Books make great gifts for gardeners. Many are lushly illustrated with eye candy that will help even dilettante gardeners ward off the winter blues. My recommendations and their cover prices:For the new gardener: “Rodale’s Basic Organic Gardening: A Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Healthy Garden’’ by Deborah L. Martin (Rodale, $19.99). Using jargon-free terms, she takes you chronologically from planning in the winter through harvesting the next fall.For the flower arranger: “Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden: Grow, Harvest & Arrange Stunning Seasonal Blooms” by Erin Benzakein with Julie Chai (Chronical Books, $29.99). Erin Benzakein’s successful cut-flower farm in Washington’s lush Skagit Valley (where she’s been called the “Dahlia Lama”) has inspired a nationwide wave of green-thumb women to grow flowers for market, as well as for fun. A bestseller, this book tells you the best flowers for cutting and their needs, which can be very different than landscape plants’. “Seasonal Flower Arranging: Fill Your Home With Blooms, Branches, and Foraged Materials All Year Round’’ (Ten Speed Press, $25) by Ariella Chezar and Julie Michaels. Michaels is a former Boston Globe editor, and Chezar is an arranger and flower grower who also has pioneered the trend toward more fragile locally sourced bouquets as ... https://realestate.boston.com/ask-the-expert/2019/12/11/books-to-give-gardeners-and-flower-arrangers/

29 Fall Bridal Bouquets That Are Beautiful Beyond Words - Boston magazine

New England.Photo by Katie Slater PhotographyFor this early October wedding at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, the bride requested a modern bouquet with a foraged look. Andover’s Les Fleurs delivered with an autumnal arrangement that included king proteas, roses, astilbes, and hanging amaranthus.Photo by Dan AguirreAt this low-key, seaside wedding at Newport Beach House, the bride carried a bouquet of roses, snowberries, feather celosia, and Queen Anne’s lace by Leslie Lee Floral Design.Photo by Emily MacCabe PhotographyFor a mountaintop wedding in Maine, Bad Rabbit Flowers designed a vibrant bouquet featuring roses, mums, zinnias, and dahlias.Photo by Janelle Carmela PhotographyBride Bridget’s Salem Country Club wedding took on a moody vibe, which Lotus Floral Designs channeled in a bouquet of ranunculus, dahlias, amaranthus, hydrangea, jasmine vine, and other flora.Photo by Kate McElwee PhotographySunflowers (as well as orchids, ranunculus, and spray roses) made a cheerful appearance in this bouquet Garden Designs by Kristen made for a bride tying the knot in September at Moraine Farm.Photo by 26 North StudiosFor their fall festivities at Oceanview of Nahant, a couple chose a coral and burgundy color scheme, which Jeri Solomon Floral Design matched with a bouquet of shimmer roses, dahlias, calla lilies, scabiosa, eu... https://www.bostonmagazine.com/weddings/fall-bridal-bouquets/

Love fresh-cut blooms? Keep 'em coming with a flower CSA - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Flower Child Farm, Andover... http://www.startribune.com/love-fresh-cut-blooms-keep-em-coming-with-a-flower-csa/507837752/

These 16 Local Companies Can Help You Throw the Best Party Ever - Washingtonian.com

This company serves everything from weddings to corporate events, but its colorful selections—stored in a 150,000-square-foot warehouse—make it worth checking out for larger fetes. 1851 S. Club Dr., Landover; 202-722-2900.Something Vintage. Midcentury mismatched china plates and cups (a tea-party package for 30 costs $300), a 1960s brass bar cart, weathered farm tables, and boho-chic serving pieces power parties that look anything but corporate. A fun-to-browse website organizes items into categories like “French” or “Bourbon” and features pre-designed lounge packages including a “Keep Palm and Carry On” grouping of sofas, green side chairs, and a bright Turkish rug you can rent for $1,000 a night. 4826 Stamp Rd., Temple Hills; 202-596-8445.Table Manners. Make an event especially Instagrammable with dozens of colors and varieties of runners, napkins, and tablecloths for rent at this Fairfax showroom. Offerings range from violet sequined linens for glam nighttime affairs to an oversize green gingham tablecloth ideal for a back-yard barbecue. The company also has a factory, so it can make custom-size products. Chairs and tables are available, too. Showroom (by appointment), 8451 Hilltop Rd., Suite L, Fairfax; warehouse,5345 46th Ave., Hyattsville; 301-277-0582.We’re Having a Party. A kid-focused rental company with nearly two dozen bounce houses to choose from, including princess castles and a monster-truck contraption, plus pint-size tables and popcorn-popping carts. For parents, it also has margarita machines. 2300 Perkins Pl., Silver Spring; 301-589-5008.Booze in BulkCostco. The price-club store requires membership to buy beer, wine, and liquor (and most of its Maryland stores don’t sell the harder stuff), but many items cost 20 percent less than traditional retail. It also sells its own Kirkland label of wine, beer, and spirits. Multiple area locations.DC Kegs. More than 800 beers, wines, and ciders by the keg, delivered to you cold on the day of your bash.First Vine. This direct importer specializes in European wines from small Spanish, French, and Italian producers. Many bottles cost less than $20 each. The company delivers to your door.Total Wine & More. This local chain boasts hundreds of wines, from cheap to collectible, plus spirits and beer. You’ll get discounts for ordering by the case and can order online and have items delivered. Multiple Virginia and Maryland locations.Other HelpBarSphere. Hire a mixology pro—or wine-pouring wiz—for your next gathering. Ball-capped bartenders show up with supplies and ice; they’ll provi...

Expert floral designer visits Andover - Eagle-Tribune

ANDOVER — Expert floral designer Julie Lapham will be at the South Church on Central Street at 10 a.m. Nov. 7 to give a lecture and demonstration on creative arrangements with a seasonal flare.Lapham has lectured and instructed garden clubs throughout the region and has taught International Design Symposium classes. In this demonstration, she will dazzle the eye with an array of creative arrangements and will share tips to help attendees decorate with seasonal flare. Her distinctive designs will be raffled off at the end of the program.The proprietor of Julie Lapham Designs (http://www.julielaphamdesigns.com/) in Southborough is a National Garden Clubs Inc., accredited master judge and a Garden Club of America (GCA) approved judge for flower arrangement.She has won awards from both organizations, including the GCA’s 2005 Katherine Thomas Carey Medal for outstanding achievement in flower arrangement education. She has served as garden club coordinator for Art In Bloom at the Museum of F... http://www.eagletribune.com/news/haverhill/expert-floral-designer-visits-andover/article_0ad9ef64-3938-5769-80a1-1a9af4081854.html

Valley Florist in E. Templeton receives $10K in startup money - Worcester Business Journal

Valley Florist and Greenhouse in East Templeton has received a $10,000 small business loan from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corp., the Fitchburg organization announced Friday.Brendan Loughman, owner of the company, received the loan, with funds earmarked for startup costs and inventory.Loughman has an advanced certification in floral design, as well as years of experience as a floral designer, according to a NCMDC press release. NCMDC, the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, is a microloan lender which can provide loans to small businesses up to $150,000.Loughman was referred to NCMDC by the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center at Clark University in Worcester. https://www.wbjournal.com/article/valley-florist-in-e-templeton-receives-10k-in-startup-money

Coco Shop Designer Taylor Simmons Wore Floral Oscar de la Renta for Her Outdoor Ceremony Overlooking the Ocean - Vogue

Ultimately, Taylor explains, “we chose the safe bet of [having a wedding at] home.”The bride’s parents live in Marion, Massachusetts, a small town close to Cape Cod. The couple didn’t initially consider it because there isn’t anywhere for guests to stay. “My other great, great grandfather’s home is just a mile from my parents’ with a grass terrace, a long rhododendron-lined walk, and a backyard that borders the ocean,” Taylor says. “We decided on a late morning ceremony there followed by an hour of cocktails and a three-course lunch. I loved that this plan allowed most guests to drive from and return back to their homes that day—it felt safer and like a smaller ask.”The couple worked with Elizabeth Allen of Elizabeth Allen Events to plan it all. “She’s amazing!” Taylor says. “She helped us navigate the virus and replanning with incredible grace.”Taylor didn’t have any preconceived notion as to what kind of silhouette or design she wanted for her wedding dress. “I went to all of the traditional appointments when we thought the wedding was going to be in Antigua, but didn’t find anything quite right,” she remembers. “I love vintage and the idea of taking something old and making it new again, so was planning on wearing my grandmother’s champagne-colored, satin gown when I came across this Oscar de la Renta gown online in July. It was perfect—ultra-conservative and traditional in silhouette, but unexpected in an upbeat black.” She paired the dress with her mother’s diamond and ruby earrings and a pair of nude Jimmy Choo heels. Jameson had a navy mohair suit made by New & Lingwood for the day and complemented it with a white dress shirt and blue Hermès tie.Taylor never wanted a wedding party—even for their Antigua wedding that never was. “I just wanted my younger brother next to me,” she says. “We’re just 15 months apart and that relationship means so much to me.” Jameson has one brother too, so it worked out well. Both brothers wore navy suits, white shirts, and coordinating Hermès ties like Jameson.The ceremony started at 11:30 a.m. and was short and sweet—a traditional Episcopalian service held outside. There were rows of spaced out wooden chairs that were simply framed by topiary orbs.“My parents, brother, and I entered from the back and waited out of sight in a nook of the property’s rhododendron vista as guests were seated to a string quartet,” Taylor says. “My brother then escorted my mother down the rhododendron vista and, minutes later, my father and I held hands as he walked me down the aisle. I carried lilies because my mother carried lilies when she married my father.” The officiant was one of the bride’s father’s oldest, closest friends and the beloved headmaster of the boarding school she attended. “He was the first wedding decision we made and the one part of the ever-changing planning process that didn’t change for which I am grateful,” Taylor notes. “He gave the ceremony even more gravity and grandeur.”After the service, the newlyweds walked to a series of cocktail tables by the water and then back toward the house for photographs. Taylor quickly realized that one benefit of having under 50 guests is that photos go quickly, and it’s easy to include every guest.Cocktails included Champagne, white wine, and a late summer spritz. The cocktail napkins were white linen and had the bride’s mother’s initials, “STMS,” embroidered on them in white. “It was a sophisticated detail that made it feel even more like we were inviting everyone into our home,” Taylor says. Jameson’s father, who was unable to fly to the wedding from California, grows grapes and makes wine in Mendocino County, California. He provided wine with personalized labels commemorating the original November date. “I love that Jameson had a little bit of home with him in Massachusetts that day... https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/taylor-simmons-jameson-mcfadden-cape-cod-wedding

Florists wilt under COVID-19's impact, losing Easter and Mother's Day would be devastating - yoursun.com

Linda Stevens, a fourth-generation florist and owner of Stevens the Florist South in Englewood.Her great-grandfather, Charles Stevens, first opened a florist shop in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and the family had wholesale greenhouses as the business flowered. But COVID-19 and new state rules have forced closure of her Englewood shop at 3455 S. Access Road. She delivers or takes orders off the web or from regulars that include Keith Rowley of Rowley Insurance in Englewood. On Wednesday he had purchased flower arrangements for his staff, all isolating at home to show support.“Just trying to help others and keep our town strong,” Rowley said.Pushed on what may happen to her shop, Stevens choked back tears.“We’re taking every precaution,” she adds of keeping everyone safe through COVID-19’s run.But not just florists are suffering through COVID-19, of course. For the public’s safety, retail, bar and restaurant owners deemed non-essential are being told to close their shops or limit their services to take-out or delivery. The American economy is being devastated, losing billions in sales and value in March alone.Aside from the loss of life and millions of laid-off workers, COVID-19’s impact on business is unprecedented.But even as U.S. flower sales wilt as supermarkets and web services elbow into the trade, independent florists still account for $7 billion in annual sales. There are more than 32,000 related businesses employing 75,000 or so workers.It’s estimated that Americans alone will purchase 110 million roses in a normal year, three-quarters of them by men. Wholesale fresh-cut flowers and plants account for billions more in revenue.And while hurricanes and other natural events damage florists, COVID-19 is especially hurtful, as it closes off weeks of sales and the places to which flowers, arrangements and things related to the business go.At the 1-800-Flowers in Port Charlotte shop, for instance, March 2019 sales blossomed. Should COVID-19 keep its pace and the country remain tucked away in isolation, however, this season could be devastating, said Vanessa Carusone, the shop’s manager and a North Port city commissioner.“Probably looking at one-third of last year,” she said of 2020’s predicted sales for March and April, should trends continue. “The odds are stacked against us.”Easter and Mother’s Day, she added “are our bread and butter.”COVID-19 has also changed delivery rules... https://www.yoursun.com/northport/news/florists-wilt-under-covid-19s-impact-losing-easter-and-mothers-day-would-be-devastating/article_2e88771e-75de-11ea-a009-0b875913d327.html

Richard LaMontagne | Obituary | Salem News - The Salem News

VA, and Mark LaMontagne of Exeter, NH, and he was preceded in death by his brothers, Frederick and Donald LaMontagne. Richard was a graduate of Essex Agricultural School in Danvers Massachusetts where he excelled in botany. After graduation he opened up Flowers by Dick, a florist shop on North St. in Salem, Mass. There he thrived for many years before moving to Florida. In Florida, Richard ran a number of businesses including an orange grove, three more florist shops, a furniture store and a number of real estate ventures. Beyond his success, the most important thing to Richard, affectionately known as Dick to the many who loved him, was his family. He was a devoted husband to Mary and the dedicated father of eight children. He always encouraged all his children to realize that they could accomplish anything they wanted in life. Dick was someone who led by example whether it was his work ethic, his generosity to others or his deep faith in God. To know Dick was to love him. Dick loved spending time with his family and was always up for a good time. His infectious smile and Dad jokes were always a great addition to any gathering. He loved touring the country with his family in his motorhome and he enjoyed taking cruises with them to the islands. Dick was the kind of person who could talk to anybody and have a good time, always making everybody feel better. He could pick up a conversation with a friend he had not seen in twenty years just as if it were yesterday. He loved Florida but he also cherished his roots in New England. He never missed the opportunity to travel north where he loved the changing leaves, the spring blooms and the smell of the ocean air in Rockport. Later in life, as a true labor of love, Dick sacrificed much to take care of his cherished wife Mary, who had suffered a stroke. Many called him a saint on earth but to him, it was simply love. Dick will be sorely missed by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers and many other friends and relatives who so deeply loved him. But everybody who ever knew him will also smile when they think of him, just glad to have been loved by such a kind and wonderful man. Dick can now be found in heaven rejoicing with Mary, his parents, his brothers and a multitude of relatives and friends who so sincerely loved him. The family will receive friends Friday, February 12, 2021 from 4 to 8 pm at Gary Panoch Funeral Home in Boca Raton, Fla. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturda... https://obituaries.salemnews.com/obituary/richard-lamontagne-1081606303