Ashley, MI Florists

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White House florist to demonstrate her 'floral diplomacy' at Houston home show - Houston Chronicle

Outdoor Living Show When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 7 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 8Where: Silver Street Studios at Sawyer Yards, 2000 EdwardsHighlights: Other speakers include KonMari consultant Ashley Barber, Houston Chronicle design writer Diane Cowen, High-Tech Texan Michael Garfield and FloodFrame CEO Tasha NielsenTickets:$10 adults, $9 seniors, children age 12 and younger get in free; h-townhome.com Her book is project based, with vivid photography and detailed instructions to guide you through dozens of floral arrangements. Organized by emotions, chapters include tranquility, charm, nostalgia romance and dreams, and the bouquets themselves have inventive names, such as Dancing Daffodils, Here Comes the Sun and Green Bean Casserole. Before her Houston visit, the Washington state native spoke with the Chronicle about her White House experience, the transformative power of flowers and her new book. Q: I love the term you used in your first book, “Floral Diplomacy.” Do you think most people consider how flowers affect us on that level? A: I have this background in policy and policy analysis, so I’ve always looked at language and analysis as a tool for problem solving and conveying messages. I saw the potential to use flowers in the same way. Flowers have a long history of conveying meaning and metaphor in so many cultures. I handled flowers for state dinners, and my first one was for India. I used the Indian peacock as the emblem. It’s significant in Indian culture … and we used vivid apple green and purple and fuchsia — the colors of the peacock — as a jumping-off point. I would craft a story about how all of these things could come together to honor the guest country and blend in the best of American culture and tradition. Q: What events were the hardest to do? A: The state dinners always had the highest stakes, but the most complicated project would be the White House Christmas because of the logistics with 55 different trees and miles of garland. We started with an inspiring theme — my favorite was “Simple Gifts” in 2010, the first Christmas I worked on. Christmas was a year-round project for me. I never stopped thinking about what special projects we could do. ... https://www.houstonchronicle.com/life/gardening/article/Floral-diplomacy-15090514.php

Flowers are a great last-minute gift — but be sure to send the right message - Seattle Times

Daisies are good to send to someone who has a casual, free-spirited style, Amy Merrick says in her new book, “On Flowers: Lessons From an Accidental Florist.” (Tif Hunter) Ashley Greer, owner of Atelier Ashley Flowers in Alexandria, Virginia, said clients tend to get stressed about their flower choices. “Some people are very self-conscious when it comes to flowers and their impressions,” Greer says. “People think that the flowers they use at an event or that they send are a direct reflection on them. And they want to be careful that their arrangement reflects their taste, their style and the occasion.”AdvertisingCondolence flowers may be what people most obsess about. “When you are sending something for a funeral you want to be sensitive,” Greer says. “Sometimes people say they don’t want to send anything that looks fun. They prefer something white and green.”Dowling, whose studio is in Alexandria, says condolence flowers “don’t have to be all white. Having flowers that are soft and comforting and focus on texture is a good way to go. Make them personal, and possibly reflecting a certain flower the person loved. Then they can really evoke the sense of a warm hug.”New York flower designer and illustrator Cathy Graham says her go-to sympathy flowers include a paperwhite plant and a white or blue hydrangea plant that could bloom for a few weeks. “You don’t have to do all white, but I would not use bright, festive colors.”Don’t overlook household pets when you are creating a bouquet or arrangement to send to someone, says Graham. “Lilies and other flowers are bad for cats,” says Graham, who worries about that with her own two ginger cats, Reggie and Cheddar. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals publishes a list of plants that are poisonous to pets. img data-ratio="1.50037" data-caption="Included in this Atelier Ashley Flowers design for a baby shower are ranunculus, which mean radiant charm. It never hurts to let a woman who is about to give birth know that she is radiant, owner Ashley Greer says. (SKC Photography)" class alt="Included in this Atelier Ashley Flowers design for a baby shower are ranunculus, which mean radiant charm. It never hurts to let a woman who is about to give birth know that she is radiant, owner Ashley Greer says. (SKC Photography)" src="https://static.seattletimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/design-flowers-ba15b5bc-00a9-11ea-8501-2a7123a38c58-780x520.jpg" srcset="https://static.seattletimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/design-flowers-ba15b5bc-00a9-11ea-8501-2a7123a38c58-300x200.jpg 300w, https://static.seattletimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/design-flowers-ba15b5bc-00a9-11ea-8501-2a7123a38c58-768x512.jpg 768w, https://static.seattletimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/design-flowers-ba15b5bc-00a9-11ea-8501-2a7123a38c58-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://static.seattletimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/design-flowers-ba15b5bc-00a9-11ea-8501-2a7123a38c58-780x520.jpg 780w, https://static.seattletimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/design-flowers-ba15b5bc-00a9-11ea-8501-2a7123a38c58-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://static.seattletimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/design-flowers-ba15b5bc-00a9-11ea-8501-2a7123a38c58-1560x1040.jpg 1... https://www.seattletimes.com/explore/shop-northwest/flowers-are-a-great-last-minute-gift-but-be-sure-to-send-the-right-message/

Holiday Gift Guide 2019: The Top Photography And Design Books - Forbes

Playing roles in front of the camera and behind, as stylist, make-up artist and hairstylist, Sherman transforms herself with each shot. "Rooms With A History"RizzoliRooms With A History by Ashley Hicks (Rizzoli) charts the English designer’s creative process and showcases his furniture, interior and artistic designs. Hicks is the son of aristocratic decorator David Hicks, who’s best known for using geometric designs, vibrant colors and mixing modern designs and antiques in his iconic projects. "Linda McCartney: The Polaroid Diaries"TaschenLinda McCartney: The Polaroid Diaries (Taschen) features the late photographer’s candid polaroid works from the 1970s through the 1990s including of her husband Beatle Paul McCartney."Flower Color Guide"PhaidonFlower Color Guide by Darroch and Mikey Putnam (Phaidon), founders of New York-based floral design firm Putnam & Putnam, features 400 flower types organized by color and includes tips on flower care and design. Putnam & Putnam has become the in-demand florist for weddings and fashion shows working with people like Gwyneth Paltrow , Chrissy Teigen, Jason Wu and Brandon Maxwell to create organic arrangements in their signature dusty antique color palettes. "Dior By Peter Lindbergh"TaschenDior By Peter Lindbergh (Taschen) showcases the late photographer Peter Lindbergh’s photography for the French fashion house Christian Dior. Included are shots of actresses and brand ambassadors Marion Cotillard and Charlize Theron, models Alek Wek, Karen Elson and Amber Valletta as well as many never-bef... https://www.forbes.com/sites/natashawolff/2019/11/18/holiday-gift-guide-2019-the-top-photography-and-design-books/

Flower etiquette has changed dramatically over time. But the type you give still sends a message. - The Washington Post

A get-well bouquet could channel a favorite place, pastime or dream.[Obama party planner Bryan Rafanelli shares his secrets for a memorable bash]Ashley Greer, owner of Atelier Ashley Flowers in Alexandria, Va., said clients tend to get stressed out about their flower choices. “Some people are very self-conscious when it comes to flowers and their impressions,” Greer says. “People think that the flowers they use at an event or that they send are a direct reflection on them. And they want to be careful that their arrangement reflects their taste, their style and the occasion.” Condolence flowers may be what people most obsess about. “When you are sending something for a funeral you want to be sensitive,” Greer says. “Sometimes people say they don’t want to send anything that looks fun. They prefer something white and green.”Dowling, whose studio is in Alexandria, says condolence flowers “don’t have to be all white. Having flowers that are soft and comforting and focus on texture is a good way to go. Make them personal, and possibly reflecting a certain flower the person loved. Then they can really evoke the sense of a warm hug.”New York flower designer and illustrator Cathy Graham says her go-to sympathy flowers include a paperwhite plant and a white or blue hydrangea plant that could bloom for a few weeks. “You don’t have to do all white, but I would not use bright, festive colors.”Don’t overlook household pets when you are creating a bouquet or arrangement to send to someone, says Graham. “Lilies and other flowers are bad for cats,” says Graham, who worries about that with her own two ginger cats Reggie and Cheddar. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals publishes a list of plants that are poisonous to pets.The main thing with flowers is don’t overthink them. “People are so touched by your making the effort to send flowers that pretty much whatever you send will be appreciated,” Graham says. SKC PhotographyIncluded in this Atelier Ashley Flowers design for a baby shower are ranunculus, which means radiant charm. It never hurts to let a woman who is about to give birth know that she is radiant, owner Ashley Greer says.Anne Chertoff, chief operating officer of Beaumont Etiquette, a New York consulting firm, says it’s always a good idea to check on religious practices and customs. “People like to know the rules,” she says. “They can think about the message they want to get across. Then it’s up to them if and when they want to use the rules or break with them.” For instance, flowers for a funeral often center on lilies. But she says instead of flowers, it’s customary for Jews to send or bring food to the homes of the family who aren’t supposed to cook during the shiva, which lasts seven days, and also to feed people who come to pay respects to the family. “I’m Jewish, so I would send an edible arrangement,” she says. Amy Merrick, a flower designer who ran her own studio in Brooklyn and now focuses on events and teaching, says she’s found that many customers don’t have a very good knowledge of the varieties of flowers and place more importance on the style or mood of their arrangements. “The average person does have an interest in what flowers represent, but not in the historical context,” she says. People are sending their own messages, choosing them based on the personality of the recipient and the personality of the flowers. “I think buying a bunch of daisies signifies this is a sweet, free-spirited personality, whereas an orchid has a more elegant feel to it,” Merrick says.Tif HunterDaisies are good to send to someone who has a casual, free-spirited sty... https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/when-you-send-flowers-what-message-are-you-sending/2019/11/05/61d33abc-f1e2-11e9-8693-f487e46784aa_story.html

Penticton woman treasures dried flowers sent from war front - Penticton News - Castanet.net

Photo: Colin DacreDried flowers inside a framed photo of Reid Brennan.Janice Ashley was moved by a war flowers article on Castanet because it reminded her of the dried flowers her uncle, Reid Brennan, sent her mother, Jacquelin Swain, back in 1943.He sent the flowers with a photo while he served in Italy during the Second World War."On the back of the picture frame is an old yellow thing saying 'picked at a town north of Sangro River. Dec. 1943,'" said the Penticton resident.The flowers have been with Ashley since she inherited it from her mother who had it with her for years."I think they were poppies, I'm not sure," she said.Brennan returned home safely from the war and got married, but the conflict affected him."I think of how terrible it was for him and how it changed him. He wouldn't talk about a lot of it for a long time." Brennan has two children, a son and daughter, but Ashley says she doesn't know where they are. Last she remembers, they were from Sudbury, Ont. https://www.castanet.net/news/Penticton/269792/Penticton-woman-treasures-dried-flowers-sent-from-war-front

Welcome Mat: Ferndale florist hits the road with mobile flower cart - The Detroit News

One way to help butterflies is to plant native plants, such as milkweed for monarch butterflies. Ten milkweed species are native to Michigan – the most widespread of which are common milkweed, butterfly milkweed and swamp milkweed. If you'd like to plant milkweed in your own yard, Barson's Greenhouse, 6414 Merrimen in Westland, carries milkweed. To learn more about pollinators, click here. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/2020/07/02/mobile-flower-cart-ferndale/5351054002/

Flower growers see sales wither as planting season launches - CBC.ca

Canadian production stems from Ontario. Neighbouring New York and Ohio have also forced garden centres to lock their doors, while Michigan and Vermont have banned retailers from selling non-essential products, including home gardening items. "If they don't open, the damage is going to be astronomical," said trade group head Andi Kuyvenhoven, noting garden centres' crucial role for bedding plants in particular. British Columbia — the second-biggest flower and plant producer — Alberta and Manitoba and have allowed garden centres to keep running, while Quebec deemed them essential along with nurseries as of April 15, though not in time for Easter. Kuyvenhoven, who with his wife co-owns a $2.5-million business selling potted Chrysanthemums and indoor calla lilies — largely to U.S. distributors — on a pair of farms west of Toronto, says clogged supply chains south of the border remain a problem. 'I haven't slept in five weeks' "U.S. customers for a time closed their distribution systems to floral and so the main grocery chains were not purchasing plants," he said, which was hard on growers of cut flowers such as roses and tulips. "If a truck can take 24 skids and four skids were flowers, the flowers came off the trucks and they put more food on the truck — which we completely understand. The only challenge is, when you're growing flowers as we do, they also have a shelf life," said Kuyvenhoven, who bought his business from his parents in 1990. "Now we're now facing liquidity issues...I haven't slept in five weeks." Flowers Canada Growers says exports to the U.S. make up about one-third of greenhouse flower and plant sales, which hit $1.6 billion in 2018, according to Statistics Canada. Nursery sales topped $500 million. While garden centres can continue to operate across much of the continent, growers wonder whether bouquets and flower pots will remain on the shopping list of consumers struggling to make rent amid soaring unemployment numbers and a looming recession. Kuyvenhoven is hoping that families confined to their homes for most of the day will choose to spend what they've saved from unpurchased vacations and lattes on plants for their vases and flower beds. "That's part of what's carried us through downturns in the past," he said. Growers associations are in talks with federal and provincial governments over potential financial relief, with Flowers Canada Growers asking for a "cash injection" as well as extended debt repayment plans secured in part by Ottawa, Kuyvenhoven said. So far, the federal government has extended a stay of default for eligible farmers until Oct. 31, giving flower and potted plant producers an extra six months to pay off federal loans that would have been due at the end of April. Ottawa has also granted exemptions on air travel restrictions to temporary foreign workers and invested $50 million to help farmers fly in labourers on charter trips. "New flights are being booked ever day," the agriculture department sai... https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/flower-growers-hamilton-1.5546023

For Livingston County nurseries closed over the coronavirus: 'May is make it or break it' - Livingston Daily

Her hanging flower baskets and flats of flowers are beginning to bloom as April nears its halfway point. However, like other nurseries and retail garden centers in Michigan, Morehouse's business, Tulip Tree Gardens, is not going to open for the season on time.The delay is due to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay home order, which she recently extended until April 30 with tighter restrictions. "If Gov. Whitmer keeps everything closed past May 1, she'll kill agriculture," Morehouse said. "Half of what I've prepared to sell would be sold by Mother's Day."She said she believes any more extensions of the stay home order would bankrupt nurseries like hers. MORE: New map shows where COVID-19 cases are in countyMORE: Former judge David Reader to run for county prosecutorMORE: No Livingston County residents charged with order violationsBefore the spread of COVID-19 in the state, Morehouse was planning to open Saturday. She said the season ends for her in July, but most of her business is done in May and June. She said she is worried she will have to toss plants she's been growing and tending for months. The financial loss in equipment and investment in plants could be at least $45,000, not accounting for lost sales. She continues watering her plants every day, hopin... https://www.livingstondaily.com/story/news/local/community/livingston-county/2020/04/17/livingston-flower-nurseries-limbo-may-make-break-it-garden-centers/2986553001/

9 Fabulous Flowers To Plant To Remind You Of Your International Travels - TravelAwaits

You can also spot these gorgeous blooms at festivals around the United States in the spring. Tulip Time in the aptly named Holland, Michigan, is the best known of them all.One of the great things about tulips is that they can be grown from bulbs. That means that once you plant them in your garden, they can come up year after year. Though most people think of single tulips in bright yellow, red, and pink hues, there are actually many varieties of tulips, including double, fringed, and multicolor.Pro Tip: Remember that to enjoy tulips in the spring, you’ll need to plant them in the fall.Where To BuySome large stores such as Costco and Home Depot carry tulip bulbs. If you want to order them online, Breck’s and Holland Bulb Farms offer large selections.2. Irises -- FranceThe national flower of France is the beautiful iris. These delicate blooms are the model for the symbol of the French monarchy, the fleur-de-lis. There are some 300 flowers in the iris family, with colors ranging from quite subtle to very vibrant. We especially love the purple and blue varieties.Areas around the Loire Valley offer many wonderful places to view irises; there is even a sightseeing circuit you can follow to see them.Like tulips, irises can be grown from bulbs.Where To BuyGilbert H. Wild... https://www.travelawaits.com/2493621/flowers-to-remind-you-of-international-travels/?pv=related_list