Breckenridge Flower Shop News
A florist's advice for saving money on flowers - WTSP 10 News
Sunday, February 11, 2018We expect you to have questions."It's helpful to understand, that pricing is not standardized in the floral industry, says Kayle Walker Burns, owner of Petal and Bean Floral & Event Planning in Breckenridge, Colo. What one florist charges likely is different from other florists, and you also can expect differences if you buy flowers at a grocery store, online or from a local florist.We asked professional florists to share their top tips for buying bouquets and other items during flower-centric holidays and events.Preorder for your best chance to get what you want.According to the Society of American Florists, the ideal window for preordering flowers is three to 10 days. Preordering helps florists make sure they have the right and freshest flowers for the consumers - and ensure first availability. The closer you purchase flowers to the holiday, the greater chance of availability and the price may be affected. Valentine's Day is on a Wednesday this year, so florists expect more flower purchases in lieu of spending a weekday evening out. People are too busy with life and jobs, unlike when the holiday falls on a weekend, Drummond says.When you preorder, especially with a florist in a resort town like where Burns' shop is located in Colorado, you can be more specific in terms of what flowers you want. If you wait for the day before, or day of the holiday or special occasion, you might be limited to what the shop has on hand or the florists' choice, Burns says.For weddings, Heather Cole, owner and designer of Forever Cole Events in Oklahoma City, says it's best for couples to plan six to nine months in advance so she can secure flowers from her farm suppliers. Pictures on the internet can be deceiving.Florists know busy consumers might want to save time by purchasing flowers online or on the phone. But they encourage people to come into their shops to make the best decision when purchasing a gift or arrangem... http://www.wtsp.com/article/money/magnify-money/a-florists-advice-for-saving-money-on-flowers/507-515969923
Going with tradition on Valentine's Day? Choose gifts with a fresh and local twist - Insider Louisville
Tuesday, February 21, 2017Louisville Magazine for the Best Florist in Louisville award. It offers a Lucky in Love bouquet that is a couple of pooches made out of flowers.Nanz and Kraft Florists with three locations (Breckenridge Lane, Brownsboro Road and Dixie Highway) is a one-stop shop for Valentine’s Day. In addition to a selection of traditional rose bouquets, they offer all kinds of other Valentine’s bouquets. There is also a selection of gift baskets, such as ones that are UL- or UK-themed, baskets that contain hand-picked rose petals, and a Just Junk basket that contains sweet and salty snacks. Activity baskets are available for kids on your list, so they don’t feel left out.The Old Louisville Flower Studio on 1217 S. 4th St. offers elegant and original flower arrangements, along with custom displays and a variety of gift baskets.For the Sweet ToothSpeaking of sweets, our area happens to be blessed with several top places from which to purchase candy in all its glorious forms. Muth’s Candies, at 630 E. Market St., has been around since the 1920s. Perusing their selection of handmade chocolates, caramels and brittles is like stepping back in time.Just across the bridge in Jeffersonville (347 Spring St.) is G.A. Schimpff’s Confectionery. This store also has a long history — it began in its present location in 1891 — and also boasts one of the few candy museums in the United States. While just walking around the place could be a Valentine’s treat itself (they offer tours), you can find just about any candy your heart desires, including some local treats such as Schimpff’s signature Red Hots, Modjeskas and Hard Fish candies.Cellar Door Chocolates was the Official Chocolate Sponsor of the 67th Emmy Awards. Its owner, Erika Chavez-Graziano, was a graduate research assistant at Uof...
Find ideas for a Valentine's Day to remember - Insider Louisville
Tuesday, February 21, 2017Valentine’s Day or any day of the year. If you’re looking for something other than roses, choose a themed gift basket.Nanz & Kraft Florists is a Louisville staple with three locations: Breckenridge Lane, Brownsboro Road and Dixie Highway. It’s a one-stop shop for Valentine’s Day because, in addition to a selection of traditional rose bouquets, the florist offer all kinds of other bouquets fit for the occasion. They even offer a UofL- or UK-themed basket for the sports-minded.Schmitt’s Florist, at 5050 Poplar Level Road, is a family-owned florist that has a nice selection of rose bouquets for all budgets.Susan’s Florist, on 2731 Preston Hwy., has been a finalist multiple times in the Louisville Magazine for the Best Florist in Louisville award. You can check out some of their offerings on their site.The Old Louisville Flower Studio on 1217 S. 4th St. offers elegant and original flower arrangements, along with custom displays and a variety of gift baskets.Candies and chocolatesIf your sweetie likes sweets, you’re both in for a treat because you’ll find some of the best confectioneries and chocolatiers in our area.Muth’s Candies, at 630 E. Market, and Schimpff’s Confectionery just across the bridge in Jeffersonville, are two of the oldest candy stores in the country. Perusing their selection of handmade chocolates, caramels and brittles is like stepping back in time.Cellar Door Chocolates was the Official Chocolate Sponsor of the 67th Emmy Awards. This business was founded by a UofL graduate student who wanted to sell the truffles she often made for friends and family. You’ll find locations in Butchertown Market, downtown Louisville and Oxmoor Center.If your loved one enjoys chocolat...
7 gift-wrapping tips from the pros - Journal Gazette and Times-Courier
Tuesday, December 20, 2016MARY BETH BRECKENRIDGE, Tribune News Service WriterSo you survived another Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and now all your fabulous finds need wrapping.It’s just a hunch, but we’re guessing that’s not your favorite part of the holidays.Relax. The wrap artists at Apropos gift shop in Wadsworth, Ohio, are about to make the job a little easier.The shop is renowned for its gift wrapping, which is complimentary with purchases there. Owner Sally Shantz and longtime employee Ramona Britenriker have developed a trick or two over the years, which they shared with us.So put on some Christmas tunes, and let’s get wrapping. http://jg-tc.com/lifestyles/gift-wrapping-tips-from-the-pros/collection_d2fd72b2-3e80-5586-8e71-40ea7ef98d97.html
Wildflowers are popping off, best places in Summit County to view them - Summit Daily News
Tuesday, July 26, 2016As summer turns to fall, watch for the brilliant pink fireweed,” said Leigh Girvin in a blog for the Breckenridge Tourism Office. “According to some old wives, when the fireweed blooms to the top of its stalk, winter’s snows are six weeks away. Invariably, I have found this to be true.”Wildflowers grow in droves all over Summit County, and here are some of the best spots to go for sightings:FRISCO PENINSULAVanessa Agee, director of marketing and communications at the town of Frisco, recommends heading to the hill on the Frisco Peninsula. She said it has incredible wild lupines, which can be seen and approached from the day-use Dickey trailhead on the peninsula.To get there from I-70, take exit 203 and travel south on CO-9 through Frisco approximately 2.9 miles. At the sign that reads “THANKS FOR VISITING FRISCO,” use the left turn lane to access the trailhead. Proceed 0.1 miles.RAINBOW LAKE“The Rainbow Lake trailhead at the intersection of the bike path and 7th Avenue in Frisco brings you onto a winding trail with the most beautiful columbine ‘grove’ I have ever seen,” Agee said.She added that this hike is a great one for kids, too. Take the trail just to the right of the Summit County Church of Christ in Frisco and follow the trail to the left uphill to Rainbow Lake.CARTER MUSEUM AND CARTER PARKThe grounds of this museum in downtown Breckenridge at Ridge Street and Wellington Road are a great place to effortlessly see wildflowers like Penstemons. At the south end of High Street, head into Carter Park and take a walk up the hill to see wildflowers and nice views.CATARACT LAKEThis two-mile loop gives walkers a chance to enjoy the mountain lake and a scenic waterfall, as well as a plethora of arnica, columbine and purple larkspur.“My favorite Summit County wildflower hike circumnavigates Lower Cataract Lake for two miles on the edge of the Eagles Nest Wilderness,” Fielder said. “Wildflower varieties are numerous beginning end of June, and one of the thickest fields of columbine I know grows early July on the south side of the lake.”Drive 16 miles north of Silverthorne on CO-9. Turn left on the Heeney Road, and travel 5.3 miles to Colorado Route 1725 (Cataract Creek Road). Turn left, and drive 2.3 miles to a fork past the campground. Go left and park. There’s a $5 use fee.HOOSIER PASSThis pass sits at about 11,500 feet in elevation at the Continental Divide. Park at the top and walk on the trail to see all kinds of high alpine wildflowers.Head south from Frisco on CO-9 for approximately 18.6 miles until you hit the top of Hoosier Pass and park at the Co... http://www.summitdaily.com/news/23060440-113/wildflowers-are-popping-off-best-places-in-summit
Upended by COVID-19, a Wayzata florist landed a federal loan. And then the wait started. - Minneapolis Star Tribune
Sunday, January 17, 2021Mattingly started her business nine years ago, and it was coming off its best year — posting $500,000 in sales — when COVID-19 reached Minnesota. Though her shop was allowed to remain open, Mattingly said her event business plummeted as couples postponed weddings and restaurants closed across the state. She applied for a PPP loan in April. “We’ve lost about 50% of our income because of weddings,” said Mattingly, whose shop usually does $150,000 in wedding arrangements each summer. “People aren’t canceling on us, but they are rescheduling, and a lot of that work won’t happen until 2021.” Mattingly’s small shop has just two full-time employees, and she sent them home in late March, shortly after the governor issued his first stay-home order. Flower shops were allowed to remain open for delivery business because they were deemed “critical” to the economy. She expected her retail business to collapse, but the shop stayed surprisingly busy. Mattingly said her online sales tripled as customers called in large orders for birthdays and anniversaries as a substitute for taking a loved one to dinner. But with her employees at home, Mattingly, who is pregnant, and her husband, Julian, had to do all the work. “It’s been a really crazy two months,” said Mattingly, who is due to deliver her first baby in July. “We have been working 12- and 14-hour days every week.” Mattingly wanted to rehire her workers shortly after Mother’s Day, but her PPP application was put on hold when the program ran out of money in mid-April. On April 25, after Congress agreed to make another $310 billion available to small-business owners, Wells Fargo sent her an e-mail telling her the bank would soon submit her paperwork. “These are truly unprecedented times that we know are impacting both you and your business, and we will continue to partner and communicate with you throughout this crisis,” Wells Fargo said in the e-mail. ... https://www.startribune.com/upended-by-covid-19-a-wayzata-florist-landed-a-federal-loan-and-then-the-wait-started/571366132/
Ham Lake couple trust God as they grow family flower farm business - The Catholic Spirit
Monday, August 24, 2020And I had so much energy with thinking of doing really hard stuff to make it happen.”She and Jonah took Benzakein’s online course on flower farming, and dove into researching what would grow well in Minnesota’s climate. “Before we knew it, we’re like, we’re really doing it,” she said.Jonah gives Kristen all the credit for the flower focus. “I never thought I would be a flower farmer — I don’t think many men do think of that,” Jonah said, sitting near the field. He agreed to the online course, “and I was just sort of open with the Lord; ‘Wherever you lead us.’”“Ever since leaving school, I wanted to do something in nature. I love working outside. I’ve been praying along the way” for God’s guidance, he said. “Basically, I want to come home and I want to work from home.”The Carlstroms don’t know any other young farmers, but they’re not alone among Catholic millennials. Jim Ennis, executive director of St. Paul-based Catholic Rural Life, said there are like-minded young Catholics across the United States who are exploring and adopting a rural lifestyle, including small-scale farming. Many are drawn to a slower, family-focused pace of life away from the demands of city living and corporate work.Like the Carlstroms, many don’t have farming backgrounds, Ennis said, and it’s hard work without the guarantee of financial sustainability. But it’s rewarding, he said. Farming is creative work, where people can work in nature, with their hands, alongside family members, for the benefit of their own tables and their community. And even young children can see, understand and participate in their parents’ work, he said.“There’s something very innate in many people’s DNA to connect with God’s creation in a closer way,” he said, “and I think that’s very Catholic and very Christian.”Kristen admits that sometimes she’s thought the idea of turning stay-at-home mom to cut-flower florist is “crazy.” But, “there was a lot of discouragement that came whenever I tried to let it (the idea) go, and a lot of joy that was there when we kept pursuing it,” she said, so they forged ahead.The field is easily accessible from the Carlstroms’ house through a path in the woods. Kristen spends patches of time throughout the day tending its 20, 100-foot rows as she learns to orchestrate timing their harvesting with flowers’ longevity onc... https://thecatholicspirit.com/news/local-news/ham-lake-couple-trust-god-as-they-grow-family-flower-farm-business/
Getting married? Designers make case for 'unusual and beautiful' Minnesota-grown flowers - Minneapolis Star Tribune
Monday, August 24, 2020And that doesn’t have to mean settling for common garden-variety blooms picked in someone’s backyard. Minnesota flower farmers are growing increasingly varied and distinctive options for bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces. “I make the case for local with every bride, and I include local product in every wedding I do,” said Ashley Fox, Ashley Fox Designs, Woodbury. “As a designer and somebody who cares about the planet, it just feels good to do this.” There’s a misperception that local means rustic, she said. “We want brides to know that local flowers can look modern and innovative — not just a Mason jar full of daisies. We want to show people these flowers are cool.” It’s a message that Debra Prinzing, the Seattle-based author and founder of the “slow flowers” movement, has been spreading for more than a decade. Her books, “Slow Flowers” and “The 50-Mile Bouquet,” celebrate small flower farmers who are struggling to compete as big chain stores buy in bulk from growers all over the globe, driving prices down. ... https://www.startribune.com/getting-married-designers-make-case-for-unusual-and-beautiful-minnesota-grown-flowers/561464922/
Rosemary-Duff Florist: a landmark business - times-advocate.com
Thursday, March 12, 2020South Broadway and was sold to Bob Socin in 1956.Mr. Socin sold Duff Gardens to Pete, Dolly and Rosemary in 1976. Pete & Dolly Santrach and their two children moved from Minnesota to California in 1956. Pete was a Marine at Camp Lejeune until sent to Camp Pendleton. Pete left the service and over the years worked as an administrator for the Escondido school districts, for groups of doctors and for Baker Enterprises. Pete & Dolly had six more children in California. Four boys and four girls and now 16 grandchildren and one great grandchild.Dolly’s sister Rosemary Gornick learned the techniques of the floral business from a school in Cleveland, Ohio and opened her floral business in her hometown of Chisholm, Minnesota. In 1957 she moved to California (following her sister) and worked for Casa De Las Florist in Del Mar for many years and for Bob Socin and Duff Gardens before starting Rosemary’s Floral on Grand Avenue in downtown Escondido in 1974.Duff Gardens and Rosemary’s Floral merged in 1982 and built the Spanish style building where the business resides today.Aunt Rosemary passed away in 2015. Dolly Santrach passed in 2018.Today the business has four partners: Mary Ann Santrach, Rozanne Reguly, Luanne Csonka and Joanne Santrach. The sisters/nieces bought the business from their parents, Pete and Dolly and aunt, Rosemary in 1988.Mary Ann’s specialty is floral design. She says planning is important. “Ordering for a holiday like Valentine’s Day requires placing an order for roses by mid-January if not earlier to reserve the product desired. That can be up to 2,500 red roses alone!” she said.Rozanne Reguly is the primary decorator for the window displays and a floral designer.The interior of Rosemary-Duff Florist.Luanne Csonka is the managing partner. She says, “It has been said that floral arrangements were the only gift item besides pizza that you could have made and delivered – all in the same day! Our business is unique, sending floral gifts to express one’s emotions from happy occasions like birthdays to condolences for the loss of loved ones.”The sisters credit much of their success to Aunt Rosemary for sharing with them the techniques she leaned from floral school and her years of experience. Remember Bob Socin? I can think of no greater testimony than praise from the former business owner. Mary Ann says that nearly every day Bob will stop by the shop to say hello. Rosemary Duff Florist has designed florals for many weddings, events and special occasions throughout San Diego and designed florals for celebrities Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Streisand and Martha Stewart. “But we most appreciate our lon... https://www.times-advocate.com/articles/rosemary-duff-florist-a-landmark-business/