Alstead, NH Florists

Alstead Flower Shop News

New Hampshire florists see demand bloom despite event cancellations - New Hampshire Business Review

More people are also seeking blossoms native to the area, said researcher Kaitlyn Orde at the University of New Hampshire’s Sideman Lab.The number of farms producing field-grown cut flowers in New Hampshire climbed from 64 to 101 farms, an increase of about 60%, in the decade from 2007 to 2017, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).“Cut flowers are an increasingly important specialty crop in the state,” said Orde, “and [the spike] illustrates that consumer demand is strong for regionally-grown flowers.”Despite the lack of special events, Bob Cote of wholesaler Baystate Farm Direct Flowers in Bedford says business has been brisk. However, the continued postponement of large gatherings for funerals and nuptials is not hardy news for florists powering through less than ideal conditions. “Weddings are our bread and butter for the summer,” Cote said.Floral shops, like other retailers, are adjusting their operations to address customers’ hesitancy to browse in their aisles. In addition to offering delivery and curbside pickup, Hewson encourages people to visit her open-air greenhouse where she transferred many of her ancillary gift items. She also posted that same inventory on a revamped website.“We’re still using that [the greenhouse and the website] for people who don’t feel comfortable coming into the store,” she said. “Being inventive is what got us through.”Catalysts for compassion‘We have been crazy, crazy, crazy’ busy, says Shirley Wrenn of Shirley’s Flowers and Sweets in Nashua, who recently added a third vehicle to keep up with demand for flowers. (Photo by Sheryl Rich-Kern)Community well-wishers also helped merchants withstand the pandemic’s aftermath. One customer started what Hewson calls a “flower chain.”In April, Maryanne Jackson of North Conway purchased 20 table-sized bouquets of friezes, roses and greenery from Hewson with a note wishing people “joy and color,” asking them to support small businesses and consider paying forward the gift. Many of the recipients heeded the suggestion and called Hewson’s shop for more orders.“It was a real Easter bunny, Christmas elf, tooth fairy kind of opportunity for us,” said Jackson.That investment of kindness restored the dreariness of March, generating enough revenues to maintain Hewson’s cash flow.With the Mother’s Day rush behind them, florists are mixed on what the future will hold.Pandemics don’t have silver linings, but they’re catalysts for compassion. Aimee Godbout of the family-owned Jacques Flowers in Manchester, said she expects sales to drop off during summer, but she’s seen an uptick in customers placing orders outside of special occasions.“There’s the everyday ‘I miss you,’” as people choose flowers for parents they’re unable to visit, a neighbor who can’t get out of the house or the local nursing staff, she said.“Right now there’s a lot of ugliness happening in the world,” said Godbout. Working a... https://www.nhbr.com/new-hampshire-florists-see-demand-bloom-despite-event-cancelations/

Research aims to support growing cut flower industry - New Haven Register

EDT, Saturday, March 21, 2020 DURHAM, N.H. (AP) — Flowers are a growing industry in New Hampshire, and there's new research planned to help farmers and florists hoping to get in on the trend. The University of New Hampshire is starting the first study to evaluate three types of cold-hardy hydrangea species for cut flower and landscape use. Officials say the number of farms producing field-grown cut flowers in the state increased by 60 percent from 2007 to 2017, indicating growing consumer demand for regionally-grown flowers. The university-based New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station will spend the next three years evaluating hydrangea species to better inform farmers on key characteristics and performance, including the vase life of cut stems. https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Research-aims-to-support-growing-cut-flower-15147801.php

Upper Dauphin’s Macklin Ayers, Steel-High’s Mehki Flowers selected to Pa. Football Writers’ Class 2A All-Stat - PennLive

Ohio State last week, is one of eight Tigers to be selected, including a trio of linebackers in Michigan State-bound Cal Haladay, Preston Zachman (Wisconsin) and Max Tillett (New Hampshire).Southern Columbia won its third straight PIAA championship earlier this month, defeating Avonworth 74-7 at Hersheypark Stadium.Fleming caught 72 passes for 1,538 yards and 23 touchdowns in his final season to become the state’s all-time leader in yards and receiving touchdowns.Since 2009, sports writers who cover high school football around the Commonwealth have overseen the all-state process. Players are nominated in all six classifications, and then a statewide ballot is issued to afford all writers the opportunity to cast their votes.Upper Dauphin’s record-setting athlete, Macklin Ayers, joined Steel-High’s Mehki Flowers on the team’s defensive side. A tremendous two-way talent, Ayers accounted for 3,230 yards (1,960 rush) and 48 touchdowns at quarterback.The Tri-Valley League player of the year also contributed 107 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions as a linebacker, guiding the Trojans to a District 3 title and state quarterfinal berth against Southern Columbia.Ayers set single-season and career marks for rushing yards and combined yards.Flowers, who starred as a wide receiver and defensive back, produced 18 touchdowns and six interceptions... https://www.pennlive.com/highschoolsports/football/2019/12/upper-dauphins-macklin-ayers-steel-highs-mehki-flowers-selected-to-pa-football-writers-class-2a-all-state-team.html

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

It just seems like people forget,” Fred says. “I made up my mind that as long as I live, I won’t forget.”Which is why every November, sometimes before, he drives to New Hampshire (“No taxes. I’m Scottish, you know”) to the Dollar Tree where he buys 100 poinsettias (120 this year) for one dollar each. “See? They have five flowers on each stem.” Then he adds a bow (“I make them myself. I had my own florist business, Carousel Flowers in Chelsea. I did it out of my house with just three regular refrigerators.”) And then he drives to the 20 cemeteries where his relatives and friends are buried. He parks his car, grabs his cane, walks to the headstone he wants, places his poinsettias on the grave, then stands for a moment, remembering.AdvertisementHe 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... https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/globelocal/2019/12/11/christmas-time-poinsettias-for-everyone-who-mattered/rMrpN2ISnDXX7pdSDe0fXN/story.html