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Local Flower Shop News

‘The power of flowers’: Alabama’s florists cope with pandemic, recovery - AL.com

South America.That area also happens to be where a large portion of flowers sold in the U.S. are grown. Morris said most of his shipments come by way of Miami from Ecuador, El Salvador and Columbia. But supplies are being slowed by limited travel and the effects of the pandemic. Pappas said 80 percent of the flowers from Norton’s come from South America, with some local sources as well.But growers are pulling back on production in South America because of the virus, he said. That has forced some florists to substitute varieties of flowers, based on availability.“It’s been a big burden for us because there’s a lot of uncertainty,” he said. “But people have been very understanding.”10Florists decorate Rotary Trail signDeliveries are still restricted at hospitals, and florists, like other businesses, are dealing with the demands of social distancing and sanitation needs. Employees are wearing masks, and drivers are sanitizing between stops on their routes. Last week, two dozen Birmingham area florists decorated the Rotary Trail sign at First Avenue South and 20th Street South with thousands of flowers. Pappas said it was an important moment for his fellow businesses and the city.At the same time, florists are trying to find new ways of satisfying customer needs while catering to the demands of the moment.“One thing I wish we didn’t have to do is non-contact delivery,” he said. “But I don’t see that going away anytime soon. Hand delivering flowers is part of the joy, to me. I just hope we can get back to it.”... https://www.al.com/business/2020/06/the-power-of-flowers-alabamas-florists-cope-with-pandemic-recovery.html

Founder of Victoria's 'cheeky' flower count, dies at 97 – Vancouver Island Free Daily - vancouverislandfreedaily.com

The Victoria woman who started a light-hearted campaign to count flower blossoms sprouting in British Columbia’s capital when much of Canada remained locked in winter’s grip has died.Norma Fitzsimmons, whose annual Greater Victoria Flower Count signals the early arrival of spring in Canada’s warmest winter city, died Friday, July 24 after suffering a stroke. She was 97 years old.This year’s 45th annual flower count, held March 4 to 11, saw a total of 45.9 billion blooms recorded in Greater Victoria.“I don’t think she meant to get under anybody’s skin,” said granddaughter Sheri Bourrie. “It was just a cheeky way of being, ‘Hey, look at us and look at how fantastic Victoria is.’”Fitzsimmons, born in August 1922, never left Victoria and stayed in her home overlooking scenic Cadboro Bay until the final two weeks of her life.Flowers were her lifelong passion and served as her way of helping people and promoting Victoria, known as the City of Gardens, said Bourrie.“You didn’t ever go to her house and there wasn’t a flower arrangement,” she said. “Even the last time we visited her there was a... https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/news/founder-of-victorias-cheeky-flower-count-dies-at-97/

Alaska rally supports gay couple denied service by florist - KTUU.com

Residents rallied in a small Alaska city to support LGBTQ rights after a florist declined to provide flowers for a same-sex wedding. The Juneau Empire reported that Tommy Varela says Heavenly Creations in Ketchikan told his mother the business would not sell flowers for his August wedding ceremony after learning there were two grooms. Varela and a friend organized a rally June 5 outside the florist’s location on Ketchikan’s waterfront. Between 100 and 200 people attended the demonstration, holding signs expressing support for the LGBTQ community. Shop owner Heather Dalin told the Ketchikan Daily News the business would not comment on the advice of attorneys. https://www.ktuu.com/content/news/Alaska-rally-supports-gay-couple-denied-service-by-florist-571156971.html

Founder of Victoria's 'cheeky' flower count, dies at 97 – Vancouver Island Free Daily - vancouverislandfreedaily.com

Even the last time we visited her there was a flower arrangement. Fresh flowers, her orchids, her flower garden outside. It was all about flowers for my grandma.”Fitzsimmons started her career as a florist, working in flower shops in downtown Victoria before buying her own flower business in 1957, which she sold in the late 1980s, Bourrie said.RELATED: Saanich counts most blooms in 45th Greater Victoria Flower CountFitzsimmons, known as a tireless community volunteer, would make flowers part of as many local events as she could, said Bourrie.She would donate and arrange flowers for the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinners at Victoria’s downtown Our Place shelter for homeless people. She also provided flowers and arrangements for the Greater Victoria Art Gallery, Victoria Symphony and the Victoria Conservatory of Music.Bourrie said she organized a beach wedding in 2010 for former cross-Canada runner Steve Fonyo after sponsors pulled out of the event following news the cancer survivor’s bride had previous convictions.“She was always about the underdog,” said Bourrie, adding her grandmother later invited the couple to celebrate their one-year anniversary in her backyard. “She wanted to do what she could to make it a beautiful thing for Steve and his wife.”Daughter Diane Kuypers said her mother saw herself as an ambassador for Victoria as a colourful, generous and welcoming city, and her message spread nationally and globally.“It’s a hard act to follow,” said Kuypers. “She was just so kind and her love of life — I think that gave her that longevity that she did have because of her passion for everything.”Kuypers said she will always remember being in her mother’s kitchen looking out at her country-style garden of daisies, lilies and cherry and magnolia trees, with the ocean in the distance.“She was very happy right up until the end,” Kuypers said.Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said Fitzsimmons made amazing contributions the Victoria area and the flower count has helped the city become a major tourist destination in February and March when other places are cold.“I think the benefit of the flower count is the story it tells, and I think that’s a lasting legacy that Norma Fitzsimmons has left for our community and I’m ve... https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/news/founder-of-victorias-cheeky-flower-count-dies-at-97/

Where to have a small wedding in Westchester, Rockland - The Journal News

Surrounded by stone walls from the turn-of-the-century, it can be set up for both a ceremony and reception for up to 50 guests."I can do pretty much anything," said Kelly, an expert florist who has worked side by side with his brother, famed Hudson Valley chef Peter X. Kelly (of Restaurant X in Congers and X20 in Yonkers), for over 30 years. He also works with other local caterers, including Mimi's Plate in Tappan. The garden, with its variety of shade-loving plants, has been the scene for many an engagement photo, so branching out into weddings under this "new normal" just makes sense, said Kelly. Ideally, he'd like two weeks in advance but will try to accommodate folks as much as possible. Book it: 456 Piermont Ave., 845-359-4480, nedkellyandco.comPeter Pratt's Inn, Yorktown HeightsThere's plenty of outdoor space at this historic property with a sizeable lawn and a tented area on their back terrace. There's also plenty of room inside.The 1700s farmhouse restaurant, with the cozy ambiance of a New England inn, has recently been renovated; it was taken over March 11 by Kujtim (Tim) Lajqi and his wife, Liridona. Tim grew up in the area and has a deep love and affinity for the property. He and Liridona are happy to work with couples and figure out what works best for their budget.Book it: 673 Croton Heights Road, 914-962-4090, peterprattsinn.comThe Abbey Inn & Spa, PeekskillPerched on a hill overlooking the Hudson, this new property, formerly the convent of the Episcopal Sisters of Saint Mary’s, is offering both indoor and outdoor weddings, albeit with new rules. According to General Manager Gilbert Baeriswil, events can be on the terrace outside, in the Cornerstone Room (with room for 30), in the hotel's private dining room (up to 10) or in the Hudson Room in Apropos restaurant (up to 22). There's also the option of the Highland Ballroom.Other rules require a 30-minute cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres that are handed to the guest by a server. During the cocktail hour, guests are supposed to stay in one location (table) while wine, champagne and non-alcoholic beverages are passed. There's also the option of four- to six-course tasting menus with wine pairings. A band or DJ are allowed, but there is no dancing except for the first dance and parents' dances. And, as per t... https://www.lohud.com/story/life/2020/07/29/coronavirus-changes-wedding-plans-places-readjust-your-nuptials/5449704002/

3 Honolulu Lei Shops Flourishing Right Now - HONOLULU Magazine

Honolulu residents for free; outside the city there is a $10 travel fee.Photo: OURTESY OF bloom by placeBloom by PlaceBloom by Place sprouted thanks to fate. When a neighboring florist vacated a spot in Liliha, Place owner Marion Philpotts-Miller imagined taking over the space. Then, an inspiring chance encounter with a floral expert in a parking lot screamed, “Go for it!” Now, this flower powerhouse is a branch of the thriving family interior design business. Helmed by Maree Miller, Philpotts-Miller’s daughter, the boutique specializes in all styles of lei, bouquets and arrangements. What’s available locally determines what Debbi Barrett-Holt will whip up—she’s the stranger from the parking lot and now Bloom’s resident floral artist. 40 S. School St., #120, bloombyplace.comRead more stories by Stacey Makiya ... http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/August-2020/Local-Lei-Shops-Are-Blooming-All-Over-Town-and-We-Found-3-That-Are-Flourishing-Right-Now/

Business at local flower grower Three Little Buds is blooming - My Buckhannon

She said her husband jokingly told her she could not grow any more flowers until she took part of her bounty to a local florist to see if they would be interesting in purchasing some of her blossoms.A market-style bouquet of flowers grown and arranged by local flower grower Joanna Webb. / Photo courtesy Joanna Webb“I had always kicked around the idea of selling flowers to local florists,” Webb said. “So, I took some of my dahlias to Anita’s Flowers of Buckhannon, and they told me they would love to buy local flowers.”She said she learned on the fly about growing flowers and started growing ones she found most beautiful.“I like the market bouquet-style of flowers,” Webb said. “With COVID coming in when most of the flowers were blooming, most of the florists were closed, and I had all of these flowers, so I offered subscriptions for monthly or twice a month bouquets, and I was overwhelmed.”Webb said her business is evolving and expanding, and so is her growing area.“Three Little Buds is named after my kiddos, who are two, five and seven,” Webb said. “I just love growing things and want to grow flowers for my community.”Webb said she feels the flowers she grows lend themselves to wedding work, noting Anita’s Flowers is a perfect fit because they often provide bouquets and other floral décor for weddings.An example of the arrangements Three Little Buds Flowers offers. / Photo courtesy Joanna Webb“Last year, I took flowers to Tammy’s Bridal and Floral in Elkins and JoJo’s in Elkins, but this year I have been too ... https://www.mybuckhannon.com/business-at-local-flower-grower-three-little-buds-is-blooming/

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