Switched to a moisture meter and only water when it reads dry, which is maybe once every 3 weeks. Anyone else have a specific plant that totally changed your watering routine?
I made a corsage for an older lady's church event. She was so thrilled she hugged me and brought her friends by later. What kind of customer reactions give you that warm fuzzy feeling?
My hydrangeas were drooping badly yesterday. I gave them a cold water soak, and they perked right up by morning. Do you use any special methods for hardy blooms?
I thought carnations were too plain for special events. After using them for a wedding, I saw their beauty. Now I recommend them often.
Who knew that lifting a bucket of water lilies could throw out your back so badly?
I use reusable moss frames for most arrangements now.
I put together a birthday bouquet with peonies last week, thinking they were just pretty. The client quietly told me that where she's from, peonies mean something bad. I had no idea flower meanings could change like that. Makes you wonder what else we might be missing, right?
I had to toss out buckets of foam after a big job and felt guilty. This stuff never breaks down and pollutes water, yet it's the go-to for many arrangements. What other choices have you used that hold up well?
We had a repeat customer send flowers to a friend going through a tough time. Tom, who handles deliveries, quietly added a kind note to the arrangement. The friend called today just to say how much it meant, and it really lifted everyone's spirits. It's these small acts that make our shop feel like more than just a job.
My wholesaler would often send flowers that were past their prime. I'd complain, and they'd say it was my fault for not storing them right. Once, I got hydrangeas that were brown at the edges. Now, I unbox each order with a quick video on my phone. I send it to them right away with the order details. This has cut down on arguments and got me better replacements. It saves time and keeps my stock fresh for clients.
Letting kids pick their own way keeps home calm and might help the biz in the long run.
I was trimming roses for a big bouquet order. My hands kept getting scratched up pretty bad. Another florist at the shop told me to try using regular kitchen shears. It cuts the thorns off clean and keeps the stems in better shape.
Losing that wedding gig stung, but sticking to my no-foam rule makes me feel like I'm doing right by the planet.
I was putting together a big arrangement for a weekend wedding and saw some lilies were looking limp. On a whim, I filled a sink with cool water and let the stems sit for about an hour. When I looked later, the flowers had straightened up and looked fresh again. This works because the cool temperature helps the stems drink more water. Since then, I have done this with other flowers like tulips and it often helps. It is a quick fix that does not cost anything extra. I keep a plastic tub in my prep area just for this purpose. It has become a standard step in my routine now.