Thirsty Thursdays

In every floral department there is an emphasis on maintaining a fresh look. It is vastly important that each day, we check all plants for water and grooming. A simple way to test for both of these items is by placing your finger on top of the soil of each plant and pressing lightly. If it feels moist, then moving on to grooming is necessary. If it feels dry, it is extremely important to consider the type of plant before determining how much water it needs.
Grooming consists of pulling all dead leaves, broken stems, and weak blooms from the plant. Allowing any of these issues to remain on the plant will only weaken the plant further and take energy away from the thriving life of the other stems, as well as promote bacteria.
Each Thursday I would like to discuss a particular plant and delve into how to take care of, maintain, and dispose of this plant.

Azaleas-they are finicky and often difficult to maintain indoors. While they love the humidity of our region, they are extremely temperamental in that if they are not maintained properly they will not be able to be revived again. Azaleas require a lot of water. However, if they're sitting in water that will reverse the cause and create root damage. Once you finger test the soil(daily), determine on a scale of 1-10 on how dry it actually feels. After, I poor water on the soil counting to that number. So if it feels about a 6 on dryness(10 being the most dry) I poor water on the soil while counting to six. Then I pull damaged blooms and once the water has seemed to soak through I shake the entire plant over a garbage can. The leaves shed a lot and allowing them to sit on the plant or on top of the soil will again, only promote bacteria. After I have shaken the leaves off, I feel the bottom of the pot cover. If it seems there is water sitting between the pot cover and the base of the plant, I remove the pot cover and dump out the remaining water. Replacing the pot cover and ensuring to do the same thing tomorrow in order to maintain such a beautiful, lustrous plant.

Vans Floral Show

One of the many perks of being a florist is that often vendors will have exhibits and shows open to all florists in the area. One particular vendor located in South Bend, Indiana is called Vans Floral Products, and I was recently able to attend a Christmas and Fall exhibit.
Upon arriving at Vans warehouse, I realized how many other florists were attending and even recognizing a few, I was able to converse on the latest challenges presented to us in our particular field. We laughed about particular customers and commented on the optimisism for the upcoming mum season.
Then I was able to shop. If your company attends the design show, you can receive up to a 10% discount on any merchandise purchased at their warehouse. I loaded up on fall ribbon, preserved oak leaves and cattails, as well as vases and supplies for our designs.

After making my purchases and getting refreshments, I took my seat for the show to begin. Some of the new features for the show included a new variety of fake snow to be used with fresh product, which incorporated the outdoors into someone's home. It was magical to see the light fluff fall upon the design while the still mild sun beat upon my back through the windows. I also learned of new techniques in which to entice customers in buying things that are mandatory in their  budgets but which allowed my department and their homes to reap the benifits.

As I was driving home, I considered all of the new designs I had witnessed and felt inspired and excited about the holiday season in my floral shop. I still felt a little nervous about the economy causing my sales to plunge but I knew that shows like this allowed me to be the best at my profession.

It's tough to swallow, but beautiful none the less.

I chose this image because it indicates to me how my job makes me feel. It allows me to tap into creative ideas and not feel inhibited. However, at the same time, it creates feelings of discomfort and a wildness that affects my surrounding life. Creating designs is a way for me to release. I enjoy establishing monochromatic arrangements as well as something a little more modern and abstract. My favorite would have to be the abstract.

This image showcases a more eclectic feel to flowers. What kind of flower is this? If it were a rose or a carnation or a daisy, most people would recognize it immediately. That's how I would like my customers to view my own work. I want them to be intrigued by the designs but not quite sure what to call the designs. I want them to take an arrangement similar in design as this flower, out of the case and feel compelled to purchase it simply because it feels ambiguous but exciting.

A day in the life of the flower lady...

Upon walking into the shop, I check my mail(both email and postal), faxes, and sales from the previous day. I compare my sales to the day previous year and am sure to note if there was a large funeral piece or wedding in the same week/day for last year.
I then evaluate the current days orders and the following days orders. What needs to be done first due to time, and what can be done later in the day; always ensuring the customer is receiving the freshest and most beautiful work we can accomplish.
Then I check the floor. I check each plant for water by finger testing the soil. If it is dry, depending on the plant, it gets a little or a lot of water. It is extremely important to retain knowledge of the product so as to give the best and freshest product available to the customer. How I take care of my merchandise ultimately transtlates into sales.
After I check all plants, I check the design case. I check each vase and foamed arrangement for water and re-design as needed. Then I check the open air case. I ensure each bouquet is in water and each single stem isn't overcrowded or smashed. In between all of the checking, redesigning, and filling I often wait on customers.
Customer are the biggest emphasis in my shop. It doesn't matter what myself or my clerks are doing. We are to stop whatever we're doing and assist them in the most efficient manner. These duties could include, blowing up balloons, designing on the fly, recommendation for a particular event, explaining Care and Handling requirments for a specific item, or even gardening tips for them at home. It is extremely important to me that my customers feel comfortable in asking questions and that they are aware that we are very familiar with our products and services.
On occasion, I may be required to have a consultation with a bride to discuss her upcoming nuptuals. This is a stressful time for her so I try to create a comforting and detailed meeting with her. We will often sit in the cafe and go into detail her hopes and dreams involving flowers, balloons, decorations, and colors.
This is my typical day. I repeatedly check the floor, merchandise, assist customers, and consider upcoming holidays. There are always a million items on my agenda each day but never knowing what may happen next, design wise, makes the job that more enjoyable.

Writing, Eating, and Movies...a little of everyday life.

1. Sarah Dessen
This blog is intriguing to me because she mixes the adversity of being a published, successful author with being a mom, wife, and normal citizen. She isn't afraid of being self-deprecating. As well as the fact that she doesn't praise or brag about her accomplishments or accolades.

2. Chocolate and Zuccini
I really enjoy this blog because the author's recipes not only ooze with delicious words but her enthusiasm also opens up a healthy, savory and sweet door to new foods. She takes everyday and fresh ingredients and incorporates them into tasteful and healthy alternatives to foods we often crave everyday.

3. JoBlo
This blog is a favorite because not only does it have a plethora of information on upcoming and already released movies, but it also has critique of films not even released yet. While I don't always agree with the reviews, I do often find them intriguing, informative, and humorous. There isn't a focus on who is the most popular celebrity, what fashion is being worn on the red carpet, or if famous couples broke up. It's not superfluous. Just movies.