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Source Mayesh

What’s a Flower Frog?

Join the eco-friendly movement with the Flower Frog! It’s time to embrace a trend that’s not only beneficial for the planet but also exudes serious vintage charm. 

Flower frogs, the unsung heroes of the floral design world, have been gracing arrangements since the 16th century. Despite their long history, these clever devices were overshadowed by the convenience of other, modern tools, relegating them to the dusty attics of history. However, with the growing desire among florists to minimize their environmental impact, Flower frogs are experiencing a well-deserved renaissance. These sustainable alternatives reduce waste and come in many shapes and sizes, making them adaptable to nearly any design arrangement.

Tips for using flower frogs in your designs:

• Choose the right frog for your container. Make sure the frog’s size and shape fit nicely in your vase or bowl.
• Secure your frog with floral putty or adhesive to keep it in place.
• Experiment with different angles and heights to create visual interest.
• Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of frogs in one arrangement!
  

Each type of frog has unique characteristics and methods of securing stems, ensuring that every bloom stands tall and proud. These versatile tools are most commonly used in wide-mouth vases, providing a sturdy base for even the most elaborate arrangements. Beyond their practical applications, flower frogs can also serve as stunning decorative elements in their own right.

An elegant flower frog can provide the perfect solution for those who have fallen in love with a shallow vase or bowl but find it difficult to use due to its inability to hold stems. Florists can transform the frog into a functional and fabulous vessel for their creations by placing it at the bottom of the shallow container. The flower frog acts as a stable foundation, allowing for the arrangement of stems in ways that would otherwise be impossible.

No matter which type of flower frog you choose, they all have one thing in common: they keep your foliage looking fabulous and upright. So experiment with different frogs to find the one that suits your style and makes your arrangements come to life!

General Safety & Use Tips:

• Always handle flower frogs carefully to avoid injuring yourself; they can be EXTREMELY sharp.
• Ensure your frog is securely placed in a container before adding water and stems.
• Trim your stems at an angle to help them absorb water and fit better into the frog.
• Change the water regularly to keep your arrangement fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
• Clean your Flower Frogs thoroughly after each use to maintain their longevity.
  
  

It’s worth noting that while flowerfrogs can be used indefinitely, each cost can be very high for everyday design work. Fitz Designs recently launched their plastic flower frogs, which give you the best of both worlds: a reusable tool with a suction cup attachment for the right price!!

Full Article Here

Source Flowerpowerdaily

12 Best Edible Flowers to Add Color and Flavor to Your Dishes

By Jill Brooke

Who says fabulous has to be complicated? Not us at Flower Power.  One little flower can update not only a table setting but sprinkle a dash of pizazz to any dish. This is why edible flowers can be an inventive hostess’ tour de force. 

Chef Mario Sorrentino uses them to update any dish with just one sprinkle on a salad. It can also be used for decorating serving trays. The options are many and give people a “visual treat” says Sorrentino.

Flowers Have Been Used In Cuisine Since 140 BC

The Romans used violets and roses for salads, pretty garnishes and to decorate cakes. European, Middle Eastern and Asian cultures added flowers to beverages and cocktails for flavorings. Our ancestors also mixed them with butter or fruit preserves and added florals to marinades and salad dressings. And even our favorite flower-loving monarch -Queen Victoria – incorporated them into palace cuisine.

It’s no secret that flowers have medicinal properties. Roses are considered rich in antioxidants. Lavender calms the nervous system and is an aid to nausea. But even without that added health perk, using flowers in cuisine is fun. Edible flowers are also visually pleasing, offering the opportunity to make anything more special. Use them in desserts, salads and even sauces. 

Edible Flowers In Ice Cubes Become Eye Candy

A recent trend has people popping flowers into ice cube trays and ice pops. Two-second effort producing lasting results.  Poof. An ice cube becomes eye candy. 

In fact, a boring predictable salad suddenly becomes more interesting with the sprinkling of some vibrant yellow or purple blooms. I have literally taken greens, some dried cranberries or raspberries, sprinkles of goat cheese and added a few yellow and purple pansies – organic of course without pesticides – and voila – it turned drab into dynamic.

Other times when I didn’t have time to bake, I have bought cupcakes or cookies at the supermarket. Just beat an egg white and use it as a culinary glue. I take a brush, dip it into the egg white, and put it on the flower.  Voila. Or you can press a pansy into the cupcake icing if you have icing. It updates the overall look with visual excitement. 

Or sugarcoat roses and other flowers for garnish.  After you use the egg wash, just add confectioners sugar. It’s basically superfine sugar that is made for bakers and found in any supermarket. 

Or find your Monet and get some food coloring, a watercolor brush and paint a flower, as chef Angela Perkins did so beautifully. 

I’ve even added them to update a rice paper roll with herbs, shaved carrots and edible flowers. Creates such a wow factor.

Or add them as flourishes to any hors d’ oeuvres presentation. 

What Do You Have To Know About Using Edible Flowers?

Here’s a quick guide courtesy of Flower Power.

1) Make sure the flowers are from organic farms so pesticides are not used. Preferably grown for consumption.  The flowers in your supermarket are not organic.

2) For best flavor as well as visual optimization, pick them early in the morning – if not bought online. Wilted and faded flowers and unopened buds – can be more bitter.  Here are some online service for edible flowers – Melissa’s Assorted Edible Flowers is a good bet on amazon.com or go to Gourmet Sweet Botanicals. Other places recommended are The Chef’s Garden or Marx Foods.

3) When cooking with or serving edible flowers, clean them by washing them gently in a large bowl of cold water and letting them air dry on a paper towel. Use them immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container lined with a damp paper towel

4) Most flowers are only safe to eat in small amounts. What’s Cooking America reports that Johnny-jump-ups contain saponins while daylily flowers can be a diuretic. Do your homework and identify what you are eating. Make sure the flowers are clean by washing them and letting them air dry on a paper towel before using. Also, remove pistils and stamens from flowers before eating. or cooking. If you see wilting flower petals, remove them.

5) Here are the 12 most common edible flowers: Lavender, Calendula, Hibiscus, Fennel, Dandelion, Chamomile,            Chrysanthemum, Nasturtium, Sage Flower, Marigold, Violets, Marjoram.

Never forget that food is visual. So have fun with flowers!

Jill Brooke

Jill Brooke is a former CNN correspondent, Post columnist and editor-in-chief of Avenue and Travel Savvy magazine. She is an author and the editorial director of Flower Power Daily and a columnist for Florists Review magazine. She won the 2023 AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers.) Merit Award for showing how flowers impact history, news and culture. Listen to her on WPHT-AM every Wednesday night. Her book “The Wisdom of Flowers” will be released in 2025. 

See Full Bio

🌸 Why do florists always drive so fast?
Because they have petal to the metal!

🌹 What do you call a country where all the florists live?
Tulipmania!

💐 Why did the flower start a business?
It wanted to bloom where it was planted!

🌷 Why don’t flowers like to get into arguments?
They always try to stem the conflict.

🌻 What’s a florist’s favorite exercise?
Flower lunges—great for building stam-ina!

🌼 Why was the florist so good at their job?
They rose to the occasion!

🌺 What did the florist say after a long day?
“I’m lilied out!”

🌹 What did the flower say to its date?
“I think we’ve got budding chemistry.”

🌼 What’s a florist’s favorite romantic comedy?
50 Shades of Spray Rose.

🌷How do florists greet each other?
“Hey bud, how’s it growing?”

🌼Why was the florist always calm under pressure?
*They knew how to keep their pansies in a row! 🌼

🌹What’s a florist’s favorite type of music?
Heavy petal.

🌼What did the daisy say to the sunflower during a tough day?
“We’ll get through this—just leaf it to me.”

🌷Why did the tulip break up with the daffodil?
It just wasn’t rooting for them anymore.

Full Article Here

Source Flowerpowerdaily

Celebrating Knock Out Rose 25th Anniversary and Its Creator

By Jill Brooke

Twenty-five years ago, a rose bloomed that would forever change how gardeners viewed America’s most iconic flower. It wasn’t the product of a sprawling laboratory or an army of scientists. It was the vision of one man: Will Radler, a retired landscape architect from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with dirt under his nails, a dream in his heart, and a passion for making gardening more joyful and less daunting.

Radler wasn’t a commercial breeder. In fact, he began hybridizing roses in his basement, using a ping-pong table as his workbench and recycled milk jugs to catch runoff water. His mission? To create a rose that was not only beautiful but also resilient—something everyday gardeners could grow without the heartbreak of black spot, mildew, or endless spraying. He wanted a rose that would thrive, bloom continuously, and be virtually bulletproof.

“I wasn’t doing it for profit but to make myself happy,” he says. “I wanted to go into my retirement years by having easy to care for roses.”

He had been fascinated by roses since a young child when he perused a Jackson & Perkins rose catalogue at his grandparents house in the 1950’s. At 9 years old, he planted his first rose bush. Intuitively, he thought that the declining interest in roses was that the plant had been overbred for beauty resulting in a more fragile flower. This was a lifelong passion and like many dedicated selfless researchers, he didn’t even know what was going to be successful but wanted to advance the knowledge of roses through this efforts.

Of course he faced naysayers. Including a neighbor who routinely criticized his efforts and the sight of all the failing roses in his yard.  It took 15 years until 1989 before he planted a rose in the soil with the tag number of  “89-20.1.” A few weeks later as the rose bloomed, that next-door neighbor said,  “if you could produce more roses like that one, you’d probably be onto something.”

Of course, he knew that too and agreed. After all the “tinkering,” he found the magic formula.

What he bred became the most widely sold rose in North America—the Knock Out® Rose. Released in 2000, this plant was a revolution wrapped in petals.

That year the All America Rose Selections committee named Radler’s original red Knock Out®  shrub rose as one of its winners and it quickly became the best-selling new rose on the market. Last year alone, some 3 ½ million Knock Out were sold, a total only this rose can claim.

“Knock Out’ succeeded in transforming the image of the rose from a fussy Prima Dona to a friendly garden plant,” says Pat Shanley, a past president of the American Rose Society and the chairman of the American Garden Rose Selections (AGRS). “A rose of this degree of maintenance-free growing had not been seen before.  It changed the benchmark against how roses are judged by the general public and how people garden with roses. It is used by hybridizers worldwide in their breeding programs and literally saved the rose industry by renewing interest in growing roses.”

A Rose by No Other Name

The Knock Out Rose was unlike anything else on the market. It bloomed from spring to frost in flushes of vibrant red, held glossy, dark green leaves that resisted disease, and required minimal maintenance. While traditional hybrid tea roses demanded spraying, pruning, and pampering, Knock Out Roses asked little and gave back a lot.

“People were tired of plants that made them feel like failures,” Radler said. “I wanted to create a rose that made gardeners feel successful.”

The Knock Out Rose wasn’t just a hit; it was a sensation. It sparked a rose renaissance, particularly among younger and novice gardeners who had once written roses off as too fussy. Garden centers couldn’t keep it in stock. Landscapers loved its durability. And home gardeners loved that it bloomed constantly and could thrive in a wide range of climates.

A Star is Born: Partnering with Star Roses and Plants

A key chapter in this extraordinary journey was Radler’s partnership with Star Roses and Plants, a renowned nursery with a century-long history of rose excellence. Based in Pennsylvania, Star Roses is not just a grower—it’s a powerhouse of innovation, research, and horticultural integrity. Known for introducing countless award-winning roses over the decades, including famous names like Peace and Double Delight, the company had a reputation for spotting genius in the garden.

They saw the promise in Radler’s rose and had the infrastructure, marketing prowess, and distribution network to make it a household name. Star Roses helped bring the Knock Out Rose from a private backyard to millions of public and private gardens across North America. Their breeding standards are rigorous, their testing expansive. That’s why they’re considered one of the most respected rose producers in the world.

In fact, the rose was going to be first called “She’s a Knock-Out” but then shifted to “Knock Out.” After all, men, women and children love this rose.

In Radler’s Knock Out, they saw a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon—and they treated it as such.

The Magic Behind the Rose

So, what makes a Knock Out Rose so special? First, its disease resistance is near legendary. Black spot, powdery mildew, rust—these common rose ailments hardly touch it. Second, it’s self-cleaning, meaning spent blooms fall off naturally, eliminating the need for constant deadheading. Third, it’s cold hardy and heat tolerant, able to withstand a wide range of USDA zones with grace.

And let’s not forget the blooming power. A Knock Out Rose produces waves of flowers from early spring until the first hard frost—without interruption. It’s not just a plant; it’s a performance.

Like a scientist in a laboratory, Radler knew that making a disease resistant flower was no easy task – but essential. He literally. found a cure for it. How? He would take previously diseased leaves, dried and ground them in a blender, then spread it on healthy plants when the leaves were wet. He would also use overhead watering during growing season since it activates disease. Since resistant plants are easily. observed, he would use those for future crosses.

An Enduring Legacy

Since its debut, the Knock Out Rose has inspired an entire family of colors—pink, yellow, coral, even a white version—all carrying the same easy-care promise. But nothing compares to the original. Gardeners still reach for it like a favorite pair of jeans: dependable, flattering, always in style.

In the world of horticulture, few plants achieve the status of a cultural shift. The Knock Out Rose did. It democratized roses, removing their reputation as prima donnas and putting them into the hands—and hearts—of the everyday gardener. It has been called “the rose that saved the rose.”

I think that is true. Some have said that the only drawback is that to get the flower to rebloom, it lost some of the perfumed fragrance of past roses. Small price to pay for such beauty and endurance.

However Radler was more concerned about the color being a drawback. It was a fire engine red that “would not fade” and the trend was a darker color.

“I had hoped people would accept the color and they did,” he says. “I threw it out there because it had everything else going for it.” Now there are so many other colors to enjoy.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary, there is now a national Knock Out rose day and his town is celebrating his accomplishment. “I’m overwhelmed and very proud,” he says. “People at garden centers they plant Knock Out roses and usually that is their first plant they get and it becomes the beginning of a lifelong enjoyment of the garden.”

Sometimes all the accolades and attention does make him, he says, want to hide. “I feel very humbled but it is satisfying.”

Not only does he make a profit from every rose, he now is considered the George Washington Carver of roses. His invention is truly historic.

As we celebrate its 25th anniversary, there’s a sense that we may never see another plant quite like it in our lifetimes. While flower trends come and go, the Knock Out Rose remains timeless—both a horticultural milestone and a tribute to what happens when passion, patience, and partnership bloom together. As well as a humble talented researcher who never gave up.

Jill Brooke

Jill Brooke is a former CNN correspondent, Post columnist and editor-in-chief of Avenue and Travel Savvy magazine. She is an author and the editorial director of Flower Power Daily and a columnist for Florists Review magazine. She won the 2023 AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers.) Merit Award for showing how flowers impact history, news and culture. Listen to her on WPHT-AM every Wednesday night. Her book “The Wisdom of Flowers” will be released in 2025. 

See Full Bio

Full Article at Flower Power Daily

Source

Blooming Hats: The Fresh Floral Trend Taking Over Fashion

By Jill Brooke

As a bon vivant who has traveled the globe, R. Couri Hay has seen his share of fashionable hats. The society columnist and publicist has had a front-row seat at the Kentucky Derby, Ascot in London, Monte Carlo, and the New York Central Park hat luncheon as well as seeing many Easter parades. This is why he is in a credible position to observe a growing trend in millinery magnificence.

“The sophisticated ladies are decorating their hats much more with real flowers to give them an added edge,” he observes. “It used to be more silk flowers or sometimes having a hat looking like the Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty. But now flowers are blooming everywhere.”

Some of the most creative hat shows on the planet regularly take place at the  Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon hosted by the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy. This do-gooder fashion event has raised over $200 million in recent years, under the leadership of floral hat lover Gillian Miniter and other philanthropists.

“It fits the theme since at the Conservancy luncheon you are surrounded by lilacs in blooms, hyacinths and beautiful displays of flowers on all the tables and surrounding areas,” he says.

Timing is everything and in spring, one has many flowers to inspire. Plus hat parties are fun. Conservancy regular and flower innovator Martha Stewart is also hosting her own hat cocktail party in May for the Bedford Riding Lane Association. 

Furthermore, the younger generation is also caring much more about sustainability which ties into using fresh flowers for memorable bonnets. And this applies to other places besides the Central Park Conservancy.

“I think that the reason people are accessorizing their accessories, like hats, and taking it one step forward, is due to a need for originality,” says jewelry designer Madeleine Kowitz Chenevière who routinely is invited to U.S. and British events. “You can wear the same hat over and over again, and each time it’s tailored to your look or mood. Fresh flowers give impermanence to an outfit. It’s about living in the moment. No two moments or experiences will be the same.”

So what would be a festive hat to create?

An Easter bonnet with bold lilies. A garden hat with tendrils of lisianthus or amaranthus also known as Love Lies bleeding.  Perhaps a small chapeau with sprigs of lavender for a Saturday night dinner to match a purple dress. People also love theme parties and you could consider having your own hat party.

After all, as writer Linda Lee says, “If hair really were a woman’s crowning glory, there would be no need for tiaras, earrings, barrettes or crowns.  In fact, women love hats. Just look at little girls playing in a closet.”

Jennifer Reed, a New Jersey floral event designer who won Gold at the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show, also offers mom and kid classes, as do others. Ditto for grandparents with grandkids. Maybe this could be your next party theme.

Connecticut-based Rebecca La Flamme teaches crown-making classes which have been growing in popularity. “Dried flowers are very helpful and useful,” she says. “Especially strawflowers since they are also easy to string.” This way you can supplement with fresh flowers if desired.

“A cute idea for a Kentucky Derby-themed party is to use fresh flowers like roses, fillers like wax flowers or any other hardy bloom that works well out of water and greenery such as camellia leaves, Italian pittosporum or sweet jasmine,” says Gina Lett-Shrewsberry of California’s “Inspirations by Gina.” “Create a lush flower crown and tie the ends with a nice satin ribbon. Place on your hat and you’ll be the talk of the party with your crowning glory!”

One pitfall to consider when making your own hats with fresh flowers is the weather. Will the hat be worn that day or will you be traveling to get to a destination? It’s not a good day when tulips are wilting on the ribbon vine because there is no water source. Of course, one can use Crowning Glory or better yet, give a hydration bath to protect the flowers’ endurance. But better safe than sorry. You can also use tubes for water and use wire to put in a hat.

At New York’s Seasons, A Floral Design Studio,  Gerald Palumbo routinely makes hats for Broadway stars who want drama and fabulousness. Typically a client comes in with their hat to discuss concepts. Over the years of his storied career, he has created many eye-popping hats.

“It’s fun to go to an event and dress up a little bit,” he explains, noting that hats always make a fashion statement.

Some of the special ones included a large headpiece for a winter event. He attached a headpiece where white branches shot up and covered with hand-strung white orchids.  He then also put glass crystals on the branches for a sparkling effect. Attached to the back of the headpiece was a boa filled with sweet-smelling freesia that the client carried under her arm.

“Generally we will have a larger piece custom-attached to the headpiece to secure it,” he says. “You don’t want the flowers and branches falling off.” Other times he has a scull cap attached.

Now of course, not all his creations are THIS much of a production. But he does stress trying to think of themes. What season is it? Do you have a favorite show or book?

One time he strung together clusters of individual petals to create an oversized blossom. “We removed each petal and wired it to be fashioned into a flower,” he says. In fact, petals from a Cymbidian orchid work great as do ones from a camellia. Less can be more.

Another tip to consider is how the flowers move in the hat. “We like pillowy petals that look like the hat is dancing when the person walks. Ilex petals are effective for this effect,” he adds.

Another trendsetter in creating memorable hats is Sue McLeary, also known as Passionflower Sue. The Michigan-based educator, whose new book is “Flowers For All,” often uses headbands for her creations. Furthermore, she creates them sustainably.

For one floral creation, she strung together flowers in bead-like forms and pins them into the headband.

“Every day daffodils become golden trumpet beads with their petals removed,” she says. “The flowers’ inner trumpet is actually very sturdy and long-lasting, perfect for creating expressive, wired wearables.” She advises leaving a bit of empty wire on the end to attach as well to an ear wire.

For this creation, she used a handful of 20 gauge straight floral wires, stem wrap tape, 50 strings of daffodils, and a simple metal headband. Use stem wrap tape to attach them one by one to the metal headband.

“Other flowers that work well include tuberose, fritillary, agapanthus, gladiola – anything tubular, bell or cup-shaped,” she says. For example, one stem’s worth of hyacinth florets created one strung strand.

And if you don’t want to make your own, there are florists that specialize in these hats such as Kentucky’s Magnolia Millinery.

Whether from a headband, skullcap or a big bouncy hat, using fresh flowers will enhance any design.

As Miami-based New York Social Diary writer Lee Fryd says,  “No fake flower can match the beauty of the real thing.”

Gerald Palumbo’s 5 Tips for Fantastic Floral Hats

1. Look for long-lasting flowers

2. Refrain from tulips because they droop

3. Orchids are a good choice for long-lasting and versatility. Roses and hyacinths are also great. Use crocus petals too. Lily blossoms are great for a grand effect.

4. Make greenery your friend since you can drape the hat in between the flowers. Vines are particularly effective.

5. For bigger productions, make sure when you use the water tubes to hide your work. “Someone shouldn’t see or wants to know how I put it together,” he says. “In my opinion, it’s always best to leave people guessing.”

Jill Brooke is a former CNN correspondent, Post columnist and editor-in-chief of Avenue and Travel Savvy magazine. She is an author and the editorial director of FPD,  and a contributing editor to Florists’ Review magazine.

Full Article Here

Source: Accent Decor

TREND WATCH: Must-Know Pots and Planters

• by accentdecor
• 12 March
• Featured Post, Trends
• 50 Views

Spot trends before they take off! Our Trend Watch column highlights the key influences shaping the flower, plant, and home industries to give your business the edge it needs to thrive.

Each season, plant-centric customers, including plant shops and garden centers, turn to Accent Decor for modern planters and functional pots that meet their customers’ needs. In addition to drop-in friendly sizes and practical features like drainage and saucers, our curated assortment blends function with trend-forward design. Guided by global insights and customer feedback, our Product Development Team shapes every Accent Decor collection, ensuring an assortment of trendy plant pots that shine both in style and innovation.

We connected with Caroline Woods, Accent Decor’s Product Design Manager, to get her expert take on the top four trend elements that informed our new pots and planters collection.

#1: Surface Details
To elevate the everyday, drop-in friendly planter, artful details help to level up the artfulness of the everyday planter. Surface textures and intricate elements create visual interest and dimension, enhancing the impact of reactive glazes. These refined touches make pots and planters effortlessly stylish additions to a plant display or home decor collection.

Pictured: Morse Pot with Saucer, Zelle Planter with Saucer, Refresh Pot, Amrit Pot

#2: Pastels
Soft, sophisticated colors bring a versatile and playful touch that plant collectors will love. Our pastel palette is intentionally curated, balancing thoughtful design and artistry. Washy, reactive glazes create subtle variations for an elegant, one-of-a-kind look, while a mix of matte and glossy finishes adds depth. To enhance plant styling, we offer functional silhouettes in pops of color that complement plants.

Pictured: Pasadena Pot, Roux Pot, Tarrytown Pot with Saucer, Pearl Pot with Saucer

#3: Organic Shapes
Artfully formed and slightly asymmetrical silhouettes are trending, offering a modern, organic feel. These shapes, accented with wavy details beautifully pair with decor, often doubling as a statement piece on shelves or tabletops. Their unexpected shapes also enhance the beauty of unique glazes, adding a sophisticated touch to a plant collector’s most special plants.

Pictured: Maison Collection, Adrien Pot

#4: Organic Color Blocks
Incorporating color into a collection of pots and planters is fresh and on trend. We’ve included artfully applied reactive glazes in beautiful hues, offset by textured neutrals and color contrast. While each style is unique and of-the-moment, the Anselm and Shanti are two modern planter standouts. Both are unique combinations of natural clay and terracotta with hand-applied details that vary piece to piece. Each is a unique work of art.

Pictured: Lefkara Pot, Anselm Pot, Shanti Pot, Palladin Footed Bowl

To stay in-the-know, check out the latest Trend Watch columns here and here. To shop Accent Decor’s wholesale decor, and wholesale pots and vases, including all new and flower, plant and home products, visit accentdecor.com. 

READY TO BECOME A CUSTOMER?
A quick and easy registration gives you access to design-forward wholesale decor, wholesale pricing, product details ordering options, and much more! Register now.

Source: Oasis Floral Products

Full Article Here

 Every florist knows the struggle, designing the perfect arrangement, then stressing over how it’s delivered. Wobbly vases, shifting centerpieces, and last-minute disasters can turn a beautiful creation into a logistical nightmare.

We all face challenges in our daily work, but inventive floral designers create their own solutions. Christine Foley, founder of Caddy Up Solutions, realized that one of the biggest challenges in floristry isn’t creating flowers, it’s delivering them. After endless hours of pre-planning and production, delivery can still be a last-minute scramble.

What if there was a better way to get your flowers from vase to venue?

Photo: Christine Foley

While managing In Full Bloom, a Long Island wedding and event business, Chris applied her 40+ years of experience to solving the delivery dilemma. She invented The Flower Caddy – a game changing eco-friendly, durable product designed to transport flower arrangements safely and stress-free. Transforming a common floral frustration into an inventive solution.

 “Think about the six different ways flowers are transported,” suggests Chris. “From the vase to the carrier, into the refrigerator, onto a cart, inside the van, into the venue, and onto the table. It’s a more professional look when you’re not delivering designs in old flower boxes.”

Photo: Christine Foley

Flower damage costs money

Like most florists, Chris’ team calculates prep, product, and production costs, and builds it into the cost of bouquets. They know that every time they place flowers in the refrigerator, delivery van, or venue, they are moving and jostling fresh product. Replacing those damaged or bruised flowers costs time and money that must be factored into the price.

“You want to protect the flowers, because they’re expensive. Consider the money you’re spending on flower replacement. That money could be invested in a good, stable delivery mechanic instead,” Chris explains.

She wanted to move even large $300 – $400 centerpieces, without bruising the flowers. Chris tried placing the arrangement on a piece of Styrofoam. For larger arrangements she doubled the Styrofoam. She used wooden picks, but the picks broke. Her struggles inspired her to manufacture a new flower transportation product. A solution created by a florist, for florists.

National Inventors Club

Chris did her research and joined an Inventors Club, sharing her idea with like-minded people. She asked questions and got answers. “I googled – Inventors Club and found that my local college, Farmingdale University on Long Island holds meetings once a month.” Chris joined the NIC- National Inventors Club free membership.

She worked with a coach who guided her. She did her homework and located a manufacturer in Iowa that made 3D prototypes. They sent ideas back and forth, making changes.

Chris soon learned the basics of invention.

• Identify the problem.
• Do your research.
• Document your idea.
• Ask questions. Ask more questions.
• Be open to suggestions. Seek solutions.
• Test products in the marketplace.
• Learn from both good and bad reviews.
• Create a prototype.
• Manufacture. Promote. Sell.

Photo: Christine Foley

Creating the Caddy

Chris knew that many florists are tight on space. A big caddy would take up more room. How could she solve that problem? One day, she saw Legos and said “What if they could be stacked like Legos?” She made her prototype stackable.

“It’s just innovation, sitting with it, leaving it on the coffee table, having my cup of coffee in the morning, looking at it to say – what else could I put in this area? Because I know if it doesn’t do what it says, I’m going to hear about it,” chuckles Chris.

Many people advised Chris to go overseas for production, suggesting it’s cheaper. “But guess what? It cost $15K to $18,000 to get cargo here from Malaysia and China,” Chris explained.

Chris did zoom with factories in Asia via Zoom. “There was a language barrier.” She felt more confident doing business in the US and proudly saying its “Made in the USA.”

It may have cost Chris more, but she was able to visit the factory while the caddy was being produced. She and the product development team sat around the table sharing ideas. They still weren’t getting it.

“I made a beautiful centerpiece and put it on the table for the designers to see. Now, they could understand how the flowers had to fit as they were developing the caddy.” Working closely with her manufacturer, Chris made plans for a cost-effective mold.

Photo: Christine Foley

Have a Conversation

“It’s just a conversation. Life is amazing and great and you could have anything you want in life. It all starts with a conversation.” If that conversation doesn’t support your vision and mission, have another conversation,” suggests Chris.

Chris used design presentations to introduce her product. “I shared it with Smithers-Oasis North America. They were very taken with it and said “Wow! We need a product like this for our industry.”

The Flower Caddy

• 15”x 15”x3.5”
• Eight per case.
• Made of recycled plastics.
• Lightweight. Stackable.
• Easy to manage.
• Made in the USA.
• Available from your favorite wholesaler or oasisfloralproducts.com

 Why eight Caddies per box? According to Chris, their average wedding has to guarantee 150 people. A minimum of 15 tables – 15 centerpieces, needs two cases of caddies. “At the store we have 60 because sometimes our pieces are grand and we stack two caddies.” Stacking caddies one above another creates height needed to protect cascading floral materials.  

Counting Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Chris estimates there are 156 wedding days in a year. A count that’s expanding because people are booking more weekday events. Estimate the number of weddings you’ll have in a year, divide by the number of times you’ll use the flower caddy to determine your cost per event.

The lesser number of times you touch a flower, the more money you make from it. Chris shares some money saving wedding tips.

Fill flower buckets by recipe

Moving flowers from bucket to bucket costs you money. Storing flowers in buckets by variety wastes design time. It requires taking all the wedding flower buckets out of refrigeration in order to count and divide the stems for each individual set of designs.

While processing flowers, use the design recipe to count stems and divide the flowers into organized buckets labeled for their purpose. Centerpieces, bouquets, personal flowers, etc.

Remove the buckets of pre-counted flowers from the cooler as needed for design. Bring out the centerpiece buckets to design centerpieces, outdoor buckets for outdoor designs, and so on.

Photo: Christine Foley

To save time, Chris’ team pulls the recipe for bouquets, processes the flowers, flips the caddy over, and fills four cylinders by stem count. One bouquet per vase. The caddy is color coded and placed in the refrigerator. Later, designers use the flowers in each cylinder to design a bouquet.

Identify problems

 “It’s all about conversations and not being stuck in just one way to do it,” offers Chris. Once you identify a problem, think … who can help me think it through? We usually know someone that can help, or they know someone.  

Measure, analyze, and optimize your efficiency. Weddings can come one after another, so there’s not really a re-evaluation time unless you make yourself do it. January and June are good times to check the accuracy of your pricing – what’s working and what’s not. Sometimes you’re not making the money that you think you are because materials have gone up and your prices haven’t.

Schedule staff meetings on Tuesday mornings, while the weddings are fresh on your mind. Ask questions.

• How can we work better as a team?
• Share ideas and support each other?
• Did we allocate enough for labor?
• Charge for extras? Were we prepared?
• Setups and color codes prepared in advance?
• Worksheets compiled? Delivery well organized?

Discuss advance preparation. What can be accomplished Monday to Wednesday for execution on Thursday to Saturday to lessen staff overtime?

Create solutions

Florists move from one work crisis to another – holidays, events, or weddings. Re-evaluate the way you work a wedding. To save time, money, and pay less overtime, complete as many wedding tasks as possible in the early part of the week or on slower days. Avoid waiting until busy, prime over-time-pay hours to get things done.

Work backwards

Engage in conversations that identify problems. Create solutions from game changing ideas.

• What problem do I wish I had a solution for?
• What takes the most of my time and energy?
• Make a list of those items.
• Brainstorm possible solutions with others.
• Break your progress into small tasks.

Start with your vision, and work backwards. Share your passion for something that’s really needed. Have the courage to create that solution.

“You really have to be your own advocate and believe in your vision.” says Chris. “If in any way I can support you, I will. Just reach out to me. I’d be happy to guide you.”

Can you identify a problem you would like to find a solution for?

Each year on April 22, Earth Day invites us to reflect on our relationship with the planet and recommit to practices that support a sustainable future. For florists, Earth Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder that the beauty we work with every day is deeply rooted in nature. From the petals of a spring bloom to the soil that nurtures it, our craft is inseparable from the environment.

As members of an industry closely connected to the Earth, florists have a unique opportunity to lead by example—championing eco-conscious choices and educating customers on the value of sustainable floristry.

Grow Green: Embracing Sustainable Floral Practices

In recent years, many florists have begun to reimagine traditional practices with sustainability in mind. Here are a few impactful changes florists can adopt or celebrate this Earth Day:

• Alternative Mechanics: more designers are embracing alternatives like chicken wire, reusable mechanics, and sustainably sourced moss.
• Source Locally and Seasonally: Supporting local flower farms reduces the carbon footprint associated with imported blooms. Earth Day is the perfect time to highlight in-season flowers grown close to home.
• Repurpose and Reuse: Encourage clients to return vases or use vintage containers. Promote designs that embrace natural, compostable materials like twine, paper, and bamboo.
• Composting Flower Waste: Implementing composting practices can help reduce landfill waste while giving back to the soil that grows our products.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Ditch the plastic wrap for kraft paper, biodegradable sleeves, or recyclable containers that align with your brand’s green values.

Educating Customers on Floral Sustainability

Earth Day is also an opportunity to share your values with your customers. Use this time to:

• Host a Workshop: Consider offering a class on sustainable floral design or plant-based living arrangements.
• Share Your Story: Post on social media or include a note in deliveries explaining your eco-conscious practices. A behind-the-scenes look into how you’re honoring Earth Day can build trust and inspire your audience.

Planting Seeds for the Future

The Earth sustains our art, our business, and our way of life. By embracing more environmentally responsible choices—not just on Earth Day, but every day—we can help ensure that future generations of florists inherit a world still bursting with blossoms.

Let’s bloom with intention. This Earth Day, let your designs speak not only of beauty, but of care—for nature, for community, and for the planet we all share.

Full Article Here

Source: flowerpowerdaily.com

The 12 Best “Jeopardy” Questions Inspired by Flowers

By Jill Brooke

Of the many flower related questions, here are 12 “Jeopardy” questions inspired by the garden.

Jeopardy! has been an American game show where contestants compete to win money by answering questions in the form of clues. First started in 1964, it was hosted by Alex Trebek until his death in 2020. Ken Jennings, first a winning contestant, is now the host. The show is one of the most popular programs on television.

Considering that America’s favorite quiz show has been around since 1964, millions of questions have been presented but these are some of my favorites for my beloved flower lovers.

12 FLOWER-INSPIRED JEOPARDY QUESTIONS

ASK FRIENDS AND FAMILY THESE QUESTIONS FOR FUN

1)Sharing its name with an eye part, this flower’s name is from the Greek for a rainbow.

2)Each year, Holland, Michigan holds a festival honoring this flower?

3) Ikebana is a traditional art of arranging flowers in this country

4) Also called a yellow daisy, this black-eyes flower bears a woman’s name

5) The yoga position that shares its name with this water lily that was sacred to the ancient Egyptians.

6) April’s birth month flower is this sweet climbing one a member of the legume family x

7) The genus Tagetes is made up of this flower with gold in its name

8) The hybrid tea is the most popular class of this flower

9) Traditionally Tahitian men and women wear the Tiare Tahiti, a type of this shrub flower behind the left ear if they’re happily in love the right ear if they’re still looking for that someone special.

10) The name of this autumn bloomer is from the Greek for gold and flower.

11) This fragrant flower, often used in perfumes, is also known as the “Queen of the Night” due to its ability to bloom after sunset.

12) This flower, which represents remembrance, is worn in many countries on Remembrance Day to honor fallen soldiers.

We couldn’t leave you without a Bonus Final Jeopardy Question:

Dorothy and her friends encountered a field of these flowers that made them fall asleep. 

Here are the Answers to the above questions.

What are Iris, Tulip, Japan, Black-eyed Susan, Lotus flower, Sweet Pea, Marigold, Rose, Gardenia, Chrysanthemum, Poppies, Jasmine, Poppies

Full Article Here

Source: Details Flower Software

Meet The Duel of the Delphiniums Contestants!

by Details Flowers ● 26 March ● News & Events

The floral world is about to witness a spectacular showdown as 16 of the industry’s most talented designers step into the ring for the Duel of the Delphiniums—a high-stakes, bracket-style floral design competition where creativity, innovation, and passion will take center stage.

These top 16 contenders bring years (even decades!) of experience, unique artistic visions, and a shared love for flowers that transcends borders and styles. From seasoned educators and industry advocates to boutique studio owners and trendsetters, this lineup promises a dazzling display of talent. Here is a look into the Top 16 Contestants and their design submissions!

Meet the The Top 16

Andie Muller: Andie Muller, AIFD, PFCI, CFD, FSMD is a passionate floral designer and educator based in Central Florida. She owns The Flower Studio Oxford, where she specializes in weddings and events. Andie is also deeply involved in the floral community through teaching, mentorship, and leadership roles with AIFD and FSFA International.

Angelyn Tipton: Angelyn Tipton‘s nearly forty-year career in floral design, beginning in her mother’s shop, has culminated in her role as Education Coordinator and instructor at Floriology Institute. She’s a certified expert, contributing to major events like the Rose Bowl Parade, and has received awards for her wedding designs.

Bao-Tram Do: Bao-Tram Do owns Emerald City Flowers, an award-winning, woman of color-owned floral design studio known for its luxurious and modern creations. They specialize in serving a diverse clientele, emphasizing relationships and ambiance.

Bea Ember: With 30 years in the wedding industry, Bea Ember expresses her passion for flowers through innovative designs. She also enjoys working with permanent botanicals and creating art through painting and drawing. Bea thrives on challenges, participating in competitions to push her creative boundaries and explore new artistic approaches. She is currently a designer at A Touch of Elegance Floral and Event Design in Randolph, NJ.

Chelsa Larson: Based in Alberta, Chelsa Larson brings two decades of floral design experience, rooted in her Fine Arts and Business Management studies, to her work. She’s recently embarked on the exciting journey of growing her own cut flowers, further enriching her creative process. Her business is Bloomdiggity Floral in Alberta, CA.

Jayson Munn: Specializing in inspired floral designs for weddings, corporat events, and photo styling, Jayson Munn is a Burlington, Vermont-based designer whose work graces events across New England. He and his team’s collaborations with top professionals and venues underscore their significant impact within the region’s event industry.

Jena Gizerskiy: Jena Gizerskiy, North American Sales Manager for Rosaprima, brings over 11 years of floral industry experience, fostering key supply chain connections. A Certified Floral Designer (CFD) and active advocate, she serves on the WFFSA board and contributes to industry initiatives like Seed Your Future and That Flower Feeling.

Jill Heaton: Jill Heaton is a renowned florist with 36 years of experience, specializing in luxury weddings across Central Florida and destination locations. Her stunning floral designs bring elegance and creativity to every celebration.

Kat Castagnoli: Kat Castagnoli, AIFD, CCF, owns Kat’s Floral Design, LLC in Huntington Beach, CA. A member of the American Institute of Floral Design and a California Certified Florist, she also instructs at the HB Art Center and contributes to Florists’ Review Magazine.

Kim Brannan: With over two decades in the floral industry, Kim Brannan has co-owned Stems Florist and now heads Signature Events STL, specializing in wedding and event design. She’s a member of the Creative Cartel, SAF (receiving AAF recognition), and AIFD (earning designation in July).

Kristi Berry: With 20+ years owning Dahlia a Florist, Kristi is a prominent figure in the floral industry. Her credentials include AIFD membership, SAF affiliation, and certification as a Floral Judge. Notably, she blends floral design with business coaching, mentoring creative women worldwide and teaching at a local college.

Laura Clegg: From its beginnings as a small city flower shop and market stands, Central Market Flowers, under Laura Clegg’s direction, has blossomed into a full-service floral design studio. The 2020 website launch marked a pivotal point, allowing them to extend their reach through daily orders, market presence, and wedding services.

Matthew Norman: Matthew David Norman, a New York-based floral designer, blends the rustic beauty of his upstate peony farm with urban innovation. Through Matthew David Norman Design, he crafts striking, sustainable florals for luxury events and creative collaborations, bridging nature and modern artistry.

Sarah Ekberg: Sarah Ekberg, an AIFD and PFCI-accredited floral designer with over 20 years of experience, owns Lazy Acres Decor & Floral. She is dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and empowering florists through main-stage presentations at AIFD Symposiums, educational retreats, and digital content, helping them build thriving businesses.

Sheldon Jensen: With more than ten years of experience in the floral industry, Sheldon Jensen has evolved from a customer service role to managing a family floral shop. He has spent nine years developing his floral design skills and five years overseeing shop operations, demonstrating a commitment to exceptional service and continuous learning within the family business.

Tammy Krein: Tammy Krein, AIFD, CFD, NDCF, has owned and led Ken’s Flower Shop in Bismarck, ND, since 2001. A dedicated learner, she has pursued design education across the US and Europe, earning her AIFD accreditation in 2023. Recognized as North Dakota’s Professional Designer of the Year in 2023, she emphasizes the importance of education in staying current with design trends.

Now that you’ve met the contestants, it is time to vote on your favorite design! Each week, the designs with the most votes will compete in a March Madness-style competition. The winner will be announced on April 11th and will receive a $500 Credit to Ball SB, a One-Year Subscription to Details Flowers Software, a One-Year Subscription to Floral Management Magazine, and a complimentary ticket to the SAF Conference in Phoenix. 

The Grand Prize

Thank you to Ball SB and the Society of American Florists for their valued partnership and prize contributions. A special thank you to Allure Farms for their incredible support in sourcing and coordinating the logistics of the stunning delphiniums used in the contest.