Full Article Here

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 Rosaprima

The Language of Color: Rosaprima’s Spring Rose Collection

20 March 2025

In its 30 years, Rosaprima has meticulously curated a collection of over 150 premium rose varieties. Each rose is unique and extraordinary, spanning a breathtaking spectrum of tones and captivating color combinations across 16 distinct hues. But beyond their exquisite beauty, what do the colors of roses truly mean? How can they enhance floral arrangements and evoke emotions?

Colors have a profound influence on mood and storytelling. They stir emotions, communicate messages, and elevate floral artistry. While interpretations may vary across cultures, certain meanings have become universally recognized in floral design.

Cool Lavender Roses

For those seeking a modern twist on classic lavender, Cooldown  is a standout variety. This lavender blend offers pristine beauty with a fresh, contemporary appeal, making it a perfect choice for upscale floral designs.

Sunny Yellow Roses

Yellow radiates happiness, warmth, and friendship. Reminiscent of sunshine, yellow roses are ideal for uplifting floral designs and celebratory occasions.

Among our top yellow varieties, Lighthouse shines with its luminous golden hue, adding vibrancy and cheerfulness to any bouquet or centerpiece. For a softer yet radiant touch, Effie showcases delicate golden-peach petals, bringing warmth and elegance to weddings and spring arrangements.

Vibrant Orange & Coral Roses

Orange represents enthusiasm, energy, and passion – like the brilliance of a springtime sunrise. It’s a stunning choice for bold, eye-catching floral designs.

For an unforgettable statement, Free Spirit,  dazzles with its fiery orange bicolor petals, while Carnelian boasts a bold orange hue, perfect for dynamic arrangements.Dark X-Pression,  a deep coral variety, adds richness and depth, making it an exceptional accent in spring bouquets.

Romantic Pink Roses
Pink is the quintessential symbol of romance, femininity, and elegance. From soft blush to vivid fuchsia, pink roses offer incredible versatility in floral design.

Among our favorite pink varieties, Christa embodies grace and charm with its delicate pink petals, while Romantic Antike features a deeper, vintage-inspired pink, perfect for garden-style arrangements. For a bold statement, Full Monty and Hot Spot dazzle with striking hot pink tones that bring energy and vibrancy to any floral creations.

Natural Green Roses
A unique and unexpected choice for spring is Veggie, a captivating green-hued rose. Its distinctive shape and color make it a versatile addition to wedding bouquets and floral arches, adding a natural, organic elegance to any design.

The Power of Color in Floral Artistry

Colors hold immense power in floral design. Whether curating for weddings, events, or retail displays, understanding the symbolism behind rose colors allows florists to craft more meaningful, visually compelling arrangements.

Discover Rosaprima’s luxury rose collection and elevate your floral artistry with premium-quality roses that capture the essence of spring.

Full Article Here

Source: Floraldaily.com

Carmen Márquez, BallSB: “Marigold Coco shines beyond fall”

Breaking the Marigold’s autumn-only reputation

“We still too often see marigolds being associated only with autumn, which we find unfortunate, especially since they come in more colors than just orange. It’s such a beautiful flower,” says Carmen Márquez of BallSB. “That’s why we’re giving our Marigold Coco a push to break free from seasonality. It’s available not only in deep orange, but also in yellow and gold.”

While the deep orange shade has long been tied to fall decor, BallSB is aiming to shift perceptions. “People are used to seeing only orange marigolds in autumn, likely because it’s such a warm, seasonal color. And many growers tend to plan marigolds only as an autumn crop.”

However, with a growing trend toward vibrant and diverse floral color palettes, there’s increasing potential for marigolds to complement arrangements throughout the year, she explains. “We see opportunities for Marigold Coco to be planted and used year-round—especially when combined with other flowers. But this requires a shift in planting schedules, not just perception,” she says.

What makes Marigold Coco special?
Marigold Coco is bred by Sakata specifically for cut flower production and distributed by BallSB “It features long stems and large, bold double blooms, characteristics that are highly valued by both florists and commercial growers,” says Márquez. “For growers, it’s also a practical choice: the variety is well-suited for tighter space production, especially when disbudded, and it delivers uniform earliness.” The series comes in three vibrant colors, including what Márquez describes as “the deepest orange available on the market.”

Not new, but newly promoted
Although the variety has been on the market for more than six years, introduced in 2019 its potential outside the autumn season is only now gaining attention. “Now we’re giving it a renewed push to highlight its full color range and break out of the seasonal mindset.”

Changing grower habits
Despite its versatility, some growers continue to plant only the orange variety for the fall season. “We need to break that pattern. There’s so much more potential with Marigold Coco than just seasonal use. We’re encouraging growers to think differently and take advantage of its year-round appeal.”

Marigold throughout the year, some examples
So how can Marigold Coco be used for different occasions throughout the year? Márquez explains: “From Easter to winter, Marigold Coco brings warmth, color, and joy to every bouquet. It’s more than just a bloom—it becomes the glowing centerpiece of any arrangement.” Below she gives some examples of how Marigold Coco can shine year-round, across seasons and celebrations.

“From a soft golden glow for Easter to a radiant bloom for Mother’s Day.””To burst of joy in summer celebrations and that comforting warmth as we Fall into Fall”

“To burst of joy in summer celebrations and that comforting warmth as we Fall into Fall”

“Even in Winter, Marigold Coco surprises with a sunlit touch.”

“Bold in color, rich in presence, and full of life, Marigold Coco transforms every bouquet into something unforgettable. It becomes the glowing centerpiece, like the sun lighting up the sky. ‘Marigold Coco is ready to shine far beyond fall. So, are you a grower in Colombia, Ecuador, Central America or Kenya and eager to try something new by growing Marigold Coco year round? Feel free to contact us”, Márquez concludes.

BallSB
Carmen Lucía Márquez
Email: cmarquez@ballsb.com
www.ballsb.comPublication date: Mon 12 May 2025

© FloralDaily.com / Elita Vellekoop

Full Article Here

Source Thursd

Acacia Creative Studio and Sideau® Bring Floral Magic to RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025

Pushing the boundaries of floral sculptures in a sustainable way.

By: THURSD. | 07-05-2025 | 6 min read

Floral DesignsFloral EventsSustainability

When it comes to reimagining floral design with a fresh twist, Rachel Kennedy and Xue Wang from Acacia Creative Studio know a thing or two. For the fourth year running, they’re bringing their signature style to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and 2025 is shaping up to be their boldest chapter yet.

Acacia Creative Studio has always had a thing for pushing boundaries. Their work feels less like traditional floristry and more like sculpture in bloom — think large-scale installations, raw textures, and designs that tell stories about nature’s rhythm and fragility. Based out of South Yorkshire but with strong ties to China, Rachel and Xue carry their passion for sustainable techniques wherever they go, teaching and creating with a real eye on the future of floral design.

Here’s what you can expect to see from them, and from Sideau® — the 100% natural alternative to floral foam — during this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show (20-24 May).

Tropical Dreams With a Heartbeat

This year at Chelsea, Acacia Creative Studio is taking on a big one: the RHS letters themselves. If you’ve ever been to the show, you know these aren’t just any letters. They’re icons. And Acacia is ready to breathe some serious life into them.

Imagine a wash of tropical color, shifting from warm kumquat orange through equatorial reds, into soft pinks — a rhythmic, daring ombré that captures movement and energy. Intertwined vines, flashes of light and shadow, bold textures… It’s not just an arrangement. It’s an experience. The RHS letters won’t just stand there this year — they’ll pulse with life.

Sustainability at the Core With Sideau®

But there’s more to this design than meets the eye. Acacia Creative Studio has long championed eco-friendly practices, and for their 2025 installation, they’re partnering with Agra-Wool International — inventor of Sideau®, the 100% natural alternative to floral foam.

Sideau® is a game-changer. Made from basalt, a volcanic rock, it offers the structure and support designers need without the microplastic nightmare that comes with traditional floral foam. It’s compostable, reusable, and incredibly easy to work with. For florists who’ve been looking for a sustainable switch without sacrificing creativity, Sideau® feels like the future is finally catching up to the craft.

For Rachel and Xue, using Sideau® isn’t just a nice touch — it’s essential. Their entire ethos revolves around respecting nature while celebrating it. Incorporating Sideau® into their Chelsea Flower Show design just made sense. It’s not about greenwashing or jumping on trends; it’s about genuinely working with materials that honor the natural world they’re so inspired by.

What to Expect at RHS Chelsea Flower Show: A Riot of Color and Form

If the sneak peeks are anything to go by, visitors to the 2025 show can expect an installation that’s raw, bold, and full of life. Picture blooms like Alpinia purpurata, Protea varieties (including Silvia and Pink Ice), Heliconia, and Strelitzia, all weaving together in a colorful dance. Tropical leaves, Banksias, and hints of delicate Cape Greens will add depth and texture.

Rachel Kennedy, co-founder of Acacia Creative Studio:

“We are honored to return to Chelsea for the fourth year in a row. This year, we are creating an ombre of tropical blooms that will capture the imagination and inspire visitors. Our goal is to create something truly unforgettable and continue to push the boundaries of floral design.”

With Sideau® as the foundation, every flower, vine, and frond will be supported naturally, giving the team of 10 designers from Acacia Creative Studio the freedom to create sweeping shapes and organic movement without compromise.

Rachel:

“We have a fantastic team, many from China, who will be in workshops with us in the week before the show to gain all the skills for this build.”

The iconic 2-meter-tall RHS letters take centre stage at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, making a unique and vibrant 6-meter-wide design essential not only to captivate visitors but also to embody the spirit of the RHS and communicate the essence of the show. This is your first selfie moment!

Rachel:

“We will also be designing the two large urns at the top of the Sweetingham Steps. These are on the main boulevard, taking a prime spot at the top of the staircase. The design will be architectural and feature also British-grown flowers, showing off the success and vibrancy of locally sourced material.”

More Than Just Flowers: Storytelling at Its Best

For Acacia Creative Studio, flowers are only half the story. It’s the emotion, the connection to the natural world, that gives their work its real power. Every curve of a vine or layering of color hints at something deeper: the heartbeat of nature itself.

Their past installations have included a 5-meter woven rush tunnel and a 3-meter-tall oversized vase — both unforgettable, not because they were ‘perfect’, but because they made people feel something. Expect the same this year. Only bigger. Bolder. And more mindful.

And Rachel Kennery is already looking beyond the RHS Chelsea Flower Show:

“We will also be designing for the Strawberry Hill House festival in September, which is exciting! We love these opportunities to break from the day-to-day and be more creative and free to express ourselves!”

Sustainable Designs Matter at RHS Shows

As florists, it’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of it all. But there’s a bigger conversation happening about how one creates. Sideau’s role in designs like Acacia’s shows that it’s absolutely possible to craft breathtaking work without leaving a trail of waste behind.

Choosing sustainable materials isn’t about compromise anymore. It’s about leveling up the craft. Rachel and Xue are proving that with their Chelsea installation — and in doing so, they’re leading by example for florists around the world.

Visit London, Catch It Live

If you’re lucky enough to be at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show somewhere between the 20th and 24th of May, don’t miss Acacia Creative Studio’s interpretation of the RHS letters. You’ll see color, creativity, and sustainability colliding in the most natural way — with Sideau® quietly, solidly, holding it all together. Because real beauty doesn’t have to cost the Earth.

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 Here

Source BloomNation

Photo credit Mercury Flowers, Los Angeles, CA

BloomNation Achieves Record-Breaking Mother’s Day Amid Economic Uncertainty

• May 13, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

BloomNation Achieves Record-Breaking Mother’s Day Amid Economic Uncertainty

LOS ANGELES, May 2025 — BloomNation, the leading e-commerce platform for independent florists in the U.S. and Canada, announced a record-breaking Mother’s Day across its platform, with the highest number of total orders and overall revenue to date.

This milestone comes at a time when many florists are facing a tough economic landscape. Tariffs on imported floral goods, rising supply costs, and cautious consumer spending all presented unique challenges this season. While many florists on the BloomNation platform reported exceeding last year’s revenue, others saw flat or lower sales year-over-year, reflecting how unevenly the broader economic climate is affecting the floral industry.

Despite these challenges, BloomNation saw steady performance across its platform, showing that many florists continued to grow and adapt.

Key Highlights Across the Platform:

• Order Volume: Up 17% from last year
• Revenue: Up 18% year-over-year
• Point-of-Sale Orders: Up 77%
• Average Order Value: $129.00
• Top Sellers: Designer’s Choice and custom arrangements
• Most Popular Flowers: Roses, tulips, stock, carnations, hydrangeas, gerbera daisy
• Trending Colors: Pink, white, red, and surprisingly… orange

“This Mother’s Day, our florists demonstrated incredible adaptability and creativity,” said Farbod Shoraka, CEO and Co-Founder of BloomNation. “Despite economic headwinds, they delivered exceptional value and personalized experiences that resonated with customers. And with exclusive features like video card messaging, especially popular for Mother’s Day gifts, we helped turn one-time purchases into lasting, personal memories.”

Increased Point-of-Sale Adoption Reflects Tech Success
BloomNation also saw a notable increase (77%) in the percentage of orders placed through its Point-of-Sale 2.0 system, indicating strong adoption among florists. The growth reflects the impact of key enhancements made to the system, including advanced delivery management, recipes and stem counter, subscriptions, and more. 

“Our increase in Point-of-Sale utilization shows that our holistic approach to shop management is resonating with our florists,” said Pierce Fortin, Senior Director of Technology Operations at BloomNation. “We’re giving them the tools to run both online and in-store operations efficiently.”

This year also marked BloomNation’s strongest performance to date from its built-in email and SMS marketing services, contributing to 13% of the revenue. These channels helped drive early pre-orders, boost average order value, and keep partner florists top of mind throughout the holiday week.

Gregg Weisstein, Co-Founder and COO, added, “Our latest investments in SEO, website performance, and conversion optimization have helped florists attract more customers, convert even more orders, and ultimately grow their revenue.”

BloomNation’s commitment to supporting independent florists through innovative tools and services continues to drive growth and success, even in challenging economic climates.

Looking Ahead

BloomNation remains committed to supporting independent florists with advanced tools, data-driven marketing, and a mission that puts florists at the heart of everything we do. This Mother’s Day performance is not only a reflection of our ongoing product evolution and our florist-first philosophy, but also a growing shift in consumer behavior toward supporting local, community-based businesses.

In the coming months, BloomNation will introduce new enhancements aimed at helping florists increase revenue, simplify operations, and succeed in any economic environment.

About BloomNation:

Founded in August 2011, BloomNation is dedicated to empowering local florists with comprehensive e-commerce solutions, including high-performing custom websites, a modern point-of-sale system growing, and best-in-class marketing services. By enabling florists to showcase their unique designs and connect directly with customers, BloomNation fosters the growth of small businesses in the floral industry.

For more information, visit joinbloomnation.com. 

By Nita Robertson, AIFD

In the fast paced and ever evolving world of floristry, creativity and efficiency must go hand in hand. Whether designing for daily orders, weddings or large-scale events, having a structured approach makes all the difference. That’s where flower arrangement recipes come in—a game-changer for ensuring consistency, controlling costs and streamlining production.

WHY RECIPES MATTER

To run a profitable florist business, it’s essential to create recipes for each arrangement, accounting for all costs, and then applying a consistent markup to ensure a healthy profit margin. An arrangement recipe is a detailed description of all components used to create a floral design, from the stems and greenery to the container, mechanics and finishing touches like ribbon, wire and embellishments. Every item plays a role in both the aesthetic and cost of the final product. By documenting each element that goes into an arrangement, you can accurately calculate costs, standardize designs and ensure consistency across orders. A structured recipe eliminates guesswork and prevents underpricing. While recipes have long been a tool of the trade, in the past they were created with pen and paper. Today, technology makes recipe creation easier and more efficient.

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY

Corrine Heck, CEO and founder of Details Flowers Software in Ormond Beach, Fla., knows firsthand the challenges that florists face. In her early days as a floral designer, she spent countless hours crafting detailed quotes, only to find that the flowers she’d carefully selected were unavailable. She also encountered the frustration of booking what seemed like lucrative events, only to realize later that miscalculated stem counts had drastically reduced her profits. These struggles inspired Heck to devise a better way.

She spent years developing systems and processes that helped her streamline her business, manage costs and stay organized. Those systems became the foundation for what is now her company—a powerful platform designed for florists just like her.

I recently had the opportunity to use Details Flowers Software to create a procurement list for a stage program at the upcoming American Institute of Floral Designers Symposium. The “Recipe Builder” feature simplified the process by allowing me to manage quantities, colors, prices and flower varieties—all while keeping me on budget. The visual layout helped bring my design vision to life and made it easy to communicate with my team.

Recipe software like Details provides drag-and-drop features, image uploads and cost calculators, helping you visualize your arrangements and create shareable, precise instructions. Whether you run a small boutique shop or a large-scale event business, investing in the right tools can improve your operations, reduce costs and enhance efficiency.

“For florists, creativity is at the heart of everything we do—but turning that creativity into a thriving business takes more than just vision. It requires precision, organization and a solid pricing strategy. That’s where creating detailed recipes comes in. A well-constructed recipe brings your design to life and ensures your business stays profitable and professional. Whether you’re planning a big event, preparing for a busy holiday season or sending a quick quote to a client, Details Flowers Software empowers you to build, price and manage your designs effortlessly,” says Heck.

“We’ve seen how successful florists streamline their operations and elevate their artistry through thoughtful planning and organization. Floral recipes are the secret weapon that keeps creativity and profitability in perfect harmony,” adds Heck.

BUILDING RECIPES WITH DETAILS FLOWERS SOFTWARE

Creating arrangement recipes doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. Details Flowers Software is designed to make building recipes simple—whether you’re starting from scratch or working with an existing design.

Build Forward or Backward—the Choice is Yours: A “Vision-First Approach” starts with your creative vision as the foundation. You begin by designing the arrangement based on your ideal style, color palette and flower selection. Once your design is finalized, you calculate the total cost to determine pricing and profitability. A “Budget-First Approach” begins with identifying your client’s budget before building the arrangement recipe. With the budget set, you can strategically select blooms, quantities and design elements that maximize value while achieving a beautiful result. This flexibility is what makes Details Flowers Software so appealing. You can create recipes your way.

Start with Inspiration: Start with your client’s vision, whether it’s a color palette, a Pinterest board or a collection of ideas. Details Flowers Software simplifies the process of turning that inspiration into a structured recipe. With its fully visual experience, Details allows you to incorporate recipe and ingredient photos alongside your client’s inspirational images. This creates a stunning visual story that not only brings your design to life but also leaves a lasting impression on your client.

Add Ingredients in Seconds: With Details, adding ingredients is quick and intuitive. Simply drag and drop flower arrangement elements from your “Design Board” or use the “Add Ingredient” feature to build your design. Your most frequently used items can be starred for quick access, making the process even faster.

Adjust Costs and Pricing Instantly: Flower prices fluctuate, but Details makes updates simple. Adjust ingredient costs for a specific event without affecting your entire library; the software will automatically recalculate your costs for accuracy.

Save, Organize and Reuse: Once a recipe is created, you can save it in your unlimited recipe gallery, categorize it into collections and access it whenever you need it. Whether you’re referencing past wedding designs or preparing for the next Valentine’s Day rush, finding your saved designs is quick and easy.

GAIN THESE BENEFITS

Heck’s journey reflects the reality many florists face. With Details, she gives florists the tools they need to succeed. Here’s how this software can boost your business:

Accurate Pricing for Maximum Profitability:One of the biggest challenges in floristry is maintaining profitability while providing high-quality designs. Flower arrangement recipes are a powerful tool for accurately pricing designs while maintaining profitability. By detailing the exact number of stems, supplies, labor costs and markups, recipes provide a clear method for calculating true costs. This ensures you never undercharge, safeguarding your profit margins and giving you the confidence to provide precise quotes.

Waste Reduction and Inventory Management: Floral waste is a major concern in the industry, and overordering can lead to unnecessary expenses. Recipes help you determine exactly how many stems and supplies are needed for each arrangement, preventing excess stock and minimizing waste. With proper planning, you can optimize your orders and ensure you are using flowers efficiently.

Brand Consistency: Customers bank on consistency, especially when they fall in love with a specific floral design. By following recipes, you can recreate arrangements the same way, no matter how many times you duplicate them. This is especially important for large events that require multiple identical centerpieces, bouquets or installations. Likewise for event florists and retail shops that offer signature arrangements. By documenting exact stem counts, flower varieties and design instructions, your team can produce consistent, high-quality designs that align perfectly with your client’s expectations.

Faster, More Efficient Production:Time is money, and a well-structured recipe allows staff to assemble arrangements quickly and accurately. Instead of guessing or making substitutions on the fly, designers can follow a clear plan, reducing errors and production time. This is particularly beneficial during peak seasons when efficiency is key.

Simplified Training for New Hires:Training new employees can be time-consuming, but recipes provide a blueprint that help lessen the learning curve. New hires can follow detailed step-by-step instructions, reducing the risk of mistakes and ensuring high-quality work from day one.

Better Planning and Forecasting: For businesses handling large-scale orders, arrangement recipes provide invaluable insights for planning. By analyzing past recipes and sales data, florists can forecast demand for flowers and supplies, preventing shortages or last-minute scrambles to find additional products.

Effortless Holiday Planning and Ordering: In this industry, holidays are among the busiest (and most profitable) times of the year. But without a solid plan, they can also be overwhelming.

“With Details Flowers Software, you can plan your holiday designs in advance, build recipes for your offerings and calculate the exact quantity of flowers and supplies you’ll need. By preparing ahead of time, you can place precise orders and ensure you have everything required to create your holiday arrangements efficiently. No more over-ordering or last-minute stress,” explains Heck.

Quick Quotes for Clients: Speed is crucial when customers request pricing for their events. For example, with Details Flowers Software, you can instantly create a replica of a previous design, modify the details as needed and generate a fast, accurate quote. Whether you’re responding to a bride eager to lock in her floral design vision or quoting a corporate client with a tight deadline, Details makes it easy to provide professional, polished quotes in minutes.

By incorporating flower arrangement recipes into your daily operations, you can enhance creativity while maintaining a structured and efficient business model. Recipes ensure that your designs remain consistent, profitable and easy to reproduce—helping your business stand out in a competitive market. With this blueprint for success, you can focus on what you do best: creating exquisite and memorable floral designs that delight customers.

Floral design and text by Julia Prokhorova, CFD, TMF

Wild Veggie Bouquet, Corpus Christi, Texas

Photos and video by Cora Johnson Cora Johnson Photography, Corpus Christi, Texas

Presented by Dümmen Orange

Designing with a “surprise box” from Dümmen Orange was an enjoyable and exciting challenge. Inside the box, I discovered an assortment of roses, spray mums, Dianthus and callas, all in a sunny palette of yellows, greens and orange hues. This cheerful analogous color scheme showcases the warm spring energy these blooms radiate.

With several types and varieties of flowers to feature, I chose to design multiple “composite” arrangements and arrange them into a festive tablescape—perfect for a brunch for two. Add sliced fruit on salad plates and fill beverage glasses; then step back to take a moment to enjoy vibrant colors of this mouthwatering table setting.

PIECE BY PIECE

Piece 1

“Lemon-zest” Arrangement

Remove the handle from a small floral-foam cage, and soak it in flower-food solution. Cut the lateral stems of ‘Champagne Yellow’ spray mum blooms, and arrange the blooms in a densely clustered mound. Next, skewer fresh lemon halves, and place them into the design. Then, cut six or so thin strips from a sheet of thin yellow craft foam, fashion them into “lemon-zest” curls with wire, and incorporate two or three into the design (Save the remaining curls for Piece 3.) Finally, place the finished arrangement atop an inverted ceramic compote container, and secure the floral-foam cage to the bottom of compote with adhesive dashes (or adhesive floral clay or hot glue). Arrange more flowers around the bottom of the design, as needed, to cover all the mechanics.

Piece 2

Lush Green Arrangement

Remove the handle from a small floral-foam cage; soak it in flower-food solution; and arrange fluffy Dianthus ‘Barberatus Fresh’ heads in a densely clustered mound, fully covering the cage. Arrange a few small Colocasia leaves among the Dianthus for textural contrast. To amplify the tropical mood and add more visual interest, place half of a freshly cut papaya, secured with wooden apple skewers, into the design.

Piece 3

Spilling Mums Design

Place a piece of saturated floral-foam snugly into a compote container, and fill the container with flower-food solution. Cover the floral foam with a chicken-wire “bubble,” and secure it in place with waterproof tape. Arrange spray mums in a densely clustered free-form mound. Use shorter stems at the base and gradually increase the height and length to produce a cascading effect. Insert a few wooden apple skewers into the design, at one side and at an angle, and place a compote container with a small piece of saturated floral foam affixed inside atop them. To suggest a whimsical “spill” of flowers, arrange a few spray mum blooms facing downward into the inverted compote. Finish by adding a few stems of ‘Spirit+’ and ‘Barberatus Fresh’ Dianthus, as well as a few small Colocasia leaves, fresh lemon halves on bamboo skewers and a few craft-foam “lemon-zest” curls.

Piece 4

Garden Rose Arrangement

Form a piece of chicken wire into a sphere that will fit snugly into a pedestal compote container. Secure the wire sphere into the container with waterproof tape, and fill the container with flower-food solution. Arrange stems of Dianthus barbatus ‘Spirit+’ low into the container, to create a base and cover the chicken wire. Next, arrange ‘Silva Sunny+’ spray garden roses and ‘Bello+’ carnations, varying the stem lengths for depth and to create a slightly asymmetrical, organic feel. Let a few rose blooms gently drape over the rim of the container, to one side. Finally, incorporate a couple of small Colocasia leaves horizontally into the design.

Piece 5

‘Momentum+’ Rose Trees

Remove the lower foliage from several stems of high-end ‘Momentum+’ hybrid tea roses, cut each stem at an angle and immediately dip into an instant hydrating solution, and then place each stem into a large or extra-large water tube filled with flower-food solution. Attach the water-tubed roses to the branches of two Ficus benjamina (or similar) plants with paper-covered wire, and tuck a few into the plant pots.

Piece 6

Callas, Carnations and Chrysanthemums

Soak a large floral-foam cage in flower-food solution. Arrange ‘Bello+’ standard carnations, ‘Cheesy+’ spray carnations and ‘Monte Carlo’ calla lilies into the floral-foam cage, making sure the cage is completely camouflaged. Allow the curved stems of the calla lilies to express movement and create dimension.

Create a second smaller but coordinating arrangement for the tabletop in a ceramic compote container. Secure a flower frog/pin holder into the compote with adhesive dashes or adhesive floral clay, and fill the container with flower-food solution. Arrange curving stems of ‘Monte Carlo’ calla lilies long and tall into the container, allowing one or two to drape over the edge of the table. Fill in the base of the design with ‘Champagne Yellow’ spray mums.

Assembling the Tablescape

Cover the table with a non-patterned tablecloth or piece of fabric; I chose green velvet. Wrap the pots of the two “rose plants” in the same fabric (or a coordinating fabric) that covers the table, and then place the plants at the sides of the table. Next, artfully position the five tabletop arrangements on the table, with the calla-lily arrangement at the front right corner. “Garnish” the tabletop with papaya and lemon halves and Colocasia leaves—making sure to leave space for the table settings. Finally, place the larger calla-lily-and-carnation arrangement on the floor, at the front left corner of the table.

MATERIALS

Botanicals from Dümmen Orange

• ‘Champagne Yellow’ Chrysanthemum × morifolium (cushion spray mum, decorative-flowered spray mum)

• ‘Sunny Day’ Chrysanthemum × morifolium (daisy spray mum)

• ‘Barberatus Fresh’ Dianthus barbatus

• ‘Spirit+’ Dianthus barbatus

• ‘Bello+’ Dianthus caryophyllus (standard carnation)

•Cheesy+’ Dianthus caryophyllus (spray carnation)

• ‘Momentum+’ Rosa spp. (hybrid tea rose)

• ‘Silva Sunny+’ Rosa spp (spray garden rose)

• ‘Monte Carlo’ Zantedeschia rehmannii hybrid (calla lily, arum lily)

Other Botanicals

• Colocasia esculenta (taro leaf, elephant’s-ear leaf)

• Ficus benjamina, plants (weeping fig)

• Citrus limon (lemon)

• Carica papaya (papaya)

Hard Goods

• Sonata Compote (4.5”x 4.25”, Off-white) from Accent Decor

• Ceramic footed pedestal compote

• FLORACAGE^® Holder from OASIS^® Floral Products

• FLORACAGE^® Grande Holder from OASIS^® Floral Products

• OASIS^® Floral Foam Maxlife

• OASIS^® UGLU^™ Adhesive Dashes

• OASIS^® Waterproof Tape

• OASIS^® Water Tubes (4”)

• OASIS^™ Bind Wire (Green)

• OASIS^™ Florist Netting

• OASIS^™ Florist Wire (22 gauge)

• FloraLife^® Quick Dip 100 from Smithers Oasis Company

• Round Flower frog/Pin holder/Kenzan (2.25” to 2.5” diameter)

• Wooden Apple Skewers

• Craft-foam sheet