It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like…
Okay…okay…not quite yet. But, Labor Day has passed and summer is officially over, which means that every product in every store is consequently in the process of turning pumpkin-spiced, and Halloween costume shops are filling in vacant strip malls on every block in town.
It wasn’t long ago that every holiday enjoyed its own special time starting a week or two after the proceeding holiday. Now back-to-school sales seem to start well before summer break, and we’re lucky if we can make it to Thanksgiving before we hear Bing Crosby dreaming of the white stuff.
Now, we’re not suggesting you rush out this weekend to procure the perfect tree – there’ll be plenty of time for that later – but we are implying that you may want to start thinking ahead to the flurry of festivities that accompany the holiday season.
Office parties, kids’ parties, people to acknowledge, family members to remember…the list seems to multiply every year. But no matter how early stores start decking the halls, it’s easy to procrastinate and put off shopping until the last minute – when stores are crowded, lines are long, and shelves are picked over.
Why not start shopping now?
It’s never too early to begin thinking about holiday gift giving, and here at Rose Bud Flowers, we will make your shopping a breeze. Did you know you can order your holiday flowers as early as you’d like? You won’t even be billed until the flowers are delivered, and if you ordered from us in the past, we probably have your order on file so you can see just what you sent last time that the boss loved so much.
Let us save you valuable time and ease the Black Friday frustration by taking care of all your floral needs. Imagine being able to cross off part of your holiday shopping list before the leaves even turn colors and hit the ground! From large corporate parties to simple bud vases, we’re here to assist you with any size order. We even go beyond flowers with beautiful green plants, poinsettias, and holiday gift baskets – perfect for everyone on your list!
The holidays may not be here yet, but they’re right around the corner. Don’t let them sneak up on you this year; one phone call to your friends at Rose Bud Flowers is all it takes!
Back to School – A Perfect Time for Flowers!
It’s that time of year once again – summer vacations are winding down and school is back in session (or will be very soon). Whether you’re excited about this time or year or are already missing the hustle and bustle of summer activities, it’s an excellent opportunity to start anew. It’s a special time of year with a clean slate or new memories to be made and new friendships to formed, so why not take the time to celebrate the occasion – and what better way to celebrate than with flowers?
No matter what you role you play in the start of a new school year, there are plenty of opportunities to spread some cheer with some fresh flowers or plants. Here are a few ideas:
Apples are so cliché
Why does nearly every illustration of a classroom depict a big, juicy apple on top of the teacher’s desk? It may be a nice gesture in theory, but in reality, it pales in comparison to a beautiful bouquet of flowers! Even better would be a lovely green plant that would last the entire year.
Love It! by Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts
It takes a village
Most people immediately think of teachers when they think of school, but it takes a finely tuned machine comprised of dozens (or even hundreds) of people to make a school run smoothly. From bus drivers to librarians and administrators to custodians – and everyone in between; there are many behind-the-scenes areas where people spend their time. Why not make these spaces special with some pretty petals?
Empty nest? Fill it with flowers
With kids back at school, the house is probably a lot quieter this time of year – which makes this an excellent reason to treat mom and dad to some beautiful flowers. They’ll appreciate the gesture and it’s a nice way of saying thanks for all their time spent on summer activities. Conversely, if you have older students leaving home for school, what better way to warm up their dorm or apartment with beautiful flowers and plants?
Whatever the reason, flowers are the perfect way to make someone’s day a little brighter. Rose Bud Flower & Gifts can help you find the perfect gift for any occasion, whether it’s school-related, a birthday or anniversary, or just something out of the blue. Give us a call today – we’ll take care of the rest.
Celebrate Your Patriotic Pride with Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts
Independence Day is Monday, but celebrations are taking place all weekend long! We’re here to help you decorate your party with patriotic pride!
Call us to discuss what we can do for you to help make this year’s celebration one to remember. We have a beautiful selection of 4th of July favorites in red, white, and blue, or we can design something extra special that you’re sure to love!
Summer’s Salute by Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts
Are you hosting your own 4th of July party this year? Let Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts help you with all of your holiday flowers and decorations.
If you’re attending a picnic, party, or gathering, we also have a wide selection of plants, gifts and fresh floral designs that make lovely gifts for the host. Surprise them with something unexpected – after all, holidays are for making memories!
Give us a call today at 251-544-7851, or visit the 4th of July section of our website to see our selection.
-Have a safe and happy 4th, from your friends at Rose Bud Flowers!
Every Rose Has Its…Prickle?
June is finally here, which not only marks the official start of summer but it also means National Rose Month!
Colorful, fragrant, and graceful, it’s no wonder roses hold a special allure for romantics, artists, and designers alike. In fact, roses are overwhelmingly the world’s undisputed favorite flower with over 85% of people calling it their top choice.
36 Red Roses by Rose Bud Flowers
Rose blooms span nearly the full-color spectrum from delicate shades of soft pastels to bold confident hues in solid, striped or variegated petals. From the purest white to the darkest red, plus pink, yellow, orange, mauve, russet (and many shades in between), roses coordinate with any setting. Their fragrance will fill a room with classic rose, citrus, sweet, or spicy notes, and their durability allows them to adapt well to nearly any weather environment.
It’s not surprising that roses have accumulated deep symbolism and a devoted following. They are America’s national flower, as well as the state flower of Georgia, Iowa, New York, North Dakota, and the District of Columbia. They’re June’s birth flower and the 15th and 50th wedding anniversary flower. New Year’s Day celebrates them with a parade and college football bowl game in Pasadena, California.
Most of all, roses are an irresistible indulgence and an excellent way to express your true feelings. When you’re tongue-tied or can’t find the right words to express your feelings, there’s no better flower than roses to do the talking for you. Roses have long been used to send covert messages which are easily decoded if you know their secret language. From love at first site, friendship, or true love and new beginnings, appreciation, and congratulations, there is a color to symbolize your heartfelt sentiment.
Did you know there is a whole language around the color of roses?
Red – enduring love, romance
Lavender – love at first site, enchantment
Bright orange – passion, excitement, and fascination
Coral – desire and happiness
Yellow – friendship, gladness, delight
Light pink – happiness, joy, admiration
Deep pink – appreciation, thankfulness
White – innocence, purity, honor, reverence
Peach – appreciation, admiration, modesty
Here are 10 fun facts about roses that will give you an even greater appreciation of our favorite flower:
- There are over 100 species of roses.
- The first rose fossil was found in Florissant, Colorado and dated back to 35 million years ago.
- There is no such thing as a “black” rose. The closest to black is a rare breed called the Turkish Halfeti – a dark deep crimson that appears black to the eye.
- The term “thorns” is technically incorrect when referring to the sharp objects on the stems of roses. The correct term is “prickles.” Thorns have deeper roots in a plant’s stem whereas prickles attach at the surface.
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Dozen Pink Roses Hand Tied by Rose Bud Flowers and Gifts
There is, however, a blue rose. Rose petals lack an enzyme that is necessary to create a blue pigment. For years, breeders have tried to cross different colored roses to create what seemed impossible. In 2009, however, with the help of genetic engineering, the world’s first blue rose was created.
- More than 54% of land in Ecuador is used to cultivate roses. Over 80% of the land of Zambia is cultivated with roses as well.
- Rose hips contain more vitamin C than any other fruit or vegetable.
- George Washington was the first rose breeder in the United States. He named a variety after his mother, Mary.
- The tallest rose bush measured in at over 23 feet tall!
- Roses can live a long time. The oldest rose bush in the world is over 1,000 years old and is found covering the wall of the Cathedral of Hildesheim Germany.
Since it is National Rose Month, there’s no better time than now to send some fantastic roses to someone special in your life. Check out our website for some of our amazing designs that feature roses in a multitude of colors and styles.
At Rose Bud Flowers and Gifts, we truly have something for everyone! If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, give us a call or stop in and talk to one of our designers and we’ll make something completely unique that you’re sure to love!
When Words Just Aren’t Enough…
Classic Sympathy Sprays by The Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts
We often associate flowers with celebrations and happy occasions, but flowers also provide a way to express sympathy and lend support to those who have lost a loved one. Here are some tips on how to go about choosing right sympathy flowers, the best time to send them, and more:
What Should I Send?
The first thing to consider when choosing the proper sympathy or funeral arrangement is your relationship to the deceased. Traditionally, the immediate family selects a memorial wreath or casket spray for the service. Close family and friends often opt for personalized floral tributes that reflect the deceased’s personality, occupation, hobbies or passions. These flowers are typically displayed during the funeral service.
Other friends, relatives, and co-workers have many other options available including plants and simple floral baskets which can either be used for the service itself or sent to the home of the bereaved. The primary consideration should also be something that reflects the personality or relationship with the deceased as many modern funeral services focus on the celebration of life more so than mourning the passing.
When Should I Send It?
Timing varies greatly depending on a number of factors, but a good rule of thumb is to order funeral flowers at least 24 hours in advance of the funeral or memorial service, and even 48 hours for larger pieces like wreaths or sprays. Many funeral homes prefer to have the flowers in place several hours before the ceremony, so the earlier you order, the better. This also helps out the florist by reducing the number of deliveries they need to make.
Sympathy flowers that are intended for the family and not the service may be sent directly to the home. The timing of these deliveries isn’t particularly as important, so anytime after the service is over is appropriate.
In Lieu of Flowers
There is often some confusion when obituaries contain the phrase: “In Lieu of Flowers.” Contrary to popular belief, this terminology does not mean that the family does not want flowers. If that were the case, the phrase “please omit” would be used instead. It does, however, indicate that you have the option of making a donation instead of – or in addition to – sending flowers. Unless specifically stated, flowers are always an appropriate symbol of sympathy.
Solemn Offering by The Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts
Other Factors to Consider
With so many different types of memorial services and so many other variables based on religion, cultural, or family preferences, understanding funeral etiquette is not always a simple task. At The Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts, we’re here to help you make an appropriate selection and choose a thoughtful gift when filling your funeral flower order.
When Words Just Aren’t Enough…
We at The Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts will help you find the right type of arrangement, and we are happy to offer guidance and suggestions if you’re unsure which style or design you wish to send. After you order, you can rest assured knowing that we will handle all of the details to make sure your flowers are delivered to the proper place, at the proper time.
The most important thing to remember is that a gift of flowers can make a big difference for grieving family members and friends. It lets them know you are thinking of them during one of the most difficult times in their lives. It can often speak louder than words.
Sincerely,
The Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts
Mother’s Day Around the World
In the United States, we celebrate Mom every May with flowers and gifts, and perhaps treat her to a meal at her favorite restaurant. Sure, Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world, but other countries have their own spin on Mom’s special day too. Here are few of the more interesting ways that mothers are celebrated across the globe.
Australia
Janet Heyden started the first Mother’s Day in Australia in 1924. She began the tradition by asking school children and businesses for gifts to cheer up lonely and forgotten mothers at the Newington State Home for Women. Chrysanthemums are traditionally thought of as Mother’s Day flowers in Australia since they are naturally in season during May and end in “mum,” an affectionate term for “mother” in Australia.
Mother’s Day Bouquet by The Rose Bud
Belgium
Belgian children celebrate their mothers by making little presents at school to give to their mothers in the early morning of Mother’s Day. The father will typically buy croissants and other sweet pastries that are served to her while she is still in bed at the beginning of a day filled with pampering. While most of Belgium celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May, many Belgians consider August 15 to be the classical Mother’s Day and view the May observance as one started strictly for commercial reasons.
Egypt
Mother’s Day is celebrated on March 21 in Egypt to coincide with the first day of spring. It was first introduced by journalist Mustafa Amin in 1943. The idea was largely either ignored or ridiculed at the time by Egyptian politicians, but it was eventually adopted in 1956. When Amin was arrested and accused of being an American spy in 1965, unsuccessful attempts were made to change the name of “Mother’s Day” to “Family Day” to prevent the observance of reminding people of its founder.
Butterfly Basket by The Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts
Ethiopia
Mother’s Day is a three-day long celebration in Ethiopia, where it is celebrated in mid-fall at the end of the rainy season with a feast called “Antrosht.” Children bring the ingredients making a traditional hash recipe. Girls bring butter, cheese, vegetables and spices while the boys contribute a bull or lamb. Unlike many places where mothers needn’t lift a finger on Mother’s Day, in Ethiopia, the mom prepares the hash. Afterward, mom and daughter put butter on their faces and chests as part of the celebration ritual.
Nepal
In Nepal, Mother’s Day is known as “Aama ko Mukh Herne Din” which means “day to see mother’s face.” Many Nepalese people honor their late mothers by making a traditional pilgrimage to the Mata Tirtha ponds in hopes of seeing their deceased mother’s face. Pilgrims believe they will bring peace to their mother’s souls by visiting that sacred place.
Taiwan
Mother’s Day in Taiwan is held on the second Sunday in May to coincide with Buddha’s birthday and the traditional “washing the Buddha” ceremony where devotees pour fragrant water over Buddha statues as a way of symbolizing a fresh start in life.
No matter how we choose to celebrate, the day is all about mom. Let The Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts help you treat her to something special this year and make her day one that she won’t soon forget.
Elegant Beauty: A Closer Look at Orchids
Blooming Orchid Plants from The Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts, LLC
Orchids are often identified as a symbol of refinement and innocence, and their allure is undeniable. Let’s take a closer look at these amazing and complex plants.
While orchids are fascinating to look at, their outward appearances barely scratch the surface of why these exotic beauties are like nothing else you’ll find in the plant world.
Orchids comprise the largest and most diverse family of flowering plants on Earth and boast over 25,000 different species along with nearly a quarter of a million hybrids – with more being discovered every day.
Most orchids are native to the tropics, but their incredible ability to adapt to nearly any environment means that they can be found anywhere in the world (except Antarctica) in almost every climate from the arctic tundra to the equatorial tropics and all points in between.
With so much variety in the different types of orchids, it’s no wonder why they’re a favorite among horticulturists and amateurs alike. Although some varieties of orchids can be difficult to grow, since there is such a wide variety of orchids to choose from, it’s easy to select an orchid that is suitable to thrive in the conditions you can provide. If you need help selecting a variety that is right for you, stop by and talk to one of our designers – we’re happy to help you find your perfect plant!
No matter if you’re an experienced green thumb or a novice who simply enjoys the elegant charm of orchids, these wonderful plants are sure to make you smile and appreciate the incredible beauty of nature. Stop by today and check out our selection of orchid plants; not only do they look great in every room in the home, but they make outstanding long-lasting gifts for any occasion. Be sure to keep them in mind for Administrative Professionals Week or Mother’s Day – both of which are coming up soon!
Here are 10 fun facts that you might not know about orchids:
- Vanilla is a member of the orchid family and vanilla beans are the only commercially grown orchid crop.
- Certain orchid species can live up to 100 years.
- Orchids have the smallest seeds in the world. They are so small that they appear to look like a speck of dust and can only be visible under a microscope.
- Some orchids have flowers that can last up to six months while other species only last for only a few hours.
- A fossilized bee dated 10 to 50 million years old showed ancient orchid pollen on its back, however, other fossilized evidence suggests that orchids have been in existence for around 100 million years or more.
- Similar to human faces, orchid flowers have bilateral symmetry, meaning they can be divided into matching halves by drawing a vertical line down the middle.
- Some species of orchids are parasitic and obtain their food from fungi living inside their roots.
- Depending on the species, orchids can be smaller than a dime, or they could weigh several hundred pounds.
- Due to their thick, heavy petals, orchid plants always grow upside down when mature.
- The first flowers on an orchid plant won’t appear until at least five to seven years after germination, so the orchid plants you buy in the flower shop are often a decade old.
Are You Ready for Prom?
It’s that time once again; spring break is in the books and summer vacation is coming into sight, but who can think about summer when you’re busy planning your prom?
With so many choices to make for prom – from choosing the perfect dress to finding the right shoes, jewelry, and makeup – it’s not always easy to keep up with the latest styles and hottest trends that will have you looking incredible on this magical night.
But that’s not all!
Once the other tasks are completed and plans are made, you’re almost set for the big party, but don’t walk out the door and duck into the limo until you add the quintessential finishing touch – we’re talking about the flowers!
No prom dress is complete without a stunning corsage, and jacket lapels are way too plain without an eye-catching boutonniere. As they say, it’s all in the details!
Purple and White Corsage by Rose Bud Flowers
What do I need, where do I find it?
With so many other important decisions to be made leading up to prom, the choices can sometimes be overwhelming and finding the right flowers to complement your dress or tux can leave your head spinning. Never fear! Like many of the other big decisions you make for prom night, choosing the perfect corsage or boutonniere is simply a matter of personal preference and should reflect your style and taste.
Fortunately, your friendly florists at Rose Bud Flowers are experts at customization and have a keen eye to help take your look from stunning to perfection with the perfect floral accents.
What are my options?
The choices are nearly endless when it comes to deciding which flowers are right for you, but we have plenty of experience and are happy to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. All we need to know are your colors and what kind of corsage you have in mind and we can take it from there.
Although it has become a popular trend to match the corsage with the boutonniere, it certainly isn’t necessary – besides, it’s your prom, do what you want! But if you do decide to color coordinate, or if you have some specific flowers in mind, feel free to bring your date in with you and pick them out together.
Don’t delay
It is often said that good things come to those who wait, but that isn’t always the case, especially when it comes to prom flowers. Since prom also falls during the height of wedding season and is near Mother’s Day, this is a very busy time of year in the floral industry.
Although the flowers may be the finishing touch to that perfect prom outfit, don’t wait until the last minute to pick out your flowers. Shopping early always provides you with a better selection and allows you more personal attention from our florists. We want you to look fabulous on your special night because it’s one you’ll never forget!
Welcome to Spring, Is it Easter Already?
Easter Bunny Basket by Red Bud Flowers
Sunday marked the first official day of spring, and this year Easter is not far behind. Can you believe Easter is only a week away?
Flowers are often associated with holidays, but perhaps none more so than the Easter lily. Lilies have long been popular symbols of Easter, representing hope and love. White lilies, especially, take on a special symbolic meaning for Easter as they signify resurrection and purity.
Lilies aren’t the only symbol of Easter, however. Daisies, tulips, azaleas, chrysanthemums, daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips are also popular Easter flowers, as are a variety of green houseplants, bringing life to every room.
Speaking of Easter symbolism
Traditionally, Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ; and is the most important Christian holiday, but many people associate Easter with brightly colored eggs, strategically hidden from children by a small bunny. At first glance, that appears to have nothing to do with Christianity or the religious observance of the holiday, but they might not be so disconnected after all.
The term “Easter” gets its name from Eastre, which is the Anglo-Saxon goddess who symbolizes the hare and the egg. Where do eggs fit into Easter? The exchange or giving of Easter eggs actually dates back to before Easter, and the giving of eggs is actually considered a symbol of rebirth.
With that in mind, the symbolism isn’t as far apart as many people think.
Of course, one thing that kids of all ages can agree on is that Easter celebrations typically involve candy, and lots of it!
During the holiday, more than 90 million chocolate bunnies and 91.4 billion eggs are produced each year in the United States alone, making it the second biggest candy-consuming day of the year, behind Halloween.
Here are some more Easter fun facts:
- The tallest chocolate Easter egg was made in Italy in 2011. It stood 34 feet tall and weighed over seven tons! It was heavier than an elephant and taller than a giraffe.
- The art of painting eggs is called pysanka, which originated in Ukraine. It involves using wax and dyes to color the egg.
- Americans buy more than 700 million marshmallow Peeps during Easter, making Peeps the most popular non-chocolate Easter candy.
- Americans consume more than 16 million jelly beans each year during Easter, or enough jelly beans to circle the Earth three times.
- Seventy-six percent of people eat the ears off the chocolate bunny first, 5 percent go for the feet and 4 percent for the tail.
- Cadbury produces more than 1.5 million Creme Eggs each year.
- In the old days, pretzels were associated with Easter because the twists of the pretzel were thought to resemble arms crossing in prayer.
Whether you choose fresh flowers or a lovely plant for your Easter celebration this year, Rose Bud Flowers is here to help you find the perfect gift for your loved ones. Check out our selection or let us know if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for – we’re here to help!