Meet My Florist Showcasing your local florist
FEATURING
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST
Welcome to Meet My Florist magazine, a publication that gives you new insight into the wonders of your local flower shop. Your florist is an important part of your community. The following pages will provide you with information to help you better utilize your florist, and make you a more informed floral consumer. Flowers are something that anyone can appreciate and everyone enjoys. Flowers always make a beautiful statement, expressing a wide range of sentiments to compliment any occasion. You can always make someone smile with flowers! Choosing the perfect flowers for your occasion can be a daunting task. Let your florist guide and help you create the perfect arrangement. Your florist will help you express your sentiments with flowers. This issue of Meet My Florist magazine features Woodbridge Florist. Chuck of Woodbridge Florist gives you an insider’s look into his flower shop, and shares with you the many ways that he helps customers with all their floral needs. In addition, you will get information about how to get more from your plants and flowers.
When you buy from a Mom and Pop business, you are supporting your community. Your local florist is another family in your community, your neighbor, and your friend. Our customers are our shareholders. We strive to make you happy. Thank you for your support! Jan 2019 | Š Meet My Florist Periodical
2
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST (209) 333 - 0223
MEET CHUCK OF
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST
S
o we’re here in Woodbridge, CA with Chuck Meyer- such an awesome flower shop you have! I’ve been raving about this shop for years; it’s like a piece of Europe or Monterey in here. So how did you get into the floral business? Why aren’t you doing computers... going where all the money is? “Well I’m too old for that [laughs]! When I took computers back in the day there weren’t even any PC’s. We used slide rules and theories and had to drive 80 miles to the nearest big town to use one of those data card punch computers- oh my gosh. Anyways, I started helping out at the local florist about 1985 in Conrad, Montana, a little farm town out in the prairie. I just started helping out and I learned that way- but mostly selftaught.”
How did you end up out here in beautiful California? “Believe it or not, I took a wire order, a call in FTD order from this flower shop [Woodbridge Florist] one December from this German woman. I asked her, ‘what’s the weather like there today?’ And she responds in a thick accent, ‘Oh, it’s beautiful over here, its 60 degrees and the sun is out’- and it was 30 degrees below 0, snowing where I was [laughs]. And I’m just like, oh wow that must be nice. I jokingly said, you don’t need any help do you? She says, ‘as a matter of fact I do need designers’. One thing led to another and I got a job here; I moved. I packed, got my friend, my cat and my dog and drove down. I rented out a room out of her townhouse. Eventually she got remarried and wanted to move. Her accountant and I became business partners and we bought Woodbridge Florist.”
FLORISTLODICA.COM
What year did you come over? “1999, then we bought the shop in 2005. It was like the last good year of the economy [laughs]. The next year 2006 was good, after that it just totally tanked. But we’re still here [smiles]. The funny thing when I first came here I was so disappointed [laughs]! I’d never been to California and I didn’t know what to expect when I got here.” You were probably wondering, where are the beaches and surfboards? “Well I guess I had some idea that it was going to be like L.A. or San Francisco or something. And I’m like, oh man it’s just like another small farming town [laughs]. It was just like what I had left, the only difference was they were raising corn, tomatoes, and grapes instead of wheat and cattle. So it was kind of funny. Really it’s not much different except the climate is much nicer.”
3
Keeping Plants Happy FERTILIZE every month. Most plants like a little boost to keep them looking their best.
DEADHEAD SPENT BLOOMS Keep the blooms coming by removing spent blooms from your flowering plants.
ORCHIDS are a plant category of their own. Water orchids sparingly with ice cubes to prevent blooms dropping from over watering (one ice cube a week).
REMOVE DECORATIVE WRAPPERS as soon as possible. Drainage keeps plant roots happy.
LESS FREQUENT but deep watering is most effective. Don’t let your plant sit in standing water; let it drain after watering.
GET THE LIGHT RIGHT Place your plants near light but never in direct sunlight. 4
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST (209) 333 - 0223
MANY BLOOMING PLANTS are meant to be outdoor plants. After the blooms are spent, find a happy home for your blooming plant in your garden or in an outdoor container.
FLORISTLODICA.COM
5
6
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST (209) 333 - 0223
EXTENDING CUT FLOWER LIFE LOCATION MATTERS. Keep Flowers in a cool place and away from direct sunlight if possible. Avoid vents with blowing air.
PRESERVATIVE FEEDS THE BLOOMS. Add commercial plant food to the water every time you change the water.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE WATER. Always remember to keep water levels up! Change the water when cloudiness appears.
RECUT STEMS AFTER A FEW DAYS. Every few days, cut 1” from each stem at an angle to bypass clogged stems. Your flowers will draw water and the blooms will be happy longer.
TRIM OR REMOVE SPENT FLOWERS AND FOLIAGE. Keep your arrangement looking its best by taking out wilted blooms or leaves. This also prevents contamination of the water and increases the longevity of your arrangement.
FLORISTLODICA.COM
7
The Magic of
Flowers & Plants There is nothing like the thrill of receiving flowers. You feel special: someone is thinking about you, wanting to lift your spirits and make your day! Flowers touch all our senses, from visual vibrant colors to sweet fragrances. These powerful elements evoke pleasant memories of past times. Flowers are timeless, and bring those sweet memories to the present. Who isn’t thrilled by the brilliance of color, the richness of life in the garden! We give plants and flowers because we love the beauty of the outdoors. Giving plants and flowers as gifts brings the garden indoors for us to enjoy. More to consider: Flowers can be a gift for anyone. From son to father, daughter to mom, friend to friend... tell someone they are special with flowers. Give flowers at unexpected times. Giving flowers is a spontaneous act of kindness that will brighten any person’s day. Consider flowers as a thank you! Acknowledge all that someone has done for you by giving them flowers. The bottom line: let someone know that you are thinking about them. Flowers always say, “I’m here for you!”
8
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST (209) 333 - 0223
Romance FLOWERS FOR
Flowers are a powerful way to express your caring and love. If you are looking to express only friendship, you can say that with flowers. If you are trying to say, “Just because,” you can say that with flowers too. If you want to say the big, “I love you,” you can proclaim your love with flowers. Whatever you are trying to express, you can always say it with flowers.
BE SPONTANEOUS! Don’t wait for a specific occasion to send flowers... score big points on any day.
ROSES ARE FOR ROMANCE. Certain flowers come with meanings. The rose has always been a symbol of love. SURPRISE THEM AT WORK. Brighten her day... really make her smile!
ADD A LOVE NOTE. Add a special card or hand written note to your arrangement.
TAKE THINGS UP A NOTCH. Add a box of chocolates or a special gift to your floral arrangement.
FLORISTLODICA.COM
9
LET’S
Celebrate
Celebrate Life’s milestones with flowers! Flowers add grace and elegance to every celebration. You can always celebrate the passage of a major milestones with flowers. Nothing beautifies a table better than flowers. No matter what your look, there are many possibilities for decorating with flowers. Let your florist decorate your gazebo, or make fabulous table centerpieces. Your florist will take your party to the next level.
CHOOSE A FOCAL POINT Do an impact arrangement on an entry table or as a centerpiece on a buffet table.
10
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST (209) 333 - 0223
USE AN EXPERT Get expert help from your florist, and your beautiful arrangements will take your party to a higher level.
DECIDE: ELEGANT OR CASUAL? Flower choices depend on the look you want to create.
11 FLORISTLODICA.COM
11
IT’S YOUR
Party
PICK A THEME & COORDINATE The theme of the party along with the time of year can help jump start ideas. Use containers and arrangement styles to complement your party theme. CONSIDER USING MULTIPLE STYLES & SIZES An assortment of coordinating arrangements of varying heights makes for a dazzling presentation.
CREATE IMPACT Use one or two focal flowers common to all the arrangements, and then fill in with less expensive florals. For example, use bright orange lilies and then surround them with mixed chrysanthemums. 12
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST (209) 333 - 0223
FLOWER BIRTHDAY CAKES ARE INCREDIBLE. Surprise everyone when you order a flower birthday cake!
FOR NEW BIRTHS SEND FLOWERS HOME Most moms aren’t in the hospital that long, so send the flowers to the home.
BALLOONS ARE FESTIVE AND FUN. Create a sense of excitement when you accessorize with balloons.
ACCESSORIZE your flowers with a plush animal or baby toy to make it more personal. FLORISTLODICA.COM
13
A LOOK INSIDE
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST
14
Let Woodbridge Florist create a personal floral design that reflects exactly what you want to say. Whether it be a sentiment of love, condolence or encouragement, there is an arrangement out there for everyone. Flowers are also an excellent way to beautify your home. One person may prefer a contemporary tropical arrangement while another loves the tradition of a dozen roses. Whatever your preference, Woodbridge Florist is there to accommodate you.
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST (209) 333 - 0223
FLORISTLODICA.COM
15
Wedding
Y
our wedding day is one of the most special days in your life. Organizing this event can become a major undertaking. One way to help ease the planning burden is to have your florist guide you along the way. Your florist will be happy to provide you with a free wedding consultation so that you can sit down and personally share your ideas, and discuss the flower budget. Since every bride is unique, your florist will want to get to know you and your own personal tastes and style. Not everyone wants to have a traditional style wedding. Your florist can help you creatively express your personality or interests.
16
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST (209) 333 - 0223
PLANNING Be prepared with your wedding colors before meeting with your florist. Consider the style of wedding you’d like, and even the venue.
KEEP IT LOCAL & SEASONAL Choosing local and seasonal flowers is the way to go, and will give you more bang for your buck.
FLORISTLODICA.COM
17
REPURPOSE YOUR FLOWERS Don’t leave your ceremony flowers at the altar... take them to your reception! Aisle arrangements can be used for centerpieces or on the buffet tables. The bridesmaid bouquets can add color to a cake table or the head table.
18
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST (209) 333 - 0223
IF YOUR ARE REALLY SET ON A CERTAIN EXPENSIVE FLOWER. When your favorite flower is expensive, save on your budget by using it only in your bridal bouquet. You can substitute less expensive flowers into centerpieces or use only a small quantity of expensive flowers in select places.
BE OPEN TO VARIETIES AND COLORS Some of the more common flowers are available in a huge variety of beautiful colors! FLORISTLODICA.COM
19
tribute
Sending sympathy flowers is an important expression of love and support for the grieving family, as well as an opportunity to honor a person’s life. When we think of a funeral as a celebration of life, what could be better than a room full of flowers? The beauty of flowers is symbolic of life itself, and is always an appropriate tribute to a loved one. Let your florist help you send the perfect expression of your sympathy and love.
20
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST (209) 333 - 0223
BE MINDFUL OF CULTURE. Certain cultures have very specific traditions. For example, Muslims won’t appreciate a cross, and Eastern Orthodox place the highest value on white flowers. PHOTOGRAPHS ADD A VISUAL PERSPECTIVE. A photo image of your Loved one in a wreath of flowers can be a fitting tribute. REMEMBER THEIR PASSIONS OR THEIR CAREER. If you know specific details of passions of the Loved one, your florist can incorporate a symbol of those passions, such as a baseball cap, or golf club. FLOWERS ARE ALWAYS APPROPRIATE. Even if the family has requested donations to a specified cause, it always is appropriate to also send flowers.
FLORISTLODICA.COM
21
22
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST (209) 333 - 0223
MORE FROM
WOODBRIDGE FLORIST
Do you have any tips for people? “My favorite saying is, ‘why should people think they’re going to get what they want, when they’re going to get what I made them!’” “In all honesty the orders I prefer taking are when someone gives me an idea of a general look. They might like something compact or wild or country. I like having a general description of the feeling and the colors they like, and even the colors they don’t like. Tell me how much you want to spend and let me do it. It’s much easier than asking how many flowers are going to be in it or what you are
going to use. My favorite answer is, ‘ I don’t know yet’. It’s like opening the fridge and seeing what I have to make for dinnerI don’t know until I make it. I mean, I can tell you anything I think you want to hear, but the reality is it may not be anything like I tell you [laughs]! So let me make it and trust me, that’s what works the best. Most people are pleased. I’ve never had anyone not be pleased.” What do you like about the floral business? “The part that’s nice is when you do something and it really makes a difference in peoples’ lives. When they call you back FLORISTLODICA.COM
3 weeks after the wedding or funeral and say, ‘I’ve had my flowers for 3 weeks and I can’t believe how long they’ve lasted’that sort of thing is what’s nice. Or when the mother of the bride said to me at a previous wedding, ‘oh, it’s much more than I expected it would be!’ Those are the magic wordsthat’s the best part. But also just being around the flowers all the time. I started out picking wild flowers in our pasture arranging them into a tiny bouquet in a miniature teacup my mother gave me, then taking it to my first grade teacher. So that’s when I really started. I’m half Dutch so flowers runs in our blood.” 23
Woodbridge
Florist
Fine flowers for all occasions
18964 N. Lower Sacramento Rd. Woodbridge, CA
209-333-0223
floristlodica.com