Flowers& - July 2016

Flowers& JULY 2016 $5.50

www.MyTeleflora.com

Boost holiday profits by planning ahead for sales-motivating displays Pg 28 Take inspiration from a sampling of contemporary floral design styles and techniques Pg 52

contents

JULY 2016

features 16

Holiday Gardens

Turn green and blooming plants into long-lasting, European-style gifts and decor.

28

Show & Sell

Sell more holiday merchandise with effective, varied and daring displays.

Floral design by Bert Ford AIFD, PFCI Photography by Liam Schatten

52

Modern Style A generous sampling from the new book Contemporary Floral Design.

2 JULY 2016

pg 29

on the cover With just the right mix of fresh flowers and decorative accessories, Bert Ford AIFD, PFCI has created a vignette of simple elegance. Iced cones, glass finials, and stylish votive holders provide a backdrop for creamy white roses and hydrangea, accented with millimeter balls and dark pink heather. For more examples of dynamic holiday display, turn to page 28.

contents

departments 8

F ocus on Design

10

Leaf Art

Theme and Variations

By Rich Salvaggio AIFD, AAF, PFCI

Pleats and Curls

By Helen Miller AIFD

13

Inspired By...

Ocean Waves

By Tom Bowling AIFD, PFCI

22

Fresh Focus

Craspedia

By Bruce Wright

60

Shop Profile

Cugini Florists, Renton, Washington

By Marianne Cotter

64

I ndustry Events

What’s 65

pg 10

pg 10

in Store

66

Where to Buy

67

Advertiser Links

68

Wholesale Connection

pg 26

Flowers& Volume 37, Number 7 (ISSN 0199-4751).

Published monthly by Teleflora, 11444 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064, 800-321-2665, fax 310-966-3610. Subscription rates: U.S., 1 year, $66.00.

Canada, 1 year, $90.00 (US currency only); Canadian GST registration number R127851293. Other foreign countries, 1 year, $102.00 (US currency only). Single issues, $5.50 each prepaid. Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, Calif., and at additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Flowers&, PO Box 16029, North Hollywood, CA 91615-9871.

Copyright © 2016 by Teleflora. Printed in U.S.A.

4 JULY 2016

pg 9

Flowers& Publisher Editor Art Director

Rich Salvaggio AIFD, AAF, PFCI rsalvaggio@teleflora.com Bruce Wright Tony Fox

National Advertising Director

Peter Lymbertos

U.S. Subscriptions

800-321-2665

Foreign Subscriptions

818-286-3128

Advertising

800-421-4921

On the Internet

www.MyTeleflora.com www.flowersandmagazine.com

Advisory Board Teleflora Education Specialists Susan Ayala AIFD, PFCI, Riverside, Calif., Tom Bowling AIFD, PFCI, Syndicate Sales, Fairfield, Ohio, Tim Farrell

AIFD, AAF, PFCI,

Farrell’s Florist, Drexel Hill, Penn., Jim Ganger

AIFD,

Kansas City, Mo., Hitomi Gilliam AIFD, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Bob Hampton AIFD, AAF, PFCI,

Dallas, Texas, John Hosek AIFD, PFCI, CF, CAFA, Surroundings Events and Floral, Verona,

Wisc., Alex Jackson AIFD, AAF, PFCI, Veldkamp’s Flowers, Lakewood, Colo., Vonda LaFever AIFD, PFCI,

Niceville, Fla., Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD, AAF, PFCI, AzMF, Designer Destination,

Tucson, Ariz., Helen Miller AIFD, CF, CAFA, Flowers and Such, Adrian, Mich., Darla Pawlak AIFD, PFCI,

Essexville, Mich., Julie Poeltler

AIFD, PFCI, IMF, CAFA,

Julie’s Fountain of Flowers,

Lone Tree, Iowa, Jerome Raska AIFD, AAF, PFCI, CF, Blumz by JR Designs, Ferndale, Mich.,

Tom Simmons AIFD, CCF, Three Bunch Palms Productions, Palm Springs, Calif., Gerard Toh AIFD, CCF,

Garden Trade Services, Sherman Oaks, Calif., Cindy Tole, Botanica Flowers &

Gifts, Greensboro, N.C., Kevin Ylvisaker AIFD, PFCI, CAFA, Mukwonago, Wisc.

E d i t o r i al C o u n c i l Marie Ackerman AIFD, AAF, PFCI, Teleflora, Oklahoma City, Okla., Carol J. Caggiano AIFD, PFCI, A.

Caggiano, Inc., Jeffersonton, Va., Bert Ford AIFD, PFCI, Ford Flower Co., Salem, N.H.,

Wilton Hardy

AIFD, AAF, PFCI, FSMD,

JWH Design and Consultant, West Palm Beach, Fla.,

Elizabeth Seiji AIFD, Edelweiss Flower Boutique, Santa Monica, Calif.

Customer service: For service on your magazine subscription, including change of address, please write to Flowers&, P.O. Box 16029, No. Hollywood, CA 91615-9871, enclosing a recent address label. For faster service, call 818-286-3128; Teleflora members call 800-421-2815.

6 www.flowersandmagazine.com

themoderncollections.com

Designing containers for flowers since 1984 info@themoderncollections.com 9606 Owensmouth Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311 Phone: (818) 718-1400 Fax: (818) 718-1401

focus on design

•j

Floral design by Rich Salvaggio AIFD, AAF, PFCI

•

Photography by Ron Derhacopian

Coordinated containers and leaf treatments create a versatile composite design.

The beauty of a design concept like this one is that the coordinating designs can be used together in one place or separately, with the low design in the center of the dining table and the tall design on a buffet. Easy and affordable, the look can be scaled up or down to fit any budget.

1

1. Cut red roses to just the right height so that they will create a mound of blooms at the top of the tall vase.

Then place them in the vase, surrounded on all sides by variegated aspidistra leaves. The easiest way to do this is to place the aspidistra leaves on three sides of the vase first, add the roses, then slip the remaining aspidistra leaves in on the front.

2. In the lower vase, cut low squares of foam to fit the two outermost glass cubes. Wrap each square of foam with a Frosted (silvered) aralia leaf, which should completely cover the foam. Then, using your knife as needed to make slits in the leaves, pavé on top of the leaves with red asters and burgundy carnations.

3. Add a candle to the center cube and surround it with mini cymbidium orchids. As your budget allows, attach more mini cymbidiums with UGlu to the top of the low vase and to the outside of the tall vase.

2

8 www.flowersandmagazine.com

s

•

For product information, see Where to Buy, page 66.

See this

how-to on at Flowers&or go to flowersandmagazine.com.

3

may 2010 July 2016 14 9

leaf art

•j

Floral design by Helen Miller AIFD

•

Photography by Ron Derhacopian

• b

Foliage courtesy of Wm. F. Puckett

Combine decorative wire with rolled or folded foliage for an intriguing design accent.

Aspidistra leaves—long and broad, substantial yet flexible—are ideal for creating pleats and curls secured with bright, colorful wire.

10 www.flowersandmagazine.com

1

2

1. You’ll need about a yard of aluminum wire.

Begin by piercing an aspidistra leaf with the wire in a pattern like wide stitches, keeping the wire close to the spine.

2. Pull the wire through and bend it back, keeping the leaf flat and leaving a few inches of wire at the base of the leaf alongside the stem.

3. With the length of wire that emerges from the tip, make a decorative pattern—here, successive curls.

4. When your pattern is complete, fold the stitched wire and leaf together to make soft pleats.

5. Fold the wired leaf in on itself and tape the wire and the leaf stem together.

5

3

4

JULY 2016 11

inspired by...

Ocean waves Making a trip to the beach this summer?

Maybe you’ll spend some time watching the surf roll in, admiring the curl of the waves, the power that drives and dissipates, the ever-changing blend of colors and textures: green and gray, blue and white, from a smooth glassy wall to a spreading plain of froth and lace.

While the materials used in floral design are in reality mostly quite still, one of the

July 2016 13

•j

Floral design by Tom Bowling AIFD, PFCI

•

Photography by Ron Derhacopian

things that floral designers typically strive to do is to create a feeling of motion and energy through the placement of those materials. Ocean waves could certainly provide inspiration for that illusion. The scientific definition of an ocean wave is, in fact, “energy passing through water.”

“Energy passing through flowers” might well describe the interpretation of an ocean wave created for this issue of Flowers& by Tom Bowling AIFD, PFCI. Bands of lily grass braided with blue bullion leap over each other on one side, the tips of the grass brought together and tightly wrapped.

A bundle of white callas cuts an arc in a different direction. Other flowers were chosen for their frothy effect: hydrangea, dendrobium orchids, and delphinium in both light and dark blue, suggesting the depth of the waves and the play of light on the surface. Dusty miller and White Mist foliage—eucalyptus and plumosus—contribute the perfect sea-gray tints and textures, while the curved silver urn echoes the glinting depths. b

s

•

14 www.flowersandmagazine.com

For product information, see Where to Buy, page 66.

Turn green and blooming plants into long-lasting, European-style gifts and dĂŠcor.

Take inspiration from these examples. At left and above, larch cone twigs, dogwood branches, and pine needles are used in a way that adds extraordinary value to mini poinsettia and pink begonia plants. Below right, a twiggy Christmas-tree cone is accented with ribbon, colored sticks and other accessories, then draped with the living vines of Ceropegia woodii (string-of-hearts), with their small, silver-gray, heart-shaped leaves.

Concepts and photos are from Floradania, a Danish marketing company that promotes the sale of potted plants. For a host of design ideas that present green and blooming plants with sophisticated style, visit www.floradania.dk.

12 may 2010 16 www.flowersandmagazine.com

Clockwise from top left: larch cone twigs tied on with twine give a holiday twist to sempervivum rosettes. Blooming hellebores (also known as the Christmas rose) are paired with pine cones and weathered wood in a rustic pot. Millimeter balls and a band of red yarn, tasseled with mini cones, brighten a pot planted with multi-textured hybrids in the genus Hebe—evergreen shrubs native to New Zealand but popular as garden plants in Europe and the western United States. At lower left, a variety of potted ferns mingle in a silver urn, accented with matt and shiny millimeter balls and pine cones.

18

may 2010 22

Clockwise from top left: Gaultheria procumbens (creeping wintergreen) is more often sold as a garden plant than as a houseplant, but it makes a fine show with its red berries and evergreen leaves, accented with pine-cone-covered twigs and red yarn. Next, rough-textured bark, an evergreen branch loosely bound with wire, and an artificial leaf spray make simple but effective additions to phalaenopsis orchids in a candle tray. Below, pine and larch cone twigs convert groupings of cyclamen and African violet plants into enchanting, holiday-themed dÊcor—elegant, high-value gifts.

20 www.flowersandmagazine.com

may 2010 20

fresh focus

•

By Bruce Wright

Bright, cheerful, and long-lasting, craspedia is coming on strong.

T

his might not be the flower you think of when you think “wedding flowers.” But search Google Images for “craspedia”—or, of course, “billy buttons”—and you may be surprised at the number of photos of bridal bouquets and boutonnieres arrayed on your computer screen.

Or, when you think about it, maybe it’s not so surprising after all. Notice how many of those photos show yellow craspedia combined with dove gray—a popular color scheme of late for both weddings and interiors. In a number of photos you may see craspedia dyed bright green, a color that continues strongly in vogue—and of course, craspedia in natural yellow goes beautifully with bright green as well.

Indeed, you’ll see dyed or painted craspedia in a rainbow of colors. This is one flower

22 www.flowersandmagazine.com

where artificial color seems like a natural extension of its personality—easily taken up by the textured, perfectly round or oval flower head, which sits atop its straight, leafless stem like a pompon on a drumstick. A billy button might seem at times more like something manufactured than a flower—especially since we almost never see it wilt or wither (billy buttons are famous for drying beautifully, keeping their shape and quite a bit of their color). Ironically, sometimes it’s on the painted billy buttons that you can best see the tiny, individual, true flowers that cover the round flower head, when they open up and show their yellow petals after the tight buds have been sprayed with pigment.

But for all its toughness and perfect geometry, craspedia is after all another of Nature’s living creations. A member of the large flower family that includes sunflowers and other daisy-like flowers, billy buttons combine beautifully with these and other natural materials. Like other flowers, they shine best when treated well, all along the chain from the farm to the flower shop.

ENDLESS SUMMER Native to Australia and New Zealand, craspedia is available year-

round from growers in California, Ecuador and Holland, but it may be in shorter supply in the winter. It’s nearly always field-grown, without any cover, and too much rain or cold can damage it. “By staggering plantings, we can get it at different times of year,” says Peter Vanos Jr. of Westland Nursery in Pescadero, California. A single planting can yield more than one harvest, however. Most growers leave the plants in the ground for about a year before replanting.

When is the right time to cut it? “Different buyers have different preferences,” says Peter.

“Some like it tight, others showing more yelSUNNY SKIES Native to Australia, craspedia is today grown in many different countries, nearly always in open fields like this one in Israel. The long, thin stems can reach higher than two feet. Small leaves sometimes sprout farther up the stem, but generally the leaves cluster at the base of the plant, so that the harvested stem is leafless. The crop likes warm, dry weather; it is available almost year-round from California, with supplies from Ecuador and Holland filling in during California’s cool, wet winter. Photo courtesy of Danziger “Dan” Flower Farm.

low color. We tend to wait to pick it until it has a yellow look.”

“If you cut it green, it won’t open,” agrees Carlos Cardoza of Camflor in Watsonville, California. The tiny buds do start to show color, however, before they open up enough to become fluffy—and the nubbly texture of the new yellow buds, circling the flower head in neat rows, can be very appealing in itself.

Growers may harvest on the tight side as a precaution against mold, says Pam Uranga, director of purchasing at Mayesh Wholesale.

If when craspedia comes into the shop it is yellow (with at least some of the florets open) but lacking the desired brilliance and volume, the nutrients in flower food should encourage the flowers to open and color up further.

Buyers also demand a certain stem length. “We try to get at least 20 inches,” says Carlos; on the market, stem lengths range from 12 on up to 24 inches (60 centimeters) or more. By the time the flower is harvested, the stems, originally green, have usually matured to a gray-green color.

The craspedia plant sports few leaves, typically just at the base. If any remain after the stem is cut, they are easily removed by the grower.

LIVING COLOR Craspedia takes paint beautifully—especially, of course, red, orange, and light green pigments, all compatible with yellow. The flower heads are almost always spray-tinted, not stem-dyed. As the tiny true flowers that cover the flower head begin to open, or open further, they can show their natural yellow petals to striking effect against the sprayed-on color.

THE NEXT GENERATION Paintball™ is the graphic, intuitive name given by Israeli breeder Danziger to its two new varieties of craspedia, Paintball™ Globe and Paintball™ Elisse. Paintball™ Globe is perfectly round, Paintball™ Elisse (at near right) more oval. The advantages of the new varieties include uniform and early flowering, stable and upright stems—and of course, large and shapely flower heads. Photos courtesy of Danziger “Dan” Flower Farm.

24 www.flowersandmagazine.com

BIGGER AND BETTER As hardy as craspedia flowers are, there is always room for improvement. Using breeding techniques that rely on vegetative propagation, rather than propagation by seed, Israeli breeder Danziger has recently introduced two new varieties in what it calls the Paintball Series: round Paintball™ Globe and oval Paintball™ Elisse. Along with bigger flower heads and stronger, straighter stems, these latest cultivars flower earlier and longer than competing strains.

The introduction of new varieties is just one more sign that craspedia is coming up in the world. “Interest in craspedia is definitely growing,” says Pam at Mayesh. “It used to be mainly in the fall; now it’s year-round.” “People start asking for it in the spring,” agrees Carlos at Camflor. Looking for a little ball of sunshine? It’s easy to find. b Thanks to these suppliers who contributed to this story: Camflor www.camflor.com Danziger “Dan” Flower Farm www.danziger.co.il Mayesh Wholesale www.mayesh.com Westland Nursery sales.westlandnursery@gmail.com

PERFECT PAIRINGS Although craspedia can make a fine showing all by itself, it has an especially winning way of combining with other flowers. At top left, for example, it sings alongside purple triteleia flowers (showing yellow pollen) and the compact, composite flower heads of Camassia leichtlinii. In the center of the page, the round form of billy buttons is beautifully echoed with tiny mimosa flowers, while the color is picked up in the yellow centers of red achillea flowers (cottage yarrow), in the cultivar known as ‘Paprika’. At near left, billy buttons lift their heads above a bed of spiny succulents. In every case, the yellow craspedia is beautifully set off by a bowl in gray or silver tones. Photos courtesy of Danziger “Dan” Flower Farm.

26 www.flowersandmagazine.com

SHOW &SELL

Sell more holiday merchandise with effective, varied and daring displays.

Floral design by Bert Ford AIFD, PFCI

Photography by Liam Schatten

For product information,

t

Holiday products available through the Pete Garcia Company (“Simply the best place in the world to buy florist supplies” ® ) and its FloraMart showroom in Atlanta, www.floramart.com

see Where to Buy, page 66.

HEARTH AND HOME Touches of bronze and olive green lend depth and dimension to a rich mix of silver and platinum ornaments, ribbon, and botanicals. Look at the ensemble as a single design: the Christmas-tree cones and pagoda lanterns offer resting places for the eye within the flow and drape of the abundant garland and matching wreath. A pair of nesting birds peeks out of one pagoda lantern, fresh flowers from another. Birch logs provide a rustic contrast to the glitter and glitz; on the left side, a grouping of them makes a pedestal, with a birch round on top, that can be a useful display prop all yearround. It all makes the hearth look so cozy you could lie down in front of it and take a nap.

128january 2012 www.flowersandmagazine.com

july 2016 29

SHOW &SELL TUSCAN HOLIDAY A warm, sophisticated palette dominated by copper and bronze sets the tone for the tree at left and matching wreath at right, with accents in gold, wine, olive, and chartreuse. Within the narrow palette, textural diversity comes to the fore: Copper magnolias combine velvet and shiny satin. Plush ribbons gleam with embroidered filigree. Large Christmas balls are speckled like mercury glass. Glittered pine cones pick up the sparkle of the tree lights. Branches of light green holly extend the volume of the tree and add depth. Rounding out the theme announced with the palette are little gilt-framed mirrors and fleur-de-lis, along with sly elves, almost hidden in the tree branches.

Note that the wreath is a tad shinier than the tree.

“Usually wreaths are viewed from farther away,” says Bert, “so they need to have a little more sparkle.” What background color would you have chosen for this display? The lavender walls are not the obvious choice—but they harmonize nicely with the wine reds and red-toned coppers. Buon Natale!

3 2012 30january www.flowersandmagazine.com

july 2016 31

32 www.flowersandmagazine.com 5 january 2012 28

SHOW &SELL EXPANDING UNIVERSE Here’s a concept (at left) that’s elegantly practical for both florists and customers: accordion trees. They store flat and unfold into perfect, pre-lit, cone-shaped frosted trees (for other versions, see pages 44 and 46-47). A simple bow at the top, with cascading streamers, or the addition of a few red balls (attached to plant stakes inserted into the tree itself) gives each tree a custom touch. A coordinating wreath and garland are likewise accented with red velvet and plaid ribbon. Individual shelves call attention to tabletop trees and glittered white Santas; they can be repositioned as needed to balance the display. A classic snowman, dressed in a ribbon scarf to match the tree and wreath, anchors the scene.

RED GETS FRESH For traditional appeal, nothing beats bright red—which looks even better with accents of bright chartreuse to balance it and bring in a decorator touch. The door frame was spray-painted with Design Master Holiday Red, then lightly textured with Glossy Woodtone. It structures the display, gives a feeling of the home environment, and shows that a glass-pane door can still be decorated even if it can’t be hung with a wreath. It’s hard to tell from the front, but these trees, placed in oval baskets from a nested set, are relatively flat. Florists can use them to maximize display space (even showing different ornament collections on opposite sides); for customers likewise, they fit in places where a full-size tree won’t go. The hanging twig “Kismets” can be filled to coordinate with surrounding décor.

july 2016 2015 33 29 july

7 january 2012 34 www.flowersandmagazine.com

SHOW &SELL WHEE! A couple of tricks create the illusion of fast, rollicking motion in the display at left: First, repetition of the snowmen in different sizes, which creates a feeling of distant perspective within a shallow space. The biggest snowman is fully three-dimensional, the others relatively flat; all wear scarves that whip behind them as they speed downhill. The winding path of their descent is created with a wired pine garland attached to the wall at the top. Snowflakes (each one slightly different) and snowballs in white and icy blue add their own rhythmic repetition. The snowman motif is repeated in a supersized “gift tag”—a fun decoration for a front door. Careful lighting adds to the sense of depth in the display.

“Lighting is especially important,” notes Bert, “when you’re working with blue, even light blue,” which comes further into the mainstream with every passing season. The giant snowballs are Styrofoam balls covered in cotton batting, then sprayed and dusted with artificial snow.

LET IT SNOW If you live in the North, you know how evergreens look when they’re banked with snow. The look is realistically re-created here about two-thirds of the way down the tree with blocks of Styrofoam wrapped in cotton batting, then sprinkled with loose artificial snow. As a bonus, the Styrofoam supports smiling snowmen, picked into the foam, along with clear and frosted millimeter balls; frosted cedar sprays extend the look. The snowmen also come as faces on picks, some picked into red ball ornaments. Big Styrofoam gift ornaments and poinsettias with gingham petals add to the whimsical effect of the snowmen. “A lot of us are afraid to sell cute,” says Bert, “but it has a big market.”

2015 35 37 july 2016

9 2012 36 www.flowersandmagazine.com 40january

SHOW &SELL BERRIES AND BEARS, OH MY! A family of forest bears—hungry, but friendly—lends just the right touch of animation to a vignette featuring rustic décor such as might grace the home of a domesticated lumberjack in the Pacific Northwest—or a Manhattanite on a ski vacation in Vermont. Bright holly berries and foliage contribute necessary color and shine; they appear in trees, sprays, and a wreath.

Tabletop pine trees in burlap bags are nicely paired with twig spiral trees and a burlap sled with twig runners. Tin pots peek out from a timeworn cabinet with a pair of ornamental skis hung on the door—a decoration that brings fun and relaxation to mind. The bears, in three sizes and poses, are covered in dried grass. The simple color scheme is underscored with the plaid tablecloth that ties it all together.

HO HO HO Oversize ornaments make a nice impact from a distance (in a window display, for instance). Closer up, they could make a grownup feel like a kid again. Here, the hanging teardrop ornaments call out to the large ball ornaments in a candy-apple finish that fill the tree, alternating with the cubes and rectangles of the Styrofoam wrapped gifts. A Santa train at the base of the tree reinforces the kid motif, pulling wagons that string the message together: the Ho Ho Ho pick comes as a three-stemmed spray that has been pulled apart here, the stems used separately to create rhythm and pull the eye through the tree. Glitter sprays and stems of red holly extend the volume of the decorated tree and add to its perceived value.

10 january 2012

july 2016 37

SHOW &SELL SNOW IN THE PARK The tender beauty of fresh white hyacinths, hydrangea, and roses is thrown into relief when they mingle with iced faux succulents and frosted red grape leaves, on a park bench surrounded by bare and snowy branches.

The spare scene is enlivened with tiny birds and illuminated, not only by the prelit branches and snowtwig trees, but with carved snowflake votive holders that seem to float in midair.

(Equipped with glass inserts, they can also be used for fresh flowers.) A prelit garland extends the look of the snow-twig trees and creates a border that marks the edges of a fantasy world.

11 january 2012 38 www.flowersandmagazine.com

july 2016 39

13 january 2012 00 www.flowersandmagazine.com 40

SHOW &SELL RIBBONS AND BOWS Red always makes a striking impact—and this tall tree does so at minimal cost, simply decked with three kinds of wide ribbon and with moderately priced poinsettias, cut from a bush. It only takes a very few wired bows, plus long streamers laced through the branches (which makes the yardage go farther and design go faster). Punchinello ribbon, of a type popular in the 60s, has come back, says Bert: “It adds a nice bit of filigree and a subtle shine.” Big, lightweight silhouette ornaments are hung at the bottom of the tree, where they show up against the dark background. Placing the tree in front of double window frames creates the possibility for an even more dramatic display, with garland draped across the frames in front of the tree. The red ornaments also come as a garland, so they can be easily attached to the pine garland with just a few twists of wire. Frosted evergreens add additional color, texture, and lightness; the eye follows the white line as it travels across the display.

TOPSY-TURVY Upside-down Christmas trees not only draw attention as a playful conversation piece, they also make highly efficient use of display space.

Ornaments hung on these trees pop out from the branches rather than nestling within them. The trees come in two sizes and can be supported on a stand or hung from the ceiling. Here they are decorated with a collection of snow-themed ribbons and ornaments, including owls and spheres with a furry texture that contrasts nicely with a variety of iced branches added to the tree.

Antlers on the tree reinforce the woodland motif, along with large, prancing wire reindeer. The effect of mounded snow and snowballs at the base is created with cotton batting, sprayed and dusted with artificial snow.

july 2016 41 00

SHOW &SELL HEADS AND TAILS The mechanics could not be simpler: a pine wreath is hung over the deer’s head and a hanging garland is attached. Then the wreath and garland are enriched with sprays of cedar and frosted pine, coppery glittered leaves, faux pheasant feathers, silver balls and bright green millimeter balls, all on top of a beautifully blended medley of textured and subtly hued ribbons.

“This is designer décor you can’t get at Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware,” says Bert. “It could hang on a door, or a pair of them flanking a door,” versus the more predictable wreath or framing garland.

As a display, it showcases both your merchandise and your expertise.

WELL LIT As lanterns have grown in popularity, suppliers have come out with larger versions like these terrarium lanterns, which can house a grouping of pillar candles, fresh flowers, or even, as here, small potted pine trees. The smaller of the lanterns holds faux pine-cone candles equipped with a flickering faux flame tip. The warm, weathered gray of the lanterns coordinates perfectly with the snow-tipped pine cones and premade pinecone balls on the table.

Fresh flowers—delphinium and eremurus—provide the vertical line that harmonizes with the lanterns and contrasts with the pinecone spheres, and a fresh texture that softens and enlivens the tablescape.

15 www.flowersandmagazine.com january 2012 42

july 2016 43

17 january 2012 44 www.flowersandmagazine.com

SHOW &SELL MIX, DON’T MATCH Sometimes striking contrasts can bring surprisingly harmonious results. At left, tinsel accordion trees provide an attention-getting frame for a display with a woodsy look; the trees’ classic shape and contemporary style provide a nice counterpoint to the organic feel of driftwood tabletop trees, rustic owls, pine cones, and fresh flowers in a modern cement-colored pot. Like the snowy trees on page 32, the accordion trees collapse flat, come prelit, and unfold to make versatile display accessories. The showstopper at the center of the display is a large wreath, rich in texture that might be described as “rustic with flash.” Against this background, a pair of birch skis and a cone-shaped topiary define strong bright lines that harmonize with the trees.

FALL BLUE As the color complement of orange, a background of royal blue makes the fall palette pop. For the same reason, and to harmonize with the background, this display incorporates touches of dark blue in the standing egrets and sprays of artificial blueberries.

On the wall, a premade wreath has been enriched also with velvet pumpkin picks and with dramatic sprays of Chinese lanterns (the lanterns come as a “bush” that was cut apart for use as sprays). The sprays create a lively up-and-down motion within the display that continues with the drape of a garland cascading from the table. Within the riot of colors and textures, solid forms create resting places for the eye: the egrets, three carved pumpkins, a red-orange succulent ball, and two pillar candles elevated on rustic candlesticks.

2015 45 35 july 2016

19 january 2012 46 www.flowersandmagazine.com

SHOW &SELL ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH Repetition creates impact in this dramatic, low-labor display—an easy and effective idea for a shop window or for corporate décor meant to be seen from a distance. Like the pre-lit accordion trees on pages 32 and 44, these in metallic red and gold collapse into circles the size of a pizza for storage and shipping; for décor and display, they unfold to perfect cones. Available in three sizes, they can reach to the ground or be elevated on poles as desired for a tiered effect.

In this version of the trees, shiny holly leaves reflect the lights nestled inside the tinsel. The trumpets and petaled wings of the angels, likewise, come off for shipping or storage and re-attach for display.

july 2016 47

SHOW &SELL HALF FULL A half tree, flat on one side and placed against a wall, is a great option for anyone—customers or florists—with limited space who still wants a fully decorated look. The half tree is also easy on the budget since it requires only half as much product. The look here is of mixed metals, from silver to soft gold. A pink wall makes an effective backdrop; wine-red ribbon with threads of gold pulls out the pink color and enriches the palette.

Fanciful gold birds lend animation to a medley of glittering ornaments, including champagne-colored poinsettias; strands of silver smilax add volume and brightness to the tree. Many of the same ornaments and textures are echoed in tabletop designs nearby. The pair of cones makes a stunning display that requires very little design labor: a few bows and millimeter balls, some glittered trim, and a pair of gilt hummingbirds, and you’re done!

21 www.flowersandmagazine.com january 2012 48

july 2016 49

23 2012 50 january www.flowersandmagazine.com

SHOW &SELL PARTY TIME At left, Rowdy the Reindeer is clearly the star of the show. Suave and posable, wearing a stylish vest and scarf, he lounges in the display foreground with a beverage, admiring the fresh red anemones he has placed in shapely decanters. But his charisma also calls attention to a collection of clean-lined accessories, both rustic and contemporary in style, that stand out in their own right, well balanced in the vignette: a mini boxwood tree and wreath; large red felt magnolia blossoms; red burlap cones wrapped with green twine and sprinkled with diamond dust; and five-pointed wood stars.

Raised wood pedestals in three sizes, good for yearround displays, create a tiered effect. The tallest Rowdy wears a millimeterball garland, equipped with LED lights, like a boa.

behind every cover: design inspiration & how-to ideas A digital subscription is only $19.95 for a full year.

Visit: www.flowersandmagazine.com

and click on the “subscribe� link. or scan this QR code

july 2016 51

Modern Style

A generous sampling from the new book, Contemporary Floral Design.

10 july 2010 60 14 www.flowersandmagazine.com www.flowersandmagazine.com 52

NEW BUILDING BLOCKS Water tubes, a staple of today’s floral design, permit the free placement of fresh flowers almost anywhere. Here they hold eucharis lilies, suspended along a delicate fence made of pine needles intertwined with bullion wire.

String-of-pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) also deck the fence, along with a few transparent skeleton leaves. The use of all kinds of plant materials has expanded floral designers’ vocabulary.

Design: Rita Van Gansbeke. Photo: Thomas de Hoghton.

What defines contemporary floral design? One answer to that interesting question can be found in a book published late last year by the well-respected London-based author and educator Judith Blacklock. With 350 photos of floral designs by 120 leading designers from 25 countries, this book provides a comprehensive survey of the field. It is organized into chapters that focus on different aspects of design, from plant materials to mechanics and from recognized design styles to elements and principles. The result is that readers are given, not just an overview, but also a practical and conceptual framework for understanding 21st-century trends and techniques.

To learn more about Judith Blacklock and the Judith Blacklock Flower School in London, visit www.judithblacklock.com. To purchase the book, search for it on www.amazon.com. july 2016 july 20102016 11 6153 APRIL

HAVE YOUR CAKE At near left, pavĂŠd tulips, anemones, and viburnum berries suggest the icing on top of a cake with sides of variegated aspidistra leaves bound with sisal string. Such confections are part of the 21st-century floral design lexicon. Design: Marco Wamelink. Photo: Duncan McCabe.

ORIGAMI FOLDS Rolled and folded foliage has the effect of calling attention both to the craft of floral design and to its natural materials.

At lower left, the mid rib was removed from aspidistra leaves so that they could be fashioned into accordion folds, creating a textured green base from which white gloriosas spring.

In between, a layering of silvery dried pine needles creates textural contrast. Design: Misako Wakayama. Photo: Thomas de Hoghton.

CLEVERLY CONTAINED Custom containers or container coverings made entirely from natural materials are another hallmark of contemporary design. Here, a Styrofoam hemisphere was covered with overlapping dried pandanus leaves, hot-glued to the form. The neutral color and organic texture of the leaves provide a fitting foil for fresh zinnias in water tubes. Design and photo: Tom De Houwer.

62www.flowersandmagazine.com www.flowersandmagazine.com 54

Modern Style

julyjuly 20102016 13 55 63

LOOK WHO’S BOSS Dominance is the principle of design whereby one part of the design holds the eye and compels attention over the rest. The principle can play out in a subtle or exaggerated way. Here, a hanging sphere of craspedia seems to levitate within an atomic structure of green bamboo, dotted with more craspedia, plus a few scabiosa pods and physalis capsules. Design: Rudy Casati.

Photo: Oliver Gordon.

PINNED IN PLACE Clamping is a favorite technique to support flowers in many types of contemporary design. Below, magnolia leaves have been clamped in place with clothes pins, forming organic sheaths that enclose water tubes containing roses, vanda and cymbidium orchids, cyclamen flowers and skimmia berries.

Design: Marco Wamelink. Photo: Oliver Gordon.

56 www.flowersandmagazine.com

may 2010 14

Modern Style

ABUNDANCE AND SIMPLICITY Whether as plants or cut stems, elegant, long-lasting phalaenopsis orchids have become ubiquitous—but their fresh appeal is renewed in the hands of Dutch Master Florist Robert Koene, simply by combining them with the feathery fronds of Australian umbrella fern. The long arching stems fan out from a bed of white hydrangea. Design: Robert Koene. Photo: Chris Harten.

BIEDERMEIER REDUX Once the most traditional of design styles, the handtied bouquet has become a vehicle for innovative expression with the use of armatures that extend the form and vary the shape. Here, rings of aluminum wire allowed designer Per Benjamin to create concentric circles of flowers with space between them, overlaid with grasses and additional flowers including a large hanging heliconia. Design: Per Benjamin.

Photo: Oliver Gordon.

july 2016 57

Modern Style

58 www.flowersandmagazine.com

may 2010 16

WEAVES OF GRASS Supporting structures woven from natural materials like twigs, willow, or cane can place fresh flowers within a context that suggests museum-quality craft.

At left, a cane structure supports arching stems of phalaenopsis orchids and woven strands of lirope (lily grass).

ALL BARK, NO BITE At upper right, strips of tree bark cover a flowerlike polystyrene shape, which rests upright, supported by a forked branch. Spilling from the interior is a mix of ‘Coral Luna’ roses (with green hearts), green and red hydrangea, and flaming nerines, along with the finer textures of skimmia berries and pieris flowers. Design: Stijn Simaeys. Photo: Thomas de Hoghton.

FRUITS AND VEGGIES Contemporary designers have not hesitated to storm the greengrocer’s in search of novel, playful, natural materials to complement fresh flowers. At right, leeks surround a cut-down water bottle with rose hips placed inside. In the smaller arrangements, colorful leaves were pinned to floral foam, into which spray roses were then inserted and the leaves tied with raffia. Design: Judith Blacklock. Photo: Oliver Gordon. july may2016 2010 59 30

shop profile

•

By Marianne Cotter

In an up-and-down economy, Cugini Florists rides the waves.

T

he name may sound Italian (the previous owner was Italian), but when you walk into Cugini Florists & Fine Gifts, you know it is every bit a product of the Pacific Northwest.

Located in Renton, Washington, between Seattle and Puget Sound, the shop’s interior is done in striking Western red cedar—a choice that would be prohibitively expensive today.

When current owners Bill Gaw and Sharon Landes bought the shop from Dario and Josephine Cugini in 1984, they maintained the interior design, both for its beauty and for its Northwest connection. What they did change was the merchandise mix. “Sharon had been running the business for several years before we bought it,” Bill says. “She knew it had a smooth operation based on quality and service. It was well known, so we didn’t change the name. But we did eliminate the high-end Italian imports and one-off art pieces that Mr. Cugini bought on his trips to Italy. We didn’t see those selling very well, so we changed the gift mix to mid-level products—not super high-end, but of good quality and different from what you could find elsewhere locally."

CHICAGO ROOTS Bill and Sharon both have their roots in Chicago, where they began their careers. Bill earned a biology degree in 1975 and fell into a job doing interior plant maintenance for Phillip’s Flowers, a well-known Since Sharon Landes and Bill Gaw bought the shop in 1984, Cugini Florists has weathered economic storms and continues to thrive by focusing on a simple principle: serving the needs of customers. An extensive, and exclusive (yet affordable) gift line also helps to lift the bottom line.

60 www.flowersandmagazine.com

•

Photography by Lara Swimmer Photography

Chicago-area floral business. He eventually completed their management program and began running one of their retail locations. From there he went back into interior plantscaping, where he met Sharon, who worked in Phillip’s central design facility. She had been working for Phillip’s since she was 16, putting in part-time hours all the way through college, where she earned a degree in horticulture.

When they met, Sharon was in charge of the production line; training and managing a crew to get everyday flowers out the door to the Phillip’s retail shops. But for Bill, the Northwest beckoned. “My father was born in the Seattle area and my family came here on vacations several times. I always loved it and knew one day I’d be heading back for good.”

In April of 1978 Bill and Sharon, now a couple, set out for Washington. While Bill managed the interiorscape division of another company in Seattle, Sharon began working at Cugini Florists in Renton—first as a designer, later as shop manager. She was impressed by the shop’s smooth operation and professionalism. When the opportunity arose to buy the business, she and Bill did so without hesitation.

RENTON THEN AND NOW Bill and Sharon settled in Renton, a working-class community at the end of a long river valley that descends from Mt. Rainier. “It was known as a town that made things,” Bill explains. From railroad cars to Boeing aircraft (home of the 737 program) and Kenmore trucks, the town grew up around a manufacturing base. Local housing was originally built for factory workers who were hired during WWII. Economic activity created a local economy that supported several flower shops.

“Our design style has always been Renton, Washington influenced by the working class deOwners: Bill Gaw and Sharon Landes mographics. Our customers appreciNiche: Everyday full-service shop ate value, quality, traditional style, and moderate price points,” says Bill.

Number of employees: 7 full-time, 3 part-time “We always felt we needed to offer our

Cugini Florists & Fine Gifts

Square footage: 4500 square feet including workspace, showroom and storage Website: www.cugini.com

JULY 2016 61

The original ceiling in Western red cedar sets a gorgeous tone for the interior of Cugini Florists, with walls and shelving to match. Mirrors and lights enhance the vaulted design. A price list outside the cooler and another in the workroom help to keep costs under control. customers something new, something they haven’t seen before.”

The town’s unique geology divides it into three districts. Two are up on a hill and the other is down in the valley where Cugini is located. “It’s like you can’t get from there to here,” says Bill with a chuckle. “They are very distinct areas, with many small neighborhoods that aren’t easily accessible.” Deliveries have to be carefully routed to ensure efficiency, and the staff needs to be aware of the demands on Cugini’s single full-time driver.

Today Renton’s economy is much more diversified. The manufacturing base is still strong, but it is complemented with health care and technology jobs. Retail and highdensity residential development has grown substantially.

Ethnic diversity is another hallmark of modern Renton, which is home to many ethnicities including Eastern European, African, Asian, Hispanic and more. At least 83 different languages are spoken in the local school district. “Rather than one large town we are a collection of small communities with many cultures and floral traditions. One of our challenges is to connect with them.”

62 www.flowersandmagazine.com

ONE SNOWY DAY All florists remember how it felt when the bursting of a housing bubble in mid 2007 sent the nation’s economy stumbling and triggered a severe recession starting in December of that year. For Bill, the memory can be narrowed down to a single snowy day when sales began to tumble. “Our sales were up for the year going into Christmas; we were about 10 percent ahead of 2006,” he recalls.

“Then we were hit with a big snowstorm and it continued to snow every day for a week. It absolutely killed us. Instead of being up 10 percent, business was down 25 percent for the month.”

The storm made deliveries almost impossible. “This is a hilly area and the storm created icy conditions,” Bill recalls. “The whole area essentially shut down. I made whatever deliveries I could. I would stop at the top of a hill and walk the bouquets down to recipients’ homes. People greeted me with hot chocolate and cookies. It was wild.”

The recession followed quickly on the heels of the storm, and business just dried up. Local home sales took a dive, layoffs ensued, and people stopped making discretionary purchases. When they did shop, they spent modestly. “We saw an increase in brides wanting DIY options,” Bill recalls. “We saw smaller events, more home weddings, and a decline in big productions. Our standing orders from businesses dropped by over half as companies cut out ‘luxury’ spending.

Even our largest corporate client decided to keep their holiday décor in-house.”

Bill and Sharon weathered the recession by decreasing staff—and increasing advertising. “We worked harder at finding things that were new and different, that would provide value to our customer,” says Bill. “We tried to figure out what was most important to them.”

To begin with, they took a close look at the competitive landscape. “We went to the local retailers and malls and paid attention to what people were buying and how much they were paying. Then we looked for quality products that a customer wouldn’t find anywhere else. When we talked to a new vendor our first question was, ‘Who else has these products?’ We never tried to be the least expensive, but we always wanted to offer great value. We strengthened our relationships with local wholesalers to ensure that we were getting the best product at the best price.”

FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING Every year The Renton Reporter runs a “Best of Renton” feature. Cugini has won the flower shop category every year for many, many years—an honor that reflects both the shop’s consistently high standards and its stubborn endurance.

“At one time there were eight or ten flower shops in Renton,” says Bill. “Today we are the only freestanding flower shop left. There is another one just outside of Renton and a few florists working out of their homes or studios.

But we are the only flower shop in town. It’s not just the flowers, we do have a lot of gifts and we’re bigger than most flower shops.”

Today, development in the immediate

Florist’s Best Friend--

Floral Delivery Trays EASY LOAD NO SPILL LIGHT WEIGHT

Floral Delivery Tray or Floral Carrier!

neighborhood is generating new walk-in business. “Several new apartment buildings are within a few blocks, plus the city started a farmer’s market. The chamber of commerce is coordinating with local community groups to sponsor events in our downtown core. That all helps with walkin business.”

Downtown Renton has gone through the same changes that a lot of areas go through. A big suburban shopping center opens up and everyone flocks there, and the downtown area begins to decline. But now, says Bill, “the city and business community are creating opportunities for new businesses and promoting the downtown core. Much still needs to be done, but there’s a sense that the changes are having a positive effect.”

TESTING THE WATERS “We have always stressed quality and service,” Bill explains. “We like to say that our flowers last longer than everyone else’s, and our customers seem to agree.” As an example of how Cugini goes the extra mile, several years ago Bill and Sharon took advantage of a standing offer by Floralife (a division of Smithers-Oasis) to test their local water for free. “We took them up on it,” says Bill. “We found out that the preservative we were using could be changed to better match our water type, resulting in a holding solution with higher acidity—and longer-lasting flowers.”

Another modification Bill made toward the end of the recession contributed significantly to the shop’s efficiency. “We had 100-watt flood lights in the showroom,” says Bill. “We needed strong light in the winter, but in the summer the lights overheated the shop. Our local power company began offering rebates on LED lights. We made the switch, and it cut our energy bills by one third.”

When it comes to forward strategy, Bill is making a point of targeting the younger generation: “I’m getting more involved with social media, and will expand that to reach out to young people. We have three high schools in town, and the Rotary Club honors the class president every year. I try to get to know the class president and offer fund-raising programs for their class. We do a lot of proms and homecomings, and we really take care of those kids. In the end, there is just one key to surviving and succeeding: serving the needs of the customer.” b

One carrier holds an average of 20 to 30 arrangements.

• Light-weight, high-impact plastic. Size 48” x 48”. 33 lbs. Pins included.

• Carrier is adjustable to any size (removing or adding blocks as needed).

• Large, flat surface, available by moving pins to storage at sides.

• No special places; load in the order you wish to deliver.

• No tip-overs or broken ends---saves load and unload time.

SEMINOLE

3710 Sipes Ave, Sanford, FL 32773

1-800-638-3378 • Fax 407-322-6668 outside U.S.A. 407-321-4310

PATENTED

30 Day Mfg. Satisfaction Guarantee!

www.seminoleds.com

FREE Floral Design Tutorials on our YOU TUBE channel: Flowers& Magazine

JULY 2016 63

industry events For the most recent additions to Teleflora Unit Programs, go to www.MyTeleflora.com and click on Design Education to access the Floral Event Calendar in the Unit Program section.

National and International July 3-7, Orange County, CA AIFD National Symposium: “Inspiration,” Anaheim Marriott. Call the American Institute of Floral Designers at 410-752-3318 or visit www.aifd.org.

July 9-12, Columbus, OH Cultivate ’16 (trade show and educational sessions), Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Visit www.cultivate16.org.

July 11-22, Atlanta, GA FloraMart® (Pete Garcia Company) market dates for spring/summer 2017 merchandise, FloraMart. Visit www.floramart.com.

August 2-4, Valley Forge, PA EIGC, Eastern Trade Show and Conference for Independent Garden Centers, Casino Resort. Visit www.igceast.com.

August 16-18, Chicago, IL IGC (Independent Garden Centers) Show, Navy Pier. Visit www.igcshow.com.

September 21-24, Maui, HI SAF Annual Convention, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.

Call the Society of American Florists at 800-336-4743 or visit www.safnow.org.

October 5-8, Quito, Ecuador Agriflor 2016, Centro de Exposiciones.

Visit www.agriflor.com.

October 19-21, Miami, FL Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association Floral Distribution Conference, Miami Airport Convention Center.

Call WF&FSA at 888-289-3372 or visit www.wffsa.org.

November 2-4, Aalsmeer, The Netherlands FloraHolland Trade Fair Aalsmeer, FloraHolland.

Visit www.floraholland.com/tradefair.

December 5-16, Atlanta, GA FloraMart® (Pete Garcia Company) market dates for fall/Christmas 2017 merchandise, FloraMart.

Visit www.floramart.com.

January 9-11, 2017, Santa Barbara, CA Florabundance Inspirational Design Days. Visit www.florabundance.com.

January 10-12, 2017, Long Beach, CA The Special Event, Long Beach Convention Center. Visit www.thespecialeventshow.com.

January 24-27, 2017, Essen, Germany IPM Essen, Messe Essen. Visit www.ipm-essen.de.

January 27-31, 2017, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Christmasworld, including the new Floradecora.

Visit www.floradecora.de.

Central Region July 20, Milwaukee, WI Wisconsin-Upper Michigan Unit, Event Designs with Tom Simmons, Kennicott Brothers Company. Contact Melissa Maas at 262-253-9111 or owner@bankofflowers.net.

July 31, Sioux Falls, SD Minndakota Unit, Everyday Designs with Vonda LaFever, North American Wholesale Florist.

Contact Laura Baker at 605-539-9800 or bakersdesign@hotmail.com.

August 7, Plymouth, MN Minndakota Unit, Special Events with Cindy Tole, Len Busch Roses. Contact Pat Gustaf at 605-334-2000 or pgustaf991@aol.com.

September 13, Warren, MI Michigan Unit, Holiday Designs with Vonda LaFever, Nordlie Wholesale. Contact Debbie Custer at 734-262-9625 or wandcc2004@sbcglobal.net.

September 14, Gaylord, MI Michigan Unit, Holiday Designs with Vonda LaFever, Eagles Club. Contact Debbie Custer at 734-262-9625 or wandcc2004@sbcglobal.net.

Northeast Region

November 2-4, Vijfhuizen, The Netherlands

August 16, Holyoke, MA

International Floriculture & Horticulture Trade Fair (IFTF), Expo Haarlemmermeer. Visit www.hpp.nl.

New England Unit, Wedding Designs with John Hosek, The Delaney House. Contact Heather Sullivan at 413-785-5148 or heather@durocherflorist.com.

64 www.flowersandmagazine.com

South Central Region July 16-17, Boerne, TX Texas State Florists Association Floral Forum, program includes hands-on party design workshop (7/16) and main-stage party program (7/17) with Tom Simmons, Tapatio Springs Resort & Conference Center. Visit www.tsfa.org.

July 24, Midland, TX WesTexas – New Mexico Florists Association, program includes Designer’s Choice with John Hosek, Horseshoe Arena. Contact Lee Ware at 432-530-7173 or Leeware81515@gmail.com.

July 24, Stillwater, OK Oklahoma State Florist Association, program includes Wedding Trends with Joyce MasonMonheim, OSU Alumni Center. Contact Lenzee Bilke at 405-341-2530 or madelinesflowers@sbcglobal.net.

July 31, Phoenix, AZ Arizona State Florists Association, program includes Trends with Gerard Toh, Black Canyon Conference Center. Call 602-795-0302 or visit www.azflorists.org.

September 10-12, Quapaw, OK Ozark Florists Association Convention, Downstream Convention Center. Visit www.aboutozark.com or contact Fran Davis at 417-883-8581 or myree97@aol.com.

Southeast Region July 17, Bradenton, FL South Florida Unit, Everyday Designs with Gerard Toh, Kings Wholesale. Contact Bruce Wilson at 727-823-3432 or brucewaynestpete@aol.com.

August 14, Cary, NC North Carolina Florist Association Convention, program includes Party Designs with Tom Simmons, Embassy Suites. Visit www.ncflorist. org or contact Bill McPhail at 910-867-2900 or mcphail.bill@yahoo.com.

Western Region Oct 14-16, Helena, MT Montana Florist Association Convention, program includes Celebrations with Alex Jackson, Radisson Colonial Hotel. Visit www.mtfloristassc. com or contact Debbie Snyder at 406-752-1313 or danddebs@montanasky.net.

what’s in store

WRAP UP SALES The latest addition to Teleflora’s popular series of ceramic Ornament Jar holiday containers comes in a new shape: square like a gift box. Glittering silver “ribbon” adorns the sides and also sparkles on the lid, equipped as always with a custom pick to hold it securely among the flowers. The keepsake Ornament Jar is nationally advertised for the holiday season as part of Teleflora’s Gift Wrapped Bouquet.

Call 800-333-0205 or visit themarket.myteleflora.com.

HATS OFF Among the many winning characters who populate the fantasy world of Kurt S. Adler’s nutcrackers, each of these has a snowman popping out of his hat. Standing 18 inches high, they come as a set (item number HA0265)—fierce friends who share a love of fanciful headgear. Call 800-243-9627 or visit www.kurtadler.com.

WARM REFLECTIONS Product collections themed by season, color and style make it so much easier, not just to buy, but to design, merchandise and sell. Among the new collections forthcoming from Pioneer Imports this fall is Warm Reflections, in a romantic fall palette that includes trendy Parchment, Burgundy, Basil and Terracotta Rose. Call Pioneer Imports & Wholesale at 888-234-5400 or visit www.pioneerwholesaleco.com.

AFFORDABLE COOLING Used in combination with an off-the-shelf air conditioner, the CoolBot ($315) can turn any insulated room into a walk-in cooler, saving you thousands in purchase costs, electricity bills, and technician visits compared to traditional refrigeration systems. Use a CoolBot with a trailer for mobile or auxiliary cooling for your floral business.

Made in the USA. Call 888-871-5723 or visit www.storeitcold.com.

July 2016 65

where to buy For more information on merchandise featured in Flowers&, contact the supplier directly. Direct links to most suppliers can be found on the Flowers& website, www.flowersandmagazine.com.

Use the links under “Advertisers in This Issue” or the link to our searchable, online Buyers’ Guide at the top of the Flowers& home page.

ON THE C O V ER

Iced Mosaic cones, Diagonal Stripe and Bubbles votive holders, glass party finials, millimeter balls and snow pine, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

F O C U S ON DE S IGN ,

EXPANDING UNIVERSE,

RIBBONS AND BOWS,

Frosted accordion trees, green glitter tabletop trees with millimeter balls, white and silver Santas (blow-mold plastic with a hand-carved look), Chadwick Frost wreath and garland, and Flurry Murray snowman, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Pine tree and garland, frosted evergreens, poinsettia bushes, silhouette ornaments and red ball garland, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Punchinello and wide wired velvet and brocade ribbon, Berwick Offray.

RED GETS FRESH,

page 41

page 32

page 33

Flat “Slim Pickens” trees, red lacquer branches, cardinals, velvet poinsettias, weather-resistant holly berries, and twig Kismet holders, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Holiday Red and Glossy Woodtone color sprays, Design Master.

Set of three oval baskets (two with handles removed for the display), Giftwares.

pages 8-9

WHEE!,

IN S P IRATION S ,

Sledding Snowman and coordinating ornaments, pot, and oversize gift tag; display snowflakes; and blue and white frozen ball ornaments and candy dot ornaments, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Styrofoam balls, spray snow and shredded snow, FloraCraft.

Glass vases in painted wooden frames, Modern Collections.

Frosted aralia leaves, Wm. F. Puckett.

page 14

Silver urn, Accent Décor.

White Mist eucalyptus and plumosus, Wm. F. Puckett.

S HOW AND S ELL , pages 28-50

Ornaments, accessories, and permanent-botanical trees, wreaths, garlands and sprays throughout, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Ribbon throughout, Berwick Offray.

Styrofoam and Styrofoam forms, spray snow and shredded snow, FloraCraft.

Pine cones, logs, and prelit branches, Winter Woods.

Candles throughout, Candle Artisans.

HEARTH AND HOME, page 29

Christmas-tree cones, pagoda lanterns, birds, ornaments and permanent botanicals, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Birch logs, Winter Woods.

TUSCAN HOLIDAY, pages 30-31

Copper magnolias with pods, light green holly sprays, metallic ginkgko sprays, gilt mirror and fleur-de-lis ornaments and pixie elves, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Omni gold lace, Virtuoso olive tapestry, and Vienna burgundy plush ribbon with a gold edge, Berwick Offray.

Pine cones, Winter Woods.

66 www.flowersandmagazine.com

page 34

page 40

TOPSY-TURVY, Upside-down Mesa pine trees, owls, and faux antlers, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Spray snow and shredded snow, FloraCraft.

HEADS AND TAILS, page 42

Deer’s head, permanent botanicals, ornaments, and faux feathers, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Ribbons including birch, oak, Arnold (plaid) and Clinton (natural), Berwick Offray.

ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH, pages 46-47

Angels and accordion trees, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

HALF FULL,

pages 48-49

Half Mesa pine tree, hummingbirds, fanciful gilt birds, ivory crush poinsettias, diamond balls and cones, baroque leaf balls and finials, glitter spray cedar, metallic silver smilax, starburst ornaments, and marbletopped pedestals (with glass tops added), Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Anderson (red), Paron (stone), and Luxe (gold dust) ribbon, Berwick Offray.

PARTY TIME, page 50

Rowdy the Reindeer, boxwood topiary and wreath, red magnolias, red burlap cones with green twine and diamond dust, Puzzle Stack stars, wood pedestal stands, and millimeter-ball garland with LED lights, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

F e at u r e d Suppliers

LET IT SNOW, page 35

Snowmen and gift ornaments, transparent ball ornaments in red, green and white with twisty white stripes, and gingham and chartreuse green poinsettias, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Merry Christmas ribbon, Berwick Offray.

BERRIES AND BEARS, OH MY!, page 36

Forest bears; holly trees, sprays, and wreath; pine trees in burlap bags, twig spiral trees; twig sled; ski ornament; and tin pots in white, red and green (with liners), Plus One / Pete Garcia.

WELL LIT, page 43

pg 43

Terrarium lanterns, potted mini pine trees, slender pine cones and premade pine-cone balls, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Pillar candles and faux pine-cone candles with CandLED-iT LED faux flicker-flame tip, Candle Artisans.

MIX, DON’T MATCH, page 44

Ornaments, holly, glitter stems and Santa train, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Candy-cane ribbon, Berwick Offray.

Tinsel accordion trees, driftwood tabletop trees, owls, birch skis, cone topiary in reindeer pot, metallic ginkgo leaves, copper picks with berries, faux mercury-glass acorns and more, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

SNOW IN THE PARK,

FALL BLUE,

Frosted Twig trees and garland, carved snowflake votive holders, flocked bamboo branches, faux iced succulents, snowflake ornaments, owls and birds, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Prelit branches, Winter Woods.

Premade wreath and garland, Chinese lantern bush, velvet pumpkins, carved pumpkins, blueberry sprays, standing egrets, and rustic candlesticks, Plus One / Pete Garcia.

Pillar candles, Candle Artisans.

HO HO HO, page 37

pages 38-39

page 45

Accent Décor, Inc. Call 800-385-5114 or visit www.accentdecor.com.

Berwick Offray.

Call 800-327-0350 or visit www.berwickoffray.com.

Candle Artisans.

Call 908-689-2000 or visit www.candleartisans.com.

Design Master Color Tool.

Call 800-525-2644 or visit www.dmcolor.com.

FloraCraft.

Call 800-253-0409 or visit www.floracraft.com.

Giftwares Company.

Call 800-535-1300 or visit www.giftwaresco.com.

Pete Garcia Company.

Products are available through the company’s FloraMart showroom in Atlanta. Retail florists can make an appointment to visit the showroom through their local wholesaler.

Call FloraMart at 800-241-3733 or visit www.floramart.com.

Winter Woods.

Call 800-541-4511 or visit www.winterwoods.com.

Wm. F. Puckett.

Call 800-426-3376 or visit www.puckettfern.com.

advertiser links

emporium EMPLOYMENT

weddings

Advertisers’ websites are hyperlinked on the Flowers& website. Go to www.flowersandmagazine.com and click on “Advertisers in This Issue.”

Florasearch, Inc.

In our third decade of performing confidential key employee searches for the floriculture industry and allied trades worldwide. Retained basis only. Candi­date contact welcome, confidential, and always free.

1740 Lake Markham Rd., Sanford, FL 32771 Phone: (407) 320-8177 / Fax: (407) 320-8083

Accent Décor, Inc. 800-385-5114 www.accentdecor.com

E-mail: search@florasearch.com Website: http://www.florasearch.com

American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) 25 410-752-3318 www.aifd.org

e q u i pment Refrigerators For Flowers

Combo walkins, storage, reach-ins 800-729-5964 www.flotaire.com

s c h ool s

CoolBot 51 888-871-5723 www.storeitcold.com Design Master Color Tool 800-525-2644 www.dmcolor.com

www.weddingequipment.com John Toomey Co

(800) 421-0052

Wedding Aisle Runners Rentals & Sales

UPS Shipments

White Cotton Runners

Advertise in

emporium Portland, Oregon

For rates and info, call

Peter Lymbertos at 800-421-4921

Flowers& Subscribers!

Did you know you can read past and current issues online?

Find out how!

Go to the digital library link at www.flowersandmagazine.com

19

15

Dollar Tree Direct inside back cover 877-530-TREE (8733) www.dollartree.com/floral/559/index.cat Kay Berry 800-426-1932 www.kayberry.com

27

Knud Nielsen Company 800-633-1682 www.knudnielsen.com

17

Kurt S. Adler, Inc. 800-243-9627 www.kurtadler.com

23

Modern Collections 818-718-1400 www.themoderncollections.com Nashville Wraps, LLC 800-547-9727 www.nashvillewraps.com

7

27

Plus One Imports/A Division of the Garcia Group back cover 800-241-3733 www.floramart.com Reliant Ribbon 800-886-2697 www.reliantribbon.com

5

Royal Flowers 800-977-4483 www.royalflowersecuador.com

1

Sandtastik Products 800-845-3845 www.floralsand.com

6

Seminole 63 800-638-3378 www.seminoleds.com Smithers-Oasis 3 800-321-8286 www.oasisfloral.com Syndicate Sales inside front cover 800-428-0515 www.syndicatesales.com Teleflora 800-333-0205 www.myteleflora.com Vase Valet 316-747-2579 www.vasevalet.com

12, 21

51

JULY 2016 67

wholesaler connection Flowers& magazine distributors

Attention

Arizona Phoenix The Roy Houff Company

Kansas wichita Valley Floral Company

OREGON PORTLAND Floral Design Institute

California Fresno Designer Flower Center Inglewood American Magazines & Books Oakland Piazza International Floral Sacramento Flora Fresh San Diego San Diego Florist Supplies Santa Rosa Sequoia Floral International

Kentucky Louisville The Roy Houff Company

PENNSYLVANIA Pittsburgh Keystone Ribbon & Floral Pittsburgh Cut Flower Company

Florida PENSACOLA American Floral Wholesale of Pensacola Carlstedt’s, LLC

Louisiana Lafayette Louisiana Wholesale Florists Massachusetts Boston Jacobson Floral Supply Michigan Warren Nordlie, Inc.

SOUTH DAKOTA SIOUX FALLS North American Wholesale Florist, Inc.

Floral Wholesalers

Reward without the Risk we promise!

Tennessee Nashville The Roy Houff Company

Minnesota Minneapolis Koehler and Dramm

Virginia Norfolk The Roy Houff Company Richmond The Roy Houff Company

Georgia omega Hornbuckle Wholesale Florist

missouri st louis LaSalle Wholesale Florist

Washington Tacoma Washington Floral Service

hawaii honolulu Flora-Dec Sales

New York Campbell Hall Alders Wholesale Florist

canada burnaby, bc Kirby/Signature Floral Supply

Illinois Chicago The Roy Houff Company Milan Bonnett Wholesale Florist Normal The Roy Houff Company Wheeling The Roy Houff Company

Ohio dayton Nordlie, Inc. North Canton Canton Wholesale Floral

malaysia selangor Worldwide Floral Services

Sell Flowers& in your store! for extra profits Select any quantity— no minimum Whatever you don’t sell we buy back!

Yes, it really is that simple.

Call 800-321-2665

singapore Worldwide Floral Services

Visit us online for a taste of Flowers& quality. flowersandmagazine.com

68 www.flowersandmagazine.com