Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Top of the morning to you! We hope that your have a fantastic, flower-filled and of course green (pinch free) St. Patrick's Day! To get into the spirit, below is part of a famous Irish blessing:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

GO GREEN on Thursday!

Are you getting ready for Thursday? Are you proud to be Irish? Spread your Irish cheer this St. Patrick's day by going GREEN with a Shamrock plant in one of our great Blumeboxes. Blumeboxes, like the one pictured below are made from recyclable materials! You can make your Blumebox arrangement even greener by sending a shamrock plant!




Do you know what a shamrock plant is? Shamrock plants are plants that have leaves that are divided into three leaflets, like the one pictured below. Shamrock plants are grown from a bulb and have a long lifespan. They are the perfect plant to send to a friend, display in an office, or decorate your home all while spreading some Irish cheer and good fortune!



Spread some Irish cheer this Thursday and send a festive Shamrock plant in a GREEN Blumebox. Contact us for more information!

Wedding Invites: An Easy Decision

Hello world! As most of you know, my name is Whitney and I'm actually one of Betsy's brides (June 11--95 days to go to be exact...but really who's counting?!?!). While I usually don't write blogs about my own wedding planning, this blog is dedicated to (thanks to Betsy) the easiest wedding decision I had to make... picking out my invitations.

When I first met with Betsy during my flower meeting, she mentioned she also did invitations--can you say one-stop shopping? I was instantly sold... plus, if you order your flowers through The Plant Shoppe you can get your invitations 20% off (I'm also a self proclaimed coupon or discount addict). I knew I found the jackpot.

I'm here to tell you that ordering invites through The Plant Shoppe is the easiest thing EVER. First, you start off by visiting our website by clicking here or coming into the shop and taking a look at our invitation books. Our invitations vary by style, price, color... you name it, there's something for everyone. Here's me looking through the books and picking out my invites:



After I found my dream invites (which just happen to be pictured above), Betsy and I talked details--what I wanted it to say, the fonts, addresses, etc. literally... so easy! I opted for an additional invite service that includes the company printing the inside and outside envelopes for you. That's right, my invites came PRINTED with the names and addresses on the outside envelopes, return addresses, you name it the works! About a week and a half later... my invites came (and yes, I drove as fast I possible could to the shop to get them).

Aren't they gorgeous?!? I'm seriously in love with how beautiful they turned out!

So future brides and brides to be... there you have it. Let The Plant Shoppe help you do some one stop shopping with flowers AND invites! Take it from me, it will be the easiest decision you'll have to make during your entire wedding planning process :)

Tulips, Tulips, Everywhere!!

Tulips are my absolute favorite flower! They are unique and definitely a staple that spring is coming. Tulips make great arrangements and when I think of tulips, I think Mother's Day. The Plant Shoppe will have fresh tulips weekly until Mother's Day, so contact us on how we can create a beautiful arrangement with tulips.

Did you know that three billion tulips are grown each year in the Netherlands? Below are some pictures from one of the tulip farms in Amsterdam. Two thirds of the tulips grown at this farm are exported to the US and Germany. Tulips are planted in late October or early November and are ready to be harvested in the spring.

TAG... You're IT!....Photography 35's Wedding Scavenger Hunt

We are so excited to be working with Photography 35 on their wedding scvanger hunt. Snap one tag and you can win a free in-studio engagement session complete with one share image from Photography 35. Snap all 12 tags and you will be eligible for prizes from each participating vendor! Now how cool is that?!?!

For more information, check out Photography 35's blog. And, of course... good luck!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

We have been playing cupid all weekend, and we are up bright and early to get ready for today because it's.... VALENTINE'S DAY!


The Plant Shoppe would like to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day! Whether your Valentine is your husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend, son or daughter, friend or pet... we hope you have a day filled with love, chocolate, and flowers :)

Now.... back to work we go!

Anthuriums: A Valentine's Day Plant

Since we just did a post about the green flowering plants we have in the shop, we wanted to be sure and tell you about our anthuriums as well! Check this out!


Yes, you are seeing correctly, the flower of the plant is HEART shaped! How cool is that?!?!

Anturhiums are fairly easy to maintain and produce long lasting flowers year round. There's even over 1,000 different kinds out there in the world! Why not say "I love you" with this special plant that has a heart shaped flower. This unique gift will definitely score you points with your special person and make all others green with envy! Contact us for more information!

Valentine's Day Contest with 105 The Game!

This past Wednesday we visited 105 The Game! to be a part of their Valentine's Day Contest! We were so excited to be one of the sponsors for this year's event. Below is morning show host, Jeff Cardoza, who even "scored" an arrangement to take home for his wife.


For more information and how you can enter in the Valentine's Day contest, check out 105 The Game!'s website by clicking here.

Remember, there are only three days left until Valentine's Day... there is still time to contact us for arrangements, flowers, plants and more!

GREEN with Envy

Last week the groundhog predicted an early Spring...what is more spring than some greenery in your home or office? Flowering plants can make a beautiful gift from a friend to a boss. And, guess what? We'll deliver it too! Our shop is currently filled with green and we just had to share some of our beautiful plants with you! Check back soon for more flowering plants :)


This is a Peace Lilly. It's also one of the easiest plants to grow. It does not need direct sunlight, however you should keep it close to a window (about 6-8 feet away).


If yellow is more your thing, check out this beautiful yellow orchid.


And finally, we have this exotic bromeliad.

Contact us today so we can help you make all your friends green with envy by ordering one of our flowering plants :)

For Men's Eyes Only

We know Valentine's Day might not be your absolute favorite holiday. We know you'd rather be watching football, basketball or doing something with your buddies than sitting down and figuring out what to get that special lady in your life. Well.. we are here to help! Check out these tips which can make sure you totally make your sweetheart's day this year.

• Schedule a home delivery for your flowers this year. Set the mood for a romantic weekend and have your delivery arrive at your house rather than on Monday between the hours of 9 and 5.
• Send your Valentine flowers on Friday. How jealous will her office be that she got HER flowers in advance. Plus, she'll know you weren't doing that annual last minute planning--you thought ahead. Score!
• Sending your valentine her flowers and treats early means she will feel loved ALL weekend and Valentine's Day.
• Instead of the traditional, "Happy Valentine's Day" on your card... great creative... write "Just Couldn't Wait Until the 14th"
• Bottom line: unexpected surprises generate more excitement and you will score more points with your honey.

So what are you waiting for??!?! Contact us now, so we can work with you to create that special surprise for the one you love. Oh and, you're welcome :)

Let us be your CUPID!

Let us be your Cupid this Valentine's Day! Whether it's roses, carnations or your sweetie's favorite flower, we can be your messenger of love on Monday, February 14th. When deciding what exactly to send your honey-bunny we, with the help of some other Gainesville vendors, we have made this the easiest decision yet.



With the help of Thornebrook Chocolates we can send a box of chocolate, a heart shape boxed of chocolate, and more. Just simply request this when placing your order.



We can also send handmade candy truffles from Simply Delightful Confections... yumm. The assorted flavors in this box include Chambord, Vanilla Bean, French Strawberry, Bailey's Irish Cream, Passion Fruit, Brandied Cherry and Cappuccino. They are all hand made with butter from France and Chocolate from Europe.



Finally, Dream Day Cakes has given you several options. Above, we have a trio of candy truffles. They also have cake truffles available for purchase too!


Also available from Dream Day Cakes are large fondant covered cookies. Yum! These are available with or without sticks.


Also, check out these Kake Truffles from KB's Kake Kreations. We can deliver these with your arrangements in either 2 or 4 packs. Feel free to stop by and take a look for yourself... they are yummmmy!



Contact us for pricing information and how we can help make your Valentine's Day complete! Remember, there's only 10 days left...

Painting the Roses Red

When I think about roses, I think of love, Valentine's Day, and the movie, Alice and Wonderland. Strange isn't it? Don't ask me why, but when the Queen of Hearts sings the song "Painting the Roses Red" it always made me wonder... what other colors could roses come in?

In honor of February, here's some interesting rose trivia... and a reminder of what exactly to get that special someone for Valentine's Day (hint, hint: flowers!)

Red roses are the traditional symbol for love and romance (awww!) Red roses are a way to say "I love you!" and symbolize beauty and perfection.

Pink roses are often given as a symbol of admiration. It can also be a symbol of grace and elegance.



Yellow roses symbolize happiness and friendship. It's not uncommon to send or send a bouquet of yellow roses to symbolize friendship or joy.


White roses represent new beginnings and are often used in weddings (example: the bride's bouquet). White rose arrangements can also be used as a symbol of remembrance.

Orange roses represent the Florida Gators... just kidding--orange roses symbolize enthusiasm and desire.


Finally, lavender roses symbolize enchantment and also love at first sight!


There you have it, some flower trivia to start your month of February....and to serve as a reminder, that there is the perfect rose out there for you to send your special someone--whether it's love, friendship, enchantment or admiration! Contact us for more information and how we can help you out this Valentine's Day!

Bride's Choice 2011

We are pleased and so excited to announce that we were chosen to receive WeddingWire's Bride's Choice Award for 2011. This means that we are among the top 5% of wedding professionals nationwide.


Thank you to all of those who made this happen! We look forward to continuing to help bride's create their vision for their big day. Remember to contact us to find out how we can help you with floral arrangements to wedding invitations!

Gainesville Wedding Expo (Part II)

It's been a few weeks since the blog has been updated--my computer decided to take a complete crash and was in the shop for almost two weeks (ugh!). However, now it's back and there are a ton of things to update on... first up, The Gainesville Wedding Expo.

We had such a great time meeting over 950 guests and brides-to-be. If you don't believe there were that many people there, take a look at the line outside The Phillips Center, waiting to get in....

See... told you so!

Below are some of the flower displays and other accessories from the expo. Once again, a big thank you to The Grande Event, for letting us borrow their beautiful table linens!


These are just a few pictures from throughout the day. It was great meeting everyone and talking about their upcoming weddings. If you are a bride-to-be, contact us, so we can help you create your vision for your big day! Also, don't forget that we also offer invitations as well!!

2011 Gainesville Wedding Expo

We had a great time at yesterday's Gainesville Wedding Expo. There were 950 people who attended the expo, many of them brides-to-be!! Here's a sneak peek at just one of our displays... more to come soon! A big thank you to The Grande Event for supplying us with beautiful linens to accent our arrangements!
Also, did you know that it's only 35 days until Valentine's Day?!?! It's never to early to start thinking about an arrangement for your special someone! Contact us for more information!

Are You Getting Married?

Are you a bride to be? Let us help you complete your vision for your day with beautiful details you will remember forever. Watch the video below for a sneak peek at some of our wedding flowers from past events.

Wedding Flowers

Don't forget to stop by and see us on Sunday at the Gainesville Wedding Expo!!! Tickets are still on sale and can be purchased here. We look forward to seeing you then!

Calling All Brides to Be!

Join us next Sunday at the Gainesville Wedding Expo!! Come meet with over 40 vendors and register to win door prizes. The event will be held next Sunday, January 9 from 12-5pm at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $12.00 at the door! Join us and plan your wedding in a day! :)



You have a Once in a Lifetime Chance to Plan Your Dream Wedding in One Day, under one roof, at the beautiful Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Experience a Gainesville Tradition at an Extraordinary Venue! Consult with Over Forty of Our Area’s Finest Wedding Professionals, Enjoy Delicious Samples, Register for Prizes and experience a fun-filled Runway Fashion Show presented exclusively by Jay’s Bridal. Relax and Be Entertained in the comfort of an 1,800 seat Theater


Be sure and check out the website for more information and ticket purchasing information. We look forward to seeing you next Sunday!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Can you believe it's 2011? The Plant Shoppe would like to wish you and yours a fantastic new year! We look forward to continuing to provide with you amazing flowers and other treats. Get ready, 2011 is going to be a great year! And of course, Go Gators! :)

Wishing you and yours a wonderful 2011!

Ring in the New Year with Flowers!

Do you have fabulous New Year's Eve plans? Are you having a big bash to ring in 2011 or attending one? A beautiful arrangement from The Plant Shoppe is just what you need to make your night even better! Below is just one example of the flowers that we can make for your special night. Contact us for more information on how you can ring in 2011 with a beautiful arrangement! Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

We would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! We hope that you have a great day celebrating and enjoying the holiday season! May your day be filled with lots of holiday cheer, beautiful flowers and lots of peace and joy.

From our family to yours.... Merry Christmas from The Plant Shoppe