When someone passes, their family often requests that anyone who would like to send flowers make a donation to a favorite charity instead. This is often due to the fact that many funeral flowers are abandoned after the funeral and families sometimes feel they are not a worthwhile investment. They do not choose to take them home and do not want deal with any of the logistics of their removal. But, flowers bring life and beauty to a stressful and sad situation and they should be part of the memorial. If you decide to send flowers to the funeral home, you should do a bit of planning and possibly coordinating with your florist and funeral home to move the flowers when the service is over.

To give flowers “purpose” beyond a funeral or memorial service, there are several groups who would appreciate them and enjoy receiving them, once the flowers are removed from their telltale funeral arrangements and placed into several vases. Some of these include:

Nursing homes. The elderly are often forgotten about and will love to receive flowers.

Hospice facilities. The terminally ill deserve a bright spot in their day.

Shelters. These people need a great many things but for now, the flowers you bring them will show you cared and thought of them.

Hospitals. While sick people often receive flowers from loved ones, many people are quite lonely in the hospital.

Veteran’s Administrations. Those who fight for our freedom should know we are thinking about them.

Rehab centers. People sometimes spend months or years here and need an emotional boost.

While the wishes of grieving family members should be considered, it is not inappropriate to send flowers when there is a request for a charitable donation. This often happens and many people choose to do both. Work with your local or online florist to come up with a tasteful, elegant floral arrangement that reflects your thoughtfulness and personal style. You can also help ease any stress of transporting flowers after the ceremony by offering to take any abandoned flowers to a facility where people will appreciate them. The loved ones of the person who passed away will be touched by your effort to brighten their world and that you want the flowers you gave them to be enjoyed beyond the sadness of a funeral or memorial. Approach the situation openly and you may find a solution acceptable to everyone when it comes to the giving funeral flowers.

What to do next? Buy your flowers from our Toronto Flower Shop.

Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for any florist as flowers have become as ubiquitous on Valentine’s Day as hearts and the color red. What better way to show your love and affection for someone than with the gift of fresh flowers? They bring a unique, fragrant beauty to your Valentine’s office or home and are a great way to show you care. Or, maybe to say something even more. Many people choose Valentine’s Day to share their true feelings about another person and often send the message on the flower’s card. So, Valentine’s Day flowers have meaning far beyond the floral gifts given the rest of the year.

If you are choosing the gift of flowers for Valentine’s Day to tell that special person how you feel, there  are several things to think about to help you make the perfect impression on your Valentine. Don’t feel pressured or overwhelmed when decided what flowers to choose. There are some great guidelines and traditions associated with the day that will make things easier for you. Some of these are:

Red. The color red is everywhere on Valentine’s Day. This is not a coincidence. Red signifies passionate love. Red roses are a very popular choice this time of year. If you choose flowers that are not red, you can add red accents such as a vase or ribbon to the arrangement or bouquet you decide on.

Hearts. Love has been represented by hearts for years and hearts make a sweet addition to any floral arrangement. Choose a heart-shaped basket or Valentine’s balloon for an added touch.

Stuffed animals. Teddy bears add fun and whimsy to Valentine’s flowers. The soft, plush toys are a touching reminder of the innocence of new love.

Candy. Add some sweets for your sweet to your Valentine’s flowers. Chocolate is a wildly popular Valentine’s treat and adding them to the flowers you choose ensure the recipient will be thrilled with your thoughtfulness.

Delivery. Your Valentine will love receiving their flowers at the office where they will be the envy of all their co-workers. Think of what a bright spot a flower delivery will be on an otherwise typical workday!

If you are not sure what to get your Valentine this year, check with your local or online florist. They will have fabulous suggestions on flowers and candy and other Valentine’s-themed gifts. It is the biggest day of the year for them and florists love helping their customers share their love through flowers.

What to do next? Buy your flowers from our Toronto Flower Shop.

When visiting your local or online florist for gift ideas for those you care about, do not forget the men in your life. Men often enjoy receiving gifts of fresh flowers and plants for special occasions and there is no reason to think that fresh flowers are inappropriate for them. While you will want to choose hearty flowers in bold colors or green plants they can enjoy for a long time, flowers and plants can be a unique gift and pleasant surprise for any man.

There are some special considerations when selecting flowers or a plant as a gift for a man. Some of these include:

Colors. Primary and bright-colored flowers or wildflowers add visual interest without being overly feminine. Add more substantial greenery for cleaner lines and greater impact.

Plants. If you are sure flowers are not the way to go for the male recipient, consider a bamboo plant or blooming cactus that offer lasting beauty and act as a living reminder of your thoughtfulness.

Occasion. Think about what the flowers or plant represent based on the occasion or event. If you are preparing a wedding boutonnière, go with something simple and understated for the look. To show your love and affection, choose a flower that historically symbolizes this such as red roses.

Delivery. You may want to reconsider if you plan on surprising a man at work with a flower delivery. While they may love it, they may also feel a bit awkward with the public display. Sending flowers to someone’s home ensures there will be a positive reception for them.

Arrangement. Simple, architecturally-inspired arrangements that are more linear than full will be perceived as more “masculine” and enjoyed by the man who receives them and the women around them.

Flowers are always a thoughtful gesture and indicate warm feelings for the recipient. It is just as important to tell a man you care about them as it is to tell the women in your life. Your florist can help you decide what flowers make good gifts for your male friends and family and can offer suggestions on what to choose if your man is one who just is not a flower “kind of guy.” You will be surprised at the variety and types of gifts you can get through your florist so if you forgo flowers, you can choose a gourmet food or fruit basket that should go over swimmingly.

What to do next? Buy your flowers from our Toronto Flower Shop.

It seems new silk flower stores are cropping up everywhere on the Internet. These stores promise the beauty and quality of fresh flowers that will last forever and cost much less. But, are silk flowers really a good alternative to fresh flowers? The answer is a definite “no.” Though many people are choosing silk flowers for their floral needs, there are many reasons why they are not the best choice and, no matter how well they replicate fresh flowers, silk flowers are never equal in quality and beauty.

Fresh flowers are the mainstay of weddings, special events and life milestones and represent the beauty of life. They smell lovely and are very meaningful to those who get to enjoy them. And, unlike silk flowers, fresh flowers indicate greater quality and less concern for cost. Other reasons fresh flowers are superior to silk flowers:

Fragrance. Silk flowers do not smell like anything or worse, smell like dust or must. Fresh flowers fill a room with natural perfumed air that delights the senses.

Quality. Even high-quality silk flowers do not have the natural beauty and luster of fresh flowers. Fresh flowers offer unparalleled quality even in simple arrangements.

Lasting power. Fresh flowers may not last as long as silk flowers but they look great for a long time if they are cared for properly. Although they last forever, silk flowers lose their beauty over time and start to look old.

Perception. Many people have a negative perception of silk flowers and see them as cheap substitutes for the real thing. If you are working to impress guests at a party of event, silk flowers are no the way to do it.

Arrangement. Fresh flowers allow for more natural and organic design and arrangement. Silk flowers tend to look stiff and unnatural.

Regardless of your budget, fresh flower arrangements and bouquets are the way to go for adding color and life to any event or occasion. Your guests will be glad you took the extra care and effort to work with a florist on finding the perfect fresh flowers. Just because something is available at a bargain price online, does not make it ideal for every occasion. There are no substitutes for the real thing, especially when it comes to flowers.

What to do next? Buy your flowers from our Toronto Flower Shop.

Flowers and plants are terrific gifts for almost anyone, regardless of age, interests or gender. Whether celebrating the birth a baby, honoring Mom on Mother’s Day or her birthday or memorializing someone at their funeral, flowers are always a great choice. And, if you are limited on time or having a difficulty choosing a gift, flowers are a beautiful, easy way to show you care and that you are thinking of the recipient.

Here are five flower suggestions for your loved ones at every stage of their lives:

New Baby. Flowers are a wonderful way to celebrate new life. You can choose loose bouquets of pastel-colored flowers or baby-themed arrangements with teddy bear, rattle or building block adornments.

Birthday. What better way to tell someone you are thinking of them on their birthday than by sending flowers to their home or office. No matter how old the birthday girl, she will love getting flowers and enjoying their beauty well beyond the day she receives them. Choose flowers that are fun and brightly colored, especially wildflowers.

Mother’s Day. It can be hard to choose the perfect gift for Mom. They often seem to have everything. Flowers say you care and you can express your originality while expressing your appreciation and love. Best of all, you do not need to worry about size or color. Roses and gerbera daisies are good choices for Mother’s Day. Or, choose a plant she can enjoy for even longer.
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Job Promotions. Congratulations are in order for someone who just found out they got a promotion at work. Send flowers to them at the office so everyone will know they have something to celebrate. Make it a big bold bouquet with Birds-of-Paradise or sunflowers or choose an orchid plant.

Funerals. When someone passes, we are often unsure of what we can do for the surviving loved ones. Flowers offer support and beauty in a difficult time. Choose more traditional flowers such as roses and carnations for funeral arrangements.

Whether the recipient is one or one hundred, flowers are a great gift choice. Your florist will have suggestions on what flowers and arrangements are most appropriate for each occasion and will work with you on delivery to ensure your floral gift arrives fresh and beautifully designed. Affirming someone’s life with something living is a very profound and thoughtful thing and will be appreciated more than you realize.

What to do next? Buy your flowers from our Toronto Flower Shop.

As an expression of love and affection, few gifts are more closely associated with passion and romance than flowers. Flowers are alive, fragrant and beautiful and are wonderful representations of the feelings we have when we are in love. In many relationships, flowers are commonly given to brighten a day, celebrate an anniversary or surprise someone for their birthday. Many women love getting flowers and for men, flowers can be a great way to delight the women in their lives without stressing about what to get. But, if you are the flower buyer, you will want to know the types of flowers your loved one likes before choosing a bouquet or arrangement.

There are as many different flower choices as there are personality types. And, everyone has flower preferences that reflect their personality and interests. Below are several different “types” of people and the flower choices that reflect them. While everyone has very personal preferences in flowers, this is a good guide to give you a starting point.

Here are some flower suggestions for your loved one based on their personal style:

Romantic. For the incurable romantic, flowers seem a custom-made gift choice. The romantic loves flowers with soft petals in pastel shades. Great choices for this group include hydrangeas, sweat peas and ranunculus. Bulb flowers such as tulips are lovely as well.

Country. Some women prefer the great outdoors to a spa treatment and would rather be on a horse than in a limo. These women will delight in a wild flower bouquet. Choose sunflowers, daisies and poppies in bold colors.

Elegant. Chic and understated describe these women best. They like clean lines and little embellishment. Calla lilies and orchids are refined flowers that add drama and really make a statement.

Traditionalist. If the woman in your life would be at home in the Victorian age, she is a traditionalist. She likes the finer things in life and appreciates simple beauty. Roses make a terrific choice for a woman with traditional tastes. Depending on her tastes, pink or red are safe bets.

The timeless beauty of flowers make them a very popular choice for men looking for the perfect way to say “I love you” to the women in their lives. Take the stress out of gift giving and ask your local florist for a little help if you get confused by all the choices. With just a little thought, you will be able to choose a gift that leaves an impression that lasts much longer than the flowers themselves.

What to do next? Buy your flowers from our Toronto Flower Shop.