The Flower Box Designs

Bluebonnets

2011-04-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

Bluebonnet season is here. The true bluebonnet pastures are west of Tyler, but we do have some beautiful landscapes here. I never saw many people have success with them years ago. Now, lots of homes have them in their yards during the Azalea Trail. There is a home one block of the shop that has a yard full of Azaleas and bluebonnets. It is an old victorian style home. As you drive by, you can almost see a carriage coming from around back.
The bluebonnet was voted in as our state flower in 1901. There are actually 5 different kinds growing in the state. As the picture above shows, they cover the ground in a beautiful field of blue. Usually there are some other wild flowers mixed in. As in this picture, there are some Indian Paint Brush. The flower actually resembles the bonnets pioneer women wore to sheild the sun. They are an annual plant. This means that the plant dies each year, but returns from seed the following year.
They are a beautiful plant, and if you have time you should take a drive towards the southwest and see the fields. There are a few places here in Tyler to see them. Mostly on the Azalea trail. A couple of places I personally know about are at the corner of Front & Fannin downtown, and out Rhones Quarter Rd south of town. Both homes have some beautiful plants.

2011-03-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

It's time once again for Dogwood Trees to bloom. They are absolutely beautiful with the other blooming flowers in east Texas. Dogwood trees always seem so fragile and delicate to me. Actually, they are one of the strongest hard wood trees around here. In pioneer days, they used them for a lot of household purposes. I can remember my Grandmother reminicing about her mother using the branches for a broom in the house to keep the sand fresh.
There is a legend of the Dogwood Tree in Christianity. It states that the Roman soldiers used the trees to make the crosses for the crucifictions, at that time they grew tall and stately. When Jesus was crucified, He felt the shame and humiliation of the tree. He told the trees that they would now grow short and gnarled so that the soldiers would not use them for that terrible purpose again.
Now days, Dogwood Trees are one of the most widely used in landscaping design. With their small stature and abundant blooms, they add height to an outdoor arrangement. They generally grow to a height of 20-30 feet over many many years. A typical lifespan is about 30 years. At that time, the bark is usually gnarled and the blooms are sparse. They like to be in the shadows of the larger oaks and other trees. Dogwoods are easy to grow, requiring little maintenance. They always treat their owners with a beautiful display of blooms in early spring. I have two white and one pink in my yard, and my neighbor has a pink. This time of year with the other blooming plants, the dogwoods add much character to the yard. I'm always excited in spring to check my trees and see if the blooms are getting ready. I'm not much of a winter person, so when I see the first signs of spring it's exciting. Take a drive down Paluxy and see all the Dogwood Trees blooming on either side of the road. They are beautiful!

Azalea And Spring Flower Trail Kicking Off Friday

2011-03-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Azalea And Spring Flower Trail Kicking OffFriday Once again it is time for the Azalea Trail. If you have never driven or walked this trail, you should take time this year to do so. The weather is supposed to be the best we have had in the past few years. The atmosphere is so alive with history and charm. The brick streets are teaming with tourists and cameras. Azalea Belles are on the corners waving at passers by. They are quite lovely in their period costumes complete with parasols. In fact, we have an Azalea Belle among our staff this year. If you take the historic home tour, their are guides in each home to tell you the history of the home. Tyler is actually quite rich with a diverse and amazing history. So take a few minutes in the next few weeks to take an adventure on the Azalea Trail. There is a link on this page to a recent article in the Tyler Paper. The people on the trail are so giving of their time and resources to make this event so wonderful. You will not be disappointed with the beauty of all the blooms.

Birth Month Flowers

2010-08-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

January – Carnation
February – Violet
March – Daffodils
May – Lily of the Valley
June – Rose
July – Larkspur
August – Gladiolus
September – Aster
October – Calendula
November – Chrysanthemum
December – Narcissus
There are many uses for birth month flowers. Some people use them to create theme gardens. You can have a memorial garden honoring those you love with their birth month flowers. They make thoughtful birthday gifts. Also, you can use them for a fun baby shower theme. Just decorate with flowers from the baby's due date! Tall and elegant, with sword shaped leaves, gladiolas comes in many different colors and varieties. Most originate from southern Africa, though there are a few varieties from Europe and Asia. The name “gladiolas” comes from the latin “gladius”, which means sword.
The gladiolas is a member of the Iris family. It grows well in sandy loam, but can tolerate a variety of soils. It prefers a slightly acidic soil, and cannot overwinter outdoors if the temperature drops below freezing.

Teleflora Super Bowl Commercial 2010 Talking Valentines Day Flowers Com...

2010-05-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

New Direction

2010-05-26T19:26:00.001-07:00

We at The Flower Box are excited to see our business go in a new direction. It has been 14 months since we launched our own website hosted by Teleflora. Our website has really started bringing in new customers and repeat customers. We're so thankful for every order ya'll give us from the website. When I say it is hosted by Teleflora, I mean they supply the templates and pics, and we supply the actual in the shop designs to match the pics. We couldn't do it without their help. I'd like to take a minute to explain how ordering flowers online works. If you order from a 1-800 or .com "florist", you might be reaching a clearing house of computer operators that know nothing about flowers or design. They charge you the price listed on the website, then a "handling" fee of usually 15.00$. They then send the order to a local florist in the town specified for the florist to create the design you selected. The problem comes when the florist receives the order and they don't have all the specified flowers or the container pictured. We then have to contact the clearing house and tell them of the problem. They then call the customer and explain. They then either email or call the florist again to let them know what to do. As you can see, this can be quite a lengthy process and can result in the delay of your flower order. Another problem with these companies is the way they "drop ship" flower "arrangements". You see a beautiful picture on their website. But what you don't realize is these flowers will be delivered to your location in a box with a vase strapped in. The recipient then has to "design" their own arrangement. What fun is that? You get a present, then have to build it. Now for ordering off of our website, or another local florist website. If you see something on my site you like and you place your order online, if I have to substitute I can call you direct and have the go ahead from you in a matter of mins rather than waiting hours for response times. Any time you need to send flowers just google "florist in _________ _______. Add the city and state in which you would like something sent. There is no middle man. You speak directly with the florist, they can tell you exactly what they have in their shop and what would be appropriate to send for your occasion. When you use a local florist you know that they will take pride in what is sent on your behalf. So, thanks for choosing our website and always use a local florist.

2010-05-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it through another Mother's Day holiday rush...what an adventure!!! We made close to 400 deliveries in 6 days. In comparison, we make about 150 deliveries on a normal week. All the arrangements were made by myself, David and Regina..that's an amazing feet. We worked late Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. By late, I mean 11:00pm or so. By Sunday, we were walking zombies. Flower orders are so different than they were years gone by. In times past, we made arrangements, and the customer came by or called in and bought them. Now days, the customer picks an arrangement on a website, then we have to create it. So much planning has to go into a holiday now. We started watching for new pics on websites at least 6 weeks ahead of the holiday. We ordered flowers according to what it seemed like you, the consumer, wanted. It's a very tricky business now. But thanks to all of you shopping on our website, we had a great holiday. It's always so interesting to hear the stories of the person you're ordering for. How you want to send something to you're favorite, Aunt, Cousin, In Law etc, or especially your Mom. We enjoy helping you tell them how much they mean to you. That's what we love to do. :)

Beginnings Of Trail Tradition Go Back To 1929

2010-03-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Beginnings Of Trail Tradition Go Back To 1929 This is a link to an article I thought everyone might enjoy. It tells the beginings of the spring trail and how the azalea was first introduced to Tyler. It was very interesting to me. It's amazing to think there were men and women that spent so much time making Tyler a better, more beautiful place to live and work. Hope you enjoy.

Azaleas

2010-03-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

Public Domain Clip Art: Azaleas Sping Time flowering shrubs
We are now in the middle of the Spring Azalea trail in Tyler. With this strange winter we had, not many bushes are blooming yet. The trail goes for two weeks, so we still have a little time. Hopefully we will continue to have 70 degree weather, so the dogwood trees and azaleas will start blooming. We are still about a month behind what is normally blooming this time of year. We had snow last weekend. So, I'm not surprised everything still has buds. As a florist, we enjoy this time of year. Everything is bright and full of sunshine. Everyone that comes in the front door has a spring in their step. People are sending azaleas and other spring arrangements just because it is spring. When everything blooms, I will post some pics of the local Azalea Trail.

Easter Lillies

2010-03-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

It's so exciting! I know spring is near because it's time to talk about Easter lillies (or lilium longiflorum in Latin ). An Easter lily is the traditional flower for Easter and presents a lovely picture.
With a large, trumpet-shaped white flower, the Easter lily symbolizes purity, hope and life, it is both a beautiful plant (and very symbolically correct) for celebrating Easter as well as the spring season in general. You may not have guessed this, but the Easter lily is one of America’s most popular blooming plants – it is, in fact, the 4th largest potted plant crop in the US! Sending an Easter lilly plant as a gift is a great way to share the joy of Easter with friends and family who celebrate the holiday, but also makes a great gift for those who simply want to enjoy the beauty of a great spring flower. This is one of the most fragrant blooming plants you can buy. It really makes you realize spring is here.
The Easter lily is only available for sale for a short time across most of the US – normally just a few weeks, meaning there's only a short time to find and send one. We can send an Easter lilly in different containers, or in a double basket. They look really nice in all white with ribbon. If you look under the Easter tab on our web site, you can see an Easter lilly.

January

2010-01-20T11:51:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a month. It is the in between Christmas and Valentine's month. Everyone has spent their money on Credit Card bills, and is waiting on Feb 14 for their next gift purchase. This month is notoriously slow in the florist business. This is the month we clean closets, take inventory, restock, figure our plan for the rest of the year. We know that Valentine's day is coming. And we enjoy a few quiet days of winter, while getting ready. It is actually very nice to have time to think, and clean and get ready. Whatever we're getting ready for is coming one way or the other. We have been buying up some cute things for spring and lots of red and white cute stuff for Valentine's day. New teddy bears that light up and talk. Lots of new vases. Teacups. Spring ceramic containers. We have a lot of fun with all the new containers to design in.

"Tis the Season to be Freezin"

2009-12-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

I recently saw this title on a sweatshirt in JC Penney's. I was freezin', as I often do this time of year, and it made me laugh. There was a time I lived in South Dakota. Thank goodness I was delivered from that cold country. Here in Texas, we are not quite used to these cold temps. It seems to be split 50/50 among my friends as to who appreciates the cold weather, and who wishes for summer. I'm among the summers. We are supposed to have cold weather here this week. The worst thing in Texas about cold weather is, no snow. It just rains. The last few years we've had snow at the strangest times. Feb 14, Easter day, etc. Imagine kids from Texas looking for Easter eggs in the snow!! Very strange. I don't like cold at all, much less snow. This time of year is best to sit in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate and no place to go. Maybe some of you enjoy this weather. As you always tell me, it can't be Christmas and hot. Even though that would be fine with me. So, as we get ready for Christmas with 17 more days to go. I hope all of you enjoy this cold weather with Jackfrost in the air. We have beautiful flowers this time of year. Poinsettias, centerpieces, Christmas containers. So much fun to have changes in the seasons.

2009-12-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all!!! Here at The Flower Box we are getting ready to help you have a wonderful holiday. Christmas greens are here, so the shop smells like cedar and pine. We also have wonderful ribbon and christmas trinkets to go in a centerpiece. I just made a christmas centerpiece with a hurricane globe and candle. In the picture to the left is our display area with some of our Poinsettias. Notice that Santa has already been by our shop. :) We also had a local artist paint our front windows with a beautiful Manger scene. Come by and take a look at all the new things we have for Christmas. It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-19T06:41:00.000-08:00

So, here it is a week before Thanksgiving. A time to remember all the previous holidays with family and friends. I've noticed on FaceBook, people committing to a month of thanksgiving comments. It has been truly inspiring to read all my friends comments. I have learned a lot about people I thought I already knew pretty well. If we all look deep in our hearts, there is always something to be thankful for. Sometimes the circumstances may seem bleak, but the storm does not come to stay, but the storm comes to pass. I hope as this last week before thanksgiving is over. Each of you takes time to reevaluate what is important. The rat race we all live in sometimes tries to consume us. But this week, we need to slow down and remember what Thanksgiving is really about. Enjoy this week with people you love, eat too much, and watch too much football. But most of all be THANKFUL!!!

Specialty Funeral Sprays

2009-11-18T08:28:00.001-08:00

This is an example of what David can create as a special tribute for your family or friend. It consists of Stargazer lilies, hot pink and pastel pink carnations, babies breath, ribbon with streamers. This was ordered as a last tribute for our customers sister. She wanted something special that would display her love. It is beautiful. We can also do these specialty pieces in a cross , or wreath.

2009-11-03T11:28:00.000-08:00

This is a few of the plants we received this week. Peace Lilly, Croton, Bromeliad, Ivy, etc. You can see how to care for these and many more plants on the Plant Care link on the right of the blog page. http://www.plantcare.com/encyclopedia/blushing-bromeliad-687.aspx This is a link straight to the page about Bromeliad. This plant is always so pretty. It comes in a few varieties, but this picture and type is the one we have most often. They are a tropical plant, but do well in Tyler if put outside when it's above freezing and kept inside in the winter. This plant link on the blog site has information on 2200 different kinds and types of plants. It also will help you find out what kind of plant you received. Enjoy!!

2009-10-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

This is one example of a Halloween Boquet. These cute bats will make a fall arrangement come alive. They have cute smiles and are added to an arrangement that includes, carnations, spray roses, mums, and fall leaves in a nice container. We also have pumpkins, and spiders we can add to an arrangement. Just something fun for the holiday. To see other examples connect to us on Facebook. I usually publish pics on there daily. Whatever we have in the shop I think people would like to see. There is always something beautiful being created.

2009-10-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is an arrangement of roses that was ordered for a lady

turning 97 years old this week. The family had a party for her and her brother was not able to attend. So, the brother sent this beautiful arrangement of roses in remembrence of all the memories they have. She was so surprised and overjoyed at recieving such a beautiful gift. It is so much fun to work in a profession that brings a smile to so many people. Everyday we get to spread a little sunshine and smiles to so many people.

Homecoming Mums

2009-09-18T14:07:00.001-07:00

This has been a really strange week. All the schools close around have scheduled their homecomings early. As far as we know, all in September. Regina has been busy this week with garters and mums. All the schools have different colors, and every kid wants theirs to match their personality and activities they are involved in. Mums are a fun thing that is mostly done in the south. They used to be made out of fresh mums, now they are all silk. Lots of streamers, glitter, braids, bells, etc. It gives the homecoming football game almost a party atmosphere.

2009-09-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

We recently recieved these lisianthus from the wholesaler. The Common names of Lisianthus are Prairie Gentian, Texas bluebell, Tulip gentian, Bluebells and Lira de san pedro. The name Lisianthus comes from the Greek words lysis, meaning dissolution and anthos, meaning flower. In this picture, the lisianthus are the blue bell shaped flowers.

2009-08-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

Here is another pic with the filler. These anthuriums are great. The roses are starting to open a little. By tomorrow, they will be open and beautiful. To learn more about anthuriums go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthurium. This is a great article about where they grow, and other colors. :)

2009-08-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

This is something David was working on Wed., it is a mixture of roses, anthurium, and snap dragons. He hasn't added the filler, I'll post another pic after he's finished. These anthuriums are beautiful! They come in a few other colors, but the red looks great with roses.

2009-07-09T17:58:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of our shop, it was taken July 9, 2009. We are on a brick street that gives old time charm to the shop. Originally, the shop was also the owner's home. They lived upstairs, while the business was located downstairs. As the years went by, they expanded the shop. Our display cooler was originally bought in the 1930's when the shop was moved to this location. The current owners have had the business since 1985. I have been working here since 1992. Stop in and see us sometime :)

2009-07-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

These are today's favorite arrangements. These boots are so nice with fresh flowers added. They really fit some people and their western themes. It has lillies, with lots of different greenery and fillers. The top arrangement is a new variety we are trying. It has all tropical flowers. Including ginger, tube roses, bird of paradise, splash orchids, eucalyptis, and other fillers. It is about 3' tall in a glass cylinder vase. I think it is one of the most beautiful bokays. One thing is certain about the floral industry, you never know what the next customer might ask you to design :)

2009-07-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone have a wonderful holiday. Remember what our flag stands for, and all the sacrifices made for us. We have had a great week at The Flower Box. Gearing up for a wonderful holiday weekend. Fireworks, watermelon, friends, and family. We will be closed Sat and Sun to enjoy time away. Have a great weekend!!!!

My favorite bokay tdy

2009-06-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

We received new flowers tdy, and I had fun making fresh arrangements. It's always exciting to open the boxes to see what colors we were sent. This bokay has spray roses, alstromeria lillies, splash orchids, and 3 different fillers. I put it in a cut glass cube. At our shop, we try to use bright colors and make the arrangements as cheerful and happy as we can.