By Marci Narum
Celebrating life’s big and “just because” moments with flowers will never go out of style, but the selections and trends change along with the seasons. On the heels of Mother’s Day, graduation, and prom season, we asked two local experts—Melanie Lennie from Bismarck Floral and Greenhouse and Marilee Toman from Dutch Mill Florist—to share a few tips and ideas to help plan your next order of flowers.
Shop local
“It’s so easy to go online and place your order from one of the many sites available day or night. But did you know that when you shop at your locally-owned brick and mortar store, you receive better customer service, better quality, and pay less in fees? The online call centers take your order and send it to a local store in your community. When they do that, they charge you an extra $20 to $40. So bypass the middleman. Call or shop a locally-owned shop’s website. You’ll be much happier with the end result.”
—Melanie
Popular flower types change with the season
“Right now tulips, iris ranunculus, pussy willow, and other spring flowers are vogue. Roses are always a best seller when it comes to guys buying flowers. They tend to know roses, but more and more men are breaking out of sending the traditional red and choosing other colors, which women seem to appreciate a lot! Our most unusual and exotic flowers come from Hawaii, Holland, and even Africa. Ginger, birds of paradise, heliconia, orchids, protea, and anthurium top this list.”
—Marilee
A bouquet doesn’t have to cost a bunch
“Bringing home a well put together bunch of bright colorful flowers doesn’t have to be expensive. Pick flowers that are in season and have them hand-tied to put into a container you already have at home. Re-using a vase you have at home allows you to spend more on the flowers themselves. Sending someone flowers puts a smile on their face. Whether it is a surprise or a planned event, everyone loves to receive flowers.”
—Melanie
“There is just something magical about flowers. They lend themselves to elevate moods and bring joy. They really are an affordable luxury that everyone appreciates. Regardless of the season or reason for sending flowers we love what we do. Bringing joy and happiness to people is the best thing ever. The flowers themselves don’t last forever, but the memories of them do!”
—Marilee