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PlantTherapy: A Dozen Reasons to Buy From Florists

2007Septcherries.jpg
Fall colors have begun arriving at the local florists

After the release of Flower Confidential, author Amy Stewart received so much correspondence from florists asking how she thinks they should communicate with customers, that she has begun listing on her blog twelve reasons why it makes sense to buy from a florist.

It is a good topic to contemplate as the weather cools and many of us prepare to spend a little more time at home...

 
 

The list may have been started with the florists in mind, but it is also a good read for the consumer, to know what to look for and expect in a good local florists, and also know why it is good to support them.

Some of what you might find at a good florist (and what I know I would love for them to advertise):

  • Know to expect fresh, high quality flowers (and possibly a vase life guarantee)
  • They are always on the lookout for something special, flowers with bigger blossoms, longer stems, a garden fragrance, something unique from the growers
  • They don't just sell flowers; they are artists
  • They go the extra mile for the customer and ensure a perfect delivery - no matter the location
  • They carry flowers grown responsibly by certified growers
  • They are a business rooted in the community (Amy's list of reasons has florists among the most charitable, with both time and resources)

Amy Stewart does say that just like an affordable bottle of wine we can always enjoy a supermarket (or deli) bouquet, too. And here in the city the Wholefoods chain tries very hard to deliver beautiful arrangements and also partners up with Organic Bouquet.

As we find ourselves either entertaining or staying indoors in the coming months, the presence of beautiful flowers becomes a more meaningful and noticeable addition to an apartment. If you are thinking about making a vase of flowers a regular addition, Amy's reasons make you slow down when you pass the local florist, pay attention to their selection of flowers and appreciate the luxury of a specially arranged bouquet.

matt at apartment therapy dot com

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Comments (5)

I think her book is called "Flower Confidential."

posted by bryan.nyc on September 15th 2007 at 8:02am
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Thanks Bryan - fixed!

posted by mattplantguy on September 15th 2007 at 8:36am
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I think it's pretty safe to say these reasons don't apply to ALL florists, just GOOD florists...I've had my fair share of mediocre to bad florist experiences which have driven me to going the cheap route.

posted by Christine (the one in DC) on September 17th 2007 at 6:28am
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Exactly - the list is what a GOOD florist would/might have (or can communicate that it has). It can also be used by a florist that wants to be better than the supermarket.

And the list can also be used to weed out the florists that really may be no different than the supermarket.

posted by mattplantguy on September 17th 2007 at 6:40am
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I love flowers, but after reading a NY Times article (Feb 2003) on how the pesticides and fungicides on roses in particular are making workers sick in Ecuador, I haven't been able to even look at them at the markets on the corners.

There was also an awful quote from a marketing manager of Calyx & Carolla which stated that the environment wasn't their problem. I assume that is a response most marketers would give.

If this has already been discussed - please point me to the thread and I'll take it from there. Thanks.

posted by amynyc on January 20th 2008 at 5:56am
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