flower blog

Fall is my favorite time of year ... Read More

We're excited to feature this second guest post from Michael Wilmington, co-author with Joseph McBride of "John Ford," and film critic for Movie City News, www.moviecitynews.com.

“The Wizard of Oz,” now in its 70th anniversary year, and one of the crown jewels of the storied Hollywood “best year” of 1939 ... Read More

Today, we are honored to have a guest post from Michael Wilmington, co-author with Joseph McBride of “John Ford,” and film critic for Movie City News, www.moviecitynews.com.

“The Wizard of Oz” is a movie that most of us know and that many of us love: an almost flabbergastingly wonderful 1939 musical-fantasy-comedy based on L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s book ... Read More

We sat down with John Fricke, "The Wizard of Oz" historian and author ... Read More

Opening today is the new movie “Love Happens,” a romantic drama, starring Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston in which two people who have met the right person at exactly the wrong time will find out if they are able to give love another chance. Teleflora provided the flowers and Jennifer Aniston plays Eloise, a Seattle-based Teleflora florist ... Read More

Today's post is from Marie Ackerman, AIFD, who runs the Teleflora Education Center ... Read More

Today's post is from Marie Ackerman, AIFD, who runs the Teleflora Education Center in Oklahoma City, ... Read More

Today's post is from Marie Ackerman, AIFD, who runs the Teleflora Education Center ... Read More

Everyone at Teleflora is excited about the new movie “Love Happens,” a romantic drama, starring Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston in which two people who have met the right person at exactly the wrong time will find out if they are able to give love another chance. We’re excited because ... Read More

Last week, I shared part one of an interview with Susan Winget, a renowned artist, who draws inspiration from her life on a farm in North Carolina. Susan designed our Grandparents Day container.
Today, as promised, I'm running part two of the Q&A, where she talks about what inspires her, family gatherings and her favorite flower ... Read More

"The Wizard of Oz" turns 70 this year and there's a lot going on to celebrate.

In partnership with Warner Home Video's release of the 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition of the film, Teleflora has created a commemorative bouquet. It’s available through a local Teleflora florist or online at teleflora for $64.95 ... Read More

If you find yourself with extra time on this long weekend (aah, long weekends are the best!) you might want to choose a gift to let your grandparents know how much they mean to you. After all, Grandparents Day is Sunday, Sept. 13. I love what TF came up with: this pretty container designed by renowned artist Susan Winget, who draws inspiration from her life on a farm in North Carolina.

In advance of the day, I thought you might enjoy hearing about Susan's background, how she became an artist and her life on the farm.





QFirst, I'd love to know a little bit about your life before you graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and married your husband, Al. Where were you born and did you grow up on a farm or was that not until you were married? Were you an animal and nature lover as a child? How did you get interested in painting? And was there a person in your life who recognized and encouraged your talent?
A I was born in Charlotte, NC and spent a lot of time on my grandparents’ dairy farm in Marshville, NC. I have always loved animals passionately, especially horses. My dream of owning my own horse came true when I became engaged to my husband Al – he gave me a horse to ride instead of a diamond to wear! As for my interest in painting, I can’t really say when that began.

As long as I can remember I have loved art and loved to express myself with paints and a brush. My parents were always my biggest supporters, and encouraged me to pursue my talent as a fun extra curricular activity and then eventually as a career when I went to UNC Chapel Hill to study fine art.

Q Can you tell me a grandparents' story?
A There are too many wonderful stories about my grandparents to share just one! I loved all of them dearly. Every Sunday afternoon was spent at one of their houses. We would have a big family meal and then play together.

Both of my grandmothers loved flowers – Grandmother Arant loved her rose garden and Grandmother Haney grew beautiful calla lilies on the farm. A big part of my love for nature came from my grandparents.




Q What drew you to watercolor and particularly the muted tones and soft brushwork that characterize your art? Do you have a favorite painter or favorite period of art history?
A I love the spontaneity of the watercolor medium – so many wonderful and fun techniques can be used. Throwing color onto a blank page and seeing a painting come to life before my eyes gives me such great satisfaction.

I am constantly inspired by other artists and have many “favorites.” I love the impressionist artists Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt. I also love the impressive large portraits of John Singer Sargent and the extraordinary abstract paintings of Jackson Pollock. Some of my favorite contemporary artists include Richard Diebenkorn, Alex Powers, and Lowell Herrero.

Q On your web site, you note that "there is always an adventure (involving the land or animals) to explore." Can you share a story or memory of the farm -- trees, flowers, landscape, animals, etc. -- and how that influenced your approach to art?
A It is true that on the farm, there is an adventure waiting around every corner. My favorite adventures usually involve one or all of our Hanoverian horses. The horses have created many of my most precious memories at home – including the awesome privilege of helping them as they bring new life into the world.

In the past few years, we have also created a small bird sanctuary by our house with birdhouses and feeders, which has inspired my recent artwork immensely. I try to convey feeling in my paintings of nature and have loved exploring this idea more in my series of Sketchbook art.




Q Can you talk about a challenge you've overcome?
A This year, my daughter Erin is on an 11-month mission trip around the world. It has been a challenge to have her away from home for so long but also a joy as I am proud of her for following her heart and her call to the mission field abroad. A piece of my heart is always with her and through prayer and the love and support of my friends and family, I am able to think of the joys more than my worries.

Whenever I am faced with a challenge in my life, I often find that dear friends truly are God’s angels on earth that will pick you up and carry you through the hard times – pointing you in a positive direction and helping you along the way.

Q What was the biggest surprise of your career?
A The biggest surprise of my career is that after 22 years, my Heart and Home calendar with Lang Graphics is still one of their best sellers – what a wonderful blessing!

Susan Winget’s Songbird Bouquet is available through your local florist or at teleflora.

Next week, I'll share more of Susan's interview.

Teleflora Flower Blog Sweepstakes (September)

Make a comment on any post this month and you'll be entered in a random drawing to win a free bouquet of flowers.

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. SWEEPSTAKES BEGINS 12:00 AM PACIFIC STANDARD TIME (“PST”) ON SEPT. 4, 2009 AND ENDS AT 11:59 PM PST ON SEPT. 30, 2009.

1. ELIGIBILITY: Teleflora Flower Blog Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Winners of a sweepstakes by Sponsor within the six (6) months immediately prior to this Sweepstakes are not eligible. Employees of Sponsor and its parent and affiliate companies (collectively, “Promotion Parties”) as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Participation constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to these Official Rules and Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Sweepstakes. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein. Sponsor reserves the right to verify eligibility qualifications of the winners.

2. HOW TO ENTER: Visit the Teleflora Flower Blog located at http://www.teleflora.com/flowerblog/ and post a comment responsive to the Teleflora Flower Blog. Limit 1 entry per person/e-mail address/household for the duration of the Sweepstakes. Entries generated by script, macro or other automated or mechanical means are void. All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. Promotion Parties and all of their respective employees, officers, directors, shareholders and agents (collectively, "Released Parties") assume no responsibility for entries that are processed, reported, or transmitted late or incorrectly or are lost or misdirected for any reason whatsoever nor for any other error, problem or malfunction of any kind, whether computer, network, telephonic, technical, mechanical, human or otherwise, relating to or in connection with this Sweepstakes, including, without limitation, errors which may occur in connection with the administration of the Sweepstakes, processing of entries, notification of winners, announcement of the prize or in any Sweepstakes-related materials, or for the inability to access the website associated with the Sweepstakes.

3. PRIZES: One (1) winner will be randomly selected from among all eligible entries and shall receive a Teleflora Bouquet ARV: $50.00 to $100.00 (the “Prize”). Sponsor shall arrange to deliver the Prize to the winner within seven (7) to ten (10) days of when the winner accepts the Prize. The Prize (or any portion thereof) is non-transferable, non-negotiable and not redeemable for cash, credit or merchandise. No substitutions or cash redemption of the Prize is permitted except that Sponsor retains the right to substitute a prize of comparable or greater retail value. Additional restrictions may apply.

4. DRAWING: The potential winner will be selected in a random drawing held on or about Sept. 30, 2009 from all eligible entries received. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. The potential winner will be notified by e-mail. Potential winner must respond within one week of notification or prize will be forfeited and another name drawn. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission for Sponsor and its designees to use each winner’s name, city, state, likeness, voice and biographical information for purposes of advertising, promotion and publicity in any and all media, now or hereafter devised without limitation and without additional notification or permission or compensation, unless prohibited by law. All information collected will be treated in a manner consistent with Sponsor’s privacy policy and the consent given at time of entry. The Sweepstakes is governed by the laws of the State of California, with venue in Los Angeles, California, and all claims must be resolved in the appropriate state and federal courts of Los Angeles, California.

5. GENERAL CONDITIONS: Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Sweepstakes, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Sweepstakes, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or any other promotion or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

6. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: Released Parties assume no responsibility for any injury or damage to entrants’ or to any other person's computer (including hardware or software) related to or resulting from participation in this Sweepstakes or downloading materials from or use of the website. By entering the Sweepstakes, all entrants agree to release and hold harmless Released Parties from any liability whatsoever for any claims, costs, injuries, liability, losses, actions, or damages of any kind (including, without limitation, related to personal injury, death, damage to property, infringement of proprietary rights, rights of publicity or privacy or defamation) arising out of or in connection with: (1) participation in the Sweepstakes or (2) acceptance, use or misuse of any prize (including any travel or activity related hereto), whether under a theory of contract, warranty, tort, (including negligence, whether active, passive, or imputed) strict liability, product liability, contribution, or any other theory. If for any reason this Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned, Sponsor in its sole discretion, may disqualify any individual, void entries and/or terminate, modify or suspend this Sweepstakes or any portion thereof. In the event the Sweepstakes is terminated, Sponsor may, at its discretion, conduct a random drawing to award the prize for the drawing at issue from among all eligible, non-suspect entries received for such drawing prior to such action. In the event of a dispute as to the identity of an online entrant, entrant will be deemed the "registered subscriber" of the e-mail account at issue and required to comply with these Official Rules.

7. WINNERS LIST: The winner’s name will be posted on the Teleflora Flower Blog.

8. SPONSOR: Teleflora LLC, 11444 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 210, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Working with flowers everyday means you’re full of ideas re: giving gifts. When a friend or relative says, “What can I get my friend for her anniversary?” or “What can I get my daughter for her birthday?” you’ve got suggestions galore.

Yesterday, for instance, I recommended that my mom try our Enchanted Evening bouquet (shown here) for her best friend from high school’s 58th wedding anniversary. She needed it to arrive yesterday afternoon and flowers were the perfect solution.

This morning, I got this email from my mom: “Barb just called & she said the bouquet was the most beautiful she has ever seen. Lovely arrangement on the bottom that reflected up through the whole vase … she couldn’t imagine WHO would be sending them flowers even if it was their anniversary. I think, for sure, they loved it.”

With that in mind, we’re launching this new feature on the blog: Our favorite celebrities and the bouquets we’d send to celebrate their birthdays.

Salma Hayek, Sept. 2, 1968, turns 41

Orchid Embers remind us of Salma Hayek’s vibrant beauty and uncommon talent.

Evan Rachel Wood, Sept. 7, 1987, turns 22

Since we love her 1920s-obsessed character Sophie-Anne in “True Blood,” we picked Perfect White Lilies because they conjure an Art Deco vibe.

Hugh Grant, Sept. 9, 1960, turns 49

Floral Fantasia’s notice-me-now colors are bold enough for any man.

Jennifer Hudson, Sept. 12, 1981, turns 28

Too cute! A Gift For You is a sure-fire way to make any birthday more memorable.

Lauren Bacall, Sept. 16, 1924, turns 85

Blossoms of Joy, deluxe: Just right for any Virgo, especially one who epitomizes the sign’s grace and stamina.

Sophia Loren, Sept. 20, 1934, turns 75

For a style icon who retains her youthful energy, Strikingly Chic offers refined color and rich texture.

Gwyneth Paltrow, Sept. 27, 1972, turns 37

We think Zen Artistry would appeal to the star’s clean but edgy sense of chic.

Welcome back to the horoscope page, where each month you can read a fun take on the future and see the flower associated with your sign. To learn more about shopping with a zodiac slant, visit Teleflora's astrology section.

 Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet

You will be reunited with a dear friend this month. Make the most of your time together and pay close attention: He or she is there to teach you a valuable lesson. At work, ask yourself if you are giving in to a need to be a people pleaser. Remember that the most important priority is your work and your company, not the popularity polls. Ask your partner or sweetie for help on the home front if you need it; later be sure to find a special way to say thanks. Fight your need to be right on the 15th.  



   Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid
 
As friends and acquaintances seek out your unique charm and delightful sense of humor, you will be a social butterfly. Tell a parent or grandparent how much they have influenced your life. It will mean more than you can imagine. You may get a nice financial surprise on the 22nd, the 24th will be lucky. For married Aquarians: focus on what drew you to your partner in the first place and celebrate those special traits. For singletons: keep your hopes high, but it could be time to re-evaluate expectations. In other others, don't get hung up on the "checklist" approach to dating. 




   Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria

There is a Jewish proverb that says: If not now, when? Keep that in mind this month as you contemplate a major decision. Do your homework, gather advice from people you respect and act! Then, trust yourself and don't look back. Make a point of having a date night, whether you are attached or single. By the end of the month, you may be looking at planning a long trip. Be prepared to keep a secret on the 13th.





   Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip
 
Sometimes you get a little tired of solving problems and averting crises. Trouble is, you're so darn good at it, you've become the go-to resource for many folks. Ponder this advice from John F. Kennedy: "Our problems are man-made, therefore they may be solved by man. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings." All rightie, then. Find time for fun on the 19th and be prepared to compromise on the 30th.




   Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily
 
You are in the right place at the right time this month. That said, it never hurts to make sure your resume is up to date and that your networking contacts are current. And when you network, always keep this in mind: What can you do for other people? Knowing that it's a two-way street will put you in the fast lane! Speak up on the 27th. Relish those rare moments when you have the chance to relax and do nothing. Oh, and the last week of the month is an excellent time to flirt!  





   Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose
 
This month is the perfect time to tap the vibe of one the most famous Geminis of all time: Marilyn Monroe, who was born June 1, 1926. (And anyone who thinks she was a dumb blonde is not very bright!) Monroe was once quoted as saying: "Nights are not just for sleep." Interpret that how you choose but one thing's for sure: Now is the time to treat yourself well, be generous with everyone you encounter and enjoy each moment to the fullest. The 24th will be a memorable day.




   Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium

It will be of the utmost importance to be positive this month, especially if you are involved in a negotiation at work. For example, if you preface a major request for something you want with "I will do everything I can to make this a win-win situation" (and mean it!) you will be surprised at how things fall into your lap. Tap your amazing energy and creativity to follow through with your promise. You may also find that this is a month of heady romance, a la flowers, chocolate and champagne! Enjoy it while you can and if that doesn't pan out, enjoy a special bite or a glass of bubbly on your own. 



   Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower

You may be called upon to be a teacher this month, though the setting will probably not be a class room. Don't let your Leo pride get in the way of one little thing: you will need to earn your students' respect. But it won't take long and you will be rewarded in an unexpected way. This may also be a wonderful time to volunteer your time and talents to a worthy organization. Savor life's little pleasures on the 19th.  



   Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy
 
With a crowded calendar, your exceptional organizational skills will come in handy. Don't feel guilty about taking some much-needed time off. How else to renew and recharge? You may be looking for a gift for someone who is very hard to please. Remember that flowers are a top-notch way to make someone's day. Be diplomatic the week of the 14th, especially at work. 



   Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea

A friend may make a last-minute request that inconveniences you. Hey, it happens to the best of us so don't be too hard on him or her. Meanwhile, your talents are getting noticed at work. You may need to make a decision about a romantic relationship. It's OK to shop ideas with gal pals, but in the end listen to your gut, not your girlfriends. Ask yourself if his good points outweigh his bad points. If yes, you are lucky. Also, take time to have fun and go a little crazy this month. Just a little, now!



  Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony

Someone from your past re-enters your life and gratefulness abounds. You will now forge a new closeness. Reward yourself for all the extra effort you've made at work. But more importantly make sure the higher-ups know that you've been burning the midnight oil. And be sure to save some of that midnight oil for your love life because this month you will have more attention than you know what to do with. The 18th and 25th are lucky. 



   Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation
 
A friend whom you have bent over backwards to help may turn things around so that you are feeling slightly guilty. Seriously! Put some distance between you for now and don't start questioning your good deeds. He or she may actually be envious of your ability to help. Not very nice, but things will get better over time. Meanwhile, to balance out, you may receive a lovely surprise from another friend. At work, you'll be able to rely on a strong new ally.


Flower Fact of the Day: Ancients believed the leaves of aster flowers, when burned, could drive away evil serpents. The name comes from the Greek word for “star.” Asters are the September birth flower and the 20th wedding anniversary flower.