Holidays

Fresh Flowers on Mother’s Day in the Arizona Desert

May 20, 2013 Leave a Comment

Florist and a Big White Truck

What does it take to deliver fresh flowers in the Arizona desert on Mother’s Day? For La Paloma Blanca Floral Designs it took a large crew of designers, customer service staff, delivery drivers, great vendors and a big ‘ole truck!

History has shown that desert temperatures in May can hit 108 degrees and La Paloma Blanca takes no chances with Mother Nature when it comes to maximizing floral longevity. As soon as our Mother’s Day flowers arrived they were whisked away to the waiting, twenty-four foot refrigerated truck for safe keeping. During the day, designers and drivers had to navigate the chilly temperatures and lift gate but after-hours we could rest easy knowing our 24/7 team member was in the back parking lot protecting our floral designs.

As we reflect on Mother’s Day 2013, it feels like to took a village but in reality, it took a dedicated staff, the freshest of flowers and a big white truck to ensure another successful holiday for our Scottsdale flower shop. We hope everyone enjoyed their Mother’s Day bouquets!

Wrapping Up 2012 With Flowers

December 31, 2012 Leave a Comment

Happy New Year!
from
Northern Arizona

As 2012 comes to a close, La Paloma Blanca Floral Designs would like to take a moment to thank all our valued clients for putting their trust in us to create lasting memories through fresh flowers!

All year long we celebrated with you as we discussed floral designs for your birthday and anniversary celebrations, new baby, get well wishes, weddings and holiday parties. During funeral flower preparations, as you tearfully struggled to find the perfect card message to convey a sentimental good-bye, we felt your loss. If, in some small way, the beauty of flowers comforted or brightened someone’s day then we consider 2012 a successful year!

The studio hideaway is still in holiday mode today as we prepare flower arrangements for New Year’s Eve parties and last minute bouquets. We will be closing early today at 3pm to allow our staff to spend the evening with their friends and families.

La Paloma Blanca Floral Designs wishes everyone a very Happy New Year!

Christmas Flower Arrangements and Holiday Decor

December 13, 2012 Leave a Comment

Christmas Poinsettia

Yesterday, as we were closing up shop for the evening, a local man wandered by and said, “You have the best job on the planet”. What is it about this environment that draws people in? Take a deep breath…this time of year, without question, it’s the fragrance!

Holiday decorating in the desert is well underway and with the arrival of our Christmas greens, designers are once again experiencing “sticky finger syndrome”, a seasonal condition that lasts until January! Boughs of princess pine, Douglas and noble fir, cedar and holly are lush and fragrant and our Scottsdale clientele are immersed in the sights and scents of fresh Christmas flowers.

La Paloma Blanca designers have been making on-site visits, decking the homes of Scottsdale, Carefree and Cave Creek with fresh Christmas greens, flowers, ornaments, berries and a whole lot of glitz while at the same time designing silk Christmas arrangements, wreaths and centerpieces in our Scottsdale floral studio. Clients have been arriving with silk centerpieces of Christmas’ past, in need of an updated look. It’s amazing how much life is still left in these dated pieces. As environmentalists, we are always looking for ways to repurpose product. We are experts at disassembling, salvaging and redesigning these tired, silk and dried flower arrangements to make them fresh and new.

Speaking of repurposing, we must take this opportunity to thank our community angels who quietly leave bags and boxes of old vases by our storefront for us to find in the morning. These donations are always appreciated and throughout the year, if we experience an abundance of extra flowers we utilize these donated vases to surprise local nursing home residents with a colorful floral bouquet!

Our flower shop displays a festive, front showroom of poinsettias, blooming anthiriums, azaleas, plants, silk wreaths, Christmas trees, holiday candles and gift ideas. By contrast, in the backroom design area where all the magic happens, we are navigating mass quantities of flowers, greens, containers and ribbons of velvet and satin. With so much debris on the floor, designers have to watch out for hidden calla lily stems that show up unexpectedly when we’re moving too fast. On those occasions, designers can be seen with legs and arms flailing trying to catch our balance after we’ve hit one of those slippery skins!

In addition to the December holiday season, we are busy consulting and designing custom floral arrangements for birthday events, parties and weddings also happening this month. There are so many reasons to celebrate with flowers! La Paloma Blanca Floral Designs sincerely appreciates being your Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Carefree florist of choice.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with La Paloma Blanca Floral Designs

November 14, 2012 Leave a Comment

As families prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, La Paloma Blanca is busy behind the scenes, anticipating the arrival of our Thanksgiving flowers that will ultimately be the finishing touch for many family dinner tables.

Fresh flowers during the holiday season always brighten up the home and here are a few popular floral arrangements for the Thanksgiving holiday:

Glow of Gratitude

Centerpieces

Thanksgiving centerpieces are one of the most highly requested flower arrangement for this holiday. All across Scottsdale, Carefree and Cave Creek, as families gather around the dinner table their focus will be on … the turkey! You probably thought we were going to say the flowers but we understand that on Thanksgiving, it is all about the turkey. However, when it comes to the flowers, La Paloma Blanca Floral Designs is second to none.

Fall Harvest

Cornucopias

It just would not be a Thanksgiving blog if we did not mention this annual tradition for many families.

The cornucopia or horn of plenty is typically associated with Thanksgiving and symbolizes an abundant harvest. Our team of designers fill this horn-shaped wicker basket to overflowing with a mixture of fall flowers or festive fruit, nuts and other edible items.

Two years ago we unexpectedly ran out of the container and ended up driving all over town, only to find that everyone else was sold out, too! Thanks to Al at DreamWeaver who had a few left on his truck and agreed to meet mid-way in a parking lot for a quick hand-off. After that experience we keep a year round supply of this novelty item!

Seasonal Roses & Succulents
by La Paloma Blanca Floral Designs

Custom Designs

Let one of the experienced La Paloma Blanca designers go all out on a one-of-a-kind custom arrangement for your holiday entertaining or hostess gift. Yellow and red roses nestled in a locally hand-crafted, torched wooden box with fresh succulents, pumpkins, gourds and feathers is unique, seasonal, and a personal favorite. Because the succulents are self-contained they can be replanted into a succulent garden after the flowers fade. La Paloma Blanca Floral Designs’ artistic arrangements are beautiful in all shapes, sizes and budgets. Contact us to consult with one of our designers for a La Paloma Blanca exclusive. We are starting to experience a flurry of holiday activity and to avoid the last minute rush, please give us a call soon!

La Paloma Blanca Floral Designs proudly serves Scottsdale, Carefree and Cave Creek and we want to express our sincere appreciation and give thanks to all of our loyal customers who call, email and visit our studio hideaway. On behalf of the entire staff, Happy Thanksgiving!

Flower Shop Adventures on Mother’s Day

May 8, 2011 1 Comment

Mother’s Day Bouquet

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at a flower shop during the days leading up to Mother’s Day? The best way to describe it would be to expect the unexpected! As much as we plan and prepare, it’s those darn curve balls that test our resolve to deliver beautiful flowers.

One scheduled delivery driver was in a personal car accident and emerged with a broken ankle. (I’m thinking, do you really need both ankles to drive a car? Just kidding…) “So sorry Austin, get well soon.” In the meantime, an A.P.B. goes out to all family members. GOD BLESS our families that drop everything to help out.

An hour and a half into the day I hear the question, “Jason’s on the phone, do we have AAA?” Oh, brother… our lead delivery driver informs us the battery on the primary van just died in the middle of a run with five arrangements yet to be delivered. Next question…“Does anyone have any jumper cables?” With temperatures predicted to be in the mid-90’s, all arrangements are transferred within a half-hour to a backup vehicle and they are on-their-way.

An emergency call goes out to our auto mechanic who has his team ready and a bay waiting for us when we arrive. Presto, change-O, we have a new battery in ten minutes flat! A huge thank you to Fletcher’s Auto for getting us back on the road so quickly.

Meanwhile back at the shop, the printer has been working double-time and the toner cartridge goes ka-put! Okay, dust off the box (“where did we put that box?”) for the spare we purchased “just in case” for Valentine’s Day and we are good-to-go!

The phone has been ringing non-stop and all of a sudden, mid-sentence the cordless phone battery decides to go on strike due to overuse. Hurray for cell phones!

“Need more vases…” (the vendor sent the wrong vases). “Need more flowers…” (not a problem). We have the best vendors waiting in the wings and they always come through. Thanks, guys!

This was yesterday’s flower shop adventure and now I’m wondering… what will today bring?

Beautiful Bouquets on Mother’s Day

May 1, 2011 Leave a Comment

There is a flurry of activity at La Paloma Blanca Floral Designs and in preparation for Mother’s Day we will be turning our Scottsdale flower shop into what looks more like a local flower market! A myriad of fresh blooms will be arriving and their explosion of color and intoxicating perfume are sure to warm the heart of that extraordinary woman as you honor her for a lifetime of unselfish devotion.

As designers, we have many flower choices but with the summer temperatures heating up, we will be looking more toward varieties with an extended vase life. All types of orchids, alstromeria, chrysanthemums and the infamous carnation family- including sweet william and the fun “green tricks”, all come with a hardy disposition. Favorites for second place would include star gazer and oriental lilies, asiatic lilies, campenula, sunflowers and calla lilies. Bouquets of long lasting flowers combined with the more delicate varieties ensure that even if some of the favorite blossoms fade, there are still plenty of flowers and greens to enjoy.

Searching for the right words to express your love and appreciation? The wonder of flowers is that these living treasures speak volumes – without saying anything at all!

~Wishing mothers, grandmothers and all special ladies a wonderful Mother’s Day from your Scottsdale Florist~

Easter Lily Plant Care

April 11, 2011 Leave a Comment

Easter Lily

The Easter lilies have arrived at La Paloma Blanca Floral Designs and with less than two weeks until Easter, many are asking how to keep these blooming plants healthy throughout the holiday. The answer is … its simple! The Easter lily is an easy plant to care for indoors and will typically show off their fragrant, pure-white trumpet blooms for two to three weeks or longer when cared for properly.

An Easter tradition in many households, the Easter lily is fondly thought of as a symbol of purity and the Lord’s resurrection. As the 4th largest selling potted plant in the U.S., the Easter lily ideally prefers cooler indoor temperatures of 60-65 degrees although higher temperatures of up to 80 degrees can be tolerated. When subjected to direct sunlight their blooms will fade but by placing them in an area where the sunlight is bright but indirect, they will flourish. An important note when it comes to watering ~ soggy soil is disastrous for the root system! Water your lily when the soil is visibly dry and slightly moist to the touch and do not allow the container to sit in water. Allowing the container to drain thoroughly will ensure optimum success and maximize the lily’s beauty.

In our Scottsdale flower shop, designers are sending decorated Easter lilies out solo or all jazzed up in paired groupings. Interested in sending something out of the ordinary? How about the Easter Lily Cactus Echinopsis oxygona? Now this unique little desert gift will last outdoors for many Easter holidays yet to come!

A Perfect Orchid

February 9, 2011 Leave a Comment

Phaleanopsis Orchid Plant

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you will find yourself surrounded by a variety of blooming plant choices in this Scottsdale flower shop. While azaleas, hydrangeas and kalanchoes are all beautiful options, the popularity of the Phalenaopsis orchid tops the charts of all time favorites. Often referred to as the Moth Orchid, this delicate beauty is a real gem when it comes to gift giving or enhancing the home.

The Phaleanopsis orchid is one of the easiest orchids to care for and its long lasting flower can bloom up to three months. The ideal temperature for the Phaleanopsis is that of a typical household, 75-85 degrees. They will thrive in bright, indirect sunlight such as morning light or a late afternoon, filtered sun. Be careful not to allow the soil to completely dry out! Typically, your plant will enjoy a thorough soaking once a week but be sure to check the soil first. The soil should be slightly moist when your orchid is ready for a drink. Adequate drainage is important and to ensure the plant is not sitting in water, allow the water to fully drain from the bottom of the container. Include a little 10-30-20 fertilizer once a month and you have a combination of TLC secrets for orchid success. After the bloom fades, cut the stem back to one of the nodes approximately halfway to the base of the plant. Under the correct environmental conditions, this orchid can bloom up to twice a year!

La Paloma Blanca Floral Designs has a favorite flower quote that perfectly describes the stately presence of the Phaleanopsis Orchid…

“One of the most attractive things about the flowers is their beautiful reserve.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

A Modern Look For The Classic Rose

January 23, 2011 Leave a Comment

Showcasing the beauty of a rose is a designers playground. With a rainbow of colors ordered for Valentine’s Day, La Paloma Blanca’s design team is busy creating ideas to give the rose arrangements a new twist for 2011. While a classic spray of roses will always delight someone special, this year we will be featuring Couture Roses where we “dress” the vase with specialty rose ribbon for a soft, feminine look. Equally popular have been Roses & Friends, a pairing of roses with an offset compliment of hydrangeas and specialty greens. Whether your preference is “the longer the better” display of long stems or a low, pave-style nestling, roses are all-time winners. No matter what your final selection of fresh flowers may be, keep your floral arrangement picture perfect by adding fresh water daily and giving the stems a crisp cut to keep them sippin’ on that H2O all-day-long.

Gourmet Fruit Basket from your Scottsdale Florist

December 22, 2010 Leave a Comment

Your Scottsdale Florist is busy sending a lot of gourmet fruit baskets for this holiday season. It’s a great gift to give your family and friends, business associates and why not bring one to the host of the holiday party? Yum…. chocolates, nuts, fruit, cheese, crackers and all kinds of tasty treats are going out the door lickety-split.