Category: Fresh Flower Care

Flowers 101: The Alstroemeria

At Starbright Floral Design, it is our great delight to bring you the occasional missive where we can feature the flowers that capture our fancy — and we hope yours! One of our greatest passions is introducing our friends and clients to the myriad of stunning flowers that fill our world.

If you haven’t heard of the Alstroemeria flower, we’re about to make your day! Also known as a Peruvian Lily, these fun and festive blooms are a favorite among florists in New York City, and it’s easy to see why.

Lavender and white Alstroemeria are stunning with their showy blossoms.
Lavender and white Alstroemeria are stunning with their showy blossoms.

The depth of beauty of the Alstroemeria unfolds before your eyes; while you might first be captivated by its resemblance to lilies, as you gaze more deeply into it, you will discover a cheetah-like pattern etched on the inner petals of each flower.

Symbolizing friendship and devotion, Alstroemerias epitomize this through their incredible longevity. As florists, one of the attributes we love about the Alstroemeria is the subtle and slow bloom of each flower. Each bouquet of Alstroemerias lasts longer than many other compositions, bringing a smile to everyone who sees it. If you are looking for a stunning display that will last for almost two weeks in a vase, look no further than these flowers.

Grown in a variety of hues, from deep apricot and vibrant lavender to snowy white, Alstroemeria flowers are stunning in every shade. The sunny yellows, gorgeous pinks and joyful reds of this flower make it a captivating addition to any bouquet. In addition to weaving Alstroemerias in our compositions, another way we at Starbright love to honor the beauty of these flowers is to arrange them with more Alstroemerias of different colors for a jubilant display, perfect for an entryway or dining room.

Alstroemerias festive spirit is readily seen when grouped together in a bouquet.
Alstroemerias festive spirit is readily seen when grouped together in a bouquet.

Alstroemerias have no scent and while some may miss the perfume of blossoms, we at Starbright think that the overwhelming ornamentation of the flowers more than compensates for this.

Alstroemerias are bountiful throughout NYC and that is thanks to the hybrids that have been cultivated which allow a year-round growing season. Native to South America, some varieties of this flower grow in the US and can even be cultivated in New York City’s climate, though Alstroemerias may not survive through the harsh NYC winters.

If you choose to adorn a space with Alstroemeria flowers and can afford to wait a bit to see their beauty shine, look for blooms that have not yet opened. Although less magnificent at that stage, you will be rewarded for your patience with the joy of seeing each blossom slowly open to a showy display.

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Alstroemerias mixed with other flowers highlights their unique beauty.

For all cut flowers including Alstroemerias, water should be refreshed daily, or as soon as it is not crystal clear. At Starbright, we ensure that all of our flowers are only enjoying water that we ourselves would relish drinking. Our flowers have only the cleanest water to nourish them.

We hope that you enjoyed discovering Alstroemeria as we have loved being able to expound upon the beauty and care of these flowers. All of us at Starbright warmly invite you to visit us to see the these flowers and more up close. And while you’re visiting, remember to have the perfect bouquet curated just for you. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Starbright Floral Design is a full-service florist located in Midtown NYC that has been brightening New York City for over two decades with flowers, plants and more.

It is our distinct pleasure to be of service to you in creating stunning floral compositions that will make you smile.

We are delighted to be able to carefully deliver each creation through our fleet of dedicated floral concierges in Manhattan, all of New York City and beyond.

In NYC, where anything is possible, we offer same-day delivery for our friends and clients to ensure that when want to send your wishes with flowers, orchids, plants and so much more, we are there to answer the call.

We invite you to visit us online or in our store, which you will find is bursting with flowers and delight in being of service to you. We would be thrilled to make your floral dreams come true!

Warm regards from all of us at Starbright, “The Official Florist of the City That Never Sleeps”.

Flowers, Festivals and Celebrations – It is what we do!

Starbright Floral Design

140 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001

212.229.1610

October’s birth flower: Good for the Eyes and Good for the Soul

The Marigold is the October birth flower.  Its list of uses is as long as its rich history.  However, its use in floral arrangements is not advisable.  Marigolds do not survive for long when cut.  Accordingly, birthday flowers for October babies play off the rich color of the flower and autumn floral arrangements are the norm.

The Marigold is native to southern Europe but do well in North America as well.  Seeds planted in April take root in any type of soil in full sun or medium sun locales.  Practically no care is required other than weeding and pruning. Marigolds bloom from June until the first frost kills them.  However, their death is short lived reappearing with young plants in the spring.

Religious Worship:

In India, the marigold is considered a sacred flower.  Hindus devote the marigold to gods and goddesses in religious ceremonies.

Medicinal Uses:

Plant pharmacological studies have indicated that Marigold extracts have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory qualities.  Marigold solutions have been used topically to treat acne, reduce inflammation, control bleeding, and sooth irritated tissue.  The petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads or dried or used as a replacement for saffron.  Eaten in salad, Marigold petals have been shown to relieve abdominal cramping and constipation.

Demonic Evictions:  Sixteen century herbalists used the marigold to remove evil spirits from one’s head while simultaneously strengthening eyesight.  According to folklore, all Linda Blair and Emily Rose needed was a blossoming marigold plant placed in her bedroom (ironic that a marigold is needed in a rose bedroom).  Once the girls stared at the marigold petals their demons depart and would return to the wonderful little girls they were before their demonic possessions.  Coincidently, children throughout the New York area have been growing marigolds in classrooms and day care centers as classroom projects since I was a kid.  The stated scholastic reason is that it teaches the kids about germination.  However, many teachers have been heard branding our children as “little devils” (mine of course, can only be mistaken for angels).   Perhaps there’s something else going on.

This scribe is brought to you from all of us at Starbright Floral Design.  We are big supporters of all things to eradicate Leukemia.  We hope that you will join us in contributing to this fight.

If you would like to read more about Starbright, who we are and the scope of the work that we do, please visit our website.

If you would like to place an order for flowers (worldwide delivery), please visit our e-commerce portal.

Thank you!

The Starbright Team

Lily of the Valley: The May birth flower and possibly Robert Plant’s inspiration to the 70’s song “Stairway to Heaven”.

The lily of the valley is a low-growing perennial plant that usually has two large oblong leaves and small fragrant nodding bell-shaped flowers that grow evenly up the stalk forming what appear to be steps.   Perhaps Mr. Plant, observed the Lily of the Valley’s configuration and penned the song “Stairway to Heaven” (probably not).  However, medieval monks having lots of time on their hands and keen observation skills, viewed the flowers configuration and labeled the flower the “ladder to heaven”.  The flower was considered a symbol for the steps to heaven.

The Victorian era, with its strict rules of etiquette regarding verbalizing feelings of affection, was the golden age of the language of flowers.  When the lily of the valley was given as a gift to a love interest its meaning was said to be “you made my life complete”.  Today its meaning is said to be happiness, humility, purity and sweetness.

Through the years the flower has gained popularity in wedding bouquets.  The reason for this is open to debate.  Some would say it’s the flower’s fragrance and beauty.  Opponents offer that many flowers equal its beauty and fragrance.  The marriage cynics amongst us, point to the flowers’ herbal use as a poison antidote as the reason for its wedding bouquet popularity.   Statisticians claim that polls of brides are flawed.  Many brides are embarrassed to admit fear of poisoning by their groom as the driving force behind the choice of the flower.  Perhaps we’ll never know.

Similarly the origins of Lily of the Valley is open to debate.  One Christian bible story has it that the flower first grew where Mary’s tears fell at the foot of the cross.   Another has the flower first sprouting from Eve’s tears after she was kicked out of the Garden of Eden.  Whatever its origins, the flower provides a beautiful fragrant and visual accent to any floral display.

This post is brought to you by Starbright Floral Design (www.starflor.com).  Sometimes we like to bring out “the fun side of flowers” by injecting some humor into our scribes.  We truly hope you enjoy our reads and get to see flowers from a little bit of a different perspective.  We sure do.

When you have some time, please visit our website and tell us what you think of the work that we do.  If you would like to order a gift for someone, you can visit our e-commerce portal we always recommend Designer’s Choice as a great option to take the guess work out of ordering flowers for a friend, a loved one or a parent. We deliver flowers on a same day basis (open seven days a week) in the United States.  Worldwide delivery is available  (except war zones, jungles, desserts and merchant marine vessels in the open sea) within 48 hours.

We would love to hear from you!  An alternative to our website is to call us (800.520.8999) or you may visit us at 150 West 28th Street (Second Floor).  We are in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District.  Pop on in! We would love to meet you!

Starbright Floral Design – The Official Florist of the City that Never Sleeps.

“Flowers, Festivals & Celebrations… It is what we do!”

News Press Release

Starbright Floral Design Kicks Off the “Pearl Rose”.   The Most Significant Product Launch since the advent of air travel and genetic engineered plants.

NEW YORK — March 31, 2011 — At a press conference at Starbright headquarters in the heart of New York City’s historic flower district,  Nic Faitos , Starbright’s Managing Partner,  in association with the Dutch Flower Marketing Association (an industry group whose mission is to promote flower buying throughout the world), announced the availability of the “Pearl Rose”.  A new rose varietal conceived by creative minds and designed through many years of collaboration between the finest botanists in the world with Dr. Aprilia Anoitou as the lead scientist.

Today’s announcement that the “Pearl Rose” is available to retail customers of Starbright and volume licensing customers marks the beginning of the most significant product launch in our company’s history and perhaps since Barbara McClintock’s discovery of “Jumping Genes”.  The “Pearl Rose” will be available to retail customers effective immediately.  Availability to NYC organizations with volume license agreements will begin shortly as well.  However, initial supplies are limited to retail customers.  Volume customers will be supplied for orders FOB New York City for delivery before Mother’s Day and beyond.

Through chromosome engineering and radiation mutation, more fully discussed in the science section herein, Greece’s premier botanist Dr. Aprilia Anoitou was able to develop a rose with mollusk traits.  The result is the growth of a white pearl within the pedals of a red rose.  Different varieties of roses have yielded different levels of pearl quality.  Currently the Pearl Rose is limited to the Darling Flame variety of rose.  Accordingly, the price of the Pearl Rose is for upscale clientele.

Customer feedback through Starbright’s web site, starflor.com , guided product development.  “This is a game changing product,” Faitos said.  “It’s an incredible step forward in the floral industry with ramifications that are yet unknown but undoubtedly far reaching.  Accordingly, in a press release under separate cover, we’ve announced the formation of a joint venture between Starbright and The Dutch Flower Marketing Association to fully explore the wide ranging uses of this exciting innovation.” Said Faitos.

First Users See Clear Business Value

Joining Faitos at Starbright’s headquarters was Poisson D’Avril, the president of the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Greater New York.

“In the highly competitive and fast-moving hospitality industry, our advantage comes first from our people and second from everything NYC has to offer.  You can add the Pearl Rose to the list of incomparable NYC attractions.” Said D’Avril.  “Nic has allowed several of our higher end venues offer the Pearl Rose prior to its official release.  The response has been extraordinary.  Finally, something to give to that person who has everything!”

Original Science

“The ovules of a rose are megasporangia and typically develop into female gametophytes.  These gametophytes give rise to egg cells which, in a typical rose holds the pollen.”  Said Dr. Aprilia Anoitou.  “In the transgenic rose, called the Pearl Rose, through chromosome engineering and radiation mutation, our team was able to develop a rose that behaves like a typical mollusk.  The mature egg cells are split through chemical mutagens. The mature egg cells from radiated mollusks are combined with rose egg mutations through protoplast fusion.  The genetic recombination leads the rose to secrete nacre similar to that emitted by mollusks.  “  Dr. Aprilia Anoitou said.  Transcripts of Dr. Anoitou’s full procedures are available by request to Pearlrosepress@starflor.com.

On the Road to the Future

“During the last decade, Starbright has built an impeccable reputation in the floral industry with unsurpassed customer service.” Faitos said. “Although we have been at the forefront of technology, the new product announced today is the most innovative product we’ve ever been involved with, and I believe it signals the beginning of a new wave of innovation that will have a profound impact during the next decade.” Said Nic Faitos, President of Starbright Floral Design.

Located in the heart of NYC’s flower district and founded in 1994, Starbright Floral Design has established the gold standard for customer service within the floral industry.  The Company has grown steadily every year since its inception.  The Pearl Rose and other innovative products being worked on currently, has Starbright on the threshold of exponential growth for the coming years.

Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance or information, journalists and analysts may contact pearlrosepress@starflor.com.  To become a volume licensee, kindly contact pearlrosedealers@starflor.com.  Visit us on the web at starflor.com.

 

March Birth Flower: Oh That Daffodil Itch

Daffodil - Springtime is here!
The Daffodil Blooms as the First Flower of Spring

The Narcissus is synonymous to the Daffodil.  The Daffodil is simply the English name for the flower which derives its name from the Greek mythological figure called Narcissus.  Narcissus was a young man who was so obsessed with his own reflection in a pool of water that he fell into the water and drowned.  The Narcissus plant first sprang up at the location of his death and thus the birth of the Daffodil itch.  This Greek myth has led the Daffodil being a symbol of unrequited love.   China has a somewhat different view of the Daffodil.  It is revered and has become a symbol of Chinese New Year.  It is said if it blooms on Chinese New Years, you are in store for extra wealth and good fortune for the year.

In moderate climates Daffodils flower among the earliest blooms in spring. Daffodils often grow in large clusters and cover entire hillsides. Their rhythmic movements in the wind inspired the  famous poem Daffodils, by William Wordsworth.  “…And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.”  All  Daffodil species have a central trumpet surrounded by a ring of six floral leaves.  The traditional daffodil consisted of a yellow color all over.  Today both in the wild and due to breeding, blooms range in colors to include yellow, white, orange, pink, red and green.

The Daffodil itch is not a term of endearment referencing the excitement of spring’s approach.  Instead, it is a term used by florists describing the itchy skin condition caused by exposure to the sap of the Daffodil.  The Daffodil contains alkaloid chemicals throughout making it very bitter and toxic if ingested.  The toxicity is dangerous if confused for an onion and ingested.  However it makes the Daffodil the perfect plant for those of you whose property has been overrun by rodents.  Deer and all rodents will leave the Daffodil unmolested.

This scribe is brought to you by Starbright Floral Design, “The Official Florist of the City that Never Sleeps”.  Along the way we try to find and write about the fun side of flowers.  Starbright delivers flowers all over the world for the endless romantics everywhere.

Starbright Floral Design is the “Official Florist of Romance” and most of the time we deliver flowers, love, passion and hope everywhere in Manhattan and worldwide.  Sometimes we deliver yellow carnations.

Give us a call, visit our website or pop on in!  We would love to meet you….

Passionately yours,

The Official Florist

Starbright Floral Design

Located in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District

150 West 28th Street, Studio 201.

T. 800.520. 8999

Web: www. starflor.com

E-commerce portal: www.starbrightnyc.com

Dutch Hydrangea in Short Supply…

Hydrangea From Holland
Hydrangea - Fantastical Love

Good day everyone…

We all love hydrangea and no doubt that this is the time of the year for it.  I just got word from our friends in Holland that the Dutch varieties are almost done for the year.  If you  are planning a wedding, have an event coming up and are planning to use these magnificent blooms, please consult with your team, your experts and you may want to consider a second choice.  Here is a verbatim copy of the notice I received in the past day or so…

Good morning, we just would like to update you on the Hydrangea situation as it is at this moment.

Hydrangea are getting more and more limited, and difficult to get good quality ones.  Especially the fresh colors like pink, white, blue are almost done.  They will be available for another week or two, but because they are so limited available, they are very, very, very expensive, please keep that in mind when you take wedding orders for these fresh colors!

The Green and Green-Red Antique ones are plenty available, green-red, red-green, antique red, antique green are all available, and in good quality, decent priced.

Antique blue is available pimpernel antique, really, really nice, but are expensive!

Antique pink is done, we really do not like the quality no longer of those.

This is an unedited note from one of our main suppliers in Holland and we are posting out there so that if anyone has made plans to use these varieties in  the next few weeks, please check with your supplier for alternate colors or alternative sources (South America).

All of us at Starbright are truly grateful for every opportunity that you offer us to be a part of your special events, to decorate for your corporate events, your weddings and to send every day flower gifts in New York City and worldwide.  We invite you to visit us at http://www.starflor.com or to give us a call at 800-52-8999.

Starbright Floral Design is “The Official Florist of the City That Never Sleeps” and we are located in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District – at 150 West 28th Street, Studio 201.

To send a gift anywhere  in the world you may do so by calling us or by visiting the E-Commerce  portal of our website by clicking HERE.

Have a great day (and sorry about the Hydrangea news!),

 

The Official Florist

 

 

 

Flowers and Passion Through Barbara’s Eyes…

On any team, in any company or in any organization people join in every now and then that you “just know” are going to be around for a very long time and will contribute in a super meaningful way… Barbara is just such a person.  Last year we were short-handed for what was the largest wedding production that our organization had ever been involved with.  It took our entire team, plus a freelance group (that Barbara was a part of) to basically decorate the Brooklyn Museum.  That is when we met Barbara and have  not let go since…

Flowers by Starbright...
Flowers, Festivals and Romance

In her own words, life in the wonderful world of flowers –

At ten years, the floral design industry is one of my two longest-lasting relationships, (the other is my husband, who’s been my partner for seven.) Following are a series of brief descriptors of the business.

In a cash and carry shop I worked at, customers were constantly walking in and saying how wonderful the store smelled. I’d smile and agree, and even lead them to the fragrant flowers if they asked, although I’d been in the store long enough that I couldn’t actually smell them anymore. A favored expression in this business is, “hurry up and wait,” meaning that work is not a steady flow; rather, everyone rushes to meet a deadline, or prep to begin work on an event…and then we just hang around for go time. The florally-related holidays, such as Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, Easter, and so on, do produce weeks’ worth of intense work. Sometimes, if a store is lucky, there is more work than even the best-equipped store can handle. Those times generally wear on everyone’s nerves- frazzling coworkers to the point that they want to strangle each other. The hours become long and the amount of work slavish.  These periods are counter balanced by the quiet periods, such as January or midsummer, when customers are traveling, or the calendar is empty of a special occasion which calls for flowers.  Since flowers are generally short-lived, a commodity rather than a necessity, customers also frequently haggle about the price, or the fact that, yes, there is tax on flowers.

How does the floral business sound after the above descriptions? If the job had been described as such, I probably would’ve looked for a job elsewhere before walking into my first interview with a shop. The truth is, however, that I am, and always have been, hopelessly addicted to flowers. My interest was piqued at an early age by my grandmother, who was a landscape architect. But familial dedication isn’t really enough to explain why I’ve returned again and again to the floral business over a decade. Flowers, if you can stop to take a deep breath and appreciate them, are beautiful in themselves. But let’s face it… how many people can stop to smell the roses? This work is worthwhile to me for the good moments, to be found in every day. When an arrangement comes together, it gives a sense of satisfaction that is immediate and complete. When coworkers also find beauty in something you’ve made, it’s an additional bonus. The maximum gratification comes when a customer’s eyes light up at seeing what you’ve made for them. I’ve also been fortunate to work with many excellent people, not least among them the crew at Starbright. (Especially Brian!!!) There are always laughs to be shared, as well as the sense of accomplishment when a large job is completed, at having contributed to a significant moment or event in someone’s life. If I’m waxing too poetic, sometimes there’s satisfaction at simply having gotten through another day, and having managed to create something in the meantime.

A little bit about Starbright…. Starbright Floral Design is located in the heart of New York City’s historic flower district.  Our studio is centrally located in Manhattan.  We offer local and worldwide delivery of flowers, plants and gifts of all types.  In addition, we are a premier provider of decor in Manhattan for corporate and social special events.  To gain a bit of a broader perspective on our organization and on the work that we do, please visit our website at www.starflor.com or reach out to us by phone at 800.520.8999.  We are located in Studio 201 at 150 West 28th Street.  We hope to see you soon!

Write a Card and only THEN Send Flowers!

A vase of mixed spring flowers with the right message, says it all...

It is impossible to count the number of calls we get where someone asks us to prepare a bouquet for a business associate, a loved one, a  friend in need of a cheer and everything goes as planned, EXCEPT when we ask “and what would you like the card to say?”!

Dumbfounded by the thought of writing a card, our client will say something like: “I don’t know… Love, your husband Mark” (like the recipient is likely to have two husbands and the clarification by name will eliminate the confusion!  Or we get – “You do this all the time, write something for me!!”.   There are countless scenarios to the above vignettes that we encounter daily.

Dear Client:  It is the message on the card your inscription that makes the gift all the more memorable.  Even IF you are a terrible writer (I submit there is no such thing), you can still think of something clever to say.  The problem is that we don’t plan the card.  Flowers are a spur of the moment purchase or a MUST DO like Valentine’s or Mother’s Day and we place our order without putting thought into the card.  Yes the flowers will perish; but a well said card, a clever card, will be saved forever.  A well thought card will make the scent and the colors of your flowers last a lot longer in the person’s mind.  Years from now, you will get one of these: “Honey, I remember back about five years ago when you sent me those really special flowers when I was feeling down…”  She does not remember the flowers as much as she remembers your words that remind her of the flowers and the way they made her feel.

Your card can be something as simple as a date from the past that leaves the person wondering of the significance… until you tell them.  It can be cleaver humor like “I love you but I am going to beat you!” sent the day before a competitive tennis date.  Or if you are a hopeless romantic – go ahead and spill the beans.  Let your card say what spoken words cannot.

It is far better to send a small token gift of flowers with a meaningful and memorable card than it is to send a big “over the top” bouquet signed “your husband”!  So take some time think about your special moments, think about what is cleaver to say and then say it!  A card without flowers does not say as much.  Flowers with a mediocre card, will keep you out of the doghouse.  Flowers with a really special message that is in words that are yours, will tidy up the whole package in a really nice bow and make the occasion super special!  It is the stuff that heroes are made of.

All of us at Starbright will always stand ready to help you with your gift selection and even to help you write the card.  The more information you give us about what you want to say and the more thought you have put into the occasion, the more can help.  It is all about how enthusiastic the WOW or the Thank You are after the flowers get there and how long the mood lasts!

A bit about Starbright: We are a full service florist and floral delivery service.  We occupy a loft space in the wholesale flower district on 28th Street in Manhattan.  Within our own delivery area we create all our own arrangements by our master designers.  In other locales throughout the US, we have partnered with selected florists that stand by the same code that we have.  It has taken us fifteen years to build our list of partners and we stand by each and every one.  This gives us the ability to bring you custom made floral creations in Manhattan and beyond.  We can be reached at 800.520.8999 or on the web at www.starflor.com.

Citysearch selected us as the #1 florist in Manhattan for 2009 and The Knot recommends us as the top selected shop to have for your wedding in New York City.  What makes us particularly proud of these accolades is that we live and work in a town that has many really-really good florists!  Of course, our work is only as good as the next bouquet we send for YOU!  We hope to hear from you soon and we will help you write the card!).

Springtime, the season for flowers…

Pink Peonies from North Carolina

Every season has its flowers.  There are flowers  in wide varieties all year long.  But springtime is really  special.  Sure with greenhouses and  with easy air transport from countries that are  in seasons opposite our own, flowers in all varieties are available virtually year round…

BUT, let me draw an analogy – Have you ever tasted the difference between a vine ripped tomato and one that came from halfway across the world?  Fruits and veggies are most enjoyable when the come from small local growers and when we enjoy them when they are really in season!  Strawberries and watermelon don’t really make much sense in December.  Do they?

Flowers are the same.  NOW is the time to indulge and to really enjoy your  flowers.  For the next three months there are so many varieties that are in season, so much to enjoy and such a plethora of colors and scents that you will overdose all of your senses in an elixir of life!

Window shop any florist, take an early morning stroll on 28th Street and take it all in at the NYC Flower District (should be a historic landmark) or better yet stop by our studio at 150 West 28th Street (www.starflor.com); and this is some of what you will see…

Tulipalooza is here!

Tulips in just about every imaginable color… They will  be around until early May.  If the springtime is unusually brisk, then they will last a little longer.

Flowering branches.  YES flowers growing on real branches!  Dogwood, Cherry Blossom, Quince, Forsythia, Plum and so much more.  These trees first bloom a flower and  then a leaf.  Natures gift to our homes is this timeless beauty that is enjoyed in every design style that truly transcends time.   Again, they are weather dependent, but flowering branches should be around  for about another two to three weeks…

Peonies are  about to make their grand entrance into our homes!  In their peak, the season will last about six weeks and they are so fragrant!  The local varieties are available in light and magenta pink, deep burgundy and white.  Catch them while they are around.  The best peonies are grown in the North and South Carolina and we are about to get our first shipment.  No need to reserve, there will be plenty to go around; but don’t blink!  The season IS short!

Lilac (grown on a bush) will show up and make a grand entrance in the late springtime too.  This is an extremely fragrant flower that everyone loves.  The most popular color for lilac is lavenderish-purple.  They do also come in white.

Anemones, sweet pea, mini calla lilies, roses (in amazing pastel tones) and so much more are coming too!  We hope you enjoy them all.  They are the protagonists of the season.  The first sign to put away the Winter Blues!  These are the flowers that will make us all smile and let the sun shine upon us.

For me?  After the lilacs bloom, it is motorcycle season!  It may be the beach, the jet ski or a hiking trip in the Shenandoah Valley that you have to look forward to.  But unless the peonies come and go, your summer fun is on pause.  Open your heart and let the spring shine in!  My favorite time of the year…

A few words about us: Starbright Floral Design is a premiere florist located in New York City.  We are in the Historic Flower District on Manhattan’s 28th Street in a second floor loft.  Most of the work that we do involves sending flowers and gifts delivered in Manhattan or anywhere else! Visit our gift-giving catalog to see what you can send.   We  are also experts at executing corporate and social events.  A peak at our event portfolio and you will be able to gain a broader perspective on the depth of our organization and they type of work that we do.  Whenever we could be of service, whenever we could answer a question, or if you would like to simply take in the colors and scents, we would love to hear from you.  We can also be reached by phone at 800.520.8999.  Happy Springtime!

Step-by-Step Flower Arranging…

So you went to the local bodega or your supermarket and bought some flowers!  Designing a vase of flowers that you can enjoy at home for over  a week is both rewarding and great therapy…  It can become a fun hobby and it is not that expensive!  In the photographs below you will be able to follow some simple steps to make your first flower arrangement.  Have fun!

Step One: Take a long and broad leaf and insert it on the interior wall of your vase. This will prevent the murkiness of the water from showing through to the outside of the vase. Add water to your vase. Fill to about an inch from the top. Round cylindrical vases work best for starters. Your vase can be short or tall. After a little bit of practice you can experiment with different shapes of vases.
STEP TWO: Make a grid on the top of your vase using adhesive clear tape. You will notice that there is a ring of tape on the outer rim of the vase. This is there to get the tape to stick to the sides of the vase. This grid is kind of like "cheating" as this is where you will be placing your flowers in a later step!
Step Three: Get different forms of greenery that you like (fern, lemon, pittosporum are all good for practice) and place your greens in the vase first. You are going to completely fill the vase (using the taped grids as your guide) to create a bed of greenery. This will be the base onto which your flowers will be placed in the next step.
Step Four: Constantly rotatae your vase and place the flowers you selected in equal distance and in symmetry to each other. As you do this, cut your stems to the height that you would want them (one by one). Remember that you can always cut more stem off! BUT you can never add stem back. Dont cut your flowers too much. The length of stem that you need is trial and error. Cut a little and then cut a little more!
Step Five: Find your empty spaces and fill them. As you rotate your vase (like a Lazy Suzan at a Chinese Restaurant!) you will find spots that you missed! Take the flowers or berries or stems that are not directly around the missing spot and fill with those in order to keep everyhting symmetrical.
Step Six: Enjoy! Voila!!!

To learn more about Starbright Floral Design and the work we do, please visit our website at www.starflor.com or call us at 800-520-8999.  You can also become a Starbright Fan on Facebook.  We would love to hear from you!

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