Fresh • Local • Flower Blog ~ George Thomas Florist • Indianapolis Florist Blog

The Legend of the Holly

2011-12-16T15:30:00.001-05:00

The legend is told of how the
Holy Family fled from King
Herod’s soldiers by night. Out of
desperation, Mary tried to hide
her precious Child under a
leafless holly bush. As she prayed
for protection, the bush grew new
green leaves to hide the Child
and thorns to offer Him
protection. The soldiers passed
by, leaving the Child unharmed.
In return, the Christ Child
blessed the holly so it would
remain evergreen—a symbol of
hope and immortality.

Discovering Daisies

2011-11-05T11:07:00.004-04:00

Where does the phrase as ”fresh as a daisy” come from? Why isn’t is as “refreshed as a rose”? Or “vibrant as a tulip”?

The coy little ladies are named daisy after the Old English saying dægesege,from dæges eage meaning “day’s eye”. Daisies open their petals every morning to the sun just as we humans open our eyes to that sun sneaking in through the drapes. As the sun sets and temperatures drop petals tuck the daisy in for a good night’s sleep. Smart people know they need beauty sleep to keep that rosy hue. These girls have clearly been resting themselves when the sun goes down, just look at them blush!!!

In scientific circles this action of opening and closing is known as Nyctinasty, and it looks as cool as it sounds! Check out this time lapse of African Daisies opening and closing:African Daisies sleeping
This action is associated with the flower’s light receptor (known as the phytochrome) as well as the circadian rhythms of the flowers that sync up to diurnal light patterns and temperature changes. There are also biochemical factors that drive the flowers to open and close. Just like people, sleep is a complicated thing for flowers!

It won’t surprise most floral fans to hear that Gerbera, commonly known as Gerber daisies, are among the most popular cut flowers today. With an infinite variety of colors they always add character to any floral arrangement, and are often requested as featured blooms.

Perhaps the boldest character of the Gerbera family is the capitulum, or flower head, which appears as a single flower, but is actually composed of hundreds of individual flowers. The macro photo below shows the incredible details of the capitulum. These flower heads can be as small as 7 cm (Gerbera mini ‘Harley’) in diameter or up to 12 cm (Gerbera ‘Golden Serena’). They can be a contrasting color, the same as the outer petals, or a striking combination like the flower below with yellows nestled in pink. This versatility puts them at the top of the designer’s list of favorites as well!

Daisies are part of the Asteraceae or Compositae family which is the largest family of vascular plants. They are found all over the world except the extreme Arctic and Antarctica, but the most beautiful truly seem to congrgate in our shop ;)

Many popular flowers are part of this family including Dahlias, Sunflowers, and Chrysanthemums… stay tuned for more in depth posts divulging the details of these cousins. Let us know which flowers intrigue you most and we’ll do our best to feature them in future blogs!!!

We would like to thank Wikipedia for being such a great resource for just about everything! All photos with the exception of the Gerber close up are taken from flowers available today at George Thomas Florist.
The fabulous macro shot comes from Microscopy-UK. There are tons of amazing shots of Gerbers here:

4 Simple and Natural Ways to Help Cut Flowers Last Longer

2011-08-01T09:07:00.000-04:00

The little packets that come with some cut flowers contain biocide to kill bacteria, an acidifier to adjust the water's pH (which helps the movement water and food), and a sugar to nourish the flowers. Instead of using that stuff, some basic knowledge and attention can help keep your flowers happy.

1. Cut the stems at a 45 degree angle and don't let leaves sit in water. The angle increases absorption, and soaking leaves will decay.

2. Change the water and cut the ends daily.

3. Keep your flowers away from direct sunlight and ripening fruit. The latter emits ethylene gas; this hormone, an expert from the Brooklyn Botanical Garden explains, "causes buds to remain closed, petals to have poor color, and flowers to have a shortened vase life."

4. Add a little sugar or even a penny. The sugar will feed the flowers, but it can cause bacteria to grow (so it's even more important to change the water regularly). The copper in pennies is thought to work like an acidifier.

To see a comparison of how tulips treated with fresh water, sugar, bleach, pennies, Listerine, aspirin, and plant food match up over a week, see this slide show from Real Simple. For more tips on care for specific types of flowers, follow advice from the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

5 Tasty Edible Flowers

2011-07-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Most edible flowers fall into what we call the "barely edible" category, meaning they won't kill you, but they don't taste especially good either. That said, there are a few flowers that are actually worth eating, look pretty on the plate and attract beneficial insects to the garden.

Some of the best edible flowers are simply the blossoms of vegetables and herbs, including mustard greens, arugula, dill, and mint. I always let these plants flower because they are pretty, attract beneficial insects and pollinators, and they taste good. Most edible flowers are too delicate to wash and do not store well. Instead, pick them just before you plan to use them, brush off any soil and check carefully for any insects hiding within.

Nasturtium- I sow nasturtium seeds at the edge of beds because they grow into pretty, blousy plants that spill over the margins. Both the leaves and the flowers of nasturtiums have a delicious spicy flavor that tastes especially good in salads. I also sometimes stuff the blossoms into sandwiches, along with herbed cream cheese, slices of tomato, and lettuce.

Calendula- The petals of calendula (also called pot marigold) look like confetti when scattered across a salad or plate. Calendula produces loads of flowers from spring through fall, though it helps to snip off flowers as they fade to encourage more blooms to form. Be sure to let some of the flowers go to seed, because calendula self sows easily, which means that it will come up all on its own the following spring.

Arugula- Arugula blossoms have pretty crepe paper-like white petals with dark purplish black veins. The flowers taste spicy and nutty--just like arugula greens--and make a pretty garnish. I like to scatter them over salads.

Squash Blossoms- Squash have both male and female flowers on the same plant. Female flowers have a little squash just behind the blossom. Both types are edible and taste delicious stuffed with cheese or added to a quesadilla. Pick the blossoms in the morning when they are just beginning to open. The blossoms taste like a very delicate version of squash and they will store for a couple of days in the fridge if placed in a plastic bag lined with a damp paper towel. You can eat the blossoms of any summer or winter squash variety, including pumpkins.

Dill- Dill flowers are actually an umbrella-shaped compound flower composed of many tiny blossoms. Dill is especially attractive to beneficial insects and pollinators because the flower's shape makes it very easy for them to access the nectar and pollen. The flowers have a light dill flavor and they retain their shape and color quite well when added to jars of cucumber pickles. They also make a pretty garnish in a drink or on a plate.

Dish Gardens

2011-07-11T08:58:00.001-04:00

If you are having trouble finding the utmost supreme accent piece to give your office or home the finishing touch you are seeking, search no further than a dish garden. Dish gardens make great attributes to small office areas as well as large living spaces because they require little maintenance while offering a lot of show.

Dish gardens consist of an assortment of plant varieties in a decorative container. In most cases, plants that can tolerate dry, low light conditions such as Dracaenas, Arrowhead Ivies, Philodendrons, Palms, Marantas and Spathiphyllums are used. You can have all of these varieties in one dish or keep it simple with two or three plants depending on the amount of drama you desire your dish garden to have. Some people may prefer a more modest, clean look while others may appreciate the mini-jungle look. The fuller and more diverse it is, the more interesting the appearance.

The most popular containers used for dish gardens are generally made out of ceramic materials. Clay can be molded and painted into a multitude of shapes, sizes and colors which allow a wide selection of styles to compliment any personality, the possibilities are truly endless. Tin and woven wicker baskets are also common containers that can be used.

Maintenance for a dish garden is very simple as watering ought to be done only weekly. Before you water you should always poke your finger down into the soil to make sure it even needs more water. If the soil is dry add at least a half a cup of water, depending on how large your garden is.

If the soil is still moist, hold off on watering for a day or two then check the soil again. You do not want to over water your plants because this could cause unintended damage. Also, there is no need to worry about fertilizers because that would only encourage the plants to quickly outgrow their container which would require them to be transplanted in a larger pot.

When you are in need of a beautiful accent piece for your home or office, consider a dish garden. They are easy to maintain while adding a significant amount of sophisticated flare to any area and make a wonderful gift. We welcome you into our shop to observe first hand the brilliance of a dish garden.

7 Spots To Display Flowers Besides the Kitchen Table

2011-07-06T08:47:00.003-04:00

It's always when we find ourselves super busy that we feel the need to buy ourselves flowers. The inspiration and color that fresh flowers bring into our space always seems to make up for the hectic work week. Unfortunately, the kitchen table (our go-to spot for displaying our fresh flowers) usually doubles as our current project command center.

Here are 7 alternative spots for displaying flowers in your home:

•The Floor - We love how this large bouquet on the floor balances out a side table vignette while adding a pop of color.
•The Bedside Table - Flowers in the bedroom make for a zen atmosphere and help make the day start out bright and cheery.
•A Windowsill - One of our favorite spots for displaying flowers is the windowsill. Doing the dishes always gives us an opportunity to reflect on the day ahead and fresh petals always make the task pleasurable.
•The Bathroom - Whether on the back of the commode or beside the sink, flowers in the bathroom are an added surprise for guests (and pack a large punch in a small space).
•The Mantelpiece - This spot for displaying flowers feels almost as traditional as setting a bouquet on the kitchen table. Play up each season by using flowers that hint at what's happening outdoors.
•Create a Spot - In smaller homes, there's less available space to show off flowers. If you find yourself in this position, create a new, unique spot for the arrangement to land. In the example pictured, single stems are inserted in the empty holes of a DIY wine rack.
•Wall Vases - Wall vases are a great solution if you've got a pet that likes to ingest plants and flowers. In addition, a pair of wall vases quickly adds symmetry to a room which can help unite a space.

Irvington First Fridays ~ June 3, 2011

2011-05-31T13:11:00.003-04:00

Irvington First Fridays, featuring several popular venues in the historic Irvington neighborhood in Indiana, hopes to be a premier cultural event for the advancement of art in the Irvington area.
The tour features open art studios, live music, refreshments and more - all free to the public!

Join us for the next First Friday on June 3 from 6 to 9 p.m.

MOSIAC ART GALLERY (3rd floor of the Lodge): Artwork by Irvington native, Mark Watkins, Dar Parsons and photography by Jason Kistler (JKISS Photography). Music TBA.

BOOKMAMAS: Artwork by Moon Stumpp as well as a sketching session w/ Moon Stumpp and Marti Icenogle.

DUFOUR'S: Featuring artist Wayne Kimmel and photographer Sara Botwell. Music by Ken Aull. Plus lots of great menu items for dinner! :)

LAZY DAZE: Artwork by Elvis Mires. Music by Caleb Hawkins 7 - 8:30pm.

GEORGE THOMAS FLORIST: Artwork by Jan Flexon

Check back for additional locations and featured artists - we're adding more all the time! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for upcoming details as well!

Creative Ideas for Wedding Flowers

2011-05-17T15:58:00.001-04:00

Flower Holidays, Occasions & Parties - Wedding Flowers

•Welcome gifts for out-of-town guests and members of the bridal parties.
•Thank you gifts for those people who make the bride and groom's day special.

•Rehearsal dinner and wedding brunch décor.

•Decorations for the wedding transportation.

•Floating arrangements for ponds or pools.

•Accessories for the bride's hair, in some cases replacing the more traditional veil.

At the Ceremony

•Adorn the ceremony entrance with flower-filled urns that can later be moved to the reception.

•Use flowers and candlelight at different levels to give dimension to design.

•Use a single rose to mark the seats of both the groom's and the bride's mothers.

•Attach flower petals to a large ribbon for an elegant decoration piece.

At the Reception

•Garland the center of the head table with flowers, foliage and votive candles.

•Use the bridesmaids' bouquets to create lavish buffet table decorations or to surround the cake.

•Have your florist create guest table centerpieces with 4-5 separate clusters of flowers so that each couple can take a part of the centerpiece home.

•Float large fragrant flowers, such as open roses or gardenias, in crystal containers with votive candles.

•Sprinkle rose petals on the cake table and walkways.

•Have the toss bouquet double as a cake top.

•Decorate goblets and cake knives with flowers.

•Use a cake plate with a mound of flowers on it as a centerpiece.

•Use roses to make a dome at the top of a glass bowl filled with pretty rocks, and place a wreath around the bowl to highlight it.

•Toss rose petals instead of rice as the bride and groom leave.

The Value of Shopping with a Local Florist

2011-05-13T12:39:00.004-04:00

Want to Save $10 - $15 on Flowers Today?
Here’s How:
The smart money at the Wall Street Journal recommends shoppers buy from a florist who will actually deliver their flowers rather than using an online broker who "will typically take a sizable cut and charge an excessive service fee". Shop local, get what you really want, and save. It's really that simple.
How can I tell if I’m ordering from a local florist in the community in which I want my flowers delivered? Unfortunately, the web and the yellow pages are full of companies posing as local florists. They use phrases such as ‘serving your city name’ or ‘servicing your city name.’ In some cases, they have your city name on their website or ad but are actually located hundreds if not thousands of miles away. Legitimate local sites will include their physical addresses as well as local phone numbers. On the web, check out their ‘About Us’ sections. Here is ours!
Hint: If a site or ad doesn’t contain a local address and local phone number, you can be 99.9% sure it’s not located in the city in which you’re sending your flowers. Why else would they not want you to know where they are?
How much can I save? The vast majority of ‘flower broker’ web sites charge you from $9.95 to $15.95 for the convenience of transferring your order to a real local flower shop. Some even tack on an additional surcharge if you want to place your order over the phone! (Not us. We’re happy to talk to you and give you free professional advice!) Ordering a fresh flower arrangement from us as your local full-service florist will typically save you from $10.00 to $15.00 for the very same flowers.
How to spot the ‘FREE Delivery’ ruse. Many order brokers show a pricing system quite different from your local flower shop. Their prices shown generally bundle the cost of the item with a ‘pad’ of $5 – $7 for delivery by the local flower shop. An additional fee of $11.95 to $14.95, a ‘service/handling/shipping fee’, is also charged for the convenience of placing the order through them. It’s not a delivery fee. The local delivering florist, per wire service rules, is absolutely permitted to deduct their local delivery fee from the total order. In reality, unless a company is delivering the flowers themselves, they cannot claim free delivery – it’s just simply included in the total price. Deceptive? Yes. Illegal? Maybe. Savvy shoppers also often notice that the ‘free delivery’ sites actually cost more than the ones that clearly state their delivery prices. For more information on these deceptive practices check out Florist Detective.com
Need something special? Your local florist knows what’s in season, knows what’s available and can suggest ideas that can be custom-made, affordably, on short notice. We are not just ‘banks of sales associates’ sitting in front of computer screens. We are real, professionally trained florists.
Hey, doesn’t your shop send flowers to other cities, states and countries, too?
Absolutely! We are members of several professional networks and can have flowers sent virtually anywhere in the world. We offer this convenience for our LOCAL customers who want us to ensure that the flowers they send out-of-area are as thoughtful, prompt and fresh as the ones we deliver locally. Since we are in the top 500 out of 20,000 florists that network with thousands of florists, we know whom to trust with your special needs. Whether in the U.S. or Internationally, we feel confident that your flower-buying experience with us will be a very satisfying one. Our #1 source of new customers is from referrals by our current customers. Because we do send a fair number of orders for our customers, we know the flower shops who are the top quality in their cities.

TIPS TO AVOID BEING FOOLED BY FLOWER ORDER GATHERERS
• Check the Home and About Us pages for the physical address of the business.
• Ask 'What is Your Address?' when you call on the phone. If they decline to provide it, hang up and call another florist.
• Check the Contact Us page for a local phone number. It should match the area code of the location to where your flowers are being delivered. If the contact information consists of an email address only, be suspicious.
• Call the local phone number. If it is answered 'Flower Shop' without providing the name of the florist, ask which shop you've called. If they provide a different answer than the one you've dialed, you may have reached a gatherer/broker.
• On the phone, ask for the business' location and driving directions. If they fail to provide these details, consider calling a different florist.
• Ask the florist to itemize all charges. Be especially cautious about companies that charge relay fees, same-day fees, service fees, shipping fees and handling fees. Local florists generally charge for delivery (which you also pay through a broker) but the other surcharges are completely avoidable when ordering direct from the florist who will actually make your arrangement.
• Google the phone number. If it appears under many different business names with different locations, be suspicious.
• Be aware that just because an ad or website name says "Indianapolis Florist", it doesn't mean the company is located in or actually delivers to Indianapolis.
• If following a link from a search engine ad, find the site's home page. Order gatherer sites often contain directory-like links named after states, provinces and cities. Each page will appear virtually the same except for the city name.
• Look at what their URL name is. It is often very different than what the name they advertise on google or other search engines.
Supporting Local Florists helps ensure you a near-by quality, artistic, thoughtful resource for all your flower needs. We Hope you will choose George Thomas Florist for all your floral and gift needs.

Mother's Day - Without Them There Would Be No You!

2011-05-02T22:24:00.002-04:00

Mother's Day is an annual holiday that recognizes mothers, motherhood and maternal bonds in general, as well the positive contributions that they make to society. In the United States it is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

Thefirst attempts to establish a "Mother's Day" in the U.S. were mostly marked by women's peace groups. A common early activity was the meeting of groups of mothers whose sons had fought or died on opposite sides of the American Civil War. There were several limited observances in the 1870s and the 1880s but none achieved resonance beyond the local level.

In 1868 Ann Jarvis created a committee to establish a "Mother's Friendship Day" whose purpose was "to reunite families that had been divided during the Civil War", and she wanted to expand it into an annual memorial for mothers, but she died in 1905 before the celebration became popular. Her daughter Anna Jarvis would continue her mother's efforts.

In New York City, Julia Ward Howe led a "Mother's Day" anti-war observance on June 2, 1872, which was accompanied by a Mother's Day Proclamation. The observance continued in Boston for about 10 years under Howe's personal sponsorship, then died out.

Several years later a Mother's Day observance on May 13, 1877 was held in Albion, Michigan over a dispute related to the temperance movement. According to local legend, Albion pioneer Juliet Calhoun Blakeley stepped up to complete the sermon of the Rev. Myron Daughterty who was distraught because an anti-temperance group had forced his son and two other temperance advocates to spend the night in a saloon and become publicly drunk. From the pulpit Blakeley called on other mothers to join her. Blakeley's two sons, both traveling salesmen, were so moved that they vowed to return each year to pay tribute to her and embarked on a campaign to urge their business contacts to do likewise. At their urging, in the early 1880s, the Methodist Episcopal Church in Albion set aside the second Sunday in May to recognize the special contributions of mothers.

Frank E. Hering, President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, made the first known public plea for "a national day to honor our mothers" in 1904.

Read more: Mother's Day

Which Fresh Cut Flowers Last & How To Care For Them

2011-04-04T12:50:00.002-04:00

Before You Put them into the Vase• Keep cut flowers cool, until you can get them into water
• Make a fresh cut an inch or two up the stem, while stems are under water
• Make sure the vase and cutting tools are clean
• Remove any leaves that will be below the water surface
• Use the packet of flower food that comes with your flowers

Caring for Your Cut Flowers - Keep Them Blooming• Keep cut flowers out of direct sunlight and drafts
• Change the water frequently (Every other day)
• Make a fresh cut each time you change the water

Good Choices for Long Lasting Cut Flowers• Alstroemerias (6-14 days) Very popular, even though most people wouldn’t know them by name. However they are sensitive to fluoride in water and ethylene gas. Keep away from produce.
• Carnations (7-14 days) Carnations are extremely dependable. They just keep coming out with new varieties and what colors they can’t breed, they simply dye.
• Delphiniums (7-14 days) You can’t beat Delphiniums for shades of blue and purple. Like Alstroemeria, these are sensitive to ethylene gas.
• Lilies (7-14 days) Choose sprays with a few slightly opened lower buds. Remove the anthers to prevent pollen from coming in contact with clothing and staining.
• Roses (6-12 days) The classic. And with over 20,000 varieties, they never get boring.
• Sunflowers (6-12 days) Generally available in late summer. Sunflowers can be top heavy, so use a vase that can support them.

Visit George Thomas Florist's Flower Happy Hour were Fresh Cut Flowers are 50% off!

How to Avoid the Dash and Stash When the Doorbell Rings

2011-04-04T10:44:00.002-04:00

Ding dong. Gasp! Most people can relate to feelings of angst when a friend or neighbor stops by without warning and your home is not at all company-ready. Embarrassed, you make your way to the door, tidying as you go, and stand in the doorway shielding the disorganization within.

Organizing expert Vicki Norris calls this phenomenon the dash and stash, when we frantically rush around hiding clutter, hanging up coats, or even strategically placing a plant or floral arrangement, before opening the door.

Read More:

Spring Floral Decoration Ideas

2011-04-02T09:25:00.002-04:00

•Decorate your brunch table with votive candles interspersed among several vases of spring blooms. Guests can each take home a small vase as a party favor.
•Surprise your guests with corsages and boutonnieres to wear to religious services.
•Line your entryway with beautiful blooming spring plants. A wreath of spring flowers on your front door is a fabulous finishing touch.
•Decorate each place setting at your table with a different flower variety. Include each variety in a vase for your table centerpiece.
•Garnish hors d'oeuvre trays with spring flowers.
•Ask your florist to make a design in a teapot or a cluster of teacups. Or place a small bloom on each saucer when serving tea.
•Fill a traditional wicker basket with mixed spring flowers to use as a centerpiece. Or place blooms among the eggs in your Easter basket. For a charming effect place smaller baskets and candles next to the flowers. This can also be done with clay pots.

Remember Every Special Occasion

2011-03-30T16:34:00.003-04:00

Life gets hectic and there's nothing worse than forgetting someone's special day. That's why we've created a great FREE reminder service. We'll remind you, so you'll always remember. Now, show others you remember, too. Celebrate all life's important occasions and show how much you care with beautiful fresh flowers, plants and gift baskets from George Thomas Florist, America's Online Florist. You can buy flowers online fast, safe and guaranteed for delivery almost anywhere. Choose from birthday flowers, new baby flowers and anniversary flowers. They're a wonderful way to send your congratulations, best wishes, and love. You can also send plants, get well flowers, and gift baskets online. And, when you need to express your deepest condolences, our sympathy flowers and funeral flowers are always a smart choice. They're all available for same-day and next-day delivery across the USA and Canada.

Flowers for Easter

2011-03-19T15:46:00.001-04:00

Every spring, a joyous religious and spiritual occasion greets people of all nationalities: Easter. It’s also known for being nature’s official reawakening after a long, harsh winter season. With this awakening of life also come beautiful and vibrant Easter flowers, flowers like pastel-colored Tulips, purple Iris, pink Gerbera Daisies and more. Send Easter flowers to the one you love today and you won’t be disappointed in George Thomas Florist’s quality. You’ll always get the famous seven-day freshness guarantee; if your flowers don’t bloom fresh for seven days, you’ll get a brand new arrangement or your money back! What’s one of the most famous symbols of the Easter season? It’s the long-heralded Easter lily! George Thomas Florist has the number one selection of Easter lilies to choose from. An Easter flower delivery arrives ready to bloom and fill the air with spring's lovely essence! Whether it’s roses, lilies, a mixed bouquet or another spring flower arrangement, the exquisite choices are aplenty, and we’ll deliver gorgeous Easter flowers to anywhere in the U.S. When you order Easter flowers online, it’s never been easier than it is with George Thomas Florist.

Matching Flowers to Your Home Style

2011-03-16T15:26:00.003-04:00

Just as people have their own personalities, so do their homes. According to the Society of American Florists, popular home decorating personalities tend to fall into five categories. Check out the categories below to see how flowers can complement and enhance these styles.

American Country
Recognized as a style all its own, American country has become a phenomenon. Motifs include artifacts from the past - such as quilts, galvanized metal bowls and wooden crates. The result is comfort that is easy and inviting. Woven baskets or simple vases of mixed spring flowers (yarrow, wild roses, scabiosa, heather) fit perfectly on a coffee table or kitchen counter. Cut flowers, blooming plants, herbs, wreaths and swags with that farm-fresh look are a natural extension of this homespun decor.

Casual Easy Living
Casual living lifestyles focus on the simple pleasures of life. The decor includes furniture of light pine, natural woods, bleached oak or a white-washed painted finish with fabrics of linen and cotton in neutral tones. Because these homes are designed for "stress busting," flowers provide nature's balancing formula. The right match might include flowering and green plants (like cyclamen, kalanchoe, pothos or ivy) casually grouped in a basket, or flowers (such as sunflowers, daisies, hydrangea, delphinium or tulips) placed in a clear glass vase, pitcher or piece of pottery.

Classic Traditional
This home has formal architecture with impressive front doors, foyers and individually decorated rooms. Design elements include classic furnishings and antiques with elegant fabrics of brocade, silk and tapestry. Classic arrangements call for a mixture of flowers (roses, gladiola, iris, carnations, lilies or snapdragons, to name a few) and accents such as dried fruit and foliage. Crystal, brass, silver or porcelain containers are ideal for the classic floral centerpiece.

Modern Contemporary
Sleek and chic, the modern home calls for clean lines, smooth surfaces and form. Elegant fabrics, colorful silks, gauze or leather accent steel, glass and other man-made materials. Bold, exotic flowers (anthuriums, heliconia, callas, orchids) with strong lines work well to complement this home's clean, open spaces. To complete the dramatic look, flowers are best displayed in frosted glass vases, decorative pottery and metallic containers with pewter or stainless steel finishes.

Victorian
Velvets, satins, chintz, lace and organza create a feeling of softness and romance in the Victorian home. Pastel colors or soft tone-on-tone prints are used to delight the senses. Fragrant flowers (roses, spray roses, peonies, lavender, gardenias, freesia) in pale peach, lavender, pink, yellow and cream conjure images of romance and sensuality. All of these delicious colors glow in lovely, romantic vases of clear glass, crystal and silver.

For more advice on incorporating floral elements into your home, talk with George Thomas Florist. We will be able to capture just the style you're looking for - with flowers.

Source: SAF

Why Saint Patrick's Day?

2011-03-09T11:07:00.003-05:00

Saint Patrick's Day has come to be associated with everything Irish: anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Most importantly, to those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick's Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide.

So, why is it celebrated on March 17th? One theory is that that is the day that St. Patrick died. Since the holiday began in Ireland, it is believed that as the Irish spread out around the world, they took with them their history and celebrations. The biggest observance of all is, of course, in Ireland. With the exception of restaurants and pubs, almost all businesses close on March 17th. Being a religious holiday as well, many Irish attend mass, where March 17th is the traditional day for offering prayers for missionaries worldwide before the serious celebrating begins.

In American cities with a large Irish population, St. Patrick's Day is a very big deal. Big cities and small towns alike celebrate with parades, "wearing of the green," music and songs, Irish food and drink, and activities for kids such as crafts, coloring and games. Some communities even go so far as to dye rivers or streams green!

Send St. Patrick's Day Flowers:

Budding News for Brides

2011-03-08T16:58:00.002-05:00

Brides need not worry about matchmaking when it comes to wedding flowers. From the bridal bouquets to the boutonnières, wedding flower trends include diversity of choice, boldness of color and distinctiveness of design, according to a leading expert.

Floral and interior designer Rebecca Cole is author of Flower Power, co-host of Discovery Channel's Surprise by Design and a regular contributor to the Today show. She describes leading trends.

“Wedding flowers follow fashion trends,” Cole said, “and today, individuality, rather than convention is in style. No longer do the bridesmaids' bouquets need to match the bridal bouquet, the boutonnières and centerpieces.” In some cases, each bridesmaid may have a different bouquet, according to Cole.

Read More:

The Value of Shopping with a Local Florist

2011-03-05T11:17:00.001-05:00

Want to Save $8.00 - $15.50 on Flowers Today?
Here’s How

The smart money at the Wall Street Journal recommends shoppers buy from a florist who will actually deliver their flowers rather than using an online broker who "will typically take a sizable cut and charge a service fee". Shop local, get what you really want, and save. It's really that simple.

How can I tell if I’m ordering from a local florist in the community to which I want my flowers delivered?
Unfortunately, the web and the yellow pages are full of companies posing as local florists. They uses phrases such as ‘serving your city name’ or ‘servicing your city name.’ In some cases, they have your city name on their website or ad but are actually located hundreds if not thousands of miles away. Legitimate local sites will include their physical addresses as well as local phone numbers. On the web, check out their ‘About Us’ sections.

Hint: If a site or ad doesn’t contain a local address and local phone number, you can be 99.9% sure it’s not located in the city to which you’re sending your flowers.

How much can I save?
The vast majority of ‘flower broker’ web sites charge your from $9.95 to $14.95 for the convenience of transferring your order to a real local flower shop. Some even tack on an additional surcharge if you want to place your order over the phone! (Not us. We’re happy to talk to you and give you free professional advice!) Ordering a fresh flower arrangement from us or your local full-service florist will typically save you from $8.00 to $15.50 for the very same flowers.

How to spot the ‘free delivery’ ruse.
Many order brokers show a pricing system quite different from your local flower shop. Their prices shown generally bundle the cost of the item with a ‘pad’ of $5.00 – $7.50 for delivery by the local flower shop. An additional fee of $9.95 to $14.95, a ‘service/handling/shipping fee’, is also charged for the convenience of placing the order through them. It’s not a delivery fee. The local delivering florist, per wire service rules, is absolutely permitted to deduct their local delivery fee from the total order. In reality, unless a company is delivering the flowers themselves, they cannot claim free delivery – it’s just simply included in the total price. Deceptive? Yes. Illegal? Maybe. Savvy shoppers also often notice that the ‘free delivery’ sites actually cost more than the ones that clearly state their delivery prices.

Need something special?
Your local florist knows what’s in season, knows what’s available and can suggest ideas that can be custom-made, affordably, on short notice. We are not just ‘banks of sales associates’ sitting in front of computer screens. We are real, professionally trained florists.

Hey, doesn’t your shop send flowers to other cities, states and countries, too?
Absolutely! We are members of several professional networks and can have flowers sent virtually anywhere in the world. We offer this convenience for our LOCAL customers who want us to ensure that the flowers they send out-of-area are as thoughtful, prompt and fresh as the ones we deliver locally. Since we network with thousands of florist in the U.S. and internationally and have trained thousands more at our school of floral design, we feel confident that your flower-buying experience with us will be a very satisfying one. Our #1 source of new customers is from referrals by our current customers. Supporting Local Florists helps ensure you a near-by quality, artistic, thoughtful resource for all your flower needs.

George Thomas Florist ~ Your Local Indianapolis Florist Since 1928

Express Concern and more with Flowers

2011-03-01T09:53:00.000-05:00

When it comes to expressing concern for another, flowers are the best gift you can send. Their beauty and fragrance alone will show you care along with a heart felt note to the recipient.

Mother Nature has provided us with a bounty of beautiful flowers to help us express our emotions from regret, sympathy, to love, happiness, celebration and tender thoughts. When you want to relay these emotions, flowers are the best route regardless if you are sending them next door or across the nation.

Many flowers have their own sentiment attached to them making a gift of flowers even more special when selecting your flowers in such a manner. Some flowers are known for their sentiment in expressing friendship like a yellow rose. If you want your flowers to represent a particular emotion, call George Thomas Florist and let their expert team create the perfect arrangement that will relay your sentiments beautifully. When you want to express your concerns or any other thought or feeling, let flowers help you.

Flower Bud Vases

2011-02-28T13:04:00.004-05:00

A simple token of friendship and remembrance for any occasion, a bud vase can be created with a single stem or with several stems of mixed flowers. These cheerful little arrangements are a perfect get well gift or a great way to show your appreciation to a co-worker or teacher. Never let an occasion go by that you don't take flowers to your hostess.

Flowers featured: three yellow roses with solidaster. Greens include plumosa, variegated pittosporum, myrtle and leatherleaf.

Flowers featured: four orange roses with seeded eucalyptus.

Flowers featured: purple heather, pink roses, hot pink mini carnations, white lisianthus with purple tips, white larkspur and pink alstroemeria. Greens include plumosa and oregonia.

Ask George Thomas Florist about Flower Bud Vases.

Extend the Life of your Flower Bouquets

2011-02-15T21:48:00.001-05:00

If you have recently received a bouquet of flowers, you want them to be around as long as possible to enjoy their beauty. Here are a couple tips to help you extend the life of your flower bouquet.

In the evening when you are ready to call it a night, try keeping flowers in your refrigerator to help preserve their freshness. Flowers survive best in colder temperatures between 38-50 degrees. Just make sure your refrigerator is not too cold to where you freeze your flowers.

Remove all leaves from the part of the stem that is submerged under water. You can clean the stems by lightly brushing them with a vegetable brush. This will help the flowers drink as well as keep the water clearer.

Change the water and mist the flowers with water everyday. Keep the flowers out of direct sun and away from heat and drafts. This includes ceiling fans. These things will cause your flowers to wilt quicker.

Lastly, remove any dying flowers immediately. Dying flowers emit ethylene gas that will cause the other, healthy flowers to wilt.

Famous Flowers

2011-02-11T08:20:00.003-05:00

When you think Valentine’s Day you think of roses. Dating back to the middle ages, the rose has come to symbolize wealth, feminism, and of course: love. In older times, the fragrant flower petals were used to accessorize guest rooms and baths. The great Roman Emperor Nero was known to shower his guests with rose petals as a way to welcome them to his city.

Furthermore, early Christians viewed the rose and its five petals as a correlation to the five wounds of Christ. It is believed the red rose symbolizes Christ’s blood, while the white rose represents the Virgin Mary. Initially, rose oil was used to mask the bitter taste of medicine. It was only after this practice had begun that the healing benefits of rose oil were discovered.

Today, there are over 7,500 varieties of roses. In the language of flowers, each rose type and color communicates a different meaning. For example, red roses, which are commonly believed to mean ‘I love you’, also represent courage and respect.

It's Not Too Late!

2011-02-11T08:12:00.004-05:00

It is not too late to get your Valentine’s Day flower arrangement order in before Valentine’s Day to be delivered to Indianapolis. With George Thomas Florist, you can rest assured that your special someone will not feel neglected by not receiving the Valentines flowers you order online for her. The important thing is that you do it right now though while the flower selections are still high. Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest floral holidays of the year, and flowers go fast. So when you want to have the perfect Valentine’s Day arrangement sent order as early as possible.
That doesn’t mean though that if you order the day before your loved one will have to go without Valentine’s Day flowers, nor that the quality of the flower arrangement be any less than the best. It is just that the variety of flowers available may be jeopardized by the high demand. George Thomas Florist plans for Valentine’s Day well in advance to try to accommodate everyone in his or her Valentine’s Day flower needs. Every year they are ordering more and more flowers to meet the rush for Valentine’s Day flower delivery to Indianapolis and everywhere else in the world.
Don’t procrastinate another minute. Order your Valentine’s Day flowers now online from George Thomas Florist and make that special someone’s day when they answer their door to receive the Valentine’s Day Flower Arrangement you picked special just for them.

For Lovers Only Pre-Valentine Shopping Party Postponed

2011-02-02T14:23:00.003-05:00

Due to the dangerous weather conditions we have postponed our
“For Lovers Only- Pre-Valentine Shopping Party to Monday February 7, 2011 5-8:00 pm.
We hope to see you then!
Thanks!
George Thomas Florist

For Lovers Only!!! - Pre-Valentine Shopping Party

2011-01-06T10:10:00.005-05:00

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2011 5-8:00 PM

Join us for a fun and inspiring evening. Enjoy free refreshments and check out our selection of Roses, Stunning floral Designs and unique gift ideas. With every order receive a entry in our "Be A Hero" contest! Prizes include gift certificates from: The Legend, Jockamo Pizza, DeFours, Snips and Loads More.

George Thomas Florist
5609 E. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46219
(317) 353-9161
www.georgethomasflorist.com

Gifting Proper Corporate Christmas Gifts

2010-12-11T10:33:00.002-05:00

Many large corporations send out corporate gifts for the holidays however due to the large diversity of people and beliefs, they have to be careful not to offend anyone in the process. Choosing a suitable Christmas corporate gift can be challenging, especially if you are sending to a large number of people that you are not sure of beliefs and practices. Safe bets that can work for any individual are Christmas gift bouquets, Christmas floral arrangement, a simple basket of Christmas flowers, gift baskets, or perhaps Chocolate Gift Basket. The word Christmas is in front of the description only symbolizes the arrangement types focusing on traditional holiday colors of the season. You should avoid getting corporate gifts that have any religious symbolism or even Santa symbolism on them unless you know the recipient personally. What is so great about gifting flowers or gift baskets as they offer the diversity you as a corporation are looking for. You can easily select one item to gift for all and be perfectly safe in your holiday gifting.
Corporate Christmas gifts were commonly only gifted to the bigger clients that provided a lot of revenue throughout the year in order to show appreciation and keep a solid business relationship. Now days, act of gifting not only is done with clients, but employees. This has proven to pay off nicely for companies by increasing workplace moral and productivity. Whether you are sending corporate gifts to large clients or to employees, you will find a huge selection of corporate Christmas gifts to choose from through the George Thomas Florist website! Everyone likes to be appreciated and the holidays are a great time to show that by gifting Corporate Christmas gifts.

Vibrant Poinsettias Hidden Secrets

2010-12-09T09:03:00.003-05:00

As most know, Poinsettias are known to be one of the main favorite Christmas flower but did you know it has a couple hidden secrets that if you were not a flower person you might not know… even some flower people don’t always know the hidden secrets this gorgeous flower holds. Here’s is one of the hidden secrets about Poinsettias: The stalks of the Poinsettias have a milky fluid in them that contains latex. This is typically not harmful however, it is quite bitter tasting so although not poisonous to your pets, they will not enjoy the taste and very possibly get an upset tummy! If you are allergic to latex, you should not handle the plant without gloves. Another hidden secret that is actually a myth is that the poinsettia is poisonous. The truth is the poinsettia is actually quite harmless to both children and pets. The poinsettia has been tested extensively for toxicity, but all tests come up negative or very low. According to studies done by POISENDEX, the source of poison information for the majority of poison control centers, it a 50 pound child would have to ingest more than 1¼ lbs of poinsettia leaves (about 500 to 600 leaves) to get sick. Now that is a lot of eating and a whole bunch of lack of supervision! The ASPCA’s website list the poinsettia as slightly toxic to dogs and cats, saying it can cause irritation in the stomach and mouth, but does ALSO point out it is generally over-rated in toxicity. However, The American Veterinary Medicine Association of America (AVMA) does not include poinsettias on its list of plants that are a threat to animals. Even though the risks associated with the poinsettia is so low, it is not wise to have this plant within reach of curious pets or little children – not due to toxicity, but do to the safety of the plant. Little hands and pets have a tendency to “play” with these beauties, which can leave them looking rather torn. The final hidden although not so much is that the poinsettia has its own special day, yet not many know this. The poinsettia is so popular that December 12th has been made the Official Poinsettia Day! Get your fresh beautiful poinsettias from George Thomas Florist in time to celebrate such a grand flower event!

December Birth Flowers ~ The Poinsettia and Narcissus

2010-12-06T12:48:00.003-05:00

December is a special month as it hosts two very special flowers as December’s birth flowers – the Poinsettia and the Narcissus.
The Poinsettia equates celebration, success, reassurance, and good cheer when gifted. The Poinsettia is known for its striking red displays at Christmas time and is often used as a floral Christmas decoration because of its festive colors.
Native to southern Mexico and Central America, the Poinsettia is known to reach heights of sixteen feet. They got their name from the first United States Ambassador to Mexico – Joel Roberts Poinsett who introduced the plant in the U.S. in 1825.
The Narcissus equates formality, sweetness, formality, respect, modesty and faithfulness when gifted. During the Victorian Era it is said that gifting Narcissus meant that the receiver was the ‘One and Only”. In Wales, it is traditional to wear a daffodil on Saint David’s Day (March 1st).
Narcissus is the Latin name for a group of hardy bulbous plant having erect linear leaves and showy yellow or white flowers. Narcissus is also called the Daffodil. There are several Narcissus species that bloom in the autumn but mostly is spring blooming. They are mostly native to the Mediterranean region, but a few species are found through central Asia to China. Common colors of Narcissus are white, yellow, and orange.
Narcissus and Poinsettia are a couple of the more common flowers used to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve and make for a perfect gift for that December birthday person, or as a holiday gift.

George Thomas Florist Holiday Jingle Jangle Poem Contest

2010-12-04T15:44:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone and happy holidays to you all! Tis’ the season for joy and cheer and of course holiday songs and poems – thus taking me to the George Thomas Florist very own Holiday Jingle Jangle Poem Contest.
We are a looking for all of your creative minds to write up a jingle or poem about George Thomas Florist. It can be whimsical, free style, haiku, song, even a song based off another melody. Three winners will be selected!!! Each winner will receive $25.00 off their next purchase from GeorgeThomasFlorist.com (Minimum Order $50.00), will be posted on the George Thomas Florist Blog and the first place winner will be published on the George ThomasFlorist.com website for all to see, read, sing and enjoy with your name front and center!
Runner ups will not go unnoticed and will also be published on the George Thomas Florist blog.
All entries can be submitted to social@georgethomas.com and must be in by December 15th, 2010.
Submissions can be video, written within an email or an attached Word doc.
We are really excited about this contest because we know there are a lot of creative people out there – it will be hard to pick the winners! So put that creative cap on… and get to creating!!! We are EXCITED to read EVERYONE’S submissions.

Holiday Wreaths

2010-12-01T08:49:00.003-05:00

Decorating your front door with a holiday wreath is an old tradition and dates back hundreds of years. For hundreds of years, from when the first Christmas tree was cut down, the trimmings from the base of the tree where used to create door swags and wreaths. Not only were they placed on the outside of the doors of home, but also used as accents inside the home while adding to the fresh pine scent of the season.
Christmas wreaths are typically made from fir tree garlands (often balsam fir) and then wound or wrapped into the familiar wreath shape. You will find them decorated in a variety of ways from whimsical Christmas themes to elegant themes using rich colors of gold’s, deep reds, silver, and royal blues. Fresh firs are also used in the creation of swags and table centerpieces with table centerpieces also utilizing flowers of the season to accent the beauty of the rich forest greens. Common accents used in all themes are pine-cones, flowers, ribbons, and festive ornaments.
The Christmas wreath is a common icon of the holiday season and found on doors from offices to homes from large to small! It is a great way to show your spirit of the season. Sending a Holiday Wreath from George Thomas Florist is a great way of sharing that holiday season and always a welcomed gift!

Holiday Open House

2010-11-24T15:07:00.003-05:00

Join George Thomas Florist and the Irvington Merchants as we Celebrate the start of the Holiday Season with the Eleventh Annual Celebrate Christmas Open House on Friday, December 3, 2010 from 5:00-9:00. Enjoy Special Holdiay Offers from the Local Merchants, Along with Holiday Food, Music, Carriage Rides, Pictures with Santa and Fun Throughout The Evening!

The 64th Annual Irvington Halloween Festival

2010-10-23T22:47:00.003-04:00

For over 60 years, the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival has brought together thousands of residents, dozens of neighborhood organizations, and countless Eastside businesses in a fun-filled celebration of our heritage and community. The Irvington Halloween Festival has become an integral part of Irvington’s history.

The festival and its associated events are designed to bring awareness to the community, to bring commerce to local business and sponsors, and to provide fun for the children of Irvington and Indianapolis. The celebration now encompasses nearly a month’s worth of events including a 5 mile run, a pageant, musicians, contests, Halloween-themed movies, storytelling, ghost tours, live theater, roller derby, a haunted puppet show and dozens of other events.

Join George Thomas Florist in Celebrating The 64th Annual
Irvington Halloween Festival October 30, 2010 we will
be Giving Away over a Thousand Free Roses & 15% Off
Coupons! Also Be sure to Visit our New Design Center
and Register to Win Free Flowers For a Year!

Click Here to Download a Complete Schedual of Events

Welcome (Back) to Irvington, George Thomas

2010-10-09T09:43:00.001-04:00

More than a year ago, The Wife and I went to the first Sun King brewers dinner and were seated next to a big, gregarious guy named Sammy Smith and his wife, Melissa. A few months back Sammy sent me an e-mail saying that he was moving his family business – George Thomas Florists – from its location at the corner of 10th St. and Shadeland Ave. to a long-vacant storefront on E. Washington St
Read More:

Join Us For The Historic Irvington Halloween Festival

2010-10-06T13:15:00.004-04:00

For over 60 years, the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival has brought together thousands of residents, dozens of neighborhood organizations, and countless Eastside businesses in a fun-filled celebration of our heritage and community.

The Irvington Halloween Festival has become an integral part of Irvington’s history.

The festival and its associated events are designed to bring awareness to the community, to bring commerce to local business and sponsors, and to provide fun for the children of Irvington and Indianapolis. The celebration now encompasses nearly a month’s worth of events including a 5 mile run, a pageant, musicians, contests, Halloween-themed movies, storytelling, ghost tours, live theater, roller derby, a haunted puppet show and dozens of other events.

Irvington: A Brief History…

Ideally located just 10 minutes East of downtown Indianapolis, Irvington is a strong and growing community of quaint and magnificent homes located on tree-lined historic streets.

Successful restaurants, coffee shops, retailers and parks all contribute to Irvington’s charm. The Irvington community is founded on strong ties to its historic past and is a great place to raise a family.

Read More: Halloween Festival

Flowers Boost Seniors' Well Being

2010-09-11T13:18:00.003-04:00

Everyday, America's aging population - 40 million and rising - faces the challenges of growing older, including depression, memory loss and social withdrawal. As a concerned nation, we are continually exploring new means to ease daily-life anxieties. Recently, researchers at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, released the results of a six-month behavioral study on the health effects of flowers on senior citizens. The study demonstrates that flowers ease depression, inspire social networking and refresh memory as we age.

"The results are significant because as our nation grows older and life becomes more stressful, we look for easy and natural ways to enhance our lives - and the lives of our aging parents," said Dr. Jeannette Haviland-Jones, professor of psychology and director of the Human Development Lab at Rutgers. "Now, one simple answer is right under our noses."

This research follows a study conducted in 2000, which links flowers to greater happiness and life satisfaction in women. In 2001, Rutgers set out to explore the effects flowers would have on senior citizens, who experience different living situations and greater life changes.

Click Here To Read More:

A Brief History Of George Thomas Florist

2010-08-24T09:30:00.003-04:00

In July of 1969 George Thomas Florist was founded by Tom & Pat Smith and Helen and George Schatzlein . The immediate objective of George Thomas Florist was the purchase and operation of what was then the Arbogast Floral Company. The longer range objective was the eventual merger of Knightstown Greenhouses, Kiefer Floral Company and Kiefer Inc. into the new George Thomas Corporation. In 1969, Knightstown Greenhouses, Inc. owned and operated flower and gifts stores in Knightstown and Greenfield. Kierfer Floral Company was located on West 16th Street and Kiefer, Inc. in Lafayette Square in Indianapolis.
In September of 1970, the merger of these firms into George Thomas Inc. was completed. The corporate office of the newly merged corporation was located in Irvington at 6011 E. 10th Street, Indianapolis Indiana.
George Thomas Inc. is the surviving corporate name in the history of floral firms dating back to the 1920’s. Knightstown Greenhouses, Inc. was founded in 1929 by C.M. Schatzlein and Jennie Schatzlein. George and Helen joined the firm in 1948. Kiefer Floral Company was founded in about 1923 by Robert Kiefer and was purchased by Tom and Pat Smith in 1962.
In October 1990 George Thomas Florist moved from its original location in Irvington to 1038 N. Shadeland Ave. into George Thomas Plaza. George Thomas Florist called 10th & Shadeland home until August 2010 when George Thomas Florist decided to move it design center back to its roots to Historic Irvington. George Thomas Florist feels Historic Irvington and the changes taking place are a positive approach to the challenging business climate and looks forward to the opportunity to help grow Historic Irvington and George Thomas Florist.

Historic Irvington

2010-07-07T10:02:00.003-04:00

George Thomas Florist is moving to Historic Irvington.
Irvington is a small community on the East Side of Indianapolis, Indiana. Irvington has a history of being a diverse community of artist and scholars. Founded in 1870, Irvington was originally created as a suburban town of Indianapolis, Indiana. Irvington formed along winding roads of dirt and brick that reflected the Romantic landscape design era. The town was built as a quiet suburb where artists, politicians, military generals, academics, and heads of local industry resided. In 1902 Irvington was annexed by Indianapolis. Although Irvington is now much a part of the city, it still maintains a quiet neighborhood atmosphere.
Irvington is located five miles east of downtown Indianapolis on the western edge of Warren Township. The neighborhood is situated on the historic national road US 40, also known locally as Washington Street. Through the early 1900s, a commuter rail/trolley system ran from Irvington to downtown Indianapolis along US 40.
Currently, Irvington is the largest locally protected historic district in Indianapolis.

Interesting facts

The Abraham Lincoln funeral train procession, which traveled from Washington to Illinois, passed through what is now historic Irvington.
78.1% of Irvington homes were built before 1960

May’s flower is the Lily-of-the-Valley

2010-05-10T08:47:00.003-04:00

Convallaria majalis is commonly known as the lily of the valley and is possibly the only species in the genus Convallaria in the flowering plant family. This woodland plant is native throughout the cool temperate in Asia, Europe, and a limited native population in Eastern USA. There is, however, some debate as to the native status of the American variety.

The Lily of the Valley has many legends as to how they came about. One Christian legend has it that the Lily of the Valley, also known as Our Lady’s Tears came to being from Eve’s tears after she was driven with Adam away from the Garden of Eden. Another Christian legend states that Mary’s tears turned to lily of the valley when she cried at the crucifixion of Jesus thus lily of the valley also being labeled Mary’s Tears. Yet another legend says that the lily of the valley came about from the blood shed by Saint Leonard Nobiac during his battle with a dragon.

The lily of the valley signifies the return of happiness. Another legend tells of the affection of a lily of the valley for a nightingale that did not come back to the woods until the flower bloomed in May. It is a symbol of humility in religious painting.

Other names include May lily, May bells, lily constancy, ladder-to-heaven, male lily and muguet (French). Its scientific name, majalis or maialis, means “of or belonging to May”. It is the national flower of Finland and the official flower of many fraternities and sororities.

Mother's Day Really Is About The Little Things...

2010-04-27T09:28:00.002-04:00

Mother's Day is celebrated around the world, but the traditions and details are varied. Mother's Day really is about the little things...
For example, in the US, Anna Jarvis was the Mother of Mother's Day, finally achieving her goal of an official national holiday in 1914. She campaigned for the official celebration and is said to have been quite specific about it - right down to where the apostrophe in Mother's Day was located. Jarvis was clear that it should be 'Mother's Day' as a singular possessive so that it is clear this is a holiday for families and their own Mother, as opposed to a communal celebration of all mothers (which would be plural possessive 'Mothers' Day').
Many countries don't celebrate 'Mother's Day' at all, but instead celebrate International Women's Day (which the US actually celebrated officially before Mother's Day became the national holiday). Countries which celebrate International Women's Day include Russia, Albania, Kazakhstan, China, just to name a few.
And in Albania and South Korea, they celebrate both parents on the same day with Parents' Day.
Many countries recognize Mom on Mother's Day with small favors (like breakfast in bed) or gifts such as flowers. When first recognized in the US, the carnation was the most common floral gift, in no small part because Ms. Jarvis specifically selected the bloom as the emblem of Mother's Day. Additionally, carnations have been linked to motherhood because of the biblical story of carnations blooming where Jesus Christ's mother Mary's tears fell upon seeing Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
Celebration of motherhood is undertaken many ways in many different cultures, but ultimately, it comes down to appreciating and thanking woman for their unique contributions and hard work as mothers.

Memo to Bosses: Thank Employees!

2010-04-18T00:00:00.003-04:00

Administrative Professionals Week, also known as Professional Secretaries Week, is a time to recognize support staff for their accomplishments and contributions to corporate success. Research from Texas A&M University reveals one gift of appreciation in particular that will naturally lift an employee's mood, create a lasting memory and boost productivity.

The research demonstrates that flowers and plants enhance people's ability to generate ideas and solve problems.

"Our study shows that adding flowers and plants to a work environment can be very meaningful to businesses in the modern economy," said Roger Ulrich, Ph.D., lead Texas A&M researcher. "People's productivity, innovation and creative problem solving, improved - which in certain circumstances could mean the difference between mild and great business success."

Rebecca Cole, author of Flower Power and host of Discovery Channel's Surprise by Design offers an additional perspective. "Giving flowers is a loud, proud, sophisticated way of saying ‘I appreciate all you do.' They're a great way to build a strong, lasting professional relationship," said Cole.

April Flower Is The Daisy

2010-04-13T09:39:00.003-04:00

April’s Birth Flower is the Daisy
The official birth month for daisies is April. There is a saying that goes “Spring has not arrived until a person has set foot on 12 daisies.”
There are various different types of daisies include the African daisy, Painted daisy, Gerber daisy, and Michaelmas daisies.

The Gerber daisies, discovered by Robert Jameson in 1884, are said to represent beauty, cheerfulness, innocence, and purity. Gerbera daisies are the third most popular florist blooms.
Gerbera Daisies are an especially bright and long lasting version of these popular flowers with their vibrant reds, yellows, pinks, and oranges. It is hard for anyone not to break a smile when looking at beautiful Gerbera Daisies.

Daisies are all about friendship. They exude happiness and are the perfect choice for those looking to lift spirits or convey appreciation. Did you know that in public, the giving of a daisy from one person to the next can sometimes represent the passing of a secret because daisies represent truth in all forms.
The daisy flowers overall symbolizes innocence, a loyal love and gentleness.

Happy Birthday to all you April Daisy babies from George Thomas Florist!

Win Free Flowers

2010-04-09T15:07:00.002-04:00

Who loves flowers? Who loves flowers delivered to them? Who love free flowers delivered? EVERYONE!! If you would like to win a beautiful flower arrangement from George Thomas Florist valued at $50.00 delivered to your door, make sure to enter into George Thomas Florist Free Flower Giveaway. Each month a lucky winner is given the opportunity to receive or send a free floral bouquet. Floral Bouquet can be delivered to you or anyone else across the USA. No purchase necessary.

FAQs about Ordering Prom Flowers, Prom Corsages and Prom Boutonnières

2010-04-06T14:40:00.009-04:00

How far in advance should I order my flowers for the prom?

It is important to remember that prom season is also peak wedding season and many times also falls on Mother's Day weekend. Therefore, popular flowers such as sweetheart roses, white roses and certain orchids used to create decorative body flowers are in high demand. Ordering at least two weeks in advance so that your florist has time to order the necessary quantities should ensure that you get what you really want.

Should my prom date's boutonnière match my corsage?

This is certainly becoming a popular trend but is not necessary.

Will my florist make my prom flowers extra special just for me? Can I choose a ribbon?

Certainly. Florists know how important prom flowers are to their young customers and will be happy to work with you to make a special corsage. Florists are experts at customization. Show your dress or a swatch of the fabric from your dress to your florist and ask him or her to select an appropriate ribbon. Or you can ask to see what ribbons he or she has on hand and choose one yourself.

What is the hottest corsage for proms?

Two popular styles are wrist corsages and small hand-held nosegays. Popular flowers are mini (or sweetheart) roses, standard roses, dendrobium orchids, alstroemeria lilies and other small flowers such as cornflowers and freesia.

How do I let my prom date know what type of flowers I really want?

If you have your heart set on a certain corsage style or type of flower, then there is nothing wrong with letting your date know what you would like. You might suggest going to the florist shop together so you can order his boutonniere to match your corsage. You could also show him a few photos of flowers and ask what he would like for his boutonniere. Be sure you also have a photo of what you want.

What type of corsage goes best with a strapless prom dress?

Either a wrist corsage or a hand-held nosegay. Flowers for your hair or neck or corsages pinned to an evening bag are also great choices. Talk to your florist about the options and ask to see photos of these different styles.

My prom budget is limited. Are there less expensive flowers that won't make me look "cheap"?

Tell your florist what your budget is and ask him or her for ideas. An inexpensive flower used in a lovely corsage style can be just as beautiful as a more expensive bloom. Alstroemeria lilies are a good choice, as are mini carnations. But your florist will know what the best value is.

How can I dry a prom corsage?

This depends on the flower as there are a number of drying methods. Some establishments can freeze-dry your corsage, but this can be an expensive process. Simple methods include silica pellets and powders or gel. Ask your florist for recommendations.

Order Prom Flowers, Prom Corsages and Prom Boutonnières

Pet Friendly Flowers

2010-04-03T15:15:00.002-04:00

Pets are an integral part of many households and although sending flowers to family and friends is a wonderful way to express your feelings, take into consideration the furry family members that reside with them.
Pets, especially cats, dogs, and potbelly pigs (yes, they are in a lot of people’s home making a great addition to their households) are nosey creatures. They love to sniff and taste everything, and flowers are definitely no exception. The beautiful colors and the sweet aroma of flowers are a strong attraction on their own to both human and animal alike.
Household with pets take a little bit more thought when sending flowers to ensure that the flowers you are sending won’t bring harm to any family member, furry or not.
Most plants/flowers won’t cause more then an upset tummy if it is ingested by pets but some can cause more serious health problems.
Here are some common pet friendly plants/flowers you can send to pet friendly homes without issue:

• African daisy
• African violet
• Alyssum
• Bachelors buttons
• Begonia
• Celosia
• Common Snapdragon
• Easter Daisy
• Orchids
• Peruvian lily
• Brazilian lily
• Rose

For further listing on plant/flower toxicity for animals check out the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website.

Flower Care Tips for Easter Lilies

2010-04-02T10:31:00.003-04:00

Easter Lilies are probably one of the most popular flowers sent as a gift or greeting for Easter. After all, the Easter lily is the traditional flower for Easter. With a large, trumpet-shaped white flower, the Easter lily symbolizes purity, hope, and life. It is a beautiful plant for celebrating Easter as well as spring in general. The Easter lily is only available for sale for a few short weeks across most of the US so there is not much time left if you want to send an Easter Lilies to friends or family.
Here are a few care facts for your Easter Lilies:
•Lilies bruise easily, so handle them gently.
•Lily pollen can stain clothing and furniture, so carefully dust with a tissue or remove the anthers (the pollen-coated tips) before displaying.
•If you remove older flowers it will make room for new buds to open.
•Lily plants prefer moist soil and diffused light.
•Keep lilies away from pets. Lilies can be poisonous to cats or dogs if ingested.

George Thomas Florist Makes Sending Flowers Easy

2010-03-23T13:31:00.002-04:00

The great thing about shopping online for flowers at George Thomas Florist is that it is probably the easiest thing you will ever do online. You are guaranteed professionally styled gorgeous flowers that are perfect for any occasion. Even a novice flower gifter will feel and look like an expert after ordering flowers at George Thomas Florist.
Here is an easy to use guide that will help you select the perfect flowers that will fit your special occasion:

Everyday Flowers:
What better way to celebrate an achievement than to receive a fragrant bundle of fresh flowers. Whether it’s a new job or graduation, flowers in varying vibrant colors will remind the person how proud you are of them.
Birthday Flowers:
If you know the birthday person’s favorite flower, that is always a safe route. However, if you are not sure, fun colorful flowers like irises, yellow roses, or daisies will add shine on the birthday person’s day.
Anniversary Flowers:
A great flower arrangement will compliment the enduring love of the couple you are celebrating. You can use seasonal flowers or roses- they are always a win when symbolizing love. If you are the spouse sending the flowers, do it up big, add flowers to the arrangement you know your partner enjoys, and make sure you include a note.
Get Well Flowers:
Fresh flowers are great ways to lift spirits. Purple lisianthus and soft greenery make an uplifting arrangement and are also calming colors. Plants also work well here, as they endure for long after the recipient recovers. Make sure you check if the person you are gifting the flowers to is in the hospital, to see if flowers can be in their room.
New Baby Flowers:
George Thomas Florist has tons of great, fun, and definitely reflective of newborn flower arrangements making it a breeze to send flowers for such an occasion. Brightly colored floral arrangements work well. Daisies, sunflowers, and other fun touches like teddy bears or balloons also will add to the celebration or the arrival of the little one!
Funeral/Sympathy Flowers:
Traditional floral funeral/sympathy flowers display or bouquets will be the most appropriate here. Try sending the family’s favorite flower or a group of flowers unique to the region. Lilies, gladiolas, and white daisies work well under these circumstances. George Thomas Florist has numerous arrangements for you to choose from, as often times, this is already a trying time. This makes it much simpler to pick a predesigned arrangement that best reflects your feelings.

George Thomas Florist has flowers categorized by all of these occasions and more making it easy for you to order flowers for delivery. As well, numerous gift baskets and plants work for any occasion as well. Check out George Thomas Florist and see just how easy it is to share flowers with the people in your life.

Prom Flower Season

2010-03-17T09:24:00.002-04:00

With prom upon us, many young men and women are getting their corsages and boutonnieres for Prom night. But does that mean that since the corsages and boutonnieres have been around since your great grandparents that you have to stick to these traditions although there is nothing wrong with them, they are still very striking. However, there are many other options that are just as beautiful if not even more fitting for the styles of clothing worn today.
There are terrific Wrist Corsages for the ladies. This turns tradition into something a bit more fun, and striking, and with some dresses, a far better accessory than a corsage pinned on the bust.
Boutonnieres are still cool, and they are easy to have George Thomas Florist add a spin to give it a bit more flare. Just let George Thomas Florist know that you want something more modern and unique and they will make sure you get something that will definitely set off your date’s suit! Bracelet Corsages are always nice too. They are a bit different than your wrist corsage as they encompass your wrist.
Talk with George Thomas Florist and let them know what you are thinking of, and you just might end up being the next trendsetter in Prom flowers.

Bring Cheer to Someone this St. Patrick’s Day

2010-03-16T09:30:00.002-04:00

You can liven up anyone’s St. Patrick’s Day this year with a gift of St. Patrick’s Day flowers! When you think of St. Patrick’s Day the first thing that comes to mind for many is the color green. The color green alone can be so healing. It can relax and bring a sense of calmness to one. In today’s hectic life, everyone could use a bit of relaxation and a sense of calmness brought to his or her space. The natural beauty of plants and flowers is a great way to bring that sense of cheer by relaxing ones life. And St. Patrick’s Day is a great excuse to do so with the gift of St. Patrick’s Day flower arrangements or plant.
Consider gifting arrangements of natural greens, such as lime green cymbidium orchids, green goddess calla lilies, green anthuriums, green dendrobium orchids, green carnations and green hydrangea. With the exception of the hydrangea, these flowers are all hearty and, with fresh water, should last about two weeks. Consider blending some color into the arrangement to add some elegance and flair. Here are some great suggestions to get you started in living up someone’s St. Patrick’s Day and month of March this year.

March’s Flower is the Daffodil

2010-03-15T10:51:00.002-04:00

The daffodil is the March birth flower. Daffodils have the flower meaning of rebirth due to being one of the first flowers of spring as well as, respect, regard and unrequited love and hope. The March birth flower, daffodil, is the common English name for all narcissus plants. The Daffodil is known for its sweet fragrance from its yellow trumpet like flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean, but has been cultivated all over the world as a decorative plant. The daffodil is a perennial grown from a bulb and can grow as high as two feet. The daffodil is a dependable spring flower and a favorite for its longevity and colorful blooms.

Secret Crush?

2010-03-10T14:07:00.002-05:00

Secret crushes are fun, but after a while, there just comes a time you want that person you are crushing on to know. You want to know if the feelings you have are in vain or there just might be an equal attraction. St. Patrick’s Day is known for mischievous fun and magic and the perfect day for disclosing that secret crush you have been carrying for another. Use St. Patrick’s Day for your avenue to share your secret with the person you are crushing on with a surprise arrangement of colorful flowers. It’s fun to keep a secret but it’s even better to share it so share it with the gift of flowers from George Thomas Florist to your secret crush and see if the luck of the Irish is with you this St. Patrick’s Day.

Happy Birthday Flowers Delivered

2010-03-01T04:00:00.000-05:00

Birthdays are a great time to send flowers to friends and family. It is a great way to put a smile on the face of even the biggest birthday hater there is out there. You know the ones, the ones who have “stopped” having birthdays because of their age. Those make sending birthday flowers to even that much more fun. Help the special people in your life celebrate their birthday with flowers from George Thomas Florist.
There are several ways George Thomas Florist can help you to bring a smile to the birthday persons face, from the perfect birthday flower arrangement to the sweet additions like balloons, teddy bears, candy and more.
George Thomas Florist will be happy to deliver the birthday flowers to anywhere in the world, to the birthday person’s home, work, or off site location. Everybody loves to be doted on when it is their birthday, no matter their denial. You can be sure that no matter where they receive their flowers, work home, off site location like their favorite hangout or the gym, they will be tickled that you thought of them.
You choose the birthday flowers you want to send, and George Thomas Florist will make sure they are received by the birthday person in your life as designated.

Celebrate Birthdays with Flowers

2010-02-28T07:46:00.000-05:00

Birthdays are a special day in most people’s lives. You do have the small few who just as soon pretend they no longer have birthdays and those who would rather just treat it like another day. However, the vast majority of the human population loves celebrating birthdays! And why wouldn’t they – after all, it is their day and they deserve to be acknowledged. Well there is no better way to acknowledge the birthday person then with a flower delivery and no better spot to order them from then George Thomas Florist. Regardless of the age, George Thomas Florist has the perfect birthday flower arrangement for that special someone in your life. Get carried away and add a teddy bear, balloons, or a gift basket of chocolates to the mix. No matter how big you want to play the celebration, or how quaint you want to keep it, you are sure to find the perfect gift for every birthday person in your life. When you cherish someone, what better day to show them just that then their birthday, and what better way to express it then with birthday flowers.

House Warming Gift of Flowers

2010-02-27T07:41:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful occasion it is for someone when they purchase a new home for the first time, or move into their very first homestead on their own. It can be freeing, invigorating, and even sometimes a little scary. All these reasons are great reasons to send a house-warming gift of flowers or a nice plant when you can’t be there in person to support the new homeowner/tenant in your life.

A beautiful houseplant makes a wonderful housewarming gift. Of course, a nice plant will out live a flower arrangement, but not everyone is keen on plants as not everyone has a green thumb, so make sure you know just how handy the receiver is with houseplants. If the receiver is not a green thumb, a heartwarming flower arrangement will be well received. Visit George Thomas Florist to send the perfect house warming gift to the new homeowner/tenants door.

Daisies on our Mind

2010-02-22T13:15:00.003-05:00

If you are anything like us, you have had your fill of winter. When we have days like this our minds drifts off to daisies. Daisies make us think of warm summer breezes, sunshine, and life. So today we wanted to bring a little warmth to everyone with just daisies. Take it a step further and order some daisies to be delivered to your door from George Thomas Florist and bring a little summer into your life a little early.

Curb Irish Envy with St. Patrick’s Day Flowers

2010-02-19T09:30:00.001-05:00

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to show your Irish spirit with your friends, family, and especially those that give you some ribbing for being Irish by sending St. Patrick’s Day gifts and flowers. Spread the luck of the Irish with St. Patrick’s Day flowers from George Thomas Florist. Although it is fun to get the hecklers back with a pinch when not wearing green on your day, sending them some St. Patty’s Day Flowers shows the true spirit of the Irish. That friendly ribbing you get from those co-worker or friend about being Irish, you can bet is coming from the green eyed monster side of them, pure jealousy that they too are not Irish. Curb that little green-eyed monsters envy by sharing the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day with a gift of St. Patrick’s Day flowers.
George Thomas Florist has the perfect arrangement for you to have delivered to anyone – anywhere! You can choose to send one of the many Patrick’s Day Flower arrangements, a lovely green plant, or a St. Patrick’s Day gift basket filled with various gourmet items.

Winter Blues? Flowers Bring a Burst of Spring into your Home!

2010-02-18T09:41:00.001-05:00

Don't let cool weather get you down: Brighten your day with fresh flowers. A behavioral research study conducted by Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, reveals that people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed when fresh flowers are present in the home.

“Other research has proven that flowers make people happy when they receive them,” Etcoff says. “What we didn’t know is that spending a few days with flowers in the home can affect a wide variety of feelings.”

Rebecca Cole is the author of “Flower Power” and co-host of Discovery Channel's “Surprise by Design.” “The Harvard research is proof that if we live in places that lift our spirits, we can live happier, healthier lives,” Cole says. “Fresh flowers are the perfect everyday accessory for any budget – they add color, fragrance and style – and now we know they even increase energy and compassion.”

Study participants reported the greatest mood-boosting effects when fresh flowers were placed in common areas of the home such as the kitchen, dining room and family room.

Flowers For Your Man

2010-02-18T04:00:00.000-05:00

Hey ladies, guys like flowers too. They may not admit it and when asked tell you that is a girl thing, but in reality, they too like to receive flowers. It is a great way to make them feel extra special! The trick in having flowers delivered to the man in your life is choosing the right flower arrangement that will not bring them too much ribbing from others. Even though they say pink is in for men, I wouldn’t suggest sending pink flowers to a manly man ever! They will never live it down. So when you are picking out the perfect flower arrangement for that special man, be considerate and go with more natural earthy tones in your selection.
Oranges, deep burgundies, and deep reds are always safe accented with yellows, whites, and green. You can even get by with some peach accents in these type of arrangements.
Blues are another great and safe flower combo for men or solids of dark reds. Stay away from frilly looking arrangements and go for ones that make a bolder statement without the feminine accents. Broad petals rather than dainty, and deeper richer colors rather than pastels are always good rules of thumb to follow.
This will save him from any backlash from fellow co-workers and be well received when delivered, bringing you, of course, the rewards when you see him again. Use a large card rather than a daintier small one, and if you accent with balloon, make sure they are just as manly looking as the flower arrangement. If you are unsure of just what to have put together, no worries, Brant Florist has many great flower arrangements that are perfect for gifting to men that will bring a smile to their face and heart.

Happy Birthday Flowers Delivered

2010-02-15T10:47:00.002-05:00

Birthdays are a great time to send flowers to friends and family. It is a great way to put a smile on the face of even the biggest birthday hater there is out there. You know the ones, the ones who have “stopped” having birthdays because of their age. Those make sending birthday flowers to even that much more fun. Help the special people in your life celebrate their birthday with flowers from George Thomas Florist. There are several ways George Thomas Florist can help you to bring a smile to the birthday persons face, from the perfect birthday flower arrangement to the sweet additions like balloons, teddy bears, candy and more.
George Thomas Florist will be happy to deliver the birthday flowers to anywhere in the world, to the birthday person’s home, work, or off site location. Everybody loves to be doted on when it is their birthday, no matter their denial. You can be sure that no matter where they receive their flowers, work home, off site location like their favorite hangout or the gym, they will be tickled that you thought of them. You choose the birthday flowers you want to send, and George Thomas Florist will make sure they are received by the birthday person in your life as designated.

Deliver Flowers to Indianapolis

2010-02-15T03:40:00.000-05:00

George Thomas Florist can brighten the day of that special someone in your life from the moment they open their door to receive the beautiful flowers delivered to them letting them know they are being thought of. Nothing can be better than that. When you are looking to have flowers delivered to Indianapolis, George Thomas Florist can guarantee they will make it to their intended party on time!
George Thomas Florist delivers flowers to Indianapolis and anywhere else in the world where you want to bring some flower power into someone’s life. Flowers can evoke feelings like no other gift can. They are personal and intimate. They touch the heart and soul. The effects of sending flowers can last a lifetime in the receivers mind and heart.
When you are looking to have all this sentiment sent to another in the form of beautiful flowers, George Thomas Florist will deliver flowers to Indianapolis for you. Whether you want to send flowers to that special woman in your life, special man in your life, a mother, a father, a co-worker, a best friend, or a child – George Thomas Florist has the perfect flower arrangements for any occasion.

Sending Valentines Day Flowers to Indianapolis

2010-02-12T14:18:00.002-05:00

It is not too late to get your Valentine’s Day flower arrangement order in before Valentine’s Day to be delivered to Indianapolis. With George Thomas Florist, you can rest assured that your special someone will not feel neglected by not receiving the Valentines flowers you order online for her. The important thing is that you do it right now though while the flower selections are still high. Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest floral holidays of the year, and flowers go fast. So when you want to have the perfect Valentine’s Day arrangement sent order as early as possible.
That doesn’t mean though that if you order the day before your loved one will have to go without Valentine’s Day flowers, nor that the quality of the flower arrangement be any less than the best. It is just that the variety of flowers available may be jeopardized by the high demand. George Thomas Florist plans for Valentine’s Day well in advance to try to accommodate everyone in his or her Valentine’s Day flower needs. Every year they are ordering more and more flowers to meet the rush for Valentine’s Day flower delivery to Indianapolis, IN and everywhere else in the world.
Don’t procrastinate another minute. Order your Valentine’s Day flowers now online from George Thomas Florist and make that special someone’s day when they answer their door to receive the Valentine’s Day Flower Arrangement you picked special just for them.

Don’t find Yourself on the Wrong Side of the Arrow on Valentines Day

2010-02-10T10:10:00.003-05:00

It is time to start making your plans for Valentine’s Day. This is not a time to slack off guys. Pay attention, women do rank men on their thoughtfulness. So if you have started the year off on the wrong foot, now is the time to solidify that ground again and make amends through a beautiful Valentines flower arrangement.
It is probably the easiest way ever to melt any ice that may have built up over silly little things since the start of the New Year. And if you are still on the good side of your special someone, don’t go and blow it by thinking you are safe enough to blow off Valentines Day. Trust me, you are not. The little sentiment you show on Valentine’s Day will not go unnoticed or forgotten, but lack of any sentiment will never be forgotten and used against at every imaginable moment deemed needed. So basically, every time you leave your socks on the floor, you will hear something like “You are so selfish, I do it all and you couldn’t even get me anything for Valentine’s Day” or if you are a minute late getting home you may hear something like. “Oh sure, you have time to stay after work and talk to your friends but didn’t have the time to even get me a single flower on Valentine’s Day”. Oh the scenarios can go on and on! So save yourself from the dreaded reminders of how thoughtless and ungrateful you are this year and make sure you hook your special someone up with some beautiful Valentines Flowers.

Flowers for Valentine’s Day Gifts

2010-02-09T08:39:00.002-05:00

Flowers are amazing and hold so much power. Flowers come in varying sizes, shapes, and colors, making each one as unique as each person in your life. When it comes to Valentines Day, you want your flowers to reflect that uniqueness that you treasure in others. When you take the extra time to pick your Valentines Day Flower arrangement to reflect those qualities you love about that special someone in your life, the results will be one of a cherished memory your special someone will treasure. It is not hard to pick a Valentines Floral arrangement to reflect your special someone. You can start by taking into consideration their favorite color and/or favorite flower.
Think about how that person makes you feel.

Last Minute Gift? Never too Late for Flowers!

2010-02-03T07:53:00.003-05:00

You know those occasions when at the last minute, something triggers your dozing brain to remind you someone special in your world is having a birthday, or worse yet, the following day is your anniversary. Such occasions can wind you up in a world of hurts if you don’t act fast. That is where George Thomas Florist comes in to save the day. You can think of George Thomas Florist kind of like your very own online super hero that can get you out of a close last minute gift call without a scratch. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how many calendars you leave gentle reminders on that a special event is drawing near, there will always be those occasions where your brain doesn’t engage and if you don’t remedy it before it is too late, depending on what the missed occasion is, can determine your level of happiness for quite some time. With having George Thomas Florist bookmarked in your favorite, faster than a click of your mouse, George Thomas Florist can arrange to have the perfect flower arrangement for any occasion delivered to that special someone saving you from a possible ill fate.
Thankfully, there are many great ideas at George Thomas Florist for last minute gift sending and delivery such as a skillfully designed fresh bouquet of flowers or basket of flowers, a green plant, candy/flower gift baskets and several other gift basket arrangements. Add a teddy bear, balloons, and a special greeting on your card and you have the perfect last minute gift from George Thomas Florist!

Surprise Her ~Send Flowers to her Workplace

2010-02-02T10:00:00.002-05:00

Is there anyone who has never had a bad day at work? That never has a complaint. I doubt it. In addition, everyone knows how a bad day at work can ruin an entire week at times. If you know a special someone in your life had a bad day at work, you can help stop it dead in its track from carrying through the rest of her week by sending flowers to her at work. It is hard not to feel good when you receive flowers for no apparent reason other than someone was just thinking about you, so receiving flowers when you are not in the best of spirits can definitely lighten a mood. Everybody likes a little extra attention, especially if they are feeling underappreciated at work and will surely garner her some. Imagine the look on her face when the floral delivery person walks into her workplace. Her first thought maybe “I wonder who so lucky they are getting flowers? Must be nice.” She may even roll her eyes and make a silent grumble. Now imagine her surprise when the floral delivery person doesn’t pass up her desk, instead stopping and delivering flowers to her! Immediately she will sit up a little straighter in her chair and enjoy the attention she will receive from her fellow co-workers as the express their envy of her. The flowers will adorn her desk beautifully, filling her workspace with a fragrant aroma.Now imagine her appreciation she will have for you. Her mood will be improved, her workday will go smoothly, and your evening will be filled with thank you’s!

What’s the most popular Valentine’s gift? Flowers!

2010-02-01T04:00:00.000-05:00

Flower bouquets are the most popular Valentine’s Day gift given. That doesn’t mean that other gifts are not given as well, but generally, with any gift given, flowers accompany it. If you stop and think about it, if you have a romantic partner that is, on Valentine’s Day you can pretty much expect flowers. You actually would be disappointed if you didn’t get flowers. You may even think something was going wrong in your relationship if you didn’t get them and question why. Gifting flowers on Valentine’s Day has always been a long time tradition of showing your love to another and a pretty great one at that. Although roses are more of the traditional flower of Valentine’s Day, it doesn’t limit one to gift just roses or always roses. Granted, roses are sweet and have their own little meanings, there are so many beautiful flowers available for one to send and surprise a loved one. You can always match your flowers to the type of relationship you have. If it is a more adventurous relationship – go exotic. If it is sweet, new and endearing, daisies are always sweet. If it is a long lasting intimate one, you already know your loved ones favorite flowers and they are always your best bet! Roses are always great, but don’t let them limit your creativity in the message you are trying to convey this Valentine’s Day.

Help for the Guys in Selecting Flowers

2010-01-25T13:21:00.003-05:00

Guys are getting far better at picking out the perfect flower arrangement for that special someone in their life (that includes their mothers ladies) but some could still use a little extra help. One thing George Thomas Florist prides itself in is that they are male friendly and go out of their way to make sure men not only feel comfortable ordering flowers for delivery but also get the sentiment across they are trying to relay.
A couple things men may want to keep in mind are that 92% of all women can recall the last time they received flowers from a man and many of those can still recall the first flowers they ever received from a man. Not only that, but 83% of people (men and women alike) like to receive flowers delivered unexpectedly. With that being said, it is a sure bet that your special someone will be happy that you sent them flowers in the first place. However, you can even score higher points by following these few tips to make the flower arrangement you send reflect exactly what you are trying to express.
Think about what you are trying to express to the person you are sending flowers. Different colors can create a different mood.

Color Combinations:
Green and white combo = tranquility
Lavenders and Pinks = sweet soft romantic
Bold Reds, Yellow, Hot Pink, and Purple = sensuality
Yellow, Peach, Pink, Green = nurturing

Solid Colors:
Reds, Pink, Deep Burgundy, Lavender, White = love, sensual, romantic
Yellows, Pinks, Blues, Lavender Greens = Springy feeling, joy, happiness, appreciation, nurture, calmness, peaceful
If you know intended recipients’ favorite color or flowers, you are always safe in sending them, regardless of color if going by favorite flower, or regardless of flower if going strictly by color. However, the occasion can come into play there at times. For example, if your girl is a Colts fan, you don’t want to send her blue & white flowers when you are trying to create the mood for loving. Save that flower arrangement for a game night surprise, birthday, or a just because gift. If the gift is meant to be a “Thank You”, keep the flowers simple. A simple glass vase with flowers, greens, and a nice thank you note attached it perfect.

If the gift is meant to be an “Apology”, it’s going to depend on how much trouble your in and for what!! Generally best bet is to use soft colors and depending on how deep of water you are in, will determine how big of flower arrangement to get. Deeper trouble you are in, the bigger the arrangement you need to get.

If the gift is meant to be a “Congratulations”, say your girl got a new job, raise, or just passed an important test or review, do it up fancy! Use festive bright colors and unusual containers holding the flower arrangement. This makes your flower arrangement stand out amongst others in case others congratulate her in the same fashion.

If the gift is meant to be an “I love you” go with your heart. Your heart will see what you feel in the flowers if you take the time to look at the many flower arrangements available for you to send for delivery. George Thomas Florist made it easy for anyone to order flowers online with pictures to go with readymade sentiments. When you see the one arrangement that speaks the love you feel, go with it. If you are still unsure, you are always safe with roses in deep reds, burgundies, pinks, and whites.

The most important tip you need though, is to just do it – send flowers to that special someone in your life, be it your mom, grandmother, or sweetheart.

Giving the gift of Roses for Valentines Day

2010-01-22T04:00:00.000-05:00

Giving or having roses delivered on Valentine’s Day has become common practice amongst those in love and some say that nothing other than roses can truly convey ones feelings as deeply as roses. Many relate this to the meanings behind the colors of roses gifted, each color having its own specific meaning attached and by selecting the right colored roses to ones feelings makes that gift even more meaningful than any other does.

Here are some of the popular rose colors given on Valentine’s Day and their meaning:
Red -conveys romantic love.
Purple -conveys love at first sight.
Orange -conveys deep desire.
Yellow -conveys your happiness and friendship.
Peach -convey gratitude and appreciation.
Pink -convey innocent and tender love.
White -convey purity of love.

Whether you are having Valentine roses delivered to a lover, mother, or even daughter, there is a rose/color perfect to convey that special bond, that relationship and your feelings towards it and George Thomas Florist is more than happy to help you send just that feeling.

How Are Fresh Flowers Transported

2010-01-18T16:45:00.003-05:00

It is pretty obvious that flowers have to be shipped into florist from other states and even countries depending on the flower and the season. Nevertheless, how do the flowers arrive fresh, fresh enough to last any amount of time for gifting? That is a good question and one that is fairly easily answered. Flowers are shipped to florist through a process called “cold chain”.
Cold Chain is a process that keeps the flowers at a certain temperature from the moment the flowers leave the farms to the florist. As long as that temperature remains the same throughout the whole transporting, the flowers will last longer. Before the flowers even board the transport, at the farm, directly after being boxed, the flower boxes are injected with cold air to quickly drop their temperature to correct transport temperature. The temperature is monitored and documented throughout the transport. This ensures that when they arrive at the florist, the flowers are at their freshest state possible with longevity. If the temperature documentation shows a drop in the temperature during transport, the wise florist will not purchase the shipment because their longevity has been jeopardized.

Valentine’s Day Flowers & Gifts Feb 14 2010

2010-01-15T00:00:00.002-05:00

This year, Valentines Day is Sunday, Feb 14, 2009. Time to think about Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for your loved one and for those you admire. Given the economy and the fact that it is Sunday, think about spending the day and evening at home. Saves a lot money compared to going out for an expensive Valentines Day dinner or going away for the weekend to a hotel or resort, which is even more expensive. To make your stay at home Valentines vacation, plan on candles, music, wine, order in food and of course flowers.

Valentines Day Flowers include a whole range of choices. Red is the most popular color and roses are the most popular flower. So George Thomas Florist will receive more orders for red roses than any other flower or color. But that is traditional and one that most men dare not stray from. But truth be known, most women prefer pastel colors and they certainly do not consider roses to be the only romantic flower! In fact, most will gush over any gift of flowers and the man that sent them. So men, try a flower gift that might use pinks, mauve’s, purples, creams and whites…..not all of those of course but some pleasing combination, There are many beautiful flower varieties including alstroemeria, lilies, freesia, orchids, snap dragons, iris, daisies, birds of paradise, anthuriums, gerbera, calla lilies, tulips and lisianthus.

Best idea is to order early and ask George Thomas Florist to make a bouquet with your loved one’s favorite color and favorite flowers. Hopefully, you know at least one of those, either the color or the flower. But if not, do not despair or worry too much. George Thomas Florist will know just what to make for Valentines Day! Flower delivery is also available of course. Remember that this year Friday, Feb 12th will be the busiest day of the year for the florists. Most office orders will be delivered that day and those have severe time limits. If you order Valentines Flowers early you will be able to send your Valentine’s Flowers with no problem.

To the lassies, we say, men do love receiving flowers and floral gifts. Any man will be wowed if his lady sends him, Valentine Gifts Men even flowers! But there are other floral gifts that will carry your Valentine message too. Plants are very useful and will be very long lasting. Fruit baskets, Gourmet Baskets and Chocolate baskets will work too………the way to a man’s heart is throigh his tummy! All of these Valentine gifts can be trimmed for Valentine’s Day.

It is best to have your gift delivered Feb 11 or Feb 12th. Avoid that last minute frantic crunch on Feb 13 and 14th when the florists are rushed off their feet. And you will be an even bigger hero because the first delivery to any office is highly prized. You can be the first to show your love to the envy of everyone else in that office. Talk about Brownie Points!

Where Do Flowers Come From?

2010-01-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Flowers have been an international commodity for some time, and world trade has now grown into many billions of dollars. While each country or at least most countries have some local production, there are many highly successful exporting countries. Many years ago, Holland owned most of the world flower exports after the second world war. While still a major producer, it has been joined by many other countries.

The leading exporters today may be Columbia and Ecuador, who have also become known as reliable high quality sources for many varieties. One of the newest to join the international trade scene is Kenya. But other countries around the globe also export niche production.

The world flower export market is very much affected by currency variations and many producing countries have been impacted by the value of their money on the world market.

The cost to produce flower crops is of course also a major element. One of the major factors is fuel to heat greenhouses as the cost of oil and natural gas has gone up over the years. Wages and taxes are two more significant factors.

The number of flower growers in the US and Canada has declined significantly in the last 25 years because of all three of the above costs. Farmers in South America do not need typical greenhouses and hence have no heating fuel costs because of the climate. Wages in South America and Africa are also much lower making these countries very competitive in the world markets.

Sending Flowers to a Funeral is so Important

2010-01-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

Why sending flowers to a funeral is so important

I was at a funeral once, when the pastor delivering the service told the following story. There were quite a few flowers at the front of the chapel and he began by saying that flowers were a reminder of the person whose life we were celebrating. He said flowers follow the life cycle of a human and that we were fortunate to have so many beautiful flowers to admire.

Both start with a seed and both required lots of attention during the early phase of their life. Next comes a maturing time as each develops into adulthood. The plant moves into the flowering stage as the ultimate show for survival just as humans do from about the age of 25 to perhaps 50. Both shine during this period and everybody admires their talent, their beauty and their contribution to our lives. During this time, both set the foundation for survival of the species. The plant initiates the beginning of seeds via the flowers and humans raise children. Then, both move into the final phase of their life………wilting and withering in old age until the end comes.

Flowers are for the Living

The flowers accomplish this all in one growing season or one growing cycle, which is often only a few weeks or months. We can see life’s cycle before our very eyes and admire the flowers at the funeral service knowing that they too will soon wither and die.
Likewise, we can recall when the deceased was born, where they were raised, went to school and what they did in their work life and raising a family. That might span 50 to 100 years whereas the flower shows the same cycle to us in much shorter time period.

Flowers at a funeral remind us of how glorious life can be as they proudly display the result of their plants’ lifetime work. Florists have lovingly put together pleasing combinations of many flower varieties, colors and texture into artistic arrangements for everyone to admire. The flowers say we are here to admire the life of the deceased also. That person, like the flowers had glorious times for us to recall.

Flowers add so much Warmth

A funeral with out flowers is a cold affair indeed. I was at one some years back. A cold foreboding room with the casket up front and some rows of chairs for the mourners. There was no reminder of life, no joy of flowers…. only the stark reality of death. No color, no movement, no contrast, nothing to make anyone smile or feel the joy of life. I think everyone had the same feelings. Couldn’t wait to get out of that room.

So that is why you should send flowers for a funeral. There is no doubt flowers in the room will make everyone think of the wonderful moments in life and remind us that every life has a story to tell. Flowers make the conversations easier, turning talk to happy times. We are not here to despair; we cannot change the course of what has happened. But we can celebrate that life with wonderful flowers, great conversations, wonderful memories, knowing that we too are subject to the same end. Well maybe, we can have coffee and cake after the burial too! After all, both flowers and food make us feel better.

Order Funeral Flowers Online

So please phone or visit your florist before you go to the funeral home or church to celebrate someone’s life. You may also of course, visit that florist on the web and order your flowers online. If you send flowers to the funeral, I think it shows how much you care. Choose a few words, and sign your card with love. There is no better way to remember the life of the person who has passed away. A funeral is for the living, not for the dead. A funeral should help us grieve and say goodbye. We need not shed tears forever. Send flowers and celebrate life.

Common Flowers for the New Year

2009-12-26T13:49:00.001-05:00

With the New Year, new hopes, dreams, aspirations, and New Year’s resolutions are made. A great New Year’s resolution to make is making a stronger effort in keeping in touch with those you have lost contact with or those you haven’t been able to stay in as close of contact as you wish. A great way of doing this is by sending the occasional gift of flowers.
Flowers are a great way of reconnecting and there is no better time to start then the New Year. The New Year is a great time to wish those close and far your desires for them to have a happy and prosperous New Year and a great way to send those feelings is through a beautiful flower arrangement with some of the common flowers of the New Year.
Some common flowers sent relaying ones New Year’s wishes are roses, stargazer lilies, tulips, Irises, and Orchids. But just because these are typical flowers sent doesn’t mean you have to stick with just these varieties. You can always send flowers that represent the recipient’s favorite flowers or even yours for that matter. No matter what, the flowers you send as a gift for New Years, you will know this – the recipients New Year will start out with a huge smile and a warm heart.

Re-blooming your Poinsettia

2009-12-23T13:55:00.001-05:00

Poinsettia, a beautiful accent for the holidays, definitely adds to the appeal and spirit of Christmas. However, after time takes its toll, your poinsettia can loose its appeal, but with proper care, dedication, and luck, you can re-bloom your poinsettia bring back the appeal and extending its beauty in to later months of the New Year.

By cutting your poinsettia back to approximately 8 inches in height in late march or early April, and then maintain a regular watering schedule, and giving your poinsettia a healthy all purpose fertilizer, by the end of May you should begin to see healthy new growth.

In the Spring, place your poinsettia outside where it can get the healthy nutrients from natural sun while continuing with your regular watering schedule. Fertilize your poinsettia every 2 to 3 weeks during this time. You may need to do a little pruning in Late June, early July to keep your poinsettia bushy but do not prune later than the first of September.

You can transplant your poinsettia the first part of June. Do not choose a container more than 4 inches larger then its current pot. Poinsettia bloom during November and December but can be difficult to get to bloom for the holidays if not cultivated in a very controlled environment. Beginning in October it is imperative that you place your poinsettia in total darkness for 14 hours out of the day and then ensure they get 6 to 8 hours of bright sunlight a day. Night temperatures must range between 60 and 70 degrees. Any alteration of this will result in delayed or halted blooming. That is why for many it is just much easier to let the professionals grow and bloom your holiday poinsettias. They can be very temperamental, and when you are counting on their beauty to accent your home, for many, it is easier just to order poinsettias delivered.

Flowers for Home and Office

2009-12-23T09:07:00.003-05:00

Flowers can make any occasion just that much more beautiful and special but they can also add an extra added beauty to your daily living as well. A beautiful flower arrangement can decorate any room of your home or office. They can uplift a mood by just looking at them as well as their aroma.
Yellow flowers such as sunflowers, daisies, gerberas, etc. can add sunshine to any room and a sense of joy. Warm hued flowers with a deep fragrance are perfect for any bedroom. Lavender is also a great floral arrangement for a bedroom as well for its natural relaxation fragrant qualities.
Dining rooms and office spaces are probably the most fun to decorate with flower centerpieces. Anything can go. You can set an entirely new theme each time you accent with flower arrangements. A dining table flower centerpiece can vary from a touch of romance to a simple family dinner display. A table flower centerpiece can easily accent every holiday. And the best part of it is, it is fun! George Thomas Florist, Indianapolis's Favorite Florist!

Christmas Flowers and Greenery

2009-12-21T07:47:00.001-05:00

When you think of winter, generally the first thing good you think about is the holidays. After all, it does help those that don’t favor the wintery winds manage to get through it a tad easier. However, when you think about the holidays, you can’t help not think about Christmas Flowers and Greenery. The first thought of many is their Christmas tree, and so starts the decoration to set off your holidays perfectly.
The fresh pine scent of the evergreen Christmas tree is just the beginning the wonderful aromas that begin to fill your home during the holidays. Of course, you cannot have a Christmas tree without the Christmas greenery – wreaths, swags and more, to accent the beauty you have already started to create. They add more of the holiday spirit to your home.
Mantles, tables, and just about anywhere you can think of are accented beautifully with poinsettias. What is Christmas without a poinsettia or two, or three or more for that matter? While waiting for the time to place gifts under the Christmas tree, poinsettias look extravagant encompassing the tree skirt.
Since the 17th century, it has been customary to have mistletoe adorning doorways. It’s a great way to get that Christmas kiss! Holly has been around even longer and gives Christmas that holly jolly feel.
Christmas table centerpieces can add just that perfect finishing touch. Christmas just wouldn’t have the same feel if not for Christmas greenery and flowers.

The Special Meaning of a Yellow Rose

2009-12-21T06:02:00.001-05:00

The meaning of a yellow rose signifies strong feelings of pure joy, gladness, happiness and platonic friendship, in Germanic countries the meaning of a a yellow rose is different – they’re used to convey jealousy.

Friendship is the main meaning of the yellow rose but it also signifies familiar love and domestic happiness. Yellow roses also symbolize fun and freedom.

Today, the yellow rose is used to embrace a new beginning, apologize or express sympathy, and to say, “remember me” , “I am sorry’, or “I care.” Yellow roses are appropriate for marking the beginning of a new life together or for starting all over again.

– The Language of Flowers

The language of flowers, sometimes called floriography, was a Victorian-era method of communication. Floriograpghy, in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages, allowed individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. The meaning of the color of flowers was most commonly communicated through Tussie-Mussies (floral arrangements), a creative art form which continues today.

Though most popular in the Victorian period, the symbolic use of flowers dates back to antiquity. In Medieval and Renaissance culture flowers were often given moral meanings. This is most apparent in art in which saints are often depicted with flowers, symbolic of their virtues. Liana DeGirolami Cheney notes that “some of the Christian symbols for Virginity or Chastity are the white rose, the myrtle, a vessel or vase, the lily, and the unicorn”
Unlock the mystery of flowers and send an extra special message!

Silk Flowers Last Forever

2009-12-19T08:51:00.002-05:00

Silk flowers are made from different types of material, which make them look very real. Many people in the past have opted for artificial plants and flowers for a number of different reasons. Some were to avoid the hassle of taking care of the real things, some because of the allergy sufferers, while some because they want the arrangement of flowers to last.

Years ago, florist would promote the silk flower arrangements for the bridal bouquet as a keepsake. The silk flower arrangement was also more expensive than real flowers. To have your wedding done in all silk arrangements would have cost you a lot more than having it done in real flowers, but times have changed since then.

Today, silk flowers look more like real flowers than they did back then, and the price of the silk flowers for your wedding will typically be cheaper than with real flowers. More and more weddings are selecting silk flowers today, but this may be because of the allergy sufferers or maybe it’s a budget issue.

Silk flowers do have their advantages. They have a life-like appearance, and they will never wilt or die – regardless of how much you neglect them. Silk flowers are beautiful for ever and they can be kept as keepsakes and passed on to others in the family for their weddings. If you wish, you can even re-use some of the flowers in your home décor, with a few minor design adjustments.

Because time is not an issue with the silk flowers they can be made well in advance of the wedding for pre-wedding photos, or to check the whole order before the big day. There will be no surprises on the special day, which is probably every bride-to-be’s fear. There is a wide variety of flowers, so you don’t have to worry they one have the type of flower you want for your wedding.

Silk flower and plant arrangements can also be made for the home. For those who are not sporting a green thumb or have allergies, but still want the beauty of plants and flowers around their home, silk arrangements are perfect for these people.

No matter what the type of plant or flower you are looking for, you will be able to find it in a silk variety. They won’t need any maintenance or care and they will last you a lifetime.

Christmas and Flowers

2009-12-16T09:20:00.002-05:00

Flowers play an active role in Christmas decorations everywhere. Some of the more popular flowers used in Christmas floral decorations are the Poinsettia, Christmas Cactus, Holly, Christmas Rose, Ivy, and Mistletoe.
In ancient times, the Poinsettia was a symbol of purity to the Aztecs. Ivy is known to symbolize eternity and resurrection and the mistletoe has a long-standing place in the Christmas celebration as an excuse to catch a quick kiss.
The Christmas cactus also known as the Orchid Cactus makes for beautiful Christmas gift baskets. The Christmas Rose, also known as the Snow or Winter Rose makes for another great Christmas floral arrangement.
Let George Thomas Florist help you celebrate the season by making the perfect Christmas flower arrangement or flower accents for your home or office. They can also help create the perfect gifts for sending flower and gifts baskets for you this holiday season as well.

Poinsettia Care

2009-12-15T14:33:00.002-05:00

Poinsettias play an active role in the holiday season, and because of that you want to keep them just as fresh and beautiful as the day you got them. Here are some do’s and don’ts of poinsettia care to help you extend the longevity in the beauty of your poinsettias.
Do’s:
Your poinsettia plant should be placed in indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. For the longevity of your poinsettia, keep the room temperatures between 68-70 degrees. Water your poinsettia plant when the soil feels dry to the touch.
If you need to transport your poinsettia outside of your home, cover it in a large roomy plastic bag. Kitchen garbage bags work nicely.
Fertilize your poinsettia plant only after the blooming season. Use a general all purpose fertilizer. Never fertilize your poinsettia while in bloom.
Don’ts:
Do not place your poinsettia plant by cold drafts or excessive heat sources such as heating ducts, space heaters, or fireplaces. It is understandable that poinsettias can set off a fireplace mantle beautifully, but if it is a working fireplace, your poinsettia will not be able to withstand the heat.
Do not leave your poinsettia out in the cold. Just because poinsettias are considered a winter plant, does not mean they fair well in cold temperatures.
Do not overwater you poinsettia or allow it to sit in standing water.
By following these few simple do’s and don’ts, your George Thomas Florist poinsettias will not

Make or Send your own Winter Wonderland ~ White Poinsettias

2009-12-14T08:55:00.001-05:00

Depending on the region you reside in reflects if you will be enjoying the ability to take walks through a winter wonderland full of glistening white snow. If it is not in the cards for you to be able to enjoy a little glistening snow this holiday season, you can at least get a good feel of the holiday season with some beautiful white poinsettia plants.
Poinsettias have had a long standing in Christmas Holiday decorations and traditions with the white poinsettia being somewhat of a Christmas icon. The great thing about poinsettias is the longevity of their blooming season making it quite easy to deck out a home with a real Christmas feel. As long as your white poinsettias get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, is kept away from extreme cold or heat, and water when soil is dry to the touch you can keep this symbol of Christmas around for a very long time.
If you have friends or family where the snow doesn’t glisten, provide them with the next best thing to a white Christmas – white poinsettias. A White Poinsettia from George Thomas Florist can be delivered decorated with Christmas balls and ribbons that can add a beautiful winter wonderland accent to any room of your home. They also make great office gifts and teacher holiday appreciation gifts. With George Thomas Florist, you can even add your own special touches to the White Poinsettia gifts you send such as adding some chocolate to your delivery, a teddy bear, balloons, or other accents.

Holiday Gatherings ~ The Holiday Floral Centerpiece

2009-12-04T15:49:00.002-05:00

December brings on many gatherings, from office parties to family and friends. A great way to make those occasions extra special is to make sure your table is set with great care that draws the masses together. You can do this with a holiday floral centerpiece that will not only draw your group together but also bring on many awes of admiration.
Holiday floral centerpieces are a great way to express who you are as a person or set a mood for a room. During the Christmas season of holiday gatherings the lights are shining, homes are decorated in bright colorful decorations, reds, greens, silver and gold all shine and sparkle about. It isn’t hard to meet and even surpass that entire splendor with beautiful holiday floral centerpieces. They have their own special shine and with the added fragrance in the air, no amount of glitter can beat that.
Holiday floral centerpieces bring grandeur to your table. The deep red roses and spray roses set the holiday scene with the earthy backdrop of assorted holiday greens and holly. The candles bring warmth and the gold pinecones and metallic brocade ribbon sets the final touches to this enchanting holiday centerpiece.
You can add your own vision of your holiday décor or just add a flare of your personality. Maybe you prefer red carnations to roses or just want red carnations added due to the longevity or the shade of red they present. All you have to do is relay your vision to George Thomas Florist an allow them to bring your vision to life.

The Legend of the Poinsettia

2009-12-01T09:52:00.001-05:00

A charming story is told of Pepita, a poor Mexican girl who had no gift to present the Christ Child at Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked slowly to the chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather than joy.
"I am sure, Pepita, that even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes," said Pedro consolingly.

Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, fashioning them into a small bouquet. Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more saddened and embarrassed than ever by the humbleness of her offering. She fought back a tear as she entered the small village chapel.

As she approached the alter, she remembered Pedro's kind words: "Even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes." She felt her spirit lift as she knelt to lay the bouquet at the foot of the nativity scene.

Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes.

From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night, for they bloomed each year during the Christmas season.

Today, the common name for this plant is the poinsettia!

Indianapolis's Best Thanksgiving Centerpieces from George Thomas Florist

2009-11-23T13:13:00.002-05:00

This years George Thomas's Thanksgiving centerpieces are the best we have ever offered. These brightly colored centerpieces will surely make your Thanksgiving table festive. If you cannot be with your family at Thanksgiving, send beautiful flowers is a magnificent gesture.

FAQs -- Flower Care

2009-09-08T14:10:00.000-04:00

What is the best way to take care of a flower arrangement?

It depends on how they are packaged:

If you receive flowers in a container with floral foam, be certain the container is full of water every day. The water should be treated with the floral food provided by your florist. Using your finger, feel under the greens for a place where water can be added. Or you can pour water slowly into the center of the arrangement, keeping a finger in the container to gauge the water level.
If you receive flowers in a vase, check to be sure the water is always clear. If the water turns cloudy, empty it and add fresh water mixed with the floral food provided by your florist. If possible, re-cut the stems with a sharp knife before placing them in the fresh water.
If you receive flowers in a box or tissue, remove all of the foliage that falls below the water line, then cut the stems with a sharp knife in a sink full of warm water. Be sure to cut the stems under the water and place them immediately into a vase of warm water mixed with the floral food provided by your florist.

No matter what type of arrangement you have, it is important to keep your flowers off of televisions, appliances and heating/cooling units. You should also keep them away from hot or cold drafts and out of direct sunlight.

Mums The Word

2009-08-26T09:21:00.002-04:00

The garden chrysanthemum is one of the most exciting flowers for producing late summer and fall color. Garden mums require a minimum amount of care and are available in a wide range of colors.

2009-08-13T17:06:00.002-04:00

George Thomas Florist has completed the installation and training on our new computer software.

This software is quite an update from our previous software. It will enable us to join the 21st century. We will now be able to send you an email confirmation at the
end of each order. We will also send out delivery confirmations at the end of each drivers run so you will know your flowers were delivered by the end of the day. This system should speed up the order entry process as well.

There are tons of bells and whistles on the system but we are most excited that it will give us the power to continue providing the best customer service in the Indianapolis area.

Halfway to Valentine’s Day

2009-07-31T16:32:00.001-04:00

August 14th is Halfway to Valentine's Day, and there is no better time to surprise your loved one than when it is least expected. The week of August 10th through August 15th, George Thomas Florist is celebrating "Halfway to Valentine's Day" with a Dozen Roses vased for only $39.95. Why wait until February? "Get Some", and show them your love with Roses in August and save!

Order Rose Special

Target Arrowhead Pant for indoors

2009-07-01T04:00:00.002-04:00

An indoor plant that thrives in low light is the Arrowhead Vine, Synogium podophyllum. This attractive tropical plant has beautiful arrow-shaped, glossy green leaves that are variegated with white or yellow. The leaves have deeply cut lobes and are about 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. As the plants grow older and mature, leaf size increases. The plants may vine from 4 to 6 feet. With support, they grow up.

The Arrowhead Vine is native to the rain forests of Central America and Mexico. They are undergrowth plants, much like the philodendrons. Their key to survival is being able to withstand lower light levels, so they make good choices for interior plants used in houses and commercial buildings. Direct sun will burn the foliage. Very low light levels will cause weak and spindly growth. It will also reduce the variegation in the leaves.

This vine grows quickly in bright, indirect light. The plants always look good and require little if any maintenance, other than watering. It is best to allow the upper layer of the potting soil to dry moderately between watering. Reduce watering during the winter months, as the plants go into a semi resting stage. The plant is easy to propagate. Use a stem cutting with two nodes, with one node in the soil or water, and one node above. This plant is actually an epiphyte and will grow equally well in potting soil or water. Periodically change the water to keep it fresh.

Importance of Father's Day

2009-06-15T22:02:00.002-04:00

June 21, 2009 gives us the opportunity to express thanks to our dad for all of his unconditional love and affection. Celebration of Father's Day makes us ponder for a while on the important role our father plays in our lives. On the occasion of Father's Day, let's not forget all the great Step-Dads! Stepfathers have taken the extreme step of taking care of their children out of choice and out of love.

Send Dad some blooms this Father's Day!

Flower Care Tips

2009-06-01T04:00:00.003-04:00

Most floral arrangements last 4-7 days or longer, depending on the flowers used and the care they receive. George Thomas Florist provides these tips for longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers:

For floral arrangements

Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods make flowers last longer but it is important to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than is specified on the packet.
If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly mixed flower food solution. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into solution.
Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions.

For loose bunches or boxed flowers

Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don't forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.
Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist.
Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower.
Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.

Selecting Flowers

When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.
When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.

George Thomas Florist joins the Twitter revolution

2009-05-28T09:34:00.003-04:00

It is now easy to follow the news and updates from George Thomas Florist thanks to the Social Networking phenomenon - Twitter!

Keep up to date with all of our news, industry information and the exciting things we have planned.

Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read other users' updates known as tweets. It is a service for everyone to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

George Thomas Florist look forward to sharing our thoughts and progress with you via Twitter, so please feel free to follow our updates and let us know what you are doing in your business.

It is exciting times for George Thomas Florist and now more than ever, it is important to stay updated.

The Home Ecology of Flowers

2009-05-26T10:35:00.002-04:00

Behavioral research by Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School shows that people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed when fresh flowers are present in the home.

Bottling the Power of the Home Ecology of Flowers

• Display flowers in common areas
such as your kitchen, dining and
family rooms to experience the
greatest mood-boosting effects.

• The kitchen table might be the best
place for flowers, because it’s
where people gather.

• Match a room’s décor with one of
the hottest flower trends —
monobotanic (arrangements of all
one type of flower) and
monochromatic (using all one color
palette, such as a range of pinks).

• Even just a few flowers in a bud vase
can perk up a room.

• For a contemporary look, group
several vases together holding just
one or two stems.

• For an easy, elegant table
decoration, set a series of crystal
vases on a fabric runner. Place fresh
flowers in each of the vases and
surround them with greenery.

• In the foyer, create a space to hang
your keys that also includes a
weekly vase of flowers. It will be
the last place you see on your way
out the door and the first you see
on your way back inside.

• An abundant arrangement of lilies,
gladiolus, hydrangea or any large
blooms creates an inviting
environment for an expansive
entryway or dining room.

• Choose soothing colors, like blues
and greens, to create a tranquil
feeling, or bright reds and oranges
for a sensual arrangement.

© 2007 SAF

Did You Know...

2009-05-16T12:17:00.001-04:00

Orchids are the largest family of plants in the world? Dendrobiums alone have over 1000 species! All dendrobium orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants and absorb water an nutrients through root-like structures.

When You Send Flowers, Think F.R.E.S.H.

2009-05-13T17:12:00.004-04:00

When it comes to floral gifts, consumers rely most frequently on their local florists, according to recent research. The reasons abound, including the scope of florists' professional experience, product quality and convenience.

Think F.R.E.S.H. whether you're sending flowers across the country or around the corner.

F
Find your florist, one that you connect with and who will be your florist for every occasion.

R
Research the different kinds of flowers available. Knowing the names of flowers is easier than you think and is a lot like learning about fine wines or gemstones. Click here for a floral library.

E
Evoke emotion. While 88 percent of people agree that a gift of flowers changes your mood for the better, evoke an even stronger emotion by sending your friend's favorite flowers or colors. Your florist will be able to help you achieve your desired feeling. And, make the gift extraordinary by crafting a card message that has special meaning.

S
Send a surprise! Most people say “just because” is the best reason to receive flowers. Gifts have the biggest impact when they are unexpected.

H
Have confidence knowing you sent a great gift. Flowers fit everyone. Ninety-two percent of women can remember the last time they got flowers and 97 percent of women and men can remember the last time they gave someone flowers. And, those surveyed describe flower givers as “thoughtful and sophisticated” people.

Source: SAF

Viburnum serves double duty with flowers and scent

2009-05-10T07:10:00.002-04:00

Spice up your landscape with the Koreanspice Viburnum.

This medium-size, deciduous shrub has just ended its blooming period, which is typically in early- to mid-April.

The rounded clusters of deep-pink flower buds slowly open into small white, waxy flowers.

For about two weeks, a heavenly, spicy, vanilla fragrance fills the air around this shrub. Thus, it is important to locate this plant where the fragrance can be enjoyed. Prime locations would be entrance gardens and near decks and patios.

The white flowers produce attractive green fruit, which turns red in the summer and blue-black in the fall. The autumn foliage changes from dark green to bright red and finally deep burgundy before dropping.

Local Indianapolis Florist Difference- Mother's Day

2009-05-01T08:14:00.002-04:00

Send Mother's Day Flowers to Indianapolis

2009-04-30T07:55:00.002-04:00

Don’t forget that Mothers Day is May 10th and celebrating the person who gave birth to you and supported you, your entire life is extremely important. All those days at the soccer field and all those sleepless nights deserve to be rewarded. It doesn’t matter how old your mother is or more importantly how old you are, this special day only comes once a year and making it unforgettable is your goal and with Flowers from George Thomas Florist, Indianapolis's Favorite Florist, that is exactly what you will do. Mothers Day is a precious gift for Mothers all around the world, let’s not forget and express joy and gratitude on this wonderful day.

Send Your Mom her Favorite Flowers!

Mothers Day And Flowers

2009-04-26T00:00:00.001-04:00

May is just around the corner and we all know what this means. The special time of the year will be here and Mothers all over will have the chance to be honored on one unique day. That is right; Mothers Day will be here before we know it and what better way to celebrate than giving your mother a beautiful arrangement of flowers.

Mothers Day Flowers

What better time of the year than Spring for a perfect Mothers Day. All throughout the year, mothers everywhere work hard for their husbands, children and family members. This day is the day that they are shown how much they are appreciated. Mothers Day brings us a great opportunity and it practically falls right into our hands. Spring is the time of the year when flowers of all types are blooming and offering us the chance to show our mothers how important they really are in our life. Mothers Day and flowers can bring joy to any mother who has the chance to receive that perfect arrangement.

The Perfect Mothers Day Flower

George Thomas Florist offers the most unique bouquets of flowers that help to show the characteristics and beauty that your mother brings to your life. Lillie’s are such a popular flower during Spring, but what about an arrangement offering the brilliance of both Lillie’s and Roses. The precious pink and white Roses along with the ever-popular Lilly create the perfect arrangement for anyone on Mothers Day. Daisies are a different approach to Mothers Day and in a clear vase the beauty is completely captured. This will show mom how deeply you care for her.

Let’s talk Gerberas, the colors and size of these flowers is perfect for the special holiday. This flower will bring your mothers home to life, offering colors and a smells that are everlasting. Carnations are another favorite flower on Mothers Day. A Carnation shows just how much you love that special woman that has been in your life from the beginning. These flowers are offered in many colors and a big arrangement brings great detail to a home. Iris and Roses together is just one of our unique bouquets. Your mother will be completely surprised by this arrangement. Never before have you seen such beauty with these flowers combined. Purple and red, is an overwhelming bouquet and when placed in a glass vase, it is simply breathtaking.

Send Your Mom Flowers!

Mother's Day Getaway Sweepstakes

2009-04-15T08:54:00.006-04:00

Order your Mother's Day flowers online from George Thomas Florist and get an automatic entry into our sweepstakes for a fabulous getaway for two. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, spa treatment for two and more at the famous Gaylord Opryland Resort. She'll love the flowers. You'll love the getaway!

George Thomas Florist - Indianapolis' First Choice for Mother's Day Flowers Since 1928!