My Secret Garden

I have mixed vegetables with flowers.

This is the think I do in my spare time. It's a place I enjoy and a place of relaxation. I have always enjoyed working in the garden. Planting a seed nurturing and watching it grow is one of the most satisfying things I know. Growing up in a family of gardeners was such a great experience that I have carried on the tradition. For the past few years I haven't done much in the way of gardening, but today it's back in my life and I'm loving it. I now grow stephanotis that I use in bridal bouquet work and flowers that I can pick a blossom or two for in a small vase to help bring some life to our home.

June Bouquet Making Class

This is a great opportunity for that DIY bride that would like to learn the tricks of creating her own bridal bouquet. You will not only learn how to make the bouquet, but understand what goes into creating the bouquet. The class will also include learning to make a boutonniere and corsage. Please visit us at http://www.appleblossomstampa.com for all the details.

Creating your Unique Style

In crating a party, event, or wedding think outside the box. Using items or themes that create your own personal style. When it comes to containers for arrangements ask your Mom, Grandmothers, and Aunts if there are items they might have to create your look. You might be surprised what they may have tucked into a closet or the top of a kitchen cabinet. Selecting a theme or color scheme is the way to begin. Anything from wine glasses to crystal vases. You can also use resources such as dollar stores, thrift shops, and flea markets. I find great items at all of these places. Finding a theme for your event and sticking with it will give a much greater impact. Once you have found the theme you are looking to achieve don't jump around with trying to add things that don't relate. Does not matter whether might be Moroccan or a Pink Theme. Choose no more than 3 colors. The less colors you choose the higher the impact the less the cost may be. The more colors the more the eye needs to travel.

1940's Themed Wedding

When first meeting with Amanda she had a vision of a 1940's inspired wedding. A wedding of understated elegance of the 40's with the glitz reminiscent of Hollywood weddings of the past. Her personality inspired me to create a monochromatic design. With the string quartet in the background both at the ceremony and reception it truly brought back the look and feel of glamor. Amanda had the vision and the trust in me to follow through with what he had in mind. When the Bride opened the doors for the first time I knew I did my job. Her bouquet was a simple elegant bouquet of Siberian Lilies, Blizzard Roses, White Spray Roses and the sparkle of Rhinestones was the crowning jewel to her simple yet elegant gown. After the ceremony the guest were lead to the veranda where the quartet continued to play. On the cocktail tables we took vintage glasses found here and there at flea markets and second hand stores to create clusters of flowers with pearls submerged in water.

This was much more than just a wedding. It was truly a step back in time. When the guests entered the reception they were greeted by candles everywhere and once again more crystal accents. The center pieces of crystal chandeliers were the crown on the table surrounded by clutches of white hydrangea and pristine white rose petals. The Wedgewood Green linens gave the room a romantic garden feel.

Choosing the Right Rose

When selecting the roses always look for the rose that is beginning to open. I always like to educate my customers on choosing roses. They always want that tight bud. WRONG! Select a rose that is beginning to open. I had 3 men that would always stop at my store for their wives every Saturday. One day I asked them about the roses. They said they would be dead in about 3 days. I told them they need to buy roses that are beginning to open. The following weed they stopped by I asked them again how the roses were doing. Each man said the roses were still beautiful a week later.

Tampa Florist Growing Despite Economic Woes.

South Tampa Florist Growing Despite Economic Woes.

We're just about to celebrate our first anniversary! I must say it is a time for celebration. We have done quite well opening a flower shop despite the economic situation. After getting over my fears I decided to take the leap. I must say it has been almost the best thing I have ever done. We base our success on customer service, quality of product, and variety. Taking the time to not only help a customer, but making them feel at home. Turning a customer into a friend is the way to go. Every potential individual entering the store is greeted with a big welcome. We spend time with each individual not only selling them items, but selling Apple Blossoms as well. Educating them as to why to purchase a particular item or flower to suit their needs. We take the time to find out a bit about our customer and hopefully find them exactly what they are looking for at a reasonable price and of the best quality. We offer 1/2 priced cash and carry custom European Wrapped floral bouquets. This comes in real handy for the guy who is in the doghouse. When they find out they can spend 20 dollars and get 40 dollars in flowers they then stop back time and again for even that I Love You Bouquet. As a TAMPA FLORIST we enjoy taking care of all of our customer and clients needs as well as carrying more than just carnations and roses. Evey one is always pleasantly surprised by the variety of flowers and the prices.

Of course keeping our overhead low is a key as well. We hire freelance designers when we need them, and take good care of them when they work for us. It's funny they almost fight to come back. In this industry origination can make or break a business. I pride myself in being very organized especially when it comes to getting 3 weddings out on a weekend to 3 different counties. You have to send the right people to the right places. Being efficient and organized really helps out the bottom line. I must say it's a blessing along with a great knowledge of what I do that keeps the shop growing everyday.

Holiday Splendor to put you In The Mood

Christmas Creations By Apple Blossoms