The Frugal Florist

Sometimes Field of Flowers has a guest speaker and one of those speakers that Field of Flowers loves to invite is John Klingel.

John Klingel has worked in many aspects of the floral industry and is now the Director of the South Florida Center for Floral Studies in West Palm Beach, Florida. His background has brought him opportunities to create floral designs for many notables such as Vera Wang & Janet Jackson.

John Klingel is also the author of “The Frugal Florist Do-It-Yourself Flowers on a Budget." This book is great for all brides that want to "Do-It-Yourself" because in John Klingel's book he shows you step-by-step the best techniques to design your wedding flowers on your budget!

I have included You Tube clips where John gives a few "How To" demonstrations.(You can view the clips on the right panel of the blog.)

- By the way John will be Field of Flowers guest speaker on Saturday, June 27. He will be demonstrating his techniques in the Davie store at 2pm -- DON'T MISS IT!

It’s not just a woman’s world … men like flowers and plants!

Various studies have shown that men like to receive flowers too. So next time you are wondering what to get that man of yours, think florally!

Here are some tips to buying flowers for men:

1. Keep it simple. Research indicates that men prefer the simpler arrangements.

2. Reciprocate the occasion. If your man often buys you flowers for your birthday,considering doing the same for him.

3. Make it vibrant. Softer, more pastel colors are considered feminine – brighter, more cheerful colors have a more positive response in men.

4. Stay contemporary. Men seem to like flower arrangements with contemporary sleek lines and a natural style.

5. Consider plants. The man who thinks flowers are for females may enjoy a great plant. Think bonsai plant, for example – fun but not frilly.

Learn more!

Stores like Field of Flowers have professionals who are skilled and talented floral designers.


But everyone can learn a little more about caring for flowers and making arrangements. One way to do that is to take a class.


Listen to a professional tell you about techniques, colors, flowers that work well together, accessorizing the arrangement, how to get the most life out of your flowers.


Taking a class also allows you to listen to other people who are learning and to find out what they think. Most importantly, taking a class lets you ask questions and grow into your own as you discover what flowers you like, how you like to arrange them, what seasons are right for which flowers, etc.

There’s no age limit for taking classes. Whether you are a young person drawn to flowers and eager to know a lot about them, or someone older who has always wanted to learn more, floral arranging classes and demonstrations can teach you a great deal.

It’s great to read about flowers in a book or watch a video. But there’s nothing like the hands-on experience of working directly with flowers! If you’ve ever thought about taking a class, maybe now’s the time to do it.

Top Five Reasons to Buy Flowers!

1) Flowers are beautiful! Flowers are colorful, vibrant, arresting – a feast for the eyes.
2) Flowers last. Unlike a great meal that’s gone in a moment, flowers have greater longevity. Well after they’ve been given, they continue to blossom and brighten any room.
3) Flowers can make a statement. Flowers can be simple and dramatic or lush and ornate. They can be carefully arranged in a tall vase or modestly presented in a smaller vase. They can say what you want them to say and make the impact you want them to make.
4) Flowers are economical. With pricing top most in people’s minds, flowers are a smart choice – there are great price ranges so you’ll be able to find an option that works for you. And because they last so long, it makes the purchase price even more sensible.
5) Flowers engender happiness. Reports have shown the positive effects of flowers on people. Flowers cheer a hospital room, put a person in a romantic mood, make a person smile and create goodwill. It’s organic!

Flowering Facts about Peonies

• They are native to Asia, southern Europe and western North America
• Peonies are the state flower of Indiana
• Peonies are only available between late May and early July
• The Chinese name for peony is "sho yu" which means "most beautiful"
• Peonies grow best in partial shade to full sun
• Peony represents elegance and poise.
• Have a vase life of 5-7 days
• Peonies are very thirsty flowers, so make sure you top off the vase or bowl
• Petals should be kept dry, as they are prone to mold

Teacher Appreciation!

Teacher Appreciation Week May 3 – 9 and Teacher Appreciation Day May 5

Students often show appreciation for their teachers with token gifts. One popular token gift teachers often receive is flowers.
The National Education Association describes National Teacher Day as "a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives."
Everybody who does something good, important and valuable deserves a day in their honor. Teachers certainly are among the more deserving. This day honors those hard working, patient and understanding people whom we entrust our children to. Teachers mold our kids in a positive direction, and affect who they are and who they become. From Kindergarten through college, teachers are an important part of children's lives.

Earth Day!

Earth Day, celebrated April 22 is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson. This date is Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.

Did you know that Field of Flowers features eco-friendly containers? The containers are completely biodegradable made of natural fibers and recyclable materials such as rice hulls.
But not only are the containers great for the environment they are also very decorative with a contemporary flair! --- Leave it to Field of Flowers to have both!

Did you see?

Field of Flowers was featured in Gold Coast Magazine last month. With beautiful flowers as a setting, Gold Coast writer Nila Do interviewed Donn Flipse as the featured portrait. She reported on his experience, education and passion for the flower business. Note the beautiful roses! With Valentine’s Day behind us, those Easter Lilies are just around the corner!

Did you know?

Administrative Professionals Day formerly known as Secretary's Day is an unofficial holiday observed on the Wednesday of the last full week of April, or Administrative Professionals Week (formerly known as National Secretaries Week).

This week was created in 1952 in conjunction with the National Secretaries Association to recognize the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and other administrative support professionals. The goal was to encourage more people to consider careers in the secretarial/administrative support field.

The first official period of appreciation took place during the week of June 1-7 in 1952, with Wednesday, June 4, 1952 designated National Secretaries Day.

In 1955, the observance date of National Secretaries Week was moved to the last full week of April. The name was changed to Professional Secretaries Week in 1981, and became Administrative Professionals Week in 2000 to encompass the expanding responsibilities and wide-ranging job titles of administrative support staff.

Over the years, Administrative Professionals Week has become one of the largest workplace observances. The event is celebrated worldwide, bringing together millions of people. In the United States, the day is often celebrated by giving gifts such as flowers, candy, trinkets, lunch at a restaurant, or time off.

Top picks for indoor plants

Plants are commonly known for converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, but certain plants are also good for ridding our air of indoor contaminants.

Three common types of household toxins are Benzene-based, Formaldehyde-based and Trichloroethylene-based.

• Some sources of Benzene-based toxins include detergents, plastics, tobacco smoke and synthetic fibers. A few of the best plants to remove these toxins are the Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily), Gerbera Daisy and Alglaonema (Chinese Evergreen).

• Formaldehyde-based toxins originate from such items as carpeting, furniture, cleaners and paper products. Bamboo plants, Philodendrons, Ivy and Golden Pothos are just some green plants that are best for the removal of these toxins.

• Inks, varnishes, adhesives and paints are a couple examples of where Trichloroethylene-based toxins may come from. Plants associated with the removal of these toxins include Dracaena, Gerbera Daisy, Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily) and Chrysanthemum.