Glorious Gladiolus

The flower for the month of August is the Gladiolus.  The latin word gladius means sword, and looking at this long thin stalks you can see why.  
We love working with gladiolus, or as we lovingly call them glads.  When we used them in our designs it is normally to add height.  But we have also found that they make beautiful arrangements all on their own.  
Unfortunately gladiolus have a stigma of being only for funerals, that is far from true.  Some of customers refuse to have them in arrangements because they remind them of funerals.  We find that they make stunning arrangements that are perfect for everyday use.  

Look at this beautiful arrangement, nothing about this says funeral.  This says, "Hey, I'm amazing and my name is gladiolus." 


Gladiolus come in just about any color of the rainbow and in so many variations.  Some of them look so unlike what you see here you would never imagine they were gladiolus.  


So this month, when sending a bouquet, remember the glorious gladiolus!


See more gladiolus arrangements on our website.

Summer of Savings Continues...

To continue our Re-Grand Opening Celebration we are making August a month of savings.  Every week we will have a different special, don't miss out on these fantastic deals.  Here is a list of what we have planned.

Crackling Wick Candles Buy One at Regular Price Get One at 50% off Valid in store only Offer good 8-1-2011 - 8-6-2011 Can not be combined with any other discount or offer.	Dozen Roses ~ $19.99 Wrapped & Ready Beautiful Assorted Colors Valid in store only Offer good 8-8-2011 - 8-13-2011 Can not be combined with any other discount or offer.
Free Garden Flag Stand with any Garden Flag Purchase A $12.99 Value! Valid in store only Offer good 8-15-2011 - 8-20-2011 Can not be combined with any other discount or offer.	Save 15% Off any Gift, Silk Wreath, or Silk Arrangement Valid in store only Offer good 8-22-2011 - 8-26-2011 Can not be combined with any other discount or offer.

We invite you to celebrate our Re-Grand Opening all month long.  Stop in and see our new look and take advantage of some great deals!

Valid in store only.  Coupon need not be presented to receive discount.  Not valid with any other offer or discount.  

Want to print out your copy?  Just click here.

Or watch for our weekly specials on our Facebook page.

We Love Asparagus~

No not the kind you eat!  The kind we use in our everyday designs.  Some of our favorite foliage is from the Asparagus family.  

Common Name: Foxtail Fern
Latin: Densiflorus 
Species: "Myersii"
Foxtail is stiff like a foxtail and densely covered.  it gives a soft full look in floral designs.  We love the way it adds texture to our designs.  We use it in floral designs to add a nice straight line, and even some additional height. 

Common Name: Sprengeri
Latin Name: Densiflorus
Species: "Sprengeri"
Sprengeri has a light airy look we love.  It looks so soft, but be careful on the underside there are small little thorns that love to prick fingers.  We use sprengeri as a cover foliage, it works wonderful wrapped around a wreath or draped down the side of a vase.  

Common Name: Tree Fern
Latin Name: Densiflorus 
Species: "Pyramialis"
Now this is one of my personal favorites.  So airy and soft to the touch.  When using it in designs it is best to use it sparingly to keep the airy look.  If you use too much, the design can develop a "hairy" look. 

Common Name: Plumosa
Latin Name: Densiflorus
Species:  "Setaceus"
Plumosa makes a great coverage foliage.  It can be wrapped around wreaths, over foam, or it can drape down the side of a vase.  It is very flat so it does not work well to add height to an arrangement.  The downside of plumosa is that it loves to shed.  It will leave a nice little trail of fern everywhere it goes.

Common Name: Ming
Latin Name: Densiflorus 
Species: "macowanii"
We use ming in the same way we use plumosa.  It works wonderful to help cover mass areas.  Like plumosa it loves to shed.  It has a soft full look that is worth the bit of shedding.  Ming is also a flatter fern, it covers well but does not go along way towards adding height. 


These are just a few of the greens we use in our work.  The right foliage can go along way in creating a design.  They can add texture, depth, height, or help give a full look.  We love to find new uses for our everyday greenery.  That is one of the joys of designing, creating new looks with items we use everyday.

One Week on Google+ ~ My 2c Worth

So I know that 1 week does not an expert make.  I hope that this little article will help you navigate a little quicker then I did when I started out.
I am just going to run down a few little tricks I picked up and hopefully help you find some interesting people to follow.  


What we all need to remember is that Google+ is still growing, and it will have it's share of growing pains.  With just one week in I have seen lots and lots of changes.  They are listening to the users and tweaking as they go.  What we also need to remember is that we are part of something pretty cool, this site is growing by leaps and bounds and it's not even open to the public yet.  Some reports show that it already has 20m users.  That is pretty amazing considering that all of them have been invited by people that were lucky enough to get in on the ground floor.  


I am going to skip a lot of the beginners stuff.  We are not going to talk about creating your profile, or any of that.  We are going to skip right to the fun stuff.


First are your circles.  What are circles.  Think of circles like the circles of people you hang out with.  Some are friends, some are family, some are crazy, some are geeky, some love to just hang out and have a good time.  This is how you are going to want to set up your circles.  Divide the people you choose to add to your circles up so it will be easy to keep up with them. 

I picked up a bunch of folks I wanted to follow but my main stream was giving me a headache.  This is how I sorted, yours will be different but this may help you get an idea.  My marketing circle gives small business marketing tips, my geeks have updates on google+, cool new gadgets, and other geeky things, my social media folks talk all about using social media and most of them talk about growing your business using it.  The photog group post beautiful images that makes me smile.  The holding cell was developed for folks that are not impressing me much and may soon be booted out of the circles.  Sounds harsh I know, but trust me you will get there too!

So lets talk a little about your stream.  When you go to Google+ you will see all of the posts coming in from all of your circles.  Now here is where it's a little bit like twitter.  You can put people in circles without them adding you, and they can add you without you adding them.  How cool is that.  That means if you do not have them in a circle they can only see what you post "public".  If you are not in one of their circles it works the same.  I know, I know, confusing!  But it is really not that bad.  If you want to learn about posting to circles here is a video from Google that will tell you all about it.
Tip ~ If someone has you in a circle, but you do not have them in a circle, you can read what they have posted to you by clicking on "incoming".  You may find that they have something interesting to say and even add them to a circle.  


How it's like facebook ~ It allows for more conversation then twitter.  You can see what people from all over think about that post and can even connect with them by adding them to your circles.  That is what I like the most I think, no friend requests, no waiting to see if they like you back.  You can just start following their public posts.  Love that!  That is very twitteresque (yes it's a word I just said it).  But unlike facebook it does not limit your characters .  It lets you post what amounts to a blog post and that is cool.  You can add pictures, links, and video to the posts too.  Oh, and don't forget that cool +1 button. 

Yes that is my brother in a toga... who knows why, he's young.  But as you can see the +1 lets Google see what people like.  It can help boost that material in search results for others to discover as well.  (At least that is how I understood it, I could be wrong.)


Well if you are not on Google+ yet and want in invite just email me from your gmail account and I will gladly add you, secretgardendecatur@gmail.com


Also if you are looking, for some interesting people to follow here is a quick list. This list will fill up your stream FAST so choose carefully, remember the holding cell I created?  Some on this list are the reason.  And if you love photography, here is another great list.  I am sure by now there is a list for any hobby, just do a quick Google search and I bet you will find something.


Well that is all for now.  I hope some of this helps you find your way around quick.  If you have any questions I will do my best to find you an answer.  Don't forget to add me to one of your circles.  Here is my profile page. 

*This just in ~ Looking for an easy to understand pictorial?  Check this out!  It is perfect!  This one is getting a big +1 from me!

Sunflowers ~ Oh the Joy of Summer

Common Name ~ Sunflower
Genus Name ~ Helianthus


This particular species name is "Black Jack".  We enjoy sunflowers in the summer and early fall.  The size of the heads vary so much between types we can always find a fun way to use them.  The coloring is rich and deep, weather its two toned or solid.  Some have a large center of deep black with small petals, others are the other way around (like this one).  How can you look at a sunflower and not smile?  


We even give some of them a smile of their own ~

Right now our sunflowers are coming from a local grower.  She brings in her fresh crop for us to choose from.  If you want to see some amazing sunflowers stop in.  


Sunflowers will also air dry well, so if you wish to preserve yours hang it head down in a dry, dark, area of your home.


If you want to see some of our sunflower designs be sure to visit our website.  


Thanks for stopping by, have a sun filled day!

Re-Grand Opening

The painting is done, the new signs are being hung, and we are getting ready to share our new look with you.  We are planning a Re-Grand Opening Open House for July 28th - July 30th.  Here are some of the things you will see at our open house:


Tasty Treats ~ Lemonade will be served every day, along with some tasty treats!
Savings ~ You can pop one of our balloons and save 10% to 25% off of your purchase!
Hands on Classes ~ We will have free hands on classes during the open house. 
Give Away ~ We will have a drawing to enter to win a fab prize!  
Sensce ~ On Saturday Shawna Brunner will have a Sesce display.  You can come in and see the summer burners and sample the summer scents.


Those are just a few things we have planned for you!  Mark your calendars now, you don't want to miss out on the fun.  Check out our Facebook page to keep up on all of the fun!

How-To Easy Hydrangea & Roses Centerpiece

As promised, here is the second video in our How-To series.  This makes for an elegant centerpiece at a reception, party, or just for your dining room table. 


For this centerpiece you will need:
6" Rose Bowl
1 Hydrangea
3 Roses
1 Stem of Alstoemeria 




See our first video, in the series, here.


Follow us on YouTube so you don't miss out on our next video.

Gypsophila ~ Baby's Breath

Common Name ~ Baby's Breath
Genus Name ~ Gypsophilia
Species Name ~ Million Star


Million Star is the name of the Gypsophila we work with in our shop.  We like Million Star because of the size of bloom. You would not believe the many different sizes of Baby's Breath are out there now.  We find that this size works best in our classic roses arrangements. 


When working with it in designs, we find that a little goes a long way.  We try to avoid over "filling" with this flower.  It does work wonders in corsages and boutonnieres.  You can even find tinted Baby's Breath here at the shop during prom time.  Silver is our favorite with black coming in a close second.  


Baby's Breath air dries very well.  If you hang it upside down and let it dry in a dark, dry, area of your home it will preserve itself.  


Next time you stop in take a moment to admire these precious tiny blooms.  They really are amazing when you look closely.  Seeing all of those mini flowers all bloomed on the tiny stems.

How-To Easy Floral Centerpieces

It's summer time, time for back yard BBQ's and enjoying time with friends.  Dress up your event by adding one of our simple centerpieces.  Easy to do, and so much fun to look at.  
We are starting a new series of videos for YouTube.  The first one is active now, you can see it live here:

We are planning on at least 3 more in this video series.  Watch for them on Facebook, Youtube, or here on this blog.  Don't miss out on this fun how-to series.  

Inspiration ~

Right now in San Francisco there is an amazing convention going on.  It's where the best florists in America get together and share ideas, stories, flowers, and more.  Oh what I would give to be there this week, to see those designs, to smell those flowers.  


If you want to see some of the creations visit the AIFD National Symposium Facebook page here.


So what is AIFD?  AIFD stands for American Institute of Floral Design.  


"Established in 1965, the American Institute of Floral Designers is, today, the floral industry's leading non-profit organization dedicated to establishing, maintaining and recognizing the highest standard of professional floral design. AIFD and its worldwide accredited members are in the forefront of the industry in presenting educational design programs and in designing flowers for such renowned events as the Tournament of Roses Parade, Academy Awards and Presidential Inaugurations. They are an extraordinary group of talented artists.

Accredited membership in AIFD is extremely selective and can be obtained only after a candidate has effectively demonstrated advanced professional ability of his or her floral artistry. Members proudly wear the "AIFD addendum on their name to demonstrate that their peers have found them to be "Accredited in Floral Design." They must continue to demonstrate their "cutting edge" art by meeting specified continuing education requirements.

Each July, AIFD presents its acclaimed National Symposium. Considered to be the most important design education event in the floral industry, this dynamic conclave attracts designers, educators and interested individuals from all corners of the world.

In the U.S., AIFD Accredited members participate in six regional chapters that each host activities for the education of the floral industry as well as for the floral consumer market. AIFD supports student chapters located on the campuses of major colleges and universities across the nation.

Through its Foundation, the Institute also offers scholarships to talented young designers. AIFD partner members, as manufacturers and distributors of products and services to the floral industry, are also an important part of the Institute as they help fund numerous design education events.

Accredited members of AIFD are uniquely qualified to help you create the floral and decorating accents that express your individual style." *AIFD website provided the quoted text.

In April I received the honor of ICPF, Illinois Certified Professional Florist, that is the first step for me. I am on my way.  Someday I will be honored to display the AIFD after my name as well.  Time, patience, and growing my style, that is my plan.  I "imagine" my day on that stage.  

That is what is inspiring me today, what inspires you?

What's "Growing" on at The Secret Garden ~ July

We are undergoing some big changes at The Secret Garden.  It all started with a business card, it bloomed into a new image.  We are getting ready for a new look.  Painting, new signs, new logo, and more.  We think you will love the improved us.  Be sure to stop in soon and take a look at what we have been up to.  In August we will have a Grand "Re-Opening", but you know you want to see it first!

We received these adorable containers and we all had our own ideas of what we wanted to do.  To settle this, we held our own design competition.  Then we had our Facebook friends come up with a name.  The result:

"You're all the Buzz" :

This design is in a glass container that has a handle on it.  Perfect for burning candles, displaying fresh cut flowers, or just for sitting on the patio all summer long.  You can see the small candle inside, it has a fresh floral scent and is named "secret garden".  The flowers it holds are, white & yellow daisies, green button mums, hot pink alstroemeria lilies, and wisps of caspia.  Did you notice the little bee that buzzed by to say hello? 

Price $46.99 

Order here

The flower of the month for July is Larkspur.  Larkspur, also known as delphinium, was called lark's heel by Shakespeare, and has also been referred too as lark's claw and knight's spur.  You will find these beautiful blooms in our cooler all summer long.  Our favorite is shown here, it's a deep blue almost purple in color.  The blooms are almost bell shaped and then open beautifully.  Stems of larkspur have many, many blooms all around the stem.  They make a beautiful line flower for our designs.  We also love to use the blooms in bridal bouquets, they make for a great pop of color.


Summer is the time for backyard BBQ's and pool parties.  We know that when you entertain you like your home to look it's best.  With our new video series we will show you how to make your summer party a smash.  Our series will include how to videos on center pieces, easy to create vases, and more.  Be sure to tune into ourYouTube channel for our latest video!

We are sprucing up the shop.  New coats of pain, new signs, and a new look.  In order to make room for our new fall and Christmas merchandise we need to make room.  Out with the old and in with the new!  We are running a sale so "cool", it will feel like Christmas in July!  We will start the sale at 30% off all of our clearance merchandise and end with a big BANG of savings.  To keep up with the great deals, and see some of our great offerings, check out our Facebook page.

Don't wait, stop in today and see what we have to offer.  Enjoy the warm weather and sunshine!

Christmas in July

It's that time again!  Out with the old and in with the new.  We are having a month long clearance sale to make some room for our new fall and Christmas merchandise.  We will start the sale on July 5th with 30% off the marked price on all our clearance items.  The sale will continue through the month of July and watch for additional discounts on our Facebook page.  You will find a wide range of merchandise, from spring to Christmas it is all there.  

Deals so "cool", it will feel like Christmas in July!

Our Little Future Florist

It's summer and school is out.  Every now and then our kids stop into the flower shop and say hello.  A few weeks ago our youngest, Warren, stopped by to say hello.  The first thing he wanted to do was make something.  Wow!  He picked his container and I showed him some flowers in the cooler he could use.  I cut the foam and put it in the cube and he did the rest.  I must say he has a pretty good eye for design for a 6 year old.  His colors are nice and blend well, he has the ones in the back raised so they can be seen.  He even added in some filler (the baby's breath in the back).  He looks so proud.  Maybe one day he will be running the show and carrying on our dream.