The Name Game

Today we played the name game!  It was so much fun meeting all of the ladies that stopped in.  A bunch had not ever been in before and this was a great way for them to see what all we offer.  We will do this again soon with a different name so be sure to watch facebook and our sign for your name!  We hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did.

Ever wonder how to care for your fresh cut flowers when you get them home?  See our Care & Handling Blog for more detials.

Flower Power Happy Hour

Remember every week day from 5pm to 6pm we offer our stems and bunches for half price.  Here is a quick run down on some of our most popular stems and bunches.

Sunshine Bouquet ~ $7.99
Long Stem Rose ~ $4.00
Gerbera Daisy ~ $3.50
Asiatic Lily ~ $4.75 Stem
Daisy Stem ~ $2.00 Stem
Alstromeria Lily ~ $2.00 Stem

Remember stems are not counted as per head they are one price for the entire stem.  Some of our stems of daisies and alstro have five blooms or more.  All of the prices above, plus many more in store, are half off during our flower power happy hour.  Join us for the fun and bring home a fresh bouquet tonight!

Visit our Care & Handling blog for more details on how to care for your fresh cut flowers.

Country Cottage Inspired!

This is such a cute arrangement.  It was made by one of our designers, Sheryl, who loves to make unique and one of a kind designs. What brilliant colors and summer feel this arrangement has.  It makes me think of long walks in the country with wild flowers, birds, and bees fluttering by.  The vintage look of the birdhouse reminds me of our old 2 story farmhouse.  The summer heat could never keep us inside for long.  Our long country road was the best place to ride bikes and pick flowers for mom.  We spent our days outside then and loved every minute of it.  Long before the days of the internet and play stations kids actually enjoyed the outside!  Now I am not that old just that old fashioned :)  I can remember my dad saying "IN or OUT you are letting the flies in." or how about this one, "We are not paying to cool the outdoors".  Gotta love parents and the wisdom they instilled, I say those same things to my kids today!  So today go take a long walk in the warm summer air, as dad would say, "You think this is hot, wait till summer gets here".

This is such a lovely idea for someone who is having a party, housewarming, or just to say "Thinking of You".  

About this arrangement: This is an all wood container with whitewashed design.  This can later be used as a planter for an indoor or outdoor plant.  The picket fence area holds a fresh bouquet of flowers that include; sunflowers, carnations, mums, statice, and some delphinium.

Bromeliad Care

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Bromeliads are members of a plant family known as Bromeliaceae (bro-meh-lee-AH-say-eye).  This is one of our best selling house plants.  Bromeliads are a tropical plant that can be grown inside and out.  For our area it is best to have them as house plants or at least brought in for our harsh winters.  Bromeliads grow in many different colors, styles, and even claim the pineapple as one of their own.  The flower stalk is produced in the center of the plant and grows up as it blooms.  We have found that the stalk lasts several years, some of our clients have even claimed to have the stalk last for over 5 years on the same plant.   A small flower will bloom in the center of this colored foliage. Here are some care tips for the Bromeliads.

1. Give them adequate light.  A window with southern sunlight is ideal all year around.  Some varieties may even "burn" with direct sunlight.  Filtered or indirect sunlight is best as long as it is bright.  Different types of Bromeliads have different light needs.  Determine the type of flower and you can find the right lighting for it.

2. Water them properly. It is best to never allow the plant roots to stand in water but at the same time keep the soil evenly moist.  One way to water your bromeliad is to poor water down the center stalk, if you use this method make sure not to allow the water to pool in the stalk, this can cause rotting.  The bromeliads with a "tank" like to be watered that way best but they will absorb water from the roots as well.

3. Keep the correct temperature. For best growth these tropical plants like to have the room between 55 degrees and 85 degrees.  Most of the time the inside of your home should work just fine for that temperature range.  If the area they are in is cooler at night this will prolong the bloom life and even help enhance the color of your plant.  If your house is humid the temperature can even be a bit higher, bromeliads love the moisture in the air.

4.Fertilize the plant. Fertilizing is not required if your bromeliad is a house plant.  If you want to help stimulate growth use a water based plant fertilizer but only use about 1/2 of the recommended dose.

5. Repot the bromeliad if needed.  Most of the time repotting is required.  Bromeliads will produce a smaller version of themselves in the pot, these can be removed and potted to grow a new plant.  These plants normally take 2-3 years to bloom.

Bromeliads only bloom once in their life.  The small plant that they produce can be used to replace yours once the bloom has gone.  We do enjoy the greenery of a bromeliad almost as much as the bloom and you may as well.  If you have any questions on the care of your bromelaid don't hesitate to call us 217-875-9038.

For more plant care tips see our list of best plant care sites on the web here.

Easter Seals

Easter Seals 9th Miranda Jess Softball Challenge July 31st at the Northwest Diamonds in Decatur. This year we have added a double elimination tournament and we will still have our regular games. Double elimination cost is $100.00 per team and must be coed. Regular game cost is still only $50 and can have up to 12 playe...rs. Call Easter Seals at 429-1052 x110 for more information

For more information see: Teri Johnon Moore's Facebook Profile

Free Flower Day~

Don't miss our next free flower day!
Saturday July 17th, 2010
Will be our next free flower day.  On Saturday stop in to the store and pick up your free "sunshine bouquet".  This bouquet is FREE and we do not require a purchase.  We just want you to come in and say hello, maybe take a look around to see our new fall merchandise.  This is just our way of thanking all of our customers, fans, and friends for all of their support.

Have you ever wondered how to care for your flowers once you get them home?  Visit our Care & Handling blog for details.

Something to smile about!

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This is one of our all time favorite "just because" arrangements.  We love to suggest this when someone calls and asks for something "bright and cheery".  You can just see the sunshine in this bouquet.  Daisies are a hearty and long lasting flower so the smiles will go on and on.  
Daisies are also a mild scented flower so it works well for people with allergies or sensitivity to strong scents. 
Whatever the occasion this bouquet is certain to brighten any ones day!
~To order yours call us at 217-875-9038 or visit us online at www.secretgardendecatur.com