Care & Handling of Your Potted Hyacinth

Spring, oh beautiful spring.  The number one request we receive at The Secret Garden during spring is for blooming plants.  We send them to family, friends, co-workers, and even have people buy them for themselves.  So now the question ~ "How do I care for my blooming plant?"

In this article we will discuss the care and handling of one of our favorites ~ Hyacinth. 

• Keep your Hyacinth in a cool location.  Avoid placing it under heating vents, on top of electronics, or in rooms that have a habit of getting very warm.  The cooler the temperature the longer your hyacinth will bloom for you.  We try to keep our shop under 70 degrees in the day and down to about 55 degrees in the night time.
• Water your hyacinth every 2 to 3 days.  Avoid over watering, the valuable nutrients in the soil will be washed away if you do this.  If you are unsure if your plant needs water test it with the pencil trick.  Put a sharpened pencil down into the soil, about 1/2 way down the depth of the pot.  If it comes out dry, your plant needs water, if it comes out moist you are fine.
• Bright indirect light works best.  Make sure your plant enjoys all of the sunlight it can get without placing it in a window.  We find that if the plant receives to much light the blooms open quicker and it can also scorch the leaves of your hyacinth.

If you follow these simple steps your hyacinth will enjoy a long healthy life.  Now remember to save those bulbs to be planted again this fall.

Traditional or High Style?

As florist we are asked to create arrangements for different types of people in all walks of life.  We ask questions like: what colors do they like, what is their favorite flower, do you want something traditional or high style.  This is where it gets a bit tricky.  What is high style?  Does traditional mean "old fashion"?  This is where educating our customers on the ever changing world of floral design comes in.


Traditional florist designs are normally large and full designs, be it in a vase or basket.  Traditional center pieces are typically round in shape and have baby's breath or greenery to fill in all of the "holes" between flowers. 


High Style or Modern arrangements typically use less flowers and have more empty space.  The "negative space" is part of the design and contributes to it's overall appearance and feel.  


So let us take a look at an example of each and discuss them a bit more.

Traditional Style: This is a forward facing arrangement.  The back of the arrangement has a few pieces of fern fill in the back.  The clear glass vase is decorated with a bow.  


1 Stem of Stargazer Lily
3 Red Roses
2 Stems of Alstroemeria
1 Bunch of Babies Breath as filler.


The fullness of the design is not from the flowers themselves but from the filler used.  The filler helps close in the gaps between flowers and create an overall full look to this arrangement.

High Style - Modern Arrangement: This arrangement is also forward facing, very little greenery in the back.  The roses create a line that draws your vision to the focal flower, the stargazer.  A few types of greenery are used to create some added texture.  


1 Stem of Stargazer Lily
1 Stem of Alstroemeria
1 Stem of Spray Roses
3 Red Roses


As you can see just about the same amount of flowers were used in this design.  We eliminated the babies breath and one stem of alstroemeria to add the spray roses.  


Now what is the cost of these two arrangements?  Do you think one would cost more then the other?  Would you be shocked if we told you the cost is the SAME on each of these?  What did you think would cost more.  We bet each of you would have a different answer.


Some will say the traditional arrangement is fuller and surely cost more.  Some would say the High Style must cost more because of the "look" you receive.
Each of these arrangements would sell for around $45 to $50 in our shop on a typical day.  This excludes holidays where the demand for flowers is high and the prices do go up.  


So how do you choose?  Make your decision based on who you are sending the flowers too.  


If your recipient is always on top of the latest trend, loves designer clothing, works in an upscale office, loves to have "unique" things then go High Style.  She will LOVE it and she will want more of it.

If your recipient is not concerned about the latest and greatest new gadgets, could care less who got voted off of Idol last week, and enjoys a calm and bling free wardrobe, then traditional is the way to go.

You will know what is best when the time comes.  If you want to have a look at more of our High Style or Traditional offerings visit our website.  


Just remember that flowers bring smiles to all who see them.  Even if you are unsure of what to send, whatever they receive they will treasure.  They will know that you thought of them and cared enough to send a gift of true beauty.  

How do you say Thank You?

A little history according to our friends at Holiday Insight:

"When :
Administrative Professional's Day: April 27, 2011
Administrative Professional's Week is celebrated:: April 24-30, 2011

National Professional Secretaries Week and National Secretary's Day was created  in 1952 through the work of Harry F. Klemfuss of Young and Rubicam. Klemfuss recognized the importance and value of the position to a company or business. His goal was to encourage more women to become secretaries. Using his skill and experience in public relations, Klemfuss, promoted the values and importance of the job of secretaries. In doing so, he also created the holiday in recognition of the importance of secretaries.
Today,  the title is changing and evolving. But, the recognition is equally important. There are two new terms in use today. They are "Administrative Professionals" and "Executive Admins". The two names sometimes mean different roles and responsibilities to different companies. Both are broader terms, that encompass more positions than the original "Secretary" role.
The name change recognizes and acknowledges that the role has changed significantly since 1952, and for the better at that. And in Harry Klemfuss' day, these postions were the realm of women. Today, you find some males in these positions.
The most common ways of recognizing your Administrative Professional(s) today are:

• Flowers
• Cards, often with shopping gift certificates
• Take them to lunch 
• Candies
• Assorted Gift Baskets"

How do you say Thank You to someone who helps you daily?  A person that juggles the phones, filing, all your appointments, and never lets you forget a special occasion?  Chances are your Administrative Professional does this and so much more on a daily basis.  So how do you thank them for everything they do for you every day of the year?  Simple, say it with flowers, or a great gift from The Secret Garden.


Here are a few of the things we have to offer up for your Administrative Professional(s).

This beautiful European dish garden is sure to brighten up the office.  It features lush green plants and a blooming plant for some great color.  We find these work wonderful in an office setting.  They do not take large amounts of light to grow.  They can also be kept on a desk or small table around the office. 


To order this arrangement for delivery visit us here.




If flowers are what you are looking for we have many styles to choose from.  This small rose bowl arrangement will fit on a desk just right.  It has hearty flowers and will last all week long.  It is sure to bring a smile with the bright colors the flowers offer.  


To order this arrangement for delivery visit us here.

Looking for a keepsake gift?  This arrangement provides not only the joy of flowers but the enjoyment of a mug for everyday use.  Bright colorful flowers and some fun decorative pencils make this choice a favorite of ours.  Again the small size of this arrangement is perfect for a desk or small work space.


To order this arrangement for delivery visit us here.


How about something for the office to share?  Any of these great gifts make for an outstanding day at the office.

Candy Bar Vase ~ Don't worry the Balloon will say "Thank You" or "Your Appreciated", something fitting for your administrative assistant. 


To order this tasty treat visit us here.


Need a healthy choice?  This fruit basket is perfect for sharing at the office.  It will come loaded with fresh fruit to carry them through the day.  
To order this tasty treat visit us here.

Our signature Peal and Eat cake is a local office favorite.  We have so many requests for this the word must be out.  Again we will select a balloon that will thank your office staff for their hard work.


To order this tasty treat visit us here.

Not sure what to send?  It's okay we can help with that too.

Our professional trained florists can select the perfect arrangement for you.  We will fill your arrangement with fresh flowers and deliver them with a smile. To have a florist choice bouquet delivered visit us here.


Now don't forget to add a balloon and a beautiful leanin' tree card.  There, that wasn't so bad was it?  Your assistant will be so proud of you!

Order Mother's Day Flowers & Save

Mother's Day is May 8th, 2011


This Mother's Day thank Mom for everything she does for you everyday of the year.  


We have an amazing selection of Mother's Day flowers this year. Some of the designs have even been named by our Facebook Friends.  


As a special thank you to our loyal customers, we are offering a 10% discount on all orders placed before April 30th, 2011.


When you shop early you receive the best selection and guaranteed delivery on Friday May 6th or Saturday May 7th.  We will also be open on May 8th from 10am to 2pm for you to pick up your arrangement, if you want to hand deliver the flowers to mom yourself.  


For those of you who have Mom's that live outside of our delivery area we can help you find a florist in that area.  Remember you do not want to outsource your Mother's Day flowers, be sure to contact a local florist.
When placing your order on the phone, in person, or online use coupon code: SGMD2011.


The Secret Garden
1215 E. Pershing Rd.
Decatur, IL 62526
217-875-9038

Our Special Creations for Mother's Day 2011

These arrangements were custom designed by our designers then named by our friends on Facebook.  Every year we come up with unique arrangements that you will not find anywhere else.  We select the perfect containers, flowers, and this year our fans selected the names.  We hope you enjoy the selection, and we do remind you to place your orders early because of the limited supply.

 "A Mother's Touch".  Named by: Toni Nave Watts


This beautiful white wicker basket is full of pastel flowers.  Inside you will find fragrant stock, carnations, alstroemeria, cushion mums and more.  A little bird has stopped by to enjoy the flowers, isn't he just adorable!
Price: $46.99

"Loads of Love" Named by: Robin Long Boils


This adorable wheelbarrow comes loaded with bright daisies, button mums, and love.  We have a few different wheelbarrows to choose from so be sure to ask about our color selection when you place your order.
Price: 36.99

"Treasured Moment" Named by: Amber Hendrickson-Powell


We have a variety of colors of these cute little daisy covered pails to select from.  Each will be filled with miniature carnations, daisies, button mums, and a purple iris.  The tin can be used again to pot a plant, hold keepsakes, or it would make a great pencil cup.
Price: 34.99

"Butterfly Kisses for Mom" Named by: Carol Chiligiris


The terracotta pot is available in 3 different colors.  Show here is the pink pot with an adorable butterfly charm around the neck.  Each pot will have a butterfly to match the pot color.  It holds gerbera daisies, spray roses, tulips, and wax flower.  
Price: 51.99


We will also be offering designer vases, bowls, baskets of flowers, and potted plants.  To see our full line of Mother's Day items visit our website.


Even if you do not choose to shop with us this Mother's Day, please remember to buy direct from a local florist.  Don't outsource your Mother's Day flowers.  Thank you and have a wonderful day!

The Easter Bunny is Coming to Town!

Easter ~ How we love to see you arrive.  It means the begging of spring.  The flowers and trees are blooming, the grass is getting greener, and the temperature is getting warmer. 


So what does The Secret Garden offer for Easter?  A little bit of everything.  Over the years we have sent out many an Easter Bunny, made corsages for Easter Sunday, and sold thousands of Easter Lilies.  So how do you choose?  Simple you follow your inner bunny.


What is it that you want to say this Easter?  If it is welcome spring then something from our Spring line is perfect for you.  If it is Hoppy Easter, then check out our Easter Selection.  

Easter corsages:  Easter corsages are a popular gift at Easter time.  They are typically given to mothers and grandmothers to wear to Easter services.  You can choose your flower, ribbon, and choose from pin on or wrist corsages.  We have a variety to choose from and they will all be presented in a beautiful clear box so they are perfect for gift giving.


We suggest that you order at least 3 days in advance for best selection.  Flowers go fast this time of year so we want to make sure that you get what you need.

Easter Lilies:  Easter lilies are everywhere, just like Poinsettias at Christmas.  But are they getting the proper care before they arrive at your home?  As florists we take extra special care of all our potted plants and Easter Lilies are no exception.  We can delivery these to the home, church, or place of business.  You can include a card with a personalized message.  We also have a special blog all about care and handling of Easter Lilies that you will find here. 




So no matter what you want to give this Easter we can help.


Stop in today at 1215 E. Pershing Rd, give us a call at 217-875-9038 or order online. 


When you shop with us this Easter you will save 10% when you mention code: SGEB11.  When ordering online you will be asked to enter this code.  When shopping in person or over the phone just let the sales associate know you have a code to save.

Designer's Choice ~ When only the best will do

So there you are sitting at the computer trying to find the perfect floral arrangement for that someone special.  You are flipping through hundreds of pictures trying to decide what to get.  We can help with that.  We can make it simple.  We can make the person who receives your flowers say ohhh ahhh.  The best part, you don't have to decide on anything!  Simply choose our Designers Choice bouquet and we will do the rest for you.

Florists are artists by nature.  Each empty vase is like a blank canvas and the flowers are the paints to choose from.  When we see the occasion, who it is going to, what your message is to that person, a story starts to take shape.  We start to see what you want to express with your flowers and the inspiration flows.  We look at that vase and say, "I know what I want to do".  Then we select the flowers, greenery, and accents to create that bouquet.  It will be one of a kind, it will be unique, and it will be made with love and care.  This is what we love about being florists, this is what we live for everyday. 

We have no problem creating a stock design for you.  We do hundreds of these a week.  Some days we even have the same bouquet going to 2 or 3 different people.  Heck we have even had to call and request a change in order because the same bouquet was going to the same funeral.  That is one major downside of picking a stock image, it's not that unique.  

The other major downside of choosing this option is flower selection.  The bouquet you pick may look like the image above, but are those flowers in the cooler today, maybe.  Maybe we had a run on stargazers and we are all sold out, what then.  Everyone seems to think that florists have every flower, every day of the week, that is just not possible.  Then we go to "as similar as possible", and your bouquet will change.  Will it be beautiful, yes it will, will it be exactly as shown, no it will not.  You also have to take into account that flowers are natures product, this weeks pink rose may be bright and vibrant where as next weeks may have a different tint all together.  This will also change the overall appearance of your bouquet. 

So the next time you are in the market for flowers let your florist help you decide.  

If you are one of our customers we make it easy to order a florist choice bouquet online ~ Here from our website.  You can also stop in and see what is fresh in the cooler, 1215 E. Pershing Rd.  Or pick up that phone and give us a call at 217-875-9038 and we will talk you through it.