31 Day blog challenge ~ Day 17

Today our challenge was to have someone else read our blog for the first time.  We were to watch them read it, see what drew there attention.  Then we had some questions to ask.

I fixed my husband a big cup of coffee and had him start reading.  He had some interesting suggestions, things I had not noticed.  It always sheds light on the subject when you can look at it from another perspective.

Here is what he had to say:

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  He thought that the layouts were lovely.
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  When asked what he thought this blog was about he said, "31 day blog challenge"
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  It was easy to read, navigate, and understand
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  He thought that it was a bit crowded and maybe going down to 2 columns would clean it up a bit.
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  He suggested moving some of the information to tabs or other pages.
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  He liked the layout and the design.

Overall he enjoyed his experience and I value his input. 

I think the advice he gave can make our blog more appealing to others as well.  I look forward to working on this again over the weekend.

31 Day blog challenge ~ Day 16

Solve A Problem ~  As a florist we solve problems all day long.  "I messed up, can you help" says the gentleman who looks a bit ill.  The lady on the phone says, "Can you get that delivered TODAY?".  So solving problems comes natural to me.  I enjoy it actually.   So when the challenge asked us to solve a problem I said, "Yes I can do that!"      I am hoping that I have already answered a few questions in my blogs.  This has been an amazing 2 weeks so far and I know I have learned a lot.  If I have passed on a few good pointers to you, my readers, then I have done my job. 

First we have to identify what type of problems our shoppers have.  What do they want to know.  What do they want to learn about. 

On day 11 when we came up with ideas for our blog I came across several posts that I was going write that would solve problems.  We have already writing some of these posts.

Yesterday we published a guide on the easiest to care for house plants.

Sunday we discussed basic care and handling tips of house plants.

We also started a series on sympathy arrangements and how to choose the one that is right for you.

We hope that these series will become a go to guide for our readers.

On a personal note.  When my husband and I took over the shop we decided the way to have people choose flowers and plants as gifts was to educate people on the benefits.  We feel that if people know more about flowers, ordering, plants, independent business owners, and the benefits of each that they will feel confident that we are the right choice for them. 

Introducing E-Mail Notification

Introducing our new E-Mail Notification.  Have you ever ordered flowers and wondered... are they there yet?
Well wonder no more with The Secret Garden's E-Mial Notification.

How it works:  When you order anything from us simply ask for an email notification.  When your item has been delivered we will email you.  It's that simple. 

This program is standard on all of our website orders.  There is no charge for this great service.  Just another way to show our commitment to outstanding customer service. 

31 Day blog challenge ~ Day 15

We are not half way through out blog challenge.  Today I found the challenge a little more challenging.  We were to find a blog buddy, someone in our niche that we can work with to promote each others blogs.  This can include guest posts, interviews, proof reading, and more.


As a florist I have found anything niche related to be difficult.  There are not many of us out there actively blogging.  One of my absolute favorites is Smile Blog.  I love reading about her shop and her ideas.  We have even used a few ideas of hers in our shop (it's okay, she knows).  I would love to have her guest blog for us or even just do a phone interview with her.  I have tons of questions for her.


So now the work begins.  I plan on opening a dialog with her and getting to know her better.  I follow her blog and her posts on facebook.  I will work on developing a relationship with her and getting to know her better.


If you want to see what we have done or where this challenge has taken us read all about it here.

Bonus Points ~ Sunshine Bouquets

As you may already know we have started a Petal Points Rewards Program here at The Secret Garden. You can now earn 5 points for every dollar that you spend with us.  These points can then be applied to future purchases.  For the month of August, every purchase you make earns you 500 bonus points.  Well we have decided to make this offer even better.

August 2nd through August 7th when you purchase one of our Sunshine Bouquets you will receive 200 bonus points.  Our Sunshine Bouquets retail for $7.99 and include 5 stems of daisies or 5 stems of alstroemeria.  The flowers are long lasting and make a great pick-me-up for you or someone who needs a smile. 

What this means to you.  You earn 500 points for your purchase + 200 bonus points for selecting the Sunshine Bouquet + 40 points for your $7.99 purchase = 740 points total for one sunshine bouquet.  When you shop with us again you would be able to either take $7.40 off of your purchase or roll those points over towards another purchase.

Don't let this opportunity pass you by ~
Offer ends August 7th at 2pm.

Every week through the month of August we will have another exciting Bonus Points offer for you.

With Deep Sympathy ~ A Selection Guide

Selecting flowers for a funeral is never an easy task.  We hope that this article will help you select the perfect expression of your sympathy.

When you call your florist they are going to have several questions for you.  They will want to know if you want the flowers to go home with the family or be left at the graveside as a tribute.  They will ask you if you want fresh flowers or a potted plant.  These questions are just the start of your florist helping you find the best sentiment for you.

Let's talk about a few different types of arrangements that you will be asked about.  This will help you have a picture in your head when your florist starts talking about types of arrangements.

Casket Spray

Measures: Measurements will vary depending on the style and flowers.  Normally it will stretch 2-3 feet in length and just about 12-15 inches high.

Sender: This is arrangement is normally chosen by the immediate family and reflects the style and taste of the deceased.

Price Range:  A standard casket spray will start at $150 and increase in price as more flowers, or high end flowers are added.

Post Service: This piece will stay with the casket through and after the service.

Personalization: A beautiful ribbon can be added to the spray to denote the roles the deceased played in life.  For example, Father, Brother, Husband, Son.

Easel Spray: 

Measure: About 4-5 feet tall

Sender: We find that family members prefer these arrangements along with businesses.  They are very large and make for a beautiful accent to the casket spray.

Price Range: You will find that a modest easel spray will start at $70.00 and increase in value as you add more, or higher end, flowers.

Post Service: These arrangements are normally left at the graveside.  This will bring comfort to friends and family who visit the deceased in the days after the funeral.

Personalize:  For family and friends you florist can add ribbons that denote your connection with the deceased.  For example, Sister or Friend.  These normally hang down a little past the lowest flower an excellent way to add a personal touch to the arrangement.

Funeral Mache 

Measures: 2-3 feet tall

Sender:  This piece is popular to a wide spectrum of senders.  It is appropriate for anyone to send.

Price Range: A standard mache will start at around $55.00 and increase in price as you add more, or higher end flowers.

Post Service: This piece is normally created in a plastic or disposable container so it is ideal to leave at the graveside.  Again this will provide comfort for those who visit the graveside in the days that follow the service.

Personalization:  A beautiful bow can be added with a ribbon that denotes the relationship you had with the deceased.  For example, Mother or Wife.

Mixed Vase

Measures: The size of the vase will vary in size.  Your florist can help you decide what is best for your price range and taste.  When ordering online be sure to look for measurements to insure that you select the right size for your taste.

Sender: Anyone.  This is one of the more common requests we receive for a funeral.

Price Range: A vase price is one of the most flexible price scales.  Your florist can help you select the prices and styles that fit your budget.

Post Service:  This arrangement will normally be sent home with a family member or close friend.  You can even request that the vase go home with a preselected individual.

Personalization:  It is possible for us to add a personalized ribbon.  This is not always recommended but can be done to larger, fuller, vases.

Dish Gardens and House Plants

Measurements & Price:  This will vary depending on what you and your florist decide is best for you.  Price ranges of plants can start at around $30 and increase as the type of plant and container change.

Sender: Anyone.  This is another of the most popular items we send for funerals.

Post Service:  The plant you select can be sent home with a specific individual if you wish.  It is typically given to a close friend or family member.

Personalization: Again this is not always recommended but can be added to larger plants and dish gardens.

Fruit Basket

Measures:  A fruit or food basket will vary in size depending on the items in the basket.

Price:  Fruit basket prices will vary.  Your florist can help you choose the size that is right for you.  Our fruit baskets start at around $55 and increase in price as more food items are added.

Sender:  Anyone.  These are popular for businesses to send but we have had friends and family members request them as well.

Post Service:  These are wonderful to have around the house after the service.  When life is turned upside down trying to remember to eat can be difficult.  This will help the family in the days following the service.

Personalization: Typically we do not personalize this type of arrangement.  Depending on the size a nice ribbon would add a personal touch.

We hope that you find this article helpful when selecting a tribute for a loved one.  Over the next few weeks will post more articles in this series.

Everyday House Plant Care

This is the first of a series of articles we are going to write on House Plant Care.

We will cover:

• Everyday Care
• Plants that are easy to care for
• Choosing a house plant
• Top 5 indoor blooming house plants
• Top outdoor plants
• Decorating with house plants
• Best occasions to give house plants for
• When to re-pot your house plants and how
• When to bring in your plants or how to cover them for winter

Today we will discuss basic everyday care and handling tips for your indoor house plants.

Temperature: First off the best temperature that you can have for your indoor plant is 75 degrees.  If you are able your plants will also enjoy and indirect cool breeze.  Avoid placing your plant where it will receive cold drafts or great amounts of heat.  Never place a plant on a radiator or TV.  The heat that these will put off will dry out your plant and cause it to wither. 

Watering: One tip we love to share at the shop is our "Pencil Trick".  When you take a pencil and insert it into the soil and remove it check for moisture.  If your pencil is moist then your plant is fine and does not require water.  If your pencil comes out dry then it's time for a good drink.  Water your plant until the tray under it shows signs of moisture.  This will insure that you have moistened the soil all the way through.  Plants also like a nice misting with a water bottle even if it's not watering day.  You will also find that most plants will not need as much water in the winter so be sure not to over water during these months.  

Pruning & Shaping:  One thing that is common is letting a plants growth get out of control.  Do not be afraid to trim off a out of place, or out of shape, branch.  You can use your fingers, scissors, or a sharp knife to trim off these unwanted pieces.  Do not be afraid to prune your plants when needed, this will not harm your plants, it can actually encourage new growth.  Cleaning your plants can also help them grow and keep them green and healthy.  You can easily wipe the leaves with a soft dry cloth.  Avoid using any type of oils or cleaning sprays as this will clog your plants pores and damage the plant.  We do use Leaf Shine in the shop but we have not had any problems with this product damaging plants.  

     If your plant grows in a window you may need to turn it from time to time.  It will grow towards the light and this may cause it to grow unevenly.  Simply rotate your plant from time to time to allow for even sunlight.

If your plant is blooming~ remove any seeding blossoms quickly.  When it goes to seed it tells the plant that the growth process is done and no new blooms are needed.  If you remove the blossoms before the process you will see an increase in blooms on that plant.

     The more quickly you remove, dead, diseased, broke, or dieing blooms the healthier your plant will be.

These everyday tips should help your plants grow healthier and happier.  If you have any questions please feel free contact us.

Stay tuned for our next installment in our house plant series.