Chantilly Floral Gives Back

We have always given back to the community but now, we are supporting our community directly with Our Bras For A Cause. Chantilly is sponsoring our 2nd Bra Decorating Contest and hope you will join in. All our collected donations will be divided between Grand View Hospital and Lansdale Abington Hospital for community Cancer Awareness Programs.

 

Visit our website at www.ourbrasforacause.com and see some of the wonderful and creative decorations the community has made. Our judges are survivors and this year, we have added several categories. All our collected bras have been able to provide tremendous support to those navigating through this terrible time in there life. We hope you will show your support.

 

 

Entry Donation is $10 and you will have 5 chances to WIN a $100 Gift Card from Chantilly. See you at the store!

 

Charles

 

 



Kangaroo Paws

For those who are following our Design Contest, We Have A Winner! We will show her to you next week when she is ready for her photo op!

With so many flowers to choose from to feature, this week i thought i would go out on a limb and choose the Kangaroo Paw.  (Anigozanthos manglesii), (Anigozanthos flavidus), (Macropidia fuliginosa) or Mangle's 

The flowers are native to Australia and their strong stems make a perfect perch for birds. The blossoms come in a few colors and are fuzzy to the touch. In a vase of clean water, they will last up to 2 weeks. I like to use them in more structured designs. Their unique shapes compliment basket and tray designs. Remember to follow the flow of the stem.

Featured this week at the store. Come in for a few stems, your kids will love the unique texture and shape. Besides, how often do you have Kangaroo Paws on your table!

The Design Challenge

So, over the weekend i delivered a flower arrangement to a woman who loved flowers. it was easy to conclude based on the fact that her husband was sending the bouquet i was delivering and when i approached their home, blooms filled her garden and there were several bouquets in her home. She was excited as ever to receiver her delivery and as she took the bouquet from my hands, i could see a self designed vase of flowers behind her in the foyer.

The actual vase was pretty traditional. i am sure most everyone has gotten a similar one from any florist including Chantilly. towering out of the top were several stems of flowers from a grocer's bouquet. the design was such that if a cross breeze came by, it would easily topple over. the few stems of baker fern that was included in the bunch was huge and gave the impression of wings! i laughed to myself thinking of the seminar i gave at Gardner's Day for Zwingly Church a few months ago. This avid lover of flowers needed a much needed flower design intervention!

This week, instead of the secret answer to the question of the week, how about a design challenge! i will give you a few tips and then you can submit a photo of your design and i will choose a winner. The prize awarded will be a $50 bouquet of Fresh Flowers!

To begin, there are seven PRINCIPLES OF FLORAL DESIGN. (composition, unity, proportion, accent, balance, harmony and rhythm) These principles are a constant, underlying ingredient in every floral design. The interpretative components used by designers to create distinctive floral designs are call ELEMENTS OF DESIGN. (line, form, space, texture and color) We will visit each of these in the upcoming weeks. For now, we will focus on proportion.

For creating a proportioned design, measure the vessel by its widest part; height or width. If your vase is taller than wide, use the height as the measure and your design (in traditional standards) should be 1 1/2 to 2 times the height of the container. A wider or horizontal design employs this same guideline using the container's length as a measurement.

Using this tip, choose your flower, container and get to work! This week, Chantilly is featuring local sunflowers, 5 stems for $5.99. this would be perfect for your challenge because sunflowers are easy to design with. you can use foam or just a clean vase as your vessel.

you can email me at charles.chantilly@verizon.net if you have any questions!  I will pick the winner next week so you have a little time.  Good luck!

Since this post, i have had several questions so we will continue the challenge until August 31! a few of you, no names, needed a little more time! 

Choose your container, select your flowers, and follow my instructions for proportion. when you are finished, take a picture and send it over to charles.chantilly@verizon.net.

See You At The Shop!

Charles

Coxcomb - Hungry Anyone?

As we move towards the end of summer (my favorite time of year) a variety of local crops become available to us. Some farms are not far from the store, some are in Jersey, and many can be found up and down the coastline. Regardless, local product becomes more available and one of my favorites is Coxcomb or Celosia (Celosia cristata). If you venture to the farmers market, you will see an array of colors and textures. As we move into September, dried coxcomb enters the market for wreath decorations and wall hangings. It is easy to dry Coxcomb by simply hanging it upside down in a well ventilated area. Once dried, you can minimize dropping with a little hair spray.

What i find interesting about Coxcomb is that in many places, Celosia is a grown as a nutritious leafy green vegetable served as traditional fare for countries such as Central and West Africa. In Nigeria, they call it "soko yokoto" which means "makes husbands fat and happy".

Since i am already there, i am not compelled to try it! i think i'll just stick with design. Anyway, we are featuring Celsoia this week starting Wednesday. i hope you get a chance to stop in!

See you at the Shop!

Charles

Gladiolas

Every day we have flower related discussions with our customers at the shop. Many times our conversations are held in front of our flower cooler. Our customers graze their visual senses at the many varieties and colors on display and then stop at the tall bucket of Gladiola blooms and confess their feelings about how these majestic blossoms remind them of funerals. Although it is true that Gladiolas are generally present at memorials, they have so much more to offer than just condolences.

Gladiolas have their origions from Africa. Gladiolus, comes from the Latin word gladius meaning "a sword". Although many people think they are related to the lily family, they are not. Surprisingly, Gladiolas are related to the Iris family. One look comparing Iris and Gladiola foliage and you too will be convinced on the relationship. Some of the best Gladiolas we get in, come from Florida. They are shipped to us overnight barely showing any petals or colors. Gladiolas are sensitive to fluoride in the water.  If you ever noticed a brown or "burn" tip of the leaf, that is the effect of the fluoride. The fluoride will not shorten their life but eventually you wont even notice once the blossoms begin to unfold. Gladiolas are also geotropic in that they bend away from gravity. Thus, they are best used in a vertical vase design to prevent the spike tips from curling up. Make sure the vessel you choose holds plenty of water because Gladiolas consume volumes of water. Using a clean knife, angle your cut and carefully place them in your vase. (go to care and handling for more instructions)

For those of you who have tall ceilings at home or office, try a vase of just Gladiolas. They have a vase life of 7-14 days (depending on the temperature of the environment) and the volume of color they give is just magnificent. We generally snap off the very tip to encourage the other blooms to open. They offer a warm grand display for you and your guests at entrance ways, half walls and kitchen islands. It is a different style you may be used to but i guarantee you will love it as much as we do.


See you at the shop, the view is great!

Charles
Chantilly Floral

Sunflowers

Sunflowers

Nature never ceases to amaze me. This week we are featuring sunflowers. Sunflowers are native to the Americas.  Thus, our Sunflowers are brought in from local farmers, crops in California and even some farms in South America. It all depends on availability. However, what I find most interesting about Sunflowers is that they can be used in phytoremediation to naturally extract toxic ingredients from soil, such as lead, arsenic and uranium. Sunflowers were used to remove contaminates from a nearby pond after the Chernobyl disaster and are also being used in response to the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

It is funny how many commercial farmers growing commodity crops, discard the Sunflower as just a weed and yet it can be so important to help in environmental recovery efforts.

Look for our special this week....... Sunflowers

Charles
Chantilly Floral

Alstroemeria- did you know?

Alstroemeria or Peruvian Lily, are probably one of the most popular flowers for our customers. The customers at Chantilly Floral seem to like ther lasting capabilities, colors and textures.  But did you know, perhaps the most fascinating- and telltale- morphological trait of Alstroemeria and its relatives is the fact that the leaves are resupinate, that is, they twist from the base so that what appears to be the upper leaf surface is in fact the lower leaf surface. This very unusual botanical feature is easily observed in the leaves on cut flowers. Stop in and we will show this very unique distiction.

Wednesday we are featuring Alstroemeria as a special in the floral department at Chantilly. We have chosen a very specific farm in South America to send us the supply for our feature this week and we hope you will stop in and try a bunch or two. When I bring them home, I generally choose a lower vase. That way, as the flowers open, they slowly fill the vessel upon bloom expansion. Follow our guidlines for flower care and do not be surprised if your alstroemeria last more than two weeks! Maybe, they will become your favorites too!


See you at the store!

Charles

Featured This Week...Chrysanthemum

This week we are featuring Green Spider Chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums originated in China and migrated early in the 8th century AD to Japan. There is a national "festival of happiness" in Japan dedicated to the flower. Today, the Chrysanthemum is cultivated year-round in Holland and South America. The Green Spider Chrysanthemums we are featuring this week are imported from Columbia. We enjoy them because they are a strong cut flower which travels extremely well and has superb keeping qualities. As with many flowers, the best care is using a sharp knife to cut the stems after you prepare a clean vase of warm water with preservative.

Try mixing these in a vase with some clippings from your garden. I know my wife likes to use foliage from our peony bush to a vase of flowers from the store. Enjoy the week with a buch of Green Spider Chrysanthemums!

Charles
Chantilly Floral Boutique

A Little Extra Care

Enjoying Flowers During The Summer

The warm weather is particularly tough on flowers. When temperatures fluctuate, as the do between air-conditioned rooms and the summer outdoors, flowers get stressed. Stress reduces vase life of fresh cut flowers. They also get stressed if they are given home made additives such as bleach water, aspirin, or penny-infused solutions rather than a commercially produced solution that has the acid, nutrients, and germicides the flowers so desperately need. Without the germicide, the flower stem gets plugged, preventing the bloom from drinking and sapping the buds of the energy needed to open and last in the vase.

Here are some tips to help get the most from your fresh bouquets.

1. make sure your vase is clean.
2. use cool water instead of warm and mix your preservative completely. if you do not have some, stop at our store and we would be happy to give you a complimentary package.
3. cut your bouquet stems on an angle using a sharp knife. dull knives or cutters smash stems or produce ragged cuts, intensifying the amount of cells released into the solution. this releases enzymes, carbohydrates and amino acids when cut and causes a feeding frenzy for bacteria.
4. keep your vase full. a bouquet of roses, chrysanthemums, dahlias and sunflowers can easily go through a vase of water on a hot day.
5 when you change your water, never combine an old solution with a new one.
6. keep your bouquet out of direct sunlight and other heat sources such as the TV.
7. if you are gone during the day and won't be home to enjoy them, move them into the refrigerator or a cool basement for the time you are gone.

Try these tips, but most of all, use your packet of solution. it really makes a difference!

next week we will discuss care for specific varieties!

see you then.

Charles

Chantilly Floral Boutique

July Bridal Forum Moved To July 11th

In observance of the Fourth Of July, we have rescheduled the

Bridal Forum to July 11, 2012

We are also extending our shoe collection for the girls at

Dress For Success. So, when you are digging in your closet for all your summer styles, grab those gently used shoes and bring them in!

 We are trying to beat our target of 47 pairs. We need your help!

The last day for our shoe collection is July 20. Thank you for all your help

It Is Going To Be Beachy At Chantilly!

If you don't know, the staff at Chantilly are all about the beach. Some of us have already been this year, some are leaving and the rest are scheduling. This year, we thought we would share our inspiration and bring a little of the beach to Chantilly. We are bringing in fresh palms and tropical flowers. Our Chantilly Exclusives are going to look much different next week too. Inspired by sea shells, tropical ginger and bird of paradise. Look for HOT specials and a lot of fun. Or, just stop in and say hi. We would always love to see you.

Enjoy the Summer! and Don't Forget To Come See Us!

It is not often we have the opportunity to work with large companies to support local communities. Over the years, Chantilly has sponsored many organizations such as DARE, YMCA, Grand View Hospital, Discover Lansdale, Lansdale Historical Society, Hatfield Women's Civic Club, Lansdale Community Housing, Manna on Main Street, just to name a few. Today we are given the opportunity to help our children. My daughter takes piano lessons and i know first hand how this experience is enriching her life. With that experience and through the help from Brighton Collections, we are able to help arrange a donation to one of our own local charities.

Chantilly is pleased to announce that our contribution will go to the Future Lansdale Performing Arts Center commonly known as "311" As a member of the strategic planning committee we are dedicated to support the Arts. Investing in our children with Arts enriches the entire community. Please join us and with your help, we can make a significant contribution.

Thank you.

Charles Booz Jr.
President
Chantilly Floral Inc

Gardeners Day At Zwingli!

Join Chantilly at Zwingli United Church in Souderton April 28th! We will be giving a flower presentation for Gardner's Day. There will be a special presentation by Roger Swain the Victory Garden. Come on out and bring a friend.  We will see you there!

Gardener's Day featuring Roger Swain

from HGTV and the PBS series The Victory Garden

at Zwingli United Church of Christ, 350 Wile Avenue, Souderton, PA, 18964
Saturday, April 28, 8am-5pm, RAIN or SHINE, free parking

• Plants for Sale - annuals, perennials, & garden pots
• Garden Boutique - garden treasures from local artisans
• Silent Auction
• Door Prizes
• Garden Café - food and drinks
• Children's Activities schedule below
• Seminars and Workshops see schedule below

GENERAL ADMISSION $5
ROGER SWAIN $20 ADVANCE, $25 AT THE DOOR

For more information, including information about group rates, please email gday@zwingli.org.

Recognition Award For 2012

Chantilly Floral Boutique has once again received recognition by Teleflora as a National Account. This status of recognition is comprised by the top 5% of all floral shops. This is the 5th year in a row for this achievement stating impeccable service, success

and quality.  

Thank you Teleflora!

Farm Fresh!

Chantilly Announces
The Introduction Of     FARM FRESH!

Farm Fresh is a new program to bring fresh bunches of the latest crops directly to our store fresh from the farm. Harvested packed and shipped directly ensures the quality you have come to expect from Chantilly Floral. We are very excited about this new program we are offering. Watch for special prices and quality like no other!

This week starting March 1,

Pussy Willow Bunches

$3.99 a Bunch!

(while supplies last)

Happy New Year! Year Of The Dragon!

My wife told me this morning that this is the year of the Dragon. The Dragon symbolizes Lucky!
 Well, if you are feeling Lucky, have we got a Brighton promotion for you!

One Lucky Winner will get their wishlist from Brighton. All you have to do is come in and fill out your wishlist. Make it good because you may WIN! Both of our locations are participating so stop in. This promotion ends February 13. See you soon!

Rose Special Back Again!

Last year when we had this promotion, so many of you told us how you really liked it. So, once again, we have worked with our supplier to bring you the Buy One Get One Valentine Rose Special!

You will love our premium roses. They are perfectly gift boxed with a large satin bow. As always, our roses come with a freshness gurarantee so you do not have to worry. Try a box and you will see that they are a definately a feast for the eyes!

The "Peoples Bead" for 2012

To all our Trollbead friends!!

We start 2012 with one of Trollbeads' most exciting events: People's Bead!

For the fourth year in a row, we offer you the unique chance to become a Trollbeads designer. This is your chance to have your bead added to a new Trollbeads Spiritual collection and this year we will have multiple winners!!

Theme:  Spirituality

What:  Share your spirituality with us

When:  January 9, 2012 - February 1, 2012

How:  Upload your design on Trollbeads Universe

Spirituality has multiple meanings in different cultures. We are excited to see what spirituality is to you and even more to see how you translate it into the shape of a bead. 

Of all submitted designs, 100 beads will be chosen for the final vote and presented on Trollbeads Universe.

Happy Designing