AP: Monday, August 29. President calls for moratorium on "hunkering."

Washington, DC.  In his first news conference since Hurricane Irene ravaged the east coast of the US, President Obama today called on all Americans to "join me in a voluntary moratorium to stop the overuse of the word, 'hunkering.'" According to the President, "It's a very silly word, and I think we can all agree we've heard far too much of it in the past 48 hours." The President gave assurances that no legislation was contemplated at this time, but "it remains an option if CNN and The Weather Channel can't give it up. I mean, really. What does it even mean?"
In answer to a question by a correspondent from FOX News concerning the abrogation of the people's right to hunker, the President responded, "Get over yourselves. Please."

Big-assed tropical storm imperils local florist!

Nice day for a zombie wedding....

I wish we could have gotten the call to do the flowers.

Best wedding photos ever.

Green Weddings at the Green Bride Guide

We are a part of a very cool consortium of wedding professionals who specialize in green/eco-friendly weddings and celebrations. Check us out on the Green Bride Guide, along with other vendors who are similarly committed to helping couples celebrate their values within their wedding ceremonies.

Tiger Lily by Encke and Tiger Weddings on the Green Bride Guide:
http://www.greenbrideguide.com/vendor/tiger-lily-encke

Bird feeder sunflower thrives in Teaneck

Breaking news: A solitary sunflower seed somehow escaped the sparrows at the bird feeder outside of Tiger Lily, and its glorious progeny is now in bloom.  We'll collect the seeds and see if we can make it happen next year. (It's been a slow month around here....)

Tiger Weddings - at the Tribeca Rooftop

 The Tribeca Rooftop at 2 Desbrosses Street in lower Manhattan, remains one of Tiger Lily's favorite venues for weddings. The skylights and rooftop access combine for a stunning view of the river and terrific lighting for floral work. These photos are from a recent wedding. The palette was drawn from the iridescence of peacock hurl. Our bride went for a tamed wild look with textural variety. We thought she had some great ideas, and we did our best to implement her vision.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150330735730329.394492.214296545328&l=c9990aecc8

Will all of this soon be a bad memory?

A crevasse on Queen Anne Road near Encke Flowers.

Yes, we know it's March and all. Baseball's spring training has been underway for a couple of weeks now. Spring, by rights, should just around the corner. By writing that, did I just put a hex on the whole enterprise? We managed to get through the Valentine's Day holiday relatively unscathed, weather-wise (always a worry for florists...) and we're looking forward to Passover, Easter and Mother's Day. What are the chances the snow is over?

I've had some spirited debates with some of my customers who asserted that this past winter is proof positive that global warming is a myth. It's hard for some folks to deal with facts when ideology is clouding the picture. I'm definitely not saying that the Left is immune to ideologically-based perceptual distortions, but the Right's adamant refusal to accept the obvious in the case of climate change is a classic case of "my mind's made up, don't confuse me with the facts..." I mean, even former Governor Schwarzenegger in California says it's time to deal with the crisis. (Or has his proximity to a Kennedy warped his Reaganesque sensibility?)

The instability of the climate has wreaked havoc with the floral industry this season, with cold snaps affecting the California crops such as snapdragons and stock. Rose prices are higher than ever based on a lack of rainfall in Colombia and Ecuador prior to the huge Valentine's Day harvest.

Fittingly, perhaps, the social/political upheaval in the Middle Eastern and North African oil producing countries is driving fuel costs and therefore flower costs ever higher. Fuel is a huge percentage of the overall cost inputs in cut flower production. Cheap fuel and cheap labor are the key ingredients to making flower growers base themselves in South America. When the cost of these inputs start to go up substantially, we may begin to see a resurgence to local greenhouse flower production in the US. Encke Flowers used to work acres of greenhouses in Bogota, producing for the flower market in Manhattan. After 105 years in business and the disappearance of the greenhouses, I'm wondering if I should be looking for suitable properties to start growing again...

Encke Flowers at its original location on East Fort Lee Road in Bogota, NJ. Circa 1920.

Designing away the winter...

Trying for that "sand between my toes" feeling... Is it really still February? Jeez.
Our designers at Tiger Lily keep making tropical designs (me included) no matter what our customers order. It might become a problem. These birds of paradise are some of the most beautiful specimens I've seen all year. We'll be getting more this week. Lucky customers!

Wedding photos from The Liberty Warehouse, Red Hook, Brooklyn

Here are some great photographs from one of Tiger Lily's weddings from last summer. This wedding took place at the newly renovated Liberty Warehouse in Red Hook, Brooklyn - a converted warehouse space first built on New York Harbor in the 1850s.. Owned and operated by the City Cafe, this gorgeous new venue is the coolest place in which we've had the chance to work.

 The main attraction is an unparalleled view of the Harbor. The Statue of Liberty is looking right at you (actually over your shoulder towards her beloved France...)
The table centerpieces are manzanita branches with miniature cymbidium orchids affixed to the branch ends. The bases are composed of peonies, white gerberas, antique hydrangea, and vintage pink roses. The effect was not unlike cherry blossoms.

The Meaning of Roses. Part 6: Lilac and Lavender

Lilac and Lavender

This is a great Valentine's Day flower. Thought to be almost mystical in nature, with symbolism tied to enchantment, desire and even proceeding cautiously, it’s not surprising that lilac and purple roses send a message of love at first sight. 

All shades of purple roses can seem improbable and may lead one to thoughts of possible magic spells, charms and enchantments placed upon the rose to bring out such a unique color. Lilac, lavender and purple roses are often sent to show that the sender is enchanted or bewitched by the recipient. It could be the precursor to falling in love.

Because shades of lavender and lilac are not common in roses, receiving one can show that someone thinks the recipient is unique and rare. A lilac rose may represent the mysterious and unknown, wonder and magic, or the impossible. If you receive a lilac rose, you will know that the sender truly treasures you for your unique qualities. Lavender and lilac can also represent discretion and control. Most of us lack both those qualities when it comes to love and romance. Maybe the flowers will help.

The Meaning of Roses (and Life). Part 5: Orange

Orange.

It rhymes with "Passion." Sort of. Well, not at all, actually, but what does it rhyme with? Blancmange?


With their warm, vibrant tones, orange roses symbolize enthusiasm and desire. If you’re looking for a way to express admiration and attraction - with an underlying message of passion and excitement - then send a bouquet filled with these fiery blooms.

Tiger Lily carries two varieties of variegated orange roses: Circus, and High and Magic. When mixed with red roses, the effect is incendiary. Another great Valentine's Day alternative. Order your Valentine's Day flower delivery before February 7 and we'll give you free delivery in Teaneck, Hackensack and the surrounding zip codes.  I swear!

The Meaning of Roses. Part 4: Pink, and Passionately Pink (Susan G. Komen for the Cure)

Pink.

Symbolizing gentility, femininity, elegance and refinement, the pink rose also carries additional meanings depending on its hue. A deep pink conveys gratitude and appreciation, while pale shades connote grace and gentleness, admiration and happiness. Pink roses are also some of the few varieties that have retained their fragrance. Advanced breeding techniques that usually select for size, insect resistance, and longevity seem to select against fragrance. Not so for our Big Pinks. If you want the stink, go with pink. I just made that up. I swear.

Doesn't necessarily say, "Hello, Kitty." Recently, pink has also become the color of Breast Cancer Awareness made popular by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Guys who are into the NFL found this out during football season when they saw their teams running around in pink shoes. Be sure to check out the other creative ideas to raise awareness and badly needed funds for breast cancer at Passionately Pink.

So, sending pink is very cool. Tiger Lily has you covered for Valentine's Day.

The Meaning of Roses, Part 3: Yellow [The Semiotic Subtexts of Floral Gestures]

In this ongoing series by Tiger Lily Flowers, we hope to provide the semiotic subtexts of rose-giving. Ahem, that is, how not to screw up come Valentine's Day. We covered red and white, the easy colors. Now we get into the lesser known color symbolism. Apologies to Roland Barthes and Sigmund Freud.

Yellow

While in Victorian times, the yellow rose symbolized jealousy, today it represents friendship, joy and caring. A bouquet of these sun-inspired blossoms conveys warmth, gladness and affection. In other words, these lemony babies are a safe bet if you are trying to avoid going overboard. I mean, with all of this Winter Wonderland thing going on, who wouldn't want some references to sunshine and the promise of spring? 

Choosing something other than red can also show that you actually thought beyond the perfunctory. You get points for that - unless your recipient has made of point of telling you how much s/he doesn't care for yellow, in which case you should be moving on anyway. [Pay attention to your lack of paying attention. It's your subconscious telling you that you if you by-pass your libido, you don't actually care that much.]

The Meaning of Roses, Part 2: White Roses

White

Representing, humility, purity and innocence, the white rose - often referred to as the bridal rose - is associated with young love. In Scotland, when the white rose bloomed in autumn, it was seen as a token of early marriage. Also symbolizing truth and reverence, it sends a message of loyalty and says "I am worthy of you," (as opposed to the genuflecting, Wayne's World "I'm not worthy..."). Send white roses if you are recently engaged, are soon to be married, or if you are trying to summon up the aura of new marriage. Interestingly, white is also the international symbol of surrender. Hmmm...
Whatever flag you are flying on Valentine's Day, Tiger Lily is ready to deliver for you.

The Meaning of Roses (A public service so's you don't screw up on VDay...)

Red

OK, this one's easy: there’s nothing secret about the red rose’s symbolism of love. Valentine’s Day would hardly exist without this bold and dramatic bloom. The ultimate symbol of romantic love and enduring passion, the red rose also conveys respect and the creative spirit of love. Representing true love stronger than thorns, the red rose is known universally as the lover’s rose. Handle this with care in most instances. If it's early in the relationship, and you still ain't sure about it, you might consider a mixed color arrangement. Or just go for it. Tiger Lily Flowers has got your back.

Vote for me. I will make your wildest dreams come true.

Napoleon Dynamite is one of our favorite movies. We shamelessly copped this line.

These stunning Ecuadorian "Rosita Vendela" roses are some of the finest we've found anywhere. They are guaranteed to make your wildest dreams come true.* (*See disclaimer below.)

*DISCLAIMER: While it is true that our roses have been known to enhance intimacy and inspire great feelings of love and affection, we cannot guarantee in all instances that said roses will have the desired effects. Your dreams may be wilder than average, and therefore we cannot be responsible for disappointing results where expectations exceeded the limits of reason or reality. I mean, come on, they're flowers, for God's sake...We're designers, Jim, not miracle workers.
If you are under a doctor's care for heart conditions or other serious health problems, please consult your physician before applying these roses, as they may cause an unsafe elevation in heart rate and respiration. And always use safe sex practices when under the influence of roses.

Tiger Lily Flowers (Tiger Lily by Encke) will be delivering Saturday and Sunday before Valentine's Day, in addition to the big day itself. We're open extended hours all weekend, so there's no excuse. Visit us at 569 Cedar Lane in Teaneck or online at Tiger lily's website. 

Man, I love tulips.

Having just gotten our latest shipment of tulips from Holland, I'm ready to fight anyone who doesn't like tulips. 

It's easy to see how the world's first speculative bubble was created in the Dutch tulip market in 1637. I have to admit, I would have lost my shirt - or wooden shoes.

The hues of these flowers are so deliciously intense you could just take a bite out of them. 

Come visit our tulips at Tiger Lily Flowers on Cedar Lane in Teaneck or visit us on our Facebook page.

Thinking about Valentine's Day... already

Everyone who is remotely involved in the flower business is thinking hard about Valentine's Day. We're in the thick of it - reviewing last year's numbers, making predictions for this year, pricing and ordering roses. Tiger Lily is also busy training some new designers. Jennifer, the newest member of our team is shown at left perfecting the subtle art of the dozen rose vase arrangement. Not bad for a nube! (A bit heavy on the baby's breath, though...)

While it looks like prices for roses will be higher than ever, we have found sources for farm-direct shipments of the most exquisite Ecuadorian long stems we've ever found. Ponte Tresa is our favorite Ecuadorian rose farm, carrying both Fair Trade and organic certifications.

It may seem a bit far off, but consider ordering your Valentine's Day arrangements early. It helps to ensure that your arrangements reach your intended early in the day, and gives our designers time to do their best, rather than doing last-minute work with sleep deprivation.

Stay tuned: we will be posting our updated version of "The Man's Guide to Valentine's Day," as well as some new coupons for the February 15th Knucklehead Special Rose Sale (with a 50% mark-up for those who didn't order their roses in time.)

Tiger Lily by Encke and Encke Flowers are both located in Teaneck, NJ and deliver the highest quality organic flowers to Teaneck, Hackensack, Englewood, Bogota, Ridgefield Park, Leonia, Fort Lee, and most parts of Bergen County and northern New Jersey. Call us for your Valentine's Day deliveries! (201-287-1800).

Celebrating our favorite national holiday... Happy Birthday, Martin.

Photo credit: Benedict. J. Fernandez

"An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We join with millions of people worldwide in celebrating the life of a true soldier for justice and warrior for peace.  

Circa 1955: Encke's Greenhouses on Fort Lee Road in Bogota, NJ.

Encke Flowers, circa 1955.

This is a photo of our old location on Fort Lee Road. Under a layer of snow, you can see the greenhouses in the background. The Encke family started the business in 1906 and sold flowers in Manhattan's flower district - chrysanthemums, carnations, sweet pea, spray roses and other flowers that were in demand during the early part of the twentieth century. Through the window of the greenhouse in the foreground you can see large spider and football chrysanthemums.
During World War I, Encke's extensive greenhouses were commandeered by the US Army and used as barracks. The greenhouses are now gone, and Encke Flowers has moved around the corner from Bogota to 281 Queen Anne Road in Teaneck, New Jersey. The flowers once grown in Bogota are now imported from Colombia and Ecuador. The retail end of our business still thrives. If you are ever in the neighborhood, be sure to stop in at Encke and ask Jennifer to show you our photo collection from back in the day.
We are proud to be continuing the tradition of New Jersey's oldest, and we think, best floral retail business. We've expanded our reach and our mission with the opening of Tiger Lily Flowers in the heart of Teaneck's business district. Through so many changes we do our best to bring art and science together in providing northern New Jersey with flowers for the cycle of life.