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.