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.]