Green Hydrangea, Green Ranunculas, Green Parrot Tulips, Green Hanging Amaranthus, Green Cymbidium Orchids, Green Berzelia, Green Button Mums, Bells of Ireland, Reindeer Moss, Scented Geranium and Super Green Roses

Cake by the super talented Laurie Olsen

We did this bouquet a couple of weeks ago using Vendela Roses, Berzelia, Garden Roses, Lisianthus, Ranunculas and Bayleaf.  It turned out a beautiful mixture of delicate textures.

Color Scheme:

We got in this amazing Hydrangea and I saw it next to these beautiful oranges pinks and greens and was dying to make a bouquet out of it.  I think it turned out rather unexpected, I for one LOVE it!  I used: Hydrangea, Artichoke, Asiatic Lilies, Geraldine Roses, Ranunculas, Scabiosa Pods, Pincusion Protea and Safari Sunset.

A pillar of the community here in Manti passed away last week, our very well loved “Coach” passed away last week on my birthday actually.  He was a generous, thoughtful man who touched many lives.  One thing I love about taking orders for funerals is talking to people about how they were impacted.  I was lucky enough to hear quite a few touching stories last week and remember my own when I was really awful on his tennis team and he continually encouraged me even though there was so hope!

A few of my favorite things about working in Manti:

1. When I deliver flowers I am invited in to visit 90 % of the time and people think I am actually the one sending them flowers.

2. I get to watch the old man who lives upstairs across the street walk around and put his face up to the windows of all of the stores.

3. When it snows, the walk is usually already plowed when I get in.

4. I get to know how thoughtful people are.

5. My baby girl gets to say “hi” and “bye” to every customer at least 10 times.

My mom asked me to design centerpieces for her “Relief Society Birthday Party”.  She chose the colors and I designed a different piece for each table.  The budget was small for the event so I used a few non-perishable items like the moss topiaries and willow that I could use for decor around the shop after.  They were also able to give the perishable fresh flower arrangements as favors to those who volunteered time and talents.  I often suggest the idea to local brides because many people here go the diy route with food and decor and it’s a nice gesture to those who are willing to help out!

to Ruby Bloom Funerals because we’ve done a lot in the past couple of weeks.  These were all for the same service from a well loved 99 year old woman.  Her grand-daughter is one of my mom’s best friend’s so I was so lucky to be able to design for the service.  My inspiration for the family pieces came from the amazing Hellebore.  I also used, Rice Flowers, Snapdragons, Oregonia, Rannunculas, Parrot Tulips, Geraldine Roses, Pink Oriental Lilies, Flowering Branch Willow Euc, Varigated Pitt and Aspidistra.

I always get last minute calls when I’m right in the middle of the large funeral pieces for a couple more.  These two were those.  For this one I used: Gladiolas, Pussy Willow, Calendula, Asters, Orange Spray Roses, Cool Water Roses, Brezelia, Snapdragons, Dubium and Willow Euc.

And this one: Bells of Ireland, Tulips, Iris, Anemones, Brezelia, Daffodils, Aspidistra, Stock, Willow Euc and Gold Strike Roses

As I have said before, I love designing funeral flowers.  I feel it is a special thing to be able to offer and do well.  In my years of experience my greatest frustration with funeral flowers has been the lack of original ideas and images to help those ordering get an idea of what they are buying.  I prefer to create each piece custom without following outdated and poorly chosen floral suggestions.  It would be ideal to be able to sit down and gather colors, preferred flowers and sentimental items with each family.  The most important things for me to incorporate are those that are important to the family.  In considering the process of ordering sympathy flowers I would suggest thinking outside of the norm and working with your florist to create something unique and memorable to honor those who are so memorable to you.  I always suggest incorporating items that are important in your memories.  I have worked with a variety of items like handkerchiefs, fishing poles and flutes, talk to your florist about ways to safely incorporate you items without causing damage.  Floral tributes are expensive, so make them more than what everyone has seen for the past 50 years, make them what they are meant to be, a true tribute.

The family of this sweet woman had simple requests, spring with accents of red.  I was thrilled to be able to create original designs to honor their memories.

the kind of busy where I think I might lose my mind!  We handled MHS prom and a rather large funeral this last weekend.  In my years of dreaming about my business, I always thought, “I hate dances”.  I thought if there were a way to avoid doing dance flowers and get to do everything else I would do it.  However, the people in Manti are kind and didn’t give me a reason to hate working 12 hour days for a few in a row.  Also, my apprentice Tia and I came up with some super cute corsages.  We have tried in all of our work to offer something different.  I am so happy to finally have pictures of our work so we don’t have to even think of opening up the Telaflora dance book!

a few favorites:

Coral was obviously the most popular color of the year.  Try getting a 16 year old boy to help you pick which shade of Coral would match best!  I am never much of a blue flower fan but that white ranuncula…. I have never seen such a perfect, adorable thing.  I told Ricky I loved it so much I wanted to eat it, I guess boys don’t get that feeling about babies and kitties and flowers