Medford Florist's Weblog

August is the height of the vacation months –and temperatures- in New Jersey and many people flee to the generally cooler New Jersey shore. There are though several who stay behind and enjoy what Medford, Medford Lakes, Shamong, Southampton et cetera have to offer. Some also entertain out of town visitors, often for several days, and welcome them into their home.

Enhancing that welcome are undoubtedly fresh flower arrangements in the entry hall, kitchen and the visitors bedroom: nothing, apart from perhaps freshly baked cookies, says, “My house is your house” than flowers. You can cut your own flowers from the garden or contact us and we would be only too pleased to help and, often, for less than you may think.

On occasions out of town guests staying for a night or more may not be able to stay with you. Medford Florist can highly recommend The Iris Inn on South Main Street in Medford were the welcome is friendly, the rooms a delight and a breakfast to see you through the day ahead. You can make the time at The Iris Inn even more welcoming for your guests by arranging for flowers in their room and such an action really shows care and consideration.

And why not visit Braddock’s, located between The Iris Inn and Medford Florist & Gift Shop? Whether visiting or entertaining out of town visitors, Braddock’s has a welcoming bar and quality dining with a new Executive Chef and menu. On a summer’s evening you can now also sit outdoors, unwind with a drink and watch the world gently settle down to sleep.

But best of all, why not spend the morning or afternoon, strolling the historic town, complete with pleasant shopping, a tea house, antique stores, and markers around the town proclaiming the history behind several of the older dwellings. Although Medford Florist & Gift Shop does not warrant an historic marker, the building dates back to 1866 and has served as a butcher’s, a barber’s and a candy store over 140 years and more.

When you conclude your visit to friends, sending flowers or a plant as a “Thank you” to your hostess and host is always the proper thing to do and, we can help you with that.

Links to Braddock’s and The Iris Inn as well as other, helpful, Medford websites are available on our Calendar and Links page.

Medford Florist & Gift Shop is open throughout the month of August and delivering to Medford, Medford Lakes, Shamong, Tabernacle, Southampton, Vincentown, Lumberton, Hainesport, Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Marlton, Moorestown and Cherry Hill.

You know flowers are a wonderful gift, for yourself! Yes, that’s right, for you!

A good many people view shopping as a perfect tonic or “Pick you up” yet in these uncertain economic times, you might decide that what usually stimulates you is just a touch extravagant at present and, yet, you need something to help you face the world.

The Swiss and Dutch, not to mention large swathes of the people in Europe, gift and buy for themselves many more cut flowers than people in the US. The Dutch, often seen as a frugal national group, spend more than double on flora than the average American. They clearly know that research keeps re-enforcing what florists have known for years, flowers really do cheer both the giver and the recipient. The general public views people who give flowers as a noticeable cut above the rest of the populace. Now, I am not suggesting that being both the giver and receiver in this instance you will have “double” the benefits but it all certainly points to one thing: you should feel better so, why ever not reward yourself?

We should also not forget that Friendship Day falls during the first weekend in August, on the 3 rd. This is the perfect occasion to show your friendship to a good and close friend or, perhaps, to someone new to you and with whom you would like to explore a closer friendship, remembering that the gift of flowers can extend your feelings often like nothing else.

Do, please, also realize that should you at any time have general or specific questions as to ideas as to what to gift or, after receiving flowers care questions, we’ll endeavor to answer these for you. Our ‘phone number in Medford is (609) 654 8338.

For deliveries 6 days a week, our local delivery area includes Medford and Medford Lakes, zip 08055; Shamong, Southampton, Tabernacle & Vincentown, zip 08088; Mt. Holly, Eastampton & Westampton, zip 08060; Lumberton, zip 08048; Hainesport, zip 08036; Mount Laurel, 08054 and Marlton, zip 08054.

Here at Medford Florist & Gift Shop we offer a wide selection of services alongside our popular floral designs –we have been voted the Best Florist in the county by readers of Burlington County Times newspaper- including:

Our local delivery area includes Medford & Medford Lakes, 08055; Marlton, 08053; Mount Laurel, 08054; Moorestown, 08057; Lumberton, 08048; Hainesport, 08036; Mount Holly, Westampton & Eastampton, 08060; Shamong, Southampton, Tabernacle & Vincentown, 08088; Cherry Hill, 08002, 08003 & 08034.

The expected Republican Party candidate for the Presidential Election this year, John McCain, visited South Main Street, Medford, on Friday the 13 th. I would like to claim that it was to visit award winning Medford Florist & Gift Shop, voted best florist in the county by readers of the Burlington County Times, to see what all the fuss is about. Alas, if truth were known, he was “next door” at Braddock’s for a small fundraiser after a luncheon.

I am pleased to be able to write, however, that we were chosen to design a floral piece for the long luncheon table that sat 22 persons, upstairs in the well-appointed Tamberson Hall at Braddock’s. The notice we were

given was but a matter of a few hours and to be in place several hours before the event for security reasons. The design was to be under-stated and not distracting from the matter at hand for the chief speaker, John McCain.

We conjured up an arrangement that involved single-large headed red –naturally- roses, individually floated in their own cream colored resin bowls of a forward looking design structure and all linked with fresh long fronds of “flat fern”. The fern also served the purpose of masking the join running down the length of the assembled tables to form a single long, wide one. Alongside is a photograph of the piece, in place as the table was being set.

For security reasons there was no advance publicity of the visit but, this being Medford –and I

suppose the presence of the secret service and police- word-of-mouth started to spread by late-morning and, when John McCain (and Senator Joe Lieberman) stepped off the Straight Talk bus, there were crowds of people waiting in anticipation and curiosity. After lunch and the “thank you” to the Executive Chef and management of Braddock’s, John McCain spent a few minutes shaking hands, signing a few autographs and having brief conversations with well-wishers amongst the crowd that had remained to see him after the luncheon and speech.

While all this was going on and with security personnel literally surrounding our building for much of the day, we had an active day with deliveries we had to attend to but, with all credit to the security and police personnel, any inconvenience was limited. Our local delivery area covers almost 300 square miles and includes the following Zip codes 08002, 08003, 08034, 08036, 08043, 08048, 08053, 08054, 08055, 08060 and 08088. These codes represent towns such as Cherry Hill, Marlton, Voorhees, Mount Laurel, Lumberton, Hainesport, Southampton, Tabernacle, Vincentown, Shamong and, of course, Medford and Medford Lakes.

Writing about John McCain and elections, makes me think of the 4 th July holiday, fast approaching as I write this. We will be closed on the 4 th but if you are in need of floral arrangements to add to the cheer of the occasion, we can certainly assist with, if you wish, a theme – just call or e-mail Medford Florist & Gift Shop and we will discuss your requirements with you. Our best wishes for a happy and safe 4 th July.

In this age of seemingly instant gratification, have you thought of sending flowers or a plant instead of, for example, an e-mail? Allow me to explain. The gift of flowers is gratifying, both for the recipient as well as for the sender or giver. Recent research carried out at Rutgers University in New Jersey reveals that the populace sees flower senders as friendlier, more likeable and emotionally intelligent people, exceeding the same traits in those who give other types of gifts. And that is not all: both sexes are considered more successful than the average person and more appreciative of things of beauty. In short, sending or giving flowers to someone, regardless of the occasion, creates a good impression of yourself: how is that for a confidence booster and pleasure for the recipient or, put another way, near-instant gratification? An e-mail, by contrast, rarely creates an aura around the sender

With schools about to close for the summer, how about thanking a teacher, especially if your child is at elementary school, with a fun floral piece? We offer particularly charming and fun mugs designed by Kimberly Hodges and April Cornell and a truly novel design in a pastel-colored Chinese Take-out container!

Other ideas you may wish to consider over this summer on spreading cheer include rekindling some fun and passion during a former “Summer of Love”: a fresh flower arrangement can do that like nothing else –and enhance that certain aura around you! There is the forthcoming 4 th July celebration and, if invited to an outdoor party at the home of a friend, why not take flowers, such as a tropical arrangement or something fun –just ask us and we’ll be joyfully creative for you.

Or, how about challenging us to create something happily un-usual –we like to think we’re up to the task: we haven’t been voted the Best Florist in Burlington County, New Jersey, by readers of the major local newspaper, The Burlington County Times, for not being imaginative!

Our local delivery service, operative Monday to Saturday, covers Zip codes 08036, 08048, 08053, 08054, 08055, 08057, 08060 and 08088 which, in turn, covers towns such as Moorestown, Marlton, Mount Laurel, Lumberton, Hainesport, Southampton, Tabernacle, Vincentown, Shamong and, of course, Medford and Medford Lakes.

Alternatively, being located adjacent to Braddock’s on South Main Street in historic Medford, we are relatively easy to get to and there is easy parking. Browse around the shop where our range of products is invariably changing and, most importantly, we’d be delighted to see you.

I confess: a busy month and that is the excuse for not writing a web log for mid-May. Mother’s Day was an active time with deliveries over the entire weekend being sent out to all points in our near 300 square mile delivery area and these from senders from across the USA and overseas, such as Eire, Germany and the UK. We thank all the senders and trust that all recipients enjoyed their floral pieces.

May is also Prom Season and most Fridays in May have seen corsages, boutonnieres and the increasingly popular nosegays being carried out of the door by the eager and anticipatory Prom attendees. Here in Burlington County, New Jersey, the color teal seemed to be the de rigeur color this year!

The past month also sees a smart up swing in wedding activity and, alongside Proms and Mother’s Day, there has been much wedding work. We’ve all seen the wedding shows on “reality TV” and, trust me, there can be the biting of fingernails and tense moments -especially as Mother Nature does not always perform on cue and invariably hurls a color issue curve ball at you- as you strive to obtain the “look” that the Bridal party request. One thing that is pleasant to report is that Braddock’s, formerly Braddock’s Tavern, is under new and talented ownership, increasingly busy for luncheon, dinner, in the bar and for functions. A breath of fresh air was been ushered into Braddock’s bringing with it a new Executive Chef, various immediate visual improvements and more promised. Why not pop in to Braddock’s for a bar snack or try their restaurant complete with new menu: and, if it is a special event, why not order a floral arrangement for the table and to take home afterwards? When making a reservation, ask the Braddock’s staff member and they will direct you through to us and you’ll obtain a saving on the floral piece price.

We are particularly pleased to report that readers of the main, regional, newspaper, the Burlington County Times, have selected Medford Florist & Gift Shop as the Best Florist in the County for 2008. An honor indeed and we thank the staff of the newspaper for arranging the election and for the public in kindly selecting us. On such occasions one is never, truly, certain why one is chosen over others. Is it the originality of designs….or maybe our use of color and form? Is it simply our convenient location or our name and logo that remind one where to turn for floral arrangements? Is it the competitive pricing for skilled, artistic work coupled with our imagination? Or is it the generosity of our customers, both senders and recipients? Is it our flora and the wholesalers and growers we work with? In truth it is surely a combination of all of the above for, to paraphrase Alan Jay Lerner commenting on the global success of his and Frederick Loewe’s “My Fair Lady” stage musical, “Perhaps it was the chandeliers in the Embassy Ballroom scene!” What I do know is that we at all times work to fulfill a statement we make. If we do not believe we can make a delivery by a requested time, we’ll tell you; if we know we will not have a certain floral genus available, we’ll tell you; certain flowers should not be used in certain conditions –hydrangea does not work well in floral foam or daffodils have the habit of making vase life near impossible for other flowers- and we’ll inform you accordingly. We see this, as our responsibility to you, be you a regular sender, recipient or a potential first-timer. So, during the days of the summer grind, bring cheer into your life or that of a friend, colleague or family member and send flowers…and do think of us, voted the Best Florist in Burlington County!

In the USA Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May each year and, this being the 100th anniversary of the original formation of the day to celebrate our Mother’s, it is an extra-special reason to show appreciation to Mom, regardless of your age.

Little else can express the sentiment “Love you Mom” better than flowers, one of the greatest gifts from Mother Nature herself, and professional floral arrangements give that extra touch that translate into “Love you so very much Mom”.

Medford Florist & Gift Shop has gathered a rainbow’s range of colors and a myriad of flora: the exquisite and perfect for the event peonies; choice roses with an emphasis on the color pink; from perfumed Stargazers to bright and perky LA and Hybrid lilies; dramatic and stylish hybrid delphinium. We will have the ever luxurious yet almost languid amaranthus and the exotic with dendrobium orchids. There will be hints of the summer ahead with hydrangea and the all ways “happy” sunflower; the feminine scent of stock and the “playfulness” of ‘snapdragons’; the old world – and yet stylishly contemporary - charm of ranunculus and the original flower to represent Mother’s Day, carnations. There will be asters, chrysanthemums, the cheerful alstroemeria, the soft lisianthus – almost a mix between “sweet pea” and rose – and modern favorites in the form of calla lily and gerbera. The selection will be wide, having mentioned just a few of the flowers, but I would recommend ordering early especially if you have a specific request, one we will endeavor to fulfill. In fact, why not order now?

Medford Florist & Gift Shop have a delightful piece for ladies such as Grandma or from the very young to their mothers in hand-designed and crafted teacups with coordinating saucer and spoon to reflect a specific genus of flora such as rose or hibiscus et cetera. These are available as a 3-piece set (of cup, saucer and spoon) or with the addition of an appropriate arrangement created especially for you and that special lady. Please do note that the quantities of these are limited: please, shop early for this as I suspect it may sell out fast.

Unlike many florists, Medford Florist & Gift Shop will be open on Sunday, the 11th of May and making deliveries. Many florists deliver on the Friday and Saturday: we will do that as well as the day itself. We would though recommend a delivery on the Thursday or Friday before Mother’s Day for, in truth, it really is a busy time despite having many designer’s and delivery personnel.

Do remember that many floral order services charge for their privilege of taking your order and then passing it on to a real florist. These fees vary from around $10.00 to, for FTD.com (as researched on the 27th of April 2008) $16.99. As I have written before, none of this fee goes into the flowers that you order, nor is it passed on to the florist that makes your arrangement. Several of these floral order companies charge handling fees of as high as $30.00+ for a Saturday delivery of a courier delivered box of flowers, sometimes with a vase, that Mom then has to prepare the flowers and then arrange. In such a case a $50.00 “arrangement” costs you $80.00+ for a 10 th May delivery –and if that fails, there is no delivery on Sunday the 11th or Monday 12th. A $50.00 arrangement from Medford Florist & Gift Shop –which Mom does not have to prepare the flora and then design – will cost you $61.00 for our locally delivered arrangement.

Our local delivery area covers nearly 300 square miles and we deliver to the zip codes of 08036 (Hainesport), 08048 ( Lumberton), 08053 (Marlton), 08054 ( Mount Laurel), 08055 ( Medford and Medford Lakes), 08057 (Moorestown), 08060 ( Mount Holly) and 08088 (Shamong, Southampton, Tabernacle and Vincentown). If you do live far away and wish to “see” Mom receiving the flowers, consider ordering our “Smile for the flowers” where we will take a digital picture of your Mom receiving her arrangement and which we will e-mail back to you. We will ask Mom if she is willing to have her picture taken and certain other restrictions may apply but, if you are interested, do remember to ask for this when ordering on the ‘phone or in person, as we will need certain additional details to fulfill this requirement. This is a charge for this service.

Should you wish to visit, we are adjacent to Braddock’s, a popular restaurant here on South Main Street in Medford, and usually there is ample parking on street or behind us in the municipal and other local parking lots.

On behalf of all of us here, I wish you and your Mom a particularly memorable Mother’s Day.

PS: We also have the flora and vase featured in Teleflora’s principle Mother’s Day 2008 arrangement that you will see featured on NBC television during the week before Mother’s Day and which culminates in a prime time special on the 11 th at 7pm when “America’s Favorite Mom” is chosen. The primary arrangement featured in these programs costs $42.95 + delivery. This is the Teleflora recommended price and we are selling it this price….in fact Teleflora.com will charge you $12.99 for ordering the piece off their web site: save that fee by ordering it direct from Medford Florist & Gift Shop for local delivery!

Mother’s Day has a history that stretches back, beyond the early years of the 20 th Century. In ancient Greece, it was common for the citizens of the states that made up Greece to worship Rhea, Mother of the Gods. Later the Romans celebrated Cybele, Mother Goddess, during the Hilaria festival which fell at the time of the Ides of March, between the 15 th and 18 th of the month.

A little more recently, in the 17th Century, the English recognized their mothers on the 4th Sunday during Lent and ate “Mothering Cake”. The date loosely coincided with the pagan festival of Hilaria, as do so many other key dates in the Christian year. In England Mother’s Day continues to fall on the 4th Sunday of Lent and continues to be called Mothering Sunday by many.

Back in the 17th Century the practice of honoring the mother (and/or matriarch) spread to “Mother Church” and beyond to the continent of Europe.

In the U.S.A. it was not until after the death in 1907 of Ann Jarvis that her daughter, Anna Jarvis, arranged a church celebration, using floral decorations of white carnations, of her mother’s life on the 2nd anniversary of her passing, in 1908.

The recognition of Mrs. Jarvis continued on an annual basis by her daughter and the concept quickly spread from Grafton, West Virginia, where the original honoring of Ann Jarvis took place. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed an official Presidential Declaration stating that in future the 2nd Sunday in May would become Mother’s Day.

2008 is considered the 100th anniversary of Mother’s Day, an occasion for something extra special perhaps? Teleflora and NBC are featuring a week of celebration of the 100th anniversary culminating in a prime time special on the 11th of May on NBC hosted by Donny and Marie Osmond. Leading up to and as part of the celebration, Teleflora and NBC will be searching for “ America’s Favorite Mom” with the selected lady being named on the May 11th special. If you are interested in nominating your Mom, visit our www.medfordfloral.com Home Page on information how to do this and stand the chance of having America’s Favorite Mom as part of your family!

The Carnation –or Dianthus- in white continues to be seen as the flower of choice for Mother’s Day in recognition of Ann Jarvis. The carnation is a remarkably sturdy flower, seemingly capable of taking all humanly tolerable climes! The flower at Mother’s Day is said to present divine love and fascination.

Many, however, feel numerous other flowers have supplanted the carnation, especially at Mother’s Day. Tulips, which are said to represent motherly traits of gentleness, warmth and loving, are a clear favorite for many and have won many hearts since the Dutch fell in love with the bulb in the early years of the 17th century, having originally been cultivated in modern day Turkey.

Lilies are said to represent the majesty of the Mother; the Iris stand for faith, hope and wisdom. The Chrysanthemum means cheerfulness and friendship and the Daisy –or Aster- reflects, innocence, purity and loyal love.

The seemingly eternal Rose is a firm favorite of many and Mother’s Day is a chance to explore some of the riotous colors of different strains of the flower. Delicate lavenders, pinks of all manner of hues and dashing yellows are amongst the most popular.

In the midst of Spring, plants are another popular choice, be they seasonal, those hinting of the onset of Summer, such as hydrangea or planters of mixed annuals. Then there are the constant favorites, such as the African violet in all its’ dramatic colors and the tempting hydrangea plant in pinks or blues. When giving a plant, do try to give it to the recipient in an attractive container such as a pot cover or a charming pot itself and, if the latter, remember the plant needs drainage and, to catch the run-off, a saucer of some description. The watering of both the African violet and the hydrangea is best done by filling the base of the container, tray or saucer in which the plant pot stands and allowing the roots to drink up the water.

Here at Medford Florist & Gift Shop, serving the communities of Medford, Medford Lakes, Lumberton, Southampton, Shamong, Tabernacle and many more, all of the above flowers, and plants, are amongst the many items we stock. Browse the “open all hours” website, give us a ‘phone call or visit. We look forward to welcoming you and, do note, we will be open on Mother’s Day itself, the 11th of May.

Our delivery area includes the following zip codes: 08055, 08054, 08053, 08057, 08036, 08048, 08060 and 08088.

Spring is finally here and the natural world is “waking up”, alive and refreshed after months of dormancy. Unfortunately the economic and political world we all inhabit is currently plagued with uncer tainty and concerns – you do not need a li tany of what these are for we all know what these problems are. And this on top of the day-to-day, week-to-week rigors of life in general!

Think of cut flowers as a way to cheer others or yourself up. But do it best with flowers from a professional florist, people who know and unders tand floral arrangements. Many organizations proliferating the Internet have a courier company such as UPS or FedEx deliver your order. A courier company is ideal for shipping documents but flowers in a vase do not travel at all well under such conditions.

Companies such as Proflowers.com and even flowers from part of Martha Stewart’s organization, ship their flowers –these that you saw on a website all arranged inside a con tainer of some form- bundled up and then taped down inside a box with their con tainer. This is often done in a warehouse by people will little floral experience other than what is gained from placing the flowers in a cardboard box. The warehouse is often located in another s tate from the recipient and may well be hundreds of miles from them. Even FTD offers an array of courier delivered flowers as opposed to that florist delivered. On the FTD.com website and other companies you can tell when the flowers are for the recipient to arrange because it will s tate that delivery is by courier.

Flowers delivered by courier in a box often arrive damaged, cer tainly de-hydrated and, in the winter and summer months in much of this country, suffering from the climate as the courier vehicles use are not climate controlled in their load areas.

The recipient –maybe your Mother on Mother’s Day- will receive the package and has to stop what they were doing, un-package the box with scissors or strong cutters, sort and remove the contents and arrange them. Even funeral homes and places of worship have been sent flowers in a box by some well-meaning individual and they are then expected to make up the arrangements: you will invariably find upon such an occurrence a closed box con taining wilting flowers to the deceased’s family members.

And then there is the arranging of the flowers. Unless you are particularly skilled, making up an arrangement appropriately is time consuming and difficult and may even involve acciden tal knife cuts. It is, to many people, simply a hassle: if you think of Christmas Day when Dad has to assemble a selection of gifts the children received, the frustration level can rise and, maybe, even spoil the day.

Another key aspect to consider, especially if the purpose of sending the floral gift is as sympathy, a token of thanks, for the birth of a child or to congratulate some-one, it is not a particularly courteous thing to do to send them a box of flowers they need to arrange.

If you are interested in a good chuckle, visit www.campaignforrealfloristry.co.uk where you can see a recently aired British television commercial by their equivalent of Teleflora. Teleflora in the U.S.A. and Teleflorist in the U.K. are each country’s respective major florist-to-florist “wire service” using only professional florists to arrange and deliver flowers.

We are here to help, just call us. Please remember, we deliver six days a week with the same delivery fee for each day, regardless of whether it is a Saturday or Monday or a national holiday that we are open on –try doing that with Proflowers for example! We locally and personally deliver to:

Easter this year is about as early in the calendar as it can fall under the celestial calculations in force for centuries that are used to determine when this holiday falls. Here at Medford Florist & Gift Shop, we like to think we’re ready and have armfuls of cut seasonal flowers such as tulips, iris, and lilies. There are bulbs bursting to bloom for you to choose: from the heavenly scent of hyacinth to the tempting presence of Spring with tulips; the thought of Spring continues with our selection of Martha Washington regal geraniums and hydrangea plants.

The presentation of flowers at Easter in a basket is such an appropriate gift and, throughout our website, we have a wide choice for you to select from while our www.medfordfloral.com Home Page features items TF58-1 and TFWEB357, one in vibrant colors celebrating the hope of the season with the other in gentler pinks and greens and, as the name suggests, reminiscent of a Victorian garden.

The coming of Spring and the season of flowers has also conjured a member of our design staff to create and a cut hydrangea arrangement in it’s own cachepot, complete with a hand-painted hydrangea image, and finished with roses and supporting flowers. The item code is EA001. Deluxe and premium versions of this design concept are available so, why not, ‘phone us and, should you be interested in, for example, switching out the roses with tulip or iris or anything else we have, we are almost sure to be able to accommodate your wishes.

Do remember that Medford Florist & Gift Shop delivers to the following communities: Medford & Medford Lakes, 08055; Shamong, Southampton, Tabernacle and Vincentown, 08088; Lumberton, 08048; Hainesport, 08036, Mount Laurel, 08054, Moorestown, 08057, Marlton, 08053, Cherry Hill, 08002, 08003 & 08034 and Voorhees, 08043.

On behalf of Medford Florist & Gift Shop, seasonal greetings to you and best wishes for a happy Spring.

The majority of men have experienced the difficulty of being “in the dog house”. The issue is how to get out, quickly?

What one needs is an apology token: you are looking for usefulness in the giving –and receiving- but not in the keeping; something that will not be a constant reminder of the reason the item is around and a gift that is visually pleasing and stimulating.

There is jewelry but, if you are frequently finding yourself “in the dog house”, this can be an expensive way to release yourself! There are clothes but that means joining the lady on her retail therapy trip when you might just find yourself digging yourself a deeper hole!

Chocolates are a delight to many, of that there is no doubting, yet there is a risk that a “moment on the lips means a lifetime on the hips”. A plant is a good idea until one realizes that it is like that proverbial elephant in the corner, reminding her, and you, of the issue in the first place.

There really is only one-way out of the “dog house” and it invariably involves, dare I write it, far less effort than the other so-called solutions: cut flowers. Florist arranged, freshly cut flowers are visually pleasing and study after study shows that cut flowers stimulate the senses into relaxing and putting one at ease.

A vase of flowers will not linger week after week in the house, as a plant will, reminding you and her why they are there.
Cut flowers are like aloe balm on a sore: present them or have them delivered, along with a florist’s card or a greeting card and a short, sincere, apology, and you may well kick yourself as to why you never tried with problem resolution before.

If you are in need of a release from the “dog house” you are in, rightly or wrongly, remember Medford Florist & Gift Shop and that we deliver to Medford & Medford Lakes, Shamong, Tabernacle, Southampton, Vincentown, Lumberton, Mt. Holly, Hainesport, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Marlton, Cherry Hill and Voorhees.

I trust that you received –or gave- flowers on Valentine’s Day this year and, if so, that the experience was memorable. If you are looking for tips on cut-flower care, page down to my Weblog of the 1st of August 2007: these could help you. The key though to the flower-giving process is that it is always done out of respect and, often, more – admiration or, perhaps, love. This applies at the time of sending flowers on the occasion of the passing of a person, be they family member, friend or colleague.

At a funeral or memorial service, flowers and plants, unlike little else, ease the difficulty and sadness of the occasion. For those who say “I do not like sending flowers for funerals as they die” are failing to understand a tradition that has continued throughout recorded human history. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Assyrians and Persians are all known to have had flowers of some description buried with them. Even during the “Dark Ages” in European history, flowers were referenced and used in the funeral process. People gave or offered flowers to the deceased or family often for practical purposes such as to disguise the odor and as a tribute. More recently, flowers would often last the period of the “wake” and/or “viewing” as people would travel for hours or even a day or so to attend a service: flowers acted in part as a transition.

The Obituaries in the papers often make reference to “In lieu of flowers…” but, surely, this begs the question as to why? While the funeral processes of the early 21 st Century no longer require flowers to perfume the air, arguably all their previous “functions” remain as pertinent and, overwhelmingly, they are undoubtedly a sign of respect and act as a tribute. A charitable donation is commendable but this, un-like the giving of flowers, hardly relieves a somber atmosphere and brighten the aspect of a sad day.

Sympathy flowers also need not be “wasted” as some think. If flowers are not left at the graveside – and defining such a practice as “wasteful” is questionable – family members of the deceased can ask the funeral director to have these donated to a hospital or retirement home where they can be used for display or put to practical purposes such as for therapy. Alternatively, family members or friends can take some sympathy arrangements and certainly plants home as a reminder of the occasion. Do then reconsider that possibly history’s oldest, most reliable mental pain reliever are flowers and plants.

It is but a few days to Valentine’s Day and one is led to wonder what the weather will be like in southern New Jersey for 2008! Last year, if you re-call, there was, on the night of the 13th into the 14th, an ice followed by a “mild” snowstorm. This led to school and numerous office closings. As for all florists in the area, this led to all manner of shall I write “interesting” aspects for the day and made driving at times treacherous. One can never be sure what the weather will do, especially at this time of year, and, at the end of this article I make some suggestions you may find helpful should the weather once more cast a particularly difficult spell over this region.

For a Valentine’s Day gift your special love will not forget, why not a red rose arrangement that uses what the floral trade knows as 100cm roses? These are 36” + in length and because of this their blooms are larger than the usual roses you see at a florist or the invariably smaller heads on “supermarket” roses. For future reference, you may wish to keep in mind that the longer the stem of a rose when cut from the bush, the larger the bloom head. Our 36” roses are arranged in a contemporary clear glass vase with lush foliage selected from a range that includes Italian ruscus and plumosus for that extra impact. The arrangement is an approximate 42” tall by 28” wide and heavy! You can find this incredible arrangement featured on our website under Valentine’s Day, Love & Romance and Exclusives and is named My One True Love, item number VD802.

Naturally we are offering more standard florist premium length roses in shades of red, pink, lavender, peach and white to name but a few colors and at competitive florist prices for roses at this time of year. You may also wish to consider other flowers to express your love. There follow some ideas including:

On our website you will find a selection of the referenced concepts and other designs in our categories of Valentine’s Day, Love & Romance and Roses. If you wish, ‘phone us to discuss your wishes for a unique design that will make this day extra-special.

Returning to the subject of the uncertainty of the weather, in case there is a “snow emergency” or the like, when placing your order, the following information can prove helpful:

To a residence

You may also wish to consider having the delivery on the 13th of February so your lady has the flowers when she awakens on the 14th!

On behalf of Medford Florist & Gift Shop, I wish you a happy and loving Valentine’s Day –whatever the weather!

There may have been mild weather to start 2008 in New Jersey but, I assure you, with snow forecast for the 14 th and certainly more to come, there will be a winter this year and, dare I write it, probably for the better. We need the seasonal change to allow nature to prepare for the spring and summer beyond: all flora and fauna requires this seasonal cycle for the over-all benefit of the life cycle of each species.

If one thinks back to early January 2007, temperatures were, at their extreme, almost 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than they were this year and cherry trees started to blossom. Unfortunately along came a bitterly cold period and much flora suffered for months ahead: there wasn’t the truly spectacular cherry blossom show in April in this region; forsythia bloomed about an average of 10 days later and those are but 2 examples.

While the winter may rage outside, I can assure you that at Medford Florist & Gift Shop we will be delivering spring into people’s homes and places of work throughout the season. Have you considered having a regular delivery of flowers or plants to your or a relative’s home (or office) to bring cheer? Why not join many others and sign-up for a program structured around your wishes?

It is particularly interesting to note that many of the recipients of the flora in these individually tailored programs are elderly persons - the oldest recipient being a marvelously sprightly 100 + year-old lady of great charm – who sincerely appreciate the continuing thought a relative shows towards them. These persons take pleasure in the regular arrival of the flora and take great care looking after them as they brighten their day-to-day routine.

As numerous studies have shown, flowers in a home and in a work environment provide a charming and pleasurable atmosphere, one that is conducive to familial harmony at home and a productive working area at the office. All this begs the question, isn’t it time you put this to the test?

These flora programs are available for our local delivery area of a near 300 square miles, and area that includes delivery to Moorestown (08057), Mount Laurel (08054), Marlton (08053), Mount Holly (08060), Hainesport (08036), Lumberton (08048), Southampton (08088), Vincentown (08088), Tabernacle (08088), Shamong (08088), Voorhees (08043), Cherry Hill (08002, 08003 & 08034) and Medford and Medford Lakes (08055).

So, why not give such a program as a present or, perhaps, treat yourself? To establish a program, e-mail Medford Florist through out Contact Us page or ‘phone us. We look forward to hearing from you.

As a New Year’s resolution you may wish to keep a record of this article: it may well become most purposeful and constructive!

The red rose’s symbolism of love is recognized around the world and down through the ages. Just where would any paramour be without the red rose? St. Valentine’s Day might as well be changed to Red Rose Day with more red roses being given this day than in many combined months of the year. Beyond undying love, the red rose also conveys respect and the creative spirit.

The white rose is also known as the Bridal Rose and associated with young love, innocence, purity, humility, truth and reverence. The giving of white roses sends out the statement “I am worthy of you.”

Blending red and white together, you get pink. The pink rose symbolizes femininity, gentility, elegance and refinement. A hue of a deeper pink represents gratitude and appreciation. A pale pink, as found on the Katrina rose, symbolizes grace, admiration and happiness.

A yellow rose, once the by-word for jealousy and, to some, cowardice, now conveys the feelings of friendship, caring and unbridled joy. To many in the 21 st. Century there is nothing to match the warmth and pleasure a bouquet of yellow roses can give and bring.

The symbol of desire and enthusiasm can only mean one rose: an orange one. If you wish to send a message of attraction and/or admiration, you could do no better than give orange roses. These roses carry the under-lying message of allure, burning passion and excitement. To several the message of the orange rose is more than enough to place the red rose in the shadows.

The lavender rose represent love at first sight. Almost mystical in nature, this is the rose for enchantment: you can imagine Lancelot presenting Guinevere a single –or is that an armful of them? - lavender rose(s) and King Arthur posing the question “How To Handle A Woman?”

Mixing rose colors together can create new symbolism. Red and yellow transfers lightness and happiness; red and white means unity unless you are in the medical profession in Europe where it, sadly, represents death.

Yet we cannot need to end on a sad note. A single rose, regardless of color, means nothing but “I love you”. A bouquet of tight rosebuds stands for innocent love and beauty and flowers in full bloom express the deepest of possible gratitude.

Medford Florist stocks these rose colors and more throughout the year. Now do you have it in you to truly express you feelings?

The Holiday Season is upon us and, on behalf of all at Medford Florist & Gift Shop, I would like to wish one and all, be they customer, website browser and looker, a happy holiday season and, for the new year fast approaching, health, happiness and prosperity.

The Holiday Season is upon us and, apart from thoughts of sugar plums and roasting chestnuts over an open fire, reality bites with the sheer logistics of getting the shopping done when there is seemingly no parking space, the traffic is bumper to proverbial bumper and you’ve left your list of what to buy for whom at home! The Holiday Season, while well intentioned, can be nerve tingling.

There are ways to lessen the aggravation. Why not visit Medford Florist & Gift Shop in person, noting that there is usually adequate parking in the Medford (village) municipal parking lots adjacent to Main Street, or visit our websites, www.medfordflorist.com and www.medfordfloral.com and/or even ‘phone. As a full service florist we can deliver for you, a tremendous advantage at this time of year, you have to admit!

Plants are popular gifts as society is increasingly conscious of the advantages of living flora in the home. Poinsettia is American society’s favorite plant at this time of year and the color of the bracts each year become more numerous with names such as Jingle Bells, Plum Pudding, Marble, Monet –hardly a seasonal name but certainly an interesting branding- and even Lemon Snow! These plants work wonderfully alone or in swathes and they thrive in moderate temperatures of 60-70F during the day and 60-65 at night. Water periodically –which means when the soil is dry to the touch- and drain well, removing anything that could prohibit run-off into small water trays for example. Reasonable amounts of bright to low light are required.

Regardless of their charm, poinsettia’s can, at times, just not be right. Instead, think of freshly fallen snow and then think of Paperwhites: perfect! And for a contemporary twist, why not an individual Paperwhite in it’s very own pot and then a cluster of these along a windowsill or a table…. just out of a home design magazine! Or Amaryllis, at all times charming with an air of sophistication, all dressed up and making a statement.

We design gift baskets of fruit, plants, gourmet foods or many of the gifts available from our store, especially for you. These prove attractive gift solutions where the recipient is the entire family or for people you work with, for example, and prices start at $40.00. Our gourmet food range includes Belgian and American chocolates; pate, ham, sausages, cheese, crackers, teas, coffee, cookies and much more.

In store there are a wide assortment of gift items: stocking stuffers starting from $5.00 to glass vases and containers up to $99.00; from plush/stuffed animals from Jellycats to stationery from Michel Designs; from April Cornel and Kimberly Hodges ceramics to delightful new born baby gifts. And more… often unusual that is not the “same old, same old” gifts.

Do come on by or enjoy strolling through our website. As a quick point of reference, our local deliveries cover approx. 300 square miles and include:

We are also able to arrange deliveries to most parts of the USA, North America and more or less anywhere Santa goes if you want to beat him to it!

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking customers for shopping with Medford Florist & Gift Shop and wishing customers and visitors seasonal greetings and wishes for a happy, safe, 2008.

The supermarket weekly specials remind one and all that “turkey time” and Thanksgiving is just around the corner – the 21 st November this year. As with many things in life, Thanksgiving seems to most to arrive quicker than ever as one pauses to think where the last 12 months went?

At Medford Florist & Gift Shop we have placed our order requirements for fresh-cut flowers for the Thanksgiving table and household decorations. The selection of flora conjures up the colors of the season: rich burgundy and dramatic “burnt orange” to robust cinnamon; popular bronze and copper, all manner of shades of yellow and contrasting hints of purple are featured in our color palette.

A key feature this season from Medford Florist & Gift Shop is the dramatic twist on a centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table using the bronze colored ceramic holder from Teleflora comprising spray roses, leucadendron, chrysanthemum, asters and completed with a pair of color coordinating taper candles. Traditional or contemporary, this piece is at home on your table. The practical element of this Teleflora container is that future uses may include holding wrapped candy or other foods, a practical piece for kitchen or a home office. I also like to think that the container is just as suitable for a gentleman as a lady due to the design concept of the piece.

If you were looking for a more traditional piece, such as a cornucopia, or a truly contemporary item, a centerpiece for a cozy table or where the entire, extended, family is gathered around, we can create something that would stand proud, along with the turkey.

Or are you visiting family or friends for Thanksgiving and looking for a perfect way to express your thanks for the invitation to the host and hostess? If so, why not arrange to have a centerpiece delivered to them by us? Or, play it safe and order a floral arrangement for elsewhere in their house for this all-important day? One helpful aspect of ordering flowers from a florist is the option of having your arrangement delivered in advance of your arrival and books on etiquette will give you strong “brownie points” for your fore-thought and manners!

If visiting family or friends, after the Thanksgiving repast and your return home, why not show thanks to the hostess and host by sending them a floral piece? As I have written before and as countless surveys have shown, ladies truly appreciate the receipt of flowers and invariably re-call such acts, often well into the future. What is more, as books on etiquette advise, the heights or manners is to thank the hostess for her hospitality and, apart from a hand-written letter, the sending of flowers is a charming act.

Items featured on our website are available to order “24/7” or, why not, ‘phone Medford Florist & Gift Shop during the day and we’d be sure to discuss with you your personal requirements. One thing we do ask though is that the more notice of your requirements you give us, the more we can assist by working to make sure that a specific flower, color or piece is still available.

When it comes to delivery to help you this Thanksgiving, we can arrange to send flowers, far and wide and our local delivery area serves Medford, Medford Lakes, Lumberton, Hainesport, Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Marlton, Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Shamong, Southampton, Tabernacle and Vincentown. These towns are represented by zip codes 08002, 08003, 08034, 08036, 08043, 08053, 08054, 08055, 08057 and 08060.

And, as a token of our appreciation, thank you for reading and, we trust, your business: Happy Thanksgiving.

Research and survey after survey all indicate that people feel better and perform better when around flowers. Therefore, with the literal onslaught of the holidays approaching, why not ease your way through this time with flowers each week?

If you would like flowers each week, we can create a plan that suits your wishes and can be surprisingly affordable as the price depends upon your wishes. You can modify your plan from time to time and, should you be away for a few weeks, suspend the activity until you return. The key element to remember is that the plan is created to suit you. And we do this because if it suits you, you are more likely to be able to face the world with just a touch more sanity.

You may also wish to consider sending someone flowers on a regular basis: that does wonders for them – especially the elderly - and, in truth, yourself.

Sign-up for our weekly floral program and give yourself a fighting chance to face the holiday season – and beyond - with all that you have

Convenience is something we all crave for. We think of super-center shopping locations as palaces of great convenience and shopping on-line is the 21 st. century ultimate convenience. Yet, stop to ponder: are they all that they seem?

A super-center has much going for it, especially choice. The drawbacks though are significant, especially in the Holiday season. How easy is it to park? In fact, how much has it cost you to get there and then park? You then walk “miles” –perhaps an actual one or more- and spend time queuing with your purchase(s), should you find something: hardly convenient, is it? And the crowds with the associated “background” noise and, no doubt, a steady build-up of frustration and general tiredness. If you happened to buy flowers during your slog through the hallowed halls of re tail, have the flowers you purchased a water tube to each stem to provide essential sustenance. Did they survive the ordeal back to the car? Did you?

Real convenience is shopping on-line: log on from home at 3pm or 3am and place an order. But, when it comes to flowers, what are you actually paying? If you went to one of those order gatherers, those that promote their “1-800” number and claim to be in what seems every other town in the nation, you will, invariably, be stuck with a $10 to $14.00 handling fee or maybe even more which, they claim, is for delivery, a s tatement that is ridiculous and untrue if it is a florist arranged piece. In the flower delivery industry, any party claiming a florist delivers the flowers for them free is not acting honestly: what the “1-800” businesses charge as a service and/or handling fee is what they keep plus a portion of what they advertise as the cost of the flowers. How convenient (and truthful) are those additional fees?

You could visit a local supermarket in the Mid-Atlantic region and, undoubtedly, stumble across their flower department. An up-market supermarket expanding relatively rapidly in the upper Mid-Atlantic region does have some good, imaginative arrangements for sale in their supermarkets. However, ask for a customized arrangement, you will have to come back in perhaps 24 hours. Of course, you could order it on line or over the ‘phone to be delivered to you but that will cost you an additional minimum of $16.00 to $22.50 or more depending upon location (+ tax): how convenient is that? At the same chain, should you want a few arrangements for Thanksgiving or any other occasion, you need to provide 2 weeks notice! And this company charges an additional “30% labor fee” for making your arrangement – a dozen long-stem roses cost $90.00: I suppose they feel that they can and, oh so conveniently, charge this fee!

Then there is the supermarket group in the Delaware – New York region that assures one that shopping with them is just “rite”. They have attractively priced flowers that have been out in the open air for “24/7” yet how long will they survive when they get into water once you have done your round of chores and labored with the day? Alternatively, visit their website and pay a FedEx delivery fee of $13.50 for “2 day” delivery of your arrangement: now, when did you last see a FedEx delivery person bring you anything but a box with their contents? Hardly the way to deliver flowers, is it. And then you can “drop everything” and prepare the flowers and make the arrangement – inconvenience in a box is more like it?

Shopping for flowers from 1-800 websites, supermarkets (and their sites) is not, after all, truly convenient.

Our local delivery area covers zip codes 08002, 08003, 08034, 08036, 08043, 08048, 08053, 08054, 08055, 08060 & 08088. These covers towns Cherry Hill, Hainesport, Voorhees, Lumberton, Marlton, Mt. Laurel, Medford, Medford Lakes, Mt. Holly, Eas tampton, Wes tampton, Southampton, Shamong, Tabernacle and Vincentown.

Did you know that since there was an Administrative Assistant’s Day – stretched now to a week! – there is the inevitable Boss’s Day, also stretched to a week. In 2007 Boss’s Day is Tuesday the 16 th of October.

I am writing about this for 2 reasons, not least the fact that the 16 th. October approaches. The other, and surely more important, is that studies, the most recent being a joint project between Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, indicate that workplace commitment is chiefly influenced by an individual’s sense of purpose, feeling of personal contribution and an overall trust in the organization that they work for. Linked with a separate Harvard study whereby flowers and flora in general was found to up-lift and enhance moods, creativity and productivity, maybe the giving of flowers to a Boss is not such an odd idea after all. A token of thanks and a sign of appreciation works on both Administrative Assistant’s Day as well as Boss’s Day and, just maybe, if you send the Boss a plant or flowers more often, his output may improve as well as his or her consideration at the time of performance reviews!

Whether your Boss be female or male, a wide selection of flower arrangements or plants is shown on our website with, if it is appropriate, an entire “ For Him” classification. And let us trust that the flowers work!

Our local delivery area covers zip codes 08002, 08003, 08034, 08036, 08043, 08048, 08053, 08054, 08055, 08060 & 08088. These covers towns Cherry Hill, Hainesport, Voorhees, Lumberton, Marlton, Mt. Laurel, Medford, Medford Lakes, Mt. Holly, Eastampton, Westampton, Southampton, Shamong, Tabernacle and Vincentown.

You have at times, no doubt, wondered how to obtain a special favor or memento of an occasion, be it personal, business, school or charitable but felt that requirements were too much or did not know where to turn. At Medford Florist & Gift Shop, you may be surprised what we can do for you. Keep reading…

Are you interested in customized Mylar balloons or, perhaps, a teddy bear for a special event or occasion? Medford Florist & Gift Shop works with a national manufacturer of Mylar balloons – those shiny “silver” ones – onto which you can print 2 colors for a total of 3 colors for an excellent price of $6.00 (+ sales tax) each that includes filling with helium, tethering and weighting – so you do not float away! - and delivered within our local delivery area for which details given below. For information on the minimum quantity, starting from 120, and the lead-time from a couple of weeks outside of holiday periods, please contact us.

Or, what about teddy? A delightful plush bear complete with shorts and a customized tee-shirt, ideal as a mascot or for a birthday party, as a gift at a maternity shower or for some-one who adores teddies! The possibilities are, almost, endless! The minimum quantity is surprisingly low at 24 pieces and prices are $12.00 each (+ sales tax). For further information, please contact us.

Medford Florist & Gift Shop can arrange a variety of other customized items – a genuine collectors limited edition Matchbox vehicle, or, maybe, a Magic 8 Ball designed to promote your business or as a unique and truly fascinating Bridal favor. There really are all manner of interesting things to discover at Medford Florist.

or the shop location of:
31 S. Main St. , Medford, NJ 08055 . We are adjacent to Braddock’s Tavern.

That’s it: Summer is over! All right, it is not the official end of Summer but, with most children back at school and Labor Day behind us, the minds turn to Fall and all that it inspires and means to people.

The days are noticeably shorter as we work out way through September and the temperatures, if Mother Nature performs, as she should, start to ease off. The dendrathemas –or chrysanthemums- are appearing and thoughts start to turn toward Halloween.

Medford Florist & Gift Shop has a special on 9” chrysanthemums for all “walk-in” customers: $6.00 per 9” outdoor pot or 2 such pots for $10.00 (+ Sales tax). This offer is not available for Internet nor ‘Phone orders, I regret. As I write this the “mums” are in breaking bud but should look wonderful, especially massed, on, for example, a porch or doorsteps to the front of a house.

Further news from us is that, with the popularity of the Kimberly Hodges line of mugs, plates and cachepots, we have introduced appealing pails: metal pails are decorated in vibrant yet delightful and feminine color choices and designs –inside as well as out- with a signature phrase from Kimberly added and the handle for the pail finished in contemporary “jeweled” beads. For an equally appealing price of $14.95 “as is” or place a flowering plant into the pail –or a floral design- and you have a marvelous gift.

So, come on in either if you are in the neighborhood or come on purpose for, either way, you will be welcome. Remember, if you are an AAA member, you can save 20% on your product purchase(s) but you must bring your card with you! Further, if you visit and are going on somewhere and not directly home, we do deliver – Medford, Medford Lakes, Marlton, Mount Laurel, Southampton, Shamong, Tabernacle, Lumberton, Hainesport, Moorestown, Voorhees and Cherry Hill