Blogger: Sabrina Mesa

During my trip to Quito, Ecuador last year, I had a chance to visit farms, attend an international floral expo and meet some great floral people. During one of our tours of the city, we stopped at an impressive city square where designers had decorated over 10 bicycles with colorful roses, spray roses, spider mums and accent elements such as gypsophilia, hypericum, eryngium and solidaster. Each one was different and beautiful. The entire square was guarded by police and government security to ensure that these art pieces were unharmed for the days they were on display. The square was surrounded by restaurants, cafes and shops. One of our floral friends was even interviewed by the local media. I personally could not stop taking pictures of these arrangements on two wheels. Here are some of my favorite ones.

Blogger: Sabrina Mesa

Marriage is a big deal to many people, and the day is different for every couple. Whether you are for or against gay marriage, we cannot deny that same sex marriage is big business. By the end of this year, Minnesota will join Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Maryland, Washington, Rhode Island and Delaware in legalizing same sex marriages. What does that mean for florists in those states or florists who do destination events? It means that the wedding game has changed and assumptions need to be thrown out the window.

As a wholesale florist, we carry a wide variety of fresh cut flowers.  Our branch in Detroit, Michigan sent over the pictures below and I wanted to share them with you.  For more of a comprehensive list of available bulk flowers, be sure to check out our weekly availability list found here.

• Wildcat Orchids (wholesale orchids)
• Amsonia Night Sky
• Astilbe White
• Bearded Dianthus
• Cobra Lily (Saracena Trumpets)
• Dendrobium Orchid Vailai
• Fritillaria Persica
• Heliconia Yellow Carabea (wholesale tropical flowers)
• Hydrangea Magical Coral (wholesale hydrangea)
• Hydrangea Magical Cryst
• Ranunculus Orange
• Ranuncula Pom Pom Assorted
• Rose Caipirinha (wholesale roses)
• Sunflower Black Diamond (wholesale sunflowers)
• Tulip Libretto Parrot (wholesale tulips)
• Vanda Orchid Dotty Purple

These pictures our from our wholesale branch in Detroit, but you can order nationwide from our shipping departments in Los Angeles and Miami, and from our local branches in Bakersfield, Carlsbad, Chandler, LA Flower Market, Las Vegas, LAX, Orange County, Phoenix, Riverside, San Fernando, Torrance, Charlotte, and Cleveland.

In talks with AIFD regarding our sponsorship, I thought it would be fun to interview some of the speakers that we will see at this year’s Symposium “Passion” in Las Vegas.  A way to get to know AIFD – the people behind the organization.  First up is Kenneth Snauwaert AIFD.  I had the pleasure of meeting Kenneth at last year’s symposium.  He was full of energy as he described his plans for his program for this year’s symposium that focuses on orchids and I am happy to introduce you to him.

On June 7, 2013 the Florida State Florists’ Association’s Annual Convention will begin.  I’m particularly excited for this event because we were asked to sponsor our 2013 Mayesh Design Star, Jodi Duncan AIFD.  So we are sending her down to Tampa to present her program, “Armature Architecture”.

“Architecture, a Greek word meaning "chief" and "builder, carpenter" is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Today’s designer must be skilled in all areas, bringing beauty to the forefront in everyday shop merchandising as well as event construction. Explore armature based designs for bridal bouquets, big events & merchandising, and transform the landscape of your aesthetic as your profits build.”

Will you be attending the convention?  Not only will Jodi be there, but one of our representatives from our Miami branch will be at the trade fair.  Be sure to stop by our booth and say hi!  Here is more information about this event:

One word, BOUQUETLICIOUS!  Yes, if I had to make up a word to describe Grace Ormonde and Ian Prosser’s part of the program that showed off amazing bouquet designs, that would be it.  We snapped close to 80 pictures for just the bouquets and below you will find a few of my faves.  Some of these pics do not give the proper justice that these floral design deserve, but a glimpse is worth it.  For real, if you have been debating on whether or not to attend an AIFD Symposium, I think you should go.  My brain was on overload the whole time and I felt so inspired when I came back home, and I don’t even design flowers as a career!

I know many designers participated in creating the bouquets for this program, and unfortunately I do not know who did what, but I can tell you who designed the composite bouquets.  Can you guess??? Yes, our 2012 Mayesh Design Star, Mandy Majerik AIFD, PFCI.  Gotta love the composites that she comes up with!!    

Blogger: Sabrina Mesa

In January, we attended The Special Event in Chicago, IL. We attended sessions and spoke to people who visited our green and white booth.

Because you cannot always make every show so, we try to bring the show to you throughout the year. Here is a recap of a session I attended.

Hollywood or Bust

There's no business like show business and if there is anything to know, Hillary Harris knows. How does she know? She is the Executive director for Warner Brothers’ Special Events division. As head of her division, she and her team have won numerous industry awards.

I attended a session presented by Hillary during The Special Event called “Latest Trends in Hollywood.” She presented trends to be on the lookout for this year in events and weddings.

We were able to work with Miguel Figueroa and Deborah De La Flor on sending our Mayesh blooms to the recent AIFD Southern ChapterConference in Puerto Rico.  Deb was kind to send some pictures and I wanted to share them with you.  Enjoy! 

Also, keep in mind that if you do have a destination event or wedding, Mayesh Wholesale Florist has all products and facilities to ship to places such as Puerto Rico! 

When you see the sticker below on our Alexandra Farms garden roses, you know that you can only get them at Mayesh! 

The following varieties are being grown exclusively for our customer, you:

· Precious Moments: dark lavender 

· Gospel: Dark Cherry 

· Lime Piano: Green and cream 

· Cinnamon Spice: Brown

  
Which is your favorite garden rose variety??

Blogger: Jodi Duncan AIFD 

As a floral designer, to be involved behind the scenes of the Philadelphia Flower Show is an amazing experience. Working with Bill Schaffer AIFD, AAF, PFCI and Kristine Kratt AIFD, PFCI is invigorating. This dynamic husband & wife design team consistently push the limits of design, creating concepts where many fear to tread. Their flower show journey has been well documented in their book “Taking The Flower Show Home” available on Amazon. You'll find a beautiful comprehensive look from concept to creation (and a few quotes & pics of yours truly along the way). They are amazing floral artists, and they are my dear friends. 

Taking a look at this year, however, they walked in with ʻbest of showʼ under their belt from the past 2 years. This couple was not afraid to take risks in 2013. They did not expect to win this year. They prepared the team: ”this exhibit will not win....but the story must be shared”. 

This year's theme was the British inspired “Brilliant”. Among all the whimsy & jaunty iconic British themes, over in a dark corner, stood “J A C K”.....not the beloved Union Jack, but Jack the Ripper.