Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Thank You for a Wonderful Year

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to be thankful.  It's been an eventful year.  Between Valentine's day, Mother's day, and Christmas, we've used thousands of red roses and countless other flowers.

Spring and Easter brought an influx of peace lilies. Our summer garden was a beautiful success, and we enjoyed looking at the flowers while we worked and communing with the fish and frogs when we went outside.

The winter season brought an avalanche of poinsettias, Christmas tree ornaments, greenery, and package after package of red roses!

It's been crazy, busy, exciting, crowded, and unforgettable, and we've loved every minute of it.

So while the last few days of the year tick away, stop by one more time for 25% off select winter merchandise.

Thank you for the most exciting year yet.  We hope for many more flower-filled days in 2018!
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Product Feature: Luminara Candles

For cozy, classic home decor, nothing beats a gently flickering candle-but lit candles are often a hazard for forgetful homes.  This is where the Luminara candle comes in.

FLAT TOP PILLAR CANDLE
Some of the classic pillar candles
Luminara candles are the most realistic battery-operated candles we've seen here at Hummingbird.  Not only does the light dim and brighten like the real thing, but the 'flame' itself wiggles and sways. making it almost indistinguishable from a live candle.  

Luminara offers a range of candles in different sizes, colors, and textures.  They range from birch-wrapped for a rustic theme to beveled tops that look as if the candle has melted down with use.

What makes these candles extra-impressive is the timer setting, so they will automatically shut down after a few hours and let you save on battery costs!

We couldn't be more impressed with Luminara candles, and love having them around the shop.  We hope you'll find the perfect candle for your home as well.

-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Winter Greens: What to look for winter 2017

Sure, everyone likes the red, white, and green flowers that make up winter arrangements, but what about the greens?  Greenery used in the winter can elevate a design from a standard arrangement to a spectacular winter-themed design.  So what kind of greens are used in the winter to make these arrangements?

White pine:

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White pine is the longer-needled pine often seen during the colder months.  Despite its sharp needles, this green actually adds a softer, willowy look to an arrangement.

Princess Pine:

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In contrast to white pine, princess pine has short, tight needles that add structure to a piece.

Variegated Holly:

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While wild type holly has leaves that are fully green, variegated holly has been developed to have a cream piping around the edges to stand out against other greens.  Plus, the bright red berries add a colorful pop to an arrangement!

Seeded Eucalyptus:

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Seeded eucalyptus is available year round, but it really shines in winter designs.  The faded green also looks wonderful as a garland on a mantel or table.

So, next time you get a winter arrangement, look at the greens as well as the flowers, they might be just as pretty!

-Your flower (and greens!) loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Product Feature: Abdallah Candies

On thing that's always a customer favorite in the store can be found right by the register: our candy display!  We stock a variety of candies from Abdallah, a local company we love and want to share more about.

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Abdallah started in Minneapolis in 1909, when Albert (the original owner), would hand make every batch of candy, tweaking it to make sure it was made to perfection.  Through wars, recessions, and even an explosion that destroyed the building, Albert was committed to creating only the very best candies and chocolates.

CASHEW GRIZZLY®
Caramel Grizzlies, one of the most popular treats.
Today, with a home base of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Abdallah continues to make a variety of treats locally, a fourth generation, family owned business.  So, given the season, what kinds of holiday delights are available? 

LUMP OF COAL, 4 CT
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Lump of Coal: children of all ages will enjoy this tasty twist on the dreaded lump of coal-marshmallows covered in dark chocolate!

REINDEER FOOD, 6 CT
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Reindeer food: Simple malted milk balls get a festive upgrade with bright, seasonal colors. 

HOLIDAY GIFT PACK
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Holiday Gift Pack:  Not sure what kinds of chocolate your friends or family will enjoy?  Try this sampler, with a little bit of everything.

So if you're in need of some tasty stocking stuffers or a treat for a holiday party, check out Abdallah for candies and chocolate that will sure to impress.

-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Product Feature: The Christmas Pickle

Image result for kitras christmas pickle

We are very happy to have gotten in our Christmas pickles from Kitras, handcrafted glass pieces that tell a story.  Here's the story of the Christmas pickle.

If you want to start a fun, quirky tradition with your family,  consider picking up a Kitras Christmas pickle.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

5 Poinsettia Facts!

We were excited to get our first shipment of Poinsettias this week, so in honor of the winter season officially beginning, here are some facts about Poinsettias plants!

1. Poinsettias are native to Mexico.

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A wild type poinsettia

It may be hard to picture them in the hot, dry, snow-less setting of South America, but Poinsettias were cultivated in Mexico.

2.  They have no flowers.

If you look closely at a Poinsettia's foliage, you may notice that the red 'petals' of the plant are actually just leaves!  This happens when the plant receives at least five consecutive nights with 12 hours of darkness, as well as lots of daytime sun.

3.  They have a long history.

Poinsettias were used as far back as the time of the Aztecs, where they were used to create red dye as well as a fever-reducing drug.  In the early 1900's, a man named Albert Ecke developed growing techniques that allowed the plants to thrive.  By the late 1990's Albert's family had created an empire around the Poinsettia, and its' popularity had spread to America.

4. There are several varieties.

We may think of the classic red leaves when we think about poinsettias, but several varieties have been bred, from a light pink to white to a variegated 'Jingle Bells' variety.

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A Jingle Bells plant

5. They aren't as toxic as you've heard.

Claims of Poinsettias being highly toxic have spread over the years, but in actuality they cause very little damage if ingested.  Still, care should be taken so pets or small children don't accidentally eat any part of the plant.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Reminders for the holidays!

You might not think of fall and winter as peak flower seasons, but we're getting busier and busier as the temperature drops!  So, while we send out table pieces and holiday baskets, here are some reminders for the season so when you think fall and winter, you think flowers!

Table pieces: Family dinners are elevated from casual to chic with a centerpiece.  From a simple plant to a grand arrangement, you'll be sure to have your family saying 'wow!' with a centerpiece!

Poinsettias: Poinsettias are usually the first plant people think of when they think of winter plants, but did you know you can customize your poinsettia here at Hummingbird?  We can find you unique and rare colors, or glitz up your plant with glitter and bows.  But place your order early, poinsettias are a favorite and will go fast!

Transport: If you want to take your flowers home yourself, remember that the should not be left out of water for a long period of time, or left alone in a cold car.  Make Hummingbird your last stop of the day and your arrangement will stay vibrant for the longest period of time!

Gifts:  Our holiday gift season is in full swing!  Stop by the shop to find beautiful tree ornaments, gift ideas for everyone in your family, and decorating inspiration.

We hope you'll come visit us during one of the most exciting times of the year, and see all a flower store has to offer in the colder months!

-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift