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 26, 2017
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.
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.
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| Some of the classic pillar candles |
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:
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:
In contrast to white pine, princess pine has short, tight needles that add structure to a piece.
Variegated Holly:
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:
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.
White pine:
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:
In contrast to white pine, princess pine has short, tight needles that add structure to a piece.
Variegated Holly:
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:
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.
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.
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: Simple malted milk balls get a festive upgrade with bright, seasonal colors.
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| 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?
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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
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.
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.
5. They aren't as toxic as you've heard.
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
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
Monday, November 6, 2017
Holiday Open House
This fall and winter, Hummingbird Floral and Gifts has lined up a full schedule of fun events for you to attend. On November 30, we will be holding our Holiday Open House, one of our most popular in-store events. Come join us for a night of fun, including:
Snacks-Tastings of our favorite food products and some new ones!
Door prizes- Mystery prizes drawn throughout the night.
Decor- Enjoy our fresh holiday decorations, including 8 Christmas trees throughout the store, each with a different theme.
Discount- Shop our entire store with a 10% discount.
Our open houses are always favorite events with our customers, so if you've never been to one, mark Thursday, November 30 on your calendar. Even runs from 3-8 PM Come say hi!
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift
Snacks-Tastings of our favorite food products and some new ones!
Door prizes- Mystery prizes drawn throughout the night.
Decor- Enjoy our fresh holiday decorations, including 8 Christmas trees throughout the store, each with a different theme.
Discount- Shop our entire store with a 10% discount.
Our open houses are always favorite events with our customers, so if you've never been to one, mark Thursday, November 30 on your calendar. Even runs from 3-8 PM Come say hi!
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Fall Fun Event Alert!!!
If you're looking for a festive way to finish off fall and get in the mood for the holidays, consider spending the day touring beautifully decorated homes and shopping in a pop-up boutique for winter trends, all for a good cause!
The Children's Hospital Association North Oaks Guild I is happy to announce its 2017 Home for the Holidays Home Tour and Boutique, and Hummingbird Floral and Gifts is pleased to once again take part in decorating a home for the tour.
With your tax-deductible donation of $35 you will receive a ticket for this event offered on both the 17th and 18th of November from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Several homes throughout North Oaks will have received makeovers. Our theme this year is 'Dr. Seuss meets the gnomes', so expect unusual, creative, and colorful designs to take over an already beautiful house. Besides being incredible to look at, we have decorated with the season's hottest trends so you can get ideas for your own home makeover!
After the home tour, participants will be able to browse a pop-up boutique, where Hummingbird Floral and Gifts will be offering some of the pieces used to decorate the home and lots more!
There will be an optional buffet luncheon at the North Oaks Golf Club for $25, and reservations should be made to the club at 651-484-8585
All proceeds from the ticket sales for this event will benefit the Children's Hospital of Minnesota, an incredible organization benefiting children and families.
If you'd like to get involved with this charity, tour dazzling homes, and find some wonderful boutique items, you can buy tickets online at northoakshometour.org or stop by the shop to pick them up.
So mark your calendars for Friday, November 17 or Saturday, November 18 for a fun filled day!
The Children's Hospital Association North Oaks Guild I is happy to announce its 2017 Home for the Holidays Home Tour and Boutique, and Hummingbird Floral and Gifts is pleased to once again take part in decorating a home for the tour.
With your tax-deductible donation of $35 you will receive a ticket for this event offered on both the 17th and 18th of November from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Several homes throughout North Oaks will have received makeovers. Our theme this year is 'Dr. Seuss meets the gnomes', so expect unusual, creative, and colorful designs to take over an already beautiful house. Besides being incredible to look at, we have decorated with the season's hottest trends so you can get ideas for your own home makeover!
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| A gnome you might find at our home! |
After the home tour, participants will be able to browse a pop-up boutique, where Hummingbird Floral and Gifts will be offering some of the pieces used to decorate the home and lots more!
There will be an optional buffet luncheon at the North Oaks Golf Club for $25, and reservations should be made to the club at 651-484-8585
All proceeds from the ticket sales for this event will benefit the Children's Hospital of Minnesota, an incredible organization benefiting children and families.
If you'd like to get involved with this charity, tour dazzling homes, and find some wonderful boutique items, you can buy tickets online at northoakshometour.org or stop by the shop to pick them up.
So mark your calendars for Friday, November 17 or Saturday, November 18 for a fun filled day!
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
5 Tips for a Pro Bouquet!
We've all been there-you want to buy flowers for someone but have no idea where to start when it comes to designing. So, here's a step by step guide to put together a bouquet like a seasoned pro (and maybe even impress our designers, too!)
Tip 1: Have a theme.
A one or two word theme will help narrow down your flower choices. For example, a 'celebration' theme will usually include brighter colors and interesting shapes, while a 'traditional anniversary' will use classic flowers like red roses.
Tip 2: Know your colors.
One fun way to put together a bouquet is by having a main color. You could use oranges and reds for a fall theme, or soft purples and pinks to celebrate a birth. TIP: Some colors aren't widespread in flowers. Blue is very rare in natural flowers, so to get a blue bouquet you may end up with artificially painted blooms.
Tip 3: Have one favorite.
Designers can come up with bouquets without needing a single flower suggestion from you, but if you know someone's favorite flower (or least favorite!), it will help shape the design. Also helpful: knowing any allergies someone might have to things like stargazer lilies, which have a scent.
Tip 4: Know your height.
If you're purchasing a bouquet for someone, make sure they have a vase that will fit the flowers you're buying. Tall flowers may need to be cut to fit a shorter vase.
Tip 5: Be open to interpretation.
Designers love creating unique bouquets. A few guidelines help, but giving them creative freedom will allow them to put together a brand new design that likely has never been seen before! Give us an idea of what you're looking for, then let us loose in the cooler for a great bouquet!
So there you go, five tips to putting together the perfect bouquet! What's the best bouquet you've ever received? Let us know in a comment below.
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift.
Tip 1: Have a theme.
A one or two word theme will help narrow down your flower choices. For example, a 'celebration' theme will usually include brighter colors and interesting shapes, while a 'traditional anniversary' will use classic flowers like red roses.
Tip 2: Know your colors.
One fun way to put together a bouquet is by having a main color. You could use oranges and reds for a fall theme, or soft purples and pinks to celebrate a birth. TIP: Some colors aren't widespread in flowers. Blue is very rare in natural flowers, so to get a blue bouquet you may end up with artificially painted blooms.
Tip 3: Have one favorite.
Designers can come up with bouquets without needing a single flower suggestion from you, but if you know someone's favorite flower (or least favorite!), it will help shape the design. Also helpful: knowing any allergies someone might have to things like stargazer lilies, which have a scent.
Tip 4: Know your height.
If you're purchasing a bouquet for someone, make sure they have a vase that will fit the flowers you're buying. Tall flowers may need to be cut to fit a shorter vase.
Tip 5: Be open to interpretation.
Designers love creating unique bouquets. A few guidelines help, but giving them creative freedom will allow them to put together a brand new design that likely has never been seen before! Give us an idea of what you're looking for, then let us loose in the cooler for a great bouquet!
So there you go, five tips to putting together the perfect bouquet! What's the best bouquet you've ever received? Let us know in a comment below.
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
What's in season?
With dozens of different flower varieties, each with their own growing schedule, it can be hard to know what flowers are in season. So, we want to help you out with a master list of common flowers and when they are in season.
Usually available year-round (sometimes things like hurricanes or bad weather an delay deliveries):
-Roses
-Mums
-Daisies
-Larksburg
-Snapdragon
-Carnations
-Lilies
-Alstromaria
-Spray roses
Available during the spring:
-Tulips
-Peonies
-Daffodils
Available during the summer:
-Sunflowers
-Hydrangeas
-Peony
-Daisy
-Most common garden-type flowers
Available during the fall:
-Sunflowers
-Mums
-Broomcorn
-Feathergrass
-Red eye roses
Available during the winter
-Most berries
-Eucalyptus
-Seasonal greens
So now you know which flowers are in season! Stop on by all year and see the unique flowers we have in stock!
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift
Usually available year-round (sometimes things like hurricanes or bad weather an delay deliveries):
-Roses
-Mums
-Daisies
-Larksburg
-Snapdragon
-Carnations
-Lilies
-Alstromaria
-Spray roses
Available during the spring:
-Tulips
-Peonies
-Daffodils
Available during the summer:
-Sunflowers
-Hydrangeas
-Peony
-Daisy
-Most common garden-type flowers
Available during the fall:
-Sunflowers
-Mums
-Broomcorn
-Feathergrass
-Red eye roses
Available during the winter
-Most berries
-Eucalyptus
-Seasonal greens
So now you know which flowers are in season! Stop on by all year and see the unique flowers we have in stock!
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Fall succulents
Succulents are quickly becoming fall's biggest trend. Let's look at some of the ways these little plants are making a big splash in fall styles.
Homegoods: Succulents are making an appearance in a variety of forms. For those who would like a hardy plant, silk succulents can be placed anywhere in a home. An unexpected look we're loving is a succulent placed in a ceramic or glass pumpkin as a stem!
So next time you come to the shop take a peek at the succulents-fall's exciting surprise!
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift
Weddings: Succulents are used in boutonnieres, table settings, even bouquets!
Homegoods: Succulents are making an appearance in a variety of forms. For those who would like a hardy plant, silk succulents can be placed anywhere in a home. An unexpected look we're loving is a succulent placed in a ceramic or glass pumpkin as a stem!
So next time you come to the shop take a peek at the succulents-fall's exciting surprise!
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Product feature: Forest Life Creations
Certainly one of the most unique shops we've seen recently is Dean Robertson's Forest Life Creations, a small company specializing in incredible earrings made from reclaimed wood.
Dean's earrings are spectacular. Using reclaimed wood from a variety of sources, he finds the most interesting patterns and designs to cut into unusual earring shapes. The earrings are lightweight and carefully hand crafted in America so shoppers can be sure that not only will their new jewelry be high-quality, but made by someone passionate about their craft.
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| These earrings use the natural edge of the wood to create crosses. |
Dean's earrings are spectacular. Using reclaimed wood from a variety of sources, he finds the most interesting patterns and designs to cut into unusual earring shapes. The earrings are lightweight and carefully hand crafted in America so shoppers can be sure that not only will their new jewelry be high-quality, but made by someone passionate about their craft.
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| One pair of earrings made with resin |
Dean also uses colored resin between pieces of wood to give amazing color to earrings when the sun shines through.
We are very happy to carry Forest Life Creations in our store and hope that you'll find an amazing pair of earrings next time you stop by.
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Turn your porch into an autumn explosion!
Front porch decor can instantly add some curb appeal to any house, but where do you start? Well, we have some tips to turn your porch into an autumn explosion!
First off, some birch branches to frame the area.
We have a selection of different colored branches in different sizes to match your entryway.
In addition to carved pumpkins, some unusually shaped gourds scattered around make your porch seem like a pumpkin patch.
Finally, a fall wreath on the front door!
What fall finds do like to put on your porch for fall? Let us know in a comment below.
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Feature: Essential Oils
Essential oils have been around for thousands of years, and aren't going away any time soon. Today we're looking at our new line of essential oil products: SunLeaf naturals.
SunLeaf is a line of naturally sourced, MN-based oils, soaps, and many other body care products designed to not only smell amazing, but act as natural aromatherapy treatments.
So if you're looking to start integrating essential oils into your life, check out our new SunLeaf display!
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| SunLeaf diffusers |
SunLeaf is a line of naturally sourced, MN-based oils, soaps, and many other body care products designed to not only smell amazing, but act as natural aromatherapy treatments.
SunLeaf uses cruelty free, hand-tested, biodegradable materials to create a line of rich scents like Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint, and Geranium. A small amount on pulse points delivers a refreshing hint that lasts all day. Don't let the bottle size fool you, a little dose of these oils goes a long way! Check out SunLeaf's recipes for DIY cleaners here.
As well as single note scents, SunLeaf offers rich blends that are perfect for adding to a DIY cleaning recipe, lotion, or diffuser to give rooms a relaxing atmosphere.
So if you're looking to start integrating essential oils into your life, check out our new SunLeaf display!
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
3 Unique Fall Finds!
Fall is nearly officially here! That means it's time to find a new look, whether it be in houseplants, fresh flowers, or home decor. Here are three of our most unique fall finds!
Croton Plant
Croton plants are wonderful fall houseplants. Their broad leaves are a mixture of green, yellow, orange and red, a permanent way to have fall foliage in your house! They are simple to care for and will bring a little bit of the autumnal spirit into your house.
Coffee Break rose
Coffee Break roses are subtly brown with tints of oranges and yellows that give them a full gradient of color. They make perfect additions for arrangements and bouquets as the weather cools, especially when mixed with red, yellow, or even purple roses.
Gygi Fall prints
Darren Gygi has a line for every season. Fall brings cornucopias and turkeys for a classic autumn look, or witches and monsters for Halloween. You can find them at our shop in several sizes, or let us order one in for you from his website.
Of course, this isn't all we have for fall plants, flowers, and decor. The shop is in full fall swing, so be sure to stop by and see the new products, fresh flowers and plants, and all the other season surprises we have in store for you!
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift.
Croton Plant
Croton plants are wonderful fall houseplants. Their broad leaves are a mixture of green, yellow, orange and red, a permanent way to have fall foliage in your house! They are simple to care for and will bring a little bit of the autumnal spirit into your house.
Coffee Break rose
Coffee Break roses are subtly brown with tints of oranges and yellows that give them a full gradient of color. They make perfect additions for arrangements and bouquets as the weather cools, especially when mixed with red, yellow, or even purple roses.
Gygi Fall prints
Darren Gygi has a line for every season. Fall brings cornucopias and turkeys for a classic autumn look, or witches and monsters for Halloween. You can find them at our shop in several sizes, or let us order one in for you from his website.
Of course, this isn't all we have for fall plants, flowers, and decor. The shop is in full fall swing, so be sure to stop by and see the new products, fresh flowers and plants, and all the other season surprises we have in store for you!
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Product feature: LA Readers
We are very excited to announce that Hummingbird Floral and Gifts will now carry LA Readers glasses!
LA Readers are an affordable line of corrective reading glasses. Made with high quality, ultra-thin lenses, they're perfect to keep around the house or on the go. The glasses are available in a wide range of prescription options for slight to strong correction, and you'll be sure to find the perfect frames to fit your style out of dozens of options.
LA Readers are an affordable line of corrective reading glasses. Made with high quality, ultra-thin lenses, they're perfect to keep around the house or on the go. The glasses are available in a wide range of prescription options for slight to strong correction, and you'll be sure to find the perfect frames to fit your style out of dozens of options.
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| Flash, for a modern look |
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| Empire, a professional reader |
So if you're in the market for a pair of reading glasses, come see our selection and find the perfect set of readers!
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gifts.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Meet our supplier: Doug
We at Hummingbird love our suppliers, so we wanted to introduce them to you and show off all the amazing blooms they bring us.
Meet Doug, one of our local suppliers.
Doug grows out of Prarie Garden Farm in Starbuck, Minnesota. His farm not only features flowers, but handmade pottery and even a herd of sheep. Some of the unique and hard to find flowers he grows during the season include:
Celosia (Cockscomb)
An eye catching shape in neon pink, including cockscomb in your arrangement will be sure to have guests asking "What kind of flower is that?"
Rose Lily
Rose lilies are truly a cut above the more common sold at most flower shops. Several layers of petals give this flower its name, giving them even more volume than a standard lily.
Queen Anne's lace
Queen Anne's lace is a delicate flower that can be used in place of or in addition to babies breath.
Tuberose
Tuberose have a mild, Jasmine-like scent and a small, bright white flower that's perfect for small bouquets.
Lisianthus
Lisianthus have a longer stem with round blooms to add height to your arrangement.
Zinnia
Zinnias come in several bright colors that add a pop of color to any bouquet.
We at Hummingbird love buying from local, small businesses like Doug. It's always a pleasure to see the amazing flowers he brings to us. If you'd like to see more of Doug and his flowers, visit his website here or come on by the store to see which of his high-quality stems we have in stock.
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift
Meet Doug, one of our local suppliers.
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| Doug with Lugene of Hummingbird Floral |
Celosia (Cockscomb)
An eye catching shape in neon pink, including cockscomb in your arrangement will be sure to have guests asking "What kind of flower is that?"
Rose Lily
Rose lilies are truly a cut above the more common sold at most flower shops. Several layers of petals give this flower its name, giving them even more volume than a standard lily.
Queen Anne's lace
Queen Anne's lace is a delicate flower that can be used in place of or in addition to babies breath.
Tuberose
Tuberose have a mild, Jasmine-like scent and a small, bright white flower that's perfect for small bouquets.
Lisianthus
Lisianthus have a longer stem with round blooms to add height to your arrangement.
Zinnia
Zinnias come in several bright colors that add a pop of color to any bouquet.
We at Hummingbird love buying from local, small businesses like Doug. It's always a pleasure to see the amazing flowers he brings to us. If you'd like to see more of Doug and his flowers, visit his website here or come on by the store to see which of his high-quality stems we have in stock.
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Product Feature: Lifetime Candle
With summer drawing to a close (I know, too soon), it's time to think about fall. One great fall decor item to have is a Lifetime Candle.
The candles are hand filled and sold with a guarantee that you'll never need to replace the wick. You don't even need to light one to appreciate its beauty; the colors paired with unique glass shapes are more than enough to welcome fall into your home.
So, if you're looking to add a beautiful Lifetime Candle to your home or give it as a gift, come visit us to find the prefect fall match.
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| A row of autumn candles |
"Wow, that's a candle?" is a phrase we hear a lot with Lifetime Candles. With different shapes, sizes, and fillings, it's easy to find something that will give your home a fall touch.
Lifetime Candles are filled with paraffin oil and a variety of silk flowers, fruits, plants and more to create a breathtaking display piece. And the name is no throwaway: these candles last years. Add the fact that you can easily refill them with paraffin oil and you'll see why they're so popular with our store.
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| Larger centerpiece options |
The candles are hand filled and sold with a guarantee that you'll never need to replace the wick. You don't even need to light one to appreciate its beauty; the colors paired with unique glass shapes are more than enough to welcome fall into your home.
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| A sleek harvest cylinder |
So, if you're looking to add a beautiful Lifetime Candle to your home or give it as a gift, come visit us to find the prefect fall match.
Do you have a lifetime candle? Share a picture of it and tag us on Facebook with @HummingbirdFloral
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift.
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Tips and tricks to keep flowers looking fresh
Everyone enjoys having a bouquet of flowers out on display, but it can be hard to keep them looking their best for as long as possible. So here are some tips and tricks for keeping your cut flowers looking healthy and happy for days.
1. Cut stems
When you get home with your flowers, cut the stems about an inch from the bottom before immediately putting them in water. Even a few minutes out of a vase will allow a cap to form on the stem, preventing it from taking up as much water as it can. Cutting the stem reveals fresh, open cells that are ready to soak up moisture and keep the flower from decaying.
2. Treating water
Treat the water in your vase with a flower food powder, which gives the stems glucose to use as food, acid to keep the pH of the water ideal, and bleach to prevent the growth of bacteria that might harm your flowers. If you don't have flower food, you can make your own with this recipe. Putting a penny in your vase will also keep fungus or bacteria away, due to the copper (a natural fungicide).
3. Refrigerate your flowers
There's a reason florist shops keep flowers in a large refrigerator: it slows the decay of the cells (read our previous post about the importance of keeping flowers cold) Place your arrangement or bouquet in the fridge overnight to keep it perky during the day. Never use the crisper drawer though, the temperature in there is too cold for flowers and will kill them.
4. Location, location, location
Never put your arrangement or bouquet in direct sun or near drafts. Keep them somewhere cool with indirect sunlight. Good locations are away from vents, windows, and bright lights.
5. Misting
Many cut flowers will appreciate being misted with cool water. Hydrangeas, (pictured above) especially enjoy having their heads dunked completely underwater for a few hours to perk up if they start drooping.
So do you have any tips for keeping arrangements and bouquets fresh for days? Let us know your tricks in a comment below.
THIS WEEKS CODE WORD IS VASE! Mention it on your next visit for BOGO on loose roses! Thanks for reading the blog!
-Your flower loving friends at Hummingbird Floral
1. Cut stems
When you get home with your flowers, cut the stems about an inch from the bottom before immediately putting them in water. Even a few minutes out of a vase will allow a cap to form on the stem, preventing it from taking up as much water as it can. Cutting the stem reveals fresh, open cells that are ready to soak up moisture and keep the flower from decaying.
2. Treating water
Treat the water in your vase with a flower food powder, which gives the stems glucose to use as food, acid to keep the pH of the water ideal, and bleach to prevent the growth of bacteria that might harm your flowers. If you don't have flower food, you can make your own with this recipe. Putting a penny in your vase will also keep fungus or bacteria away, due to the copper (a natural fungicide).
3. Refrigerate your flowers
There's a reason florist shops keep flowers in a large refrigerator: it slows the decay of the cells (read our previous post about the importance of keeping flowers cold) Place your arrangement or bouquet in the fridge overnight to keep it perky during the day. Never use the crisper drawer though, the temperature in there is too cold for flowers and will kill them.
4. Location, location, location
Never put your arrangement or bouquet in direct sun or near drafts. Keep them somewhere cool with indirect sunlight. Good locations are away from vents, windows, and bright lights.
5. Misting
Many cut flowers will appreciate being misted with cool water. Hydrangeas, (pictured above) especially enjoy having their heads dunked completely underwater for a few hours to perk up if they start drooping.
So do you have any tips for keeping arrangements and bouquets fresh for days? Let us know your tricks in a comment below.
THIS WEEKS CODE WORD IS VASE! Mention it on your next visit for BOGO on loose roses! Thanks for reading the blog!
-Your flower loving friends at Hummingbird Floral
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Dorm room/office plants
Houseplants brighten up a room in more ways than one. They clean and purify the air we breath, add a touch of nature to the indoors, and even teach about nurturing and caring for another living thing. School is starting soon for many, so here are some ideas for easy to care for houseplants that will brighten a dorm room or even an office that needs some green.
These plants are perfect for placing in a vase or hanging bowl. They require little sunlight and because they have no roots need only to be soaked or misted about every week to stay healthy. Just place them with whatever decorative stones or sand matches your room for an instant conversation piece.
Similar in care to the spider plant, these leafy, vine plants do well with indirect sun and can even be kept in vases of water rather than pots.
For the simplest plant to keep in a dorm or office, try an air plant terrarium.
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| A simple air plant setup |
These plants are perfect for placing in a vase or hanging bowl. They require little sunlight and because they have no roots need only to be soaked or misted about every week to stay healthy. Just place them with whatever decorative stones or sand matches your room for an instant conversation piece.
Another very simple houseplant is the marimo moss ball.
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| Use sand for an exotic look |
An alternative to fish tanks that require regular time consuming maintenance and are difficult to transport during breaks, marimo terrariums are the aquatic version of a pet rock (and a little more interesting to look at!) Marimo are happiest out of direct sun in cool, shadowed areas. Just replace the water every other week and run the moss under cold water, gently squeezing out the old water like a sponge. That's it!
Of course, if you want something a little more traditional, you can't go wrong with a spider plant.
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| Be warned: spider plants grow fast! |
Spider plants are ubiquitous in office spaces, and for good reason. They grow quickly, don't need large amounts of sun, and propagate i.e sprout miniature 'pups' that can be cut and potted separately. Water it as you would any potted plant, and remove the pups as they grow.
Another leafy plant that does well in dorm or office spaces is philodenron or pothos plants.
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| A pothos |
So, what do you think? What kind of indoor plant do you have the best success with? Let us know in a comment below.
SPECIAL CODE WORD: PLANTS. MENTION THIS WORD IN THE STORE FOR BOGO ON LOOSE ROSES. Thanks for reading the blog!
-Your flower loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
The ultimate orchid care guide
Orchids have long been known as difficult houseplants. They've been described as delicate, picky, and require far too much work for the average houseplant owner. But these ideas are simply not true.
In Victorian England, only the wealthy could afford to import exotic plants and flowers for their homes and greenhouses. Importers traveled the world and brought back strange plants that fetched high prices in high societies. Charles Darwin and other naturalists cataloged some of the 30,000 varieties of orchid and noted each of the species differences.
Today, anybody can keep an orchid. The most popular varieties include:
Moth Orchid
Cattleya Orchid
Paphiopedilum Orchid
So how do you keep this beautiful flowering plant happy? This care guide will focus on the moth orchid, as it is our most popular sold at Hummingbird. Other varieties may have different care needs, let us know which orchid you want a care guide for next in a comment below and we'll help you out!
Moth Orchid care:
Temperature : Keep your orchid away from direct sunlight or drafts. An interior room away from doors or large windows is best.
Watering: Always feel your orchid's substrate for dampness, the dirt shouldn't be overly wet or dry and crumbling. Water with cool water whenever your orchid feels dry. Orchids also appreciate a misting every week or so with a fine spray.
Fertilizing: To ensure the health of your orchid plant, fertilizing is recommended. Use a fertilizer marked for use in orchids or houseplants and follow the fertilization guidelines.
Regrowth: When all the flowers have dropped from your orchid plant, cut the stems down, leaving 2-3" of stem above soil. Continue watering every 10 days or whenever the soil feels dry, and the plant will begin to regrow. If the stems droop or lean, tie them to a support branch placed in the soil so the flowers will grow outwards rather than down.
What do you think? How have you had success with the intimidating orchid? Let us know in a comment below.
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift
Moth Orchid care:
Temperature : Keep your orchid away from direct sunlight or drafts. An interior room away from doors or large windows is best.
Watering: Always feel your orchid's substrate for dampness, the dirt shouldn't be overly wet or dry and crumbling. Water with cool water whenever your orchid feels dry. Orchids also appreciate a misting every week or so with a fine spray.
Fertilizing: To ensure the health of your orchid plant, fertilizing is recommended. Use a fertilizer marked for use in orchids or houseplants and follow the fertilization guidelines.
Regrowth: When all the flowers have dropped from your orchid plant, cut the stems down, leaving 2-3" of stem above soil. Continue watering every 10 days or whenever the soil feels dry, and the plant will begin to regrow. If the stems droop or lean, tie them to a support branch placed in the soil so the flowers will grow outwards rather than down.
What do you think? How have you had success with the intimidating orchid? Let us know in a comment below.
-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift
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