Most people just don't understand how to handle roses (or flowers in general) to get the most value out of them. And, often we can't take the time to educate them in a way that is beneficial to them. That, my friends, hurts us all in the long run.
Lack of education hurts us in the long run
I've been lucky to have spent only ten years in the high pressure world of traditional retail floristry throughout my 40+ year career in floriculture. The balance of my work has been in an independent design practice, teaching, and consulting – with plenty of time to talk my customers and clients through care and handling, styling, and understanding flowers in a relaxing way. But even I have fallen short in promoting flowers and educating people.
Many years ago on my mother's birthday, I arrived at her home with a vase of perfectly styled, long stemmed, large headed roses and lush foliage. My brother was already there – with his sad little vase of drooping roses displayed on my Mom's shelf.
When he asked, "How come your roses look so nice and mine so crappy?" I gave him some smart-mouthed reply about mine being better because he bought his at some roadside stand. And I said it right in front of my mother. How humiliating.
"How come your roses look so nice and mine so crappy?"
I didn't have to make my brother feel bad. As far as value goes – mine was a gesture of obligation (it's Mom's birthday so grab extra flowers at the wholesaler and put them on my account) no big deal. My brother on the other hand probably spent his last few dollars of the week for the roses he gave to our mom. His was a gesture of real appreciation. I let my floral pride and our sibling rivalry get the best of me.
In any case it did not serve anyone for me to respond that way. That day I drove away feeling so rotten, ugly, and angry at myself because I knew … I could have rescued those roses that day. I could have supported my brother in his decision to offer flowers. And, I could have made sure my mom got the most from both our roses by being kind and offering help.
I could have rescued those roses that day.
I had enough time, while I visited my mother, to cut my brother's roses and submerge them under water in her 14" roasting dish. She had the tools and the container right in her kitchen for me to re-arrange them into a bowl so they would last longer for her. I had enough knowledge to explain to my brother that "a million" things could have happened to cause his roses to drop their heads – while I fixed them – but I didn't. I let my brother and my mother down that day. I let myself, and my industry down that day.
I let myself, and my industry down that day.
Luckily as the years have gone by my brother and I have had good experiences together. All is forgotten – or at least forgiven – because we are after-all "blood". Now, I'm on a mission to make up for that mistake by enabling the general population to enjoy more roses (and other flowers) – no matter where they buy them.
Flowers respond to care-n-handling no matter who sold them or who owns them now. They like fresh water, fresh cuts and a little attention. That's what our "Enjoy Roses Longer" video below is about. It offers consumers a simple way to get the most from their roses … and it applies to other flowers too. Watch the video at: http://www.progressivefloristry.com/home/
Flowers respond to care-n-handling no matter who sold them or who owns them now
I can't download forty years of knowledge and expertise into one video. But I can spend the next forty years offering bits and pieces of wisdom and advice to consumers so they have a better understanding of flowers and the floral industry.
See our roses video at: http://www.progressivefloristry.com/home/
Let's Enable Consumers to Get the Most from Their Roses!
If you like the message in the video feel free to share it with others.
And then, make sure you join the Flowerhandlers Community by submitting your name, email and relationship with flowers so you can keep an eye on our progress and take advantage of the other consumer outreach resources we have to offer now.
Membership is free and if you find we are not a "match" to your endeavors – you can opt-out anytime.
“Thank you for enriching people’s lives with the beauty and wonder of flowers.”
Warm Regards
Dottie
###
Source: Flowerhandlers