Win a Dozen Valentine's Day roses!

Fan Bergeron's on Facebook for exclusive sales, contests & giveaways!
Our online community is growing, and we want you to grow with us!  Our Facebook page provides you the daily scoop on what's happening at Bergeron's. Don't miss out - become a fan of Bergeron's to learn about exclusive news, happenings, products, sales, contests & giveaways!

Bergeron's is giving away a dozen red roses for Valentine's Day!
This month, Fan us on Facebook and win a delightful arrangement of roses! Perfect for that special someone, that friend you've been meaning to thank, or even for yourself. To instantly be entered in the drawing for a dozen free Valentine's Day roses, simply go to the Bergeron's Facebook page and become a fan. One winner will be drawn at random on February 10, 2010. The winner will be contacted via Facebook. Roses will be delivered on February 12, 2010 to destination of winner's choice (in the Washington DC metropolitan area). See below for rules and details.

TO ENTER: No purchase necessary. Contest begins Wednesday, February 3, 2010 and ends on Wednesday, February 10, 2010. To enter, go to Bergeron's Facebook page and become a fan. If any dispute arises concerning the identity of an entrant, the owner of the Facebook account (owner of email registered with Facebook) shall be deemed the entrant.
 
DEADLINE: Giveaway entries include ALL Bergeron's fans on Wednesday, February 10, 2010. Fans received after this time will not be considered.
 
WINNER SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION: One winner will be selected by Bergeron's via randomized selection, from among all eligible entries, on or after Wednesday, February 10, 2010. The winner will be notified at the Facebook account used to enter the contest. If a selected winner is ineligible, declines the prize, or if Bergeron's is unable to make contact with a selected winner after reasonable effort and time (48 hours), the prize shall be forfeited and may be awarded to an alternate winner selected by another randomized selection from all remaining entries.
 
AWARDING & DELIVERY OF PRIZE: Subject to eligibility verification. The winner will receive one dozen arranged roses, to be delivered to destination of his or her choice in the Washington DC metropolitan area.  
 

Planning the Perfect Wedding: Floral Consultation

Congratulations, he popped the question and you said yes! So now what? As for the wedding flowers, the first step is to arrange an appointment with Bergeron's for a complimentary wedding consultation. This is best done at least six months prior to the wedding date.

During this first meeting, we like to get to know you and your ideas for your perfect wedding day. To get the most out of your wedding consultation, be sure to bring along any ideas, notes, magazine clippings and photos you may have. We also recommend your bring fabric swatches and pictures of the bridal gown and attendant dresses. If you have any important keepsakes or memories you would like included in your bouquet, such as your grandmother's brooch or special handkerchief, bring those along as well.

This consultation provides you and your florist with one-on-one time so you can both get an idea of your wants and needs and theme of your wedding. We will also go over details such as style, color, size and shape of your bouquet, number of corsages and boutonnieres you will need, and the style of each. Ceremony details will include how do you want your nuptials area framed? Do you want decor for the seating? If so, how many rows does the site have? Does the venue you've chosen have items for use on your day, i.e. candelabras or pedestals? What about how the reception is set-up? How many tables are you going to have? Are you and your fiance going to sit at a sweetheart table or have a head table with all of your attendants seated with you? Each wedding is different, so why not have your style captured?

We have many books here at Bergeron's for you to peruse. In fact, feel free to stop by and check out our library any time. Just give us a call at 703-455-0220 -  you are welcome any time the consultation room is not in use!

We look forward to getting a clear vision of your perfect wedding and making your ideas a reality!

What is the Length of a Long-Stem Rose?

Ever wonder, with all the information out there, what the real definition of a "long-stem rose" is? This link is the best description I've found and since I couldn't say it better, click on the link below and find out the real scoop!

http://thefloristblog.dragonflyflowers.com/2009/03/15/some-real-florists-perspectives-on-long-stem-roses.aspx

Know what you are ordering. So many just throw around the words, "long-stem", but aren't really sure what that means.

At Bergeron's we carry 60cm "Long-Stem" roses on a weekly basis in a variety of colors, so please call us, your professional, "real" local florist, and let us deliver some beautiful long-stem roses for you!

Ordering from a Local Florist: What to Expect

When it comes to ordering flowers, many consumers go to websites such as 1800Flowers or Teleflora. These sites seem quick and easy and seem to display a lot of different arrangement options to view. However, these orders are sent to shops who sign up to receive them. Often times the florist who actually receives and completes the order does not even have the flowers or vases shown in the pictures!

Also, have you ever noticed that after you select the arrangement, only then do you have the option of  choosing the size of the arrangement you have chosen? This is because the picture shown is usually the price of a small arrangement and does not include size upgrades or your delivery charge. By the time you reach your final check-out, your total will probably increase $20 or more.

So… what is the alternative?  Call Bergerons of course!  Our process is a lot faster and much more personal. We keep all of your information, including past orders, and can pull it up in our secure database as soon as you call. We can discuss exactly what you want and tell you exactly what we have available to create a special arrangement for you. Once we get all your information and collect payment, your order simply prints out in the back of the shop and is ready for creation!

Don't Bust Your Budget: Wedding Flowers Calculator

Planning your big day? The last thing you want to do is bust your budget. Wedding budgets are about as diverse as the people who are making them – from the simplistic to the extremely extravagant.

Looking for a simple way to find flowers that fit into your budget? Check out our Wedding Flowers Calculator - an easy tool to determine which flowers fit into your budget.

Our Wedding Flowers Calculator allows you to get an idea of how much you’ll be spending on flowers for your wedding, before you even come into the shop. The spreadsheet will automatically calculate total costs according to the quantity you estimate for each item. The spreadsheet includes categories for economy flowers, most popular flowers and more expensive flowers.

Many of you ask, "Which flowers fit into each category"?  Well, that can depend. If you were concentrating chrysanthemums, dianthus (carnations), alstroemeria (Peruvian lily), or asters~these would more or less be considered in the lower price point. So, if at any point you mix these flowers with some of the more expensive flowers, then you would be lowering the cost of your flowers. Roses, freesia, gerbera, tulips, etc. are considered among the medium price point. And, just to name a few of the higher price point flowers~we have orchids, calla lilies, peonies, and hydrangea to round out the list. Although, there are hundreds of flowers to choose from, this will give you just a snippet of what each category includes.

Keep in mind that while the Wedding Flowers Calculator is a useful tool for estimating and calculating a floral budget, it doesn’t take the place of an in-depth consultation with our knowledgeable bridal designers. It is, however, a good place to start when determining cost options.

Celebrating The Festival of Lights

A flower arrangement makes a lovely gift for the holidays. Hanukkah, The Festival of Lights, is no exception. Hanukkah runs eight days, beginning each year on the 25th of the Hebrew month Kislev. This year, the first day of Hanukkah is Saturday, December 12, which means the first candle will be lit on Friday night, December 11.

As Hanukkah is often referred to as the Festival of Lights, brightly colored flowers are a very appropriate Hanukkah gift. Also, floral arrangements featuring blue and white flowers, reflecting the colors of Hanukkah, are often given. Really, any hue will be appreciated!

Give us a call - Bergeron's can help you select the perfect Hanukkah bouquet or arrangement!

Poinsettias....All the Scoop!

Ever wonder about the background of the poinsettia? I find this amazing. We have a brochure that we include with our poinsettia deliveries. I thought I'd share it with the my blog readers.


History and Legend of the Poinsettia

Joel Robert Poinsett, who was an amateur botanist and the first ambassador to Mexico, first introduced poinsettias to the United States in 1825. He introduced the plant to the United States when he brought some cuttings to his plantation in Greenwood, South Carolina.

December 12 in National Poinsettia Day, an official day set aside to enjoy this symbol of holiday cheer. It was established upon the death of Mr. Poinsett to honor him and the plant he made famous. He died in 1851.

Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where they grow wild. The enchanting legend of the poinsettia dates back several centuries, to a Christmas Eve in Mexico when a little girl named Pepita had no gift to present the Christ child. Her cousin Pedro urged her to give a humble gift. So, on her way to church she gathered some weeds she found along the road. As she approached the altar, a miracle happened: The weeds blossomsed into brilliant flowers. Then they were called Flores de Noche Buena-Flowers of the Holy Night. Now they are called
poinsettias.

Poinsettia Care Tips

Poinsettias are one of the longest-lasting blooming plants available to consumers. To choose the perfect poinsettia and keep it blooming all year long, follow the care tips listed below:

Choosing the perfect poinsettia:

Pick a plant with small, tightly clustered buds in the center.

Look for crisp, bright, undamaged foliage.

Avoid plants displayed in drafty or crowded areas.

To keep the poinsettia blooming:

When surface soil is dry to the touch, water thoroughly. Discard excess water in the saucer.

To prolong color, keep a temperature range of 60 degrees for night and 72 degrees for day. High humidity is preferable.

Place plant away from hot or cold drafts, and protect from cold winds.

To rebloom for the next season:

During winter, continue to follow holiday upkeep tips.

March 1 (St. Patrick’s Day): When bracts fade, cut stems back to eight inches above the soil line.

Continue to water regularly.

Lightly fertilize with a balanced all-purpose plant food every three to four weeks.

When temparatures are warm, place plant outdoors; first in indirect, then direct sunlight. Avoid temperatures below 50 degrees throughout the summer.

July 4 (Independence Day): Cut back new growth stems. Repot if needed.

Early September (Labor Day): Move plant inside. Provide six or more hours of direct light.

October 1 through December: Confine plant to complete darkness for 14 hours, giving it 10 hours of natural light daily. This will set the buds and cause bracts to color.

Poinsettia Toxicity Myth

The poinsettia is the most widely tested consumer plant on the market today,
proving the myth about the popular holiday plant to be false:

Scientific research from The Ohio State University has proved the poinsettia to be non-toxic to both humans and pets. All parts of the plant were tested, including the leaves and sap.

According to the POISINDEX, the national information center for poison control centers, a child would have to ingest 500-600 leaves in order to exceed the experimental doses that found no toxicity.

A study from the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University found that out of 22,793 reported poinsettia exposures there was essentially no toxicity significance of any kind. The study used national data collected by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

As with any non-food product, however, the poinsettia is not meant to be eaten and can cause varying degrees of discomfort; therefore, the plant should be kept out of reach of young children and curious pets.

Information provided by:

Society of American Florists

1601 Duke Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 836-8700

Weddings: Kaja & Dan get married at the House of Sweden

Who: Kaja and Dan

What: Modern, sleek, and elegant ceremony and reception. So fabulously "DC"!
When: September 13, 2009
Where: House of Sweden, Washington DC

What I loved: The venue and how we could create something with Kaja to embellish the House of Sweden. Ever decorated an all black room?








The infamous "black" room. Main Event Caterers came up with the set-up to create ambiance.












The entrance to the House of Sweden was graced with a bamboo vase filled with curly willow and orchid blooms. It was over 5 feet high, very impressive!












Carrying through the curly willow branches, we filled vases with them and added chic flats of wheat grass and brightly colored blooms. Very organic!













Kaja's bridal party flowers included fragrance, an often forgotten element. We worked with fresh rosemary, roses, stephanotis, and orchids.

To top it off her bouquet~curly willow, swirling into her bouquet along with feathers. The junior bridesmaids carried a European "teardrop" design-a break from the nosegay tradition. I love it!

Kaja made the process a thoroughly enjoyable one. Many happy regards to the couple in their new digs in NY.


Photos courtesy of Stephen Bobb, Love Life Images

The Hostess Gift: Forgotten Etiquette?

I don't know about you, but for me the holidays tend to turn into a nonstop party - cocktail parties, cookie swaps, dinner parties, holiday open houses... I can barely keep up with finding enough cute party outfits, let alone remember to thank the hostess! That's right - don't forget your hostess this holiday season! Hostess gifts seems to have gotten lost in the vast shuffle of parties and events, but a little token of thanks is always nice and will most certainly always be appreciated.

You don’t have to break the bank on an extravagant gift - all you need is a little creativity to come up with a fabulous gift. Here are a few simple ideas to get the juices flowing:

Wine - you can never go wrong with bubbly or wine. Trust me, a bottle of wine or sparkling beverage will always be appreciated.

Flowers and plants - Everyone has a favorite flower, color, scent, etc. Take what you know about your hostess, and use that as your bouquet-selecting guide. Your hostess has a green thumb? Easy! Plants are a simple, long-lasting gift that your hostess will be able to enjoy and appreciate for a long time.

Candles- who doesn't love scented candles and potpourri?

Books - Is she a gourmet chef in training? A natural at home decorating? You can never go wrong with a book!

Just remember to keep in mind that you weren't invited because the host wants a gift from you, so don't go overboard. Just a small thank you will be appreciated. It's an extra little something that, amidst all the chaos and busy-ness of the holiday season, will be remembered and appreciated.

Katie's New Book & A Chance To Win $250!

Well, all of you who are planning a wedding, I'm sure you have a mother out there who needs some help, right? Katie Martin's new book, The Everything Mother of the Bride Book (2nd Edition) will be the talk of the town.

She also has a blog contest to win $250.00. Click here and comment to enter to win! Why not? Have some fun!

Never Let the Day Get the Best of You!

Well, today was certainly one for the books. The Bliss Collection produced a "mock" wedding today in Gainesville, Virginia at Stonewall Golf & Country Club.

On the way there, my Bergeron's vehicle broke down -completely stopped on Highway 66! Well, to my favor, a tow truck was behind me at that moment. He already had a tow, but he pushed my van over to the side. Within minutes, Myrna Grossman of For All Occasions was passing on her way to the event. She recognized me and pulled over. Another member of the event was passing as well, saw the van, and pulled over to help. Within minutes the flowers were all loaded into their cars and on their way (without me).

After about an hour and a switch-a-roo with my mom (what a doll!), the towing company arrived and I was finally on my way to the event.

Turns out that I wasn't the only one who had car issues. Mary and David at Mallowdrama had a flat tire!

Despite the obstacles in our paths, the wedding went without a "Hitch" (pun intended)!

It just goes to show that if a real wedding had taken place, vendors that work together on a regular basis can really pull together in a bind and still make that special day come together.

Look for the video and photographs on The Bliss Collection blog. There will be posts from me on this as well.

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is all about family, togetherness, and expressing appreciation and gratitude. Why not give thanks to your loved ones with a gorgeous flower arrangement, centerpiece or gift basket! Sending flowers to loved ones from afar is a perfect way to express your gratitude and love when you can't be there in person.

And why not give yourself flowers this Thanksgiving? A floral arrangement becomes the focus of your Thanksgiving dinner table, adds a wonderful fragrance to your home, and provides seasonal embellishment to your decor.

Flowers also make a perfect hostess gift when you are a guest in the home of family or friends. You have plenty of options for sending flowers on Thanksgiving. Check out all of Bergeron's fabulous Thanksgiving options here.

We're certainly thankful for your business.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Handle With Care

So many details go into planning a wedding. For the bride, it is so easy to become overwhelmed and distracted with the planning, that you forget that the day is actually about you. One easy way to help make your day special is to personalize your bouquet and other flower arrangements. The bridal bouquet can really set the tone of the event, and I find it often truly reflects the personality of the bride.

With my creations, however, the bouquet doesn't stop with the flowers. The bouquet handle can be as unique and expressive as the bouquet itself! A wrapped and adorned handle is a place to express the bride's personality and make an impact.

I like to create a personalized look by adding embellishments to the bouquet & bouquet handle with ribbon or sparkling accents, such as crystals, lace, rhinestones, fruit, feathers... almost anything! For a more natural look, the flowers can also be wrapped with tree bark, banana leaves, or twine.


A bouquet handle can also be adorned with personal, meaningful elements, such as your grandmother's handkerchief, vintage fabric, special photos, a locket or charm, or pieces of jewelry.

The flowers are one of the most important parts of the wedding. They should be a reflection of the bride's personality and unique sense of style.

Orchids Anyone?

Orchids have become one of the most popular flowers in the past several years. First, we saw them in it's most popular form to date which is the phaleonopsis potted plant. Bergeron's has been sending out these beauties for quite a while. They are beautiful! Whether we pot them in a clear glass for a contemporary look (if you get them like this, these need to be cleaned quite frequently as orchids do not like to be water-laden) or in a classic ceramic container that in complimentary to the orchid color.

Then, brides began to see them in and part of bridal work. For bouquets they have a stunning quality to provide striking color or long-lasting capability. In an all white bouquet, you can pair them with roses, peonies, fragrant freesia, and even gardenias for a beautiful gathering.

Cut orchids have been filling vases now as a hot trend and we love them! From dendrobiums to mokaras, cymbidiums and long stems of phaleonopsis, these beauties won't let you down. They can be showy and stunning added to any arrangement or just a cluster by themselves.

For more information about all things orchids, check out orchids-info.com. Or call us to see what we have in stock to send out to that special someone today!

Photos courtesy of orchids-info.com and Bergeron's own collection of designs.

My Favorite Wedding

Well, I have to admit my favorite wedding this year will by my niece's wedding. Brooke and Jesse exchanged their vows this summer and all of our family and friends had a wonderful time.

We brought flowers in from Hawaii, Holland, Columbia, Ecuador, and Italy. It was a crazy time, but Bergeron's was up to the task. My staff worked their tails off and thanks to a few friends as well, we were able to make a stunning display.

David Madison did the photography. What an amazing job! Thanks, David.

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Scholarship Class: European Style Design

Well, I have the privilege to be in Teleflora's Education Center this week for a class on European Style Design. The DC/MD/VA Unit of Teleflora selects a member each year to go on scholarship to one of the classes they offer. I was the 2008 recipient and have had the pleasure of picking any class they offered this year with an all expenses paid trip to Education Center.

I chose the European Style Design course taught by Dutch floral artist, Els Hazenberg. An Aalsmeer, Netherlands native who comes with a host of credentials; one of which has been the producer of all florals in the Rose Parade for many years up until two years ago.

Today was our introduction to the class. We were able to watch her designing as she taught us the many levels and principles of floral design. I will post pictures after tomorrow's class so that you can see some more of her work, and hopefully, a few of us in the class room as we try to elevate our design skills.

It is a fantastic and humbling experience to have the opportunity to learn from veterans in our industry. Els artistic talent and knowledge left me yearning for more. I was surprised when our class ended today. The time just flew by. I spent most of the evening talking with other florists who are here and exchanging info about our industry. Priceless......wouldn't change a thing!

Bye for now~

Wedding Arch

Recently one of our brides had us decorate an arch that was provided by the hotel (Fair Lakes Hyatt ). It isn't always common for the venue to have the arch, so often we will rent our own arch for them to use.

Fair Lakes Hyatt was prompt and courteous in getting it set-up in time for us to decorate. And, as you can see from the picture, the end result was beautiful. And, it always helps to have a beautiful day!

The Bliss Collection's New Website

All things new and re-done...

One of the most cherished opportunities I enjoy is time well-spent with other vendors in the Wedding/Event business. As of January this year, I joined the Bliss Collection. This group provides some of the best vendors in the Northern Virginia area: photographers, videographers, bakers, event planners; the list goes on.

During this short time, we have been able to hire a website designer to re-design our website. You can check it out here: http://www.theblisscollection.com/. Andrew, the owner of Eiffelfish.com, did a superb job and really captured what we were looking for in a crisp, fresh look that represented a first-class group of people/companies. I would highly recommend him.

Take some time to check out our new website and see all the wonderful vendors that are available for your (or someone else you know) wedding. Obviously, some of us do all types of events, but in this group we focus on weddings in particular. I'm proud to work with these vendors time and time again. There is a sense of peace when you know that you will be working with others you trust and rely on.

God's Creations

The past few days while on my daily walk, I've been noticing the beauty that surrounds me on the wooded path. In the early morning the sunlight that shines through the trees onto the path provides fresh viewpoints and a joy about living.

I am amazed at the flowers, plants, and trees that I work with at the shop surround me in the natural habitat. Fresh upright amaranthus, Queen Anne's lace, black-eyed susans, sword fern, bark shed from the trees, all remind me of the plethora of choices God has made available for us, as florists, to use for delight. I get the pleasure of working with them and to use my God-given talents to arrange them artfully. I love my job!

Any florist will tell you it's not all roses and glory, the shop floor is filled daily with cut stems on the floor. The workroom is not glamorous, but the end product is where the beauty lies and we get to pass that on to you!

The 3/50 Project

I came across a wonderful grassroots campaign today. The 3/50 Project is a campaign to get consumers back to choosing the businesses that started this great nation: the brick and mortar shops. I'm happy to say that Bergeron's is one of them!

The Wall Street Journal featured an article on June 30th about what The 3/50 Project is doing http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124631541083270621.html . If you want to learn more about The 3/50 Project, please click on this link: http://www.the350project.net/home.html

Bergerons is independently owned and has been since it's original owner, James Bergeron started this florist shop in 1971. Thanks for choosing us time and time again!