Picture Perfect Peonies!

The Month of May is such an extremely BUSY time here at Best Buds ... not only because Wedding Season kicks into High Gear .... but it's also growing and planting time on our three acres of Paradise. Right now our organically grown Peonies are bursting into full bloom ....

the rain did a number on us this month and it was a 'race to the finish' to harvest buds and get them into 'cold storage' for future use in June. Peonies are one of my favorite blooms because they are so showy and fragrant. I love flowers that have fragrance and even when they begin to drop their petals ... I will air dry them . . . .

OR just air dry the entire peony bloom (individually because they don't like company and will rot) and later place them in a pretty dish to display

... that way I get to enjoy their essence just a wee bit longer :-) People ask me all the time 'How can I prolong my fresh cut Peony Season?' I tell them to harvest their Peonies when the buds have shown color and if you gently squeeze it ... it feels like a soft marshmellow.

Cut them with a sharp knife on angle . . . shake off the ants and earwigs that want to come along for the ride ... wrap them individually lenthwise in plain paper (cut the ends off a brown bag) and secure them with rubber bands ... keep them in a cool dark place free of humidity and they will go into a dormant state and when you want to use them ... unwrap them ... give them a fresh cut on an angle with your knife and place them in fresh water

and see them bloom right before your eyes -- Hope you try this 'trick' and enjoy the 'magic' of Peonies too!

'To Fool Or Not To Fool!!!'

Happy April Fool's Day!!! Why single out the first day of April to dream up what sort of 'sneaky' thing we can pull on someone so we can have the 'satisfaction' of experiencing that 'Gotcha' moment!!!

Well I'm not going to give you a history lesson on the who, what, where or why about April 1st and why they call it 'Fools Day' . . . that would be taking all the 'fun' out of this great event.

I LOVE April Fools Day . . . maybe because I am the daughter of one of the 'Biggest Fools' as he affectionately referred to himself -- you see my Dad, Julius, was born on April Fools Day.

Can you imagine this day as your Birthday . . .

. . . think about it . . . you are a 'sitting' duck ... everyone would be out to 'get the birthday guy or gal' -- who wouldn't want the bragging rights to have pulled the best prank of the day. Well in our home, my Dad was the prankster. NO ONE ever got the upper hand with him --

He lived up to his reputation of being an April Fools Baby and was VERY PROUD OF IT!

So Happy Birthday Dad --

you may no longer be with us .... but I can feel your smile as I remember all the 'gags' you pulled off to make YOUR Birthday special . . . thanks for the great memories!

St. Patrick's Day Wedding

You were all probably expecting to see a photo of Green flowers well surprisingly enough I learned a few things from Nicole, a sweet Irish Lass, who was married to Anthony yesterday -- which by the way was PERFECT for their Lakeside Ceremony.

When I first met Nicole .... I had a portfolio full of designs overflowing with bright green flowers, foliage, shamrocks ... you name it .... it was in there! Was my face 'red' when she told me that it really was 'bad' luck for the couple if guests wore green to the Wedding and she was not taking any chances with her flowers ... She wanted bright bold colors with just a wee touch of the green!

Everyday should be an adventure and we should learn something new by day's end ... I sure did ... and I can't wait to see what I can add to my little 'brain' bank today!!!

2012 International Philadelphia Flower Show

This past Wednesday I was fortunate enough to have the pleasure of visiting the 2012 International Philadelphia Flower Show which showcased the Islands of Hawaii.

It was a virtual 'Sea of People' that resembled a 'Lava Flow 'similar to the 'Pele' Display by Schaffer Designs!

Simply put this show is where Mother Nature met the imaginations of so many talented designers. The incredible beauty of the tropics was enhanced by the authentic Polynesian Dancers who performed for the awe struck audience ... including yours truly!

Of course one does work up an appetite at these events and even though there were plenty of opportunities to visit eateries at the show --- I love the Reading Terminal Market right across the street from the Convention Center --- so we made our way to Herschel's Deli to enjoy one of their mouth watering authentic Hot Pastrami Sandwiches -- the kind you can only get in the City!

I may be a 'Country Girl' but I do love the 'energy' of the City!! So after lunch and a quick run around the market ... we headed back to the show to visit Waldor Orchids -- one of my favorite show vendors! There are all kinds of orchids ... from the easy to the complex care ones -- but all of them are beautiful and healthy. Their staff is friendly, knowledgeable and patient!!! You never go wrong with one of their plants!

I circled their display about three times until I made my final choice & purchased this little beauty ... I know I know .... she may be small but give her a year or two and she will be glorious!!!

We also visited many other vendors .... but I always stop at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Stand -- they have so many beautiful items for sale but my hands were full, my little purse was overflowing and I needed HELP quickly and I spied this great 'tropical' tote to stash all my treasures in for the trip home!!

So there you have it -- my little day trip to Hawaii!!! If I have peaked your curiosity, given you a case of Island Fever, tempted your tastebuds and appealed to the shopper in you, I have only skimmed the surface of this wonderful show. But if you are now 'kicking yourself' for not getting there .... it's OK .... you still have time to visit the show this weekend and create your own magical Island Memory!!! Aloha!

2012 Magic of Love & A Cure For Cancer Valentine's Fundraiser Results

Good News is always fun to share but first I want to tell everyone who came out to Best Buds and supported the 2012 Magic of Love & Cure for Cancer Valentine Fundraiser Event how much it meant to have your support for this very worthy cause.

We had so much fun from Friday all the way until Valentine's Day seeing all the faces of those who came to pick up their 'Magic' Roses ... and hearing all the positive feedback as to how surprised they were to see what 'they were getting'. Many had never seen Golden Flower's 'Magic Rose' Series .... as I said before - they are not your garden variety of Valentine Red Rose .... they are just a fun rose as you can see from the photo I added. Most were pleasantly surprised as to how they were packaged and could not wait to give them to their 'special someones'. Again and again I am hearing as to how surprised they were at 'how long the roses lasted' ..... I tell them that is a Best Buds' trade secret :-)

Well here is the GOOD NEWS that I broke to Diane O'Donnell, the Chairperson from the American Cancer Society Tamaqua Relay For Life Campaign. . .
BEST BUDS IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE DONATION OF $1,180.30!!!!!! Best Buds' donated all of the 300 roses, accent flowers, packaging, sweet treats, time, etc. and yes, we could have charged so much more ... but I believe EVERYONE should have flowers ... it's the 'Magic' of Valentine's Day and the joy of giving that makes life so worthwhile!

Again, Thank You ..... Thank You ..... Thank You for allowing me the privilege of putting on this event and again for your support of the American Cancer Society and Best Buds Specialty Florists!

BLOOM!!!

Where on earth did February go??? Blink and it's over ... well no worry much going on here at Best Buds ... just finished the American Cancer Society Valentine Fundraiser ... stay tuned ... will be announcing the first week in March the total amount raised -- so exciting.

Met so many great people in February who came in for Wedding & Event Consultations and learned a 'thing or two' about real Irish Weddings -- will share that with you in March, joined Pinterest -- very habit forming, be careful

but if you like the photos on this Blog then check me out on Pinterest ... not just Weddings, all kinds of fun things.

Doing some Book Research for a fellow Wedding, Event Planner and Flower Friend ...

oh that reminds me, I must email that to Dawn.

Also, I want to Welcome Adele and Diane who signed up to follow along & to all the 'Linky' followers ...

so grateful to have you stop by and visit!

Enjoy the last few days of February -- and remember ...
No matter where you are planted .... Bloom .... Just Bloom!

Best Buds' 2011 Weddings & Events

Presenting a slideshow featuring the Weddings & Special Events that Best Buds had the privilege of being a part of in 2011. I want to thank all of my Wedding Couples and Mary 'Grammy Janitz's' Family for placing their trust in me and allowing me the honor of creating floral designs for their special days!!!
As I put this slideshow together it was wonderful to revisit their events and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

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