In October of 2008 we started a vase recyling program. For every vase brought to Gammage Flowers we donated $1 to Women's Community House of London. To date we have raised over $550.00. Any vases we are unable to use we have donated to the Thames Valley District School Board for use in their floral design program at Ross Secondary School. We will continue our program in 2009 and hope to benefit other local charities in the process.
December 2008 Archives
Flowers and chocolate: the perfect pair. What could possibly be better as a gift or indulgence than chocolate. Bernard Callebaut Chocolate is Canadian-made by trained chocolateurs in the finest belgian tradition. When you make your selection of decadent sweets, you can make your gift even sweeter by pairing with a Gammage bouquet for a unique gift that tells someone they deserve the very best.
You can find Bernard Callebaut Chocolates right next door to Gammage Flowers. No worries about duplication of gifts as Bernard Callebaut is only available in London through Gammage Flowers!
There are many icons of the holiday season which have stood the test of time. One of my favorites, in its original, fresh, and aromatic form, is the holiday evergreen wreath. I love it to purchase for myself, and to give as a gift. But a wreath not only cheers up a room or a door with color and fragrance; but also, wreaths have held strong symbolic value for people of many faiths for thousands of years.
The history of the wreath may start in Roman times, when wreaths of laurel or other prized leaves or coral were presented to victors in competition, and statesman as a sign of high status.
The evergreen wreath may have originated in pre-Christian times in Northern Europe as a symbol of the circle of life, or the recurring seasons. In some winter pagan rituals, wreaths were lit with candles, anticipating the longer, warmer days of spring and summer. These wreaths probably evolved into the Advent Wreath of the Catholic tradition, along with the welcoming wreath we see on doors today.
In any case, the concept of eternity symbolized by the circle with no beginning and no end, and the evergreens which live throughout the seasons, is a powerful, beautiful, and fragrant one perpetuated by our gift of the wreath over the holidays.
Gammage Flowers purchases it's poinsettias from local growers and as a result we have healthy and large plants to offer our customers. The poinsettia was first grown commercially in 1828 so it should come as no surprise that it is a floral Christmas tradition. Poinsettias are wonderful gift to send. There is no worry that the recipient may already have one, since poinsettias are merrier with more! An arrangement of poinsettia plants is a gorgeous decoration for the holidays.
Poinsettias are easy to care for, they need warmth; bright, indirect sunlight;and moderately moist-to-the-touch soil. Let the soil dry out before re watering.
Many people do not know that once the holiday is over, you can continue to care for your poinsettia. It will continue to thrive through the winter with proper care. In the spring, plant your poinsettia in your garden and it will grow full and green.
