Plants, Flowers and Such

We love Thank You's!

2012-02-24T13:16:00.002-08:00

Who doesn't love to know their work is appreciated? Here is an exerpt from a recent "thank you"...

I want to thank you for the obvious hard work and creativity that went into our wedding flowers. I worked several times with Denise, and she was absolutely amazing. I felt like she and I were on the same wavelength and she really understood what I was looking for. My constant changes did nothing to ruffle her feathers! Your delivery was on time (early, even), and the arrangements were EXACTLY what I had been thinking of. When I opened the boxes of bouquets at church, I was overwhelmed. I had been picturing the flowers for several months and I was stunned at how beautiful they were. My bouquet of plum calla lillies, in particular, was perfection. I got more compliments on the bouquet than I did on my dress! :) It was been over a week and my bouquet flowers are still alive and well in a vase at home. The flowers were a huge part of my overall vision, and I really couldn't be happier. You guys surpassed my expectations and have won a lifelong customer in me and my family. Your business was referred tome by another happy bride, and I will happily be referring you to everyone I know. Thank you for being the beautiful icing on a perfect wedding day. - Mrs. Holly Katt (nee Bertera)

Thanks, Holly! Your note makes the flower business and the hard work we put into it very much worth it for us! Best wishes from Waukesha Floral

Art in Bloom 2012

2012-02-23T09:08:00.003-08:00

The Milwaukee Art Museum is once again sponsoring Art in Bloom March 29-April 1st. This is a great opportunity to view the spectacular art in the museum combined with the beautiful art of flowers. Local designers, garden clubs and other individuals showcase their skills and either enhance, mimic or interpret artwork that they have randomly been assigned. A special feature this year is the "Iron Designer" competition held on Thursday night. Three skilled designers are challenged to create floral works of art before a live audience and within a set amount of time. One of those designers is our own Denise Gehrke, AIFD! We are so pleased to have Denise at Waukesha Floral with her unlimited skills and willingness to accept any floral challenge. She has won two award at Art in Bloom and will again compete this year.

For more information, please click on this link: http://mam.org/bloom/

Roses Roses Roses!

2012-02-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is this Tuesday and Waukesha Floral is stocked with red roses plus a variety of gorgeous colors. Many people ask what color rose they should send for different occasions. Here is a list of the most common meanings of the colors of roses:

Red = Passionate love, courage, strength

Yellow = Friendship

White = Purity, innocence

Pink = Secret love, happiness

Deep Pink = Thank you

Light Pink = Sympathy, femininity

Lavender = Enchantment

Orange = Desire

Peach = Gatitude, admiration

Blue = Mystery

Red and White Combination of Roses = "Together as one", bonding, harmony, true love

Yellow and Orange Combination of Roses = Passionate thoughts

More January Wedding Pics

2012-02-07T08:33:00.000-08:00

Nature abounded on this cool, sunny day at The Legend of Brandybrook! Tall lanterns combined with vanilla candles, moss and grapevine, while votives were strung from curly willow anchored by pinecones in sculptural vases. The third centerpiece consisted of slices of birch with fresh flowers in white and frosty gray and brown, including rununculus, anemone, hydrangea and dusty miller foliage.

January Wedding Continued

2012-02-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

Natural curly willow, sugar pinecones and long-needle pine combine to give form an archway of beauty at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. We later removed the twig arrangements and reused at the reception for double-duty.

A January Wedding

2012-01-27T14:28:00.000-08:00

These beautiful flowers are waiting in the cooler to be designed into a lovely wedding bouquet. Pure white combines with shades of gray and nature's bounty of pinecones. January botanicals will be used to decorate both ceremony and party... more pictures to come!

Motorcycle Tribute

2012-01-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

At Waukesha Floral, we believe flowers can be a wonderful expression of sympathy and tribute at any funeral service. Recently, we were asked to recreate a Suzuki motorcycle for an avid bike rider who passed away. Using a good picture of his motorcycle, this is what was present as a tribute to his favorite hobby. Sometimes it's nice to have flowers that recall happy memories or spark conversation, and we're happy to be able to help provide them.

Pantone 2012 Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango

2011-12-31T10:49:00.000-08:00

Pantone has once again released its color of the year, and for 2012, it is a bright and bold orange named "tangerine tango". Here is how Pantone describes it:

"Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it. Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy."

Pantone tells us that you will see this color used in fashion designs and cosmetics, including lipstick, cheeks and nail polish as well as eye shadow(!). It will continue to carry through as an accent in the home and office. And of course, you can always find tangerine in flower colors, including exotic looking roses, cheerful gerbera daisies and bright hot lilies to name a few.

Welcome 2012 and bring on the energy boost of Tangerine Tango!

There's Still Time!

2011-12-22T17:16:00.000-08:00

There's still some time to order flowers for a last-minute gift. Give us a call for a one-size-fits-all surprise that we can deliver for you or you can pick up. We're here from 8 am - 6 pm Friday and from 8 am - 3 pm Saturday. Check out our website for more ideas: http://www.waukeshafloral.com

Have a very Merry Christmas! We'll be closed Sunday and Monday, Dec. 26th to spend the days with our families. Enjoy your holiday too and thanks for being our blog follower!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

2011-12-14T07:55:00.000-08:00

Just a little light-hearted post today, of Santa (aka Marty) with his mother, Janet. Janet and Noel came to Waukesha in 1976, purchasing Waukesha Floral. Previously, they had a flower shop in Racine. In the 70's, there were many flower shops in Racine, so when the lease came up, Noel and Janet searched for a new location that would be right for them and their family. Since that time, sons Marty and Tom have taken over the responsibilities of Waukesha Floral, but Janet is the one who provides us with cookies, care, and her sparkling personality. We love Janet!

New Variety of Poinsettia

2011-12-11T10:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a beautiful red poinsettia with light green flecks... the variety is Glitter. It's a new and very vigorous plant at Waukesha Floral this year.

Remember, when you choose a poinsettia, the actually flowers are not the brightly colored leaves, but the little yellow blooms in the centers. You would like the little yellow blooms to not be all open but in bud form to give the best longevity to the plant, like this plant. The yellow blooms are not even showing yet.

The most important thing is good drainage, as poinsettias don't like wet roots. However, they don't like to completely dry out either. Poke a hole in the decorative foil on the pot and use a saucer to protect your furniture!

The Poinsettias are ready!

2011-11-30T09:48:00.000-08:00

Waukesha Floral's greenhouses are bursting with hundreds of beautiful blooms! Here are two interesting pictures... Marty practically drowning in poinsettias, and a cool new variety of red with bright green splotches on the leaves. Come in now for the best selection. Our greenhouses will put the holiday spirit in you!

There's No Rule that Wreaths Must be Round!

2011-11-21T12:11:00.000-08:00

Our contemporary version of the holiday wreath isn't round! Concordia University's new School of Pharmacy sports this unique chartreuse and silver wreath in their foyer. For the holidays, try something fresh and modern!

Sommers Subaru Celebration Flowers

2011-11-18T14:24:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few of the arrangements for the Sommers Subaru grand opening celebration. Don't you just love the bright arrangement on the kids' table... with crayon vase and monkey tail foliage? Bright exotic flowers combine with cattails and callas to make an outstanding statement.

Congratulations and best wishes for future success to Sommers Subaru!

Bridal Bouquets

2011-11-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

Today's bouquets prove that weddings in autumn don't always have to be fall colors! Two similar bouquets... but very different. The blue and white bouquet features hydrangea, alstromeria, freesia and gerbera daisies. The lavender and white bouquet has white and lavender roses, freesia and a touch of glittery ribbon. Best wishes to our bridal couples today and always!

Holiday Jingle Open House is this Weekend!

2011-11-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Join us Saturday 8-5 and Sunday 10-4 for our annual Holiday Open House. Enjoy savings of 15% off all giftware, plants and flowers this weekend only, plus a great sale table. There will be door prizes, free popcorn and hot cider plus kids' crafts. Bring a non-perishable food item with you to help fill our Waukesha Food Pantry barrels and enjoy free design shows.

Snowin' and Blowin': 10 am Sat/1pm Sun

Do you love the snow? Featuring snowy white, icey silver and warm gold tones, this show brings out holiday brilliance!

Where Treetops Glisten: 11:30 am Sat/3 pm Sun

Our treetops glisten with traditional red, evergreen, plaids and cozy colors. Treetops, tree trims and permanent holiday flowers star in this show, for traditional with our own twist.

Reindeer Games: 1 pm Saturday

Fresh, fun and fabulous flowers plus holiday trivia questions for our audience! We'll have fun at this show!

Pretty Paper, Pretty Ribbons: 3 pm Sat/11 am Sun

Change your gift wrapping with some ideas for pretty packages! Come on stage and help us wrap things in new ways. Everyone will get the chance to learn to make a bow.

For any questions on our holiday open house, call Waukesha Floral at 262-542-8152. See you on the weekend!

Boo!

2011-10-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Halloween is fast approaching! Waukesha Floral has many fresh arrangements and unique, collectible halloween items. Do a little "reverse trick-or-treating" and send someone a halloween themed flower arrangement or special treat basket today!

Beware! Stop in our store and you'll see quite the fright as we work to change over to the holiday season. Holiday Jingle Open House is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, November 5-6th.

Ladies Night Artwork and Artflowers

2011-10-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

More pictures from Ladies' Night!

Vicki interpretted this "Lady with Blue Hair" picture from The Almont Gallery in Waukesha with similarly colored flowers!

To see more pictures of Ladies Night art, visit our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/WaukeshaFloral

Like us on Facebook to get more pictures and all the latest news!

Third Annual Ladies Night - Howl at the Moon

2011-10-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

Ladies night was once again a "howling" success! A good time was had by all, enhanced by the Brew Crew winning an important playoff game that night.

Our "Palette of Blooms" show featured local artwork from The Almont Gallery and Gallery One, and our designers interpretted each masterpiece in flowers. We came up with some beautiful and unusual things, and I will blog more about them in the near future.

Our lady guests also enjoyed chair massages from Therapeutic Touch of Brookfield, cakes from Rich's Cakes in Meadowbrook Plaza, chocolate samples from Indulgence Chocolatiers, pastries from Sweet Perfections, and make up consultations from our friends at Mary Kay. Everyone received a bolt of ribbon, candles, flowers and valuable coupons as a thank you for coming.

This pictures shows some of our guests working on a community artwork piece, weaving and tying ribbons on a giant frame. For more pictures, please see our Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse FaceBook Page.

If you are interested in being invited to our ladies night and receiving other monthly offers, please email jane@waukeshafloral.com with your name and email address.

Downtown Milwaukee Planters at City Center

2011-10-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of some fall planters designed by Planteriors of Wisconsin, our plant rental and maintenance division of Waukesha Floral. The stacked pots catch your attention, not only for the beautiful flowers and fall leaves and Kale, but because most people wonder, "how did they do that?" An iron rod is placed into the planter and the clay pots are "stacked" through the holes in the bottoms of the pots and then planted after being stacked. Based on the number of compliments and people stopping to take pictures of the planters, it is obvious that public flowers and art are really appreciated by all. Kudos to Compass Properties for recognizing this and asking us to do the job for them. If you're down by 735 N. Water Street, stop and take a look!

Permanent Flower Displays

2011-10-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

It's nice to have a fresh look in your business or retail space with seasonal permanent flowers. Here is an example of a seasonal rotation of flowers provided to a veterinary clinic in the Milwaukee area. This was their summer look, and we have just installed their fall flowers. They also have a holiday look, winter, and spring. We provide the flowers and install them, and store their seasonal arrangements for them.

Spooky Season is Approaching

2011-09-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

Come in to Waukesha Floral and see all our spooky friends like this great mummy candy holder and our friendly witches. As Autumn approaches, start thinking about some new (and affordable) friends for your Halloween scene!

Wedding Archway

2011-09-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

Looking for an archway for your wedding or event? Waukesha Floral has a pretty, solid wood white archway that is easily transported in three pieces. It rents for $75 plus tax and delivery (if needed). The beautiful fresh flowers are additional. This archway also supports a large arrangement of flowers on its lattice top, and is tall and wide enough to easily stand underneath.

And no, those aren't palm trees in the background. It's our own Lake Michigan (with some rather dark looking clouds).

Pretty In Pink Bouquets

2011-09-06T11:44:00.001-07:00

This last weekend's weddings featured this beautiful pink lily and orchid bouquet, and attendant's bouquets of dendrobium orchids. Pink continues to be a very popular color for 2011 weddings!

Hardy Mums Are Here

2011-09-01T07:13:00.000-07:00

Big, beautiful, bright... hardy mums are here to save the tired garden! We have a nice selection at Waukesha Floral... although most plants aren't showing much color yet, the buds are set for an explosion of September beauty!

One Gallon Size: $5.99
Two Gallon Size: $10.99
Whopper Size: $29.99 (Comes in a nice terra cotta colored pot to just set on your porch or deck)

Buy three mums and get the same size free! Just mention you saw our blog.

Sunflower Season!

2011-08-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

Sunflowers are beautiful right now... and we like to pick them before the squirrels do! They make a long-lasting, sunshiny statement in any flower arrangement, and come in more colors and varieties than just yellow. Many of our sunflowers come from local sources. Next time you order a bouquet, make it sunflowers!

Always Reliable Alstroemeria

2011-08-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

Florists often refer to this pretty little lily-like flower as "Alstro". It's another staple of flowers, coming to us from South America. Alstroemeria blooms in a wide range of colors and is generally long-lasting. After its long trip from South America, it can often look very wilted and tender, but as soon as the stems are hydrated, the blooms start to come back to life. It is often used in corsages and as filler flowers in bouquets and arrangements, although it is certainly pretty on its own. It is the "friendship flower", symbolic of wealth, prosperity and fortune. If you receive a bouquet of Alstroemeria, consider yourself very fortunate!

Where Have All the Flower Shops Gone?

2011-08-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

According to a recent report by the Society of American Florists, retail floral establishments fell to record lows in 2009, per data just released from the U.S. Census Bureau. The number of florists has fallen 34 percent since 1997 when the drop began, with a total of 9,381 retail florist businesses having vanished since 1997. The number of shops increased in only four states from 2008 to 2009: Wyoming, Hawaii, South Dakota and Nebraska.

Staffing also fell at retail florist shops, with 68% of all shops having 1-4 people, just under a quarter employed 5-9 people and only 9 percent of all shops had 10 or more staff members.

Waukesha Floral employs an average of 20 full and part time people per year, including those at Planteriors of Wisconsin, the plant rental and maintenance division.

Thank you for thinking globally, but shopping locally. Waukesha Floral hopes to continue its 107 year tradition of beautiful flowers and plants both now and well into the future.

A Snowdrift of Baby's Breath

2011-08-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

Baby's breath is an unsung hero of the flower shop. With thousands of fluffy white blooms atop bright green stems, it is often a flower used in the background to compliment roses, lilies and other feature flowers. By itself, it can be very striking, especially in wedding flower work. Baby's breath is easy to care for, reliable and long-lasting. It requires fresh water and a new cut every few days, but is also easily dried. Names like "Million Bells" and "Snowdrift" describe the masses of white blooms that fill a vase with their light texture. It's a wonderful staple of Waukesha Floral!

Hundreds of Varieties!

2011-08-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Gerbera daisies are so popular these days, for both wedding flowers and everyday arrangements. The large heads of the flowers are heavy on slight stems, so you may see these with wires up the stems or straws that wrap around the stems and help keep the blooms straight.

As you can see, Gerbera Daisies come in a huge variety of colors, including these pink beauties with a double row of petals, and sunny bright orange daisies with a thin rim of vibrant yellow.

Waukesha Floral always has an assortment of Gerbera daisies, but for special order colors, it's advised to call at least a week ahead.

Go Brewers!

2011-08-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

The Brewers are HOT this year! And here's a hot shot of Bernie with our Planteriors Account Manager, Stacey Balsley and our Creative Design Manager, Denise Gehrke. They were guests of one of our valued customers at a recent game and they had a lot of fun! Waukesha Floral is happy to provide flowers for the suites at Miller Park and for your Milwaukee Brewers.

State Fair Flowers

2011-08-08T07:37:00.001-07:00

Come on down to the Wisconsin State Fair to see Denise and Jane show you some interesting and creative ways to dress up your next picnic... today at 12-2!

And while you're in the horticulture building, don't miss our decorated cart. Here are two of our favorite people by our cart... Casey Hamill-Barth and her friend, Hannah Loppnow. Their aspirations are to finish Carroll University and St. Norbert's College, obtain gainful employment, meet "Mr. Dreamy" and star in a Waukesha Floral commercial someday! Thanks for submitting the picture Casey! You're a star!

No Less Than Stunning!

2011-08-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

Here is the bridal bouquet of yellow calla lilies shown in my previous blog post. The professional picture sent to us by the bride really shows just how gorgeous the flowers were! And I love the picture of our beautiful bride and her attendants holding the rose and freesia bouquets.... these are all fresh flowers, and with a beautiful summer palette of colors. Love love love these pictures! Thanks to our customer for sending them and for entrusting Waukesha Floral and Mary Jo with her wedding!

Flowers for Every Bride!

2011-07-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

Today is a busy wedding flower day! Shown here are some of the bridal bouquets we have made for our brides and their attendants. Fortunately, there are so many different flowers and colors for every type of bride! What kind of bride are you? Do you prefer the elegance of calla lilies or the happy feel of daisies? Or would you choose the soft look of yellow lilies? Do you like a classic look with all white roses or a vibrant feel of bright and light pink roses with deep purple lisianthus? Or is lilac your color? Whatever you choose, you're sure to have happy memories with your own beautiful flower bouquets.

It's Time to Shop!

2011-07-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

Our buyers will be traveling to the Atlanta gift market this coming week. If there are any items you would like to see offered at Waukesha Floral, please let me know! Some of our best gift items come from suggestions from our customers.... if you've seen something in your travels that isn't offered here, just send me an email at jane@waukeshafloral.com.

Wedding Wreaths

2011-07-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple pictures of fresh wreaths used as centerpieces around hurricane candles at a recent wedding. A lovely combination of lavender roses and stock combined with light purple alstromaeria and white hydrangea florets. Many different types of foliages added shine and texture to the arrangements.
The second picture shows the wreaths in our cooler, waiting for delivery.

Snowman... In JULY??

2011-07-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a nifty plant that came to Waukesha Floral from Florida this week. "Eugenia Myrtifolia", or commonly called Brush Cherry, in this topiary form, reminds me of a 3-part snowman! Of course, the greenhouse is a little warm for snowmen this time of year.

Clipped in a formal fashion, this would make a great plant in semi-sun to full sun outdoors, or would thrive in a high light interior. It is a tropical plant so it must be brought indoors in the winter, or used as an annual plant. It's a bright and beautiful plant, and I believe we have 4 of them currently. They are priced at $59.99 each.

Or add a top hat,carrot nose and charcoal for eyes plus a light summer scarf... snowman in July!!

I'm Thirsty!

2011-07-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

These first few days of July have been relatively dry. Don't forget to water your plants outdoors, especially hanging baskets and container gardens which dry out quickly above ground. During these hot July days, watering daily or twice a day will ensure beautiful plants through the summer. A little liquid fertilizer in your water is also a big benefit.

Shown watering our plants is my daughter, Grace. She is between graduating (magna cum laude!) from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Biology and continuing this fall at The University of Minnesota, working towards her PhD in water ecology. We are happy to have Grace helping us out with the plants this summer. Stop by and say hi :)

4th of July is Almost Here!

2011-07-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

4th of July is a wonderful holiday. Here are some wonderful things about it:

It celebrates the greatest day in America's history!

The weather is usually warm!

It's a casual holiday that doesn't involve cookie making, card-sending or shopping for presents!

Fireworks! Oooh! Aaaah!

If you're going to a cook-out why not take some red-white-and blue flowers along to add to the celebration? We also have a few great hanging baskets (now half price) to spruce up the yard for your own enjoyment. Enjoy Independence Day!

Happy Monday... I think Summer's here?!

2011-06-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

Finally, we had a beautiful weekend for all the celebrations and wedding ceremonies; the weather felt more like summer than spring!

Here's a quick picture of one of our bridal bouquets from this past weekend, designed by Mary Jo. This says "Summer" to me!

Fiesta!

2011-06-22T08:36:00.001-07:00

This is a great look for hot summer parties! Ribbon is not often thought of as a table accent, but this lattice look really draws the colors of the flowers around the table. Using ribbon on the table requires lots of ribbon, patience and two people to weave and pull the ribbons taught. It also helps to have heavy vases and rocks as shown to hold the ribbons in place. When it's done, it's a great look... very festive. This table was designed by Denise for a special birthday party with a Mexican fiesta theme. Muy bueno, Denise!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-18T05:24:00.000-07:00

Cheers to all dads this weekend!

And don't forget, all our garden plants are on sale for quick clearance at 33% off.

If your dad loves his garden, hurry in now for the final best selection of the season.

Enjoy the weekend... and remember to thank your dad!

Tribute to a Gardener

2011-06-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

Today, Denise had the privilege of designing sympathy flowers for an avid gardener. His family brought in cuttings from his yard... Bridal Wreath spirea, hosta leaves, bleeding hearts, lamb's ears, allium and more. She added touches like tomatoes, green pepers and grapevine to make a very gardeny looking spray and a wood trug arrangement for the family. Here are some pictures of the spray and some closer pictures of the details.

It's always nice to have some personal touches at a funeral and we encourage our customers to bring in pictures, hobby items or family mementoes to encorporate into the flower pieces. The fresh picked garden items made a loving tribute for a special man who loved his garden.

Seeing RED!

2011-05-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

A wonderful group of Red Hat ladies visited Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse this past Tuesday. I was delighted to give them a tour of the flower shop and greenhouses.

I'm not so sure of how the Red Hatters came to be, but I'm guessing this poem has something to do with the phenomenon:

WARNING:
When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple with a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me. And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves and satin candles, and say we've no money for butter. I shall sit down on the pavement when I am tired and gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells and run my stick along the public railings and make up for the sobriety of my youth. I shall go out in my slippers in the rain and pick the flowers in other people's gardens and learn to spit. You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat and eat three pounds of sausages at a go or only bread and pickles for a week and hoard pens and pencils and beer nuts and things in boxes. But now we must have clothes that keep us dry and pay our rent and not swear in the street and set a good example for the children. We must have friends to dinner and read the papers. But maybe I ought to practice a little now? So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

So wear your red hat in to Waukesha Floral... you're always welcome!

Welcome Olde English Flower Shop Customers!

2011-05-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

After more than 40 years in the floral business, Olde English Flower Shop in Waukesha has decided to start a new business venture. They have entrusted their floral and plant business to Waukesha Floral. We welcome their customers to become part of the Waukesha Floral family! Just give us a call or stop in. We will always strive to be the best flower shop in Waukesha... let our flowers and plants prove it to you! Waukesha Floral also carries a full line of gifts, cards, candy, outdoor plants, plush, baby items and so much more.

Thanks for letting us serve you for over 107 years!

In The Pink

2011-05-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

Honeysuckle Pink... the 2011 Color of the Year!

You can find lots of pink in our greenhouse at Waukesha Floral.
Two examples are the huge pink petunia and gorgeous pink geranium baskets. Aren't they beautiful? Great as a gift or for your summer landscape! Call or stop by... these pink beauties won't last long!

Perennials are Here!

2011-05-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

It's a rather cool and cloudy start to Mother's Day Weekend, however Sunday's forecast looks great! Our first shipment of hardy perennial plants and herbs have arrived! If you're in the mood to look at our beautiful outdoor plants, stop by today or Sunday from 9-4 and take a look around. The flowers look so gorgeous after a rather cool Spring!

Mother's Day is Sunday

2011-05-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

Don't forget Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 8th!

Sarah is one of Waukesha Floral's talented designers and is modeling a Treska necklace. Sarah is also a talented mom of two adorable girls. She would love to help you choose something special for mom. We have a nice selection of jewelry... necklaces, bracelets, rings. Is your mom a purse lover? See our line of Miche bags with interchangeable shells. Or, how about fresh flowers? Moms love flowers!

Do you need gift ideas or suggestions? Simply call us, stop in or look on our website. We'll be happy to help you find the perfect gift for mom this year. Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse will be open this Sunday from 9-4. If you're looking for a little shopping time with mom, stop by and peruse the huge selection of hanging baskets and annuals.

Royal Wedding Trees

2011-04-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

Reporters are "all abuzz" about the royal wedding taking place on Friday. They tell us that live trees have been brought into Westminster Abbey for the ceremony decorations.

Did you know that you can also rent live trees for your ceremony? Waukesha Floral has fig trees (shown here) that can be used for special events, as well as large palms and other tropical plants.

If you would like to be "royal", give us a call or come in for more details on our tree rentals!

Don't Throw Out that Easter Lily!

2011-04-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

We hope you are enjoying the fragrant Easter Lily you received. Indoors, keep your lily away from drafts and drying heat sources such as fans or heating ducts and place them in bright, indirect light. Water the plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch, but do not overwater. To prolong the life of the blossoms, remove the yellow pollen-bearing anthers found in the middle of each flower.

You can save the bulb and plant it outdoors after the flowers are gone. Plant the lily outdoors as soon as the ground can be worked (around Memorial Day here). Select a sunny site with well-drained soil and set the top of the bulb 6" below the soil survace. Leave the stem and leaves, but cut off the old flowers. Do not cut back the stem until it dies down in the fall - it needs to gain its energy all summer to produce a new white lily next year. Lilies in Wisconsin usually blooming in mid summer.

Administrative Professional's Week is Coming!

2011-04-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 27th is Administrative Professional's Day. Don't forget to thank those special people who keep your business life organized and running smoothly. You'll always find a nice selection of tropical plants, dish gardens and of course fresh flowers perfect for their desk top. Call us or go to our website to order flowers and have them delivered to your work place.

Hippity, Hoppity, Easter's on It's Way!

2011-04-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

Those April showers are really going to bring some gorgeous May flowers this year. Even the snowshowers!

This week marks preparation for Easter Sunday. Don't forget to send a reminder of Spring with any of our fresh flower arrangements, including the Easter Bunny bouquet shown here. We also have a gorgeous assortment of lilies, blooming plants like hydrangea and flowering bulb plants. Give us a call to order your Easter corsage today.

As always, you're invited to stop by Monday - Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and see what else is growing. Our hanging baskets and annuals are really looking wonderful. Spring really is on its way!

107th Birthday Sale April 8-15

2011-04-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

Celebrate 107 years of beautiful flowers and plants with Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse. All merchandise, cooler arrangements, blooming and green plants are 15% off April 8-15th. Some come on in and sing us "the birthday song" and enjoy some nice savings too!

Art in Bloom

2011-04-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

I hope you had a chance to get to The Milwaukee Art Museum this past weekend, for Art in Bloom. If you didn't make it, here are some pictures of two floral pieces designed by our own Denise Gehrke, AIFD.

Stacked boxes were featured in the group entrance, and Denise embellished them with tropical leaves, braided palm fronds, monstera leaves and rolled ti leaves. She designed this on behalf of the American Institute of Floral Designers, of which she is a member.

The tropical piece was Denise's entry into the art show. The painting behind the floral design shows a vertical multi-colored stripe picture, and Denise interpreted this with the fresh bamboo in vertical columns (cleverly attached to the pillar without nails), topped with tropical flowers and foliages. It is a simple design that effectively mimics the simplicity of the picture she designed for. Congratulations go to Denise for winning the Honorable Mention ribbon!

Festival of Flowers 2011

2011-04-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, Waukesha Floral hosted the second Festival of Flowers, with the wonderful hospitality of the Interfaith Senior Programs and their volunteers. More than 200 joined us for lunch, flowers and fun times in the greenhouse. If you look at this picture, you will see the featured color "honeysuckle" pink was used on the tables and worn by many attendees. We hope that everyone has the warm feeling of Spring after visiting us and helping to fill the mission of the Interfaith Senior group!

We are Planting!

2011-03-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

Waukesha Floral's back greenhouse is filling up with the tiny sprouts of flowers that will be blooming in yards, containers and hanging baskets in a matter of weeks! Here is one our ladies with a green thumb, Cherie, working on hanging basket planting. Cherie is an expert at all things that grow, and she even has her own home greenhouse!

If you need the "smell of Spring", visit our

greenhouse this month and see what's sprouting.

No Need to Start Up the Mower

2011-03-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

A lovely basket holds fresh, green rye grass! Grass is fun to plant to celebrate the green of St. Patrick's Day or the promise of new growth under our snowbanks. This basket holds a 2-week old planting of seed, plus some fun daisies for color. This would make an unusual but fresh Easter basket, too. We have both grass bowls that have been grown for you, and the seed if you'd like to do it yourself. A nice bottle of seed that will grow many baskets is just $7.99. Stop in and see our fresh grass today!

Festival of Flowers

2011-02-19T07:47:00.000-08:00

Spring is right around the corner, and with it The Festival of Flowers! This second annual event benefits Interfaith Senior Programs, a local community nonprofit organization. We invite you to register for this fun event.

You and your friends will be seated amidst spring flowers at Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse. A delicious box lunch from Rochester Deli will be served, with soothing harp music... a wonderful break from snow and slush. There will be a floral demonstration, followed by shopping, with 10% of sales to benefit Interfaith Senior Programs.

Two seatings are available: 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person, and can be purchased through the Interfaith website or by calling Barb Butler at 262-522-2402. http://interfaithwaukesha.org/

Valentine's Day is Coming

2011-02-09T14:52:00.000-08:00

Someone commented to me that this winter is "like a black and white picture"... rather snowy and lately a little gray. I guess it's good that Valentine's Day is a bright splash of red in the middle of the black and white of winter! Warm up winter and give a little color infusion into next Monday, February 14th. We are stocked on roses, carnations, lilies, tulips as well chocolates, balloons and cards. We even have romantic plush frogs that smooch each other! We deliver to Waukesha, out to Oconomowoc, up to Mequon and down to South Milwaukee, so give us a call if you want to talk Valentine's Day. Or visit our website at waukeshafloral.com.

Thanks! We appreciate your support of our small local business. I hope you have a Valentine's Day warmed with love that you either receive or share with that special someone.

Go Pack!

2011-02-04T13:18:00.001-08:00

We at Waukesha Floral can't wait for Super Bowl 45! Go Packers!

Closed Due to Blizzard Weather

2011-02-01T14:33:00.000-08:00

Just a note that Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 2 due to weather conditions. We will reopen on Thursday, Feb. 3 at 8:00 a.m. unless weather conditions are not yet favorable to travel. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We hope all our customers and our coworkers stay safe.

Super Bowl is Sunday!

2011-01-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

Waukesha Floral has pride in the Green Bay Packers and is looking forward to Super Bowl Sunday! Why not give us a call for a Green and Gold Bouquet for your big party? We'll be glad to help you out.

This picture was taken in the men's restroom at Waukesha Floral. If you need a little Super Bowl Spirit, stop in and visit this small room with a big display of Packer pride!

Wonderful World of Weddings & Occasions

2011-01-11T14:10:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was our chance to meet future brides, friends, moms and even future grooms at the Wonderful World of Weddings and Occasions show at State Fair Park. Featured were two curly willow tree arrangements decorated with hanging glass votives, filled with crystal ice and submersible lights and flowers. These arrangements gained lots of attention for their height and elegance as a reception decoration. The booth was also filled with fresh flower bouquets, rental items such as our garden arch, pillars and silk arrangements.

Wedding consultations are a great way to think about all the possibilities for floral decorations. We'd love to talk with you or anyone else about an upcoming wedding or event that requires great flowers. Just give us a call or email jane@waukeshafloral.com.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all our friends and customers. May your day be jolly and bright!

Honeysuckle Pink the Color of 2011

2010-12-17T10:13:00.000-08:00

This week, Pantone, the authority on telling the world what the new, hot color will be, declared Honeysuckle to the the Color of the Year for 2011. With characteristics that make it "courageous, confident, vital", they said this reddish-pink color is bold, and its vitality will help folks meet the challenges of everyday life.

“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits,” explains Leatrice Eiseman of the Pantone Color Institute. She adds that this color may stir a nostalgia for the memories of springs and summers past. There’s that word “nostalgia” again—a big trend in general for 2011.

So, look for Honeysuckle to be hot in clothing, interior design, fresh flowers and even exterior bedding plants, like petunias and geraniums during Spring of 2011.

DO's and DON'T's of Poinsettia Care

2010-12-06T06:43:00.000-08:00

DO place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. If direct sun can't be avoided, diffuse the light with a shade or sheer curtain.
DO provide room temperatures between 68 - 70° F. Generally speaking, if you are comfortable, so is your poinsettia.
DO water your plant when the soil feels dry to the touch.
DO use a large, roomy shopping bag to protect your plant when transporting it.
DO fertilize your plant AFTER THE BLOOMING SEASON with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.
DON'T place plants near cold drafts or excessive heat. Avoid placing plants near appliances, fireplaces or ventilating ducts.
DON'T expose plants to temperatures below 50° F. Poinsettias are sensitive to cold, so avoid placing them outside during the winter months.
DON'T overwater your plant, or allow it to sit in standing water. Always remove a plant from any decorative container before watering, and allow the water to drain completely.
DON'T expose your plant to chilling winds when transporting it.
DON'T fertilize your plant when it is in bloom.

What's Your Point?

2010-11-29T07:15:00.000-08:00

My point (poinsettia) is pink! Waukesha Floral has been nursing a beautiful crop of poinsettia plants since September, and now they are officially ready to be transplanted to your home, office, or given as a fabulous gift.

Featured are two different types of poinsettias. "Marble" features soft ivory brachts with pink centers. "Christmas Rose" has tight, twisty brachts that remind you of a garden rose. Sizes range from small, 1-stem plants to really big 4-stem plants. We also have a limited quantity of hanging baskets.

Get out of the cold and visit the greenhouse this season! We are open Monday-Saturday 8-5 and Sunday 10-4.

First Prize Float!

2010-11-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

Waukesha Floral is pleased and proud to announce that our float won first place in the business division of the city's holiday parade! We hope you enjoyed it and the dancing poinsettias.

Shown on our float is our jolly elf and delivery person, Mike Vitale.

Stop at the greenhouse and see our beautiful poinsettias in person. Don't forget - free holiday photos with the poinsettias will be this Saturday and Sunday from 12 - 3. Again, Art's Cameras will be shooting the pictures and offering holiday greeting cards. Suggested donation is an item for the Waukesha Food Pantry. Barrels will be located at Waukesha Floral.

Christmas Parade

2010-11-18T14:40:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to look for the Waukesha Floral dancing poinsettias in this year's city parade; Sunday Nov. 21st. Kick off your holiday season with this festive, light-filled celebration down our main street. Our dancing poinsettias will be local Catholic Memorial High School students who are earning a donation to their school by helping us out. See you there!

Flowers After Hours

2010-11-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

For those of you who attended our Ladies Night, Howl at the Moon event, you know we held a raffle for a private shopping and design evening. Here are a couple pictures of our winner and her friends with the flowers they designed and took with them. They were also able to shop privately just before our holiday open house and shared a few snacks with us. We were delighted to host such gracious ladies who contributed to The Optimist Club at St. Norbert College for this raffle. They will also receive front row tickets for next year's Ladies' Night event!

Speaking of raffles, the door prize winners at the Sparkle & Shine Holiday Open House have been picked. Winners include Arlene Franklin - $75 gift card; Judy Donovan - poinsettia plant and Beth LaChance - 2 jolly elves. Thank you to everyone who attended, watched our design shows and ate a few cookies. It's the best weekend for all of us at Waukesha Floral to get into the holiday spirit!

Sparkle & Shine Holiday Open House This Weekend!

2010-11-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

Get your home ready for the holiday season at Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse’s “Sparkle & Shine” Holiday Open House on Saturday, November 6 (8 am - 5 pm) and Sunday, November 7 (10 am – 4 pm). Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse is located at 319 S. Prairie Ave., just north of Sunset Dr. on Prairie Ave. in Waukesha.

Enjoy FREE design shows, door prizes, storewide discounts, children’s craft area, refreshments and more. Bring along a non-perishable food item to help the Waukesha County Food Pantry stock its shelves for the holiday season.

FREE SEMINARS:
"Holiday Glitz”
10 am Saturday & 1 pm Sunday
Glittery, shiny, sparkling holiday designs play the starring role in this showcase of outstanding permanent floral decorations.
“Ornamental Impact”
11:30 am Saturday & 3 pm Sunday
Round shiny orbs or spiky sputniks, ornaments are the feature of this demonstration. Our designers show you there’s more to an ornament than just a pretty tree bauble!
“Season of Style”
1 pm Saturday & 11 am Sunday
What’s on Santa’s runway show this year? Colors like Peacock, Merlot, Key Lime and Cinnamon Stick! Untraditional? Yes. Beautiful? Definitely.
“Welcome Home”
3 pm Saturday
Inviting designs to set the tone for the exterior of your home, condo or apartment. Make
the best first impression with our easy, beautiful designs.

Join us for 15% savings off all regularly priced merchandise, a great sale table, refreshments, kids' crafts, door prizes and samples. See you Saturday and Sunday!

Spin a Web!

2010-10-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute and not too spooky idea from Teleflora for Halloween. The ceramic pumpkin has removable jack o'lantern face stickers so after Halloween, you can use this pumpkin for a Thanksgiving centerpiece. It would also cheer up someone under the weather this week, or the person you know that is really into Halloween!

We have these arrangements and more available at Waukesha Floral. Give us a call or log on to our website - click on Order Flowers and the Dove Teleflora logo.

Villa Terrace Wedding Pictures

2010-10-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from a pretty wedding Waukesha Floral designed for a few weeks back. The hydrangea topiaries used outdoors and the soft peach and white hydrangea centerpieces made an elegant statement. The Milwaukee lakefront made a beautiful backdrop for a lovely day.

Howlin' at the Moon on Ladies Night!

2010-10-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the wonderful women who attended our 2nd Annual Ladies Night on Friday evening. We hope you had a howlin' good time! We'd also like to thank our partners, Tammy Ehlert (Mary Kay), Therapeutic Touch Massage, Rich's House of Cakes and Miche Bags for being present and treating us well! And thank you to the ladies who sponsored our raffle to benefit The Optimist Club of St. Norbert College. You helped raise $214 for the benefit of children's education. Here are just a few pictures of the night, including Goodwill Volunteers' show, The Allure of the Little Black Dress. We hope you enjoyed seeing fashions through the years, along with our designers' creative flower arrangements to go with each dress. Mark your calendars for Oct. 7, 2011... next year's Howl at the Moon!

I do! I do!

2010-09-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

This time of the year is a glorious time to celebrate marriage! Here are pictures of bouquets and the Grand Ballroom of The Country Springs Hotel from a recent wedding designed by Denise.

Fall!

2010-09-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

Here in the flower shop, we have a wonderful selection of fresh and permanent decorations for the season, as well as spicy candles and hardy outdoor mums. Stop by and see us soon!

2010-09-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from a recent wedding held at Boerner Botanical Gardens. The theme was definitely white, with spectacular cloud of babies' breath at the reception, and white rose orbs and floating candles in vases to outline the aisle.

2nd Annual Ladies Night - Howl at the Moon Sale

2010-09-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

Just announced! Our 2nd Annual Ladies' Night will be Friday, October 8 6-9 pm at Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse:

Come join the twilight party at Waukesha Floral! Gather your girlfriends and celebrate the “Little Black Dress”!
6 pm Doors Open
6 pm Tammy Ehrett, Independent Mary Kay Sales Director shares great
lipstick and hand moisturizing tips.
6 pm Lisa and Bonnie of Therapeutic Touch, Brookfield will provide free
chair massages.
7 pm Goodwill Industries presents “The Allure of the Little Black Dress”
This lighthearted and entertaining fashion show features a nostalgic trip
back in time to look at the evolution of evening apparel and accessories
from 1890 through 1980. The designers at Waukesha Floral will present
decade-appropriate flowers for each of the 27 evening gowns. This will
be a fun-filled show you won’t want to miss (and you may learn some-
thing new!)
After: Shopping Time! 15% off all regularly priced Fall merchandise plus a
super sale table that will make you Howl at the Moon!

We'll have great refreshments from our newest local baker - Rich's House of Cakes http://www.richscakes.com/.

Please RSVP and let us know you are coming:

Email jane@waukeshafloral.com;

Call Waukesha Floral at 262-542-8152 or

Stop by Waukesha Floral during business hours

Get into the spirit of the evening by joining the Waukesha Floral ladies and wearing black!

In the Swing of Flowers at the PGA

2010-08-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

What required:
*225 Arrangements
*Flowers from Keeau, Hawaii
*Orchids from Miami, Florida
*1,870 delivery miles
*Two cases of local artichokes
*A van of rented tropical plants
*180 Ti leaves....?
Answer: The PGA Golf Tournament held at Whistling Straits!

Here are just a few pictures of some of the flowers Waukesha Floral designed for the big golf show in August. We love to design for events, both large and small... and we travel! Having a party? Give Waukesha Floral a call!

Fun at the Fair

2010-08-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at the State Fair horticulture building last week! Audience participation helped create the cow we named "Starbucks" because she was made with white mums and coffee grounds, Rosebowl-style. Denise made this little pink piggy "Squealy" from pink button mums.

Thank you to everyone who stopped, listened and helped by showing their creative abilities. Only 360 days until next year's Fair!

See us Today at the State Fair!

2010-08-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

That's right, from noon until 2 pm, Denise and Marty will be presenting a program on The Rose Bowl. Denise designed for the big parade two years ago, and will share her experiences and create a Rose Bowl-like floral display using a Wisconsin dairy cow form, in keeping with the spirit of State Fair. If you need to get out of the heat, amuse yourself and maybe learn a few things, stop by Wisconsin State Fair Horticulture Building today between 12-2.

More Beauty!

2010-08-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

This European bridge is wearing a perky necklace of pink posies. Flowers really enhance our homes and public spaces, and it's nice to see cities that value plantings. Public horticulture is really public art for all of us. Every time I go through downtown Waukesha, I enjoy the beautiful pink petunias. I'm glad the Business Improvement District plants and maintains them for us. Thank you, Waukesha BID District.

Beautiful Geraniums in France

2010-08-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

Marty and I just returned from a lovely vacation. We sailed down the Rhine River for 7 days last week, and of course we took flower pictures! Here is a picture of me standing next to a street planting in Strasbourg, France. The beautiful pink and white cascading flowers are ivy geraniums with some upright geraniums planted at the top of the pots. We noticed some of the containers in the cities had water tubes for automatic watering, but many must have been watered by hand. The flowers there are certainly beautiful, and enhance the cities and neighborhoods so much.

I'll post more once the jet lag subsides!

Still Here!

2010-07-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

The rummage sale still has some incredible finds, like this tall, hand-painted stool. Purple violets decorate the top of this lovely furniture piece, great for sitting upon or perching a plant upon. It's just $35. Rummage continues through Saturday!

Rummageland Continues On!

2010-07-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

Our indoor rummage sale continues this week. Here are a few holiday items for sale. Just think, you could adorn your fireplace mantel in santa or snowman silhouettes for a few bucks! And isn't this glass ghost precious? He is missing a few fingers but that may just add to his charm. Rummage will be open until 5 every day this week through Saturday!

Alice in Rummageland is On!

2010-07-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

Our semi-annual rummage sale is on now through July 24th. Here are two "live" pictures from the greenhouse. Just imagine, you could own Watering Can Man for $25 or this great sofa table for $35. So fall down the rabbit hole into the world of rummage in our greenhouse... rain or shine. We have lots of items... candles, jewelry, holiday, pictures, pillows, purses, home decor, scratch & dents, plants, pottery... everything just gets curiouser and curiouser! Prices range from 10 cents and up.

And, say the secret words "Mad Hatter" for 10% off anything regularly priced in store.

We'll be here from 8 until 5 Monday through Saturday, so come on in. You'll find some great things!

Clearing out the Greenhouse!

2010-07-13T09:25:00.000-07:00

It's time for us to clear out the greenhouse! Waukesha Floral has the best buys of the year on annuals right now:

4" Pots of Annuals: $1
Hanging Baskets: $7.50
Perennials: 33% Off
Moss Hanging Baskets: $15
Grasses in pots: $2

Also, our semi-annual rummage sale is due to begin this Saturday July 17 through the following week. There are lots of treasures to find!

Refrigeration: The Florist's Behind-The-Scenes Tool

2010-07-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

July is wedding and party season! Just like people, flowers need to be kept cool and hydrated during the warm months. Certain flowers such as Hydrangea and Gardenia can start to fade quickly in the heat. That's why we take extra care with the flowers for your very important occasions, keeping them comfortable in our large walk-in coolers, and even adding refrigerator gel-packs to boxes with bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres. There's always something keeping cool in our big refrigerators... sometimes flowers, sometimes the delivery person!

Gorgeous in Green

2010-06-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday was a beautiful day for a wedding. Our Design Manager, Denise had four weddings to design for; each different and each lovely. I chose two pictures from her "green" wedding to show you. One is a long rectangular vase of gorgeous bright green spider mums; the other shows curly willow in a lacy cylindrical vase with green hydrangea and hanging tealights. Green linens complimented the flowers. Gorgeous!

Christmas in June?

2010-06-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

Yes friends, today, June 15th, 2010 we received our first shipment of Christmas goodies for the year! As I open the boxes I see many of the old friends that Jane and I ordered back in January. I'm not attaching a picture because I don't want you to see me shed a tear. That's a tear of joy, at least that's what I'm telling myself! Merry Christmas and I'll keep you posted on the progress.
Until next time,
Marty Loppnow
Vice President
Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse, Inc.
www.waukeshafloral.com

A Wedding in Lovely Lavender

2010-06-15T08:48:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of lovely lavender decorations from a wedding this past weekend... featuring lavender orbs of roses with pearls, lavender netting with silver accents on the head table and outdoor aisle decorations in a beautiful garden setting.

Meet JoAnn!

2010-06-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

JoAnn is one of many talented and hard working designers here at Waukesha Floral. She works with us seasonally, since she is a "snow bird" in the colder season and likes to fly south for winter. JoAnn is a very talented designer who loves working with our customers. The favorite part of her job is receiving compliments on her work from satisfied customers, as well as sharing laughs with her co-workers. JoAnn is always a breath of sunshine and a real treat to work with. We are so happy she chose to work at Waukesha Floral!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

2010-05-29T12:58:00.001-07:00

Waukesha Floral salutes all veterans and the men and women who are in service to our country today... thank you!!

Memorial Day weekend is the traditional time to plant outdoors... the weather is warm and the soil temperature is perfect. Here are a few of our favorite flowers in red, white and blue. Red geraniums are great for hot, sunny locations, white petunias attract hummingbirds with their sweet scent, and blue trailing Lobelia are self-cleaning and will provide blue beauty all summer.

Feel free to stop by... we'll be around Sunday and Monday 9-3 each day and would love to hear about your garden!

Enjoy the weekend!

Star Wars!

2010-05-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

"Star Wars" was the theme of the 2010 Father-Daughter Dance at the Legend at Brandybrook. Waukesha Floral enjoyed decorating with star-point helium balloons and a balloon drop that contained over 800 balloons!

Planting Time!

2010-05-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

Time has been flying and it's almost the perfect time to plant! Here are two plants I spotted in the greenhouse that caught my eye.... a geranium that features bright yellow in its leaves and an array of tuberous begonia plants in bright and beautiful colors! Geraniums are great for sunny spots, and the begonias do well in the shade. Our greenhouse is absolutely bursting with colorful, beautiful plants!

A Robe of Flowers

2010-04-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

Denise chose to make a robe of flowers to compliment her art piece at The Milwaukee Art Musuem's Art in Bloom. Using a dress base filled with styrofoam and Oasis floral foam, Denise used hundreds of white and pink carnations, plus a belt of pink carnation flowers, to make her work of art. She estimates that the total time involved was about 15 hours.

Congratulations on a job well done, Denise! We can't wait to see what will be next year's art work!

MAM Art In Bloom Opens

2010-04-08T07:20:00.001-07:00

The Milwaukee Art Museum features Art in Bloom April 8-11. Enjoy exquisite floral displays throughout the Museum's Collection galleries, bringing art to life!

Waukesha Floral's own Denise Gehrke, AIFD will be designing for the masterpiece pictured here, Robert Henri's Betalo Nude, painted in 1916. Denise will use hundreds of white and pink carnations to create a floral piece that will compliment the artist's depiction of the feminine form. Please visit The Art Museum this weekend to see Denise's floral creation as well as those of other talented designers throughout the area. Of course, Raphael's The Woman with the Veil is also on display at this time.

For more information, please visit http://mam.org/

Planting is Underway!

2010-04-06T06:31:00.001-07:00

The greenhouse is starting to fill with the beautiful flowers, grasses and decorative foliage plants that will fill our gardens this summer. Tom and his contingent of greenhouse gals have been planting for a few weeks and there are hundreds of pots of geraniums, petunias, coleus, begonias, portulaca.... and a lot more! We also have some nice decorative iron hanging baskets this year. Stop in any time and view the seedlings.

Interfaith Senior Program Festival of Flowers

2010-03-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the over 200 people who attended the Festival of Flowers on Wednesday to benefit Interfaith Senior Programs. There was a delightful lunch and fun/informative bulb planting demonstration by Marty. We hope you had a great time with your friends and learned some new flower tips at Waukesha Floral.

Waukesha Floral salutes all the great senior volunteers who help in ways big and small throughout our community. We are grateful for your service!

For more information on this great organization, see http://www.interfaithwaukesha.org

Brides Against Breast Cancer Nationwide Tour of Gowns

2010-03-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

Waukesha Floral is a member of the Milwaukee chapter of The National Association of Wedding Professionals (NAWP). They will be sponsoring a charity wedding gown sale on Friday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to noon ($20/person) and noon to 8 p.m. (general sale - free admission), as well as Saturday, April from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m (general sale - free admission). Gowns are donated by top designers, retailers and manufacturers, and proceeds benefit Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.

The location is the War Memorial Center, 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive in Milwaukee. Their phone number is 414/273-5533 and the website is www.warmemorialcenter.org.

Waukesha Floral's Denise Gehrke, AIFD will be helping at the gown sale on Friday, April 9th!