Wedding Flowers: Katie and Andy's Purple and Green Ceremony and Reception

As August comes to a close and I'm looking back on the weddings of the summer, purple really stands out as one of the prominent color trends of the season.  From the deepest eggplants and violets, to the softer lavenders to lilacs, purple has been the color of choice for many brides this year.  If you're looking for a color to compliment purple, green is an excellent choice.  Green provides a nice contrast to all shades of purple, and keeps everything looking fresh and lively. 

Last weekend we had the pleasure of creating beautiful floral arrangements for Katie and Andy's wedding (congratulations, you two!) in the striking combination of deep purple and vibrant green. Here's some pictures from the ceremony and reception:

ceremony at St. John's in South Portland, ME

altar arrangement of green Hydrangea and Bells of Ireland, purple Larkspur and Lisianthus, and ivory Roses

pew bows with white silk hydrangea

paper cones for pews with silk hydrangeas

wedding reception at the Portland Country Club

Falmouth, ME

tall centerpiece of Bells of Ireland, purple and white lisianthus, and purple Larkspur

centerpiece of picasso calla lilies in a square glass vase

centerpiece of green hydrangeas

purple gladiolus blossoms on the wedding cake

June's Birth Flower

Did you know that in addition to each month having a birthstone, there is also a birth flower?  Each month's birth flower has it's own unique history and meaning. 

The birth flower for June is one of the most recognizable flowers, the rose.  Roses are not only one of the most commonly sold cut flowers, but also very popular garden shrubs.  The rose has long been beloved for its beauty and fragrance, and also has a long history of symbolism.  The ancient Greeks and Romans associated the rose with their goddesses of love, Aprhodite and Venus, and to this day, the red rose is still considered a symbol of love.  Also in Rome, a wild rose placed on the doorstep of a room was used as a signal that confidential matters were being discussed, warning others not to enter.  Derived from this ancient practice, the phrase 'sub rosa', or 'under the rose' means to keep a secret.

Today there are thousands of varieties of roses, each developed for their particular shape, size, fragrance and even for lack of thorns!  While the rose itself is a symbol of love and appreciation, each color also has its own meaning:

•Red: love
•Pink: grace, lesser feelings of love
•Dark Pink: gratitude
•Light Pink: admiration, sympathy
•White: innocence, purity, secrecy, friendship, reverence and humility
•Yellow: dying love or platonic love

•Yellow with red tips: friendship, falling in love

•Orange: passion
•Burgundy: beauty
•Blue: mystery
•Green: calm
•Purple: protection (paternal/maternal love)

Know someone with a June birthday?  Why not surprise them with a beautiful bouquet of their birth flower!  Shop for rose bouquets on our website, or stop in to see the varieties we currently have in the shop.

Hello June!

May is by far the most hectic month of the year for florists.  Between Mother's Day, Proms, Weddings, and Memorial Day, we certainly have plenty to keep us busy!  Now that June has arrived and the busyness of May is settling down (or at least returning to the normal level of busyness), we should have more time to devote to updating our blog again.  So stay tuned for more posts soon!

If your prom dress is black...

Consider yourself lucky!  Black is always in style, and is by far the easiest color to accessorize, as any color goes nicely with it.  Bright, bold colors really stand out against black.  Incorporating black ribbons, wires, or rhinestones is a great way to tie the corsage in with a black prom dress.

Using ribbons in a variety of colors, patterns, or textures really enhances the look of a corsage.  In this wrist corsage, we've used a hot pink and black polka dot grosgrain ribbon, black picot ribbon, and a black sheer ribbon to accompany a single hot pink mini gerber daisy with black wire swirl in the center.  Additional swirls of black wire are used as an accent.

Black and red is always a striking color combination.  Also using a variety of ribbons and black wire accents, this wrist corsage of deep red mini carnations on a black beaded bracelet would be perfect for the girl who prefers darker tones.  A similar look could also be created using red spray roses.

And of course there is always the classic black and white.  In this wrist corsage, the crisp white of the dendrobium orchids contrasts nicely with the sheer black ribbon and black snap bracelet, and the black rhinestones add a touch of sparkle.

These are just a small sampling of the many, many options for accessorizing your black prom dress.  The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

If your prom dress is turquoise...

Since there are no flowers that are naturally turquoise, if you will be wearing this color of dress to the prom, it's a good idea to pick an accent color for your floral accessories.  Yes, we can tint white flowers to be turquoise, but with so many other options available to coordinate with it, I'm sure you won't want those unnatural tinted flowers in your corsage.

If you're going for a classic look, white is a always a good option for an accent color.  White and turquoise makes for a fresh, crisp color combination that's very soothing to the eye.  This wrist corsage of white dendrobium orchids is accented with babies breath, greenery, and a turquoise bow on a turquoise pearl and rhinestone keepsake bracelet:

If you're looking for something a little more vibrant, yellow can really add a punch of color to turquoise.  This sunny wrist corsage of bright yellow daisies would be a cheeful floral accessory for your turquoise prom dress.  The daisies are accompanied by yellow and turquoise ribbons, silver wire, and babies breath.  The corsage is attached to a fun turquoise and silver beaded bracelet that you can keep and wear long after prom is over:

Hot pink is another great option for an accent color.  For a style that's a little more daring, stray from the typical bracelet style corsage and go for a wire arm band with large swirls of turquoise wire.  This arm band style corsage of hot pink asters is accented with hot pink and turquoise ribbons and vibrant yellow solidago:

And of course any combination of these colors works well too. These are just a few of the many options available.  Be sure to come into our shop and we will be glad to create a unique custom corsage, just for you.

Floral accessories for the Prom

Prom corsages have come a long way over the years.  I remember when I went to prom, I had a simple pin-on corsage of ivory roses.  Not only are pin-ons few and far between these days, but now there are so many options for the color and variety of flowers that go into a corsage.  What was once a generic neutral corsage to go with anything is now a unique floral accessory created specifically to coordinate with the color and style of the dress.  And long gone are the days of velcro and elastic wristlets.  Now corsages are made on keepsake bracelets, arm bands, necklaces, and rings, and in every color of the rainbow!

And speaking of the rainbow, color is big this year...from jewel tones to juicy tones, there is a dress color out there to suit every girl's personal taste.  With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find a dress that you absolutely love.  Once you have selected your dress, it's time to accessorize!  We are here to assist you in creating the perfect floral accessories to compliment any dress color.  Over the next couple of weeks I will be highlighting some of the popular colors, and offering suggestions for floral accessories to coordinate with each color.  Stay tuned!

Honor your Administrative Professionals with Flowers

Administrative Professionals Week is a time to honor those who make your workday less work.  You know, the one person in your office that keeps you organized, on top of things and on time?  That person deserves the best, and we're here to help you show your gratitude.  There's no better way to say "Thanks for all you do" than by sending a beautiful floral gift.  And as a bonus, research shows that having plants and flowers in the workplace increases productivity.  So make sure ordering flowers for your Administrative Professionals is at the top of your to-do list! 

One of our specials for Administrative Professionals Day this year is Teleflora's Lots of Dots Bouquet pictured above.  This bouquet features lavender daisy chrysanthemums, pink mini geber daisies, and greenery arranged in a sweet polka dot keepsake vase.  If you're looking for something a little different, we have lots more floral arrangements to choose from on our website.  You can also stop by the shop or give us a call and we'd be happy to assist you in picking out the perfect (and perfectly priced) floral gift.

Did you know..?

• The first Administrative Professionals Week (at the time called National Secretaries Week) was in 1952, and was created by the National Association of Secretaries (now known as the International Association of Administrative Professionals).
• To keep up with the changing job titles and expanding responsibilities of today’s administrative workforce, the name was changed to Administrative Professionals Week in the year 2000.
• Today, it is celebrated worldwide through social gatherings, community events, and recognizing support staff with individual gifts such as flowers, candy, and trinkets.

Floral Gifts for Easter

Easter is this Sunday, April 4th, so now's the time to order your Easter centerpieces and floral gifts.  What better way to wish someone you love a Happy Easter than by sending them a nice potted plant or spring bouquet.  We have a large selection of spring flowers right now, ranging from cheerful daffodils and daisies, to elegant lilies & roses, to fragrant freesia and stock, and just about everything inbetween.  Order a bouquet directly from our website http://www.dodgetheflorist.com/, or give us a call at 207-775-3166 and we'd be happy to assist you.  Have your own vase or container?  Bring it in, and we will custom design for you.  If you prefer to send a growing gift, our greenhouse is currently stocked with Easter Lilies, Daffodils, Tulips, Hyacinths, Bulb Gardens, Azaleas, Pansies, and more!  Whatever you preference, we at Dodge the Florist are here to help you celebrate Easter with the natural beauty of Spring.

pictured above:  Spring Delight Bouquet $69.95

Easter Lilies are here!

The buds are just about to start opening, so be sure to get your Easter Lily early, and watch the blossoms open one by one.  Easter Lilies make a nice gift, and can even be kept to plant outside after the ground has thawed.  They will begin to bloom again in the late summer or early fall.

 Did you know..?

• In 1919, Louis Houghton, a World War I soldier, brought a suitcase full of hybrid lily bulbs to the southern coast of Oregon and gave them to family and friends to plant.  The lilies thrived in the climate of the Pacific coast, and by 1945, over one thousand west coast growers were producing bulbs.
• Easter Lilies are only available in the US for a few short weeks in spring.
• The Easter lily is thought to symbolize purity, hope and life.
• Easter Lilies are one of the most popular blooming plants in America, and are the 4th largest potted plant crop in the US, following the Poinsettia, Mum, and Azalea.
• Easter Lilies (as well as many other varieties of lilies) are poisonous to cats.  So if you have any feline friends, be sure to keep your Easter Lilies out of their reach.

Hello Spring!

Saturday marked the first day of Spring, which is always a joyous occasion around here.  After the long cold months of winter, we can all use a bit of sunshine and fresh air, which we definitely got a taste of here in Portland, Maine last week.  And the arrival of spring flowers is always a very welcome sight!  There's just something so cheery about a bunch of daffodils or a vase of colorful tulips, wouldn't you agree?

Green Flowers

St. Patrick's Day is near, and what better way to celebrate than by sending someone a nice bunch of green-tinted carnations, right?  If you love the dyed green carnations, we of course would be happy to send them for you, but let's take a look at some fresh alternatives.  You may be surprised to learn that there are many varieties of flowers today that are naturally green.  From soft pale green roses to vibrant lime green of Fuji Chrysanthemums, there is surely a naturally green flower out there to match everyone's personal taste.  Below is a sampling of our favorite green flowers:

top row:  Fuji Chrysanthemum, Anthurium, Hypericum Berries

middle row:  Cymbidium Orchid, "Green Tea" Rose, "Kermit" Chrysanthemums

bottom row:  Trachelium, Bells of Ireland, Hydrangea

Staff Introductions: Meet Shannon

Since I will be doing most of the blogging, I thought I would start by introducing myself.  My name is Shannon, and I am, as they say here in Maine, "from away".  Born and raised in Iowa, I moved to Kansas City, MO to attend college at the Kansas City Art Institute, where I earned my BFA, with a major in textiles.  I lived in Kansas City for several years working as a designer and garment cutter, until I met my husband, and we embarked on the adventure of moving to the east coast. We fell in love with Portland, and moved here in Spring of 2003. 

Upon moving to Maine, I decided to look for work in another creative field, and began looking for work as a floral designer. With no prior experience in the floral industry, it was a challenging task, but I was confident and determined.  When I came into Dodge and met Gail (the owner of Dodge the Florist), something clicked.  She said she was willing to give me a chance and offered me a job.  Picking up knowledge and skills along the way, I have now been working at Dodge the Florist for nearly 7 years.


When I'm not working at Dodge, I love to just spend time with my husband and adorable 2 1/2 year old daughter.  I also love sewing, knitting, felting, and making jewelry, and have a website, thecleverkitty.com, and shop on Etsy.com where I sell my creations, many of which are inspired by flowers.  I enjoy writing, and have a blog of my own, as well as being a writer and editor of Modern Handmade Child, an online magazine.  My life keeps me very busy, but I love it!

Welcome to our new blog!

Spring is a time of new growth, and what better time of year to begin new adventures.  This spring, Dodge the Florist is sprouting up online with a brand new blog and facebook page.  By expanding our web presence beyond our website, we will be able to easily share our love of flowers and excitement about our work with the world.  Be the first to see the freshest seasonal flowers and new products arriving in the shop.  Get a sneak peek into the design room and see what special events we're working on.  All from the comfort of your own home, and available to you 24/7.  But don't forget to get out of the house to explore your other senses.  Come smell the sweet fragrance of lilies and the spicey scent of stock.  Feel the velvety petals of a rose, the soft feathery texture of plumosa fern, or the fuzziness of pussy willows.  Whether you're a new friend or old, we invite you to come by our shop to enjoy the entire essence of flowers in person.


Store Hours:
Monday........8:30-5:00
Tuesday.......8:30-5:00 
Wednesday...8:30-5:00 
Thursday......8:30-5:00 
Friday.........8:30-5:00
Saturday......8:30-12:00
Sunday........closed

Directions:
We are located at 67 Brentwood Street.  Brentwood is just off of Stevens Avenue, between Central Square Baptist Church and Siano's Pizzeria.

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