Be on the lookout, next month, for the celebration at Gardine’s Flowers N’ Things.
May 28th marks the 20th anniversary of the florist that has been a constant, over the years, at its Shelly Bay Marketplace Plaza locale.
But beginning Monday, May 23rd and running through Saturday, May 28, Gardine’s will offer a 15 per cent discount to every customer making a purchase of $50 or more.
Gardine’s is recognized for its selection of always-fresh blooms, flowers that come out of Miami, Holland or South America, including hydrangeas, orchids, tulips, carnations and roses.
Alstroemeria is a customer favourite. The flower, also known as ‘Peruvian Lily’ or ‘Inca Lily’ is available in cream, apricot, lavender and other attractive colours.
“The alstroemeria is a very popular flower,” owner, Gardine Gibbons said.
“It enhances any arrangement, and it can also be arranged by itself… It’s very durable, lasts a long time, and it’s very beautiful.”
Ms Gibbons noted that alstroemeria is also inexpensive, that it’s priced at $3 a stem compared to $10 a stem for a rose.
Dendrobian orchids — baby orchids, if you like — bloom in white, yellow, pink, purple and more. These, too, can form an arrangement, or add to one that includes a variety of flowers.
Then there’s statice.
“Statice is a filler flower that lasts a long time, for months if you take care of it… re-cut it every couple of days and put it in fresh water,” Ms Gibbons said.
She noted that the same could be said of any flower, particularly when you add plant food for longevity. Gardine’s provides its customers with the food with every purchase of cut flowers.
But you have a choice. The flowers you select can be arranged in bouquets, baskets or with balloons, or bears.
Gifts
Yes, Gardine’s Flowers N’ Things also features gifts that can be purchased separately or incorporated with the flowers you love.
All sizes of teddy bears and mugs, as well as fresh and artificial blooms ‘beg’ for attention from the shelves and floor space they occupy.
Already-wrapped vases make for a quick last minute purchase of a floral arrangement while you wait.
You can also buy the pre-wrapped vase and insert your own flowers.
Other vessels, tall and short, make your selection easy. You can order potted plants from the shop and buy leaf shine on site, if you like.
Ms Gibbons advised: “We do very elaborate fruit baskets, by order, with flowers on top.”
The fruit baskets start at $125. They might contain champagne, wine, cheese & crackers, chocolate mints, or other items.
Sympathy baskets are similarly arranged, though with sparkling grape juice, rather than wine or champagne.
Conversation pieces
Gardine’s also features disco ball shaped candies fashioned with red and white mints, or candy kisses. These can be hung or set upon a table.
“They make a nice conversation piece,” Ms Gibbons said. “They’ll use them as a centrepiece for a party.”
That’s not to say you can’t buy one as a unique kind of hostess gift, or as a treat for the children of the household you’re visiting.
Bermudian, Ms Gibbons, formerly owned and operated a Louisiana florist for 18-years.
With the expertise borne of experience, she’s ensured that her business hours are easily remembered.
Gardine’s Flowers N’ Things opens every Monday through Saturday for a straight-forward 9am till 6:30pm.
“We have customers that come from Somerset, from one end of the island to the other because they love our arrangements, our baskets and our excellent service,” Ms Gibbons said.
And don’t forget the 20th anniversary celebration from May 23 to May 28.