Frequently Asked Questions - F.A.Q.
Don & Phil are asked these questions many times and from experience are able to offer the following no nonsense answers
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Delivery of fresh flowers
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What is included in the price? Fresh flowers, foliage, flower-food, greeting message, craft paper & tissue wrapping, aqua-pac, raffia/ribbon. Florists skill and time inclusive!
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Do you use a lot of plastic/cellophane? We've always wrapped our hand-tied bouquets with biodegradable kraft and tissue paper. However a small amount of frosted cellophane is used in order to create an aqua-pac around the stems to retain fresh flowers for delivery purposes, especially if the recipient is not home, or traveling long distance. Alternative options are suggested; glass vase.
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Are the flowers seasonal? The flower & foliage contents are seasonal. The flowers/contents choice remains subject to availability and quality on delivery. At Blue Geranium, Don & Phil will always endeavour to achieve the best interpretation and use their own judgement and expertise. Contents will be substituted when necessary! Flowers are sourced from Great Britain & Holland to achieve the best quality for a year-round supply.
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Do you provide "locally grown flowers"? Throughout the Summer months, Blue Geranium will source as much local grown flowers & foliage as possible (seasonal flowers May to late September/early October) - Some foliage is availabe all year round from a sustainable private gardens.
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Can I order specific content? For specific content, please allow at least 30 hours notice.
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Is delivery included with the price of flowers? We offer free delivery for TOTNES TOWN CENTRE - walking distance (TQ9 5...) - We charge accordingly for Surrounding Districts: (TQ9 6... and others postcodes) Delivery is additional to the flowers, because we do not subtract from the retail value of the flowers and compromise on the quality of your gift. This fee helps fund costs of running one vehicle, maintenance, fuel and time for delivery.
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Are the flowers guaranteed? While we aim to make every bouquet perfect, flowers grown as nature intended are not and slight imperfections and some occasional unpredictable behaviour is only natural. Extreme weather conditions such as prolonged high summer temperatures will mean flowers will not last as long as usual. We cannot be held responsible for flowers that do not last during prolonged high temperatures above 21˚C. We will advise if necessary for how to store flowers. Similarly, we are only human and therefore, whilst we try our absolute best every day, we are not 100% perfect! However, we can assure you that we’re working our hardest to deliver your important gifts, messages and sentiments. We want to be sure you’re happy with us and our flowers, so, if we do make a mistake, we’ll make up for it by providing a Free Replacement delivery to ensure you’re taken care of appropriately, based on the nature and magnitude of our mistake. Basically, if we make a mistake, we will do everything we can to ensure you are happy that you chose Blue Geranium. Please email with your complaint or call 01803868983
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What if the recipient is not home? If it's possible please provide an alternative address close to the recipient address, in case there is no where suitable to leave fresh flowers at the property. If fresh flowers cannot be delivered/handed over, they are returned to Blue Geranium - a note is delivered for recipient to contact and an alternative time is offered, however if address is more than 10 miles from Blue Geranium, recipient will be required to collect from Totnes, or by prior arrangement a 2nd delivery fee is charged for accordingly
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How to care for your cut flowers and hand-tied bouquet
All flowers supplied by Blue Geranium are conditioned in deep fresh water prior to departing the shop, however care is required with sustaining their ephemeral beauty. Always keep fresh flowers in clean fresh water and in a container that has been thoroughly cleaned and if possible with a drop of bleach to kill off any bacteria that may cling to flaws in the vase; Rinse thoroughly!
Dissolve flower food in fresh water before placing cut flowers in vase
Hand-tied bouquet - remove aqua-pac over sink, place in suitable vase as directed
Foliage is used to frame and support flower heads
Keep foliage above water mark to prevent rotting, which may pollute the water and can shorten the life of flowers
Change water regularly (every 3 to four days) for best life expectancy of cut flowers
Cut stems at an angle (approx. ½" (2cm) - offer fresh channels for stem to draw water
If roses wilt, this could mean an airlock in the stem. Cut an inch or two off the bottom of stem, place in boiling water for up to 2 minutes, then immediately in deep cold water. You will notice the rose head comes back to life after a few hours (approx. 3-4 hours).
Hydrangeas are thirsty flowers; if they wilt, it could be an airlock in the stem. Cut the stem at an angle and place in deep water. Also try misting the head with fresh cold water or alternative is to dip the whole head in a bucket/sink of water for several hours. The head drinks water and usually revives.
During summer months, humidity may affect the lifespan of cut flowers - humidity spot is a common complaint and is unavoidable - roses especially - bruise effect appears - remove affected petals to prevent further damage to rest of rose
Cut flowers are a fresh product and should last for at least 5 -10 days in a good environment - if for any reason the flowers do not last for at least 3 days, please contact Blue Geranium and return to the shop with the product. Please ensure you have cared for flowers as instructed
Scented roses are not long lasting flowers and average approx. 4 - 7 days - Most of the energy is used to produce fragrance
Do Not bash stems - Probably the most ridiculous old wives tale
Keep out of direct sunlight, such as south facing windows, conservatories etc.
never near heater
Try to keep below 20˚C ~ During hot summer months, it's best to display fresh flowers in a cool part of the house/office etc.
Cut flowers don't like being too close to electrical goods; television, computers etc.
Hand-tied bouquets are designed for use in one vase
If you are not entirely happy with the flowers, please call 01803868983 or email within three days of receiving. We will establish a few answers prior to any replacement. Please provide photographic evidence if you contact via email.
National Next Day Delivery Flowers - please contact within 24 hours of receiving flowers to complain if the box and flowers are damaged - please provide photographic evidence via email - info@bluegeranium.co.uk
How to care for phalaenopsis orchids
do not allow plant to sit in water/liquid/rain water/cold tea
feeding time - it loves cold black tea, pour over the roots - pour away any excess liquid from the bottom of pot to prevent plant from drowning and rotting. It likes this more than tap water! Knowledge from a Chelsea Flower Show ~ Gold Award winner - more effective than "orchid food"
keep out of cold drafts, direct sunlight, but likes filtered light • ideal temp between 18º-30º C
loves steamy bathrooms and kitchens - from personal experience
when plant has gone to sleep/hibernation ~ when last flower drops - cut the flower stem to an eyelet approx. half way up the stem. This will encourage your orchid plant to re-shoot new growth, with adtitional branches. Continue to water as usual.
you'll know when it wakes up from hibernation with signs of new flower life - it has rested enough and wants a cold cup of black tea
honest answer - it flowers, because it has been neglected - natures way of saying "hello, I'm here"
How to care for your poinsettia plant - advisory by the British Florist Association
Care guide - Temperature
Poinsettias need warmth and light and must be kept away from draughts. That means they must be kept away from fireplaces, doorways, open windows, and breezy hallways. Poinsettias originate from Mexico, hence their sensitivity to the cold and wind. Share this information and make sure to keep it somewhere that has some natural daylight. They're most happy with temperatures between 15 and 20°C, so it will be completely at home in most living rooms.
Care guide - Watering
Poinsettias don’t like a lot of water. The plant’s root ball should neither dry out nor be drenched. Over watering can quickly lead to water logging, which in turn causes the roots to rot and leaves you with a dead plant.
The easiest way to care for them is to either immerse the whole pot and root ball in water once a week in tepid water and let it drain before popping it back in the pot. Similar to how you would a phalaenopsis orchid. The alternative is to give it a small amount of water every few days.
Safe Journey Home…
Finally, make sure poinsettias are all wrapped up to protect it from the cold on the journey home. Don't let any Poinsettia's leave the shop without adequate protection - Your florist will insist on doing this!