We shortened our shop hours from 7pm to 5pm, even though our competitors were open later than we. This allowed (and continues to allow) us to have quality time with family each evening. When we were able to finally hire employees, we sought out individuals with the same qualities and values that we have as a family. We also sought out individuals that added to and improved the family atmosphere of our shop.

Our goal is to have a shop full of people that care about each other and our customers as much as they care about their own families. With big box companies gobbling up whole industries because they make purchases cheap and easy, we are able to do the one thing those companies can’t—treat you like family and offer you beautiful, artistic, unique designs.

Putting family first means offering our employees living wages. We are happier at work and kinder to our families when we get home if we are not stressed about money. We stay with companies longer when we feel valued and cherished. Most of our employees have been here for at least two years. There is so much value in that kind of longevity.

Our front of the house all know that Mrs. W is allergic to eucalyptus and Mr. S likes Ikebana-style arrangements. Our drivers know not to ring the B Sisters doorbell because it makes their dogs go crazy. Just text them, and they’ll slip out to grab the flowers. Casey talked to a long-time customer yesterday who was in a hurry. The call lasted 1 minute and 39 seconds because they knew his wife’s preferences and had all the information needed for a delivery. We’ve also had calls that last a half hour as we talk through options and offer suggestions to ensure we are creating the perfect arrangement for the occasion.

Our prices and delivery fees continue to be very competitive compared to other high-end florists (not Costco)! But the way and reason we structure our prices is founded in sourcing quality long-lasting flowers, supporting local regenerative (#sustainability #grownnotflown) family flower farmers, and putting family first by offering living wages. We continue to see the amazing benefits of this focus in our individual lives, the atmosphere of the shop, the quality of our arrangements, and the family-oriented customer service we extend to our customers. We all make choices to support businesses that focus on qualities and practices that align with our priorities. We hope knowing a bit more about our foundation and priorities reinforces the trust you have put into our wonderful family business!

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Especially for Halloween, it seems like decorations are bigger and bolder this year. Traditional costume parties are being cancelled, and families are concocting socially distanced candy dispensing. With so much being taken away, it’s all about decorating your yard! Walk into any party, craft, or pop-up Halloween store, and the options are endless. There are low-budget items that will easily fill a yard like packs of tombstones , giant spider webs, and home-made ghosts. There are also high-ticket items like animatronic dragons that will have you unsheathing your Valyrian Steel sword.

For Thanksgiving, or if you just want a classic fall look, mums and pumpkins are great options. Lidl has great prices on mums, pumpkins, and flameless candles. Local farms are getting creative this year like the self-driven hayride at Cox Farms. While you’re there, pick up some mums and pumpkins and gourds. Choose a corner next to your front door or the base of your front steps and arrange your bounty wrapped in seasonal ribbons.  My college friend had limited time and budget but came up with this cheery display!

However your family is celebrating this fall, we hope it continues to be full of love and laughter…and lots of fall decorations!

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When the pandemic first started, the number of sympathy arrangement orders we were getting was fairly normal. Usually we are not aware of the cause of someone’s passing. The first order I took for a COVID-19 related death pulled me up short. The virus was real, and it was here.

I remember talking to a friend that night and said, “So tomorrow we should get a ‘new baby’ order because that’s just how things go.” Sure enough, the next day I took an order for a white and pink arrangement going to new parents of a precious baby girl. The circle of life.

The last couple of weeks have been different though. I finally ran a report comparing the number of sympathy arrangements last year to this year. The numbers started doubling this year at the beginning of June. By the beginning of August, the numbers started tripling over last year’s numbers. Of course my first thought was that the increase must be COVID-19 related. I remembered a segment I had seen on the Today Show about staying happy and healthy during the pandemic.

The segment was an interview with “The Blue Zones,” author, Dan Buettner. He has met and studied the oldest, healthiest, and happiest people around the world. According to Buettner, “”We know that loneliness is as bad for you as smoking so if you’re chronically lonely, which is to say you don’t have at least two friends you can count on a bad day, it shaves about eight years off of your life expectancy.” Do you know the busiest time of year for sympathy arrangements? Between Thanksgiving and New Years. If our business is any indication, it would appear that loneliness certainly does impact life longevity. The pandemic is having an effect. And probably in more ways than one.

That just means we need to reach out more and love more fiercely to counteract the isolation all of us are experiencing!

After feeling emotionally overwhelmed by the number of sympathy orders I had taken, I made the last delivery of the day on Saturday. It was a bright and sunny green and yellow arrangement. Trevor had taken the order so I didn’t know what it was for. As I drove up to the house, I passed a handwritten sign that said, “Baby Bump Ahead.” It made me smile. The circle of life. Yes, there had been quite a few deaths last week, but life and love were in full bloom. That provides the balance.

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I am resilient, born to be brilliant

You’ll see me grow right through the cracks, yeah

‘Cause you’re gonna watch this flower grow right through the cracks

We’ve all seen those photos of ugly canvases of grey concrete and asphalt with that one brightly colored flower somehow growing out of a crack from the middle of nothingness. I think this is one of the reasons flowers always brighten someone’s day. Among a flower’s many wonderful qualities, they are so resilient that flowers grow right through the cracks!

Mint growing under our shop’s front door

Another testament to flower resiliency is in my pollinator garden at home. A couple of springs ago I sprinkled a package of wildflower seeds over part of the garden. Because I had no idea what seeds were in the mix, I downloaded an app for my phone called Picture This. The app identifies a plant using a photo of a leaf or flower. Using the app, I was able to distinguish flower seedlings from weed seedlings.

My pollinator garden is well-established now so I know what flowers will re-emerge each year. When weeds do come up, I quickly pull them. A couple of weeks ago, a plant started to come up that didn’t look like a weed so I took a photo of it. Picture This identified the random plant as a Peruvian Zinnia. As part of that initial sprinkling of wildflowers, the zinnias came up the first year. I haven’t seen any since until this year and not until the summer was almost over! Talk about resilient!

2020, especially, is a year that we all need an extra dose of good vibes. Flowers are the perfect way to deliver joy and resiliency to family and friends. Not only do they epitomize resiliency themselves, according to studies, flowers bring positivity and productivity to both men and women. So don’t forget the men in your lives! As Katy Perry sings, ” Won’t let the concrete hold me back, oh no…’cause you’re gonna watch this flower grow right through the cracks.”

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Hitting Home

A long-time childhood friend of my sons is supposed to get married in September. I received a message from his bride letting us know that they are trying to figure out whether, how, or when to move forward with their wedding. I could hear the crushing disappointment as well as the angst of trying to make the perfect decision in her voice.

While I have watched customers wrestle with these hard decisions, hearing this young lady’s voice put a lump in my throat. Not only are we providing the flowers for her wedding, we’re also attending the wedding, and my sons are in the wedding party. This one really hits home because the decisions she’s facing are ones she’s trying to make on behalf of families that she loves, including my own.

So this letter is to her and to all the 2020 Brides out there.

Dear 2020 Bride,

Breathe… you are loved and cherished and appreciated.

Whatever you decide will be just perfect! This is your day, and the start of your new life together as a married couple. It’s the beginning of your family. What is right for some families might not be right for your family, and vice versa, and that’s OK!

While this pandemic affects everyone, the way it affects everyone is different. Some need to be totally isolated, others are comfortable venturing out with masks and social distancing. You won’t be able to accommodate everyone’s needs, but everyone will understand. Take that pressure off and just focus on what brings both of you the most peace and joy. Whatever brings you peace and joy will also bless everyone else that you love.

Love is what brought you to this moment. Love is what will get you through this moment–love for each other, love for family and friends, love from family and friends. As you look back on this day from some vantage point in the future, memories of being a 2020 Bride will be truly special ones.

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It’s been a bit since I’ve written. I guess I haven’t had an ideas tugging at my sleeve lately. Today a gentleman walked in. Even with his mask on, I could see he was smiling broadly! “I need birthday flowers!” he announced animatedly. People like this just make my day. On top of that, it’s Friday! TGIF!

We have a lot to be thankful for, besides the fact that it’s Friday!

Since the lockdown, our doors have remained opened. Adjustments needed to be made, but the shop has never closed.

Customers are starting to walk back in. After having so many weeks of just Trevor and I in the shop, walk-ins are a breath of fresh air! We don’t carry what we call cooler arrangements right now–arrangements that are pre-made and sit in the cooler for people to choose from. There were no walk-ins to buy cooler arrangements. Customers understand and are willing to wait or come back. It’s a win/win situation! Customers get exactly what they want in the price range they prefer, and we don’t have to throw away arrangements.

Weddings are coming back. One of our favorite things is working with happy couples as they plan one of the most special days of their lives. We’ve missed that! About two months ago we got our first of many orders for just a bouquet and boutonniere for the bride and groom getting married in their living room. Then the orders were for a bouquet, boutonniere, and small arrangements for tables as home weddings grew in size. Next weekend we’ll be providing the full array of flowers for our first off-site wedding since the pandemic started. Definitely something to be thankful for!

Our long-time customers continue to support us. I love catching up on birthdays and anniversaries! During the last several months, we’ve met so many new customers that have became regular customers. The lockdown brought them to us because they couldn’t celebrate Mother’s Day of Grandma’s birthday in person, but now that they’ve found us, they plan on coming back. Our Fantasy Floral family continues to grow, and that is definitely something to be thankful for!

So TGIF, and we hope you and your family have lots to be thankful for as well!

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Of course, there was no national lock down. Eventually each state did lock down, including Virginia. We were more fortunate than some small businesses. We were allowed to stay open in Virginia because we never have more than ten people in the shop. Like for all small businesses during this pandemic, everything has changed as we struggle to survive. So what have we learned, what has changed, and what does the near future look like?

What Have We Learned?

The first thing I learned was just how many family-owned small businesses there are. The first day of the lock down in Virginia, I received a Facebook invitation to a group of small business owners in Northern Virginia. The group was started by a good friend who owns two local restaurants. I was one of the first to join the group, but it quickly swelled to close to eighty members. There were owners of almost every business imaginable–restaurants, yoga studios, dentists, florists, caterers, orthodontists, event planners, wineries, hair salons, chiropractors, physical therapists, breweries–all coming together to offer support and share information.

We all learned just how much our customers love us and want us to survive. The love is palpable. Diners are tipping more. Shoppers are seeking out small businesses in lieu of their normal big box stores. Customers are buying gift cards to keep money coming in. Did you hear the story about the town of Middleburg sending every one of its residents gift cards to local businesses? It’s heartwarming to see, and I’ve had more than a few happy tearful moments.

What Has Changed?

For Fantasy Floral, we are leaner, and that’s a good thing! We used to waste a lot of time and resources fulfilling small orders. There is absolutely nothing wrong with small orders, but you can get really cute, inexpensive arrangements at your local grocery store. Our specialty is the talent of our amazing designers and the quality of the flowers that we bring into the shop. Once we were operating on a skeleton crew of just Trevor (designing) and me (managing and delivering), we physically couldn’t make the same number of arrangements as before. Out of necessity, we increased the minimum price on arrangements for delivery.

In doing that, we found our floral voice. It’s exciting! While each arrangement is creatively different, there is a quality to them that has become uniquely ours over the last couple of months. We created our niche. Sometimes I get phone calls from people that we aren’t able to help, but that is another thing that has changed. We are comfortable not being all things to all people. We will focus on our signature style that is unique to us and do that very well!

What Does the Near Future Look Like?

Like the Masked Marauder! That line probably dates me, eh?

Except for Mother’s Day, the only people we have working in the shop are family members. This means if one of us comes down with the virus, all of us have to self-quarantine, and the shop will close during that time. Because of this, we are requesting that our customers wear masks when they come into the shop.

We’ve been doing no-contact deliveries and offering curbside pick-up since the middle of March. We’re learning new protocols for delivering to office buildings as the businesses around us start to open up. There are lots of new restrictions in place, and each business is different. If you are requesting an arrangement to be delivered to a business, please let us know of any special directions we should be aware of.

As of recently, many hospitals no longer accept deliveries of any kind. We always call ahead before we send our driver out, but you might check with your individual hospital before you place an order.

The one thing that hasn’t changed is that we continue to look forward to bringing joy and smiles to people, one vase at a time!

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Goodbye Spring

I had a customer call this week from Nova Scotia. She was asking what spring flowers we had blooming in Virginia gardens right now. Nova Scotia is quite a bit behind us with daffodils and tulips just starting to emerge. These were the flowers she was hoping to get in an arrangement. That’s when I realized, at least for flowers, spring has really come and gone. What flowers coincide with Virginia Reopening?

Hello Summer

While our daffodils and hyacinths are becoming harder to find, some of my favorite flowers are starting to emerge! My mom always planted spring bulbs so our yard was a beautiful canvas of crocus, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinth, but she didn’t really plant summer flowers. Since working at Fantasy Floral, I’ve come to love late spring and summer flowers–dahlias, peonies, gerbera daisies, gladiolas, and irises! While you can always go to a website and pick an arrangement from the array of photos, the best arrangement to order is a “Designer’s Choice.” Give the designer a budget, specify a color palate, and request any favorite flowers. You’ll be guaranteed a beautiful, seasonal design that captures mother nature at her finest.

Off to the Beach

Spring for me also means a quick beach trip before the tourists arrive. The warmth of the sun and peace of the water always bring renewal of the soul after the cold of winter. This Memorial Day weekend, all of the beaches within driving distance of Virginia are reopening. There is something special about coastal and island towns that sets them apart. I think the flowers and vegetation have a lot to do with this. If you want to give someone a gift that brings the same feeling as a trip to the beach, consider an arrangement with tropical flowers. You’ll have to plan a bit ahead for this as these flowers need to be special ordered, but they are so worth it!

You’ve probably seen Hawaiian leis made out of dendrobium orchids as well as the iconic birds of paradise. There are also some lesser known, but still stunning, tropical flowers. Heliconia, also known as lobster claw plants, originates in the western Pacific. King protea has become a favorite in bridal bouquets and originates in South Africa. These flowers are always show-stoppers that make for stunning arrangements. They are sure to bring a peaceful island vibe!

Virginia is reopening, and the weather is finally getting warmer! It’s the perfect time to plant stunning summer flowers around your house. And for your friends that need a bit of cheer, we’re always here to provide beautiful arrangements of seasonal designs or stunning tropic vibes!

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Turn the TV Off

It’s not that I really need to know when stimulus checks will be deposited, it’s just that it’s all over the news! That has been my biggest take-away from this lockdown. It is time to turn the TV off. We are glued to the news, and that is not a healthy thing. 24 hour cable news has to find something to fill its airwaves with. We get bombarded with a lot of opinions because there are not enough actual news stories to fill a 24 hour period.

Plant a Garden

That brings me to my garden. Since I won’t be watching much TV, I will actually have time to plant and take care of my garden! I’m excited about that. I had a great time browsing an online seed catalog last week. My go-to seed source has been the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, but it seems everyone else must have had the same idea I did. They are so swamped with orders, they aren’t accepting any new ones until they get caught up, but that’s a good thing! It means there will be lots of gardens this year using sustainable heritage seeds. It also means Southern Exposure is thriving during the lockdown. For me, it meant I got to meet another cool sustainable seed company called Truelove Seeds. My seeds arrived on Saturday with a handwritten note from Owen. “Thank you Margie! Seeds and Solidarity, Owen.”

If you have never bought seeds from a seed exchange, you should! One of the seeds I bought are for Pippin’s Golden Honey Pepper. Why Pippin’s? “Horace Pippin, the now-famed painter, shared this variety (and many others) with H. Ralph Weaver in the early 1940s in exchange for bee-sting therapy. Weaver’s grandson (William Woys Weaver) found the seeds in a baby food jar in his grandmother’s deep freezer a couple decades later, many years after his grandfather’s death, and was able to reintroduce via Seed Savers Exchange.” With a backstory like that, I can’t wait to plant them and be part of this history. Yup! I’m in love with Truelove!

Write a Novel

I recently watched a TED Talk about trying something new for 30 days–The 30 Day Challenge. It was inspiring! The author, Matt Cutts, “went from desk-dwelling computer nerd to the kind of guy who bikes to work…for fun!” When I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a novelist who lived in Australia on a big ranch with lots of animals. I got the animal part! Cutts mentions that one of his 30 day challenges was to write a novel. I’ve never written a novel, but the extra free time that this lockdown is providing is the perfect time to become the novelist I’ve always wanted to be. Who cares if it’s a good novel or even a published novel? I can accomplish one of my dreams.

Save the World…or at least a pangolin

A good college friend of mine, Maria Diekmann, started an animal sanctuary in Namibia many years ago called Rare and Endangered Species Trust (REST). Someone brought her a mama and baby pangolin that were rescued from poachers. Mama was too traumatized from the abuse of traffickers and fled, but she had protected her baby so well that Honey Bun survived and thrived under Maria’s care. That was when I first learned about pangolins, how highly trafficked they are, and thus how endangered they are. They are often described as the most trafficked animal you’ve never heard of. That has all changed thanks to the coronavirus. Pangolins and bats have been linked to this coronavirus’ origin.

Many are hoping this will lead to crackdowns on the sale of pangolins at wet markets and hopefully bring them back from the edge of extinction. When will stimulus checks be deposited? I’m not sure. If you are looking for something to do with it though, there are lots of organizations like Maria’s that would grateful for the help!

What’s Next?

I know I’m not the only one that has been forced to reassess life and priorities. We all want to get to the other side of this as soon as possible. In the meantime, we have learned to slow down. Spend time with our children. Zoom and Facetime with our parents and grandparents. We have time to plant gardens and go for walks and write novels. My hope is that we take the lessons we are learning with us to that other side.

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Game Day Basket

Even though it’s not football season, you can’t go wrong with chili and cornbread! This gift basket comes with onions, red bell pepper, carrots, celery, and garlic. Chop and saute the fresh ingredients to make a yummy version of sofrito. Add the included canned tomatoes and beans as well as water (or your own broth if you prefer) and simmer for 30 minutes. While the chili is simmering, mix up the included box of cornbread and pop it in the oven. We love to top our chili with onions and avocado so we’ve included both for you. You can also add your own shredded cheese or tortilla chips. Dinner will be on the table in no time, and you didn’t even have to put your shoes on!

(The printed recipe for this vegetarian chili from Cookie + Kate is included)

Bollywood Basket

We love Indian food in our family so of course we had to include this vegetarian version of Tikka Masala with Basmati rice. Start by making a pot of the included Basmati rice. The gift basket comes with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and fresh ginger root as well as a jar of garam masala to create that unique masala flavor. You’ll also get a head of cauliflower to chop and roast with your own oil and the garam masala. Add the included chickpeas, canned tomatoes, and coconut milk, and let it simmer.

(The printed recipe for this vegetarian Tikka Masala from The Wanderlust Kitchen is included. The recipe can easily be made vegan by substituting your own coconut oil.)

Family Game Night Nachos Basket

When my boys were growing up, they loved to play Monopoly. Our Monopoly games lasted for hours, sometimes days, so snacks were a must! This gift basket comes with all the ingredients you need for a delicious spread of vegetarian nachos. You’ll get fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeno, and lime, to make a pico de gallo. Layer with the included tortilla chips, black beans, corn, sliced black olives, avocado, and queso cheese dip, and you’re ready to become a real estate tycoon!

(The printed recipe for the pico de gallo and serving suggestions is included)

Netflix Popcorn Basket

What is better than movies while you’re stuck at home? Movie and popcorn! We have just what you need in this fun gift basket. You’ll get pre-packaged microwave popcorn and the ingredients for 4 kinds of popcorn: taco, ranch, everything bagel, and pumpkin pie for something sweet. Just add your own butter and grab your remote!

(The printed recipes for each flavored popcorn are included)

Leave the shopping to us! Order a gift basket delivery for yourself or a loved one. We offer no contact delivery as well as curbside pickup. #InThisTogether

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