MOTHER'S DAY RECAP


Watson Flower Shops would like to thank all of its customers for their support during Mother's Day. We can't do it without you! And this Mother's Day went well. It is our goal to make sure that the Mom's in your life enjoy a beautiful, fresh bouquet of flowers.

And many of our customer's ordered the bouquets shown in our last posting. They are just extremely beautiful bouquets, and they were very popular. Precious Memories, Simply the Best, and the Mother's Day Teacup all sold out!

We are so honored to serve our customers and to deliver arrangements to their Moms. And to all the Moms out there, we hope you had a very special day! You deserved it!

MOTHER'S DAY

Mother's Day is on May 9th, the second Sunday in May.  It's a great time to honor our Mom's and Wives.  One of the best ways to show your love and appreciation is with a nice bouquet of flowers.  At Watson Flowers we are always striving to provide our customers with the best products and flowers.  So we are really excited about our special Mother's Day arrangements.  You won't see other florist providing these arrangements.  They really are different and special.

This arrangement is taken from our famous Valentines Day Works arrangement.  As you can see it comes with a balloon, chocolates, and a greeting card.  There are ten vibrantly colored gerbera daisies arranged in a vase.  And would you believe that all of this together is only $79.95.  This is an excellent gift for Mother's Day and we are so excited to be providing it to our customers.

This is our "Percious Memories" bouquet.  The colors of the mug are very popular right now and they work well with the flowers featured here.  What's really nice is that the mug is microwave and dishwasher safe.  Your mom or wife will enjoy this keepsake mug for a long time.  And this arrangement is only $54.95!
Supplies are limited on this so make sure that you order this early.

We call this one "Simply the Best".  It has the same features as the "Percious Memories" mug.  Once again supplies are limited so be sure to get one for your mom.  This one sells for $39.95.

Last years teacup arrangement was very successful.  This is by far one of the best and cutest teacup arrangements we've seen, it turned out very nicely.  The colors of the flowers complement the teacup perfectly.  One thing we've noticed is that our customers like the smaller arrangements when the recipient lives in a small apartement or nursing home.  Which makes this teacup an excellent choice.  It sells for only $34.95.

Featured above is our "Essence of Spring" arrangement.  Doesn't this just remind you of a spring garden.  This bouquet is just beautiful.  It features tulips, snap dragos, bells of ireland and a variety of other flowers.  This arrangement really does capture the essence of a spring garden.  It sells for only $89.95 which is very reasonable given it's high quality design and size.  One of it's great benefits is it's distinctive design.  If you don't want to go with the same ol' same ol', then this is the gift for your mom or wife.

SECRETARIES DAY

Secretaries Day is April 21, this Wednesday!  We plan on having a very busy day.  There will be a lot of deliveries to be done that morning.  We are still allowing customers to have there bouquets delivered Wednesday so now is the time to order. 

Sending your office assistants an arrangement of fresh flowers is a great way to show your appreciation.  And our flowers can last!  You get a lot for your money when your flowers last for over a week and a half.  Plus there are some many wonderful varieties and colors of flowers.  Making a bouquet to fit on a desk isn't hard either and just really brightens up anybody's day.

We do have some beautiful arrangements on our website for this special day.  Here's a few:

This is the "Appreciation Bouquet".  As you can see, it fits perfectly on any desk and is filled with very long lasting flowers.  Another benefit is that it's only $29.95.

Here's another beautiful arrangement.  It's our "Spring Secretaries Day Arrangement".  It's a little bigger than the Appreciation Bouquet.  However this bouquet can be easily customized.  The daisies, carnations, and alstromeria in this bouquet come in a variety of colors.  It's also easily upgraded by adding additional flowers such as lilies, snap dragons, gerbera daisies, tulips, etc. 

This is our "Secretaries Day Azalea Planter".  It's a little different than sending fresh cut flowers.  This healthy plant is easily placed on a desk and the plant itself is relatively easy to care for. 

Our website has many other options too so don't forget to visit us online.

NEW PARADE PICTURES

Sorry these took a while to get posted.  Please enjoy the pictures.  And thanks again to all who particiapated!

VALENTINE'S DAY

Valentine's Day is February 14, 2010.  There's no better time to keep the romance alive in your relationship then this romantic holiday.  And it doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg either.

As always Watson Flowers will be providing only the highest quality red roses for Valentine's this year.  However, because of the high demand for roses, florists across the nation increase their prices on their roses.

By ordering your roses early with Watson Flowers you can lock in today's prices even though the delivery is for Valentine's.  A dozen roses which cost $69.95 today could cost up to $89.95 right before Valentine's Day.  Consumers can save big this Valentine's by ordering there roses early!

ANNOUNCEMENT:  WATSON FLOWERS WILL NO LONGER BE A MEMBER OF FTD

Watson Flowers has an announcement to make.  After over 50 years of being members of FTD Watson Flowers has decided to cancell it's membership with FTD.  The decision doesn't come lightly, it took many months of deliberating, nearly an entire year and a half.  However we feel it is the right choice for the flower shop.  Strategically this move will allow us to cut costs and focus resources to helping our local customer base.

Watson Flowers is will still able to send flowers nationwide or to many places around the world.  The use of the internet has given the floral industry a new dynamic in regards to sending flowers out of town.  The internet allows us to easily find florists out of state without the need to be a part of the FTD network. 

Watson Flowers has enjoyed many years being members of the FTD network.  We give our customers every assurance that our quality of work and ability to send flowers out of town will be given our very best attention.  We are very excited about the coming new year and even more excited to serve our customers for many many more years.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

This Christmas went very well for Watson Flowers.  The flower shop was very busy.  Our Christmas Specials were very popular this year.  Our designers created some very beautiful centerpieces and arrangments which we placed on the website.

Thanks to our great customer base and the addition of our wonderful Haws customers we will be ending this year on a terrific note.  We are so grateful to be serving our Haws customers and we look forward to many years of continued service.

We hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas and hope we will all have a great new year!

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.  There are Poinsettia all over the sales floor.  They are just beautiful.  Paul Ecke Poinsettia are great.  If you need one just give the shop a call or visit us on our website.  We will post Poinsettia care instructions here in a day or two.

PARADE PREPARATIONS CONTINUED:
THE ANNUAL GLUING PARTY

The annual gluing party is always a lot of fun for family. We really appreciate everyone who was able to come and help glue flower petals to the float. Both eight foot guitars, four giant rose blossoms, and all the side panels were glued that night.

Everyone is just so happy to help

The guitars and roses look great!

Everyone did a terrific job, without all the help and support you gave none of this could happen.  Thanks again!

PARADE PREPARATIONS

Wow!!  What a week!  The Gilbert Days Parade went very well thanks to a lot of hardwork from family members.  Here are some pictures during the construction of our float this year. 

First is the cut outs for our Guitars.  The theme this year was Rock N Rodeo, so we decided to make two eight foot guitars.

The guitars were then painted white and mounted to the float.

Next we painted the guitars yellow and hooked the float to Davids Expedition along with another trailer that will hold the flowers to handout during the parade.  By this time we had mounted the chairs for the float riders, attached the rose petals to the corners, and fixed a flat tire!  This test run hopefully does not reveal any problems. 

SO FAR SO GOOD! 

The float was really coming together now. 

The next steps were to prepare for the gluing of rose petals to the float. 

THE INFORMATION PACKET FOR THE GILBERT DAYS PARADE.

Our parade entry assignment is Div 6-19  #411.  We are in staging area assignment #1

Dear Family,  this is the text for the information packet.  We have sent family an email with the maps of the staging areas.  Please call Jacob or Nathan at the flower shop for any questions. 

Theme : Rock’N’ Rodeo



Welcome to the 2009 Gilbert days Parade!



Included please find the follow:

• Parade Entry number & Staging assignment

• Parade route protocol

• Staging instructions & map



Please read the information carefully!

The Parade route has changed!



Make as many copies of the enclosed information s you need.



Make sure that all your participants know where to arrive, park and depart.



In the interest of everyone’s safety, we ask that you please be patient, courteous and cautious during the event. Stay on your float and with your groups. DO NOT THROW any items/ materials, such as candy from you float/ entry! Also, do not leave children unattended on float entries: they must be with a guardian at all times.



If you have further questions please feel free to contact me at (602) 478 – 3369.



We hope you enjoy the Parade, and be sure to come on out to the “After Parade Party” at The Gilbert Town center. Don’t Forget the Gilbert Days Rodeo, Dance & Carnival on November 20, 21 & 22.



Thank you!



Chelle Bullard





Parade Route Protocol

Please read through this information packet carefully. Here are some important points to remember:



• Shuttle buses start at 6:00 am. The shuttle buses will be available for those who are parking in Gilbert town Center and the De- Staging Sites wishing to get to staging.

• Parade registration/ sign up / check in at 7:00am

• For safety purposes – large trucks, trailers, flatbeds, industrial vehicles must be staging by 7:30

• North and south bound traffic on Gilbert Rd will be restricted at 6:00, closed at 8:00am

• All entries must be in place , at staging areas, no later than 8:00am

• Parade start time is 9:00am

• Please do not throw candy or promotional materials from floats or moving vehicles.

• Handouts are permissible, provided someone is walking along and passing them out

• Mounted groups, carpool your horses! Bring full trailer loads

• Parade route will remain closed for ½ hour after parade to walk back down to staging area

• See enclosed de-staging maps for specific instructions

• Please do not leave children unattended on floats. Children must be accompanied at all times by an adult or guardian

• No parking of horse trailers will be allowed on Gilbert rd. violators will be towed at their owner’s expenses!

• Please be sure to clean up after yourself and animals while in the staging and de-staging areas (receptacles will be available for use)

• Preparedness – bring supplies, i.e. tape, safety pins, twine, water, first aid. For large groups, we recommend cell phones or walkie talkies , in order to maintain communication within you groups

• Be safe and have fun



Thank you for your cooperation and participation.

For questions, please call Chelle Bullard at 602 – 478 – 3369

















Staging Information



Staging Area 1:

Fresh and Easy parking lot –

750 N. Gilbert Rd. - SW corner of Guadalupe and Gilbert Rd. Check in at 7:00 am. Enter Fresh and Easy parking lot via Guadalupe rd.



Staging Area 2:

Big Lots Parking lot –

701 N. Gilbert Rd. - SE corner of Guadalupe and Gilbert Rd. Check in at 7:00 am. Enter Big Lots parking lot via Guadalupe Rd.



Equestrian:



SE corner of juniper ave and Gilbert Rd.



Equestrians will have 3 options for horse trailer parking.



1. arrive at juniper, park truck & trailer along north side of juniper. Ride parade route, stay at de-staging area until parade is over. Ride back down parade route to trailer. Will work best for mounted groups placed toward the end of the parade line up.



2. Arrive at juniper, unload, Have driver move truck and trailer to de-staging area



3. Arrive at staging area, check in, keep horses loaded in trailer, move to de-staging area, unload. after 8:00am,ride down parade route to juniper to stage



Note Road Closures begin at 8:00 am; therefore access to areas is limited.



All large trucks, trailers, flatbed, and Industrial vehicles must be at staging by 7:30 am



Parade De-Staging Information

Our de-staging procedure and area has significantly changed. All entries will de-stage at the Gilbert public school administration building at 140 s. Gilbert Rd.



• No cars will be allowed into the parking lot until after the parade starts. Then cars and pickup trucks may enter the Gilbert public schools parking lot off of Elliot rd. cars will be allowed to park / line up – according to the parking lot attendant – in a designated area until after the parade is over. You must quickly return to your vehicle after the parade to comply with the egress of the parade.

• Please car pool when picking up the groups of people that have been in the parade. The fewer cars we have attempting to get into the parking lot, the better!

• There are a few other parking areas that you may utilize on the day of the parade. Park and walk to the de-staging area and escort your group to your parking space. Again arrive early!

*mesquite jar high parking lot

*Parking lot at N. Ash & Washington

*Utilize the Free Shuttle service to and

from Gilbert Town Square

*Boys and girls Club / Gilbert comm. Center



• No floats will be allowed to leave the de-staging Area with riders on them.

• The parade route will remain closed ½ hour after the parade has finished allowing entries to safely go back to staging area if needed.

• Cars, trucks w/ trailers / floats, etc may leave the de-staging lot via west bound Elliot rd OR Follow parking lot to Mesquite St., turn R on Catalina St., turn L on Hackamore St, to south bound Gilbert Rd.



It is imperative to arrive early to avoid stressful situations at the end of the parade. Please be patient, as we work through this new procedure this year.



Refer to aerial view of de-staging area

Equestrian De-staging Information



A separate horse trailer parking area – with ample Room - has been provided at Cullumber St. and Oak St. (courtesy of Foxworth Galbraith) in the neighbor hood on the nw section of Gilbert Rd. and Elliot Rd. (see attached map).



If you chose to leave your rig on juniper, When you arrive at the de-staging area, you will be directed to Veteran’s Park (on N. Ash St. and Park St.) until the parade finishes. (it is turf and dirt – so a “bit” more friendly then asphalt).



The route will remain closed to traffic for ½ hour after the parade finishes so you will be able to safely return to your rig.



















































Parade De- Staging Details

PREPARING FOR PARADE DAY

Our float can be assembled but won't be finished until Friday night and Saturday.  We still need to glue flower petals to our float and make floral arrangements for the float.  Our float is going to be Rockin' this year. 

For the Quist Johnson Families:
The parade will begin Saturday Nov 14th at 9:00am
Our Gluing party will be held at the flower shop Friday Nov 13th at 6:00pm

Hope to see you there.

TIPS FOR FLOWER CARE

We often hear people say that flowers don't last very long, or they die too soon.  But is there any way to get your flowers to be beautiful and fresh for longer periods of time?  There is.  Here are just a few tips and suggestions you can follow to increase the longevity of your fresh flowers:

1)  Keep the water level in your vase high.  Your flowers will drink water quickly, especially at room temperatures.  Always maintain an adequate water source for your flowers.

2)  Change the water in your vase regularly.  This is one of the most important things you can do to increase the vase life of your flowers.  Simply give your flowers fresh, clean water every two or three days.  In addition to changing the water, give your flowers a fresh cut.  One to two inches above the bottom of the stem will do.  Use a sharp knife or clippers (clippers that won't crush the stem). 

3)  Mix your fresh water with flower food provided by your local florist.  It's important to follow the directions as adding too much or to little flower food is detrimental to the vase life of your flowers.  Most flower food packets say to use either a pint or quart of water. 

4)  Keep your flowers away from sources of heat.  For example heating vents or appliances such as TV's.  Areas in the home or office were there are fluctuations between warm and cool temperatures are also to be avoided. 

5)  Buy your flowers from your trusted local florist.  Floral professionals provide the best care to flowers before your purchase is made.  Florist typically keep flowers in coolers where temperatures are between 36 to 38 degrees.  This extends the vase life of your flowers dramatically.  Most grocery stores keep their flowers out at room temperature on the sales floor; this causes the flowers to lose nearly 5 to 7 days of vase life!  You wouldn't buy your fresh milk right off the sales floor?  Of course not, you pull it straight out of the cooler where it's being kept fresh.  The same is true for your local florist; they keep their flowers in the cooler keeping the flowers beautiful and fresh.

These are just a few examples for increasing the vase life of your flowers.  Follow these steps and you'll see your flowers, including roses, last 10 to 14 days or more.

PICTURES FROM PREVIOUS PARADES


Last years parade was a blast.  We did a giant American flag covered in petals.  It turned out great.

Now picture a giant guitar covered in petals........what do you think?  Tell us if you think a giant guitar would be good to go along with the theme of this year's parade.

ROCK N RODEO

The theme for this year's Gilbert Days Parade is Rock N Rodeo.  We are very excited that the parade will be happening this year.  Watson Flowers has been involved in parades in the Mesa/Gilbert area for over 30 consecutive years!  We really wouldn't know what to do with ourselves without a parade!

As usual, descendants of Great Grandma Irene Watson will be riding on the float and also walking alongside it handing out free flowers.  It is so much fun to participate and to hand out flowers to people along the parade.  All the women and children love getting flowers.  Even the men will ask for the flowers! 
(Just goes to show you that nearly everyone likes flowers....even if they say otherwise)

We've generated some ideas for the float.  Right now we may do a giant guitar covered in flower petals.  But we'll see.

REALITY SHOW ABOUT FLOWERS?

It looks like TLC will be airing a reality show involving a florist.  The famous floral designer Jeff Leatham will be staring in "Uncut with Jeff Leatham."  This show will be airing Nov 4th. 

Check it out on safnow.org:  http://www.safnow.org/content/view/7585/72/
and here: http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/flowers-uncut/flowers-uncut.html

Wish we could have our own reality show.......then again, maybe not. 

GILBERT DAYS PARADE

The annual Gilbert Days Parade is Saturday November 14, 2009! Just a month away!

At first we had heard that the parade was cancelled, so we didn’t make any plans to participate this year. However, just this week we were made aware of the fact the parade is back on schedule. But nothing has been planned.

So we need your help. Let us know if you want to see the Flower Shop in this year’s parade. Call us or email us and tell us what you think. Should the Flower Shop be in the parade even though there is so little time left?

As promised here is a picture of one of beautiful fall specials.  The particular arrangement was created by Sue, designer for over 25 years.

This gift turned out just right for a coffee or end table.  It full of fresh fall flowers.  The amber colored vase works perfectly with these flowers.  Supplies on the vase are limited so don't miss out.

HIGH QUALITY PHOTOS

Lately at Watson Flowers we've been working on monthly specials.  And so far it turned out pretty good.  The trick is getting high quality photos to put on our website.  All we have been able to do is take pictures in the best lighting we could find, hope our hands were steady, and hope the background didn't distract from the flowers.

That should all be changing pretty soon. A family member of the owners does photography so we'll be able to take better pictures with their help.  We are so excited about this. 

FALL SEASON:  BEAUTIFUL FALL FLOWERS!

Fall has finally arrived.  Of course we've been in fall according to the calendar.  However here in Arizona the weather is finally becoming more like fall.  The past couple of mornings have been terrific.  Fall and Winter are great here in Arizona. 

And with the Fall season comes fall arrangements and bouquets!  Last month we featured a stunning sunflower arrangement.  This month we are featuring a fall arrangement in another fall arrangement, this time in an amber colored vase.  And the flowers accent the amber color perfectly.  We'll be posting pictures soon.