Main Floral’s Donut shop… opening for Riverfest, this weekend!
Mini Donuts on Main Street
Saturday July 10th 2010

Main Floral exists in the Historic city of Anoka Minnesota…

a popular shopping place for antiques. In recent years the trend has changed a bit… to say the least.  Anoka is showing off local artists, repurposed and handmade gifts, and interesting finds to boot.  There are many quaint shops open 6 day a week… and also many occasional shops that are only open a few times each month.  For more information about Anoka’s shops and services check out rediscoveranoka.com for upcoming events and an Anoka shopping directory.  Local Artists are finding a market in Anoka Minnesota and the community is pretty excited about it!  When you’re looking for a unique gift or unusual treat… Downtown Anoka is the new happening place to explore.

Come in and explore our Art.

We’re mostly about flowers here at Main Floral… but we have plenty of space and ambition to show off local Art and functional Art as well. We’ve dabbled in a little of everything… from jewelry to canvas paintings.  So, don’t forget to stop in… especially if you’re on the hunt for interesting gifts and Artwork. 

What’s new in the flower shop?

Just recently we added some really cute whimsical Teapot-Teacup lamps made by a cool local Artist.  Since they’ve arrived they’ve become increasingly popular.  Everyone loves their uniqueness, no two are the same.  We’re proud to carry made in Minnesota Art!

Looking for cool Art by Local Artists… Visit Main Street in Downtown Anoka! Just minutes from Coon Rapids shopping. Main Floral has got Art too, not just flowers… There are many Anoka gift shops carrying Antiques and Artwork of all kinds. Just a hop, skip and a jump away from Coon Rapid’s Riverdale.

We’ve all missed you! We’re hoping that you are starting to feel better finally… 
and hope you’re back to your super self in no time.

Sending our love to You, Corey and Lil’ Yana.

~Your Main Florets

who loves his Ford truck.

 We ran out of this ceramic truck a few weeks ago… because everyone loves it so. It’s available again!… just in time for Father’s Day! 

Get Dad his dream truck or let him reminisce about an old truck from his younger years… We’ll pack the bed of truck with masculine flowers and send it to him. Don’t forget…we will enclose your personal message in your gift for Dad…
so find the right words and call us at
Main Floral
763-421-7411.  

Main Floral serves and delivers to many cities in the Twin Cities Metro Area…
including Anoka, Andover, Coon Rapids, Champlin and Ramsey.

"Bluegus Rebel"

“Bluegus Rebel”  is our cutsie Beta fish looking for a home.

We’re not sure if she’ll be in tomorrow either.

Congratulations!

Young adults are graduating and finishing with big accomplishments. Teachers are resting for the summer, some are saying their final goodbyes as they look forward to retirement.

Our flower orders are telling of school happenings! Corsage and Boutonniere orders have trickled in. (for those who will be deeply missed in the education world) Graduation bouquet orders are also trickling in. In few days we’ll be quite busy here at Main Floral, filling these special orders for these grandiose occasions.

This time of year brings change to many. Both young and old are closing chapters, transitioning and changing directions in life. Many of them are moving on to bigger things, it’s just another beginning for them. While others are settling down into a more restful time in their lives. Finally getting time to slow down and smell the roses. So…Congratulations for all your achievements from Main Floral! You deserve flowers!

When reading headlines this Memorial Day, We found a tender tribute that was worth repeating.

“B-17 bomber dropped flowers over the Statue of Liberty in a public Memorial Day tribute to seven CIA employees killed in Afghanistan.”

There are a great many to thank on this day, including the soldiers currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thank you… to all of you… who have sacrificed your lives for all of us.

We’re designing flower bouquets with home town colors and school pride!

Get your flowers for Graduation Parties and Celebrations… Main Floral is getting excited with you! We’re designing with your school colors and mascots in mind. We’re marking our calendars! Congratulations to our Graduates! 
 

Anoka High School

Mascot: Windy the Tornado
Colors: Maroon and White
2010 Graduation: June 8th
  

Andover High School

Mascot: Husky
Colors: Black, White and Gold
2010 Graduation: June 6th  

Blaine High School

Mascot: Bengal Tiger
Colors: Blue and White
2010 Graduation: June 9th  

Champlin Park High School

Mascot: Rebel
Colors: Silver, White, and Blue
2010 Graduation: June 6th  

Coon Rapids High School

Mascot: Cardinal
Colors: Scarlet Red, White and Black
2010 Graduation: June 7th  

What is important to you? What would make ordering flowers online easier or more satisfying? We’re designing a new Main Floral Website. Our current website as it is… well let’s just say it works, but we’d like to give it more Main Floral personality. To our best customers: Leave a comment! Let us know what you think. Any Ideas for our new website?

Unlike Valentines’s Day, variety is key. The Roses are here and pretty, but not top players. Garden flowers such as Peonies, lilies, chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, lilac, madagascar jasmine, dendrobium orchids, beronia heather, tulips, snap dragons…there’s too many to list! All of our favorite flowers are striking and the designers can’t wait to get their hands on them. so much inspiration, variety and color everywhere… Our minds explosive with ideas and imaginative compilations. 

Getting fresh flowers everyday of the week… is a work of love.

A lot of careful prep, cleaning and caring for these delicate blooms… It’s a  little like babysitting…except flowers don’t cry. We even baby talk them as if they were listening. Maybe we look a little crazy to an outsider… but being around such natural beauty can make you feel a bit delirious and silly. We still are quite serious about taking careful measures to protect them and keep them happy… and let us just say this, these little buds are always thirsty! Flower sitting is hard work indeed… but well worth it, a labor of love. There’s a lot of Jaw dropping and oohs and ahhing… It’s sometimes hard to stay on task when surrounded by such precious things. We sure wish we had more time to take snap shots.

Everyone in the flower shop is so helpful during this Mother’s Day busy time…

It really is our favorite holiday of the year. This makes our job exciting…and everyone is in such a good mood! Talk about a dream job! (well this week anyway) Our customers are also so helpful and generous during Mother’s Day Week. When it comes to buying flowers for their Mom… they simply say “Just make it gorgeous!” It’s refreshing to hear ” Just do what you do, you guys always do such a wonderful job.” instead of “How much is a dozen roses?” In return for their trust and open mindedness…we send out masterpieces. Though we have to admit, our designers can’t take all the credit. It’s the flowers that really show off… We’re just the artists with really good paint and blank canvases.  With really beautiful flowers, our art comes alive. Until this “Mom” holiday is through we’ll be taking turns singing in the flower cooler…because we’re so lucky to do what we do at Main Floral. We owe it to our loyal customers who come back again and again. Thank YOU.Our flowers go all over the Twin Cities! Call us for more delivery details or visit our delivery cities page. You may also call us if you need to wire an order to another florist out of our area. We often know which flowershops do the best work. Even though we’re busy for Mother’s Day, we’d like to invite you to stop in when you’re in Anoka. We love curious people… and now is a great time for flowershop exploration, since we have a high volume of pretty flowers to admire.

Perfectly Pastel

For The Perfect Mom!

Perfectly Pastel…just one of many bouquet designs, perfect for Mom. 

Check out our Mother’s Day selections online, or come see us. Our Main Floral  flowershop is located in Downtown Anoka…on 1st and Main Street. Flowers are gorgeous and abundant this week and we’re sure you’ll find the bounty and beauty amazing. We can’t wait to share it you and your Mom.

Oops… There were some bugs and even more bugs with our Photo Contest.

Thankfully we were alerted before it was too late. But then we realized it still wasn’t working right.
No Worries, the bugs are gone now… for real this time. It’s up and running just fine and it’s not too late to enter the Prom Photo Contest at Main Floral.  We’ve extended the contest through the month of  May…so try again you have more time. Post your Snapshots NOW and WIN that $50 Gas Card!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

Do you have a prom picture to share?
It could win you a $50 Gas Giftcard!!

Techy Teens enter your Prom photo for a chance to win a full tank!

So we might live vicariously through you, we set up a Prom Photo Contest! We want to see the sweetest and funniest pics of the magical night. We can’t wait to name the best photo of all.

For days and nights we work like flower fairies, gathering flowers for the Enchanted Dance.

Our little fingers will be twisting at lightening speed, creating little embellishments of natural art for your arm and lapel. Corsages and boutonnieres will consume our little minds! Our eyes will twinkle in anticipation. All the while we’ll be imagining the excitements of the whimsical evening.  Even when we finally rest our tired little heads for sleepy time, we will dream of dancing flowers and limousines.

Help us picture the memorable night!

We’d like to see how well your corsage complimented your dress and attire… the latest trends, unforgettable memories, and of course LOL moments. CLICK HERE to Enter Your Photo or visit www.mainfloral.info

Main Floral will be designing corsages and boutonnieres for the following but not limited to: Anoka, Andover, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Champlin and Ramsey High schools. Please call or visit us with your specialty order. Our designer’s can help you pick from available flowers and colors, ribbon and accents that best compliment your attire. 

• Wrist Corsage base price is $20.
• Boutonniere base price is $10.
• Extras are Extra

Sprout, Plant and Grow.

The real Mr. Potato head

March was “Food Shelf Awareness” month, but we wanted to extend it.

Keep the giving going… stop in at Main Floral get a free potato as a symbol of giving.

We will be making trips to ACBC Food Shelf in Anoka through the month of April.  Drop off your food donations at…
MAIN FLORAL
115 East Main Street Anoka or visit your local food shelf.

Click Here to RSVP on Facebook

We got to thinking about gardening as a great source for food… and “oh boy” here comes Earth Day. What a great combo…We found these cool tips to share with you.

HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN POTATOES;

Step 1 — Prepare the seed potatoes.  Cut the potato into several 1-inch chunks.  Leave  an “eye” or two on each piece.  New plants will emerge from the eye.  A smaller chunk of potato encourages the plant to get busy and put down its own, strong roots, rather than live off the stored foods in the seed piece.  Air-dry for 24 hours. A tough outer layer can help resist disease.  A light dusting of sulfur powder or Bordeaux mixture can help prevent fungi.  Spuds will be fine without chemical treatments if the soil they’re planted in is dry and warm.  Research the ideal time for planting potatoes in your region.

Step 2 — Prepare the soil.  Work a trowel full of compost into a square foot of soil in a sunny, well-drained area of the garden. The soil should be loose enough for the potato to send down roots easily. Take a piece of seed potato and press it firmly into contact with the soil. Be sure the “eye” faces up.

Step 3 — Build up a 6-inch-deep mound of mulch over the potato.  Oak leaf mold is excellent for mounding.  Straw will also work. Water the mound gently to thoroughly wet the mulch. This will help it hold together.  Keep the mound evenly moist.  As the vines start to peek through the mound, begin feeding them with a half-strength foliar spray.  Use fish-emulsion or seaweed extract once a week until the flowers open, then stop feeding.  Mound additional mulch around the stems each time they’ve grown about 6 more inches.  Potatoes grow at the ends of stolons that the plant puts out wherever the stems are covered with mulch.  In time your plant will have tubers in several sizes within the mound.  If you’d like to let the potatoes mature and get larger, stop watering them after the flowers bloom. This causes the plant to start concentrating on developing the potatoes.

For  more care and harvest information,
read more in this potato planting article.
www.gardengatemagazine.com

a different way to give back to the community

one potato, who?

who should I send flowers to?

drop by, we”ll give you a potato,

and deliver flowers,  once  you do.

it will lift up anyone’s day….

and it’s just one bouquet  away.

now that you’re in the giving mood,

visit your local chapter and donate some food.

we will donating a 10%  of our proceeds

from this potato giving promotion to:

ACBC Emergency Food Shelf Anoka, MN

2615 9th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303

Main Floral’s Special Contributions and Potato Promotion will continue through the month of April 2010

]]> http://anokaflowers.com/2010/03/30/free-potato-giveaway-food-shelf-donations-florist-anoka-mn/feed/ 0 flowershopmn potato long http://anokaflowers.com/2010/03/28/administrative-professionals-day-gift-ideas-your-local-florist-anoka-mn/ http://anokaflowers.com/2010/03/28/administrative-professionals-day-gift-ideas-your-local-florist-anoka-mn/#comments Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:19:16 +0000 flowershopmn http://anokaflowers.com/?p=3616 ]]> Administrative Professional Day

is April 21st 2010

Administrative Professional Week observed April 18 through April 24th.

Administrative Professionals Day/Week is one of the largest workplace observances besides major holidays.

It is celebrated worldwide, bringing together millions of people for community events and individual corporate activities.
You might remember this day by another name. “Secretaries Day” was changed in the year 2000, to keep up to date with changing job titles and expanding responsibilities of today’s administrative workforce.
Today, there are more than 4 million secretaries and administrative assistants working in the United States, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics.

Thank you gifts are often given to recognize administrative and support staff.

Flowers and Plants are often nice thank you tokens to last the through the Administrative Professional week.  Depending on the number of Assistants you buy for, spending 15-45 dollars per assistant is the usual trend.  Besides Flowers and Plants for the Desk, Pencil holders and small desk gift sets also make for great Administrative gifts. If you can incorporate both ideas, you’ve created a well thought out gift. For example, a floral container that can used as a pencil holder later.

Practicality is a big deal in today’s gifts…
but special treats taste so good!

So, give ‘em the best of both worlds!
We’ve thought up another delicious idea for Administrative’s Professional’s Day.
A small spring bouquet in a coffee mug with a charged up coffee shop gift card tucked in! Who doesn’t love coffee?
We can create this great gift for 20-25 dollars.
(this includes the gift card amount of $5-10 )
Call us about this gift idea, we’re not showing it on our website.

Have a Great Administrative Professional Week!!!
763-421-7411
www.mainfloral.net

Main Floral loves to get creative, call us with your ideas. We also deliver, not just to Anoka. We send flowers out daily to the greater part of the Twin Cities. Our favorites places to deliver: Andover, Champlin, Coon Rapids, Blaine, Minneapolis, Moundsview, Ramsey, Shoreview, St. Paul and Everywhere in between

When planning this Springtime Blog, the team at Main Floral asked ourselves exactly that.

 “What get’s you Smiling?”  We pondered the nature of this time of year quite literally. What kind of flowers does spring bring us? Sure, the beginning of spring is loaded with expectations and potential for green grass, blue skies, robins and popping tulips. Yet, if you looked out the window you’ll see it’s quite mucky and lifeless out there. The freezing temperatures have subsided and we’ve got spring fever, but that doesn’t mean the season’s big change will happen on our time. It’s in the works, we still have to wait and let nature labor through the thaw. Until the robins come and the daffodils bloom, we stay in a gloomy unsmiley state.

It just so happens that even though nature is not quite ready for your excitement, Main Floral is.

Luckily, our greenhouses and gardens in warmer climates are indeed ready to supply spring time smiles. They know what we want and they know that we want it now! So, this early spring we beat nature to the punch. Our Minnesota flower shop is jam-packed with fabulous spring beauty. This makes us smile! Perhaps, it would make you smile too. We’ve got the goods that are considered delicacies this time of year and we can’t wait to share it. Take a walk over to the bright side where the grass is greener for spring favorites like cheery blooming plants, bulb gardens and fresh cut springyness. Our fresh spring flowers arrive Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and sometimes in-between. If you’re looking for spring and sunny smiles, the busy bees are buzzing here. We’re feeling energized and looking the part at Main Floral!

Would you like to learn something new today?

Hyacinth

Hyacinth are exceptional. 

We tell our customers all of the time, “Giv’em a fresh cut” but that goes for every type of flower except for the Hyacinth.  Suprizingly, you should not cut Hyacinth stems.  The white area on the bottom of the stem is actually part of the bulb that has been cored. The very bottom “basel plate” of this area allows it to drink water, and should be retained.  Hyacinth are better off left as they are, but you must not dilly dally when getting them from one water source to another.

Other things to remember when caring for beautiful Hyacinth and other fresh flowers:

• Keep in a cool place out of direct sunlight and drafts.
• Refresh water as needed, keep water clean and clear.
• Put them somewhere where they will be thoroughly enjoyed.

"don't cut me!"

Of course if you have any questions on how to care for your fresh cut flowers (or in this case, un-cut) from our flower shop in Anoka Minnesota , call us anytime!  We’d love to hear from you.

The cube has proven to be a favorite vase design around here. 

It is modern, modest, compact, and straight to the point.  Showcasing flowers from this point of view is idyllic.  Flower blooms look you straight in the eyes and say “I’m Beautiful, and you can’t take your eyes off me!”
← Spring Sweetness 

Cube arrangements are great because they take up minimal space and pack a punch with color and vitality! 

These bouquets are the perfect size to be up close and personal.  Cubes display perfectly on bedside tables, coffee tables, dinner tables, desktops, countertops and more!
One Fine Day → 

The possibilities are endless in styles and color combinations with the famous glass cube vase.

We’ve got many designs already thought up for you and many more unique designs that are dreamt up and created by your Main Floral designer everyday.  To order a cube filled with flowers to impress, call us today and ask for designer’s choice in a cube! 

 ← Teleflora’s Blue Caribbean 

Sending a bright and cheery variety in a cube is foolproof for many reasons.

Posh Pinks→ 

• Get Well Wishes
• Administrative Professional’s Day
• Happy Birthday
• Romantic Dinner Dates
• Breakfast In Bed
• Anniversary
• Corporate Gifting
• Welcome Home
• Guest Room Embellishments
• Congratulations
• New baby
• Thank You Gifts 
• Just Because

just in time for spring fever.

When spring fever comes a knocking and tulips can’t grow fast enough, Main Floral is here to save the day. 

Have you ever wondered where your tulips come from? 

Can you imagine what a field of tulips might look like?  We imagine it’s something of a heavenly sight… and the smell must be out of this world.  Our most prized Dutch tulips are imported from Holland and other provinces in the Netherlands, where tulip farming is a major part of their economy and culture.  Wouldn’t it be fun to work in those stunning fields!  We can’t all be so lucky, but we can get a little taste of it with a fresh bouquet of spring tulips.

Cheer someone up or cure the insatiable appetite for spring with the fresh scent and bright colour of tulips.

Give us a call if you’d like with your tulip questions!  We can recommend our favorite tulips, best colors, and springiest tulip bouquets made fresh to order.

 
     
Color choices may include: Radiantly red, Sunny yellow, Precious pink, Passionate purple and more. 

More Blogging of Spring Flowers:

• Spring Mist
• Delightful Spring
• The Gerbera

Valentine’s 2010

Main Floral made it through another Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Week rather.
Since Valentine’s Day fell on a Sunday this year, the busy holiday was strung out over the week earlier.  It was actually quite weird for us.  The momentum never quite led up to anything.  It was all about the momentum.  We started sending out Valentine’s Day flowers on Wednesday, it gradually increased over the next few days.  By the time Saturday came we felt like we were in the twilight zone.  Valentine’s Day hadn’t even happened yet!  By Sunday (the actual holiday) we were utterly wiped out, looking forward to a nap that would just have to wait indefinitely.

Over all, we only had a few minor problems. 

Sara goofed and gave someone an $85 dollar arrangement for $50.  At least we can say, the customer will be back.  Ann got everyone laughing when she remarked that Roni was of no help… right in front of Betsie.  I guess you just had to be there!  Everyone here knows how funny it was and that’s probably all that matters.

Dawn was in a spinning twilight zone of her own, rather scary and debilitating.  We really missed her, but had to courageously move forward without her.  Now, we’re relieved to have her back at the flower shop with her 95% normality.  Here’s a link we’d like to share on that spinning subject Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

If you ordered flowers from us this year for Valentine’s Day, We thank You.

Your business means quite a lot in this economic slump.  We owe our prevailing success to smarties buying locally and making choices based on their communities welfare.  We  appreciate your business, and will continue to be your best buddies in the floral business.  Thank you for your support.

www.mainfloral.net

We made it on the news for Valentine’s Day!  Even better, we made it on the Fox 9 news!  Can you believe it?!  Some of us were spinning in circles and grinning ear to ear with camera shyness.  Only a few of us made the cut.  Dawn really did have vertigo and went to the Doctor, but not until she had her interview.  She’s amazing!  We pray she’ll manage through this busy holiday without  falling over or getting too sick.  April was a star today too, it’s like she’s been on camera all her life!  It was great to be featured on the five o’clock news!  Thank You Fox 9!  You are truly the best in the biz!
Check out Main Floral on Fox 9 video clip!

www.mainfloral.net

Our designer’s at Main Floral get giddy when you let us pick! 

You can count on us in this area of expertise.  The girls here go nuts for a designer’s choice order.  There may be even a little tizzy in the flower shop… a fight for who gets to put there best skills to the test.  We love, love to pick the very best flowers from what we have available.  We pick the ones that stand out from the rest, the most perfect specimens in the flower world.  Choosing the flowers that look amazing, last the longest and make you go “ooh that is so pretty!”  We mix and match them, compliment them and design them in a vase of our choice.  When an order reads “designer’s choice”… that really means “choose from the choosiest cuts”.  It says to us “Designer, make a choice that will blow them away!”  At Main Floral of Anoka, our style is modernly classic.  Not weedy or gaudy, just rich in color and lush in texture.  Relax, we’ve got the perfect Valentine’s Day bouquet for you. 

Who can you trust on the Internet, when ordering flowers?

So it seems we ran into another suspicious tactic of FTD.  Are they so desperate to conceal their damaged name that would hide under another name?  It has been reported that FTD is actually wiring their orders through a service, other than there own.  They are making it look as if they are a real florist and also a non FTD member.  The money ends up in FTD’s hands only when it’s too late to do anything about it.  So how do you know who you’re doing business with online?  Shouldn’t it be considered illegal to hide your identity in this money hungry way?  It’s unfriendly nature is effecting all the fair businesses that use the internet legitimately.  When captured flower orders aren’t making their way to individual small flower shops across the U.S. by using their own name, they just use another one that isn’t recognized.  How can a company that’s doing poorly succeed among the ones that are doing well?  FTD  seems to pull it off by being dishonest.  Should they be able to mislead and deceit consumers?  If you asked them what they were getting out of it, would they tell you?  They only exist to take fees from each consumer and also from flower shops by transferring orders from one place to another.  How would you ever know that?  Sadly, they are not alone. There are many companies using the same such deceptions like these, such as bloomsToday and Proflowers.  What can we do about it?  While we are awaiting legal action, it is wisest to order flowers the old-fashioned way.  Drive out unfair business, by Driving to your local flower shop. The one that actually has a real address with real people in it, with real flowers, and with the real intent to serve you.  These online monsters aren’t going anywhere unless we get proactive and hold them accountable… but we can’t hold them accountable if they’re not showing their faces can we? 

Click Here to check out this insanely informational blog about Kay’s Florist and FTD scam.  Our intention in sharing this information is to save the legitimate florists and the hardworking floral industry of America.  We’re speaking for the American florists, the American growers (greenhouses, farms) and American floral suppliers.

A simple love letter would probably suffice, but adding flowers makes it even better.  Here at Main Floral we welcome your sappy love letters of charm and cuteness. Write a poem, a haiku, song lyrics, or a letter of promises and romance. We’ll deliver them along with your bouquet as an extra favor to you.  Beautifully fresh and always professionally designed, our bouquets last and last and last.  We’re a real local florist, so you can drop in anytime with your 3 page letter or novel.

Love Letter Roses 2010

Pick out your lovely bouquet last-minute or preorder for Valentine’s Day delivery.  We promise we won’t read your love letter or funny Valentine, besides we’ve heard it all before. You just sign, seal and we’ll deliver.  If you don’t care about privacy so much, we can type up any sweet and tender message over the phone as well. You might make us grin, giggle or blush, but we’d love to help you send your message of love on Valentine’s Day!  To sneak a peek at our Teleflora Designs, visit www.mainfloral.net. Oh and don’t forget, you’re always welcome to visit our flower shop to see our Main Floral style in person.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

via Online Florists: Whither the ethics?.

Because  of FTD’s shady practices, we no longer use their wiring services.  They had a good thing going, a good reputation for many years, until they burned the hardworking florists from which they built their business on.  With FTD’s steep dues, betrayal and business tactics in question, flower shops everywhere are finding themselves perplexed.  Now, FTD is burning everybody, not just it’s loyal flower shop members.  A good name has of late become of shame. They are not the only ones damaging reputations either.  There are big names in big trouble, taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers and small flower shops just the same.  It seems that they are stealing and misleading everyday people but more importantly they are stealing from the heart of the floral industry.  The website,  www.flowerchat.com has many blogs about these issues hurting the floral industry.  We also blog from time to time about the Internet swindlers in the biz…and trying to show that our flower shop is real, true and different from these big advertisers.  It is important to us… that we get the word out, not just for ourselves  but for other shops like us.  High quality flower shops are suffering because they are competing with unethical businesses.  We are eager to let potential flower buyers know that there is a difference.  There are Internet Puranas out their trying to capture your order, using deceptions and false claims to grab your interest. Whatever you spend with them, consider it too much. Whatever promises are made to you, consider them made to be broken.  Instead of pretty flowers for a friend, you might receive an apology by email or spend a lot of time trying to get your money back.  You may want to think twice before ordering through a calling center or poser florist with no real address.  Save yourself from discounted flowers, drop shipping, and untimely deliveries.  Do some research… find out just who is getting your money, what deductions will be made, how will your flowers be delivered, and how much money will actually go towards the value of your flowers.  Please believe us when we say “Order from your local florist to receive value in flowers and service.” Real Flower shops need your business, and will serve you proudly without deception.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions, a good florist will appreciate it.  In this internet age it’s getting harder and harder to find transparency and fair business.  It’s up to all of us to weed the bad ones out.

Where are you buying your Valentine’s Day flowers from?

with a Red Hot Flower Bouquet from Main Floral!

When the typical dozen roses just won’t do for the special lady, a beautiful mix of pink lilies, red roses, and more pretty should do the trick.  Teleflora’s Red Hot Bouquet is expected to be one of the favorites this year with it’s special Valentine vase of silky shine. Get yours professionally designed to last from Main Floral, where the difference is in quality.  Check out our Valentine’s Day specials at www.mainfloral.net.
♥Vases are limited, early orders are welcomed.

 The disturbing truth behind 1800flowers, fromyouflowers, proflowers and more emerging companies like them…
 

They are not who you think they are!  It shouldn’t be so confusing.  Who is telling the truth and to who is lying to your face?  Sending beautiful flowers from a reputable florist is easier said than done these days.  If you stick to one major rule, your beloved is more likely to get the best quality Valentine’s Day Flowers for the money you spend.  The major rule of thumb would be:  Buy directly from your local florist… even if you need to wire them out-of-state.  Skip the big advertising companies such as 1800flowers, fromyouflowers, proflowers and more.  These online advertising companies only exist to take a percentage of your money and outsource to a local florist anyway.  Companies like these are skimming money from your order without you even knowing.  In the end you get something of much less value, less quality, or even worse… wilting flowers that are drop-shipped from who knows where.  These companies are well-known for misleading consumers and not telling whole truth.  You may find truth on consumer review websites and other helpful websites like www.flowerchat.com,  www.floristdetective.com and www.savetheflorist.com.  

These deceptive companies think you’re stupid and think that you will never know the difference or figure out their scheme.  We think you’re smarter than that, and can make good choices with honest information.  Save yourself from embarrassment…don’t get burned.  Save the flower recipient heartache too.  In many situations there are unhappy recipients, tears, frustration and little recourse.  You may file complaint with the FTC, if you’ve already been there.  Follow this link for help.
http://www.floristdetective.com/reportflowerdeceptiontotheftc.aspx

Helpful tip for ordering flowers:

Hypothetically ask the person on the phone if you can pickup your flowers instead of having them delivered.  If the answer is “no”, you’ll know you’re not dealing with a real florist, instead you’re dealing with an order gatherer.  Search out your local florist… They are there!  Look beneath all the advertisements and make sure they have a valid physical address.

So many send flowers to their friends, family or lovers when times are good, but also when times are not so good.  Flowers send a message, spoken or unspoken, something can be said for such the gesture.

Gentle Gestures…

From one person to another, flowers mean something.  Many see them as symbolic, and even greater than that… gifts from Heaven.

Reminders of Heaven…

When one gives flowers to another it’s a symbolism all of its own.  The act of giving flowers is capable of fitting any reason or anyone’s intentions.

Fitting with Intention…

It’s definitely not for one reason only… Here at Main Floral we see flowers go with messages of inspiration, love, hope, congratulations, sympathy, and get well wishes.  New birth and birthdays are celebrated with flowers but also used to show sympathy in the passing of someone loved.  For every reason, occasion, new beginning, mournful ending and life experience… flowers are given.

Because we are loved…

We are blessed to be in the floral business… We have to say every flower worthy occasion has one thing in common… Flowers are here to give, to pass on the glory, to remind us of how loved we must be to have such pretty things so near to us.

www.mainfloral.net
115 East Main St.
Anoka, Minnesota 55303
763-421-7411
Real, locally owned, family operated florist

One of our own just welcomed a new baby girl into this world!  Christmas has been extra special this year with a newborn to think of.  Congratulations on this Christmas blessing!  Like a Mama bear and her newborn cub, hibernating in this snowy winter is oh so cozy.  We imagine our new Mother and child cuddled up on the couch, peaking out the window at the magical snowflake fluff.  Time will seem to slip away as a bond develops between these two.  Before too long these two will be out and about just in time for spring.  Send your warm wishes of a spring time thaw, when flowers are born and new babies keep growing into a New Year and renewed season.

New Baby bouquets with wintery style, or inspired by the sweetness of spring are available at www.mainfloral.net.  Call us for delivery specifics and add your personal touch to a beautiful bouquet for a New Baby and recently blessed family.

Modernly Traditional
floral bouquets for the Holidays

It’s true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  While some may appreciate traditional simplicity, others may scoff at it.  Whose to say either is better?  It’s often the case that fickle mindedness may reason in.  One year Gaudy just seems to appeal to us, the next year minimal is more refreshing.  It really doesn’t matter in the large scheme of things… but still we like what we like when we like.  Main Floral  caters to your particular style… whatever it may be.  We offer a wide variety floral arrangement styles already designed for you to choose from.  If you see something you like but are interested in tweaking it a bit, we have no problem with that either.

This year Modern and traditional are both quite popular.  Although, it seems that traditional styles are taking the lead. Maybe it’s the coming back down to earth mentality. Priority seems to be in the emotion of Christmas and not so much the materialistic and flashy aspects of it.  By traditional, we mean… colors of childhood Christmases, accustomed to, nothing over the top…Classic,  not trying so hard to start a new trend… just keeping with a  mature sensibility.  Flowers of red, green, whites and creams, ribbons, pine and other natural accents are simply enough to celebrate Christmas.

On the other hand, some perspectives of a traditional floral bouquet can still be modern.  There are little touches that bring a fresh take on traditional.  The Latest Modern meaning seems to be in fact a hybrid of sorts.  A little modern and a little traditional.  Like the Noel Chic bouquet  for example. traditional colors, simple, delicate and modestly sized… when designed in a colored glass cube, it takes on whole new modernly modified effect.

Visit our Website.. Wander around.  Maybe you’ll fall in love with a particular Holiday design.  Will it be modern that is beautiful?  Or traditional that captures your heart?  Again, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!  We respect your personal taste!   

Ah, remember the days… when a thrill was just a thrill.  When we were kids,  fun was our only concern.  Now, Instead of being just leery of the unknown, we fear what we know… from bone breaking experience.  Our will to just have fun has been totally compromised.  In older age we usually reframe from participating in risky behaviors, such as sliding down a steep hill at 3o miles per hour on a flimsy piece of plastic. When we are brave and go out on a limb… we quickly regret and hang on for dear life!  It’s not easy growing up… but we’re sure glad we once lived those exciting times as kids.  Our fond memories of  just going for it, will last forever.  Remember the times when we were free to have fun, and take on new adventures in the spirit of fun!

Add a centerpiece of conversation…
to your holiday dinner table this year.

 We’re happy to pass on the tokens of inspiration brought to us by the Artist, Thomas Kinkade and Teleflora.  Thomas Kinkade is a well-known American Artist whose Artwork is inspired by simple pleasures and Christian faith.  We offer Thomas Kinkade collectable centerpiece specials every year.  New additions of Thomas Kinkade arrive each Christmas and Easter but move quickly, as they are loved and collected by many.  We decorate them with complimentary flowers, and careful not to take away from the art that’s already obvious.  This 2009 year, our Kinkade Christmas collectable is of a picture perfect house that lights up with a simple switch.  The quaint little house is nestled into the perfect hill for sledding.  It reminds us of our youth and good times of Winter!  This Christmas, let Kinkade light up the conversations at your house…gather around, tell your stories and share your fond memories of being so carefree and full of life.  Thomas Kinkade Sleigh Ride Bouquet is only available for a limited time.

www.mainfloral.net

great floral choices this Christmas!

  Deliver your merry wishes with a Main Floral Christmas creation!  Christmas brings us warm and fuzzy feelings to the month of December.  To celebrate we give Gifts of Joy, Bake Christmas Cookies, and Deck the Halls with Holly.  This time of year our Flower bouquets are jazzed up in the holiday spirit. The Holiday cheer embellishments of candy canes, sparkling gold and silver ornaments, velvety ribbons and holiday spices just make us giddy.  Winter greenery of pine and cedar give us wonderous scent, bringing us back to our child hood with one little sniff.  For family gatherings of these joyous holidays, a floral momento or Christmas centerpiece would simply be the icing on the cake. 

This year of 2009, we have the new Teleflora Christmas designs available while supplies last.  ♦ Teleflora’s Mixing Bowl is one of two variations.  The decorative gingerbread man ceramic is filled with cinnamon sticks, wooden mixing spoons,  pine cones, white or snowflake chrysanthemums, premium red roses and holly berries.  Check out the other variation “Christmas cookie” on our website. ♦ Our Lenox Holly-Day Bouquet is something rather elegant, with its high class Lenox bowl and golden accents, it really shows its value.  ♦ Our Gift of Joy Bouquet is just plain fun with specialty peppermint carnations, candy canes and a stripedy style gift box.

 www.mainfloral.net

We’re sorry… We recently sold out of our Gift of Joy container.  A similar style and value can be designed for you.

Sadly, It is common that we see poinsettias leaving the supermarket uncovered in the winter.  Retail store employees are simply not educated on the cold weather effect on live plants and flowers.  Unfortunately, neither are the consumers.  Here at Main Floral, we diligently wrap our fresh bouquets, plants and poinsettia before sending them on their way in the winter months.  Sometimes our customers say “There’s no need to go to all the trouble, I’m parked near by.”  So, quite often we explain to them why we are taking such measures to protect their purchase.  Flowers and Plants can be easily shocked by cold temperatures. Frost bite may damage them within seconds.  If you ever wondered why your flowers looked great when bought them, but wilted and turned ugly shortly after getting home, it could have very well been caused by transporting them without any protection.  The results would be even worse if they were sitting in a cold car for an hour or more!  When the temperature is hovering just over 32 degrees, we completely wrap them head to toe in tissue and plastic or paper.  When the temperature drops below 20 degrees we double wrap them, sometimes triple wrap them.  Most Florists in colder climates understand this crucial importance and should educate their customers.  When we see flowers leaving someplace without precautionary care, we cringe at the thought that those flowers have been wasted and will be unsatisfactory within a few hours time.  Imagine the disappointment that was completely avoidable with the right knowledge.  Please Pass it on.

www.mainfloral.net

Holiday Spice Basket tfweb479

Here at Main Floral, monochromatic Red is no bore!  Actually it’s quite riveting to see how many beautiful tints, tones and shades can come from one single hue… with that said, you can probably imagine how the depth and texture of a variety of naturally red blooms would be so deliciously spicy to your senses. 

This Holiday Spice Bouquet is filled with Roseate Gerberas, Cherry Berries, Scarlet Roses and more.  The sweet and natural little accents of Cinnamon and Pinecones give it a wintery holiday feel.  Holiday Spice is neatly tied all together with silky ribbon tucks and professionally designed in complimentary gathering basket.

Send a Holiday Spice Bouquet as a romantic gift or to cheer a friend.  Either way you go, you can’t go wrong with this Holiday Spice Basket this winter season.  Add a little kick of spice to someone’s day with Main Floral quality.  Main Floral at your service with same-day and next-day delivery service.  Call for delivery information 763-421-7411 or visit our Teleflora website.

www.mainfloral.net

Have a Happy and Spicy Holiday!

If you love Holiday Spice, but you’re looking something with more color choice, you may also like our Warm Wishes Design.  Warm Wishes goes beyond the warm Reds.  An added mix of  sunny Oranges and passionate Pinks make for a mouth-watering floral design. Warm wishes is sure to make her grin and her heart just melt whatever the occasion!

Yum.

The family tradition recipe calls for flowers, sweetness and cinnamon!  Send fun loving cheer with this 
Christmas cookie design!
www.mainfloral.net 

↓Try this gingerbread recipe!↓

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 cups dark molasses
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2/3 cup cold water
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 7 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 (16 ounce) package chocolate frosting
  

Directions:

Autumn Twilight

It’s really amazing if you think about it… the Sun breathes life into our flowers, trees and crops.  But not only that, Our planet’s growth is in sync with the Sun.  At dusk the Sun seems to blanket its dusty light upon the fields and gardens.  As if  it were tucking them in for the night…  Flowers can actually close up and rest… and in late Autumn Our Plants and Trees don’t die…
they just hibernate until the Sun warmly says “Wake up” in the Spring. 
Isn’t it amazing?
May you be enlightened and thankful for our Sun,
Earth, Moon and Stars this Thanksgiving Holiday!

www.mainfloral.net

Lenox Sauce Server Bouquet (#09T100B)

This Thanksgiving we’re impressed by the newest Teleflora keepsake addition.  This lavish leaf-shaped ceramic sauce-boat (gravy boat) will be enjoyed every holiday dinner, year after year.  The Lenox Sauce  Server is complete with a utopian mix of premium flowers. Creamy roses,  auburn colored alstroemeria, and a hint of lavender show off in this modern yet traditional centerpiece.  Send your heartfelt wishes with this gorgeous Thanksgiving momento… or maybe you might just want to order this one for yourself?! 

It is a busy time here at the Flower Shop… busy like the changing season.  The Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner, and we are still preparing for the flower rush.  This Season has kept us bustling and rustling with Autumn inspired arrangements! 
Our fine Autumn bouquets and Thanksgiving centerpieces  will be full of traditional charm and natural wonder, infused with colors of rouge and spice.  Call upon us to dress your dining table with beautiful flowers and fresh pine scent.  May your Thanksgiving be rich with tradition, blessings and color.

www.mainfloral.net

We’re wishing you an abundance of thankfulness and blessings of good health, happiness, tradition, beauty and love of family and friends.  If you can’t be there in person, send your Thanksgiving wishes.  Celebrate with spirit.  Be there in spirit.  Main Floral has many Thanksgiving centerpieces made fresh to order for delivery.  Each is carefully designed to show off the beauty of each bloom.  This bountiful beauty pictured is just one of our endless creations.  While we try to capture the style shown, with all it’s design details, we also take the time in creating each one as if  it were a work of art.  None shall be exactly the same, still each is as pretty as the next!  Have a Happy Thanksgiving… and remember to take some thankful time to stop and smell the Roses.

www.mainfloral.net

763-421-7411 

This is a totally random blog about people who deserve even more than flowers… it’s about the people who care for our great Minnesota wildlife.

The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (of Roseville Minnesota) was there to lend a helping hand to us when we needed them.  They mend the wounds and rehabilitate our injured wildlife.  No creature is worth less to them, they give TLC  around the clock to many different helpless and orphaned animals including Birds, waterfowl, and small mammals. WRC is sending them back into the wild good as new.  We thought we’d pass on the good news about WRC to say Thank You.  Check out their website

.  If you can, please volunteer or contribute to make a difference.  Also check out this heart warming Swift release, simply science article and video from kare11.com!  For more WRC related video and news visit WRC in the News. 

Keep up the great work Wildlife Rehabilitation Center!

www.wrcmn.org

www.mainfloral.net

Getting Ready for Christmas!

It’s been quite the busy mess around Main Floral lately.  We’re getting ready for Christmas! …putting up holiday decor and lights everywhere.  We’re also having fun bringing in Minnesota made products.  We’re excited for this Holiday Shopping Season because of our new and improved gift inventory.  We have locally crafted gifts like jewelry, mittens, and wooden birdhouses just to name a few.  Come in and visit with us this holiday season.  If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, Downtown Anoka has many new eccentric and occasional shops to explore.  Anoka has many long-established shops as well… Anoka Shops that bring quality and uniqueness to gift giving!  If you’re looking for the old charm of holiday shopping and fun…  Anoka is a great place to start. Visit www.rediscoveranoka.com  for more shopping and town event information.   Also visit our website www.mainfloral.net  for the latest Holiday Flower Designs!

www.mainfloral.net

Visit our website to order Autumn and Thanksgiving flowers for delivery in the Twin Cities Metro Area: Surrounding areas of  St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Anoka Minnesota 
For further delivery details call us at 763-421-7411
or toll-free at 1-800-216-6444
Thank You.

Check out this great WCCO News Video on the Halloween Capital of the World and it’s 90-year-old Halloween Parade Tradition.

 WCCO Video Link

Because we’re from Anoka, We thought we’d pass on few decorating Ideas for Halloween Parties.

 Most importantly Have fun with it like you were a kid again!  Set the mood with lights, lots of candles and creepy colored light bulbs such as black lights, and flickering lights.  Keep candles safe!.. away from little hands and long hair.  Having a  fire extinguisher near by just in case is a good idea.  Get creative with material.  A garage can be a carefree zone where anything goes.  Securely fasten or staple darkening material or fabric to walls ceilings and more.  Patio furniture has to come in any way, why not use it one last time for a festive party.  Old furniture really helps, maybe you have an old hutch or dresser that is doing nothing but collecting dust in the basement, these kinds of things can be imperfect in their condition, but perfect for such an occasion. whether your room is modeled after a witch’s chamber, haunted house, wizardly palace or a fortune teller’s den, old unused furniture really helps set the stage.  Little touches like cobwebbed or dusty mirrors and framed pictures take on a new life just by tilting them a bit.  Spider webs and anything that glows really takes it up a notch.  Decorating can be hard work but if you brainstorm and work with a helper, this Halloween decorating will be well worth the extra effort.  And of course, if you need a spooktacular flower centerpiece, visit your local florist!  Check out our teleflora Halloween selections online at www.mainfloral.net

Spooky Spell Centerpiece

We’re Loving this!  This Halloween costume is right up our alley.  Maybe lil’ Yana will be our Halloween flower baby next year.  Can’t wait Melissa!

www.mainfloral.net

Come see our fun Halloween Flower Arrangements!