Thursday, April 29, 2010

Countdown to Mothers’ Day… Are you ready?

momMay 9th will be here before you know it! Show your appreciation for all of her love and support this Mothers' Day. Ideas in Bloom is offering several unique and affordable gift options for all the special women in your life.  The best part?  Each item is reusable!

Playful Teapot Planter
teapots SOLD OUT!
Call for other unique planter options


double
Handy Double Tote – Ideas in Bloom Exclusive
$25.00

Two annuals, plus the useful and reusable poly-backed vinyl tote.  Plant the annuals in the garden and use the tote to store your gardening tools, or to carry your favorite book, sunglasses and sunscreen to the beach.
Available in Classic Black or Vibrant Red strapping.


Even Handier Triple Tote – Ideas in Bloom Exclusive
triple$ 30.00
THREE annuals and this larger convenient carry-all. Available in Garden Green.

* Annuals pictured in stock, as well as deep purple and light pink blooms.



Thursday, April 22, 2010

It IS easy being Green

flowers 001

“Green” has traditionally been used to symbolize nature and its embodied attributes, namely those of life, fertility, and rebirth. It is often used to describe foliage and has, of late, become a symbol of environmentalism. The spring world is now painting that picture of green: Fresh green shoots and blooms coloring our world anew after months of dormancy. Just in time for Earth Day!

Today, April 22, is Earth Day and the 40th anniversary of the US Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. In the spring of 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day as a way to “force this issue onto the national agenda.” 20 million Americans demonstrated in different US  cities and it has become an annual celebration. To learn more about Earth Day and the EPA, visit the EPA website. Celebrate by planting a garden, pledging to leave your car at home two days a week, or click here to learn about other Earth Day activities in your area. It’s easy to make a difference.

Many see the garden and landscape industry as green, and it is, for the most part. Planting trees, shrubs and other garden staples has its benefits. The American Forestry Association has estimated the economic and environment benefits of one tree at $57,000 over its lifetime. The American Nursery and Landscape Association says that, over a 50-year lifetime, a tree generates $31,250 of oxygen, provides $62,000 worth of air-pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water, and controls $31,250 worth of soil control.

It is possible to get even “greener” in this green industry. Many larger retail outlets ship their plant materials in from all over the North American continent. The shipping, whether by air or truck, adds a decidedly ungreen aspect to the outdoor beautification process. To combat this, we at Ideas in Bloom buy the overwhelming majority of our plants locally.

Our favorite perennial wholesaler, Van Berkum Nursery, is located in Deerfield, NH. The van Berkum family has been growing native perennials since 1987 and they propagate 75% of all the plants they grow through extensive work with cuttings, seed, division and root cuttings. They have a well equipped propagation facility that produces starter plants for them 10 months of the year.

Our preferred annual distributer is Pleasant View Gardens in Pembroke and Loudon, NH. Also a family operation, the Huntington family moved from their five-generation family farm in Connecticut to New Hampshire in 1976 with the goal of revolutionizing a wholesale floriculture operation in New England. They recently have eliminated more than 1/3 of their oil consumption and remain focused on maintaining a sustainable operation.

Ideas in Bloom remains committed to buying locally and from sustainable growers. We will always be looking for new ways to make our operations more eco-friendly. What will your commitment be this Earth Day?

Share

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Best of the Best

Best of NH Bride
New Hampshire’s Bride Magazine is conducting an online poll for to vote for the New Hampshire wedding professionals that provide the best quality, service and artistry. Voting began on April 1 and is open until June 30.

There are 45 categories to choose from and you must vote in at least five of those. The results will be published in the Fall/Winter 2010 issue of BRIDE. Participants in the poll will be entered into a drawing for a fabulous two-day stay The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel! See the poll for details.

Vote now! We really appreciate your support!

If the link doesn't work, click here and navigate to the survey.


Don’t forget to show your support our trusted colleagues:

Friday, April 9, 2010

Garden Parties

6 19 2006 010
It may only be April, but everyone is thinking ahead to summer evening barbeques and and festive gatherings.  Is your yard up to the task?


garden party
Re-doing your entire landscape may not be in your plans this year, but adding a splash of new color can be an easy fix!  A few well-placed container gardens can dramatically change the look of your entry-way, deck, or yard.
Hosting a party or event in your home?  Let us help you transform your patio into an oasis.  Pants, lanterns, candles, floral arrangements…you name it, we can help you stage it.  Don’t let the outdoor entertaining season pass you by!