The Flower Lounge is an innovative florist on Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury. Our vision behind the shop was to create an experience, not just a florist...

We offer a vibrant and varied range of fresh flowers, foliage and plants sourced both from Holland and locally. Our stock changes daily to ensure that we always have something interesting and fresh.

Monday, 27 February 2012

Spring flowers

It's lovely seeing the seasons change. The first of the spring flowers are beginning to bloom and we're seeing some splashes of colour in the garden. Despite being mid-winter, there are many gorgeous, native early bloomers we can choose from when it comes to creating arrangements: tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi, muscari, and crocus to name a few


We recently did an article for Body Confidential about spring flowers and gave step by step instructions on how to make some simple arrangements. Check out the full article here

Here's a sneaky peek at the designs you will be shown how to make. ...

Saturday, 11 February 2012

Valentine's flower care guide

Help is at hand with the Flowers & Plants Association’s quick guide to perfect flower loving… with not a drop of gin in sight.



1:  If your flowers have been delivered in a ‘bubble’ of water (what the trade call an aqua pack) take them out as soon as possible. We know the packaging looks fab but a bubble is really only for delivery purposes. It’s fine to leave them in the wrapping for up to 12 hours but after that you should transfer them to a vase. A tip is to hold the bouquet over a sink and slice the wrapping at the bottom so the water pours out. If you tilt the bouquet like a jug you may get spillage.

2:  If it’s a hand tied bouquet you should keep the string around the stems in place so the bouquet holds its shape. If you want to make a couple of vases from your gift, snip the string carefully and arrange as required but always make sure that any part of the stem that will sit in the water is leaf free as they contaminate the water and decrease flower life.

3:  Mix the flower food that comes with most delivered flowers with the right amount of water… the mix is important to make sure the flowers get the right amount of nutrients. If there wasn’t any flower food, then only use plain water… it’s an old wives’ tale that aspirin, lemonade or gin will help, and a modern mens’ tale that Viagra is the solution. They all have a purpose… just not with flowers!

4:  Cut about 2 - 5cm of stem off the bottom at a short, slanted 45° angle using a sharp knife or scissors. We could get all technical about xylem vessels, micro-organisms and vascular take-up but basically the wider the cut, the better the water take up. Avoid blunting the stems as this causes a whole lot of damage and stops water absorption which will lead to premature wilt. It’s a bit like smashing your finger with a hammer or having a paper cut… both hurt like heck but the paper cut heals more quickly.

5:  Enjoy… with the right care and the right flower food your roses should last at least a week… other flowers even longer!

See what a difference flower food makes, watch the flower and plant association video at http://www.flowersandplants.org.uk/flowers/valentines-care-tips-video.html


Article courtesy of Flowers and plants association


 

Friday, 10 February 2012

Valentine's opening hours




Friday 10th Feb 9.00am-5.30pm
Saturday 11th Feb 9.00am-5.30pm
Sunday 12th Feb 10.00am-4.00pm
Monday 13th Feb 8.00am-6.00pm
Tuesday 14th Feb 8.00am-6.00pm

Don't forget that our website is open 24 hours a day to place your order for delivery or to collect from the shop.

On Valentine's Day we will personally be delivering all over the North West, but you can also place an order for gorgeous flowers direct from The Flower LoungeThe Flower Lounge to be delivered anywhere in the country!  The cut off time for valentine's Day national deliveries is 1pm Monday 13th Feb.