Bloomster's Featured In Yahoo! Green

How to keep cut flowers looking fresh
By Trystan L. Bass
Posted Mon May 2, 2011 9:31am PDT


You receive a lovely bouquet of cut flowers on a holiday or just to brighten your day. But you don't want them to wilt overnight.

If you search online, you'll find all kinds of tricks to make cut flowers last longer: add a crushed aspirin to the water, put the flowers in 7-Up, put a copper penny in the vase, add a few teaspoons of bleach or vinegar in the water, etc., etc.

We asked professional florists if any of those home remedies work and what they recommend to keep cut flowers looking good. All the experts agree that commercial flower preservative works better than anything you can concoct at home -- and most florists hand a little packet out free with the bouquet. But that's not the most important thing for keeping cut flowers looking fresh.

According to Kren Rasmussen at Bloomsters, which has been creating floral designs in San Jose, California, for nearly 20 years, cool temperatures and fresh water are the real keys. Keep your flowers in a cooler area of the home and feed them fresh water every day. "People do not realize how much water flowers drink, it really is amazing," says Rasmussen.

"By re-cutting the stems daily, cleaning the vase daily, and placing the flowers in fresh water with floral food, you will be amazed as to how long flowers will last," he advises. Depending on the exact flowers in your arrangement, they should last between 5 and 14 days if treated well.

Clean, fresh water in the vase will do the most to keep cut flowers looking pretty. Adrianna Citti of Citti's Florist, a San Francisco Bay Area florist for 45 years, agrees. "The best way to increase the life of your fresh floral bouquet is to cut the stems on an angle when you receive the bouquet and to fill the vase with water daily," she says.

"Every other day, it's great to change the water," is Citti's advice. "This helps reduce the bacteria, which will prolong the life of the flowers."

There is one home remedy that can revive drooping stems. Rasmussen recommends: "If you have a bottle of alum from your spice rack, you can dab some alum on the bottom of the stem. This help to encourage the flower to draw water and to rehydrate." But again, this is really just helping the flowers get more water.

2011 Willow Glen Home Tour

Yet again Bloomster's was excited to participate this year in the 29th Annual Willow Glen Home Tour. We were excited to showcase our work at two locations this year. One for a house on the tour itself and another for the Home Tour VIP Party. Bloomster's would like to thank those involved for yet another successful year and are happy that our efforts were truly appreciated!

Facebook Friday Deal

Today we are offering a ten stem bunch of double dutch tulips in a variety of colors for only $10. Offer is available for walk in customer's. An economical and convenient way to surprise someone or just add a little color to your home for the weekend. Stop by on your way home to enjoy these wild looking bunches! Bunches cannot be taken apart to mix color or style.

Double tulips have extra petals. The extra petals make them resemble other varieties of flowers more than single tulips. Double late tulips are even sometimes called "peony" tulips. Like the regular single varieties, late and early varieties of double tulips exist. The blossom of the double late flower grows as large as 6 inches across. Double early and late tulips bloom at the corresponding time of their single flower counterparts.

Facebook Friday Deal

Today we are offering a ten stem bunch of lovely purple tulips for $10. Offer is available for walk in customer's only. An economical and convenient way to surprise someone or just add a little color to your home for the weekend. Save more money by checking into Bloomster's via you facebook mobile app to receive an extra 20% off this deal. Offer is available this Fri. & Sat. only while supplies last. Limit 3 bunches per customer. Stop by on your way home to enjoy these tempting bulbs!

Tulips are spring-blooming perennials that grow from bulbs. Depending on the species, tulip plants can grow as short as 4 inches (10 cm) or as high as 28 inches (71 cm). The tulip's large flowers usually bloom on scapes or subscapose stems that lack bracts. Most tulips produce only one flower per stem, but a few species bear multiple flowers on their scapes. The showy, generally cup- or star-shaped tulip flower has three petals and three sepals, which are often termed tepals because they are nearly identical. These six tepals are often marked near the bases with darker colorings. Tulip flowers come in a wide variety of colors!

Facebook Friday Deal

Today we are offering one bunch of vibrant spray roses for $10 in a variety of colors. Offer is available for walk in customer's only. An economical and convenient way to surprise someone or just add a little color to your home for the weekend. Stop by on your way home to enjoy these precious gems!

According to the American Rose Society, the definition of spray in rose terminology is "Several flowers buds which arise from one peduncle and develop into many flowers on short pedicels." There can be anywhere from three to 150 rose flowers in one spray. This flower formation is also referred to as cluster, inflorescence and candelabra. There are many types of rose bushes that produce sprays of blooms but there are variations within the types.

Italian American Heritage Foundation

The Italian American Heritage Foundation of San Jose is an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the spirit of their Italian Heritage.

On March 26, Bloomster's was extremely pleased to donate a gift certificate to the IAHF Crab Feed Event held to help raise funds for the organization. Bloomster's was happy to hear that the event was a success and is always happy to support the diverse San Jose community!

Facebook Friday Deal

Today we are offering a 5 stem bunch of fun Sunflowers for $10. Offer is available for walk in customer's only. An economical and convenient way to surprise someone or just add a little color to your home for the weekend. Stop by on your way home to enjoy These large beauties! Offer is available while supplies last.

The Sunflower is an annual plant native to the Americas that possess a large inflorescence (flowering head). The sunflower got its name from its huge fiery blooms, whose shape and image is often used to depict the sun. The sunflower has a rough, hairy stem, broad, coarsely toothed, rough leaves and circular heads of flowers. The heads consist of 1,000-2,000 individual flowers joined together by a receptacle base.

Notre Dame 160th Anniversary Celebration

Notre Dame's annual auction is coming up May 13, 2011 to help raise funds for the schools Tuition Assistance Program. Bloomster's is proud to donate a gift certificate for the auction that will go to supporting the exemplary education for young women of all backgrounds in downtown San Jose. We encourage other to donate to keep education in our local community a number 1 priority!

Facebook Friday Deal

Today we are offering one bunch of gorgeous Pink Enchantment Lilies for $10. Offer is available for walk in customer's only. An economical and convenient way to surprise someone or just add a little color to your home for the weekend. Stop by on your way home to enjoy a bit of spring aroma!

Enchantment Asiatic lilies grow 3 to 4 feet high, with various color blooms. Enchantment lilies flower in June. When cut, the blooms are very durable and long-lasting.

The 27th Annual Bouquet To Arts

Bloomster's is excited to participate once again in this years fundraiser for the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco!

The 27th Annual Bouquets to Art will feature 150 floral arrangements by prominent Bay Area designers and garden clubs, to interpret and complement the museum’s permanent collection.

Bouquets to Art is the largest fundraiser held to benefit the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and one of the country’s premier floral events. Organized and produced by the volunteer members of the Fine Arts Museums Auxiliary, Bouquets to Art raises funds to support acquisitions, special exhibitions and education programs.

Bouquets to Art Hours
Tuesday through Saturday, March 15–19, from 9:30 am–5:15 pm
Extended hours on Friday, March 18, until 8:45 pm
Museum members-only night on Wednesday, March 16, from 6–8 pm

Get you tickets today to join us and the many other floral designer's out there that will interpret the fine arts through the use of flowers.

Hospice of the Valley Annual Western Gala - Hats & HeARTs

Bloomster's Is proud to announce our donation to Hospice of the Valley, who will host the annual Western Gala - Hats & HeARTs at the spectacular Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara. Bloomster's encourages all who can to donate as well, which will help raise vital funds to further expand hospice and grief support services to meet the ever-increasing needs of our community!

Bloomster's Featured on TheHomeLounge.com

It was no doubt that Bloomster's was excited to be a part of The Home Lounge as we were welcomed to their Little Black Book feature, from which the companies displayed have been personally invited by Steve & Christine Perry as part of their network of affiliates. Membership to the Little Black Book is by invite only, which made our addition all the more special.

Today we were yet again honored by The Home Lounge through the featuring of Bloomster's in one of their Preferred Vendors Articles posted on their Haute Topics Blog. Bloomster's appreciates this recognition and looks forward to a continued respected relationship with Steve, Christine, and TheHomeLounge.com!

Bloomster's Voted Top-Rated Florist for Quality!

Over the weekend, Bloomster's was listed as one of Checkbook's top-rated florist for quality through the San Francisco Chronicle and SFGate.com! We would like to thank everyone for their continued support of our business, which we believe is a direct result of this honor.

Almaden Country School Auction

Is happy to donate a Bloomster's gift certificate for the Almaden Country School Auction, good for 4 free one dozen long-stemmed roses artfully designed in a vase with filler and greens, which will go towards funds for specifically targeted educational programs, technology and campus improvements. The School House Rocks event will be held on March, 5, 2011 at the San Jose Marriott at 5pm, will include a party atmosphere unlike any other school auction, featuring live music, silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing. The live and silent auctions provide an opportunity to bid on an array of student creations, valuable collectibles and exciting get-away packages.

Valentines Day Gift Idea!

A Valentines deal you can fall in love with...

This offer includes two dozen long-stemmed roses artfully arranged in a vase with filler and greens, and a certificate for a one-weekend-night (Fri., Sat. or Sun.) stay at the historic Saint Claire Hotel in downtown San Jose. A deeply romantic way to show your loved one how very special they are!

Normal retail price of $375. That's a $100 SAVINGS! Certificate is sent with arrangement. Bloomster’s is not responsible for making your reservations at the hotel. Call us today 408.268.5518 or place your order online!

Bloomster's Welcomes In The New Year

Bloomsters Holiday Party 1-2-11 on PhotoPeach

Bloomster's Christmas Boutique

The Christmas Elves are at it again and they were generous enough to drop off some of the more unique holiday items you can only find here at Bloomster's. Drop by anytime this month of December for your holiday decor needs with a wide selection of artificial trees, ornaments, trinkets & much more!

The Break Up...Why My Orchid Left Me!

Orchid lovers beware! This human - plant relationship is doomed from the beginning. This is often time the subtle realization that accompanies the excitement of receiving a beautiful orchid arrangement on a special occasion. All of you out there that are familiar with the stunning brilliance of an orchid presentation, know that time will soon cut short your new found relationship with your plant.

"Was it something I said or did?" You find yourself asking as the reason for the early departure of your once budding relationship. The answer from the orchid is all too familiar, " It isn't you...it's me!"

Only in this case, the orchid is telling you the truth! The orchid is a very stubborn plant that requires a my-way-or-the-highway type environment to flourish in.

Here is what you need to know to keep your new companion happy and in your life:

1. Orchids thrive in a humid environment. Fill a simple plastic tray with water and rocks and place the orchid on the tray. The rocks will keep the container from submerging into the water. The water from the tray will naturally evaporate thus creating a bit of humidity near the orchid.

2. Orchids are picky drinkers. Only filtered water for these socialites. Although tap water is drinkable water to our standards, it falls short of satisfying the needs of the orchid. Minute traces or chlorine can be found in tap water that can cause unfavorable side effects for an orchid.

3. Water your orchid every other week. A little goes a long way with an orchid. You should only use a quarter of a cup. Anymore and you might risk smothering your relationship. Another way to make sure you don't over water is to use ice cubes. Generally, 3 to 4 ice cubes in the same time frame will suffice. However, don't mistake this for putting your relationship on ice.

Naturally, every bloom will eventually wilt, thus ending this needy one sided rocky relationship. However, the steps above will help give your new companion the tools needed to turn a short fling into a happily ever after.

15th Annual Rose Garden Homes Tour

Your premier San Jose Florist is once again excited to participate at the 15th Annual Rose Garden Homes Tour, hosted by St. Martin of Tours School. Swing by to take a glance at some of Bloomster's unique floral designs specially catered for inside the home!

Gather your friends, put on some walking shoes and enjoy a peek into some of the Rose Garden neighborhood's most lovely homes; featuring a delicately-restored, French-style estate that was once a home for unwed mothers; a newly-remodeled traditional house with a modern addition; a lovely family Colonial; and the first floor of a historic Dutch Colonial.

The gardens and pavilion of the historic Dutch Colonial, complete with salvaged bricks and pillars, will also be the setting for our fabulous Boutique and Luncheon.




Buy Your Tickets Today!

Assistance League Floral Demo

Kren Rasmussen, owner and operator of Bloomster's, shows his intrigued audience the secrets of floral design. Please enjoy these snippets from the demo and we hope that you walk away with a little bit of the magic that Kren is able to incorporate in all of his designs!

Bloomster's Joins The Fight To Save Tree's At Local Parks

Bloomster's is proud to have participated through donation to the first ever Martin-Fontana Parks Association Membership drive and fundraiser. The money raised from the drive will be used to help save the remaining trees at these two parks from being removed by PG&E. Visit their site to learn more and see what you can do to help!

34th Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival

Bloomster's is proud, yet again, to be a part of this years Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival! Come find us at our booth and receive a complimentary sunflower to thank our local community for all their support these past 23 years!

Floral Classes Coming Soon!

Bloomster's is proud to announce that it will be offering floral classes to the public with designer and owner Kren Rasmussen. Come join us at this fun family environment and learn the secrets behind floral design presentation. Classes will start this Holiday Season, so check back often for enrollment dates and sign up for some holiday excitement!


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Bloomster's In The Home & Office

Here is a compilation of our favorite home and office designs for you to enjoy!

Wish Upon A Wedding

Bloomster's would like to introduce to you Wish Upon A Wedding. Please take the time to read about their mission as described on their website below:

"As the World’s first nonprofit wedding wish granting organization, Wish Upon a Wedding provides weddings at destinations across the United States for individuals facing life-threatening illness. It is a chance for couples to enjoy a very special day, without any thoughts of existing health issues, while surrounded by their closest family and friends.

By celebrating the courage & spirit of these couples, we help create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. It is our hope that others facing similar situations will find hope, strength, and the promise of eternal love.

Officially launched in January of 2010, Wish Upon a Wedding currently has 15 chapters to serve Wish Applicants. We service couples residing in or wishing to get married within 300 miles of any one of our chapter locations. New Chapters open regularly.

If you would like to be a part of our Wish Granting Team {or know someone who would} please submit a Wish Granter application."