Fair Trade Flowers – Take Two!

A few years ago, December 2005 to be exact, we reported about the use of fair trade flowers in the flower industry. To recap, fair trade essentially means offering a fair price when goods are traded internationally. Fair trade works by paying less money to the middleman, and more money to the actual farmers or producers of the goods. It’s a strategy to alleviate poverty in developing nations, and to ensure sustainable development in those areas.

As more people are becoming conscious of buying fair trade products, it has become a concern in the flower industry as well. Most cut flowers are imported from Latin American and East Africa; the flower industry is in fact the fastest growing sector of the Kenyan economy. By offering a fair price for these international products, florists can do their part in ensuring sustainable development.

However, fair trade isn’t just an international issue. It can also mean supporting local industries and paying a fair price to local producers to support our own economy. For The Flower Pot, that means buying from local Quebec growers for our flowers and plants.

It may seem that fair trade has only surfaced as a recent concern, but the founding organizations of the movement – such as Oxfam – have been around since the 1950s. Fair trade isn't a “trend” that will come and go – it’s already proven that it’s here to stay!

Further Reading:

“An Alternative Economic Model,” CBC Online, April 2007

Montreal Fireworks Competition Starts with a BANG!

The Montreal International Fireworks Competition started off with Spain’s brilliant display on June 20, 2006. Each Wednesday and Saturday at 10 p.m. a different country will complete for the coveted first prize. The fireworks display will take place until July 28, 2007 at La Ronde, Montreal’s largest amusement park on Ile Sainte-Hélène.

Before heading off to see the spectacular fireworks, send a Fireworks Bouquet for local delivery. Complete with sparklers ready to light, it’s sure to make sparks fly this summer in Montreal.

Get Ready for an Exciting Summer in Montreal

With summer fast approching, there are so many Montreal festivals to get excited about over the next few months. The city’s summer festivals are known internationally, rounding up visitors from across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. With a wide variety of attractions throughout the season, you are sure to find something to satify your interests. Below is a list of the city’s most popular summer festivals and attractions:

Grand Prix of Canada – June 8 to 10, 2007

Annual St. Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival – June 7 to 17, 2007

Montreal International Fireworks Competition - June 20 to July 28, 2007

Montreal International Jazz Festival – June 28 to July 8, 2007

Just for Laughs Festival – July 8 to 29, 2007

Les FrancoFolies de Montreal – July 26 to August 5, 2007

Rogers Cup – August 4 to 12, 2007

Montreal World Film Festival – August 23 – September 3, 2007

Before you head out for an exciting evening in Montreal, send along a unique summer arrangement that corresponds with the special event. You can also include the tickets or program with the order to surprise someone special in Montreal. With such a variety of things to do this season, one thing is for sure: there is never a dull moment during a summer in Montreal!

It’s True … Men Love Flowers Too!

I admit that I was skeptical about this fact when I first read about it – do men really love to receive a luscious bouquet of flowers? It had never occurred to me before to send flowers to my father for a special occasion. When the issue resurfaced over a conversation with some of my male friends, I found out that it's completely true … men love flowers too!

It makes sense that “men love to get flowers for the same reason they send them - to be recognized. Everyone likes to feel special.” To find out which occasions are best to send him flowers, try scooping out when he is most likely to send flowers to others. This may be an indication of a time that he would like to receive flowers himself.

According to my male friends, men like to receive flowers with a slightly more masculine touch. Blue roses were noted as a favorite flower for men. Also, “research shows that men prefer vivid colors such as yellow, orange, and red.” If you're unsure, go for a more contemporary arrangement or a flowering green plant.

The Flower Pot has a variety of floral arrangements that make ideal for flowers for men. Start with our Father's Day selection to find the perfect offering for him on this special occasion.

Source: www.aboutfowers.com

Get Creative for Mother’s Day

This year, how about a real surprise to show a special mother how much she means to you? There are so many ways that you can turn the occasion into an unforgettable day. Whether it’s a small token of your appreciation for all her hard work, or an extravagant gift, we have some great ideas to help you celebrate Mother's Day this year!

1. All mothers love flowers, right? The Flower Pot will send one of our special Mother’s Day bouquets to any residence or workplace in the Montréal area. Each bouquet is delivered with a Floragramme greeting, allowing you to personalize the gift for your mother.



2. How about a little pampering? Send her to your local spa and let them treat her like a queen for the day. A variety of services can fit into any budget – from a manicure and pedicure to a full day at the spa. My personal favourite is Tonic Salon Spa at 3613 Saint-Laurent. 514.499.9494.



3. You can never go wrong with a nice dinner out on the town. Living in such a vibrant city as Montréal, there are so many wonderful dining options available to you. For an affordable BYOW experience, try L’Academie at 4051 Saint-Denis. 514.849.2249. For a true Montréal experience, try Modavie. Located in Old Montréal, they have a live jazz performance every night. 1 Saint-Paul Ouest. 514.287.9582.



4. For a more extravagant gift, include tickets to a special event along with a Mother’s Day arrangement. Depending on her interests, you could surprise her with tickets for the next big game or a night out at the Orchestra Symphonique de Montréal. Simply send us your tickets, and we will include them in her personalized Floragramme greeting.

Tell us about the best surprise that you sent or received for Mother’s Day. We’d love to hear all about it!