Frequently Asked Questions

Should I choose DIY Flowers or should I go for full service design?

If you are asking this question, then chances are you have a passion for flowers! This is the first step in making the decision to do your own design work. Once you have established that you enjoy working with flowers, the question is do you have the time and support to be able to do so. Many event planners, brides, grooms, and other individuals have the desire to design their own event flowers, however, as the time draws nearer, they realize how many details there are involved in hosting an event and time is hard to come by! The last thing you want on the day, and days preceding, your special event is to add to your list of worries. If you have plenty of willing hands on deck, this might be the option for you!

Does a bulk flower purchase include assistance in planning order quantities?

The basic Grower's Choice DIY bucket option does not include floral design and planning. However, limited email consultation is included with the Custom Color Palette DIY option. For more extensive support and guidance, we offer private design lessons, consultation sessions, a la carte design services, and full service floral design.

How do I store and care for the flowers?

Keeping your flowers fresh prior to your pickup is our top priority. We wait to harvest your flowers until the day before or day of your pickup. Then the flowers are processed and placed directly into our cooler (or the appropriate storage location) to wait for your arrival. Direct sunlight and heat are the number one enemies! If you have a cool, dark basement or an air conditioned space with low light, you should be in good shape to maximize vase life. Remember that you will be asking a lot of your flowers already when you take them out of water for lengths of time for your design work and have them out in the elements on the day of your event. Boutonnieres and other designs that are out of water will require refrigeration. Be careful though, not to put them in a place that will block air flow or in a refrigerator with inconsistent temperatures. Flowers can freeze!

How many buckets do I need to order?

This is the most common and often, most difficult question to accurately answer. This depends entirely on the size of the vase (the wider the mouth opening, the more flowers required) and the look you desire. Some people like their designs light and airy, while others like a very full look. In general,  a bucket should fill 5-8 wide mouth quart-sized vases.

Can I pick and choose what flowers and colors I receive?

Flower selection is based upon what is currently available and in season. If you would like to stick to a certain color palette or particular flower variety, we recommend our Custom Color Palette Bucket and/or Bulk Stem purchase option.

When and where do I pick them up?

Pickup is at our home "farm" in Alton, NH, by appointment. We recommend you wait to pick up your flowers until one, maximum two days before your event. Be ready with a cool, dark place to store your blooms.

Do I need to bring my own buckets?

No, you do not. However, we do charge a bucket deposit for rental. Deposits will be returned upon receipt of the washed and cleaned loaner buckets. If you choose to provide buckets, we require them to be fully washed and rinsed, as any bacteria will lead to a shorter vase life. We also ask that you bring two sizes of buckets to accommodate different stem lengths. It is always better to bring more than you need to keep your blooms looking their best!

What tools and materials will I need?

The most important thing is to have clean transport containers and vases ready. The next most important item is sharp, clean clippers for each person in your design team.  If you are designing your own boutonnieres, you will need floral wire, floral tape, floral pins, and ribbon. Just as a word of advice, you will likely need more ribbon than you think!

How do I safely transport the flowers when I pick them up?

Bring boxes, newspaper, towels, and whatever else you think you might need to support the buckets of flowers. They may be top heavy, and could easily tip over in transit. Also, leave your pooches at home! I have had past customers come with their dogs in tow, and the likelihood of damage is pretty high given this situation! Drive safely with the AC on and the windows up, and you should be good to go.