eco|stems ~ an environmentally and socially sustainable flower shop in toronto

Canada Blooms is Coming!

2012-02-01T12:44:00.003-05:00

eco|stems is an advance ticket outlet for Canada Blooms. Our tickets are $17 for adults and $14 for seniors and students. Regular admission is $20.

Canada Blooms is March 16th to the 25th. Visit Canada Blooms and receive same day admission to the National Home Show!

We'll be creating an awesome floral display in the professional florists area like we have for the past 2 years. Make sure to check it out.

We still haven't figured out what 2012 is going to look like. You'll have to attend to find out!

Check out our post about our display from 2010.

Here's what we created for 2010.

And this is our 2011 display.

eco|stems loves flowers!

2011-11-30T12:30:00.000-05:00

Here's a random assortment of floral creations that have been made at the shop recently. Enjoy!

A red Rose arm bouquet.

One of our fall windows.

Calla Lilies!

A long and low sympathy spray arrangement.

A fall centrepiece.

A bridal bouqet.

Broccoli is a flower too!

Bride and bridesmaid bouquets!

A summer wedding.

Wedding Season is Here!

2011-03-23T16:20:00.001-04:00

Wedding season is here and we're booking all sorts of fun and hip wedding flowers for 2011! Here at eco|stems every wedding is different and that's what keeps our creative juices flowing!

Call 416-214-6479 or email info@ecostems.ca today to book your wedding consultation.

Take a look below at some of the bouquets we created last year!

New York's High Line Park

2011-01-14T10:10:00.014-05:00

This past Labour Day long weekend I took a mini vacation to New York City. I made it a priority to walk along The High Line. The High Line is an elevated linear park running a mile and a half (when complete) on an old train track bed through several of New York's most trendy West Side neighborhoods. The naturalized plantings and the beautiful meandering paths made me want to take a lot of pictures. I have also found some great videos online. I've included my favorites below, enjoy!

I love snow, especially when it's falling! Here's The High Line in Winter.

The History of The High Line.

The High Line Design.

And here are the pictures...

Looking north at the uncompleted 2nd Phase

Looking South at the North end of Phase 1

A cool building!

A Winter Wedding

2011-01-11T14:29:00.000-05:00

In December I had the opportunity to work with Phalaenopsis Orchids among other flowers and greenery for a winter wedding! The finished bouquets had a wild and whimsy but still modern feel. Take a look at the pictures below and see what I came up with!

The Bride's Bouquet

The Bridesmaid Bouquets

The Groom's and Groomsmen Boutonnieres

How much do your wedding flowers cost?

2010-12-21T11:02:00.000-05:00

Holiday Hours

2010-12-14T12:53:00.001-05:00

December 24th - Open 10am to 5pm

December 25th to December 28th - Closed

December 29th and 30th - Open Noon to 5pm

December 31st to January 3rd - Closed

January 4th - 10am to 6pm

We will return to our regular hours on January 4th.

For assistance please email us at info@ecostems.ca as we will have email access throughout the holidays.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Planet of Sound is opening up next door!

2010-07-20T13:09:00.003-04:00

Historic Queen Street East is slowly changing! There will be a new business joining eco|stems this Saturday when Planet of Sound has its grand opening. They are located at 263 Queen Street East, 2 doors west of eco|stems!

Come by for a chance to win a turntable or one of two $50 gift certificates!

There'll be lots of snacks, drinks and of course lots of music!

And don't forget we also have a great vintage shop to the east in the same building, Upside Dive just celebrated their one year anniversary. They've got a great selection of vintage attire and decor.

Now all we need is a coffee shop!

Through the Garden Gate

2010-07-09T11:30:00.001-04:00

Through the Garden Gate is the Toronto Botanical Garden's annual garden tour and this year it featured 26 private gardens in the Beaches the weekend of June 19th and 20th.

As a Toronto Master Gardener I was stationed in one of the gardens to answer any and all questions about the garden I was assigned. Here are some pictures from that garden, enjoy!

Have a question about gardening, indoor plants, anything related to horticulture? Call or stop by and I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have!

It's Officially Wedding Season!

2010-07-08T13:25:00.001-04:00

Congratulations Michelle and Pascal!

Michelle's Bouquet

The Bridesmaid Bouquet

The boutonniere

The Corsage

The Centrepiece

eco|stems was at Canada Blooms!

2010-04-06T11:58:00.018-04:00

eco|stems created a very large floral installation for Canada Blooms this year. We were given a space 4'deep by 5'wide by 10'tall and we filled it!

All of the flowers, foliage, branches and birch poles were grown and sourced locally in Ontario.

Take a look at the pictures, they speak for themselves.

more pictures after the jump...

eco|stems is in the Spring Issue of Food & Drink!

2010-03-31T11:26:00.001-04:00

eco|stems has been featured in the Spring Issue of the LCBO's Food and Drink Magazine!

It might be too late to pick up your copy since they go fast! That's why we've included the page where eco|stems was mentioned, cause you know...that's all that matters to us! If you do have a copy you can find the article on page 111.

If you're entertaining guests but want to do it without harming people or the planet call us today and we'll help you choose flowers that will be perfect for any party or event!

Click the image to make it larger!

Go Green with your wedding!

2010-03-29T14:30:00.002-04:00

Here's an article about having an eco friendly wedding. eco|stems can help you green your wedding flowers!

Check out the video below.

Vase and Pot Amnesty!

2010-03-05T12:24:00.004-05:00

Here at eco|stems we are always thinking of ways we can lessen our collective impact on the environment and get our customers involved.
With that in mind, we wanted everyone to know that we will happily take any used vases and/or pots you've got collecting dust. Bring them in and we'll trade your donation for a flower. Cracks, chips or scratches are no problem, we'll take those too! Metal, glass and ceramic etc. are all accepted.

We'll put them all to good use and keep them out of landfill.

Give us a call if you have larger quantities and we'll arrange to pick them up.

A big thank-you goes out to those individuals who have already brought in their vases and pots for reuse!

NO PLASTIC PLEASE!

Now there's a video about eco|stems!

2010-03-03T10:24:00.000-05:00

Watch the video that features eco|stems! Joseph Delarge is in the video talking with Jennifer Lem about his eco-flower shop eco|stems. The video was produced by Jennifer Lem of the The Healthy Footprint. Watch the Video below!

Flower Power

2010-02-19T11:21:00.000-05:00

Here is a little collection of designs that have been created recently at eco|stems. Have a look and enjoy!

More pictures after the jump....

A tropical vase arrangement

Spring is coming!

Carnation ball/bouquet, this is how Carnations should be designed, en mass!

All of our arrangements and bouquets are wrapped in biodegradeable cellophane or brown paper and tied with raffia.

A hot pink Gerbera Daisy bouquet.

A very subtle bridal bouquet.

Locally Grown Orchids

2010-02-18T12:50:00.001-05:00

There is an abundance of Ontario grown Orchids available here at eco|stems. Take one home or have them delivered to that special someone!

They are available as potted flowering plants or as cut flowers. Below is just a sampling of what's available. There are many more locally grown varieties we wish we had room for but our store just isn't big enough. If it's not instock we can usually have it here in a day or two!

Have an office or space that's a bit sparce when it comes to flowers or plants? What better way to bring some life indoors then with an Orchid. eco|stems offers a service where we can supply a potted Orchid on a regular basis and replace it each month to ensure you always have beautiful Orchid blooms on display!

Having trouble caring for your Orchid? Call today for some helpful advice on Orchid care.

Call eco|stems at 416-214-6479

More pictures after the jump...

Potted Oncidium Orchids

Potted Cymbidium Orchids

Potted Phalaenopsis Orchids

Cut Cymbidium Orchids

Submerged Cymbidium Orchids

50% Off All Cut Flowers!

2010-02-16T10:20:00.000-05:00

All cut flowers are 50% off this week! Come by and pick up a bouquet, instore only.

267 Queen Street East, Toronto

eco|stems is featured in The Toronto Star this morning!

2010-02-13T11:09:00.000-05:00

eco|stems is featured in The Toronto Star today!

There are lots of Choices at eco|stems!

2010-02-12T17:29:00.001-05:00

Take a look at the selection eco|stems has available this Valentine's Day! Come visit at 267 Queen Street East in Toronto!

eco|stems will be open February 13th and 14th from 9am until 7pm.

Call 416-214-6479 to place your order!

eco|stems mentioned in.....

2010-02-12T09:41:00.000-05:00

eco|stems was mentioned in Lifestyle Magazine and on the 100 Mile Finds Blog this week. Have a read!

A Winter Chic Wedding

2010-02-06T14:16:00.000-05:00

Planning on getting married next winter? Choose flowers that really speak to the season like the beautiful ones below!

Congratulations to the bride and groom!

Call eco|stems today to book a complimentary wedding consultation, 416-214-6479

The Bouquets

The Boutonnieres

More pictures after the jump...

The Brides Bouquet

The Maid of Honour Bouquet

The Bridesmaids Bouquets

The Grooms Boutonniere

The Groomsmen Boutonniere

Funky Bouquets

2010-02-05T12:22:00.031-05:00

This past week I created some really fun and unusual bouquets for a special client.

In the first I binded, tied and weaved the Banded Willow branches together to form a grid and then used that grid to support the flowers and foliage. In the second bouquet I used two Ilex branches (berries removed) as the base and twisted and nestled the flowers and foliage into them.

To give you some perspective. The first bouquet is about 12" across and the second is about 30" tall.

Call eco|stems today to order a bouquet like these ones!

We deliver | 416-214-6479

More bouquet pictures after the jump...

Be Mine, Valentine!

2010-02-01T11:17:00.049-05:00

Here are some pictures of what I've done with the windows here at eco|stems for Valentine's Day!

In the first window is a bow and arrow. I created it by binding, tying and weaving Red Dogwood branches together with pink wire. I then took some Anthurium flowers and placed then along the length of the structure.

It was hard to get a good picture so your best bet is to make a trip and check it out in person!

eco|stems will be open all day on Valentine's Day!

The second window ties into Valentine's Day in a very unique way! I have Heather Marchand, a local artist and a very good friend of mine to thank. She is the artistic genious behind these Memento Hearts and paintings.

The pictures don't do them justice at all, so again, come by for a closer look!

More pictures of Heather's art after the jump....

A contrast of the symbolic with the tangible, and beauty with reality...
The heart is a symbol of love. It is often described as our center and the keeper of our deepest emotions. How did this connection between the human organ, (a bloody, fleshy machine, a thing of science) and emotion (arbitrary romanticism) come to be? What holds the memory, the heart or the brain?

Memento Hearts are to become vessels for feeling. A token, a memento... a way to give your heart on your sleeve. In its new construction of fabric and lace, the heart takes on physical properties of delicacy and beauty, attributes that were previously only symbolic. They are a physical representation of an arbitrary romantic idea.
- Heather Marchand

eco|stems owner is in The Star

2010-01-30T12:45:00.000-05:00

eco|stems owner Joseph Delarge was mentioned in The Toronto Star today! Have a read, it's all about Anthuriums.

The Eco Wedding and Lifestyle Show

2010-01-22T13:52:00.007-05:00

This past weekend (January 16th and 17th, 2010) eco|stems was a sponsor of and vendor at The Eco-Wedding and Lifestyle Show.

Getting Married? Make the sustainable choice by having eco|stems create the flowers for your special day!

I have included some pictures of the booth below, have a look!

The Green Living Show

2009-12-16T16:36:00.001-05:00

eco|stems is going to be a part of the Green Living Show this coming April 23-25, 2010. Mark it on your calendars!

100 Days In Glacier National Park

2009-12-04T13:25:00.002-05:00

Take a look at these amazing pictures of the flora and fauna out of Glacier National Park. Enjoy!

A Massive Swag for a Massive Fireplace!

2009-11-30T15:48:00.003-05:00

It's not everyday you get to create a giant swag for a 15 foot fireplace! Check out the results below.

An Indoor Tropical Garden by eco|stems

2009-11-23T15:29:00.001-05:00

Earlier this month we had a lot of fun getting our hands dirty planting this giant tropical garden in the lobby of a condo in Markham! We used plants such as Majesty Palms, Snake Plants, Neon Pothos, Bromeliads, Variegated Peace Lilies, Ruby Red Rubber Plants, Limelight Dracaena and Chinese Evergreens. Take a look!

A Not So Traditional Fall Wedding

2009-11-17T16:38:00.011-05:00

Congratulations goes out to Anne and Trevis on their recent Marriage! Below are some pictures of their wedding flowers, click to enlarge. Enjoy!

Bridal Bouquet

Maid of Honour Bouquet

Flower Girl Bouquets
Wrist Corsage
Lapel Corsage
Boutonniere

Floral Creations

2009-11-13T12:14:00.007-05:00

Here are a few pictures of floral arrangements I have created over the last couple of months, enjoy! Click for a larger image.

Bridal Show This Weekend.

2009-09-11T07:46:00.002-04:00

eco|stems will be closed today and Saturday for the National Bridal Show. Come Checl it out, we'll be in booth 407!

Sorry for the inconvenience, have a great weekend!

How Flowering Plants Took Over the Plant World

2009-08-14T11:41:00.003-04:00

If you have an interest in Botany and plants take a look at this story from the BBC that tells how flowering plants (angiosperms) became dominant over conifers and ferns (gymnosperms) 65 million years ago.

Updated pics of eco|stems!

2009-07-31T12:04:00.010-04:00

Here are some updated photos of eco|stems. They were taken this past Tuesday. Enjoy:)

eco|stems is on vitamindaily.com!

2009-07-29T11:55:00.003-04:00

eco|stems is on vitamindaily.com today!

Check them out, they are an online lifestyle magazine/blog of sorts that provide helpful tips about whats happening in Toronto and all the other major cities in Canada.

Garden Design Magazine and Local, Organic, Fair trade Flowers!

2009-07-24T11:56:00.003-04:00

Take a look at this article by Garden Design Magazine that talks about how easy local, organic and fair trade flowers are to come by! Visit eco|stems or call us to get your hands on some beautiful eco-friendly blooms!

eco|stems is on Kitka Design Toronto!

2009-07-20T11:30:00.001-04:00

eco|stems has been featured on a great Toronto Design Blog called Kitka Design Toronto. Follow the link and take a look for yourself!

Come Visit eco|stems!

2009-06-22T11:10:00.012-04:00

Here are some pictures of what you can expect when you visit eco|stems!

eco|stems has a large selection of environmentally and socially sustainable flowers and plants for you to choose from. All of our flowers and plants are either local, organic or fair trade!

Learn where your food comes from this summer!

2009-06-08T10:21:00.004-04:00

Field Trip: connecting city folk to their food source!

This summer, discover where your food comes from by going on a field trip to local farms!

Check out the website for more information.

eco|stems is now bullfrog powered!

2009-06-02T16:06:00.003-04:00

eco|stems is now powered by 100% low-impact renewable energy!

A Video about Sustainable Flower Production

2009-05-29T13:57:00.004-04:00

Pictures of eco|stems

2009-05-21T11:13:00.004-04:00

Here are the pictures of ecostems I promised a while ago. It's like a ray of light in a dark forest.

eco|stems Is Open!

2009-05-08T22:03:00.003-04:00

eco|stems is now open at 267 Queen Street East, just East of Sherbourne. Come check out the store or call for delivery.

eco|stems is open Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturdays 12pm to 5pm.

The website is now up, check it out!

Pictures of eco|stems will be up shortly, check back soon!

Planning a Green Wedding?

2009-04-17T09:29:00.002-04:00

If you're in the process of planning your wedding and you'd like to go green but don't know where to start, take a look at this article from The David Suzuki Foundation.

If you need help with planning your green wedding, don't hesitate to email eco|stems at joseph@ecostems.ca.

Happy Planning!

eco|stems Store Update

2009-04-10T17:23:00.004-04:00

Back when I launched this blog I talked about eco|stems as a retail store. Well, it's still coming, slowly but surely.
In fact I should have it up and running by the beginning of May if all goes right! Just wrapping up my real estate stuff for the location and it'll be good to go.
Once I have an exact date in my sights this will be the first place I come to spread the news.

Stay tuned!

Creating a Bee-friendly Garden

2009-04-03T10:39:00.004-04:00

Take a look at David Suzuxi's Nature Challenge Newsletter for April and learn how to create a bee friendly garden of your own! Pollinators are a very important part of the ecosystem and the food we eat.

Flower Porn - Flower of the Month!

2009-04-01T13:04:00.007-04:00

April's flower is the Chrysanthemum, also know as a Mum or botanically as Dendranthema X grandiflorum. Chrysanthemums have a fresh, green smell that I really like, others may disagree. They are a versitile flower that lasts for two to three weeks as a cut flower and are relatively inexpensive to purchase! They are also available as a potted plant. Many varieties are grown right here in Ontario, more than what I can show, go pick some up at a flower shop near you!

Flower Update - Green Ranunculus

2009-03-25T11:48:00.004-04:00

A few days ago I posted about Ranunculus. I have just discovered a green variety!
Take a look, it's beautiful!

Flower Porn!

2009-03-17T11:30:00.004-04:00

Ranunculus sp. also known as Buttercup! A beautiful spring flower available from local growers in Ontario right now!

Canada Blooms

2009-03-05T20:54:00.005-05:00

Get a head start on spring, from March 18th to the 22nd, 2009 celebrate the upcoming gardening season with a visit to Canada Blooms, Toronto's and Canada's ultimate flower and garden festival. Check out the 6 acres of professionally designed gardens and get some inspiration for your own garden! There will also be countless displays of fresh floral designs and many great speaker series to attend!

This is all so exciting for me!!

Visit me at The Garden Club of Toronto and the Toronto Master Gardeners Advice Clinic where I will be giving gardening advice on Thursday, March 19th, 2009 from 12:30pm until 5:30pm.

If you can't make it to the advice clinic I will be at the Toronto Botanical Garden Entrance Garden From 6:00pm to 9:00pm that same day. It will be the first Garden you see as your enter the show, don't miss it!

Flower Porn!

2009-03-01T16:16:00.002-05:00

Daffodils or Narcissus pseudonarcissus are also March's flower of the month and a fabulous spring cut or potted flower! Ask your favorite flower shop for local Ontario cut or potted Daffodils.

Remember the Planet this Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T13:08:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, the most popular day for flowers on the calendar. When you are picking flowers for your special someone, remember the planet. Choose organic, fair trade and/or locally grown flowers. The Planet and the people who grow them will thank-you.
Enjoy the lovefest tomorrow!

Flower Porn!

2009-02-12T09:36:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite flowers, the Cymbidium Orchid

Colombians Blast Flower Trade

2009-02-11T12:40:00.003-05:00

Buy locally grown, fair trade and organic (eco-flowers), the planet and the people who grow them will thank you!
eco|stems will be your source for eco-flowers. Coming this spring!

Activists urge Canadians to shun blooms grown by 'slave labour' – and reject free trade deal

Linda Diebel
NATIONAL AFFAIRS WRITER

Flowers from Colombia are grown in blood, according to a small delegation from that country asking Canadians to think twice about the origin of flowers they buy for Valentine's Day.

It's the blood of women and children as young as 10, who work in slave labour conditions in sprawling greenhouses around the capital. They arrive from all over the country to package beauty, working long hours for little pay, no guaranteed labour rights and health problems that include infertility, lung disorders, joint issues and cancer. (more)

My Website Is Now Up!

2009-02-09T19:20:00.001-05:00

Though still under construction, www.ecostems.ca is up!

Have a question regarding flowers or gardening?
email me at joseph@ecostems.ca

The 10 Best Houseplants for Cleaner and Greener Air

2009-01-23T13:12:00.002-05:00

House plants have many benefits in any indoor environment like your home or office. Not only are they visually appealing and bring life to any space, but they also offer many health benefits. Houseplants are often overlooked as being helpers in ridding our indoor air of harmful pollutants and toxins, counteracting off-gassing and contributing to balanced internal air humidity.

With so many pollutants in our environments today, it’s not surprising that indoor air quality can be even worse than the air on the city streets. Most ventilation systems are designed to keep temperature treated air inside and not allowing for air exchange with the outdoors. Dangerous pollutants are carried into our homes on our clothes, the chemical cleaners used in most homes contribute to the problem, and even the traditional furniture, flooring and paints that are used release harmful chemicals into the air.

Bringing houseplants into your home of office can help filter the air naturally. Houseplants also increase the amount of oxygen in any space through the natural process of photosynthesis. Having better air quality within the spaces you live and work can give you an extra energy boost to get through those tough days. Houseplants also help reduce or prevent colds and allergies by adding extra humidity to the air and by collecting dust.

I would suggest that there should be at least one plant for every 5 square metres of floor space with ceiling heights of 2.5 to 3 metres. Fill your house with plants!

Research has shown that the 10 plants listed below are the most effective all-around in counteracting off-gassing chemicals and contributing to balanced internal air humidity. In the list below I have given the botanical name including varieties if any, first, followed by the common name.

Chrysalidocarpus lutescens - Areca Palm aka Butterfly Palm
Chamaedorea seifrizii - Reed Palm
Phoenix loureirii humilis - Dwarf Date Palm
Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis - Boston Fern
Dracaena deremensis Janet Craig - Janet Craig Dracaena
Hedera helix - English Ivy
Nephrolepis obliterata - Australian Sword Fern
Spathiphyllum wallisii - Peace Lily
Ficus elastica decora - Rubber Plant
Ficus benjamina - Weeping fig

Although many plants like light, they do not all have to be placed near windows. Many indoor plants originated in the dense shade of tropical forests and have the ability to survive in low light conditions. That's what makes them suitable for indoor spaces. With a little research, information on all of the houseplants listed above is easy to find. When positioning plants, try to strike a balance between light and ventilation because the effect of plants on indoor air pollution appears to be reduced if they are set in a draft.

If you require more information on the plants listed above or any other plants please leave a comment with your question and I will be happy to answer.

Five Ways to Make Green the New Red this Valentine’s Day

2009-01-14T13:54:00.003-05:00

This Valentine’s Day, sweethearts can demonstrate their love for one another and for the environment by choosing gifts and activities that support the environment and improve the conditions of workers and communities around the world.

Buy responsibly grown flowers — Make sure the bloom on your rose does not come at the expense of the environment. If you’re giving a bouquet, look for flowers that bear the green frog Rainforest Alliance Certified seal . Rainforest Alliance Certified Farms eliminate deforestation, protect soil and waterways and provide decent wages, housing, education and health care to workers and their families. Locally grown flowers are also an option. Be sure to ask your local florist about local and eco flowers.

Forget gifts, head outdoors — Rather than spending money on jewelry and other gifts that are stored away and soon forgotten, plan an activity together that will get your heart pumping and demonstrate your appreciation for your local environment. Depending on where you live, consider cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, a romantic canoe ride or a stroll through the woods

Chocolates can be a sweet deal for the environment and farmers - Farmed on over 17 million acres of tropical land, some 15 million farmers earn their living by harvesting cocoa. Make sure the chocolate you buy contains cocoa grown in a way that protects tropical forests and the rights and welfare of workers and their communities. Newman’s Own Organics, Vintage Plantations and Kallari are Rainforest Alliance Certified options available now at Whole Foods Markets.

Give cards made from FSC-certified paper — Nothing is more thoughtful than a homemade card. You can extend that sentiment to forest communities by crafting your card using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper, which guarantees that the pulp comes from responsibly managed forests. FSC-certified paper is available at Staples and Office Depot. If arts and crafts aren’t your thing, you can purchase FSC-certified Valentines Day cards from mygoodgreetings.com or you can consider buying Flower Seed Paper, which contains wildflower seeds in the fibers of the card, allowing your sweetheart to plant your card in the spring.

Save Emissions (and Money) by Staying In - If you want to minimize your CO2 emissions, stay in and cook a romantic dinner using locally-grown foods. Be sure to dim the lights and dine by candlelight! If you do opt to eat out, remember that walking and public transit are the most eco-friendly modes of transport.

100% E-waste Flower Pots

2009-01-09T17:53:00.002-05:00

Planters from E-Waste - TerraCycle Urban Art Pot Fuses Graffiti With Recycled Computer Parts (VIDEO)

(TREND HUNTER) TerraCycle's eco-friendly plant pots are comprised of 100% used computer parts; their TerraCycle Urban Art Pot adds the design talents of graffiti artists for a flower pot that has some serious street… [More]

Sierra Eco - The Eco Flower Experts

2009-01-05T19:45:00.006-05:00

Sierra Eco is a company based in Canada that is completely committed to providing socially and environmentally sustainable cut flowers to the Floral Industry. Sierra Eco will be the leading supplier of Eco Flowers to eco|stems when it is up and running early this year.

Check out the Sierra Flower Finder to see the great selection of cut flowers Sierra Eco has to offer.

Flower of the Week: Gerbera Daisies

2008-11-10T21:47:00.003-05:00

Facts About Gerbera Daisies

Having a long vase life, Gerbera Daisies are a great cut flower!
Gerberas are great flowers for adding colour to any room or garden.
Gerbera flowers can reach up to 7 inches (17.8 cm) across.
Gerberas come in a wide range of colours - from light to dark yellow, orange, pink, brilliant scarlet, deep red, and many more colours.
Gerberas are native to Transvaal, South Africa.

Why Buy Local Ontario Flowers?

2008-11-10T21:33:00.004-05:00

Fewer Miles

Flowers grown in Ontario have fewer miles to travel between the producer, the store and your home. With the reduced travel time, the environmental impact is similarly reduced. Less transport means less fuel used, fewer emissions, and fewer preservatives required to keep the blooms looking fresh in transit.

Support for the Local Economy

Buying locally grown flowers puts money back into your community and boosts the overall economy. There are approximately 10,000 people in the province of Ontario that are employed by the 650 greenhouse farmers producing flowers for consumers. Choose flowers grown in Ontario and contribute to the growth of the industry, which in turn will lead to expansion and greater choice for consumers, as well as a thriving economy.

Less Packaging

Because your flowers aren't being shipped great distances or for long periods of time, the need for packing materials is also reduced. This results in lower costs for you because it costs less to ship, and there's less garbage produced too!

Quality Guarantee

Ontario fresh flowers and the farmers that grow them work under regulated conditions and have requirements that must be met. When you buy flowers without knowing their origin, you can't be sure what chemicals were used during the growing process, if the workers were treated fairly, or if the flowers are up to quality standards. With locally grown products, you can be sure that production regulations are available for you to read and are being enforced.

Source: Ontario Flowers

Caring For Fresh Cut Roses

2008-10-29T12:18:00.006-04:00

Buying Cut Roses
All roses are beautiful, but a little care will ensure that you get the colourful, high-quality roses you have come to expect. If possible, shop for roses in person. If you are unable to go in person, make sure to choose a reputable florist. Price may not always be an indication of of quality. Look for roses with petals that are just starting to open, however, some rose varieties always look really open even when they are quite fresh. A good florist should be able to explain the difference. Roses should be springy and soft to the touch. Look for vibrant, rich colour. Stems should be straight and strong, so the rose will stand high. This will also help the rose take-up water. Make sure to choose roses that are locally grown, organic or fair-trade to reduce the impact on the environment and your health.

Refreshing Your Roses
If the roses are not already in a vase, roses will benefit from a refreshing drink of water. As soon as you receive them, unwrap the roses and place the entire bouquet into an upright container of lukewarm water. Make sure to add the flower food that the florist has provided for you. If the florist has not provided you with flower food it's not a good sign. Flower food is essential in extending the life of your roses and any other flowers you purchase.

Recutting The Stems
Using sharp pruning shears or a sharp knife, hold the stems underwater, cut off about an inch of the stems from the bouquet, if you are working with individual stems, cut one at a time in the same manor, if possible cut on the diagonal. Once the cuts have been made, be sure to minimize the cuts exposure to air. Avoid using scissors, which can crush the stem rather than make a clean cut.

Removing Lower Leaves
Remove the lower leaves that will be underneath the water level in the vase. Leaves that remain below the water line invite harmful bacterial formation and can significantly reduce the life of your roses. This goes for all flower types.

Adding Flower Food
Floral preservative will help your roses last even longer. Follow the instructions on the package. Not only does flower food feed the roses and encourage buds to develop, but it also reduces and slows the bacterial growth in the water. The flower food must be mixed properly.

Protecting Your Roses
Keep your fresh roses in a cool place. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, heat, humidity or drafts. Flowers cannot tolerate the radiation from any TV or heat from electrical appliances as it causes dehydration. Avoid placing flowers, especially roses, near fruit because any type of fruit naturally generates ethylene gas, which ages and kills flowers prematurely. Snip spent blooms as they fade to keep your bouquet looking fresh. Once every two or three days, remove the bouquet from the vase and give the stems a fresh cut. Clean the vase, then refill it with fresh water and add more preservative.

If you apply all of these tips when you purchase or receive flowers and specifically roses you will find that those roses and flowers will last longer then you have ever had them last before.

Welcome to ECOSTEMS the Blog!!

2008-10-29T10:22:00.008-04:00

This is the first post of many to come from eco|stems!

Flowers stir emotions in all people, whether that emotion be love, happiness, admiration, desire, joy and even pain and mourning. Flowers can help say what people sometimes have trouble saying or cannot say.

eco|stems will be an environmentally and socially responsible full-service retail flower shop. The goal of eco|stems is to source and offer for sale a complete selection of locally and organically grown fair trade flowers and plants as well as vases, pots and related accessories to the people of Toronto and the surrounding areas. At eco|stems there will be a great focus on the environment, floral design, people and learning.

The purpose of this blog is to bring helpful, fun and interesting information to the public about flowers, plants and the environment.
The eco|stems blog will share helpful information about:

Making your flowers last as long as possible.
How eco|stems can help significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment and peoples lives.
Plant care and maintenance to help you keep your plants living long and healthy lives.
Floral design trends and how they can be worked into any space.
Fun news related to flowers and plants.
And much much more!

eco|stems will be opening in April 2009. Please keep coming back to find out the specific date of the grand opening and to stay informed about all that will be happening in the eco|stems blog in the days and months to come!