Happy New Year!

This will be my last blog for the year 2009. I can't believe another year has flown by so quickly....

2010 is going to be a special year. McArdle's Florist and Garden Center is celebrating 100 years in business! How should we celebrate?


See you next year!!


H

The calm after the storm...

It's a few days post-holiday, and it's below freezing outside. The decorations are coming down, and it feels...bare. Now that the winter festivities are just about over we start getting that itch for warmer weather and long, sunny days. But a walk around the greenhouse is a perfect way to lift your spirits. Already, I'm seeing primroses, helleborus, and hyacinths. It's very encouraging!

One way I like to perk up my indoor surroundings once the last of the decorations are carefully packed away is by adopting some new plants. There's nothing like a new peace lily or basket of primroses to brighten up even the dreariest of winter days. And did you know that houseplants aren't just lovely to look at but they purify the air?

I also find myself buying more cut flowers this time of year. Sure they may not be growing outside just yet, but you can always find cut tulips, lilies, and roses at your local florist. Tulips are a reminder of sunnier days ahead. Roses and lilies are so fragrant. It's amazing what a bouquet of flowers can do.

H

Santa and his Reindeer are coming to McArdle's!!

Just released...


LIVE REINDEER COME TO GREENWICH DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT
First Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop
November 27 – December 24, 2009

Greenwich Holiday Stroll Weekend December 4, 5 and 6

Greenwich, Conn, Nov. 10, 2009 – Santa and his reindeer are coming to town. Come see Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Comet, Donner and Blitzen, LIVE, with Santa at McArdle’s Florist & Garden Center, 48 Arch Street, in Greenwich at the First Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival and Santa’s Workshop to benefit Kids in Crisis, starting Friday afternoon, November 27 through Christmas Eve, December 24, 2009. The event promises to be a magical moment that children and families will cherish forever as they have their holiday photo taken with some of the only reindeer in Connecticut.

On November 27, the reindeer will arrive from the North Pole and process down Greenwich Avenue accompanied by the town’s public officials to their month-long home at McArdle’s. Children, pets, adults and families can have their photo taken with Santa and his team of reindeer, with proceeds benefiting Kids in Crisis. Photo packages begin at $29.99 and include special coupons to shop at participating downtown Greenwich stores. Hours for the Greenwich Reindeer Festival and Santa’s Workshop are as follows: Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 5:30 pm and Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm. Reindeer feeding times will take place daily at 9 am and 4 pm. McArdle’s will offer complimentary mulled cider each day.

Sponsors include the following: Reindeer Sponsors: Flexjet by Bombardier, People's United Bank, Pepsi and Shaklee, Debbie Marin, Independent Distributor. Event Sponsors: McArdle's Florist & Garden Center and M.H. Heaven Real Estate. Media Sponsors: The Advocate, Greenwich Time, Brooks Community Newspapers and Moffly Media. Creative design by Creative Insight.

The event coincides with the First Annual Greenwich Holiday Stroll Weekend, December 4, 5 and 6. Holiday carolers, bell ringers and other musicians from local churches and singing groups will stroll through town while residents and visitors enjoy world-class shopping and delicious dining. Greenwich area merchants from East Putnam Avenue to Lewis Street to East and West Elm Street and along Greenwich Avenue will be joining the fun festivities, offering seasonal refreshments to welcome holiday shoppers. Hours are Friday, 4 pm to 7 pm, Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm.

“It’s the perfect combination of local pride and holiday spirit and the beginning of a great new tradition in Greenwich,” said Alon Marom, Director of Corporate and Community Giving for Kids in Crisis, the event beneficiary. “We hope everyone will come out and enjoy all that Greenwich has to offer while at the same time, supporting our mission at this special time of year.”

Kids in Crisis, www.kidsincrisis.org, is Connecticut’s only free, round-the-clock agency providing emergency shelter, crisis counseling and community educational programs for children of all ages and families dealing with a wide range of crises—domestic violence, mental health and family problems, substance abuse, economic difficulties and more. Since its founding in 1978, Kids in Crisis has helped more than 96,000 Connecticut children and families; last year, more than 7,300 adults and children received assistance from the organization.
For more information about the Greenwich Reindeer Festival and Santa's Workshop and the Greenwich Holiday Stroll Weekend, please visit www.mcardles.com. These events are created and produced by TMK Sports & Entertainment, a Greenwich-based event marketing company.

Looking for ideas....

...for upcoming workshops for the holiday season. Anything you'd like to learn?

October, so far...

What a fun month this has been so far! We've had two very fun, very well attended hands-on workshops so far and one more to go. The first two were flower arranging, both with a fall theme. And next week's is very appropriate for the time - pumpkin carving! And we're not talking your everyday jack o'lantern either.... It's not too late to sign up for some Halloween fun!

Upcoming Workshops

Here's what's coming up at McArdle's :

Tuesday Oct. 13 - Create a harvest topiary

Tuesday Oct 20 - Design a "minikin" - a sugar pumpkin sitting om a beautiful ring of autumnal flowers

Tuesday Oct 27 - "Treat" yourself and learn a "trick" to enhance your pumpkin carving. Tools included.

Cost: $20 per workshop (covers materials -- bring your own scissors and wire cutters)

RSVP to yourfriends@mcardles.com

Hope to see you there!

H

Happy October!

Today is the first day of my personal favorite month. And what a typical October day it is! The air finally has that crispness indicative of Autumn. Makes me want to go pick a pumpkin! And maybe some gourds while I'm at it...

For anyone interested, we're planning a pumpkin carving workshop at the store. Details to follow...

I think I'll go have some hot cider now.

H

Happy Fall!

It's official, today is the first day of Autumn! Here's to crisp weather and colorful mums.

Autumn?!

I just can't believe that September is half over already! I just looked at the calendar - did you know that Autumn begins next Tuesday? Where did the summer go? One day I'm looking outside our greenhouse window at an array of summery annuals and all of a sudden they've been replaced by mums and pansies. Oh, and did I mention that we also just got in pumpkins, gourds and indian corn? It just amazes me how quickly time can pass and sometimes it seems that we take each season for granted - as if it will be around forever...

There's a chill in the air...

...reminding us that although it doesn't officially arrive until the 22nd of this month, autumn is definitely on it's way. I know it's hard to say goodbye to the beloved blooms of summer, but instead of lamenting think of all that is available now! Ornamental peppers, cold weather pansies, kale, and of course mums can now adorn your garden (or containers) and add that pop of color to your yard. So throw on something cozy and warm and welcome in the fall!

Looking for answers...

...on how to care for a particular plant? Or maybe you're wondering how to create your own floral design. Post your questions here and one of our experts will answer!

Oh, and I should mention that next year, McArdle's will be celebrating our 100th anniversary... Spread the word!!

What's new?

Our new Facebook page! If you already have an FB profile, make sure to look us up and become a fan! Simply search for McArdle's Florist and Garden Center or click the Facebook link on the homepage of our website www.Mcardles.com.

And if Facebook isn't your thing, then you can also follow us on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/mcardlesflorist

First of all, shame on me for not blogging in a while! I was shocked to see that the last time I posted anything at all was mid-May. My how the time has passed...

Things have been busy here at McArdle's. Despite pounding rains here in New England, gardens were planted and are in full bloom. And now that the weather is cooperating and we're getting more seasonal temperatures, we can be outside and actually enjoy the fruits of our labor.

On another note, every year at this time Greenwich has it's sidewalk sales. The sales are happening right now and run through tomorrow, Saturday July 18th. If you live nearby or are planning a shopping trip to town, don't forget to visit us as well. We have a great selection of plants on sale that need a good home.

Earlier in the spring we hosted a series of lectures. Topics included floral design, caring for orchids, and organic gardening. We're always looking for fresh ideas for new classes so please post in a response or email me (heather@mcardles.com) with any topics you would be interested in.

Oh, and I should mention, we were voted Best of the Gold Coast Florist 2009 by Moffley Publications. Congrats to all!!

Enjoy the rest of your summer!
H

Check out our e-newsletter :

http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/safmcard/issues/2009-04-29/

Like what you see and would like to receive this automatically? Drop me an email at heather@mcardles.com and I'll get you signed up.

Happy gardening!!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 10, so don't forget to stop by or call for that special gift. Whether it be cut flowers, indoor plants, candles, candy, or plants for her garden, be sure to shop soon for the best selection.

It's getting warmer out...

Well friends, we're in for a couple of absolutely beautiful spring days. With the temperature climbing up to 70 you're probably anxious to get out there and start planting, which is great! But please take caution when choosing what to introduce into your garden right now. I know it sure doesn't seem like it today, but there's still a chance of frost and tender annuals, vegetables, and herbs shouldn't be planted until we are in the clear (which isn't until May 15 this year).

However, if the gardening bug has bitten you and you simply can not wait, there is plenty that can be planted right now. You can go ahead and plant lettuce, broccoli, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, sage, rosebushes, shrubs and trees, and perennials can all go out before the last frost date.

So put on some sunscreen, grab your trowel, and start planting!

Happy Easter!!

It's raining today but there's promise of sun tomorrow. So get out your easter bonnets and go find those hidden easter eggs.

Here's to a fun and sunny Easter.

Pansies!!

It's official, the pansies have arrived! From periwinkle blue to buttery yellow they are indicative of spring. So feel free to fill your outdoor pots with them now, just make sure to cover them up if the temperature drops below 27 degrees (let's hope that doesn't happen!).

Happy Spring!

A preview in pictures.

Here's proof that spring is just about here!
Top picture - Here comes Peter Cottontail! Easter is April 12 this year and we are ready to help you decorate!
Second Picture - Outdoor pottery! All lined up and waiting to be filled.
Third Picture - Ahh, daffodils... These are from inside our greenhouse.
Final Picture - Finally a little life outside our doors. Those little green sprouts are actually spring bulbs.

Coming soon...

As we head full-steam into March, fun things will be happening here at McArdle's, so be sure to keep checking in as I will be posting what's new and exciting. As the weather slowly but surely warms up, we'll be seeing pansies, blooming bulbs, and an array of plants to brighten up your yards or containers. So stay tuned...

Also, there is still time to sign up for tomorrow's design demonstration. It will be held here at McArdle's from 9:30 to 11:00 AM and it's free! All you have to do is let us know in advance that you will be here. You can RSVP by emailing us at yourfriends@mcardles.com or just give us a call (203) 661-5600.

We hope to see you soon!

Please Join Us For A Special Event

On Thursday, March 12 for 9:30 to 11:00 AM, we will be having a design demonstration here at McArdle's. Three of our designers will show you how to create various arrangements such as the hand-tied bouquet, a julep cup arrangement, and and arrangement in a glass vase. If you are interested in joining us for this event, please RSVP to yourfriends@mcardles.com. Hope to see you there!

Spring has sprung (almost)!

With the official start of spring less than a month away we're all aching for longer days and warmer weather. We find ourselves daydreaming of being outside without having to first grab a warm coat, gloves, hat, scarf, and whatever else we use to keep warm. Days when we can turn off the heat and open the windows allowing the fresh air in. I urge you to hang in there, for spring is just around the corner.
To create the illusion of spring in the middle of winter, I like to adorn my home with springlike things. Pots of forced bulbs, vases full of tulips or daffodils, floral scented candles. With all this around me, all I have to do is close my eyes and I can almost feel the warm breeze.

What's new in the greenhouse?

Just when I thought it couldn't get any more colorful and springlike in our greenhouse, we get a brand new shipment of very cheerful, very colorful plants!

Just arrived:
Hydrangea
Pussy Willow Trees
Gardenias
Calla Lilies

Plus more:
Primroses
Orchids
Rieger Begonias
Cyclamen
African Violets
and much more!!

Despite the frigid temperatures outside, it sure looks and feels like spring! Now if we could only get the weather to cooperate...

Hope to see you soon!
H

Your feedback is requested.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts with us. What are we doing well? What could we be doing better? Is there anything you would like to see either in our store or on our website? Please post your comments here or email them to flowershop@mcardles.com. Your input is always welcomed and appreciated. Thanks.
H

brrr...it's cold outside!

But it sure looks and feels like spring at McArdle's!

Our greenhouse is currently a feast for the eyes. Walk in and you'll firstbe greeted by colorful, cheerful primroses, african violets, rieger begonias, hot-house azaleas, cyclamen and bromeliads. Venture further and you'll find green houseplants to help keep the air in your home clean and fresh (see yesterday's post).

Our flowershop has bunches of tulips, quince branches, beautiful roses in a rainbow of colors, hydrangea, you name it!

You'll also find european baskets, a combination of blooming and green plants from our greenhouse arranged in a basket. Think of it as your own personal indoor garden.

So in the midst of an ice storm, such as we're experiencing here today, why not bring a little springtime inside. It's sure to lift your spirits!

H

After the decorations come down...

First and foremost, Happy New Year! I know I've been slacking on the posting of new blogs so my number one resolution? Keep our blog readers a little more up to date, a little more frequently...

Now that the tree and decorations have come down, your home may be feeling a little bare. This is the perfect time to introduce some plants into your decor. Blooming plants, such as primroses, indoor azaleas, and orchids (just to name a few) add that much needed punch of color and promise of springtime to the otherwise dreary days of winter. And green houseplants, which are way too numerous to begin naming, provide a freshness not only to your decor but also to the air! Did you know that a number of houseplants are considered air-purifiers? Out with the old, in with the new!

If you're already thinking about next Christmas, you should stop in as our Secret Santa Sale is still happening. There's still a good selection of holiday decorations at 50% off, but hurry in before it's all gone!

So here's to a happy, healthy new year to all...