Monday, May 30, 2011

Flower Club!


Interested in getting a weekly bouquet of locally grown flowers?
Sign up for the flower club by calling us today! 614.266.1618

Sign up now and have an arrangement delivered to a location of your choice! Each week we will make a beautiful arrangement and exchange it for the one we delivered the week prior!
Arrangements start at just $10.00 per week!
Delivery is FREE inside 270 and only $1.00 outside 270!
Sign up for 5, 10 or 20 weeks at a time!


Arrangements can be in a vase, or just a bouquet! Have them delivered to your sweetheart, or treat yourself!
Call us today to get details!

EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

Saturday, May 28, 2011

tips for green events!

Going Green for your event

Tip #1

Think Simply.  The less design elements you use, the easier it is to make the event green/organic or sustainable.  Now, simple doesn’t necessarily mean sparse or even cheap for that matter (although if you have a budget in mind, simple can make it easier to save money).  But simple and less complicated usually means less travel for all the materials and more control over where they came from, how they were grown or made, etc.  By using 10 dozen organic roses grown in CA for example, it is easier to control the green idea than if we chose 10 different kinds of flowers.  Some of these flowers could be organic, others may or may not be and others may be grown outside of the US.
Simple can also help prevent headaches.



Tip #2

Use what you love.  This means follow your heart when you design your event.  What’s most important to you?  If what is most important to you is that there are candles in every corner and on every table, then that’s where you can focus your green time.  How can you make candles sustainable?  What are the least wasteful or least toxic varieties?  How can they be incorporated into your design so they really show up?  What do you do with all those leftover candle holders or votives once you are done?  Not only will it make your event more green, but it will make you happy when you are done, because you’re looking forward to how beautiful it will all look once it’s put together.

Tip #3

Look on Craigslist.  Or, your local goodwill or salvation army store.  There are many finds to be had that have already been used and loved by other people.  Reusing items is probably the most sustainable thing we can do in our world today.  It’s way better than making new organic stuff and breaking down and re-processing old scrap stuff like plastic and metals.  I know: that 70′s inspired dress may not be what you imagined for a bridesmaid dress, but there are some things that we actually like vintage.  Vintage vases, plates, shoes, hats, fabrics, chandeliers, tea cans, napkins, etc.  For more modern items used for weddings and decor, you can find other brides or grooms who are selling it or giving it away on craigslist, which is a great alternative to buying it brand new.
Now, this may all take a little more time than you have.  So it’s best to start early.  Or, find a local wedding planner or event designer who has time to find these things.  Some of us also collect items like this especially to rent out for events.

Tip #4

Stay close to home.  Yes, it’s actually easier to plan an event that is in your own back yard.  It’s easier to find locally sourced food, local artesans, locally grown flowers, etc.  It’s also better for the air and that global warming business.  Who knew.  If you do have to travel, avoid taking your whole extended family, less is more when it comes to driving and flying.  And, take a look at carbon offsets and tree planting programs.  Although it’s sort of like blowing carcinogens and carbon smoke into the air and then growing a tree to clear it up, it’s better than nothing.

Tip #5

Use what we already have.  One of the best ways to stay simple, green and even stay on a budget is to use and reuse what is already surrounding us.  Why not create a lovely arrangement using photos from your family collection.  Or ask friends to bring a token of your relationship to the ceremony to help decorate the altar.  Maybe you decide to do a photo booth, so ask your friends and family to bring weird hats, scarves, boas and masks or cheese heads they may have to the reception so others can use them as costume.  Too often we go out and purchase unnecessary stuff, and it could be just as easy to just ask around and it may be even more fun!   Plus, when it’s something of a homework assignment, many guests will be inspired and enjoy helping out in the fun.

Tip #6

Stay at one place.  This day and age more and more people are opting to have their events in one location.  This is great because if you do it right, you can use decorations that will make one location festive, and so reducing the amount of decor that needs to be used for a separate venue for your ceremony.  You are also inviting guests to come and stay at one place, so they don’t have to drive to two different places, often driving around looking for parking at both, which reduces the carbon footprint and saves your guest’s a little stress.  For a bride and groom, staying at one location can also mean less stress for you, so you don’t have to worry about driving around and getting to the reception on time. It also means more time for pictures!


re-posted from gorgeous and green
EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

Thursday, May 26, 2011

new flower garden

I live in the city of Columbus, so I never thought I could actually grow the flowers that I use for my arrangements. I have a fairly large yard and sure every once in a while I take a clipping, but I just thought my space was too small to harvest from. But this spring, motivated by my neighbors, I decided to start planting. My space is limited, but it has wonderful dirt and plenty of sun! It will be so lovely to go out in the morning and cut what I am going to use that day!

 yay! Ladybugs!!

 Its nothing much right now, but someday....



EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

Monday, May 23, 2011

This Awesome Urn Will Turn You into a Tree After You Die

Bios3
You don't find many designers working in the funeral business thinking about more creative ways for you to leave this world (and maybe they should be). However, Spanish designer Martin Azua has combined the romantic notion of life after death with an eco solution to the dirty business of the actual, you know, transition.
His Bios Urn is a biodegradable urn made from coconut shell, compacted peat and cellulose and inside it contains the seed of a tree. Once your remains have been placed into the urn, it can be planted and then the seed germinates and begins to grow. You even have the choice to pick the type of plant you would like to become, depending on what kind of planting space you prefer. 

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I, personally, would much rather leave behind a tree than a tombstone. "

Jessica sent me this link, it's from bigthink.com. This is such a good idea! If I don't go with the pinebox, I'm definately going with the Willow Tree Urn!

EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers
614.266.1618

Friday, May 20, 2011

Vintage jewelry for your wedding party

These are a few AWESOME creations from my Eco-Chic Craftaular neighbor, The Dark at Heart.

Couldn't you see your bridesmaids wearing these??
(obviously they wouldn't be exactly the same, but still So charming.)







Some vintage pieces may have signs of wear...this adds charm and history...please continue to tell their story. I hope you will be able to enjoy these pieces as much as whomever else wore them did!
Soon to come are some super cute Bow ties from Peat and Repeat!

EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers
614.266.1618

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Flower cooler


Is this the coolest cooler you've seen or what?




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I found it on craigslist in detroit. If I only had a space...

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EcoFlora
Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers
614.266.1618

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

new website!

Hey all, we are going to be changing the website in the next few days! If you log on to www.ecofloradesign.com and it looks TOTALLY different, don't panic, it is still the EcoFlora you know and love!
We should have it up and running my May 19th!