Wedding at the Lodge - Edelweiss Flower Boutique - Elizabeth Seiji AIFD

Reprinted with permission.
A wedding at the lodge

The epitome of a destination wedding, this featured event by Liz is situated at the Biltmore forest Country Club in Asheville, North Carolina.

The Groom is a Hollywood producer claiming many projects of note including the biographies of famous people.

The location is lush and green. The venue has a country lodge feel and since it was in the fall months, flowers chosen were of that color theme. 

The large fireplace in the main dining room had to be decorated with ladders and installing done on site. Tall johnson grass harvested in the fields add a whimsicle "fresh from the field" air to the design. The beautiful hunting lodge decor of the dining room with the imposing fireplace.

A lush display of flowers in a footed compote. Swirls of bittersweet add a forested autumnal feel for this entry guest book table.

A dramatic cake cascade of flowers flows onto an ocean of blossoms. Accent swirls are created by individual insertions of hypericum berries.

Elizabeth Seiji AIFD and

Edelweiss Flower Boutique

Success through Innovation, Internet and Involvement

Elizabeth Seiji AIFD can point to a handful of professional practices that she firmly believes have boosted the success of her shop in Santa Monica. The amazing thing is that her practices and philosophies are incredibly basic tricks of many trades and professions. To succeed, it sometimes seems, one needs to step outside the shop. Take Liz's belief that industry networking" is crucial to the success of the entrepreneurial florist-designer. Operating in a vacuum and ignoring industry opportunities. Her participation at a competitive level demonstrates another of her business success philosophies: Competition is good for the floral soul.

Elizabeth believes her broad network of florist friends, cultivated over 22 years of entering design contests and volunteering on floral event planning committees, has taught her, through the experiences of colleagues and herself, how to manage her floral business more efficiently. Being involved is a big key to continuous learning.

"Competition is what made me a better florist," she says. "It’s valuable experience; it’s fun and it doesn’t matter if you win or lose."

Although she has never won the top spot in a CSFA "Top Ten" contest, she did win Top Ten’s second place, the 1998 Carik Cup and several FTD competitions.

But perhaps the biggest competition Elizabeth experienced was when she dedicated herself to become a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers. It was a huge achievement for this former Hawaiian who majored in Bio-Chemistry and Plant Morphology at UCLA.

Posted by SouthWest Regional Chapter AIFD at

2:56 PM 0 comments

Summer Flowers-Meet Helianthus Annuus, the Sunflower

Table of Citrus Theme Sunflower arrangements displayed
Robinson's Gardens Beverly Hills, CA.

A native of North America, the sunflower’s Latin botanical name is Helianthus Annuus.  The best known of these bold, cheery flowers grows as an annual and is a member of the largest floral family, the Asteraceae family which includes Daisies, Chrysanthemums, Gerberas, Asters, Cosmos, etc.  
                                                                                         The ancient Peruvian Incan sun worshippers attached it with meanings of "wishes & loyalty".   This flower was revered by many cultures, deriving its name from the Greek word heliosanthos, helios, meaning "sun," and anthos, meaning "flower.  


Homage and Devotion are other meanings of this flower.  It is known as the "3rd wedding anniversary flower" and the state flower of Kansas.

Sunflowers with bronze center
petals

Vase with "Teddy Bear"
Sunflowers

In the summer months sunflowers are abundant in California and other parts of the United States. California is the largest grower of fresh cut flowers in the country.  Our flower shop is so lucky to be located in California.  In the summer when sunflowers are at their seasonal peak, we have so many varieties of sunflowers available to our clients.  We have sunflowers with the traditional or common "black eyes" or centers. They can come with green centers, bronze petals, burgundy petals, bi-color yellow and bronze petals like the picture on the left.  We also have "Teddy Bear" sunflowers--are fun with lots of little golden yellow petals.  Our shop does carry the traditional sunflower with the black centers throughout most of the year.  



Vase life is from 7-14 days depending on variety. Remove bottom leaves if present, re-cut stems under water and place into a vase of warm water and fresh flower food provided by our flower shop. If no flower food is available, then place your sunflowers into a bleach solution (6-8 drops per quart) with a small amount of clear sweetened soda (seven-up works wonders).  Change water daily and re-cut your flowers for best results.  Keep any flowers you have in a cool place in your home or office.  Do not put any flowers next to a sunny hot window!  The best vase life is obtained in flower food solutions which should be provided with your purchase from a professional florist that cares about their product and clients.


Our shop, Edelweiss Flower Boutique, uses sunflowers in numerous floral designs.  Most feel sunflowers cannot be elegant, but as you can see elegance is not a problem.  The floral arrangement below can be used for a wedding, or as an accent decor for garden party or event.  

Elegant arrangement of sunflowers, roses and hydrangeas 

Colorful modern arrangement of sunflowers
burgundy dahlias, orange roses and orchids

Traditional sunflower arrangement

Sunflowers & mini gerberas
on a wedding cake

Sunflower Bridal Bouquet

Garland of sunflowers, roses & other
flowers

Your sunflower design can be modern and colorful or you can have a traditional pitcher of sunflowers.  We use sunflowers for bridal bouquets, to decorate wedding cakes and garlands... the possibilities are endless.   

Victorian Wedding Flowers - Some thoughts and ideas...

Garden Rose & Peony Wedding Centerpiece

We did flowers for a wedding recently that had a "Victorian" theme.  The location of the wedding was in Santa Monica at the Victorian House.  A beautiful Victorian Home on Main Street made into a romantic event site.

The Bride requested peonies for her mid-summer wedding, as professionals we let her know that peonies might not be available so late in the season.  English garden roses was suggested as a substitution if the peonies were in bad condition or unobtainable.  Since our industry is at the mercy of the seasons there are times when curtain flowers are very, very scarce or just not available.  

Well "luck" was on our side! The Peonies for her wedding arrived and they were beautiful.  Our lucky bride, not only had peonies, she also had garden roses in her bridal bouquet, brides maids and ceremony flowers.

We use a "vintage" birdcage with pink peonies, pink & white garden roses, mauve hydrangeas and hybrid delphiniums.  English garden style is the use of "cottage" flowers in a luscious, soft, formal yet relaxed look. We also used Queen Anne's Lace to add a soft romantic feel to our floral composition.   Two of these garden floral designs were placed on pedestals on opposite sides where the wedding couple said their marriage vows.
The Bride also wanted the herb lavender incorporated in her wedding flowers.  She loved the fragrance and  it reminded her of France.  We found French Lavender to compete the theme. Lavender was in everything including the Groom's and Groomsmen's boutonnieres.

Fragrance was also a bonus with our selection of flowers  chosen for this wedding.  We feel flowers should touch as many senses as possible.  Sight is the first impression, most women will remember if the flowers were beautiful or ugly.  After a week, most that attended the wedding will forget what they ate at the wedding.  If the flowers were beautiful, many will remember it for months and years!  Fragrance is discovered soon after and adds to the beauty of the flowers.  Wonderful fragrances can send someone to very memorable milestones in one's life.  Every time this bride smells peonies, lavender and garden roses it will transport her back to the events of her wedding day.  We love gardenias, as their intoxicating fragrance can fill a room. A fragrance so wonderful, the bride and groom remembers this flower with thoughts of romance forever.  Men in particular are attracted to this blossom along with Tuberose which has a similar Jasmine-like fragrance. 

Flowers and floral artisans who have the knowledge of best varieties can make this possible.  Like a chef who knows which combination of ingredients can make a spectacular meal, a professional florist with a passion for their craft can make memories with every stem.  We are constantly seeking out new and wonderful varieties along with classic blooms to make this possible.

On the day of the event when everything was set ready to take pictures of our hard work, the camera quickly ran out of battery charge and the only pictures we have is the above ceremony flowers.  What a bummer!  Hopefully we will be able to get pictures from the photographer.  To be continued.... : )

Summer Flowers - Gloriosa Lilies, beautiful, long-lasting, pre-ordering is a must!

Summer Beauties meet Gloriosa Lilies

Gloriosa Rathchildiana
(from my garden)

Gloriosa lilies are cherished by floral designers all over the world for its very exotic look.  Stunning in form and vibrant in color, this flower is commonly used in contemporary arrangements, tropical arrangements and wedding work.  In its fresh-cut form gloriosa lily is cut in 2 ways:  with the vine intact - with 3 or more blossoms on the vine with stems at least 18-24" long or as single stemmed flowers with stems 6-8" long.  Cut Gloriosa typically has a long vase life of 5-10 days.  In our shop this flower's vase life has exceeded a week or more, especially the long stemmed vine form.   The price of this flower will vary widely from month to month whether if found in its short stem or long vine form.

Yellow Gloriosa Lily

Gloriosa Boutonniere

Native to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa, this stunning flower is also known as the "climbing lily" or "flame lily".   This summer bloomer is available from July to October.  A member of the lily family yet unlike their close cousins (the asiatic lily) this lily climbs upward with the aid of tendrils on the tips of the leaves which can attach themselves to most anything.  Available year-round from sources in Holland but locally grown seasonally in the summer is when this flower is at it's greatest glory and when it is most abundant.  Of course, in the winter this flower is rather scarce and very pricey. 

Roses, dahlias &
gloriosa lilies in a
modern flower design

Orders for this lily must be made in advance since it is shipped only a few times a week in limited quantities.  Since it is often a rare commodity, when in season one should enjoy its beauty or share it with those who appreciate its living art form.

When our florist, Edelweisss Flower Boutique-Santa Monica - uses gloriosa lilies in our flower designs we express the dramatic nature of its vibrant petals.  This flower visually has so much natural movement and flow, particularly when used within arrangements.  From everyday floral designs to wedding bouquets ultilizing the form and beauty of this unique flower one can create very powerful compositional expressions in a client's flower arrangements.

To the left is a summer bridal bouquet using orange gloriosa lilies with large orange dahlias - petals edged with white, red spray roses, orange roses and yellow mokara orchids all tied off with an orange wired- ribbon.  Notice this bouquet plays off the texture of the petals of the gloriosa lily and the dahlias. 

Flowers by Seasons knowing when to get the best blooms!

When we first started in the flower industry the seasons meant,  no tulips in summer only in spring, lilacs only in late April, peonies only in late spring.  We had to plan future events, weddings and everyday floral designs according to Mother's Natures Calendar.  We looked forward to the beginning of each Season with anticipation.  Knowing soon a seasonal favorite will soon be in our shop ready to delight us and our clients.

Pink elegance with peonies
in silver urn vase

Today the family-owned farms are passionate about the flowers they grow.  We have a much larger selection of floral varieties available to us.  Selections of flowers found during months once thought impossible.  But this is not to proclaim that all flowers are available all year long.  We still wait with wonder if this year's dahlia or lilac crop will be better than last years.  Every season still has it's surprises and discoveries.  No year's flower selection and  is exactly the same as the last. 

I must say this year so far has not been an exception.  Valentine's day our roses were beautiful.  Spring flowers peaked much later than usual.  We are still seeing ranunculus, a flower that usually disappears weeks before Mother's Day.  Peonies are still beautiful and available in Mid-June, wow!   New varieties never seen before are embellishing our designs with year-round reliables.

When planning on an event, depending on the time of year or crop failure, certain flowers are just not available.  A good professional should be able to suggest an alternative flower to your first choice.  If this is not acceptable, change the date of  your event during the season when your choice usually blooms.  Keep in mind if we do find your favorite flower out of season or may be the first crop of the year, it is scarce, the flower can be in poor quality and very pricey.  Knowing the season when your flowers grow,  can help you plan your event around it's season and avoid disappointment. 

Why go through all that drama, there are many flowers available each season that are wonderful!  A talented & skilled floral designer can achieve your visions, expressed in flowers and many times exceed those expectations.

Let talk about when certain flower varieties are available and near the months they are most abundant.
Some flowers have a long season of availability's and others can be available for only 2 weeks.  Below is a list of some of the  most popular seasonal flowers in the season of their glory,  

Winter Flowers



Large winter Callas



Narcissus, Ranunculus, Tulips (first of the season), berried branches, large Callas,Winter greens, beauty berries, Amaryllis, anemones, Hellebore, ornamental kales, Pieris (Lily of the Valley shrub), Hyacinth, Daffodil, Viburnum, Grape Hyacinth, Freesias and Heathers. 



Spring Flowers



Spring Lilacs



Tulips (large selections of varieties and colors), Hyacinths, Irises (larger selection of colors are available),Lilac (season is 2-3 weeks long), Stock, Sweet Peas, Lily of the Vally, mini Callas, Daffodils, Viburnum, Anemone, Amaryllis, Ornithogalum, Ranunculus (early to mid spring),  Forsythia,  Blooming Peach branches (early spring), Freesias,  Grape Hyacinth and heather. 





Summer Gloriosa Lily
a climbing lily



Summer Flowers



Sunflowers, Garden Roses, Dahlias, Hydrangeas (lots of colors & varieties) Sweet Peas (best before August), Delphinium, Yarrow, Gladiolus, Gardenias, Zinnias, Lisianthus (available all year but best in Summer and early Fall), Gloriosa Lilies, blooming Herb (Oregano, Lavender, Mints and Rosemary, Larkspur and Phlox.

Fall Flowers



Summer Orange Dahlia



Dahlias (lots of colors), Hydrangeas (antique colors), Asters, Delphinium, Lisianthus, Ranunculus (late fall), Ornamental Kales, Viburnum berries, Snow berries, Zinnia (very limited), Beauty Berries and Sunflowers (fall red and burgundy colors).



Flowers available all year long....

So many choices too many to list.  Here are just a few.  Roses, Oriental Lilies, Gerberas, Carnations, Spray Roses, Chrysanthemums, Tropical flowers, orchids, Tulips (limited colors and varieties), Irises (blue), Mini-Carnations, larkspur, Delphinium, Sunflowers, Stock, Hydrangeas, Limoniums, Statice, Bells of Ireland Lilies, Gladiolus, Lisianthus, Alstroemeria and so much more.  In our shop we usually have at least 50-75 varieties of flowers and greenery.   California is one of the luckiest places to own a Florist.  We have access to so many flowers that can be grown in California almost all-year round.  Call us Edelweiss Flower Boutique or your florist and find out what is in and the seasons bests, even out of season and maybe we have it!

Flowers for Your Wedding Day - Questions Answered

Flowers for Your Wedding Day

Now that you have chosen your wedding date, location, gown, bridesmaids and all the other details, don't forget your flowers!  Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter are all wonderful times of the year for wedding flowers.  Choosing the right flowers for the right season can make your wedding a beautiful memorable success or a disaster!

When you go to a professional florist they will ask you a number of things:

1)  What is the date of your event?

Once we know the date of your event we know which flowers are in season.  The most knowledgeable floral professional would help you choose the right flower for the right season.  Why is this important you may ask?  Flowers grown in their season are at their peak. This is when they are the most beautiful, abundant with varieties and reasonably priced for the highest quality.

For example many brides may want to use lilac, peonies & daffodils in fall.  They are best in the spring to late spring and normally not available in the fall.   If the florist does find flowers when they are out of season, the flowers will be of poor or bad quality, limited in colors/varieties and outrageous in price!  Why sacrifice the beauty of your wedding for flowers that are out of season? 

2)  What is the colors/theme of your wedding flowers?

This would include the color & style of bridal gown.  What is the style and bridal bouquet for her gown?

Elegant white teardrop Bridal Bouquet

The color & style of your bridesmaids' gowns/dresses. What type of bridesmaid floral bouquets?

Bridesmaid floral nosegay

Rose boutonniere with
crystal beading

The type of tuxedo/suit the men wearing? What type of floral boutonniere's?

Flower girl hair
wreath

The color & style of the flower girl dress.

Orchid & rose corsage

The color of the gown/dresses of the Mothers of the Bride & Groom. So you can choose the proper corsages.

Reception Centerpiece

Ceremony Flowers

Your ceremony flowers.  Do you want traditional pastel colors or bold color?
Your reception flowers.  Many times they match your bridesmaids' colors.

Why are these things important?  The professionals florist is gathering information from you to help you choose the right flowers that expresses your desires, personality & the image you want to express to your guests on your wedding day.   If you do not really know what you may want for your wedding flowers & decor, a consultation with a good floral professional can help you focus your ideas & give you creative, beautiful wedding flower suggestions. 

Flower by Season

to be continued...

Wedding Bouquets & Trends

Top Wedding Trends





Bridal Bouquet with Garden Roses



Organic relaxed but lush bridal  bouquets - Garden roses, tulips, peonies & hydrangeas mixed in with herbs, such as rosemary, mints, lavender, scented geranium leaves and blooming oregano stems.  Adding in grasses and berried stems such as millets, green fresh wheat, hypericum & other wonderful fresh cut botanicals available to the professional florist.

Soft and causual

Garden flowers with roses

garden rose from my garden



  Succulents are a huge trend in weddings.  We have used them in centerpiece designs along with ornamental artichokes and kale.  These items adds texture and unexpected discoveries as one enjoys the flowers.



Roses with artichokes in a trio of vases



Herbal Centerpiece with pots of rosemary,
sage, thyme, oregano and lemon thyme

We here at Edelweiss Flower Boutique have done many types of floral centerpieces for weddings, parties and events.  You are only limited by our imagination and your desires. 

Welcome to Our Blog

     Vase of fresh lovely Sweet Pea blossoms

 Welcome to our Blog.  In our blog we will show wonderful varieties of flowers we have available.  New items in our shop that is not on our website and ideas for things in Los Angeles. 

Our shop one of the lucky florist that have almost a year-round source of fresh, fragrant Sweet Pea flowers. Soft & delicate, fragrant & pure what could be more wonderful than a vase of fresh sweet peas. Memories of your Grandmother's garden. These grown by a local farmer & they go fast!   With its soft colored yet small, delicate flowers, the sweet pea’s history can be traced back to 17th century Italy. Sweet peas represent delicate or blissful pleasure in the language of flowers, this enchanting flower remains a favorite fragrant blossom.  For Los Angeles County Deliveries only, a very scarce flower  We are a  Los Angeles area Florist with deliveries in many cities in Los Angeles county.