AUGUST, 2006


		Tips, Tricks, & Trends Make Slow, Summer Business Boom! With the nationwide heat waves, florists need to take extra care of their fresh cut floral. Dr. Pawan Srivastava PhD, of Syndicate Sales provides some tips for maximizing fresh cut floral life through the high temperatures.
Tip #1 Respiration of cut flower determines how long a flower will sustain life. The rate of respiration of cut flower is directly dependent on the temperature. The higher the temperature, the higher the respiration rate. If the respiration rate is high, the metabolic activities in the flower increases which results in faster deterioration (or death) of cut flowers. Conversely, lower temperatures will slow down the respiration rate and other metabolic activities which in turn will provide prolonged shelf life for the cut flowers. Therefore, it is more important than ever during the summer months to maintain the cold chain in an effort to maximize fresh cut floral life. Check your cooler temperature morning and night to ensure it is at a consistent 33-38 degrees Fahrenheit and insist that your supplier is keeping a consistent temperature as well. Tip #2 The high summer temperatures also promote rapid depletion of carbohydrates in fresh cut flowers which creates another adverse affect on fresh cut floral life. To maximize life, the rapidly depleting carbohydrates need to be replenished continuously. This can be achieved by using Aquaplus®...the difference is clear (preservative) or Aquahold® (holding solution). Both products utilize simple sugars to replenish carbohydrates and will work in or out of the cooler. However, for maximum shelf life of fresh cut floral, cooler storage (at proper temperature-see above paragraph) is always recommended. Tip #3 While it is always recommended that your fresh cut floral deliveries are processed within 12 hours of arriving at your location, timing is more critical during the hot summer months. During high heat periods, fresh cut flowers generate a considerable amount of heat inside their delivery cartons due to respiration. To dissipate the heat created by the flowers, cartons should be opened immediately and brought to the storage temperatures as quickly as possible. Don’t forget to inspect the quality of your shipment and then hydrate with a solution such as Hydraplus® to maximize floral life. Note: It should be noted that these tips relate to NON-tropical flowers. Care should be taken to ensure tropical flowers are not held among other cut flowers, because tropical flowers are capable of sustaining chilling injuries. Tropical flowers are best stored between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Feeling of Color By: Marla O’Dell As florists and designers you are aware of the importance of color. Flowers by their very nature, along with the containers, provide abundant color options. In fact, when most people order flowers, they don’t order by variety, but by color. But did you know that it is more common than ever for consumers to talk about how color makes them feel? In fact, progressive consumers are beginning to use color to enhance their mood, and the most cutting-edge are even using color to combat minor health issues. It has been predicted that this behavior has the potential to become one of the supertrends of the decade. (www.trendcurve.com) How will the interest in healing with color manifest itself in the floral industry? The Society of American Florists has already published many research articles reinforcing the positive emotional impact of flowers. ( www.safnow.org) As an industry, we can take that research one step further and suggest certain colors for desired emotional messages when sending flowers. According to Trend Curve here are a few examples of how color will be used: Red stimulates and energizes. It represents physical vitality and strength. Fatigue, colds and depression are said to be helped by the presence of red. Blue is about communication and self-expression. Sore throats may be helped by a keeping a large dose of blue nearby. Indigo is the color of wisdom, higher awareness, clarity and insight. Being in the presence of this deep blue is said to improve ear and eye problems, as well as delirium. Orange speaks to creative energy and motivation. It is considered the color that gets you going. Yellow is the color of reason and optimism. It is believed to govern the digestive system, which is why illnesses like bulimia and anorexia are said to improve in the presence of yellow. Green comes from the heart and is all about love and justice. Conventional wisdom says you can treat hay fever, headaches and even ulcers with green. Violet represents divinity, benevolence and receptivity. Some believe that conditions of irritability and nervousness are helped with exposure to this color. Use this information to send a marketing piece to your customers. With the rising costs of healthcare impacting all consumers these days, you have the potential to offer an affordable alternative!


WHAT’S NEW Smoke & Ruby Squares Kokomo , Ind. (July 1, 2006)— One of the newest Syndicate Sales colors, smoke, has expanded from our oval vases to the popular squares. Smoke is a great home décor. This line of versatile glass can be used for fresh floral, candles, potpourri; your creativity is the limit! Ruby squares are also being added to the line and will be available year round. Four best-selling sizes are currently offered. The 2” votives are perfect for trendy votive holders (No. 3062). The 4” square (No. 3064) and 5” square (No. 3065) lead the eye up to the 8 ¾” rectangle vase (No. 3069). Pick a size for your arrangement, or use all four together for a table top display. The smoke and ruby colors make it easier to hide the mechanics. Upgrade your next holiday gathering by incorporating these new square geometrics.


Coordinating Autumn Glass Kokomo , Ind. (July 1, 2006)— For a limited time, Syndicate Sales is offering both frost and translucent colored autumn glass. The ever popular Garden Collection® Milk Jug and Gathering vases come in three fall frost colors. Saffron, thistle and wheat frost are three colors that make any home feel warm and festive during the autumn months. Fill the 9” Milk Jug Bouquet Vase (No. 4016-12-264) with sunflowers, fresh or dried. The 8” Milk Jug Vase (No. 4048-12-264) is perfect for larger arrangements. The two gathering vases, 6 ½” (No. 4102-12-264) and 8” (No. 4110-09-264) work well as add on purchases to pre-designed bouquets. Coordinating translucent tapered squares are offered in two sizes, 8 ½” (No. 3367-12-164) and 9” (3368-12-164. Each vase is individually handblown and certain to brighten any room with its bold color. Also being added to the fall line is the best selling and unique 12” Bud Vase Assortment (No. 3371-24-119). The particular assortment will be offered year round in saffron, thistle, wheat and amethyst. These fun and artsy shapes spice up any display space and are a sure winner with customers. All Syndicate Sales product can be viewed online at www.SyndicateSales.com and is available on a drop ship to your store basis. Call your wholesaler to order or for more information.


All the products shown in this newsletter and much, much more can be found in the Syndicate Sales online catalog. Click here to browse. COPY EDITING Danielle Messersmith PHOTOGRAPHY Tony Frederick, CS Kern