LA Flower District California Flower Mall Do-It-Yourself Discount Valentine’s flower bouquets are a beautiful way to express your love and friendship. It’s easy to make Valentine’s flower bouquets for your sweetheart, mom, sister, or someone who has made your life special. Save big bucks with DIY flower bouquets from the LA Flower District California Flower Mall.

When making a Valentine’s flower bouquet the first thing you need to do is choose your flowers. Roses, carnations, lilies, tulips, and freesia are the most popular, fragrant Valentine’s flower choices. The LA Flower District California Flower Mall in Downtown Los Angeles is a great place to find a wide assortment of fresh from the farm flowers at wholesale and discount prices.

Choose your colors for your Valentine’s floral bouquet. Popular colors for Valentine’s bouquets are red, white, and pink. Purple, pink and yellow are a vibrant change of pace from traditional red hues – especially for Mom’s and Sisters. You can make a beautiful bouquet with a combination of all these colors, or a choice of just two of the colors. You can also make the decision once you’ve seen the selection of thousands of different discount fresh flowers from all over the world that the LA Flower District California Flower Mall has to offer.  Choose from specialty flowers such big white fluffy Mums, hot pink bromeliads or pink orchids.  Specialty flowers can add an elegance and charm to your discount Valentine’s bouquet.

Choose vases and ribbon for your flower bouquet. Dollar Tree stores have a great selection of ribbon, vases and supplies for $1 each. A clear glass vase and satin like ribbon look elegant on a Valentine’s bouquet.  Or keep it simple, skip the vase and deliver fresh cut flowers with a simple ribbon on it.      

Prepare your flowers for your Valentine’s bouquet. Cut one inch off each flower stem. Make sure to cut at a 45 degree angle. If you have chosen roses, the stems need to be cut under water. Hold each rose stem under cold running water, and then cut. This helps the rose from getting air bubbles and droopy heads. If you a planning to put roses or any flower in a vase, strip the greenery from the lower stem 2 -3 inches below the blossom to make the flowers last longer in water. Add green fern leaves if you want to expand and enhance the fullness of a flower bouquet in a vase.     

Arrange the flowers for your Valentine’s bouquet. Think of a triangle when you are putting your Valentine’s bouquet together in a vase or ribbon tied bundle. The tallest flower goes in the middle. Make sure it is full, and colors are evenly distributed throughout your bouquet. Look at these step by step floral arrangements for complete instructions. Make sure your bouquet looks full and proportional in the vase.

Not enough time to assemble all of your Valentine’s bouquets?  Some of the LA Flower District California Flower Mall discount flower vendors also have lush, gorgeous pre-made discount Valentine’s bouquets available for your convenience.

[media_festival_badge.gif]The Southern California Chinese community traditionally celebrates the Chinese New Year, Sunday February 14 with orange and yellow – not red — fruit and floral gifts, according to Chinatown LA experts. Chinese communities throughout the U.S. have evolved uniquely distinct New Year traditions from those of their native homeland. 

Orange and yellow flowers signify an expression of good health, prosperity and harmony in the New Year. The LA Flower District California Flower Mall wholesalers supply farm fresh yellow mums, yellow and orange gladiolas, gerber daisies, roses and yellow cymbidium orchids - just a few of hundreds of varieties of appropriate flowers available in the LA Flower District to celebrate the 2010 Year of the Tiger. 

The 2010 Chinese New Year holiday is especially auspicious because it falls on Valentines Day. Chinese community businesses are closed on Chinese New Year and families celebrate a fresh start in the “Year of the Tiger” together.  

As Chinese New Year approaches, The LA Flower District California Flower Mall is open progressively later evening hours going 24/7 before Chinese New Years Eve. Check our website for extended hours each day.

Celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Downtown LA. Join the Downtown LA Chinese community Saturday February 13 for a free Chinese New Years Eve Midnight Temple Ceremony 10 pm – 12 midnight to welcome the “Year of the Tiger”. Thousands will gather at a local temple to make offerings to the deities, set off firecrackers to awaken the spirits, and burn incense to usher in good fortune for the new year. Participants include lion dancers, Buddhist and Taoist monks, the heads of family associations, and many others from the Southern California Chinese community. The Chinatown LA Chinese New Years celebration culminates February 20 – 21 with a Festival at Central Plaza, guided walking tours and The 111^th Annual Golden Dragon Parade  on Saturday February 20 1 pm – 3pm  along Hill and Broadway, the highlight of the Chinese New Year in Southern California.

Recession warriors take heart. You can find cheap flowers for Valentine’s Day in The Downtown LA Flower District California Flower Mall and impress your sweetheart with an exciting romantic urban adventure exploring the largest wholesale flower district in the U.S. Savvy DIY floral shoppers can save up to 70% on flowers, bouquets and live potted plants at California Flower Mall the largest new wholesale flower market in the eight block LA Flower District.  Here’s how to navigate the LA Flower District like a pro:   

1. The LA Flower District California Flower Mall caters to the wholesale trade.
   • Some vendors may sell to individuals without a “resale license” others do not
   • Most California Flower Mall wholesalers welcome both trade and Do-It-Yourself DIY amateur florists. That’s why there is no admission charge to enter CFM
2. Valentine’s is one of the busiest wholesale flower holidays of the year.
   • Start your Valentine’s LA Flower District adventure no later than 7am Saturday to beat auto and pedestrian traffic and street closures
   • Relax while your sweetheart picks a bouquet from the biggest selection of fresh cut flowers and potted orchids in the country
   • Remember to buy two roses, pop blooms off the stems and put the petals in your back pocket for a special surprise later in the day – see afternoon instructions below.
3. LA Flower District California Flower Mall extends weekday hours later in the evening week before Valentine’s Day. Check to confirm when they  open 24 hours a day, usually Saturday through Sunday February 14th Valentines Day. CFM is the only wholesale flower market that stays open all night one or two days before major holidays – check our website each day to confirm hours.
   • Arrive before 7 am Saturday for the best experience
   • Take a romantic stroll together on the sidewalks of the eight block flower district and enjoy a festival of fragrances and colors that dazzle the senses, and make hearts and souls sing.
4. Plan to pay cash for your purchases.  An ATM is available on the San Pedro St. side of the California Flower Mall.
5. If flower shopping is one of many items on your Valentine’s weekend itinerary:
   • The LA Flower District California Flower Mall has front door surface level parking with proof of purchase for quick in and out access
   • Holiday parking policies and prices are subject to change during holiday weeks so arrive early for parking deals too
   • Bring a vase or bucket to keep flowers fresh if you plan on doing a lot of things before you can get your flowers home.

After your early morning LA Flower District adventure, savor an authentic Hawaiian brunch at Aloha Café or other downtown LA restaurants. Plan in advance to delight her with an afternoon nap on a freshly made bed of clean crisp sheets generously sprinkled with rose petals - remember the ones you put in your pocket earlier? Have a bottle of wine, a book of poetry, soft music and your local pizza delivery phone number on hand before you sink between the sheets. Value the magic of simple gestures and small things and your romantic Valentine’s weekend will blossom into a sensuous celebration of pure love and appreciation.

media_RebeccaWEB.jpg]What’s the best way for a man to make a lasting impression on a woman? Recent consumer research shows that the answer to making a memorable impact is right under his nose– through flowers. In fact, the study shows that 92% of women can remember the last time they received flowers, and 89% say receiving flowers makes them feel special.

Giving great floral gifts, however, especially for Valentine’s Day still remains a mystery to most men. To help them out, author and TV host Rebecca Cole provides guidance on giving females flowers.

“If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, then the pathway to a woman’s heart is through her other senses,” said Cole, author of Flower Power and co-host of Discovery Channel’s Surprise By Design. “Valentine’s Flowers are a sensual gift that can express any emotion so simply – with just a little knowledge and a phone call to the florist.”

Cole offers this advice to guys on how to send just the right Valentines message to the woman in his life – a new girlfriend, that special someone, Mom or a good friend:

• The New Thing. This emotion may be the most difficult for a man to express, so Cole provides style advice for the guy who wants to show his new romantic interest exactly how he feels. “A passionate arrangement is filled with hot pinks, oranges, reds and golds. Add a thoughtful card to help communicate just the right sentiment,” says Cole.
• The Real Deal. Valentines flowers are intimately – and internationally – linked with the art of romance, and for good reason says Cole. “As relationships grow, flowers become symbols of different events and milestones in our lives together. Take note of her favorite flowers – the varieties at your wedding, flowers you sent her when you first started dating or the ones she buys for herself. Those will have great meaning and impact.”
• Leading Ladies. “No woman – especially moms, grandmas and sisters – should live without a little Valentine’s TLC,” says Cole. Garden style arrangements with greens and soft pastel hues – no matter what the flower – will send the message that you care.
• The Gal Pal. “Flowers that show you’re thinking of someone, but not in a sensual way, have a natural, just-picked feeling,” says Cole. She advises to ask for a selection of garden-style flowers or a bright bold color palette that is fun and whimsical. Add a card that conveys why she’s such a great friend.

Research shows that 96% of women like to receive flowers when they’re not expecting them. “Guys should know that they don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day to give flowers,” Cole says. “Make an occasion by sending flowers to the woman in your life, just because. They’ll never forget it.”

[media_administrative_day.jpg]Administrative Professionals Week, also known as Professional Secretaries Week, is a time to recognize support staff for their accomplishments and contributions to corporate success. Downtown LA bosses cautiously eyeing the bottom line as we move past a down economy, can leave 30 minutes early one morning to buy wholesale and discount flower bouquets for key staff at the LA Flower District California Flower Mall where prices 70 – 80 percent below retail. CFM’s free, convenient surface level door to door parking makes it as easy as stopping at 7-11 for gorgeous farm fresh blooms that are dirt cheap.

Research from Texas A&M University reveals one gift of appreciation in particular that will naturally lift an employee’s mood, create a lasting memory and boost productivity.

The research demonstrates that flowers and plants enhance people’s ability to generate ideas and solve problems.
“Our study shows that adding flowers and plants to a work environment can be very meaningful to businesses in the modern economy,” said Roger Ulrich, Ph.D., lead Texas A&M researcher. “People’s productivity, innovation and creative problem solving, improved - which in certain circumstances could mean the difference between mild and great business success.”

Rebecca Cole, author of Flower Power and host of Discovery Channel’s Surprise by Design offers an additional perspective. “Giving flowers is a loud, proud, sophisticated way of saying ‘I appreciate all you do.’ They’re a great way to build a strong, lasting professional relationship,” said Cole.

Recession warriors take heart. You can find cheap flowers for Valentine’s Day in The Downtown LA Flower District California Flower Mall and impress your sweetheart with an exciting romantic urban adventure exploring the largest wholesale flower district in the U.S. Savvy DIY floral shoppers can save up to 70% on flowers, bouquets and live potted plants at California Flower Mall the largest new wholesale flower market in the eight block LA Flower District.  Here’s how to navigate the LA Flower District like a pro:   

1. The LA Flower District California Flower Mall caters to the wholesale trade.
   • Some vendors may sell to individuals without a “resale license” others do not
   • Most California Flower Mall wholesalers welcome both trade and Do-It-Yourself DIY amateur florists. That’s why there is no admission charge to enter CFM
2. Valentine’s is one of the busiest wholesale flower holidays of the year.
   • Start your Valentine’s LA Flower District adventure no later than 7am Saturday to beat auto and pedestrian traffic and street closures
   • Relax while your sweetheart picks a bouquet from the biggest selection of fresh cut flowers and potted orchids in the country
   • Remember to buy two roses, pop blooms off the stems and put the petals in your back pocket for a special surprise later in the day – see afternoon instructions below.
3. LA Flower District California Flower Mall extends weekday hours later in the evening week before Valentine’s Day. Check to confirm when they  open 24 hours a day, usually Saturday through Sunday February 14th Valentines Day. CFM is the only wholesale flower market that stays open all night one or two days before major holidays – check our website each day to confirm hours.
   • Arrive before 7 am Saturday for the best experience
   • Take a romantic stroll together on the sidewalks of the eight block flower district and enjoy a festival of fragrances and colors that dazzle the senses, and make hearts and souls sing.
4. Plan to pay cash for your purchases.  An ATM is available on the San Pedro St. side of the California Flower Mall.
5. If flower shopping is one of many items on your Valentine’s weekend itinerary:
   • The LA Flower District California Flower Mall has front door surface level parking with proof of purchase for quick in and out access
   • Holiday parking policies and prices are subject to change during holiday weeks so arrive early for parking deals too
   • Bring a vase or bucket to keep flowers fresh if you plan on doing a lot of things before you can get your flowers home.

After your early morning LA Flower District adventure, savor an authentic Hawaiian brunch at Aloha Café or other downtown LA restaurants. Plan in advance to delight her with an afternoon nap on a freshly made bed of clean crisp sheets generously sprinkled with rose petals - remember the ones you put in your pocket earlier? Have a bottle of wine, a book of poetry, soft music and your local pizza delivery phone number on hand before you sink between the sheets. Value the magic of simple gestures and small things and your romantic Valentine’s weekend will blossom into a sensuous celebration of pure love and appreciation

[media_Feliz Dia de las Madres.jpg]Los Angeles Mother’s Day 2010 will be a “Momtastic” jubilee as Mexican Mother’s Day - Dia de las Madres – one of the most important holidays in the Spanish speaking world and U.S. Mother’s Day celebrations converge on May 9 and 10. LA Flower District California Flower Mall wholesalers will open 4am - 8pm Mother’s Day week and remain open round the clock from 4 am Saturday through 8pm Sunday, to sell hundreds of varieties of farm fresh wholesale and discount Mother’s Day flowers at prices 70-80 percent below retail. “Folks can stretch their budgets here with blooms to delight every Mom in their life for every Mother’s Day tradition” says Mark Chatoff, President of the LA Flower District California Flower Mall.              

In Mexico and among Mexican-American families, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10th every year, regardless of the day of the week, unlike in the U.S. and 60 other countries where it is celebrated on the second Sunday – May 9^th this year.

According to Hilda Jimenez, California Flower Mall Site Development Director, a Mexican-American whose family homeland is in Tepatitlan, Jalisco, Mexico, Dia de las Madres is almost as sacred as Christmas in the Latino culture. Jimenez explains “Typically, preparations begin weeks before. The celebration begins on Dia de las Madres Eve when the entire extended family gathers together to honor and celebrate all the Mothers in the family – Mom’s, Grandmothers, Sisters, Aunts, and even expectant mothers. Moms are often serenaded by a mariachi band, given gifts, fresh flowers – red and pink flowers are traditional Dia de las Madres favorites – and treated to a nice meal at home or out at a restaurant.

Mother’s Day is the third-largest card-sending holiday in the United States but ranks as the number one card-sending season for Hispanics, even higher than Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Arlette Torres, editorial director for Sinceramente Hallmark who was born in Mexico, underscores the importance of mothers to Hispanic consumers. “Mothers are beloved, deeply respected, revered figures in the Hispanic community,” she says. “Her children view her as the source of goodness and love, affection, warmth and forgiveness. She is the idealized female figure, unequaled by other women.”

According to the 2008 U.S. Census, 48 percent of people in Los Angeles County are of Hispanic or Latino origin.

She’s smart, sexy and committed to global sustainability. It’s one of a million reasons why you love her, but, a traditional bouquet of roses will not win this girl’s heart. You’ve resolved to stick to a disciplined budget for your 3-day Valentine’s weekend of romance. Enter the elegant, sensual and sustainable Valentine’s orchid from orchid flower wholesalers in The LA Flower District California Flower Mall, the perfect sustainable expression of your love for her.       

Avoid the 3-day weekend frenzy and launch your Valentines weekend early this year with your gift of an elegant, sustainable orchid - a Valentine treasure she’ll cherish year round. These delicate blooms will not only capture her heart – they’ll set the mood for a sexy red hot Valentine’s weekend and help you stay within your budget.

There are over 25,000 types of orchids that have been growing on the planet for a million years. One of the largest orchid wholesalers in the LA Flower District California Flower Mall is Choi Orchids. Mr. & Mrs. Choi carry 5,000 square feet of orchids, exotics and live potted plants. Be sure to survey all of the orchid wholesalers at California Flower Mall to see the many types of orchids available. Many are locally cultivated, beautiful, multi-colored varieties of the most popular Cattleya, Cymbidium, Dendrobium and Phlaenopsis orchids.

The key to setting the mood for the long Valentine weekend is thoughtful planning and a personal touch. Visit the LA Flower District California Flower Mall on a weekday before work for free parking and better bargaining on the extensive orchid selection.

Personally deliver your Valentine orchid to her office on Thursday with a love note on recycled or bamboo paper. Let her know your orchid gift symbolizes how much you adore her delicate beauty and preview your Valentine weekend plans to celebrate the magic of your love.     

Here’s a checklist to make your visit to The LA Flower District California Flower Mall, quick, cheap and easy:  

• Set your GPS to 824 San Julian Street for the California Flower Mall and arrive at the only LA Flower District market with front door parking, it’s as easy as stopping at 7-11 if you arrive early
• Flower wholesalers open at 4 am. Plan to arrive before work at 6 -7am, when the floral trade shops for bulk wholesale flowers and plants. Wednesday - no later than Thursday - is best for Valentine’s week.
• Negotiate like the trade does. Don’t accept the first price offered.
• Many orchids come in beautiful planters that can be an elegant décor appointment for her home or office – consider her décor when making your orchid selection.
• Check different orchid’s sun, temperature and care requirements to make the best Valentines orchid selection for your sweetheart.
  http://www.orchidgeeks.com/wiki
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNtNFxBqfkw
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmY9GE8rxoY

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[media_unique_centerpiece.jpg]Is reduce, reuse, recycle your mantra?  At first blush, flowers may seem like the most anti-green element of an eco-friendly wedding. But there are many ways to green your DIY wedding flowers with a triple bottom-line friendly approach that creates beauty, reduces your wedding’s carbon footprint and saves 70 – 80 percent off retail by sourcing local flowers and sustainable botanical wedding décor at the wholesale LA Flower District California Flower Mall.

Here’s some easy, eco-friendly, affordable ways to think “green” about wedding flowers:   

First Think Local –   Use locally grown, in season blooms to reduce the impact of flying flowers from Holland or Hawaii. It’s easy to source fresh locally grown wholesale flowers and plants in the Southern California region. California is one of the largest growers of flowers and plants in the country. Local farms and nurseries supply the LA Flower District California Flower Mall daily with fresh, affordable plants and flowers from places like Calabasas, Camarillo, Oxnard, Lompoc, Carlsbad and neighboring Mexico. Most of the potted Phlaenopsis, Dendrobium and Cymbidium orchids here come from Oxnard, while gorgeous less expensive flowers like astromeria lilies and ranuculus bloom abundantly on farms in north San Diego County.  

Think Seasonal & Reasonable – One third of all weddings are held in the summer months. Local seasonality affects price and there are plenty of spectacular June blooms at discount and wholesale prices here fresh from local farms. Ranuculus is a wonderful stand-in for pricier roses, they come in many colors. Freesia is another small delicate flower with a pleasant scent that can be used as a wonderful substitute for the more expensive stephanotis (a traditional “bridal” flower). Fluffy hydrangeas are so large they make excellent bouquets and centerpieces. You might need only three to five stems to create a lush look. They come in white, pink, blue and lavender.  Warm weather tolerant calla lilies, mums, carnations, gerber daisies and gladiolus come in a variety of colors - hot bright orange, yellow and pink are dazzling colors for July and August weddings.  

Sustainable Botanical Couture – Natural manzanita branches are called woodland driftwood because of their unusual shapes. It is the strongest and most popular of the local wood botanical branches. These lower carbon impact branches grow wild in the Southern California high chaparral and are harvested under permit. They are available loose or mounted in standing upright in plaster base contemporary planters.

Manzanita tree branches adorned with hanging votive candle holders is an easy, DIY wood botanical that is dramatic, yet elegantly Zen-like, they can be assembled in advance and can be reused as a post- wedding décor appointment or garden enhancement. Wedding design stylists decorate branches with blossoms, crystal strands and other creative adornment. Manzanita branches create an impressive high end look and a lower level carbon impact for casual beachfront twilight and elegant evening weddings. Choi Orchids has natural and sand blasted project grade manzanita branches ranging from 6 feet tall to smaller and lower 12 inch branches. For step by step directions to make your own DIY hanging votive candle holders see http://bit.ly/cp9Sxj. Dollar Tree direct is a great local source for bulk led or wax votive candles and other elegant wedding décor and floral supplies for $1 or less.   

Another California Flower Mall affordable green reception table decoration is tall green fountain grass in a contemporary tall glass vase anchored with sand, stones or sea shells complimented with stems of Dendrobium orchids. Potted orchids, lush potted green plants and delicate green live grass in ceramic planters are sustainable locally grown eco-sensitive choices for reception décor that can also be reused and sustained in home or garden.

[media_DIYcorsage.jpg] For many teens, prom is the first time they will order flowers, hire a limo driver or make a reservation for dinner at a fancy restaurant.According to Conde Naste publications prom expenses average $1200. Hilda Jimenez, DIY Style Diva for The LA Flower District California Flower Mallshares frequently asked questions and answers about prom flowers and cost saving ideas:

What is the hottest corsage for proms?
Two popular styles are wrist corsages and small hand-held nosegays. Popular flowers are mini (or sweetheart) roses, standard roses, dendrobium orchids, alstroemeria lilies and other small flowers such as cornflowers and freesia. Hot body flower styles include gerbera flower anklets, armbands, rings, shoes, low back dress corsages and flowers for your hair or neck.   

My prom budget is limited. Are there less expensive flowers that won’t make me look “cheap”?
DIY prom flowers are hot. You can save 70-80 percent off retail prices with discount flowers from DIY friendly vendors at  The LA Flower District California Flower Mall, create your own design and get the exact look, color, ribbon, bling and flower choices you want. If DIY flowers are not for you, tell your florist what your budget is and ask him or her for ideas. An inexpensive flower used in a lovely corsage style can be just as beautiful as a more expensive bloom. Alstroemeria and lilies are a good choice, so are mini carnations.

How do I let my prom date know what type of flowers I really want?
Don’t leave it up to his Mom. If you have your heart set on a certain corsage style or type of flower, then there is nothing wrong with letting your date know what you would like. You might suggest going to The LA Flower District California Flower Mall or a florist shop together so you can order his boutonniere to match your corsage. If you’re crafty and creative do it yourself with discount flowers from wholesale flower vendors. There are plenty of DIY prom flowers “How To” videos to guide you. Too much pressure?

Do your homework online www.aboutflowers.com is a good site to start with . Send him a few photos of flowers and ask what he would like for his boutonniere. Be sure you also send a photo of what you want and include ribbon colors and other specific details.

How far in advance should I plan and order my flowers for the prom?

Remember that prom season is also peak wedding season so popular flowers such as sweetheart roses, white roses and certain orchids used to create decorative body flowers are in high demand and prices tend to be higher. You can do DIY flowers on the fly a day or two before the prom, as long as you plan your DIY design, ribbon and flower selection a week before. If you are working with a florist, order at least two weeks in advance so that your florist has time to order necessary quantities and ensure you get what you really want. Show them your dress or a swatch of fabric from your dress and ask them to customize the ribbon to your dress or ask to see their ribbon selection and choose one yourself