Winter 2016 – The Florist’s Experience

By Joy Knight

We are presently enjoying a mild winter in NZ although the shortage of daylight does cut back cut flower production, and a shortage of product =price increases.

This year the NZ Flower growers seem to have achieved good prices and plenty of product has been available at a price to the florist along with imported flowers giving the consumer plenty of choice

The general feeling of the florist retailer is optimism and with spring flowers readily available at reasonable prices the selection and varieties offered to the public is very good.

Certainly from a florist’s perspective the wonderful availability and good price of spring flowers including daffodils, Sol d’or narcissus, Early Cheer, hyacinth, and freesia bulk out a scented bouquet that I feel certain the consumer loves.

 It is of significant value to both customer and florist to have these seasonal differences and certainly before the consumer can pick their home grown spring flowers the growers have them available for the florists in the winter months.

Scent is a huge attraction for the consumer. Just imagine if coffee had no smell. As with coffee, for flowers SCENT attracts punters so get plenty of these spring flowers out by your doorway florists, and pull in the customers!

 Beautiful strong cymbidium orchid stems in a wide colour range offers the public a long-lasting flower. Along with roses, alstroemeria, calla lillies, carnations, tulips and chrysanthemums all long lasting cut flowers.

 Masses of scented cyclamen in large pots at a reasonable price a must for the florist to sell in winter to early spring.

 It seems that in some parts of the country foliage has been hotly contested for price seeing the florist paying high prices, which reminds me if a florist has a good picking garden for foliage in the winter months this is a bonus for them and from experience a JOY (excuse the pun) to do.

All in all this winter is progressing with the florist using their imagination, thinking ‘out of the square’ and producing what the public ask for, ie a similar sized bunch to what they can purchase in the summer.

The big bunch is always a winner from the consumer’s prospective and to achieve this in the winter is challenging but certainly achievable. Good flower selling to everyone

Thanks a BUNCH, Joy