Welcome to the new year! As a full-service florist, retail center, and lawn/landscape company, we are open year round providing a variety of services! 

One of the latest trends in 2019: Get Your Planning Done Early! Whether you’re looking for gifts for your friends and family for a special occasion, or you would like to get a landscape project done this year, don’t procrastinate! Call or stop in to speak with a specialist about your needs today! 

Retail Trends

Floral Flower Trends: Custom Designs! This year, customers have been looking for unique, heartfelt designs with custom touches to show their loved ones just how much they care! Our professional floral designers can work within your budget to create a beautiful arrangement that will brighten any one’s day! Stick with the trend, and don’t delay! Visit us today to find that special Valentine’s Day, birthday, anniversary, or just because gift!

Valentine’s Day: Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we are ready! Are you? If you need some gift ideas, we can help! We have a variety of unique gifts, fairy garden items, fun bird planters, blooming houseplants, stuffed animals, gift baskets, flower arrangements, and more! Be prepared for Valentine’s Day and get your gift early this year!

Weddings: The season for wedding planning is upon us! The latest trend in Wisconsin and Minnesota are Autumn weddings: Fall is becoming the new summer for weddings! Plan in advance and book ahead! Our professional florists have years of experience designing wedding arrangements – whether your wedding is very small or you expect 300+ attendees, we have the skills to create your dream day!

Perennial Trends

Pollinator Perennials: Each year, we see an increase demand for plants that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds! We offer a large selection of perennials for both sun and shade that attract our pollinators. A short list includes: Sedum, Liatris, Bleeding Heart, Monarda, Joe Pye Weed, Butterfly Weed, and Milkweed. In the spring, come in and talk to our garden specialists about options for your garden!

Perennials for Shade: Shade gardens can be troublesome, but they can be just as beautiful as gardens in full sun! Look for plants with colorful foliage and unique flowers! Ligularia, Coral Bells, Astilbe, Ferns, Brunnera, Pulmonaria, Aralia Sun King, and Polemonium offer beautiful leaves for a specatular display in your garden. Along with their flower interest, these plants will brighten any dark spot in your shade garden!

Landscape Trends

Landscaping for form and function: Whether you are looking to improve your curb appeal or create an entirely new landscape design, our professional landscape team can help. Come in and talk to us about your plan, budget, and ideas. Now is the time to build your plans and get scheduled for the season! We specialize in outdoor kitchens, patios, pathways, retaining walls, and master plan designs, and we can help you transform your outdoor living space to be an inviting extension of your home.

HOLIDAY GIFTS & HOURS

Looking for last-minute gift ideas? We can help! 

Stocking Stuffers: We have a huge selection of Fairy Garden items including winter themed fairies, dragons, gnomes, trolls, unicorns, frogs, dogs, fairy houses, and accessories! We also have candles, soaps, and gifts for the gardener in your life!

Ornaments: Come in and check out our fun and whimsical ornaments!  While they make great gifts by themselves, you can also include them as a stocking-stuffer or add one to adorn your winter floral arranement!

Poinsettias: We still have a variety of beautiful Poinsettias available to brighten up your home! Bring one as a holiday gift for the host, or have us deliver one to your friends and family to send a bit of holiday cheer!

Christmas Cactus: These incredible, long-blooming, easy-care houseplants will add color to a winter day and brighten that perfect spot on a sunny windowsill.

Wreaths, Patio Pots, and Winter Hanging Baskets: Need a gift for that person who already has everything they need? Make their entrances warm and welcoming with a holiday wreath, a decorative patio pot, or a winter hanging basket! Choose one already made up, or we can customize any of these items to create a special gift for those you love!

Floral Arrangements: Our professional floral designers make fresh bouquets daily! Surprise your favorite person with a beautiful winter bouquet, make your holiday feast festive with a table centerpiece, or send holiday cheer with a fun arrangement! Call 715-485-3131 or visit our website at https://www.balsamlakeflorist.com to see your options and order your arrangements for the holidays!

Other Gifts: Come in and see what else we may have for that special person on your list! We offer blooming and green houseplants, whimsical planters, cabin signs, birdbaths, bird feeders, windchimes, gazing globes, floor mats, hanging chairs, and so much more for your outdoorsy, nature-loving, gardening friends and family members!

Hours: We are open Monday thru Friday from 8:30am to 4pm, Saturdays 9am to 1pm, and closed on Sundays. We will be closed Sunday, December 23 thru Wednesday, December 26 for the Winter Holidays. We will re-open Thursday, December 27. 

From all of us at Balsam Lake Pro-Lawn, we wish you all warm and happy holidays!

Nothing beats the full, vibrant colors of a Poinsettia – the traditional plant of the winter holidays! The plant is known in Mexico and Guatemala as “”La Flor de la Nochebuena“, meaning Flower of the Holy Night, or Christmas Eve (University of Illinois Extension). These beautiful, brilliant, and affordable tropical plants are the perfect way to make your holidays bright! 

According to Tropical Rainforest Facts, Poinsettias are originally from Central America and southern Mexico where the climate is very hot. The plant is named after Joel Robert Poinsett, the man who brought the Poinsettia to the United States from Mexico in the 1820’s. December 12th is considered Poinsettia Day, in honor of the man who popularized the plant!

We offer a wide selection of Poinsettias in many colors and sizes! Visit us today to make your home festive, or call us at 715-485-3131 to send holiday cheer to your friends and family!

Happy Holidays!

We’re in the early stages of planning and preparing for the 8th Annual Balsam Lake Snowshoe 5K Trail Race! Put the date on your calendar for Saturday, February 23, 2019, and plan to join us for this fun winter activity for all ages! This is a family-friendly, dog-friendly event for everyone who enjoys the outdoors and winter hikes!

You know that intense feeling of thirst when you’ve been outside during a 90-degree (or hotter) day? The one where you can’t stop dreaming of diving head first into the lake? Well, we are here to tell you that your turfgrass is likely feeling the same way. It’s the same logic as the water you drank yesterday is not going to quench your thirst today.

Generally, turf will need at least one inch of water per week when dealing with normal temperatures —if it is extreme heat that will need to increase to two or even three inches. Finding the right stability between over-watering and under-watering in the summer is always going to involve some trial and error; especially if you are trying to conserve water by using natural rainfall. By following the steps we’ve outlined below, you can make  turf care a little more predictable.

Watch The Weather

If rain is in the forecast, hold off on watering until after the storm has passed, when it clears, check your rain gauge to see where the turfs water necessities are, as well as the average temperature for the week. If the turf is still looking green and lively, you may be able to skip watering for the week, but if this is not the case, and the turfgrass is looking a little on the rough side, then you will want to use your calculated sprinkler irrigation system.  If you don’t have access to one,  use the guide below to help with providing the right amount of hydration.

Sprinkler System
Once Per Week: Four hours of water per reach of sprinkler 
Twice Per Week: Two hours of water per reach of sprinkler

Hose Sprinkler
Once Per Week: Two hours of water per reach of sprinkler 
Twice Per Week: One hour of water per reach of sprinkler

Water Early

Water early in the morning, you will be saving your turf from becoming under hydrated or diseased. Watering early in the morning gives water the best chance of being absorbed deep into the roots of your turfgrass. If you are watering in the middle of the day when the sun is beating down on your lawn, your turf will not soak up much water. If you are watering late in the evening it will have the opposite effect as the water will linger and allow the opportunity for mold and fungi to spread.

Water Deep

It is necessary for your turf to receive water all the way down deep into the roots, so make sure you are delivering moisture six to eight inches below the surface. Deep watering will keep the roots from growing toward the surface and will also reduce the need to water as frequently. To help aid in fast recovery and deeper root mass, you can use microbial technology.

Let Your Turf Rest

If your  turfgrass is stressed from heat, you will want to minimize mowing as it will be harder for the turf to recover. Instead,  wait and mow after there has been a rainfall or when they have recently watered. You will also want to avoid mowing your turf too short; you should not be removing more than 1/3 of the length of the grass being cut. Remember to keep your mower blades sharp to ensure a quick, clean cut which also reduces stress on your turfgrass.

Sympathy flowers, funeral flowers, wreaths, standing sprays, casket sprays, floor bouquets… Learn what these specific types of arrangements are and how to appropriately express your condolences.

Wreath

Floral design displayed on an easel in a prominent position near the casket. Floral wreaths are sent directly to the funeral home or church for the service. The circular wreath symbolizes eternal life.

Standing Spray

Standing sprays are similar to wreath arrangements. They are displayed in a prominent position near the casket on an easel. They are also sent directly to the funeral home or church for the service.

 

Casket Spray

This flower arrangement is designed for the top of the casket. This type of arrangement is typically ordered by the immediate family.

Peace Always

Floor Bouquets

A flower arrangement in large vase or pots placed on the floor near the casket.

Tender Tribute

Funeral Baskets and Plants

Flower arrangement or plants presented in a decorative vase and displayed around the casket at the funeral home.

Basket of Memories

 

Sympathy Flowers

Simplicity

   

 

 

Flowers bring comfort and help us express our feelings. They add beauty, elegance and warmth to a somber occasion.

What is a prom corsage? A prom corsage is a small flower arrangement that typically adorns a girl’s wrist or collar and is bought and given to her by her prom date. Most prom-goers, these days, prefer the wrist corsage. Flowers and accessories usually match or accent the girl’s prom dress.

What is a boutonniere? A boutonniere is the floral design worn by guys on their lapels. The boutonniere is bought for the guy by his date and often matches the colors and style of his date’s corsage.

What wrist do your wear your corsage on? It is generally recognized as proper etiquette to wear the wrist corsage on the left, although a left-handed date may prefer her wrist corsage worn on the right arm.

Do the corsage and boutonniere have to match? Not necessarily, but it usually looks more stylish and put-together that way. Talk to your local florist about your choice of formal wear for prom, both for the guy and the girl, and discuss what corsage/bout options would work best for your combined look. (Also check out: Matching Prom Dress to Prom Corsage!)

How do I get my guy to buy the perfect prom corsage for me? Make sure the florist sees your dress. Your florist is sure to make something that accents your specific style. Seeing the dress ensures your flowers and prom accessories will match perfectly. Give your guy pictures of prom corsages you like to get him heading in the right direction. He can also show these to his florist. Why not go into your local flower shop together? You can buy both the amazing corsage and boutonniere together!

If I wanted something special, would a florist work with me? Absolutely! Florists love a challenge! If you’ve got something special in mind, talk to your florist about how they can customize your corsage just for you! May you’ve got a dark dress and are thinking of a Black Swan style? No problem! Love bright and playful? Your florist can fix you up with wire swirls and colorful daisies. Just don’t be afraid to ask!

Many florists are starting to offer Corsage Bar events in their store. This is a buffet-like setup where prom-goers can go down a row and pick out all the separate elements of their corsage. No guessing as to what it will look like when YOU’VE picked it all out!

When do I need to order my prom flowers? Order right now! It’s always good to plan ahead and get your order in as soon as possible. The spring is a very busy time for florists, with wedding season just beginning and Mother’s Day right around the corner. At any rate, order at least two weeks in advance.

Why do I need to use a florist, can’t I make my own DIY corsage? Not only do corsages have to look great, but they must hold up throughout the night of dancing and celebration. It’s always a good idea to buy a corsage from your local florist, rather than try to create one yourself. Corsages are not easy to make; the flowers have to stay ON the corsage, and stay looking fresh for long periods of time. Just talk to your florist about your budget and your options, it might surprise you what they’ll come up with!

What if I’m on a tight budget, can I still get a great-looking prom corsage? Yes, talk to your florist about your situation and ask what suggestions they might have. Often times by using seasonal or flowers your florist might have in excess can cut down on costs and still give you a great-looking corsage!

What do I need before I visit my local florist? Be sure to bring a picture of the dress you are wearing. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, even a picture from a cell phone will do. Bring any pictures of prom corsages you like from the internet or magazines for your florist to look at.

What are the hottest prom flower trends to date? Bright and bold colors that really make a statement, mixed with a variety of textures and details. We’ve seen a lot different uses of wire and other accessories. Another prom accessory we just love this year is the reusable wristlets. Instead of a cheap corsage holder for the wrist, invest in a beautiful corsage bracelet. Not only will your corsage look amazing, you can wear the bracelet for years to come and always be reminded of your big night.

I also have to talk about body flowers! Florists can do WAY more than just wrist corsages, ask your florist what body flowers would look best with your dress! One of our favorite looks is a strapless dress with over-the-shoulder flowers — a stunning look! You can also have flower rings, necklaces and even flowers for your shoes created! It’s all about using flowers to add color and style to your prom look.

The week of April 23rd through April 27th is the time of year to stop and say, “Thank you” to all the men and women who bend over backwards every day to meet your needs at the office. They file insurance claims, balance your books and maybe even fetch your coffee. They are the glue that holds the office together. They are … your administrative professional.

The Administrative Professional

The job has been around for as long as there have been offices and people needed to make them run. In the US, the need for people to fill this position increased dramatically during WWII. In order to help attract even more individuals to the field and also to recognize the contributions to the economy of those who already performed the job, the National Secretaries Association was formed. The name was changed to Professional Secretaries International in 1981 and finally to the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) in 1998.

The first National Secretaries week was formed in 1952 with the Wednesday of that week being known as National Secretaries Day. The titles eventually changed to Professional Secretaries Week and Professional Secretaries Day and are now known as Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day.

Celebrate with Flowers

Is there a better way to celebrate this week of thanks for some of your hardest workers than with a beautiful floral arrangement? Okay, maybe they’d say a raise first but then, definitely, flowers. Who wouldn’t want to come into the office every day this week to a new arrangement placed on the side of their desk with a card thanking them for their hard work?

And if you’re looking for a special gift for Administrative Professionals Day, a plant is also a great idea. They clean the air and give any work space a splash of nature.

Don’t be afraid to let the people who work so hard for you every day know how important they are to the business and to the success of your job. That’s why this day was created after all. But when you say it, make sure you say it with flowers!

A month ago at this time, we featured our 1st Annual Valentine’s Day Contest: those who joined our retail email list became eligible to win a dozen roses on Valentine’s Day. 

In our first-ever flower giveaway, Christina Lund won this beautiful arrangement! Christina chose to spread the love on Valentine’s Day and gave her bouquet to her friend Katy. 

Congratulations to Christina and Katy, and thank you to all who signed up for our retail email list! We try to send out monthly emails with updates about new products and plants, greenhouse and floral sales, and seasonal garden / landscape maintenance. 

If you do not already receive our monthly emails but are interested in receiving them, please click here to sign up!

We update our Facebook page on a daily basis with specials, sales, and featured products. Please click here to visit our Facebook page, like us, and follow us. To see our information in your Facebook newsfeed, click Following then choose “See First” in the drop-down panel and choose “Notifications On” in that same panel. 

We look forward to sharing with you!