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Did you know June is National Rose Month?

Posted on by Amber

The United States’ national flower, the rose, is celebrated in the month of June with National Rose Month. 

Why is National Rose Month celebrated?

Rose Month was started in 1959 as part of an effort to make the rose the national flower of the United States. According to the Nashville Rose Society (NRS), it wasn’t until November 29, 1986 that the idea came to fruition when President Ronald Reagan declared the rose to be the National Floral Emblem of the United States.

NRS notes that June was specifically chosen as the month to honor the rose because that is when the flower is in peak bloom.

All about roses

The most popular rose color is red, but roses naturally come in white, pink, purple, yellow, orange, and green too. There are also many engineered and painted colors for roses, but these are the only colors that naturally occur in roses.

For a full dive into the “meanings” associated with each rose color, read our previous blog here: What Different Color Roses Mean

History

The importance of roses dates back to Greek and Roman times. According to Iowa State University, rose petals were used as confetti for special events and parties in Rome. The people of Rome also hung up roses during certain meetings to symbolize that the information shared was privy only to those in attendance.

Romans also used roses in their everyday lives, placing the petals on their floors and in their baths.

However, China became the first country to cultivate roses, beginning in 551-479 BC, according to Iowa State University.

Later, Lady Mary Wortley Montague helped to solidify roses’ popularity in culture during the Victorian era in England. According to Time, Lady Montague misunderstood a Turkish tradition, which resulted in her assigning meaning to flowers. Her interpretation caught on, and Charlotte de Latour from France published the book “Langage des fleurs” based on it which romanticized the rose.

Stats & Fun Facts

Royer’s Flowers and Gifts is preparing to serve Central Pennsylvania for Mother’s Day

Posted on by Amber

We hosted our media day event for Mother’s Day on Friday, May 2, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into preparing for a huge floral holiday.

“We’ll do about 20,000 arrangements in a two-week period or so,” said Geoff Royer, Royer’s Flowers and Gifts Vice President of Production and Product Development. “Some of those get made in central design and the rest get made in the store.”

Royer said that for major floral holidays, Valentine’s Day is of course the biggest day with Christmas being the busiest month, but Mother’s Day is typically the busiest week.

Mother’s Day is unique however because there isn’t a specific popular flower people seek out like there is with roses and Valentine’s Day.

“For Mother’s Day we do a lot of hydrangeas, but it’s more of a mixed flower holiday,” Royer said. “We’ll do some roses and things like that, but most of the arrangements we make are combinations of different flowers.”

Mother’s Day is also when we offer our annual flower pots and hanging baskets. The weather begins to warm up enough for these plants to thrive just in time for the holiday. Royer offered some tips for those who will be getting these plants or those who might receive one as a gift.

“They like to be watered, but you don’t want to overwater them because they kind of rot,” Royer said. “I always water hanging baskets by weight, so if they feel like they’re pretty heavy they’re probably ok. If they feel like they’re light as a feather, you’re going to want to water them.” 

For the patio pots, Royer said he uses the soil as an indicator of whether they need to be watered.“The patio pots you can kind of look at and see,” Royer said. “If the top of the soil is 9starting to turn like a cocoa-colored brown then sometimes they need water. On really hot days, sometimes the smaller containers are going to need to be watered twice.” 

Royer said that the annuals are great plants to get now because they will last most of the summer until the temperature starts to reach 90 and 100 degrees. However, he noted that some of our annual plants are heat resistant and can last all throughout the summer.

Royer also highlighted the popularity of our direct ship option during the holiday due to many people living far from their mothers.

“Our direct ship option is a really good tool for people to use because they see what they’re going to get, they get Royer’s product and it goes right to their mom,” Royer said.

Behind Geoff at media day were the many Royer’s workers busy arranging and boxing flowers to prepare for the holiday weekend. They were busy trimming roses and placing hydrangeas to make sure each customer received a beautiful bouquet to celebrate the special day. 

Thanks to their hard work and dedication, we will be ready to serve the Central Pennsylvania community and help celebrate everything moms do.

We will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May 8-10 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 11 for Mother’s Day.

What is “May Day”?

Posted on by Amber
A vertical shot of a traditional English maypole dancing at CountryFile Live, Woodstock, England

May Day, celebrated on May 1, dates back to ancient times but is still celebrated across many cultures.

It was originally an acknowledgment of the halfway point between the spring equinox and summer solstice, according to The Farmer’s Almanac. Festivals were held featuring songs, dances, and bonfires. People also decorated doors with yellow May Flowers.

Some of these traditions carried over from England, where the holiday has a long history. In England, children danced around a maypole with colorful ribbons and flowers were a huge part of the celebrations. People gathered wildflowers and created hair garlands and floral hoops before crowning a May king and queen.

Originally, the ancient Celts used a living tree from the woods as a maypole, praying for their crops’ fertility, according to The Farmer’s Almanac.

All villages in the Middle Ages had maypoles and would compete to see who had the tallest or best maypole.

Why is it not as popular in America?

May Day was considered promiscuous by the Puritans in New England and was considered pagan, so they forbade people to celebrate it. 

In the 19th century, however, colleges started celebrating May Day with a maypole dance and festivals. Interest again declined and now the Maypole dance is mostly done by children as a fun spring activity.

How flowers play a role in May Day

As noted, flowers are used frequently in May Day celebrations. One tradition, which is still honored by some today, is the making and gifting of a May Basket.

The tradition has changed some, with most people using it as a reason to give someone flowers, but initially, it was a gift and a game. According to the Farmer’s Almanac,  In the 19th and 20th centuries children or those who were “courting” someone would drop the basket at the recipient’s door, knock and yell “May basket!” and run away. 

The recipient would then chase the gifter and if caught they were owed a kiss.

Traditionally, the “baskets” were cones made t of paper and filled with wildflowers. Some people now give actual baskets with flowers, seeds, baked cookies, and other small presents to celebrate the holiday.

May Day is a time to embrace spring and all the beauty that comes with it, including flowers. Whether you choose to give a May Basket or to simply add more color, flowers, and spring elements into your day we hope you take the time to enjoy the freshness of this time of year.

Gift Ideas for Administrative Professionals Week

Posted on by Amber

Administrative Professionals keep the world turning and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work. 

Administrative Professionals Week, recognized every year during the last full week in April, is a time to thank those in your organization who provide administrative support. It will be celebrated April 20-26 this year with April 23 being Administrative Professionals Day.

Who are Administrative Professionals?

These workers should be celebrated during Administrative Professionals Week:

  • Receptionists
  • Secretaries
  • Administrative Assistants
  • Executive Assistants
  • Personal Assistants
  • Customer Support

Gift Ideas for Administrative Professionals:

It is important to acknowledge their contributions to you and your company. Consider one of these thoughtful gifts as a way to say “thanks”:

Flowers

Flowers are a great way to say “thank you”. If you’re not sure which are appropriate to gift, we’ve compiled a list of suggestions to help you make your choice:

Snacks

Contribute to their snack drawer to show a token of your thanks. 

We have multiple snack baskets that are always a great gift idea filled with an array of goodies so there’s something for every taste. Our “Chocolate & Mug Gift Set” is a wonderful two-in-one option – they get tasty candy and something to put their morning coffee in!

A Mug with Tea

If the administrative professional in your life is a tea drinker, put together a mini tea-lovers gift basket. Surprise them with a new mug and a box or two of tea. 

We offer a wide selection of Tea Forte tea collections. Each box contains multiple different flavors of tea so your recipient will have options.

A Plant

Plants make great gifts, especially if your recipient has a green thumb. Even if they don’t, there are plenty of low-maintenance plants that make a beautiful addition to any space.

We recommend considering these plants to gift for Administrative Professionals Week:

Easter Pet Safety

Posted on by Amber

Easter is such a fun time of year; easter egg hunts, chocolate, and flowers everywhere. We want to make sure that Easter is just as fun for your furry friends, so we’re sharing some tips to keep them safe from the Easter hazards.

Flower Safety

There are many flowers that are safe for pets, but some traditional Easter flowers can be dangerous. 

Keep an extra eye on your pets if you choose to have these Easter flowers in your home:

  • Lilies (Kidney injury and gastrointestinal upset in cats)
  • Peace Lily (Toxic to dogs and cats)
  • Tulip (Toxic to dogs, cats and horses)
  • Amaryllis (Toxic to dogs, cats and horses)
  • Daffodil (Toxic to dogs, cats and horses)
  • Daisy (Toxic to dogs and cats)
  • Carnation (Toxic to dogs, cats and horses)
  • Iris (Toxic to dogs, cats and horses)

A full list of plants toxic to pets can be found at ASPCA.org.

Having these flowers in your home is fine, even with pets, as long as you take precautions to keep your furry friends away from them.

Place the flowers in a location you know your pet can’t possibly reach. If there is a room your pets aren’t allowed, that could be the perfect place for them. In most cases, keeping these flowers on your table should be safe as long as you know your pet won’t jump on the table.

According to the ASPCA, Easter Cacti are non-toxic to pets and are a good option if you are worried you won’t be able to keep your pets away from your Easter plants.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a year-round danger to pets, but with the enhanced accessibility of chocolate at holidays, like Easter, it’s important to take extra precautions during celebrations. If you have young children, be sure they don’t leave any half-eaten chocolate or chocolate-covered wrappers in a location that your pets can access.

Consider asking the Easter Bunny to leave any Easter baskets with chocolate surprises out of reach of the pets too.

According to the ASPCA, chocolate causes issues with pets’ gastrointestinal system, pancreatitis, and nervous system issues such as seizures and an elevation in heart rate. The darker the chocolate the more toxic it is for pets. Consider steering clear of dark chocolate in any Easter baskets for an extra precaution.

Plastic Grass

When making your Easter baskets skip the plastic grass. Besides being environmentally unfriendly, it is very dangerous for pets. The plastic can get lodged in their throat and if they don’t choke on it they will have serious issues such as vomiting and diarrhea when swallowed, according to the ASPCA.

Line your basket with an alternate item, like tissue paper or a small blanket, or skip the lining altogether.

Fertilizer and herbicides

The ASPCA also notes that since gardening and lawn maintenance typically begins around Easter weekend it’s important to remember that pets should not have access to fertilizers and herbicides.

Store them in a place your pets will never be, like a locked shed that is off-limits. When these products are used, be sure your pets are inside. If your pets go outside, be sure the items have been watered or dried based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Even then, do your best to keep your pets away from the area it was used. Consider fencing off the area if it is a garden to ensure your pets can’t get to it.

If you follow the proper precautions and monitor your pet, both you and your pets can have a happy and safe Easter.

*Remember to always speak to a licensed veterinarian for advice on what is best for your pet. If you believe your pet has ingested something harmful, seek veterinarian assistance immediately and/or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435

Best Practices for Caring for Houseplants

Posted on by Amber

International Plant Appreciation Day is April 13 and is the perfect time to refresh your plant parent skills and make sure you are correctly caring for your houseplants. 

Are your plants getting enough water? Too much or too little sunlight? Did they get neglected during the winter months? 

We’re here to help.

Guide to caring for houseplants

Water correctly

Each plant has different watering needs. Watering all plants at one time is not ideal – it’s important to pay attention to your plant to determine if it needs watering. Be sure to research your specific plant to determine how regularly it needs watering, but a good way to test most plants is by placing your finger in the soil. If the top inch is dry, it likely needs water.

Be sure not to give a plant too much water. This can cause root rot. Water only until the soil feels damp, but not overly saturated. 

Also, be sure to water only on the soil and not on plant leaves. Doing so can increase a plant’s risk of sunburn.

This is the “traditional” way of watering plants. However, you can also place your plant in a tray with water and let the roots drink up how much water they want/need. Which method you should use depends on your plant type and your preference.

Ensure the correct sun exposure

Every plant has unique light requirements, however, most indoor plants prefer having bright, indirect light. This means placing them in a spot that will receive sun, but not directly, for 6-8 hours a day.

If your home doesn’t have any good spots for getting natural light, you can invest in LED growing lights. Plants will need to be in this light source for 16-18 hours a day if they are receiving no natural light.

In the warmer months, especially summer, be careful with how much exposure your plants get to the sun. Don’t place any plants in or near a south-facing window during the summer as they can get burnt.

Regulate temperature & humidity

A typical house plant’s ideal temperature is about 75°F. The most important component with temperature, however, is keeping the area where your plant is housed within a consistent temperature range.

Don’t place plants where they can get a draft or receive direct heat – so avoid placement near windows that are frequently opened, doors, vents and heaters.

As for humidity, most plants, especially tropical ones, prefer 40-50% humidity. There are a couple of ways you can increase the humidity in your plant’s environment:

  • Buy a humidifier and place it near your plants
  • Keep plants clustered together – the water evaporating from the soil will increase the humidity around all of the plants.
  • Place plants on trays with pebbles and water – The water will evaporate and increase the humidity around the plant.

Fertilize

Fertilizer isn’t just for your outdoor garden. In the warmer months, regularly give fertilizer to your houseplants according to the instructions on your specific fertilizer and the type of plant(s) you have.

Keep plants clean

Houses get dusty and there can be a lot of unseen particles in the air. Dusty/dirty leaves can block a plant from getting the necessary sunlight. 

To clean them, regularly wipe their leaves with a damp paper towel.

Lookout for pests

While you are cleaning your plants, keep an eye out for any bugs. Check the leaves and stems thoroughly to ensure there are none hiding. If you see any, immediately remove them either directly, with a stream of water, or by wiping them off.

Penn State Extension offers guidance on how to identify which common houseplant pest problem you might be dealing with HERE.

Repot when needed

Has your plant outgrown its container? If your plant looks crowded in its pot, don’t be afraid to repot it to a bigger container. Spring, when plants are actively growing and no longer dormant, is the best time to repot plants. 

When repotting your plant, carefully remove the plant and its roots and place in a new, clean container with fresh soil. Immediately water the plant to help it with its acclimation process.

Consider moving houseplants outside

Once the threat of frost, freezing temperatures, and snow has passed, it is a great time to send your plants on vacation. Even though placing your houseplants outside exposes them to more elements out of your control, it can be good for your plants who have been “cooped up” all winter. 

Be sure to bring your plants back inside before it gets too hot!

If you follow these steps, you can have a happy and thriving indoor jungle!

Easter Basket Ideas for Adults

Posted on by Amber

Why should the kids have all the fun? Surprise your bestie or significant other with a grown-up Easter basket this year to celebrate the season!

What to include in an adult Easter basket:

Chocolate

Every Easter basket, no matter the age of the recipient, should include chocolate. It’s not Easter without a little indulgence in tasty treats.

We offer a wide selection of chocolates. Our Asher Milk Chocolate Pretzels and Waggoner Buckeye Box (4.15 oz) will fit perfectly in any sized Easter basket.

Small Plants

If your recipient is a plant mom or dad, you know what they really want – more plants. Our Decorated Calandiva is a great size for baskets and features a cute spring-themed pot with a heart flower design.

Although it might not fit inside your Easter basket, our pink tulip plant, which features 6 blooms, is a great addition to your Easter gift.

Coffee Mug

It’s the time of year when a cup of coffee or tea can be enjoyed in the morning on a front porch or patio, taking in the warm spring air. Include a cheery coffee mug into your Easter basket as a practical, but adorable, gift for your recipient.

We have a collection of bee-themed mugs perfect for this time of year.

Tea

You can’t go wrong with gifting tea, especially our collection of Tea Forte tea boxes that include a wide variety of flavors in each box, so there’s something for every taste.

Tea Forte has many floral and spring-centered collections including their cherry blossom tea collection (Hanami), their collection inspired by The New York Botanical Gardens (Fleur), and their fruity and floral collection (Mariposa).

A Stuffed Animal

Another staple for any Easter basket is a stuffed animal. Of course, a plush bunny is the obvious choice. We have an adorable “Oddball Mini Bunny” if you’re looking for a unique rabbit.

We have lots of other plush if you want something other than a bunny. We have multiple spring-related palm pals that could easily fit in any basket including:

Spring Decor

Help your recipient refresh their space in colors and themes of the season with spring decor. Consider including decorative mushrooms, rabbits, bee hives, or birds in your Easter basket for a fun touch.

Garden/Outdoor Decor

For those who will be spending spring in the garden, include some garden decor in their basket. We have a collection of pot hangers that adorn garden pots including dragonflies, butterflies, and a colorful ladybug.

Our smiling ceramic frog or our mushroom with three birds atop it both make perfect spring garden decor and are great Easter gifts.

Add a seasonal stick-in

Finally, complete the Easter basket with a festive stick-in for an added flare. We offer glittering Easter egg stick-ins and a selection of Easter bunny options.

How to include flowers in your Easter celebrations

Posted on by Amber

Easter is just 10 days away! The holiday is a perfect excuse to embrace all things colorful, spring, and floral. If you’re hosting an Easter brunch, dinner, or any other type of celebration, there are so many opportunities to add color to your event with flowers.

1. The Obvious – A Table Center

Let’s get the obvious out of the way. A traditional vase of flowers placed in the center of your dining room table screams spring. It’s a fresh pop of life to celebrate the beauty of the season and should be a staple in your party plans.

2. Seating Chart Helpers

If you’re opting for a more formal Easter brunch that includes assigned seating, consider tying name tags to a single flower’s stem that your guests can then take home as a favor. Even if you’re not seating people in specific seats, this is still a fun idea to include just a little tied card that says “Happy Easter” with the flower on top of the plates.

3. Use Them As A Prize

Are you having an adult Easter egg hunt or playing other party games? Have a colorful bouquet of flowers as the prize for the winner. It’s a perfect spring-themed prize that will be appreciated by all.

4. Craft With Them

Consider crafting with flowers as part of your Easter activities. If your guests are crafty, lead them in a craft including flowers. You can make flower crowns or press the flowers to make art or greeting cards. Your guests would have a fun take-home item to remind them of your party.

View our collection of Easter flowers here – Royer’s Easter Flowers

We’ve collaborated with Troegs Brewing

Posted on by Amber

April 7 was National Beer Day and to celebrate we collaborated with Troegs Brewing in Hershey.

We paired some of our year-round flower arrangements with a few of their current on-tap beers for a photoshoot including:

These three arrangements, plus our Farmhouse Sunset, Medium bouquet, are decorating the tables in celebration of  National Beer Day.

Drinkers and diners can scan the QR code on the sign next to each arrangement to shop the collection. Alternatively, visitors can visit our Royer’s Flowers & Gifts location in Downtown Hershey, about five minutes away from the brewery.

Behind the pairings

Sunshine Pilsner & Sunny Blooms

The Sunshine Pilsner (4.5% ABV) exhibits notes of “bright citrus, flowering herbs and honeyed biscuit”, according to Troegs expert brewers. The floral components made this an excellent choice as well as the brightness. 

The beer’s name and color also compliments our arrangement, Sunny Blooms, perfectly. The sunflowers and daisy poms bright yellow colors blend perfectly with the yellow hue of the Sunshine Pilsner.

Field Study Summer IPA & Backyard Beauty

Their Field Study Summer IPA, which has notes of ripe grapefruit, pear and melon, features a stunning bottle design made of hop vines – evoking images of a summer garden. We paired our Backyard Beauty arrangement with it because they both remind us of a Summer day spent in your backyard with friends and family. Our Backyard Beauty arrangement created this effect with vibrant carnations, sunflowers, roses and hydrangea.

Perpetual IPA & Wildflowers, Green

Troegs Perpetual IPA is the best-selling craft beer in Pennsylvania. The beer has citrus and pine notes with a subtle grain flavor. The bottle art has two hops, one exposed to show a hidden mechanism of gears, encircled in an infinity sign. It celebrates how Troegs combines art with mechanical beer making skills.

We paired our Wildflowers, Green arrangement with this special beer. The green features in our arrangement, such as the mini green hydrangeas, bells of Ireland and mochi carnations interspersed with white daisy poms compliment the colors of the Troegs bottle art.

Family-centered businesses

Just like Royer’s Flowers & Gifts, Troegs is family-owned. What started as two brothers in 1997 has grown into so much more for the brewery, but it remains a family business. It is inspiring and exciting to work with other locally owned and family-operated businesses with a passion to serve the community.

Beer and Flowers? Why?

Beer exists because of flowers. Hops are the flowering parts of the Humulus Iupulus plant that are used to create beer. They are what create the bitter flavor many beer lovers enjoy.

Flowers, the type we at Royer’s Flowers and Gifts sell, are used to celebrate special moments and bring people together. Beer uses flowers, of course a different type, to do the same thing. 

So, head to Troegs and then stop by Royer’s over the next couple of weeks and enjoy the versatility and beauty of flowers.

  • A behind the scenes shot of us preparing to take an image courtesy of Troegs
  • Behind the scenes
  • Behind the scenes

Easter flowers – their meanings and history

Posted on by Amber

Easter celebrations, whether at church, a special brunch, or a family Easter egg hunt all typically have one thing in common – flowers are present. 

They add beauty, elegance and whimsy to the celebrations while highlighting the beauty of the spring season. Many of the same types of flowers are used in Easter celebrations year after year, such as lilies and tulips. 

This isn’t coincidental; each Easter flower has a reason for being part of the celebrations.

White Lily

Meaning

The white lily is typically the first flower people think of in association with Easter. According to the University of Nevada, Reno, this can be linked to its mention in the Bible. It is associated with rebirth and new beginnings, specifically the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is celebrated on Easter.

Pagans also hold “Easter” Lilies in high regard. Their beliefs connect the flower to motherhood and it is typically given to mothers as a thanks.

The University of Nevada, Reno notes that multiple other religions connect white lilies to purity and grace.

History

White lilies, initially located in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, were introduced to England in 1819 and America in 1880, according to the University of Nevada, Reno. 

Today, as a result of wars and political issues, there are only a handful of American growers of white lilies on the Oregon-California border in a location known as the Easter Lily Capital of the World. 95% of potted Easter Lily bulbs come out of this area.

Tulip

Meaning

Tulips are popular Easter flowers because they are in bloom around the holiday and come in a variety of colors, many of which match the aesthetics of Easter. Some of the colors have meanings that are also associated with the holiday.

According to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the colors’ meanings are associated with rebirth and purity. For example, yellow tulips represent happiness and hope. White tulips represent purity and honor.

History

Tulips are believed to be native to the Mediterranean. According to the Massachusetts Horticulture Society, in the 1590s, Charles L’Ecluse planted a tulip in Holland at the University of Leiden’s gardens to discover that it could grow in the harsh Northern European climate. 

Tulips became a symbol of the elite because of their rarity in Holland, and their trading became popular. This resulted in what is called “Tulip Mania” in Amsterdam from 1634 to 1637 which caused a single tulip bulb to allegedly cost as much as 12,000 guilders, which was the price of an Amsterdam townhouse at the time, according to the Massachusetts Horticulture Society. Tulips still continue to be important to the Netherlands economy today, in large part to tourism.

Tulips made their way to America in 1642 and were growing in settlers gardens in now-Manhattan. In 1698 according to the Massachusetts Horticulture Society. It was reported that a settler in what is New Jersey today was growing tulips. However, it wasn’t until the American Revolution that tulips were fully established in American gardens.

Daffodils

Meaning

The Farmer’s Almanac states that Daffodils represent new life and became associated with Easter because they bloom around the holiday. 

In England, they refer to daffodils as “Lent lilies” because of their long-standing association with Lent.

History

According to Penn State, daffodils were originally from Europe and northern Africa, but did not become popular in ornamental gardening until the late 1800s. 

Easter Cactus

Meaning

Although not a flower, but a houseplant that flowers, Easter Cactuses are rooted in Easter tradition because of when they bloom. According to the Farmers Almanac, the Easter Cactus is also a symbol of rebirth, a theme of Easter.

History

The Easter cactus should not be confused with the Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus. The Easter cactus has rounded leaf edges with tiny brownish hairs on the tips of the leaf, as opposed to Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti that have spikey leaves.

The Easter cactus comes from the coast of Brazil and is thought to have been introduced to Europe in the 18th century, according to the University of Arkansas.

Flowers add something special to celebrations, especially at Easter. They bring life and color into gatherings and help create connections and memories when given as gifts for holidays.

Although these are the “traditional” Easter flowers, any flower can help elevate and enhance your holiday gatherings.