Fergie Update August 21, 2009

Fergie the wonder dog

Many of you know we foster golden retrievers and french bulldogs.  Sometimes we get updates from the families who adopt our fosters.   We love all the fosters, but sometimes they are more special.  Fergie is one of our favorites and her Mom is kind enough to send us regular updates.  Here is an exerpt from her last letter………..

Today is our six month ‘Fergiversary’.  Thought I’d send you a quick note and some pictures to let you know what she’s been up to this summer.  She loves summer food – watermelon is her favorite.  Callie taught her a new trick where she asks Fergie if she wants a pedicure.  Honest to God, this dog rolls on her side and sticks out her paw for Callie to file her nails and rub lotion on her pads.  One more spoiled woman in the house… poor Mike!

The girls are back in school and Fergie has been a little blue with the lack of constant activity to monitor.  On the plus side, she has resumed war with ‘white dog’ at the cross walk where we wait for the girls after school.  White dog is very sweet and could care less about Fergie, but man he can get her all fuzzed up. Crazy thing is she nearly pulls my arm from the socket racing up the hill to see if he is there.  Maybe it’s her twisted version of playing hard to get.

We just love this little girl so much and want to share her life with you.  I think a cupcake is in order tonight for her half-year anniversary.  Off to the dog bakery.

Phaleanopsis Orchid August 17, 2009

Commonly referred to as the “moth orchid”, Phalaenopsis are one of the longest blooming orchids, producing flowers that last from 2 to 6 months.   Phalaenopsis sometimes bloom 2 to 3 times per year once they have reached maturity.

Phalaenopsis do not require much light to grow well.   If grown on a windowsill, an east exposure usually is the best.  Be careful not to burn the plant by allowing too much direct sunlight.

Phalaenopsis require watering about once every 4 to 7 days. Plants should never stand in water.  Overwatering is one of the most common problems with orchids. 

Generally,  phaleanopsis orchids are one of the longest blooming and easiest to care for orchids.

Progress!! August 14, 2009

Yeah, the computers are working!!  How nice to come to work and have the tools to do our job… take orders, deliver flowers, access the internet. 

Our new fence goes in next week and voila (I hope)  Largo will be able to issue our certificate of occupancy. 

The new sign has not yet arrived.  Can anyone recommend a sign company??  

Have a great weekend.  Best wishes,

C

Our new storefront: August 11, 2009

The new building is almost ready.  The landscape is in.  Once the fence in back goes up we should be in business. 

Of course, fate hasn’t yet given me enough grief.  Yesterday the computers were down again.  We spend an average of 2 to 3 hours on the phone each day with tech support since we moved. 

The new and very expensive cooler was damaged by a power surge. 

Today we had an employee’s husband throw a cigarette butt in to the new landscape and set it on fire!

Carlson Wildwood Florist Receives 2009 Best of Clearwater Award August 7, 2009

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 — Carlson Wildwood Florist has been selected for the 2009 Best of Clearwater Award in the Florists category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

Dendrobium Orchid August 4, 2009

The genus Dendrobium is prolific and diverse. They are the most commonly grown orchid for the retail trade.  They adapt very well to our Florida climate, can survive periods of drought and require very little care.

Dendrobium orchids, like most orchid species, need excellent drainage. When purchased they are often potted in bark, coconut fiber or osmunda. This gives them the drainage they require and also allows air to circulate.  

Repotting of dendrobium can be tricky.  If necessary, it should be done immediately after flowering.  Keep in mind that dendro’s thrive in confinement.   
 

There are many sources of both orchids and information.   Our local orchid society meets at the Pinellas County extension, the second Thursday of every month.  They are on the web at  www.fwcos.org.  For anyone interested in orchids I would highly recommend visiting your local orchid society.