Yes our cut flower arrangements are gorgeous and our shop is well worth a walk through, but don't forget- our roof decks and container plantings are unparalleled too! Don't believe me? Take a tour of Beacon Hill and check out the luscious window boxes all around the neighborhood. By now the spring blooms are fading, time to have us come in to refresh. We can also maintain if you don't feel like unwinding that hose or schlepping around the watering can. Let us turn your city stoop into an oasis!
Happy Fourth!
CommentHope you got that blanket down on the Esplanade early....
We're back from our mini break tomorrow. The flowers will be fresh, fresh, fresh. See you then!
Boston's Best Flowers 2018
CommentOk no one likes a braggart but seriously... We're psyched! Rouvalis Flowers has been named Best Flowers 2018 by Boston Magazine. We're proud and couldn't agree more. Come check us out and see what sets us apart from the rest.
Summer Vacay Y'all
CommentJust a head's up, Rouvalis Flowers will be taking a little summer break starting this Saturday 6/30 to return Thursday 7/5. Time to spend some time eating hot dogs, working on our tans and watching fireworks. We know you'll miss us. We'll miss you too.
Cheers! Have a great Fourth of July!!!
Time to get some SUN(flowers)
CommentSunflowers are here!
We are always a little sad when tulip and hyacinth season ends... Luckily with the end of spring bulbs comes SUNFLOWER season! The perfect casual summertime picnic flower. Whip out that checkered tablecloth, squeeze your lemons into lemonade and fill a vase with these perfectly happy blooms. Our local stems have arrived. We have an in store special running right now, one bunch for $12 or two for $20. Come and get it!
Some cool things to know about Sunflowers
-Sunflowers are heliotropic. That means they follow the sun. If you were to do a time lapse video of a sunflower field during the day you would see theirs heads follow the sun from east to west.
-Sunflower seeds are either black or striped. The black are used to make sunflower oil. The striped are the ones we snack on.
-The average height of a sunflower is 8-12 feet. The Guinness world record winner was 25.5 feet tall!
-The Latin name for sunflower is helianthus. This literally means Sun (helia) Flower (anthus).
What flower is that???
CommentWhy pincushion protea, of course!! These otherworldly beauties are a real winner in our book. Unique form, bright colors and very long lasting. These are a summer time hit when more delicate blooms may fade in the heat. There are over 1000 different varieties of protea, all of which stand out from your average flower shop items. From big white king protea to small clusters of blush bridal protea to the striking black and white Niobe protea. The King Protea is the national flower of South Africa. Most people in the know think of protea as a flower of Africa but there are a ton of varieties growing in Australia as well.
Right now we are well stocked in the pincushion variety- bouquets, single stems and featured in some of our fave summertime arrangements. Come in and grab a few stems or just take a look at these bizarre little things. Next time one of your friends says What flower is that?! You'll be in the know!
Sangria
Tequila Sunset
Be prickly!
CommentCacti are popping up everywhere! From the patterns on your shirts and socks to gold bracelets at Cartier. Seems like we just can't get enough of these sweet, spiny, little plants. Over here at Rouvalis, we are totally into it. Of course, we have cactus and succulent plants on hand but that didn't feel like enough. We also have some cactus shaped candles, cactus patterned vases and even a cactus bottle opener! What can we say? These un-huggable plants have won us over.
Cactus Facts
-There are almost 2000 species of cactus. Almost all of which are native to North and South American deserts.
-Placing a cactus next to your computer will help absorb the radiation it emits. (Wow plants are amazing)
-The spines of a cactus are actually its leaves.
-Cacti store water in their flesh. It has been known to save people lost in the desert. The liquid isn't clear like water rather a viscous gel-like substance.
-Most birds and animals that feed on cactus are really only in it for the water.
Terrariums
CommentTerrariums are hot right now! They look so cool that people often think they must be difficult to make or care for. Not true!! By the way, did you know Rouvalis offers workshops? That's right! We bring the supplies, the plants and the knowledge. You bring your friends, colleagues or bridesmaids (...and wine...).
Here's a quick tutorial-
You need:
-Glass container, could be a sphere, hurricane shape or fancy hot house like above.
-Soil and something for drainage is recommended, stones, sand, broken pottery. Charcoal pieces are great because they also detoxify.
-Decor- moss, stones, cork, wood slices, marbles, maybe some of those super cool fairy garden pieces (tiny doors, tables, chairs, etc)
-Plants- ferns, orchids, small low light foliage plants, succulents work very well and are easy to care for.
Fill the base of your container with a layer of drainage medium, next add a layer of soil. Now start placing the plants. I usually start with the biggest and work around it. If you are using cut succulents those should be placed after moss. Once your plants are in place cover your soil with moss and add in whatever decor you have. Maybe some sea glass? Add your cut succulents and Voila!! Maintenance will differ slightly depending on the plants you chose. Generally bright indirect light is a safe choice. Terrariums should be watered lightly once a week, we recommend using a mister. Foliage plants will require a bit more water than succulents. Be careful not to soak the succulent leaves as it can cause rot.
Easy right?.... Well, maybe you should just have us show you. Book your workshop today!
Rose Garden Party Follow Up
CommentHere are the Rouvalis girls! So 2018!!
Well, if you couldn't tell from the photo, we had a fab time at the Mayor's Rose Garden Party again this year. Though the weather was a bit threatening, the rain held off long enough for everyone to have a great time. Congratulations to all of the hat contest winners. Shout out to our girl Madeline!
White after Memorial Day
CommentTidal Pool
At this point the old fashion rule of only wearing white between Memorial Day and Labor Day has been largely tossed to the wayside. Some of you millennials may have never even heard of such a thing. Some say it started as a way for the elite to show their status, others that it was started by southern belles. No matter how or why it is undeniable that crisp bright white looks gorgeous in the summer time (if you ask me it's the lighting). This was our mindset for the second part of our current collection. Bright clean white that really pops against lush green and a touch of soft gray blue.