5 More Surprising Meanings of Different Flowers

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We recently took a look at some of the surprising meanings different cultures associate with flowers. Today, we’ll be continuing this series with a look at some of the most enduring flowers from over the years. With so many different subtle meanings, you can get a lot across with a gift of a bouquet. Do you have someone you’d like to send a sweet surprise to? Call Breen’s Florist in Houston today to get started!

-Sunflowers

Just about everyone has positive feelings about sunflowers. So beloved are they that it is said when Spaniards first arrived in North America, they believed sunflowers were made of pure gold. As one of the first crops grown in America, sunflowers have become a staple of classic art depicting the happiness of life on the prairie. Many people feel sunflowers symbolize longevity, adoration, and loyalty thanks to their hearty nature.

-Daffodils

Romans were the first to introduce daffodils to Britain, as they believed they had medicinal properties. China and Wales both view daffodils as a symbol of good luck, whereas France believes they represent hope. As one of the most enduring symbols of the coming of spring, daffodils are also seen as an icon of new life and forgiveness as we shed the winter overgrowth and begin anew.

-Azaleas

Thanks to its lush blooms, many people adore azaleas. With origins stretching back to ancient China, azaleas have become a symbol for womanhood in many different countries. They are often associated with feelings of softness and caring for someone. This makes them an ideal choice for anniversary gifts and wedding arrangements. Azaleas are also often given as a gift of gratitude.

-Lotus

Another one of the most enduring flowers throughout the world, lotus flowers are used in art and literature for a variety of reasons. Buddhists believe that the lotus is the representation of the purity of the body, speech, and mind. This has led to its depiction in many works of art featuring Buddha. Throughout many other Asian countries, the lotus represents elegance, beauty, grace, and perfection. If you want to give someone the gift of enlightenment, do it with lotus flowers.

-Lilacs

With a fragrance that made them seem magical to Celtics, the lilac is a beautiful flower that has had many different meanings over the years. When a lilac was given to someone in the Victorian Age, it was meant as a reminder of old love. This led to the practice of widows wearing lilacs during their mourning period. Russians believed that holding a sprig of lilac over a newborn would bring them wisdom as they grew up. Thanks to its peak bloom time, many people heavily associate lilacs with the Easter holiday. The color of lilac will also change their meaning, as white lilacs are a sign of purity, violet lilacs represent spirituality, and light purple represents a first love. Though there are many other meanings that can change depending on the color of the lilac, they are most often connected with feelings of love and romance throughout their history.

When you want to tell someone you love them, few things get the message across better than flowers. Whether you’re shopping for a surprise, an anniversary, a wedding, or a birthday, say it with a bouquet of flowers. Not sure which flowers to pick out for your gift? That’s not a problem. Call Breen’s Florist in Houston today and we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect collection.

5 Surprising Meanings of Different Flowers

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Over centuries of civilization, many different cultures have attributed symbolism with flowers. Depending on the country, one flower could have a meaning that is contrary to what it means somewhere else. If you’re thinking about giving someone flowers, it’s a good idea to brush up on the symbolism attached to specific flowers so you can get the perfect message across to the recipient. Today, we’re going to begin our look at the different surprising meanings associated with flowers. Want to surprise a loved one with a bouquet of their favorite flowers? Call Breen’s Florist in Houston today to learn how to give someone you care about the perfect gift.

-Roses

Potentially the most versatile of all flowers, the range of meanings attached to roses is wide, connected with their color variance. Depending on the color of the rose, it will have a different hidden meaning, which may have changed over the years. One of the most enduring messages is that of a red rose, representing love and romance. White roses are often used in weddings as a symbol of innocence and purity, as well as fresh beginnings. Looking for a way to say thank you? Peach roses are a great way to express your gratitude, while pink roses are often associated with admiration and joy. You can combine different roses into a bouquet to create a more complete message, mixing and matching different colors with different meanings. In a previous blog, we went in-depth with roses.

-Lilies

The meanings attributed to lilies span thousands of years and countries a world apart. Stretching back to ancient Greece, Egypt, Rome, and parts of East Asia, lilies were a sign of death and sorrow, so they were used in funerals to send the departed off into the afterlife. This was different from Christianity, which used lilies as an emblem representing the Virgin Mary. While they are still thought of mostly as a sympathy flower, some have taken them to be a good symbol for life and hope for the future. How you view lilies may differ from others, but it’s sure to be said they are beautiful in their subtlety.

-Chrysanthemums

With their origins stretching back to China, chrysanthemums gained quite the reputation. Through their use in everything from medication to treat headaches to an ingredient in salads or drinks, they carried a connotation of the power of life. The same can’t be said for when they’re in Italy, where they’re a gift you give to an enemy as a great insult. Depending on the country, chrysanthemums could represent grief, death, friendship, love, or happiness. Be sure you know how your recipient will interpret this gift before sending over a bouquet.

-Carnations

A flower that has much clearer meanings across the globe, most people view them as a symbol of love. That belief is so strong that even its scientific name — Dianthus caryophyllus — is roughly translated to “flower of love.” Just like roses, carnations can mean more specific things depending on their color, with white acting as a symbol of good luck, while pink represents a mother’s love instead of romance.

-Tulips

Another flower that is used to show love, tulips were first harvested all the way back in the 10th century in Persia. From there, they would become a symbol of royalty, and many poets would use them as a topic of their work. In those poems, they would represent a declaration of love and feelings of passion. White tulips can symbolize forgiveness, while yellow tulips are an icon of cheerful feelings.

With so many unique flowers with varied meanings around the world, you can get a lot across in a collection of them. In fact, you could tell an entire story using a bouquet like a poet. We’re going to be continuing this look at hidden meanings of flowers in the near future, so keep an eye on this blog for more. Do you have a special someone you want to tell how you feel? Do it with flowers from Breen’s Florist in Houston! If you have questions about the message you want to get across, give us a call. We’ll be more than happy to help you pick out the perfect selection to say exactly what you want to say. We hope to hear from you soon!

Back to School List Includes Seeds (and Acts) of Thought

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Send flowers to teachers in Houston

Okay Houston, it’s time to fill in the blank at the end of the following sentence. The first day of school for students, teachers, administrators and parents’ alike _______s. Hint: two syllables, seven letters and rhymes with scatters – answer: matters.

OMG does it ever! This one day out of 365 sets into motion critically important transitions that impact routines, relationships, and rules for learning over the course of the next two semesters. Mathematically speaking (and with a shout out to lessons in probability), chances are you know people who are going back to school in some capacity, and therefore gearing up for day and week one.

With this in mind, have you thought of sending them a flower arrangement or blooming plant to not only commemorate their next chapter in learning or teaching, but perhaps more importantly, as an expression of encouragement or appreciation for what’s ahead? The global floral industry teaches us time and again that precious moments like these reserved for meaningful connection and heart-to-heart communications when we say “’good luck,” “I hope it’s your best year yet,” “we are so proud of you,” and “you can do this,” resonate even stronger in our hearts and minds when done so with flowers.

Flower arrangements have the unique ability to elevate our words and thoughts

Why? “Because tangible acknowledgements, like flowers and plants, of milestone moments in our academic journeys and career paths evoke multisensory reactions and memories,” explains Breen’s Florist’s owner and local business leader Marcia Wilson.

Tell a teacher “thank you for sharing your love of learning with our students” and the compliment will likely be appreciated. Tell that teacher the same thing on a card attached to one dozen red roses and she or he will enjoy that sentiment longer as it sits proudly in a desktop vase. As time passes, future visuals and scents of red roses may trigger wonderful memories of that gesture of appreciation said with the simplicity and beauty of flowers. On a deeper level, it may also conjure a memory warmly associated with a love of teaching that did not go unnoticed! Wilson adds, “Flower arrangements and plants have the unique ability to elevate our words and thoughts into something visual, symbolic and extra special that leaves an instant and lasting impression.”

Flowers in Houston for 2018 HISD School Year

If you are looking for some inspiration on what to send to a teacher or student in your life we recommend some of our back-to-school favorite designs you’ll find on the Breen’s website. Just imagine the joy to be experienced when arrangements like Making the Grade, Extra Credit or Wild About Learning is sitting on a desktop. Any of these options are a great way to send someone back to school with the power of the sentiment.

If you enjoyed reading our “Back to School 2018” blog then thank a teacher – here at Breen’s we all remain indebted and thankful for ours.

Which Flowers Make the Best Father’s Day Gift?

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Flowers make an incredible Father’s Day gift.

Most people get their mom a bouquet of flowers for Mother’s Day, and today, more and more people are choosing to say thank you to their fathers with flowers as well. But, because men don’t typically receive flowers, they don’t always know as much about how to care for them as women. That’s why it’s always a good idea to look for cut flowers that are long lasting when you want the perfect gift for your dad. Here is a list from your go-to source for buying flowers in Houston — Breen’s Florist — of the longest-lasting cut flowers:

#1. Zinnias

The zinnia is a part of the daisy family, and these flowers are known for their bright colors and long stems. They are available in white, yellow, chartreuse, orange, purple, red and lilac, and they can last three to four weeks after being cut. These flowers are excellent for Father’s Day because they thrive in the summer.

#2. Orchids

Orchids are bright, colorful and fragrant flowers that are wonderful for Father’s Day because they are so easy to care for. Orchids need to be watered amply, but they should be allowed to dry out in between waterings. These flowers last for three weeks and do best from the early spring all the way to the late fall.

#3. Chrysanthemum

These colorful beauties are native to northeastern Europe and Asia, and are known for their brightly colored petals. Chrysanthemums come in a wide range of colors and are easy to care for. All you have to do is place your flowers in direct sunlight, away from your air conditioner, replace the water as needed and remove any dead flowers when you spot them. Chrysanthemums last for three to four weeks, and they do best in the midsummer to the late fall.

#4. Carnations

Carnations are a basic flower that can complement the other flowers in a bouquet, or they can be the main attraction in a bouquet. They are available in a wide range of colors, and they’ll keep looking fresh for two the three weeks as long as you keep the vase filled with distilled water and out of direct sunlight.

#5. Alstroemerias

Alstroemeria, also called lily of the Incas and the Peruvian lily, is a beautiful flower that comes from South America. These flowers come in a variety of shades of purple, orange, red, white and green, and they can be striped, streaked or flecked with darker colors. Keep your alstroemerias out of direct sunlight and drafty areas, and keep them someplace cool to enjoy them two weeks.

Shop with us to buy the perfect flowers in Houston this Father’s Day.

Whatever flowers you want to surprise your dad with this Father’s Day, you can rest assured that we have the perfect bouquet for your dad at Breen’s Florist. In addition to flowers, we also offer fruit and snack baskets. Don’t wait until the last minute; take a proactive approach and shop our Father’s Day flowers today!

8 Reasons Your Dad Deserves Flowers This Father’s Day Part 2

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Say thank you with flowers this Father’s Day!

With Father’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the many ways that our dads have impacted and bettered our lives. Father’s Day is just one day a year, but our dads have done so much for us every other day of our lives, so it’s the perfect day to make a big deal out of your dad, and there’s no better way to do that than with flowers! In our last blog, we touched on four reasons why your dad deserves flowers this Father’s Day. Keep reading to learn about four more reasons.

Reason #5. He’s made sacrifices to give you the best possible life.

In our society, there’s a lot of pressure on fathers to do it all and be it all for their kids, which is asking a lot of any one human being. Dads do everything they can to make sure that their kids have better opportunities than they had, and that takes years of sacrifice and hard work.

Reason #6. He encourages you to reach for the stars.

The world is full of people telling you why you can’t do something or why your dreams aren’t realistic, and all of that nay-saying can really get you down. Dads, on the other hand, are always encouraging their kids to reach for the stars. Even when all of the odds are against you, your dad is there to give you the confidence you need to accomplish more than you ever thought you could. And of course, when you fall, he’s there to help you get back up again.

Reason #7. He’s there to comfort you when you need him.

Though your dad may have been the one to dole out the harshest punishments for breaking curfew or getting a bad grade on a test, he’s also the one that comforts you the most when you need him. Without the love and compassion that your dad provides, the rough parts of life would be much harder to get through.

Reason #8. He always knows how to make you laugh.

There’s a reason why corny jokes are known as “dad jokes.” Dads have a way of lightening up almost any situation with their terrible jokes. Not only does this help to ease the tension when you bring your first girlfriend or boyfriend home to meet the family, but this makes every aspect of life fun. Every household needs laughter, and dads are a big part of that laughter.

Shop our flowers today to say thank you to your dad this Father’s Day!

Whatever your reason for being thankful for your dad, express your thanks this Father’s Day with flowers. At Breen’s Florist, we’re the perfect place to shop when you want to buy flowers in Spring, and we have a variety of options that your dad would love to be surprised with this Father’s Day. Don’t wait until the last minute to shop for your dad! Shop with us today!

8 Reasons Your Dad Deserves Flowers This Father’s Day

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Believe it or not, flowers make a great Father’s Day gift.

Father’s Day is almost here, and it’s the one day of the year where we, as a nation, really reflect on the love we have for our fathers. No father is perfect, but there are so many reasons to be thankful for our fathers and when you want to say thank you, flowers are a wonderful choice. Yes, even dads appreciate flowers! Here are a few of the many reasons why your dad deserves flowers this Father’s Day.

Reason #1. He gave you life!

While your dad may not have physically carried and birthed you, without him, you wouldn’t be here. Lots of people don’t give this the kind of weight that they should, but the reality is that every time you’ve laughed, cried, loved, lost and won, it’s all because your dad gave you life, and that’s no small feat.

Reason #2. He taught you how to ride a bike.

Finally getting up on that bicycle is one of the biggest triumphs of a child’s life, and dads play a big role in getting their kids to that big day. When you were still wobbly and unsure, he held your bike, making sure you didn’t fall. And, when he knew you were ready, he pushed you off and let you go, allowing you to grow your confidence and experience the thrill of doing it on your own.

Reason #3. He forgives you when you mess up.

Just as there’s no such thing as a perfect dad, there’s also no such thing as a perfect son or daughter. We all mess up from time to time; it’s simply human nature. But, where would we be if our dads weren’t there to help us brush it off and move past it? Dads have no illusions about their kids being perfect, but they’re always there with open arms and unending forgiveness when we’re ready to accept it, and that’s well worth being thankful for.

Reason #4. He’s always been there for you.

Some moments in life are easy; all you really have to do is float and enjoy the ride. But, other moments aren’t so easy, and it’s those moments that we are thankful that our dads are always there for us. Your dad may not be able to solve every problem or give you the perfect answer to every question, but he’s there to support and encourage you no matter what, and that’s worth celebrating.

Say thank you to your dad this Father’s Day with flowers!

These are just a few of the many reasons to say thank you this Father’s Day with flowers, and in our next blog, we’ll be touching on four more reasons. Until then, shop with us. We’re your premier source when you want to buy flowers in Pasadena, and we have the perfect special occasion flowers for every holiday, even Father’s Day! It’s never too early to order your Father’s Day flowers, so shop with us today!

Honoring Mother’s Day

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Celebrating mothers and motherhood in general has become a global observance that varies in day of recognition and tradition based on culture and geography.

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Here in the United States our beloved Mother’s Day celebration is reserved forever on the second Sunday of each May thanks to a Presidential proclamation by then President Woodrow Wilson in 1914. In his heartfelt efforts to articulate the importance of a day dedicated to Mom’s he stated, “it is a chance to publicly express our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Here we are one hundred plus years later, a very different and diverse America, and we still get excited for the one day solely committed to Mom.

This excitement can also be found at all Houston area Breen’s Florist locations where designers have thoroughly enjoyed the task of creating custom designs for Mother’s Day 2018 for the past several weeks. Although the official flower of Mother’s Day is the carnation – specifically red and white – the design team has created a wide array of low and tall arrangements featuring many of the flowers that fall into the category of Mom’s favorite in lieu of carnation focused designs.

The Mother’s Day flowers you’ll choose from this year include Springtime crowd-pleasers like cymbidium orchids, fragrant roses, majestic delphinium, colorful hydrangea, stock, larkspur and so much more. And the designs are aptly named after the many positive attributes associated with being a beloved Mom. Names like “Runs Circles Around The Best,” “Helps Me Shine,” “The Multi-tasker,” “Enthusiastic and Fun,” “Multi-talented,” “My Supporter,” “Kind & Compassionate,” “Best Friend,” and “Unconditional Love” to name a few.

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We invite you to scan our many options on the website to find the arrangement that best fits your Mom. It’s perfectly okay if more than one says what you want to say since our Breen’s delivery team of drivers are happy to deliver more than one arrangement to any location!!!!

 

 

 

 

The Perfect Flowers for Mother’s Day

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With Mother’s Day just a few weeks away, the time has come to find the perfect flowers for your mom.

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably spent a Mother’s Day or two scrambling around, trying to find the right, last-minute gift. Luckily, though, Mother’s Day isn’t for a few weeks, and you still have plenty of time to find the perfect gift for your mom. In our latest blog series, we went over a few of the many reasons why your mom deserves the most beautiful bouquet in the world this Mother’s Day, and if you’ve decided to surprise your mom with flowers this year, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a list of the flowers that make the very best Mother’s Day gifts:

  • Carnations – Carnations come in many different colors, and each color of carnation has its own unique meaning. For example, white carnations represent good luck and pure love, whereas red carnations represent admiration and affection. You can’t go wrong with any color of carnation for Mother’s Day, but our favorite is pink, which symbolizes a mother’s undying love.
  • Tulips – The colorful tulip is the perfect spring flower, and it’s wonderful for Mother’s day. From royalty and abundance to underlying passion and neglected love, tulips can symbolize many different things, and for Mother’s Day, our favorite meaning of a tulip is that it represents enduring love between family members.
  • Lilies – Most commonly, lilies symbolize virtue and charity, but they have many other meanings as well, including devotion, friendship and prosperity. Lilies are also the birth flower for the month of May, which makes them ideal for celebrating Mother’s Day this May.
  • Gerbera Daisies – If you’re hoping to brighten your mom’s Mother’s Day, you can’t go wrong with Gerbera daisies, which symbolize cheerfulness. These flowers are known for having large flowering heads that look a lot like a sunflower’s, only they come in a variety of bright colors, including yellow, red, pink and white.
  • Roses – Much like with carnations, roses come in a variety of colors, and you can use those colors to send different messages to the receiver. For example white roses signify reverence, purity and virtue, while dark pink roses symbolize gratitude and yellow roses symbolize devotion.
  • Orchids – Orchids are some of the most popular and highly sought after flowers for virtually any occasion, and Mother’s Day is no exception. Orchids have a rare and unique beauty that can’t be matched, and they are perfect for Mother’s day because they represent strength, love and beauty — all things Mothers themselves symbolize.

Let us help you find the perfect bouquet for Mother’s Day.

At Breen’s Florist, we offer a wide selection of gorgeous special occasion flowers in Houston, and we’re confident that we have the perfect option for your mom. Whether you’re looking for a bouquet featuring orchids, roses, Gerbera daisies, lilies, tulips, carnations or any other flower, you can rest assured that we have a beautiful option for your mom. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Shop our wide selection of Mother’s Day flowers online today.

8 Reasons Your Mom Deserves Flowers This Mother’s Day Part 2

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Ready or not, Mother’s Day is just around the corner.

Mother’s Day will be here before you know it! Don’t settle for a generic greeting card or a box of chocolates this Mother’s Day. Instead, make it special by shopping our stunning special occasion flowers in Spring. We have an option for every style and every budget, and we’re confident that we can help you find a gift that’s perfect for your mom. In our last blog, we talked about a few of the reasons why your mom is deserving of only the best bouquet this Mother’s Day. Keep reading to learn more.

#5. She’s always there when you need her.

Sometimes, life is easy and everything goes your way. But, life is full of ups and downs, and when things aren’t exactly looking up, your mom is always there for you when you need her. More than anyone else in life, moms are dedicated to being the shoulder their kids can cry on, and they do so with love in their heart and smile on their face.

#6. She does anything and everything to ensure you are set up for success.

Throughout every generation, there have been moms working hard to ensure that their children have better opportunities than they did and are more set up for success. Whether your mom has given up her career to be home with you, helping you every day or she picked up an extra job to ensure there was always food on the table, mothers will do anything and everything to set their kids up for success.

#7. She’s accepting and forgiving.

A mom’s love is virtually impossible to shatter or compromise, which is certainly a good thing since we all stumble from time to time. No matter what you do, your mom is always there to forgive and accept you. Regardless of whether you accidentally totaled the car when you were out with your friends or you got fired from your job because of a mistake, your mom will be there to forgive you.

#8. She encourages you to be everything you can be.

Mothers always see potential in their kids. You can call it biased, but every mother thinks that their child is capable of the world, whether they want to grow up to be an astronaut or President of the United States. There are so many naysayers and negative Nancies throughout life. But, you can always turn to your mom for a little encouragement, because no matter what you do, she’ll always see the potential in you.

Whatever your reason for wanting to make this Mother’s Day a day to remember for your mom, Breen’s Florist is here to help. When you peruse our Mother’s Day flowers, you’ll quickly see that we have a variety of options to choose from.

Don’t wait to order flowers for your mom this Mother’s Day! Mother’s Day is May 13th, and it will be here before you know it. Don’t take the risk of being left with only a few options or having the flowers delivered late. Instead, rest easy in knowing that your mom is going to get a Mother’s Day gift she’ll love. Shop our Mother’s day flowers today!

8 Reasons Your Mom Deserves Flowers This Mother’s Day

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Special occasion flowers make a beautiful gift for Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day comes just once a year, and if you’re looking for a perfect gift to show your mom how appreciative you are of her and how much you care, the stunning special occasion flowers at Breen’s Florist are a great choice. But, what makes your mom so deserving of such a lovely Mother’s Day gift? Here are first few of the top eight reasons why your mom deserves flowers this Mother’s Day.

#1. She gave you life!

Without your mom, you wouldn’t be here. And, it’s not like bringing a child into the world is painless and easy. Your mom not only suffered through nine-months of aches, pains and discomfort, as well as hours of labor to bring you into this world, she also sacrificed her figure and her freedom just for you! No one else throughout your life can or will make the kind of sacrifices for you that your mom makes.

#2. She’s selfless for the other 364 days of the year.

Whether she’s delaying her own dinner to get someone a second helping or foregoing her yoga class to make sure she’s in the front row at your soccer games, moms do so much for their kids. One reason why it’s important to make Mother’s Day such a big deal is because moms give so much of themselves throughout every other day of the year, and it’s the one day dedicated to saying thank you for everything she’s done.

#3. She put up with you throughout your teenage years.

The teen years are hard for everyone. It’s just not easy to figure out who you are, and the bad hair, angst and cringe-worthy attitudes don’t exactly help. Moms put up with a lot throughout their children’s lives, and for many moms, the most challenging years are their child’s teen years. Whether you irrationally yelled at your mom during the peak of your hormonal bonanza or you snuck out of the house on a nightly basis, say thank you to your mom for putting up with your teen years with a bouquet of flowers!

 

#4. She’s always been there to support your dreams.

Moms want the world for their children. That’s why, no matter how big or crazy your dream is, your mom is always there, cheering you on. Even when teachers, friends and even other family members tell you that you can’t do something, your mom is there, doing whatever she can to help your dream come true.

These are just the first four reasons why your mom deserves the most beautiful bouquet of flowers in the world for Mother’s Day. Learn about the last four reasons when you stay tuned for our next blog!

Are you ready to start finding the perfect flowers for your mom this Mother’s Day? At Breen’s Florist, we offer a variety of stunning bouquets made just for Mother’s Day, and we’re confident that we have the perfect option for your mom! Shop our special occasion flowers in Pasadena online now.