What You Get When You Order
Why Seasonal Blooms Matter
Ever placed an order for flowers and noticed that some blooms look like they’re not fully open yet? You might even wonder if your florist has made a mistake. In reality, what you’re seeing is an intentional practice — one that ensures your flowers last longer, stay fresher, and give you the joy of watching them open in your home.
Seasonal availability and bloom longevity are at the heart of what makes flower arranging an art form. Florists carefully select what’s in season, what’s freshest, and what will deliver the most beautiful experience for you and the person receiving your flowers.
The Beauty of Seasonal Selection
Flowers are deeply tied to the seasons. In spring, you may find tulips, daffodils and ranunculus; in summer, vibrant lilies, roses and sunflowers shine. Autumn can bring chrysanthemums, dahlias and earthy foliage, while winter could highlight elegant orchids and natives like proteas and banksias.
By sourcing what’s in season, florists can provide the freshest blooms possible. These flowers are not only more readily available but also at their peak in terms of colour, fragrance and longevity. Seasonal flowers also reflect the natural beauty of the time of year, making your arrangement feel in tune with the world outside.
It also means your bouquet is more sustainable. Seasonal flowers often require less transportation and artificial growing methods, reducing environmental impact while supporting local growers.
Why Some Flowers Arrive Closed
One of the most common questions florists receive is: “Why are some of my flowers still closed?” The answer is simple — it’s intentional and it’s better for you.
Flowers like lilies, tulips and roses are often sent out in bud form, not fully open. This is because open flowers are already nearing the end of their natural cycle. Closed buds, on the other hand, will continue to bloom in your home, meaning you get to enjoy them for much longer.
Watching those blooms gradually open adds an element of delight to your arrangement. Each day, the bouquet evolves — offering new shapes, colours and textures as different flowers reach their peak. It’s like unwrapping a gift that keeps on giving.
How Longevity is Maximised
Professional florists use a mix of techniques to ensure longevity. Beyond sending out blooms that are slightly closed, stems are trimmed at an angle for maximum water absorption, and arrangements are designed with balance in mind — pairing hardy flowers with more delicate ones.
Certain varieties are specifically chosen because of how well they hold up. For example:
- Chrysanthemums are famously long-lasting.
- Carnations retain freshness for up to two weeks.
- Orchids, particularly cymbidiums, are durable and elegant.
- Natives like proteas and banksias can last weeks, even drying beautifully afterwards.
By mixing these with more fleeting flowers such as tulips or peonies, arrangements offer both instant impact and long-lasting enjoyment.
Understanding Substitutions
Another aspect of seasonal availability is substitutions. While most florists aim to honour every request, sometimes a specific bloom simply isn’t available due to weather, seasonality or demand. In these cases, substitutions are made with flowers of similar colour, style and value.
A good florist ensures the overall look, feel and impact of the arrangement is exactly as intended. The advantage of this flexibility is that you still receive a bouquet that’s fresh, vibrant and long-lasting — even if not every stem matches the original order.
Tips for Customers to Get the Best From Their Order
Customers can enhance their experience with a few simple steps:
- Embrace seasonal suggestions — florists know which flowers are best at any given time.
- Don’t be concerned by closed buds — they’re designed to open at home.
- Refresh vase water every two to three days to maintain freshness.
- Trim stems slightly each time you change the water.
- Display arrangements in a cool, shaded spot away from fruit or heaters.
These small touches make a big difference, ensuring your flowers reach their full potential.
Conclusion
Seasonal availability and closed blooms aren’t drawbacks — they’re part of what makes fresh flowers so special. By understanding why some flowers arrive in bud form and how substitutions support freshness, you can appreciate arrangements as evolving works of art that last longer and bring more joy.
For beautiful arrangements tailored to the seasons and designed to stay fresh, J'adore Flowers & Gifts proudly serves Cairns with expertise and care. Call (07) 4033 1516 or visit our contact page to order your flowers today.
