Willow Says Blog | Good Old Days Florist

The Myths and Fears of the Poisonous Poinsettia

December 19, 2011

They will poison your pet friends and sicken your children. How many times have you heard this; and how many times I have heard Lynn warned about me sniffing them, I can’t count. How this rumor began, I wonder of maybe some mean rival, but in fact I have read about a case in 1919 involving a child, but you know what? That is the only single, incident documented and it was never proven that a poinsettia was the villainous cause. Hmph…so much for that!.

However, for over 100 years the tales have wagged around the terrible threats against this beautiful and sniffable plant. This has been one of those so common myths that even a survey of florists found they thought it to be true! Even my friends at the dog park whisper that I should be careful and not even swish by them; my goodness can you imagine that when the shop is brimming with them! First let me inform you that the bitter taste and sap of the poinsettia does nothing to entice us for a second helping. Not palatable to anyone I know.

But can you guess how many leaves me, my friends both human and not would have to eat to become ill?

Two of my new friends.. double fun

The Big Poinsettia Dinner

So how much would we have to eat? Over 500 leaves to get ill. That equates to 10 to 25 plants depending on the size! Geez, that is one heck of a feast and feat for something not tasty. And actually, this can be said of nearly any plant in the shop, with the exception of only a few. Like pansies…I love pansies they are yummy.

Study on top of test has been performed so, since some of you may doubt a greyhound ‘diva florist’, no matter my ancestry and learning; I have listed the studies below for you. So decorate away with these beautiful plants, because me and my friends are a bit more educated than we think you credit us for-a bad taste is a bad taste no matter the creature.

Health centers, veterinary groups, and horticultural organizations surveyed concluded that these pretty plants are not toxic and pose no health threat to children or pets.

Here is the info provided by the Society of American Florists….

>Ohio State University tested various parts of the poinsettia (unfortunately on rats-I protest animal testing but they lived!) and found no toxicity even at large doses.

>The Society of American Florists says no other consumer plant has been tested more than a poinsettia

>The ASPCA Animal Poison Center in Urbana, ILL says it regards poinsettias as having such a low toxicity that it doesn’t even recommend decontaminating animals who have eaten them. There can be gastrointestinal distress but only from eating something alien to our system.

>The AVMA, American Veterinary Medicine Assoc. does not include poinsettias on its list of plants as a threat to animals.

As always, be happy and p.s.…bring home a poinsettia.

Hugs & Leans, Willow

By Willow | Posted in Willow Says Blog | Tagged local grown, pets, poinsettias | Comments (0)

Local Grown Fresh Eucalyptus

October 11, 2011

Discovering About Eucalyptus

As a new, diva florist 4 years ago, I never laid my eyes on anything with a name like eucalyptus; in fact, I had no clue if it meant an animal friend, a yummy treat, or a vet trip. It began one day as there was much commotion by Lynn; she was yipping and yaying at someone carrying in buckets & buckets of the oddest looking things I ever saw; so I just had to investigate. As you know, we canines investigate with our nose and I had no idea what I was in for! Well let me tell you- it was quite memorable; they were so soft but ever so strong smelly and I wasn’t impressed. Why would anyone want it in a flower shop? But with Lynn’s infectious energy I knew it must be something special so I gave it chance.

How To Love Eucalyptus

It’s wasn’t easy for me to like it but as time went by; I learned this plant is a favorite because of that smelly scent. I even kind of grew to like it for my room now and again as it rids any and all possible odors like my abc bones (already been chewed) or my so undignified scent when I come in from the rain. I will also admit that I find it really easy to arrange because it drapes over a vase just perfect; and it fills in the occasional empty spaces in my designing perfectly too.

And of course… the wreaths are really cool because they hang away from your nose farther; canine easy to make-unless

you are like my grandmamma-who likes ready made by us….then we do that too. I like the mini wreaths-they make quicker than Lynn’s big ones and less sticky time.

If you want to venture into aromatherapy, there’s nothing easier to start with. It keeps its scent for years if you just want to dry it, or you can steep (like soak) it in oil for a real potent scent. Lynn ties a little bunch to our showerhead which seems to open its scent gates big time with the steam. I hear so many people in the store sneezing with allergies-ugh. This is the best remedy for that. Try it, bet you’ll love it.

Nothing Better Than Local Grown Eucalyptus

As a eucalyptus connoisseur now, I too anxiously watch for those incoming buckets every year. The local grown eucalyptus has big round leaves and so soft you can mash it with one paw. Its stronger smelling and lasts for weeks. In the winter we get it from Cally (CA), and it is nice but not as paw friendly being stiffer and much smaller leaves. Except….for the ‘willow’ leaf variety which of course is my winter favorite.

All in all, the quality is the best-the grower brings treats, and it is the longest lasting air freshener. I’m telling you it is the best.

The Best Eucalyptus Deal in the World!

The buckets (and my farm treats) only come to the store from August to about Thanksgiving so it is a seasonal excitement that you just have to experience with me. Leaning on the grower last week, I am thrilled to say he and I have come to an agreement I wanted to benefit both you my friends and my greyt friends. Guess what? Every week from now until Nov. 5^th you can have a big, freshly cut, growers bunch for only $12. dollars. Do you know how big a bunch that is? Like almost 30 stems! Wow, this is enough for one super large vase or bucket, 5 smaller vases, or about 10 little bitty’s and one for your best friends area. The greatest buy!

And want to know the best part? $2. dollars of every bunch sold will go for treats to my friends waiting at the greyhound rescue! Love, love it. He is so nice to do this as these big bunches usually sell for $20. dollars. He loves racing-so I hit his soft spot I think when I said “race cars not dogs” hehe I’m a flirt. So please help me make a big splash for my other friends; this will be so yummy for their long waits at the adoption kennel. You can stop by any day, sometimes we sell out so you should maybe order your bunches for pickup on Friday or Saturday at the shop. If you know someone who is sinus stuffy, maybe has an odd smelling place, or with

abc bones laying around….call me-we’ll deliver them a bunch or 2 with a big ribbon. I looove our nice ribbons-they don’t itch. My very own, promotion- I like being a diva florist. Yay!

Belief-it’s what gets you there…. love & leans, Willow

My flirt mode

By Willow | Posted in Willow Says Blog | Tagged aromatherapy, fresh eucalyptus, greyhound benefit, local grown flowers | Comments (0)

Inside The Greyhound Track

September 21, 2011

A quick update post because Grey2KUSA just sent us this video, it’s a lil sad; but it is how I lived while racing and I really didn’t now any different or what I was missing. :) Do now! Kinda like what you don’t know ….. Anyway, every day I meet our customers and they are so unaware of how me and my friends live at the tracks; or how uncertain and scary our lives are when we don’t race anymore. So take a peek into our world (or how mine was) I am so glad to be a diva florist now; you have no idea.

Video Dog racing kennels at the track

And don’t forget! Go to my flower arrangement because…….

My Basket

Yay- for every one ordered 20 % goes to Grey2KUSA

Visit the site-for me. :)

By Willow | Posted in Willow Says Blog | Tagged greyhound racing | Comments (0)

A Little Good & Green Party Idea

August 6, 2011

Unleash Your Creativity

As a “green” greyhound I think differently than most, and one step farther with the view from my world. Every day is an experience for me so I always have the what if-the why not- the maybe. I think nothing is impossible, with no limits to leash your creativity and…your dreams. Great ideas & experiences I think come along that way. I suggest for everyone to always say “what if” {not to be confused with what sniff } and to think always, outside the box-no matter what . During our party event and wedding consultations, I listen intently at the many details so to add my input, and especially pay close intent to the menu!

The Wedding Yummies

I have an idea, and it is just a perfect one I think. {for all worlds concerned} I began to wonder at what happens to all these luscious leftovers, as unlike canine menus, nothing is ever, ever left. (we graciously even clean our own plates!) But humans always leave so much untouched. Is it just left and tossed? It can’t be just forgotten? Who would forget yummy food? So, how unique would it be to have small boxes for the guests to each take home the wedding tidbits? Whether their own plate, the unserved bites from the kitchen, or the cake. This could be the best reminder of the wedding; favors are cool but food rocks.

Good and Green

So I searched my idea and found decorative, earth friendly, boxes that easily could be labeled with the event name or couples names if a wedding; with a note like “bring the celebration home “(and to maybe share with the ‘entire’ family-hint hint). Or how about this-another idea could be to use the little boxes for the unserved food & cake; sending it to a human, homeless shelter. Even if there was a little extra serving charge; how really cool would that be! How good would they feel to know they gave to those who had less, and there was nothing wasted; I mean it was paid for anyway right?

yummie box

Of course, I am working out the details of another idea-the meat bones from all the steak dinners. If I could just figure how to gather all those afterward for the canine shelters, now that would be grand!

Look for more of my ideas here and visit me on our Facebook Page. Remember, green is good, and good is green. And both are easy.

Always dreaming, Willow

By Willow | Posted in Willow Says Blog | Tagged eco friendly boxes, green, green events, green wedding | Comments (0)

Willow On The Web

July 4, 2011

Me & My Ted

Today I don’t have to go to work-yay! Lynn & I get to stay home, working on our writings and lay like broccoli.

This day is about freedom; and it is a very precious thing-believe me I know. I bet you didn’t know that Lynn renamed me Willow because in the Language of Flowers it means ‘freedom’. I really had no freedom as a youngster; I like to run now and again but dog racing is not just running-we had no freedoms execpt out to the track for that couple minutes. When you’re contained all day- that racetrack was our few minutes of freedom so we almost looked forward to it and ran like the wind. But it is a shortlived high as the track is round and just brings you back to where you started.

We understand what your human Sigmund Frued said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result” Hmmm We racers kinda understand this quote, but we never gave up on our dreams that some time maybe the racetack would not be round that day.

So today I understand all the fanfare, and I celebrate too because there is nothing more important than being free to choose how you live, and how you play. I am free to play, explore, sniff, and lay like broccoli. Among other things I now have 5 beds, 3 baskets of stuffies, yummy organic food, salon appointments, couture clothes, my own blog, an email, and a teddy bear! Hip Hip Hooray for Independence!! I love it.

Watch for my Willow Says Facebook Page soon, until then email me Willow@goodolddaysflorist.com My own email-so very cool.

Happy 4th Always dreaming, Willow

By Willow | Posted in Willow Says Blog | Tagged freedom, greyhound racing, Willow Says Blog | Comments (0)

The Easter Rabbits aka Ground Bunnies

April 17, 2011

As you all know, I was a racing grey and now retired. I guess long ago, rabbits were used to practice and then entice us around the race; but today it is just a stuffed sock thing. However…it must be ingrained in me because I have an obsession with them and anyone else who acts like them. So Lynn makes it easy and we just call all of them “ground bunnies’.

On our walks I know when she says “oh Willow! a ground bunny”, I come to attention! Being a sight hound I quickly scan the area and lock in on what she sees. Boy if I was off leash I would have a happy play chase.

Easter is when a lot of baby ground bunnies are bought as pets. This is not a real good thing because they are not really a cuddle pet like me. But they are sort of like me in that they need to be trained and attended to and not just kept in a cage. I know how that is-boredom is wild and frustrating.

So, obviously I like all ground bunnies, but i think the fuzzy ones are the best to bring home Lynn & I call them ‘stuffies’ and I looove them. In the shop I see and investigate all new additions. There are grass ones, fuzzy ones, and clay ones in all sizes and personality. When you visit the shop I will introduce you to a couple of the take home ground bunnies I like for you and yours. But for now, below are some pictures of them because I think they would be your favorites too and you may just adopt one. Happy Happy Easter

The funniest Ground Bunny of them all!

love Willow

By Willow | Posted in Willow Says Blog | Tagged Easter | Comments (0)

St. Patrick’s Day Green Flowers For “O”Willow

March 7, 2011

Green, green, green. Lynn & I love green for obvious reasons. I am an eco-girl too and even though my pedigree goes back 150 years to England and Ireland; I won’t have a green carnation on my collar for St. Patrick’s Day. People come in and out of the store all day for green flowers; and we love green carnations but sadly….. do not and will not have them.

99% of all carnations come from faraway places grown with chemicals I can’t pronounce; and like my food ingredients, if I can’t pronounce it and it flew a gazillion miles to get here-we won’t buy it and I surely will not eat it. Years ago before I came, there were still some farms in Cally growing them. (my rendition of California for those not in the know-I’m getting cool right?)

Today, it seems they all went out of business and nearly all carnations come now from South America. And you know how we feel about those imported flowers. To compound it even more, a dye is added to the poor, exhausted things to turn them green. Poor, poor carnations. It must feel just like a forever layer of theater make-up to them. We have heard that a few SA farms are becoming ‘eco’ certified-but I need to check them out before we buy. Sometimes big businesses do what is called ‘greenwashing’ just to be in the limelight (no St. Pat pun intended ) and try to be cool. Hmm….not very nice or cool. I know old habits are hard to break, but things aren’t made or grown here like they used to, and we need to know how it is now ….because no one really lets us in on it.

So….for all those ladies and gentlemen celebrating the day, we are offering pretty American roses with the slightest hint of natural green. Oh, and there are other gifts for the day too, like fresh shamrocks, fairy leprechauns, and more real -not fake green flowers.
I can’t wait to see everyone and…I love St. Patrick’s time because Lynn makes cabbage with veggie sausages. Yum-I asked her for the recipe to share with you. Recipe- the vegan sausages rock!

Love, Love

Willow

By Willow | Posted in Willow Says Blog | Tagged Green flowers, St. Patrick's Day, Veggie recipe | Comments (0)

Flowers, Chocolates, and Dogs For A “Greyt” Valentine

February 7, 2011

Valentine’s Day is the day to recognize all of our loveys with flowers, candy…and bones. There are many kinds of loveys; young ones, old ones, distant ones, human to butterfly to greyhound. Each Holiday because we see so many people, we promote awareness to something we think everyone should know. And this time; it’s my promotion and it’s all about me and my friends! I just love “all about me”; and I am so excited this Valentine’s Day to be supporting Grey2K USA ; the nationwide greyhound rescue and advocacy organization.

So, as a really cool idea for Valentine’s Day we have yummy, handmade, vegan too-chocolates in the shape of me. I am really flying high flattered; I mean have you ever had a chocolate of you?

They come all wrapped up with a free Puppy Power button and greyhound card for only $15.00 as a donation to Grey2K. These are very exclusive with only so many available so please be sure to get yours reserved when you order your bouquets.

As always, we have those beautiful, US grown , flowers coming in for those “take your breath away” bouquets we make for you. Add a chocolate dog to our “One Rose Says it All” special, download our free Victorian Valentine; and you have just the perfect gift! See my other post about the Rose travel & personalities, and Lynn’s Rose meanings .

I will be greeting everyone at the store with a big red ribbon on my collar, so please stop by and help me make this the best promotion ever for me and my friends who are still waiting for their own lovey. I actually have a promise from Lynn that if I sell all the chocolates I will get an entire day just her and I to the mountains-and that is the best present because she is my lovey.

Click here to see our Valentine Specials & Favorites or above at Shop The Store

p.s. I have a benefit arrangement available year round in our Flowers For A Cause shop

Love and Leans to everyone on Valentine’s Day!

Willow

By Willow | Posted in Willow Says Blog | Tagged benefit, chocolate, grey2k, greyhound racing, roses, Valentine's Day | Comments (0)

Crates for Me and Turkeys

November 16, 2010

As a professional, racing greyhound (or rather a now happy “reposing” greyhound), I had a different upbringing than most of my friends. As a puppy I quickly saw that most of my days would be spent in a carrier and a crate. Kennel to track and back again. I of course wasn’t aware that this was not the normal life of all animals; I thought everyone lived like that! Who knew? So when Lynn told me about the animals raised for our food, I immediately identified. Crates,crates, and more crates. Being the Thanksgiving holiday affair is coming; I started wondering about turkeys…

I went to our “Flowers For A Cause” in the Eco Shop because I knew we had an arrangement benefitting the Farm Sanctuary in upstate NY. I thought this just was like a retirement home for grandparent cows and chickens that grew too old to graze and peck-kind of like a happy, rest home. I am really not into farms and farm things being a racer from West Palm Beach; so Iwondered- where do the farm animals there come from, and why are they being rescued? And what about these turkeys?

Seems the 46 million turkeys served every November for these Thanksgiving affairs have had a similar life to me- but alot worse. They live in a warehouse in crates only 3 ft. square their entire life; sort of like I did-but with no racing! I thought farm animals ran free in fields in the sunshine and fresh air-isn’t that what we all think? You know; like that happy cow television commercial? I love that one. At least I got out to run a few minutes on the track every day-they never do! And then I read they over feed them so they get really, really fat and then they can’t stand up… and then they go a little crazy. Geez, I would too.

I felt really guilty for thinking of my early life compared to theirs so I decided to try to help. Well, the Farm Sanctuary is doing something really cool through November 25 by having an “Adopt-A-Turkey Project” where you can sponsor a turkey and you will receive a certificate to proudly show your friends. Since 1986 they’ve rescued and educated on how all farm animals are really raised-and all for us. After reading about them- I really don’t think I can eat turkey again (or any cow or chicken or pig) unless Lynn assures me they are truly from a free roaming farm (it will say free range on the package) because if I do…hmmm then in my mind it seems to mean I am ok with how they live and are treated. I may just go vegetarian to a gorilla diet! So, I am going on board for my first ever Thanksgiving turkey adoption because I know how lucky I was to be rescued and get a family of my own-I’m going to pay it forward. I am choosing Daphne-because she reminds me of myself -a little bit thin, and a lotta bit lovable.

DAPHNE

It’s kinda like the dog racing; if people knew how we greys really spent our lives to entertain everyone; I just know humans would speak out for us.

Lynn made a sign that says “ I strive to be the person my dog thinks I am”

So visit their site-I know you will speak out too.
*watch for our upcoming greyhound benefit at the store-I will let you know when. xo Willow

By lynn | Posted in Willow Says Blog | Tagged benefit, Farm Sanctuary, flowers for a cause, greyhound racing, Thanksgiving | Comments (0)

The Myths and Fears of the Poisonous Poinsettia