Hills Florist

Dont You just Love It

2011-10-07T22:42:00.000+01:00

Autumn that is ! loving the colours , thought we would go with some muted reds pinks and greens instead of reds and orange !! sorry if thats too controversial , thats just how it is ..

Orrell In Bloom

2010-06-12T21:26:00.000+01:00

A very nice customer told us today that we "brighten up Orrell Post corner, no end" I must say we can't take all the credit, we did have a little help from the glorious sunshine, but I thought I would share some pics with you and let you see for yourselves.

Everything Looks better in the sunshine !

Mother's Day Picture Montage !

2010-03-16T22:02:00.000Z

Below are a selection of pictures that depict the fun and mayhem of the weekend !

If you are wondering where the pictures are ? don't worry your web browser is working properly, we where so busy there was no time to take any snaps !! Sorry

We had our usual early mornings and late (Very Late) nights , we laughed, we danced, we sang and we ate Pizza ! and that was before we opened the doors to the heaving mob !

A Big thank you to our wonderful staff for pulling out all the stops and "cracking on " with such enthusiasm, thank you too to the friends and family who became flower delivery professionals for a couple of days and most importantly thank you to our lovely customers who chose Hills Florist to arrange flowers for their lovely mums.

I promise to post some lovely pictures in the next blog ...!

Spring Is in The Air

2010-03-09T23:29:00.002Z

The sun has been shining for four consecutive days !!

this must either mean that spring is finally here, or that as in previous years .. this is Summer ??!!.

In any case, the one thing that is certain to arrive soon is

Mothers Day.

With this in mind we have been busy making and preparing all kinds of gorgeous flowery things, ready for those lovely Mums.

On Oriental lady gazes out in quiet solitude over Orrell

( well, Gathurst road actually).

Yes I thought of that description myself !!

This is our Oriental..ish corner, with some lovely gifts for Mum

We will have a huge selection of flowers an plants in stock throughout the week, with some truly gorgeous designs. So, to avoid disappointment or even worse Abuse !! Order Early.
We will have extended opening hours over the weekend, and to make sure that we can meet the demand for our lovely flowers , we are bringing our sleeping bags !! that's Gonna be Fun !!!!!
Do McDonalds Deliver ?

A visual update

2010-02-22T20:35:00.000Z

Sorry its been so long ! but here is a visual update of the year so far

New year and the fireworks, and a couple of Chinese lanterns for good luck,

Snow

A little working lunch

A working trip to the Capitol ( shopping can be considered as work on this occasion)

More Snow

Another working Lunch !

the small matter of Valentines !!

Even more Snow.

An little window dressing.

The sharp eyed amongst you may have noticed a recurring theme .. SNOW!

could someone please tell the met office that we are not in Klosters and that

we have most certainly had ENOUGH of the white stuff for at least a year

Please let it be spring ??!!

Christmas Emporium

2009-12-08T17:30:00.000Z

For those unfortunate soul's who have not yet visited our lovely shop,

this is a little festive selection of what you are missing

Gorgeous Christmas Decorations

Fabulous Festive designs

A gorgeous outdoor christmas display !

To prevent over stimulation...We haven't posted pictures of today's fresh flower selection, ..... after all, we need to save you some surprises. ! Why not just pop in and have a look for yourself.

Our First Mince Pies & Sherry !

2009-10-25T23:04:00.001Z

We have been in festive mood a today, I realise that most of you will be horrified at the thought of it, but whilst we where putting the finishing touches to our Christmas gift range. To help us get in the mood we thought it appropriate to tuck into our first ... (of many) ... Mince Pies, and a shot of Sherry.

It worked a treat... so we have taken a few snaps of the results of our labours

However , so as not to send anyone into cardiac arrest we have only posted a few little teasers

You will have to be patient to see the full range .. it will be available from the 12th of November. .....
We Promise not to mention Christmas again for at least a couple of weeks

In the shop today

2009-10-19T14:28:00.000+01:00

Today in the shop we are

working with PINK

Reds & RUST

Pumpkins

and Oranges

We also had some home made Cake after lunch , Sorry No picks its all gone !

Today we are looking through the square window

2009-10-11T22:45:00.000+01:00

There is a definite nip in the air, and I have definitely seen some falling leaves it can only mean one thing... Autumn has arrived,

So this is our tribute to the season of rich reds, rusts, golds and browns

Just to be a little controversial we threw in a couple of old, chipped turquoise vases,

and a couple of baby pumpkins for good measure, .... any good hearty autumn recipes greatly received !!

Bridal Bouquets

2009-10-02T20:06:00.000+01:00

We have been making a selection of sample bouquets for brides in 2010, and after taking some snaps we realised that there is a bit of a white theme going on.

Calla lilies, with snow berry and China grass with a bit of bling

Close up "bling" Shot

Gorgeous tones in this bouquet, with Ivory Calla, Avalanche and Metlida roses, hydrangea and pink snow berry,

A simple bouquet of Calla lilies , with China grass, Panicum Grass and Aspidistra leaves, bound with satin ribbon.

The white theme continued !

Tomorrow we may be arranging Orange.... or .... Red , you will just have wait and see !

Are They scented Madam ?

2009-09-17T15:46:00.005+01:00

Whilst on a short holiday in Dubai

I couldnt help but notice the 10ft tall arrangements of Heliconias in the hotel. I snapped this picture just as a lady was trying to determine weather the flowers where scented ! not the most flattering pose ... Sorry Madam.

I also thought I would try and persuade our head of finance to get one of these as our new express delivery vehicles !! fully air conditioned of course !

Please note some more normal flowery blogs will resume when I return to Blighty

2009-09-14T21:41:00.003+01:00

Sorry Its been so long, We have been having a bit of a makeover , we have lost the green and gold and in line with our interior and stationary we have plumbed for Black and silver. It feels a bit more edgy !!

The new paint Job seems to have brought out the sun !

Still the same top quality flowers and plants
Still the same huge selection of Fresh cut flowers

Still the same Cheerful friendly and helpful staff, Just a different colour paint Job.

Your comments are welcome, however if you don't like our new colour scheme, please remember a change is as good as a rest, or so I am told !

Barbecue Summer !

2009-07-29T16:05:00.004+01:00

Is this it ?

How is one meant to keep the thing lit in these conditions ?? I was hoping that with the advent of global warming we would be more like the Riviera.

Obviously we need to accelerate the warming, I think we need to switch on all the lights and burn a bit more fossil fuel !!

The Big 70 !

2009-07-03T10:40:00.005+01:00

Happy Birthday

Today we celebrate a very special birthday, The big Cheif, The Top Honcho, The Main Man, The Gaffer, AKA Mr Hill is a big 70 today

. Thanks you to everyone for cards presents and the like, .. Don't worry anything that Mr Hill doesn't like will be consumed by the rest of us ... so thank you !!!!

A Sunny Sunday Afternoon

2009-06-14T22:21:00.005+01:00

A Bit of R and R at home on the range!
Somewhere to sit
Some simple essentials !
Do you like butter ?
and so to bed.........

Lovely Jubbly

Red & Ivory Wedding flowers

2009-06-01T22:58:00.003+01:00

Here is a peak at some of the flowers we arranged for Lisa and Kevin's wedding on Saturday. The camera battery died so there are only a few pics...

We used amongst other things Passion, Vendella, Akito and Avalanche roses with White oriental lily and ivory freesia.

Lisa wanted a shower style bouquet in creams and ivory with a little touch of red

Table flowers at JJB stadium, sadly this is where the battery died, so we cant show you the rest of the flowers....very annoying !

Summer ?

2009-05-28T23:01:00.004+01:00

It must be summer, we've had peonies for weeks , we also have lots of other gorgeous summer flowers.

Scented stocks

A beautiful rose called "Upper Secret"

Agapanthus

stunning cool blue Delphiniums, It makes you want to sit outside with a tall glass of fresh lemonade..... A double shot of Vodka in mine please !

HRH is in town

2009-05-23T20:09:00.000+01:00

Yes you are correct, the person resplendent in pink in the back of that car is none other than "Her Madge the Queen"

After a visit to the Heinz factory in Kitt Green, to celebrate their 50th anniversary, she was spirited away to her next appointment in Leigh. ..... Flanked by most of the Greater Manchester constabulary with a little help from an armed swat team, MI5 and probably MI6

Obviously she had heard about our lovely Orrell shop, filled with glorious fresh flowers and plants and had clearly instructed her driver to go to her next appointment via our lovely shop !!

We are certain that she asked Prince Philip to jot down our telephone number as they leaned forward to get a better view of the shop !!! We are expecting the call any time soon !!!!

Unfortunately due to other obligations she was not able to pop in for a cuppa, We suspect that she had dined on "Baked Beans" for lunch and was probably feeling a bit full.

As you will see from my "Drive-By Photo Shoot" the Paparazzi have nothing to worry about I had better stick to the day job........ Oh... the phone is ringing !!!!!!

Wild Wedding Posy

2009-05-15T23:54:00.004+01:00

Well as you will see from the picture , not really wild , more a bit unruly ! Our lovely bride wanted something that looked a bit Vintage and natural

We used swathes of roses , including Sweet Akito, Avalanche, Vendella, and a gorgeous smokey pink rose called Hipnose.

We added some Thyme, Astilby and strands of ivy for that Wild look.

It looked and smelled wonderful and our lovely bride was delighted ...Good Times !

Pink Wedding Posy

2009-05-07T21:29:00.003+01:00

A stunning wedding posy with Sweet Avalanche roses, pale pink Calla lilies, Phylanopsis Orchids, Proteas and Viburnum to name but a few

The gorgeous colours and tones in this bouquet are a real treat, it almost looks good enough to eat ! ..... sorry I'm a bit peckish !!

Orrell Hit by Mini Heat Wave !

2009-04-23T22:51:00.004+01:00

I know this fact to be true, not because the sun is shining, not because we have a selection of bedding plants, not even because people are wearing flip flops.

It is because Maria is down to one layer.... This normally only happens for a three week spell in August ! But here she is pictured without her jumper, fleece and red jacket... Wow it must be really HOT !

Easter

2009-04-13T22:36:00.004+01:00

A few snaps from around the shop this easter weekend , Hope you all got something high in calories, carb content and full of fat, yes I do mean Chocolate !

I am munching on a square or two of cadburys as we speak, ....well, type actually.

Black & Ivory Wedding

2009-03-29T20:26:00.005+01:00

The flower for Jim & Julie's Wedding where a pleasure to make. A small and intimate wedding with close friends and family, the theme was Black & Ivory, the look was simple and elegant.

In Julie's bouquet we used white Calla lilies, Avalanche roses, white m

ini Gerberas & Dendrobium Orchids, with s few black and ivory feathers and black chrystals.

Julie wore a floor length black gown, with an Ivory sash, and she wanted a long, elegant shower bouquet to complete the look.
A simple tied posy of Akito & Avalanche roses , with paper whites, freesia, Stallion chrysanthemum and Dill.
a simple and yet romantic bouquet, beautifully scented and timeless.

Finished with ivory voile ribbon and black pearl pin studs

Simple, yet stylish.

Easter eggs !

2009-03-26T18:52:00.005Z

Being a bunch of food fans, we are greatly looking forward to Easter and all those chocolate eggs, well actually, I prefer a good sturdy bar of chocolate, and its usually much easier to unwrap. although a chunky gold box of Godiva chocolates would be even better. Anyway enough about chocolate,

We have turned a little corner of the shop into an easter bunny's paradise !

Eggs in trees, spring bulbs, jugs with spring flowers and of course Chocolates, although if your watching your wait, perhaps the flowers or spring bulbs would be a better option !!
Lets face it, Easter can't come soon enough, I just hope the easter bunny knows where to leave our chocolate, I have postponed my diet (again) in anticipation !!

Mothers Day at Hills florist (part 2)

2009-03-24T19:19:00.008Z

Lots of lovely flowers all arranged and ready to be delivered to the lucky mum's of Orrell and Wigan.

The shop was full of flora and fauna , all wrapped up and ready to go
Orange trees, sumptuous hand ties, vases and jugs filled with all kinds of scented and aromatic flowers and foliages.

Flowers galore
Oh and not to mention a customers or two. !

Phew ! now where did I put that sticky bun and can of red bull !

Mothers Day at Hills florist

2009-03-21T05:51:00.002Z

Early starts and late finishes have been the order of the week. so when the first of three large deliveries arrived , we where already a bit bog eyed !

We couldn't wait to start arranging the oodles of gorgeous flowers that arrived. The Cool room was literally bulging , just enough room to slide in sideways.

Let the fun commence !

Mums The Word

2009-03-14T19:14:00.004Z

Buying a mothers day gift for the woman who has it all ? Then here is the answer to your prayers.

Calorie free, fat free, no artificial colours or preservatives, no batteries required, and no self assembly needed !!

You don't even have to get up off the sofa, you can order the perfect mothers day gift on our website www.hillsflorist.co.uk

Once you have placed your order, sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that you have actually remembered to send a gift this year !! ( Don't forget the card )

and since you wont need to be rushing around like a mad thing on mothering sunday morning, you can look forward to a long and well deserved lie in, unless that is your mum rings to say thank you at 8.30 in the morning !!!

Mothers Day Window

2009-03-10T21:07:00.006Z

As I said in my last post , we have the sunniest spot in Orrell and today the sun shone beautifully, so we decided to stay in our present location after all.

To this end we decided to put a Mothers Day window in , well actually we did it a few days ago but I have only just uploaded the pictures.

We have gone for a cottage garden look, jugs, tins, candles and all manner of cottage garden flowers.

So a message to the lovely mums of Orrell, we hope you can find a little something you like, feel free to send in your little ones ( with a grown up)..... or large ones (on their own) and we will help them choose something lovely for you

Our mothers day range is now available to view and order in store and will be on our website from Thursday

If your loved ones live far and wide why not email them this link www.hillsflorist.co.uk

Relocation Relocation Relocation

2009-03-06T19:55:00.005Z

In view of our recent wether conditions,

we have been discussing the possibility of relocating to a sunnier location,

and since we already have the sunniest spot in Orrell we had to broaden our search

Perhaps here ?

Here ?

Or Here ,

We don't mind the exact location as long as its sunny, sunny and most importantly sunny ! this spot looks just fine, not sure the flowers will be too happy..... but worry not we will love it.

Even better, we could sip on a "Sea Breeze" whilst arranging all manner of tropical flowers.

although what would we do with our extensive selection of Thermal Underwear ?

Purple

2009-03-06T19:21:00.004Z

Today in the shop we have been sponsored by the colour PURPLE

we arranged purple things

Purple Anemones, Trachelium, Aconitum, Tulips and Stocks.

We where even listening to Purple Rain by Prince !

Prince got a bit irritating , to say the least so to calm things down

we had a Hot chocolate ( out of a purple Cadburys tin) and a bar of lovely chocolate in a purple wrapper. mmMMMmmm.

JUGS !

2009-02-25T19:15:00.004Z

Here is one of a pair that we made up earlier.... Please note ... a quick message to anyone directed here, expecting a different type of "Jugs" you may be disappointed , this is not that kind of blog.

This is a lovely cream milk jug that we have filled with scented spring flowers and Sweet Avalanche Roses.

Its a sneak peak of our Mothers Day selection, Ideal for the woman who has everything.

We will be in high level, closed room, development workshops over the next few days to create the rest of our range.

In simple terms we will be perusing and arranging a selection of gorgeous flowers and suitable containers over a cup of tea and a chocolate digestive

Hard work, but someone has to do it !!

Is It Spring Yet ?

2009-02-20T18:36:00.004Z

This was the question posed by one of our lovely customers, as a beam of sunlight light, hit a six foot square patch of pavement outside the shop. Still slightly dazed by the glare I replied ........ "No, I think its about three damp days at the end of April" but for a very brief moment it really felt like Spring !

By now a crowd had gathered outside, I thought for a moment that someone may pull up a deck chair to catch a few rays !!... However, this being Orrell and not Blackpool the sun had soon disappeared and there was no deck chair to hand...
This very unusual climatic event inspired us to create all manner of stunning Spring bouquets, that literally flew out of the shop.
We used Hyacinths, Anemonies, Prunus , viburnum, Tulips, Roses and Orchids to name but a few.
We are hopeful that we may have another similar climatic event tomorrow
We have more spring bouquets on stand by ... Just in case !!

Flower arranging master class

2009-02-16T18:44:00.004Z

A master class in arranging a selection of flowers , just like these

First select your vase, or container. here we have chosen one of our stunning LSA hand made little numbers, but an old jug will do just as well

Then choose some lovely fresh flowers, here we have Daffodils and Viburnum, but the choice is yours

Then, using all your powers of artistry and creativity , skillfully plonk them into the said vase or container.

Now sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labors , this is a good time to slurp on a cuppa and tuck into a bar of something covered in chocolate,

Impress all your friends with your amazing floral artistry

If all else fails ... Pop into Hills and we will create something gorgeous for you instead, you can even take all the credit, we won't tell ...... honest !

A Valentines message !

2009-02-08T22:42:00.007Z

A message of reassurance to all our male customers ... Don't be shy, embarrassed, nervous, or awkward about ordering flowers for your loved one ( or two if your lucky)

You can order by phone or on our website , or in the shop, you can even wear a disguise if you like, although No Borat costumes please, there will be nowhere to keep your wallet and you will definitely need that !!

and dont worry about your message..... we have heard the lot, we cannot be shocked although we may have a little titter.

However in the interest of decency if your message contains "Percy Filth" please write it yourself and seal the envelope, Our lovely hills florist Girls may blush if asked to write details about position of the fortnight and a fruit sorbet !

New LSA Vases Arrived

2009-02-05T15:10:00.003Z

We have just taken delivery a gorgeous new selection of LSA glassware. Its in stock now, just in time to go with that huge bunch of valentines roses you've asked for.

A quick tip, .....why not buy a new LSA vase and leave it in full view with a little "post it" note saying "Roses in here please" ! ....... "or your guts for garters"...

"Garters" ... now that's a completeley different blog.

Project Snowman... Cancelled

2009-02-03T19:48:00.002Z

I thought it was too good to be true, the promised snow never arrived, even worse the rest has melted .... Project Snowman is now on hold probably until 2015 !

Blizzard Conditions

2009-02-02T18:32:00.002Z

At home on the range, we had what I could only describe as "Blizzard Conditions" .... ok, I exaggerate slightly, but as an avid snow fan imagine my delight as I discovered that all ten snowflakes that fell overnight had managed to stick. I was however,a little miffed when I heard that according to news reports London was under nearly a foot of snow, but hey I'm not greedy,

this is the first lying snow that I can remember in about five years. Usually it either melts on contact, turns to rain after about ten seconds, or someone throws water on their windscreen and leaves a stinking great hole in it.
Even better ... according to the Met Office (the BBC weather report) there is more snow on the way. Please note.. I will take this forecast as a guarantee and will be straight on the blower to complain if we don't get any more of the white stuff (snow that is).

In these rare climatic conditions it is usual that "PROJECT SNOWMAN" is implemented, If successful I will post pictures of the result.

Valentines Window

2009-01-30T20:45:00.005Z

In light of the fact that it is February the 1st in a couple of days, we thought it might be a good idea to get our first Valentines window in.

So here it is, just a "subtle" reminder to let all you guys out there know. It will soon be that time of year again. So if your Married, Single, Divorced, Besotted, In Love, In Lust or just Hen Pecked, get your finger out and send her or him (we are very forward thinking) a gorgeous valentines bouquet.

Just in case your already worrying about the cost, remember this... It's not often, that so little will do so much, for your love life !!! Don't forget Guys its on the 14th February this year ..and every year.

Accidental Photo Art !

2009-01-28T16:20:00.003Z

I accidentally managed to take these "arty" shots with my camera a Canon G9.

It was not through any great skill or camera trickery,

I simply had a coughing and sneezing fit whilst taking them.

Unfortunately my Man Flu has not yet subsided , despite consuming most of the Boots- cold & flu medicine's counter. I think, reluctantly I will have to have another "Hot Toddy".... or perhaps two !!!

A few bits and bobs

2009-01-26T20:05:00.004Z

This morning I had a moment to myself, I was sorting through a few old roses that we had left in a vase in the corner of the cool room and decided to bunch a selection together with a few other bits and bobs, for a vase at home.

The result looked really nice, see for yourselves.

Later we had a shopping appointment with Mrs W ( our head of all things financial) we where shopping for a present for my lovely niece

Mrs "W" has a black belt in shopping and any shopping excursion is treated like a military exercise. After several hours at the shops and a nice working lunch at Cafe Rouge we had successfully completed our mission. Fear not shopping fans, we did leave a couple of items on the shelves for other shoppers.

Spring Posy

2009-01-24T10:18:00.002Z

A sample spring posy for a wedding in 2010, , whith amongst other things white Hyacinth's white Trachelium, yellow Ranunculus purple anemones and a little yellow floribunda rose called "Sun City".

Tied simply with Raffia for a simple and natural look

Bring on the Brandy

2009-01-22T20:10:00.007Z

Yes, I think I have finally been struck down by Man Flu, and judging by my cough, I fear that I may also have a collapsed lung. (Any get well gifts will be graciously accepted) So it is with a steady hand and all the strength I can muster that I am sipping a medicinal Brandy. Shockingly, I have been told by some of our female members of staff, that man flu is nothing more than a light cold and will pass very quickly !!

Fortunately I was the recipient of a "Man Flu" survival kit for christmas. Unfortunately I tried ringing the enclosed bell for assistance for over an hour, but to no avail. I suspect the bell may have been sabotaged !!!!!

Spring Flowers

2009-01-20T10:29:00.007Z

Spring is a wonderful time for fresh flowers, and it dosen't have to be daffodils and Tulips.

Gorgeous Ranunculas in bright yellow, pink and orange, they look stunning, just placed on their own in a glass vase.

Crisp white Lilac, yes it is available in lilac but it's pictured here in white

Veronica, in white, pink or lilac.

There are lots of different choices, that can help make the perfect treat for yourself of a gift for someone else.

However we would suggest if you would like some gorgeous spring flowers of your own, drop a big hint, show them this blog, send them a picture, .... and if all that fails, then use any means at your disposal to get what you want !!

Gorgeous Grand Prix Roses

2009-01-18T15:24:00.001Z

For those modern guys who like to book early

We thought we would give you a sneak peak of a couple of our valentines products,

Grand Prix roses feature in this LSA glass vase, with Eucalyptus, Palm leaves and Pussy Willow

Grand Prix roses, nestled close together,

with Aspidistra leaves and steele grass,

with a couple of diamonds to boot,

What more could a girl want. ?

Going Green - Seeing Red !

2009-01-16T16:51:00.003Z

I was disappointed to learn that the good old tungsten light bulb is going to fall foul of yet another European directive, leaving only the new space age energy saving thingamajigs.

In an attempt to do our bit for the environment I fitted one of these gizmo's to the light fitting on our stairs at home. I was quite pleased with myself. I would be saving a fortune, and according to the label, it would last me well into 2020 !! . I switched it on with eager anticipation. After about 10 minuets there was a faint gloom bathing the stairs and landing. After what seemed like an hour there was enough light to see the bottom of the stairs, although it was like looking into an abyss. I thought for one moment that I was on the set of a Victorian costume drama, but NO, this was meant to be progress !

I quickly realised that If I needed the loo in the middle of the night I would have to switch the light on a good 20 minuets before I had to dash, otherwise I would probably go head long down the stairs. In addition if I wanted something from upstairs in the evening I had better take a torch, by the time the light came on I would have been up and back down again.

Then there is the cost to the NHS, people in dimly lit rooms stumbling over all manner of hidden objects, Then weeks in traction and not able to see to read the magazine that someone kindly brought you. !!!

I am sure that in the long run we will burn far more electricity and loose great swathes of rain forest because you will need four of these things on continuously to do the job of one good old tungsten bulb. Is this really progress ?

Apologies for my rant, normal flowery blogs will resume from tomorrow !!!

A Hint of Spring

2009-01-16T08:59:00.002Z

We decided to hold off with our Valentines window for another week. Instead we thought we would try and brighten our corner of Orrell so we popped in a few bright spring colours.

Our Valentines window will be in soon and we will have a sneak peak at some of our valentine designs on our blog next week. I know, this will be more eagerly anticipated than the Oscars, but you will just have to be patient.

Winter Blues !

2009-01-07T20:32:00.002Z

If your tired if tramping round the sales, if you've still got your cold, or even worse "Man Flu" or if your just sick of this winter weather

Why not treat yourself to some of mother natures finest work,
We have beautiful fresh flowers, in all kinds of colours, shapes and sizes, that will brighten the darkest winter day.

We will even do what mother nature can't and arrange them in a vase for you !
That just leaves you to get the medicinal Brandy, put your feet up and enjoy !!

Happy 2009

2009-01-01T15:15:00.004Z

Yes, 2009 barged in just after midnight, apparently a second late, still better late than never.

So we can say "goodbye" to 2008 and "bring it on" to 2009. Incidentally, if your able to focus on this text, congratulations your hangover has almost gone, if not may I suggest lying down in a dark room for a bit longer !!

Happy New Year to friends, family, customers and anyone else we know.

Party Flowers

2008-12-27T16:24:00.004Z

Yes, we have unwrapped all the presents, eaten the turkey, pulled our crackers and some of us have even been kissed under the mistletoe. So we would like to say a big THANK YOU, to all our lovely customers from near and far who very kindly brought us cards and gifts, we very much appreciate it.

We thought it was probably time for a few new pictures, so here are some snaps of some party flowers at Houghwood Golf Club, for a gorgeous party later tonight.

The theme was Christmas,of corse. We used Roses and Amaryllis with lots of Festive foliage and berries.

We arranged them in tall wine glasses with Gold willow, baubles

and some artificial Snow !

14 Hour days

2008-12-20T21:46:00.003Z

Today started at 5am when I was awoken to the sound of "The Killers"..... that's the group, not some crazed maniacs. Everyone got into work at 6am, and we started making up gorgeous Christmas orders almost straight away.Throughout the day a non-stop stream of festive customers has kindly visited our shop to make all manner of festive purchases. One lady, who had obviously been on the sherry even asked if we sold stamps ! We politely pointed her towards the Coop across the road. Our favorite thing today has been Ilex, we have used it in almost everything. It has plump, red berries and a bare wooden stems and looks great in just about anything. however I can confirm that it doesn't make a great addition to a cup of tea !
In what seemed like a couple of hours it was already time for lunch !! hmmm, two sittings so that we could keep the customers queuing in an orderly fashion.
Then it was back to making wreathes an pots, the demand was so great that some of us stayed behind, but only after we had managed to politely push out the final stray customers at 6pm.
We worked away at a pace, helped by Red bull , and with the support of Abba !! ...for a brief moment it sounded like Abba had re-formed and where doing an impromptu performance in our workroom, but it was Maria getting a bit carried away ( apologies to our lovely neighbour )

In no time at all it was 8:30pm and we decided we had better trolly off home and get some shut eye ! Being a Florist is Just Great !

It Could Be YOU !

2008-12-13T12:10:00.003Z

Yes, you could be the recipient of one of these gorgeous gifts, but you may have to drop a few hints to get one ...... "Oh I've not had flowers for ages" .... or perhaps a little less subtlety,..... " I would love some flowers for Christmas" .... If all else fails then may I suggest a more direct approach - " GET ME ONE OF THESE" !
In any event you can order one on our new website www.hillsflorist.co.uk. you will find lots of tempting floral gifts, for just about any occasion Order yours soon, to avoid disappointment. Please note that due to a prior engagement santa will not be available to deliver your order, but don't worry we have a team of jolly delivery drivers standing bye. Ho Ho Ho !

Make Way for the Tree.

2008-12-09T22:17:00.003Z

At home, we have put up the tree. I say tree, but really I mean Giant Redwood !.... 560 lights and countless baubles later it looks mighty fine.In the process, we have moved several pieces of furniture, totally obscured a window and had a squirrel removed by the RSPCA, but hey ! its Christmas. Mulled wine anyone ?

Flame Grilled Cake , Anyone ?

2008-12-09T01:02:00.004Z

Fire department on standby , stand well back, use the safety touch paper, do not return to the cake once lit !

Yes I'm afraid to say it is that time of year again, Hurrah !! tomorrow I am the birthday boy, no insults allowed, by order of The Management. However you know your getting on a bit when the candles on your cake can be used as an alternative source of thermal energy ! All gifts will be graciously accepted, especially those covered in chocolate, but anything insulting will be flogged on ebay !!!!!

Kissing Balls !

2008-12-09T00:15:00.003Z

For those poor souls who don't have a sturdy door knocker, on which to hang one of our gorgeous wreathes, here is a great alternative.

A kissing ball, or Christmas pomander. Why not hang one on your hanging basket bracket, if you've not been hit by the credit crunch , why not hang a pair ! Best of all they are artificial and so you can dust them down and stick them up again next year.

Stocking Fillers !

2008-12-04T19:35:00.007Z

Why not ask Santa for one of our stunning Christmas designs. If you've been really well behaved, you may just be in luck. However it is most unlikely that we, or for that matter santa, will be able to get them down the chimney, so be a love and open the front door.

Orders now being taken, by phone, email, in store and via the North Pole !!

A Working Lunch ?

2008-12-03T08:54:00.000Z

This is the lovely Mrs Wilkinson our head of finance and all things financial. She is pictured here in her office, fielding all kinds of financial calls , whilst doing all manner of financial things. I think its called multi-tasking !! Not something I'm familiar with.This is her happy face, which usually means that invoices have been paid, However for those late payers amongst you she has a very different face !! Its much too scary to post here.

Baby It's Cold Outside !

2008-12-03T00:27:00.000Z

At home on the range, the big chill finally arrived. We where promised some snow, but all we got was a touch of frost. No, not David Jason in an old coat, but good old Jack Frost I think I will write to the met office and complain. I had stocked up on all kinds of edible treats in the hope we might have been snowed in !!

Beyonce & Kylie

2008-12-02T08:01:00.000Z

Yes our very own Claire aka Beyonce, with more curves than a F1 race track and the lovely Trish, aka Kylie. small but perfectly formed !

Pictured here before the normal two hours in hair and makeup, looking a little giddy, I have been assured that they are sipping some sort of herbal tea !!!!

Fashion Tip- The Layered Look Perfected !

2008-12-02T04:10:00.000Z

This is the lovely Maria, arranging yet another stunning creation, whilst modeling the "layered Look"Yes, the two jackets fingerless gloves and woolly scarf are her normal winter apparel. Being half Spanish , she feels the cold more than most.

However, for two weeks in August she throws caution to the wind and doesn't bother with the scarf or gloves !.... How very rebellious !!

Only for the finest Knockers !

2008-11-26T15:37:00.000Z

Why not festoon your Knocker with one of these gorgeous door wreathes. !

A real treat at this festive time. However you may have to watch that Rudolph doesn't pinch the Satsumas on Christmas Eve !

Order yours now and save on the carrot for Santa's Reindeer !

Let It Snow

2008-11-24T09:52:00.000Z

Unfortunately we have not had any snow in the latest BIG CHILL !! So we thought we would sprinkle a little of our own.

Our latest Christmas window is full of the stuff . Oh and a few carol singers as well.

Snowball fight anyone ?

I think it could be time for the first medicinal Sherry of the day !!

Let festivities commence

2008-11-17T07:07:00.000Z

Did someone mention Christmas ?

I got a bit snap happy at work today, I thought I would share the results.

One or two christmassy things
Some more christmassy things

Even more christmassy things

Did I mention, we are now taking orders for christmas delivery , I realise that you probably

don't want to know that at the moment, but trust me on the 23rd of December you will wish you had taken my advice and booked early !!

An Army marches on its Stomach !

2008-11-14T23:25:00.000Z

Oh yes, We can most certainly confirm the accuracy of the statement.

We do love our food, anything with a high calorie and carb content , Preferably smothered in chocolate, and at this time of year washed down with a Medicinal Sherry ! Mmmm did someone mention Mince Pies, home made of course. ! ( who needs Mr Kipling)

Mele kalikimaka !!

2008-11-14T07:40:00.000Z

Yes I know, I'm impressed with my grasp of Hawaiian too. For those who have not seen "National Lampoons Christmas Vacation" it apparently means "Merry Christmas To you"

I do realise that I am a tad early with the festive greeting, but Christmas has officially arrived at Hills Florist.

We have decked the halls with all manner of festive decorations, not least Holly, and we've been busy creating all kinds of Christmas wreathes , garlands and decorations. We couldn't contain our excitement a moment longer, so we put out our annual Christmas extravaganza for all to see.

We Hope it gets you in the mood !!

for Christmas of course