Nagengast Now

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." - William James

2012-01-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

It has long been recognized that house plants reduce indoor air pollution, specifically chemicals emitted by paints, carpet, detergents, fabrics and varnishes. VOC's (volatile organic compounds) as they're called are removed by microorganisms in the plants' soil. The plants themselves remove CO2, increase humidity and reduce airborne microbes. Specific plants are known for their beneficial effects:

Dragon trees remove benzene, a toxin found in many glues, paints, furniture polish and detergents, from the air. Even low levels of benzene can cause drowsiness and headaches.

Ficus trees filter out toxic formaldehyde, an eye and nose irritant which can be found in furniture glues, insulation and cleaning products.

Jade trees release oxygen and water vapor at night. Put it on your nightstand to improve sleep.

Yucca trees significantly lower CO2 levels, which helps reduce stress and boost focus.

So bring home a houseplant or send one to a friend for better health! For more information visit:

http://www.teleflora.com/flower-news/post/breathe-easy-with-indoor-plants-800617452.aspx

and

http://www.prevention.com/houseplants/

Some Pictures From the Holiday

2012-01-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

Every corner deserves some flowers.
These ginestra at Christmas replaced the oncidium from Thanksgiving in a planter filled with boxwood for our centerpiece. Yes, it did smell amazing!
The origional Thanksgiving centerpiece of boxwood, beargrass and 10 stems of oncidium. That's it.

Falling in Love Many Tmes

2011-11-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.

Mignon McLoughlin

Some photographs of bouquets and the boutonniere for a recent wedding...

For more wedding images visit our site at: http://www.nagengast.com/-florist/-florist/Wedding-Florist

Kids, Don't Try This at Home.

2011-11-04T06:44:00.000-07:00

Neicy's pumpkin carving party was a great success despite the apparent wanton disregard for safety.

When We Say We Have One of Everything...

2011-05-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

We mean everything! Anyone else have a vase/hand in their basement and a drawer full of fake vegetables? This piece was designed for a class on knives at our neighbours' in Stuyvesant Plaza, Different Drummer's Kitchen.

Tulips in Washington Park 2011

2011-05-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

It's hard to make a tulip look bad...

2011-04-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

Eastertime is the Time for Eggs... and More!

On the Corner

2011-04-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

Some images of our Downtown shop on the corner of Benson and Ontario Streets:

Above All, It Should Be Personal.

2011-04-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

We are always encouraging families to make their last tributes personal. In this case it was a gentleman who loved the outdoors.

Capital District Garden and Flower Show 2011

2011-03-28T12:21:00.001-07:00

These are our pictures from the Capital District Garden and Flower Show. The one table scape is ours. Any info on who the other exhibitors were would be appreciated.

Class 4: "Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner . . ." (4 entries) Create a vignette paying homage to your favorite celebrity, who is coming to dinner. To be staged on a table with a 36" diameter top x 42" tall, with black skirting.

Someone has invited the Easter Bunny.

Our table set for Mariah Carey-Someone is having the Queen to dinner...

Someone has invited Santa!

Class 12: "Botanical Bling" (6 entries) Create a piece of jewelry to scale made out of botanical materials (flowers, foliage, pods, seeds, etc.) To be staged on a table in a space 12" x 12".

Class 5: "Any Reason To Celebrate" (6 entries) Celebrate your favorite international holiday, with a festive floral design. Choose one of the following: Cinco de Mayo, Ground Hog Day, St. Patricks’ Day, Boxing Day, Bastille Day, Chinese New Year. To be staged on a draped pedestal 37" tall, with a 16" square top.

Class 10: "The Big Top" (5 entries) Create two or more floral designs inspired by the circus. To be staged on the floor in a space 4’ x 4’. These must be LARGE scale designs and props are required.

Class: 6: "Pane N’ The Box " (6 entries) Create a vegetative design (using cut flowers) showcasing your best interpretation of Spring blooming in a window box.

Class 8: "When You Wish Upon A Star" (6 entries) Create an imaginative Disney influenced floral design. Accessories Permitted.

Class 2: "Out Of This World" (6 entries) Create a modernistic design depicting any aspect of our solar system using fresh and/or dried materials. (Modernistic Design: A contemporary floral arrangement expressing current trends and ideas.)

Class 9: "End of the Party" (6 entries) Create a lamp shade design of all botanical materials, using a table lamp as a base.

By Renaissance Floral Design.

Class 3: "Keep Off The Grass" (6 entries)

Create an original design using only fresh wheat, rye, etc. grass.

Class 1: "No Place Like Home" (5 entries) Create a front porch scene of a foreign country. To include a floral design and a plant(s) indigenous to that area.

Class 7: "Gypsophila" (6 entries) Create a free-form design using only baby’s breath. Accessories permitted.

Design by On Thai of Surroundings:

Make Your Feet Smaller?

2011-03-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

As we start thinking about spring in the garden, here is a great article with five easy-to-grow plants that will decrease your carbon foot print.

Details. Details. Details.

2011-03-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

Getting the details ready for our tablescape at the Capital District Garden and Flower Show!

Tour Our Stuyvesant Plaza Shop!

2011-03-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia Flower Show Links

2011-03-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

Official Phillidelphia flower show blog at: http://theflowershowblog.wordpress.com/2010/03/07/the-2011-philadelphia-international-flower-show/

Friend them on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-philadelphia-flower-show/learn-about-plantsand-make-new-friends/10150133239662529

Times Union photos at:

http://www.timesunion.com/living/slideshow/Springtime-in-Paris-at-Philadelphia-Flower-Show-3047.php#photo-7

Huffington Post article and photos at:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/04/philadelphia-flower-show-_n_831284.html#s248912

More photos at:

http://www.eventsbysarahelizabeth.com/home/2011/3/7/philly-flower-show.html

New York in Bloom 2011

2011-02-28T06:51:00.000-08:00

Jen Whiting, Nagengast Florist

Not Just Another Pretty Place: designer ?? (Anyone know?)

Mike Jones, Bill Doran

On Thai, Surroundings

Emily Pecora, Albany BOCES

ColeZapp, Bill Doran

Harlem in the 1920's Designer?? (Anyone?)

Benjamin Hodder, Frame of Light

Adirondack Hall Designer??(Anyone know?)

Pamela Nagengast, Nagengast Florist

Margie Amodeo, Nagengast Florist (above and below)

North Easter New York Orchid Society

Michelle Peters, Ambiance Florals and Events

Michael Harbison, Kyle Shiland and Cindy Wood

Matt Decker, "Sometimes more is more."

Laurie Costello, Atria Shaker

Larry LaMere, Schenectady ARC

Kathleen Rohlfs, Chatham Flowers and Gifts

Joan Reilly, Clas Florist

Ginny Kopp and Susie Burnett Fort Orange Garden Club

Experience in Creative Design

Erin Brady, Crazy Daisy Flower Shop

Winners!

2011-01-26T06:09:00.000-08:00

Our Sounproof Underpants won second prize in Teleflora's Cooler Challenge!

January challenge: Create an arrangement using a wacky gift that you (or any staff member) received this holiday season. The gift can be used in any way as long as it is part of the arrangement.

Mike, the man who has everything, saw "soundproof underpants" on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and emailed the idea out there to his family that he "wanted" them. His nephew, Ben, was up to the challenge and ordered acoustic foam from Amazon and spent 4 hours Christmas Eve sewing it to a pair of Hanes briefs. Fun for Christmas morning- but now what do you do with them? I guess the answer is you fill them with flowers!

We'll Tell You.

2011-01-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

In the recent Reader's Digest article "13 Things Your Florist Wont Tell You" the magazine shares some helpful and some not so helpful hints for great results with fresh cut flowers. We'll pass on their information and ((give you more)):

1. Sure, you can order flowers at 3 a.m. from 1-800-Flowers, FTD, or Teleflora. But they'll charge you $15 and then just call us. ((True. We get their orders after they've taken their $15. We also pay them to give us the order. Sad day for your local florist.))

2. Most flower shops restock on Monday mornings, so that's the time to place an order. Fridays and Saturdays are good days to ask what's on special. ((I don't know who they spoke to but we get flowers in every day from three different suppliers including Fridays and Saturdays.))

3. Out of preservative? Try this: one fourth 7Up, three fourths water, and two or three drops of bleach. ((We like preservative packets. If you want to "Try this" and roll the dice, go for it and please do report back!))

4. Ask for a discount. We give one to senior citizens, professional groups, and customers we like. ((We like everyone! We give everyone the best prices possible every day. Isn't it disturbing when your newspaper or cable provider gives discounts to new subscribers and not to their loyal customers? We don't play that way.))

5. The trick to making flowers last: Cut the stems at an angle and change the water at least every other day. And use the floral preservative we give you, not copper pennies. ((Changing the water is a great idea. Keeping them watered is so key.))

6. Don't forget to wash the vase with soap when you change the water. Otherwise, the bacteria clinging to the sides will contaminate your new water. ((We're not looking to make this gift a project, here. Changing the water should be sufficient. Use your common sense.))

7. How fresh is your rose? Look closely at the bottom of the blossom and see how many outside petals have been removed. The more ripped petals you see, the older it is. ((Checking for plucked petals is good but try pinching the rose at it's base and making sure it feels firm. If it feels like an orange with some give you're good to go. If it feels like a marshmallow, walk away.))

8. That cheap glass vase that came with your bouquet? Most of us will gladly recycle it if you return it. ((We are always happy to take returned vases. As flower lovers, we love our planet too!))

9. Fruit is the enemy. It emits ethylene gas, so even in a separate bowl a few inches away, it's a surefire flower killer. ((True, so think about where they usually put the florist area at the grocery store- right next to the fruit! We even have a separate cooler to hold the fruit baskets we make.))

10. Yes, your flowers look beautiful in the window, but the heat from direct sunlight will kill them in a day or two. ((Once flowers are cut their needs change so sunlight is seriously detrimental. Areas near radiators and air conditioners are also bad news. Think about where you're most comfortable- no hot cars, no cold cars (under 40 degrees is dangerous).))

11. You can buy the cheaper Valentine's Day roses at the gas station. But they may droop or lose petals the next day. They were probably cut weeks ago and put in cold storage. ((It's very important to think about the history behind your flowers. Flowers going to a professional florist are transported quickly in a "cold chain" where they are kept at precise temperatures that ensures optimum beauty and vase life. Florists have coolers kept at precisely the right temperature and humidity for flowers, not milk or eggs.))

12. It's not your nose. Many flowers today don't have much scent, because growers are breeding for long stems and a lengthy vase life instead. ((Sad but true. We carry plenty of flowers with scents, though. Stargazer lilies are known for their perfume-like fragrance. Stock comes in pink, white, ivory, lavender and purple and smells of cloves. Carnations have a fresh scent; especially the white ones. In the winter, evergreens give an awesome seasonal fragrance and in spring hyacinth in bulb or cut flower have a great scent.))

13. We didn't choose February. If it were up to us, Valentine's Day would be in the summer, when roses are actually in season. ((Valentine's Day roses are expensive for many reasons.

a. Demand. Growers, exporters, importers, shippers, wholesalers and retailers all need to hire extra staff for the influx of orders. And of course the rules of supply and demand apply.
b. Season. With shorter days it takes longer to produce the same quality flower. Higher energy costs raise prices for producers and wholesalers.
c. Valentine's Day falls only 51 days after Christmas- the second most popular holiday for red roses. The roses take 59-70 days to regrow. During this time several smaller buds are sacrificed to produce the one big bud you buy.

We're always glad to tell you about flowers.

The Reason For Sending Flowers.

2011-01-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these."

I just found a quote from George Washington Carver (his birthday is today, January 5). So many of the cards tucked in our flowers that go out every day are from people doing just this. Empathizing.

Stuyvesant Plaza Open House

2010-11-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

Stuyvesant Plaza's annual Holiday Open House is Saturday, November 20. Please join us in celebrating the best of the season.

We have gotten some great deals from our local wholesaler on home decor and gift items and we are able to offer them at unbelievable prices. Decorations for your home and your holiday table in all the traditional and not-so-traditional colors and themes are displayed to inspire even the most uninspired. Creative gifts for those that are so difficult to buy for and for yourself this holiday season.

Complimentary refreshments will be served all day.

Many of the shops in the Plaza are donating part of the day's profits to charities and we at Nagengast Florist have chosen to donate 5% of the sales from that day to colon cancer research. This donation is made in memory of Michael Nagengast, whose foresight, vision and hard work were integral in establishing and designing our shop in the Plaza.

It's Falling :(

2010-10-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

Some great links to get you thinking about readying your garden for winter:

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/09/01/garden/20100902-garden-slideshow.html

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/fall-garden-cleanup

http://www.homedepotgardenclub.com/Dimensions/Article.aspx?contentid=2606

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/home-garden/2009/10/05/fall-garden-cleanup-checklist/

Just in Case the World Ceases to Amaze You Today...

2010-07-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

Every two years the Grand-Place Brussels, Belgium creates a carpet from flowers that will knock your socks off! Their site also offers images of past carpets as well as in-progress shots.

The New York Botanical Garden's exhibit The Edible Garden runs through October 17.

Some amazing and inspiring images from the Sandringham Flower Show in England. Serious gardening, work, and serious fun!

New York Times article on taking care of plants in summertime heat and drought.

Hidden Treasures of the Berkshires Garden Tour 2010

2010-07-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hidden Treasures of the Berkshires Garden Tour

Lenox Garden Club

July 10, 2010

Plants That Tweet?

2010-07-09T05:49:00.000-07:00

Now your plants can send you a tweet when they need a drink. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, you'll need supplies, tools and more that the average man's skill with electronics. A+ for effort and ingenuity, though! One plant on Twitter has 3,452 followers!

That's Just How We Roll...

2010-06-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

Old pictures of Emil J Nagengast Delivery Trucks :)

...covered in flowers for a parade

He looks a bit menacing- I'm not sure I'd answer the door!

The old Model T...

OK I Killed It. What's It To You?

2010-06-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

Not everyone has got a green thumb like my mom. She hacks at trees, bushes and plants until you're sure they are never coming back. Tough love? Maybe. But, everything always grows back bigger and better than ever. If you don't have the same instinct and insight as she does, this June your garden could be less spectacular than you had imagined. Here are some things to think about:

Notice gaps in your gardens where plants did not come back or (gasp!) died. Remember that new perennials will grow slowly the first year then take off. Give them some time. Any larger openings can get a new perennial this year or next.
Fill in any temporary gaps with annuals. They are a great burst of color. I like the old tried and true geraniums, petunias, impatiens, New Guinea impatiens, reiger begonias, strawberry begonias and the like. There's a reason our grandmothers planted them; they're strong!
Maintenance is key. The importance of dead-heading, staking, fertilizing and weeding cannot be overstated.
Remember to enjoy your garden. Take photographs of your flowers. These images will make gorgeous wallpaper on your computer in January. Bring flowers inside. Put them in unexpected places like front halls and bathrooms.

They're Saying You Smell Like Fermented Watermelons.

2010-06-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

I didn't say it. Michael Tortorello does in the June 9th New York Times features an inspiring article on Making Flowers into Perfume . If you're looking for a new way to enjoy your flower garden maybe you should consider creating perfume. Andrine Olson, a professional perfume artisan, shares her excitement for gardening as well as the art of perfume making. Besides the obvious benefits, Olson believes that the infusions provide aromatherapy. For more information see also Mandy Aftel's book Essence and Alchemy.

Modern Terrariums as Scenes of Art and Muggings?

2010-06-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

In the New York Times June 2 article, Terrariums Make a Comeback, Emily Weinstein takes a new look at terrariums. Both economical and easy to maintain, terrariums are a collection of plants for people that think they can't grow plants! A YouTube video featuring Tassy Zimmerman, one of the florists interviewed, gives step by step instruction on creating your own terrariums. The article includes instructions, as well, from Noel Rose, owner of Anchor Aquarium Systems. "It's an ongoing experiment,"Mr. Rose said. "You're trying to create a microclimate- that's what separates a terrarium from a flowerpot."

It's Always Sunny on That There "Interwebs"

2010-06-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

Flower of the year: Streptocarpus Harlequin Blue

It may be raining today but it's always a sunny day on the "Interwebs." Check out the BBC's Chelsea Flower Show. The site includes images from the show's large and small flower gardens, visitor's photographs, tips on creating topiaries and flower arrangements and encouraging biodiversity in your garden. Also included on the site are links to other helpful sites for those interested in starting their own flower and vegetable gardens.

The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Chelsea Flower Show site has RHS plants and products available for purchase, an online forum, garden plans and if you haven't had enough, links to sites for other garden shows.

The show ran from May 25th-29th on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, in Chelsea, London, England. The show is the most famous gardening event in England. The Garden Shows began in 1862 in Kensington. In 1905 they moved to their current site.

Things that make you go hmmm?

2010-05-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

Cost of a dozen roses arranged delivered (5/25/2009):

nagengast.com $62.00

FTD.com/florist.com $89.98

Teleflora.com $91.94

JustFlowers.com $72.98

Virtualflorist.com $74.90

Bloomstoday.com $74.98

CoasttoCoastFlorist.com $84.90

flowershopping.com $72.40

1800flowers.com $74.98

Yeah, I'm gonna call this one.

2010-05-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

In November, 1995, "The Road Ahead," written by Bill Gates, hit the bookstores. Among Gate's predictions was the following: "Because the information highway will carry video, you'll often be able to see exactly what you've ordered. ...you won't have to wonder whether the flowers you ordered for your mother by telephone were really as stunning as you'd hoped. You'll be able to watch the florist arrange the bouquet, change your mind if you want, and replace the wilting roses with fresh anemones."

Yeah, it's been 15 years and I'm gonna call this one and say it's not going to happen. For all he knows about computers, computer users and technology in general, he hasn't got a clue about how a florist works. His scenario would prove logistically and financially impractical. Our florist employs up to twelve designers at a time working all around our 3,500 square foot main shop and our satellite shop 4 miles away. Even if each design table had a camera on it the video would be less than entertaining or insightful. A great deal of the designer's time is spent away from their table, chosing containers from storage and flowers from the cooler. Scheduling a video conference for each arrangement would be logistically unreasonable and economically prohibitive. Last minute changes, likewise, would cost time and money making the price of each arrangement exorbitant.

Poppy Copies?

2010-05-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

Above: a table of designs shared by local florists.

Last night as I read about a recent plagiarism suit in New York City it struck me that as prevalent as theft is in all the other art and design fields it is really not an issue for floral design. From my experiences here in our shop and at design shows and classes in our area, floral designers are always proud to share their ideas and teach their techniques.

Online, Facebook and Twitter are filled with professional florists anxious to share their achievements and clever creations with other florists. Digital photography has been a huge advantage as it allows flowers shops to share images of their work on the Internet in so many ways.

All this generosity may lead some skeptics to question the financial benefit to a florist, a business, of giving away the secrets to what it sells every day.

From a business perspective, it is smart to advertise the products your shop is proudest of and show all the materials, time and skill that are invested in each piece. (The most commonly eaten food in the U.S. is bread but I think even though you'll find literally thousands of recipies for it on the web you'll only find a handfull of people you know who've actually ever made it.)

From an artistic perspective, floral design is all about conveying feelings and eliciting an emotional response. If the response is that the person wants to recreate that arrangement and share it with someone else then that should be a designer's greatest success.

2010-05-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

I just finished reviewing corsages for the weekend proms. This years orders run the gamut from white on white (white roses with white ribbons) to one that's red, orange and pink! Whenever I find myself surprised by the spectrum of orders I remind myself of the spectrum of customers we've got. One thing that most have in common when it comes to prom corsages is that it is the first time they have ever ordered flowers. Fortunately this generation has the benefit of the internet where they can look for inspiration and find images to convey their expectations. Some things to think about as your shopping corsages in particular are:

1. Color of the girls dress usually dictates a color scheme. If you are unsure of color, white is a safe neutral.

2. In my experience, roses, spray roses and dendrobium orchids are at the head of the class for elegance and endurance. Mini calla lilies and cymbidium orchids (both should be ordered well ahead of time as most shops don't carry them every day) are truly elegant and simple but they are fragile and any impact will crease thier pristine petals. Carnations and daisies will also hold up well. Alstoemeria will maintain their freshness but are very fragile.

3. The next big consideration is whether you would like a handheld bouquet or a corsage. Corsage can be made as pin-on or wristlet but our orders for prom are almost exclusively wristlet style. Handhelds may be refered to as colonial bouquets (which are usually arranged in a plastic design holder), nosegays or tussy mussys. Whichever you choose to call them be sure to convey the size in diameter and length that you expect.

4. A picture is worth a thousand words. Design and color are very subjective so pictures can clearly convey expectations where words like elegant and exotic can have very different meanings.

5. Boutonniers do not have bows. Okay, if you want a bow I'll put a bow on it but I do not recommend it. A piece of ribbon wrapping the stem of the flower(s) is, however, appropriate and a nice way to coordinate the boutonnier with the corsage.

Our Prom Suggestions

Like We Needed An Excuse to Build Another Garden?

2010-05-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens may look like any other perrenial garden but they are eco-friendly work horses. Rain gardens are designed to hold the runoff from hard urban surfaces like roofs, sidewalks and driveways until they can be absorbed by the earth beneath them. One benefit to rain gardens is that they keep rainwater on site to support trees, bushes, flowers and grass on your land. A big picture benifit is that they prevent storm water runoff from filling storm drains and seeps it throught soil where pollutants can be filtered out. Since they are designed to drain within 48 hours, there is no risk of supporting mosquitos and other insects.
For more information on designing a rain garden in the capital district visit:

Cornell Cooperative Extension

Rain Garden Network

Does Anyone Else Feel May Flying By?

2010-05-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Spring can feel like such a busy time for gardeners that you often don't know where to begin. For those of you who could use a little help planning, planting, caring for and harvesting your flower and vegetable gardens the BBC is here to help. Although the English climate is more temperate than Albany's I think the ideas can still be inspirational:

BBC daily gardeners' calendar

(Remember that most European countries write thier dates dd/mm so the dates will appear differently than ours.)

I want. I want. I want. (enough said)

Martha Stewart's tips for planning your garden

And a pretty site with some great information for those of you with flower gardens.

flower gardening tips

Flowers: Farm to Table

2010-05-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

If you enjoyed those pieces Mr. Rogers did on the journeys everyday items make on their way to your home you'll love these storys on how flowers get from the farm to your table:

Floriculture

Dutch Flower Auction

The Floral Industry

And if your inspired to put some flowers on your table (or someone elses) today visit: nagengast.com!

Happy Accidents

2010-05-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

I started Amy Stewarts book, Flower Confidential, yesterday and she begins with the story of the "Stargazer" lily. It seems Leslie Woodriff created "Stargazer" in 1978 in California. Woodriff's focus was on creating as many different varieties as possible, often in a very haphazzard way. He would mix pollen from many different lilies and spread it over many others. The result was that he would create many new varieties that others wouldn't even deem possible. One would think Mr. Woodriff would have become a very wealthy man but in fact he lived a very humble life. He entered into an agreement with Ted Kirsch, owner of Sun Valley farm that forfeited most of the profits from the lily. Under the agreement Woodriff could experiment all he wanted on Kirsch's farm and Woodriff and his wife and children could live on the farm and earn a salary. Kirsch would own the discoveries Woodriff made. Although Kirsch made money from the "Stargazer" he didn't reap the real fortune that went with creating the most popular lily in the world. The rights to the flower were sold to a Dutch company as a part of another deal and they recognized what they had invested the time and money into making it what it is today. Remarkable story and interesting read. Stargazers and more available at nagengast.com

meet us on Twitter and Facebook:

3D Roses?

2010-04-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

We're always striving to bring you what's new. Recently both our Ontario and Stuyvesant shops have started selling "3D Roses." Our new 3D Roses are grown using a closely monitored growing process ensuring that the rose plants produce dramatically larger heads, and stronger, straighter stems. The 3D Freedom (red) roses are improved versions of the Russian/European cut roses that we've grown to trust. These new roses are enhanced with specific care and handling procedures to ensure that the mature, open-cut rose's vase life is not compromised at all! Each rose is given nearly 20% more sun in the crucial growth finishing stages of the rose development. This increases the vibrancy of the color, the size of the rose and its overall beauty and enjoyment. Each stem is about 30" in length.

Academy of the Holy Names 125th Anniversary

2010-04-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

A celebration honoring the 125th Anniversary of the Academy of the Holy Names was held at the origional school site on Madison Avenue in Albany and Emil J Nagengast flowers was honored to be asked to decorate with flowers.

Albany, NY is Alive With Flowers

2010-04-26T08:02:00.001-07:00

If you haven't been to Albany's Washington Park yet to see this years tulips don't waste a minute! They're up; They're open and they're amazing! If you failed to plant your own tulips last fall stop in and pick some up at one of our shops (169 Ontario Street and Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany). Or send a friend some tulips at nagengast.com!

For more photos from Washington Park this Spring visit Emil J Nagengast on Facebook!

April Showers Are So Cliche...

2010-04-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

Did you know that April is also:

International Customer Loyalty Month

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month

National Daisy Flower Month

National Smile Month

Dog Appreciation Month

Keep America Beautiful Month

National Garden Month

National Daisy Flower Month

National Smile Month

and World Habitat Awareness Month

If you need more to celebrate visit:

http://www.on-this-day.com/

http://www.holidaysforeveryday.com/ or

http://www.foodimentary.com/today-in-food-holidays/april-holidays/

It's Official.

2010-04-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

The most popular arrangement on nagengast.com for March was "Sunny Smiles" and it's easy to see why. Lilies, spray roses and more in sunny happy colors for only $32.95. It's the perfect size for an end table or office desk.

A History Lesson

2010-03-31T12:33:00.000-07:00

Emil J. Nagengast Florist is a family-owned business that was started in 1910 by the late Emil J. Nagengast Sr. From a young age, Emil grew flowers and vegetables at the corner of Ontario and Benson Street in Albany, NY, while his parents farmed the land. In1910 Emil opened the florist on this corner. The main store still remains at this location today. He and his wife, Sophie, ran the business themselves for several years, building a reputation for superior quality and service.

During the 1920’s and 30’s Emil and Sophie raised a family of eight children. As the family, as well as the florist grew, the children began sharing in family and business responsibilities. One of the children, Josephine, sadly dies at an early age. The eldest daughter, Margaret, was frequently called into the store to work during busy periods, along with helping her mother at home. The youngest girl, Dorothy, worked as a bookkeeper in the office for many years. Meanwhile the boys, George, Emil Jr., Joe, Bernie and Ray, spent their time working after school and on weekends. It was routine for the boys to get up very early to do greenhouse work before school. Many times their father would call the principal at Christian Brothers Academy to have his sons dismissed early to come help with the day’s work. In 1936 Emil expanded the flourishing businesses by building a brick showroom facing Ontario Street.

The 1950’s met with the death of the youngest boy, Ray, who dies in the service. Over the next decade the boys finished school and each entered the family business full-time. Emil J. Nagengast Florist was rapidly developing into one of the largest florist shops in the Northeast. In 1955 the business was incorporated and the store’s work expanded.

In 1960 Mrs. Sophie Nagengast passed away. In the mid-1960’s, Emil Sr. semi-retired and passed the business down to his four sons. In 1966 the store was completely renovated and modernized to its present façade.

The 1970’s brought the passing of three of the four sons, as well as Emil Sr. at the age of 84. George, Emil Jr. and Joe all died in their mid-fifties.

As the 1970’s progressed the next generation began to learn the family business. Diane or “Susie” (Emil Jr.’s daughter), Joe Jr. (Joe’s son), and Michael (Bernie’s son) all began working full-time between 1970 and 1975, learning the business first hand as their fathers had before them. A few of Emil Sr.’s other 28 grandchildren worked in the flower shop, but only Anne (Bernie’s daughter) and Marcia (Joe’s daughter) have remained in a permanent capacity.

In 1978 it was time again to expand and update the operations. An ambitious renovation was completed, replacing the original greenhouse with a plant showroom. A storage area and loading dock were also added. The design room was greatly expanded, making it possible to have all the work produced in one area.

In the early 1980’s Emil Sr.’s surviving son, Bernie, retired to spend more time with his wife, Matilda, in Berne, NY. He officially made an agreement with the grandchildren to become owners and managers of the business, thus cementing the future of Emil J. Nagengast Florist for another generation.

Many significant changes occurred in the late 80’s into the 90’s. A computer system was introduced for the first time, thus making accounting and paperwork much more streamlined. Emil J. Nagengast was also one of the first florists to develop a website, making it convenient for everyone, even those in foreign countries, to see the floral creativity of the designers and place orders online. In 1990 co-owner, Joe Jr., decided to leave the business, making Susie and Mike partners.

In 1996 Emil J Nagengast Florist opened a second store in Stuyvesant Plaza. The satellite store’s Uptown location was key in attracting new customers, as Albany’s demographics were changing.

In 1999 Michael passed away, too soon, at the age of 47. Susie became the sole owner. Around this time Emil Sr.’s great grandchildren, Pamela and David, started working part-time after school and on holidays. In 2002 Susie’s sister, Denise, came on as a full-time bookkeeper. She greatly helped bring the business up to date technologically with a new computer system. Pamela also took a greater interest in the family business, becoming a fulltime florist in 2006. Amid all the changes, one thing remained constant, Emil Sr.’s daughter, Margaret, continued to cook for all of the employees during every holiday until her passing in 2005.

In 2009 Emil’s last surviving son, Bernie, died at the age of 84.

In 2010 the florist reached an important milestone. It celebrated its 100^th anniversary. Throughout all the changes over the past century the primary goals of quality and customer satisfaction have remained the same. A reputation for being the freshest and finest in flowers and plants is being carried on to this day. Over the past 100 years and continuing on into the future, Emil J. Nagengast Florist truly is a “family tradition.”

100 Years! (and counting)

2010-03-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

Emil J Nagengast in the greenhouse with azaleas and lilies. Looks like Easter, 1972.
The back room crew at the florist circa 1960.
Bernie Nagengast and his father Emil in the shop on Ontario Street.

Emil J. Nagengast Sr. Founder of Emil J Nagengast Florist in Albany, NY.

Hudson Valley Garden and Flower Show

2010-03-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

March 26-28, 2010

Friday, March 26, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday, March 28, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Hudson Valley Community College 80 Vandenburg Ave. (Rt. 4), Troy, New York 12180

More details at: http://gardenandflowershow.com/

O.K. Now It Feels Like Spring

2010-03-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

...and with Spring comes thoughts of gardening. We've got some ideas from the new school of thought in gardening.

The environment. It came first and it should always come first. Sustainable gardens require less water and promote native plants and animals (including insects). Feeding birds and giving them a constant water source in your garden is important too. Low and non-toxic chemical usage in gardening keeps the environment on the right track.

Gardening in small spaces is starting to get a lot of attention as so many of us live in urban environments that limit the size of our gardens. Thinking vertically is one answer. Spike plants, climbing plants and grasses are great for small gardens. Container gardening can be another answer. Mixing annuals and perennials with vegetables and herbs is gaining popularity and with good reason. Dwarf and slow growing plants also allow for variety in very small spaces. Building long lasting color in small spaces can be a challenge but growers are on to this and there are many reliable performers out there if you're paying attention.

Gardening tools that get the work done more efficiently are very popular as well. Look for good quality, sturdy tools and keep them sharp.

Economical concerns have lead to frugal gardening as a necessity for many gardeners but the challenge can have great results. The Garden Writers Association Foundation reports that 30% of Americans had a vegetable garden in 2009. Ordering from catalogs as well as growing plants from seed can save big.

Many gardeners have chosen to spend money creating an outdoor retreat in their garden instead of going on vacations this year. Reworking your design can bring new life to a tired stale garden.

Felis Silvestris Catus and Lilium

2010-03-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

With Easter fast approaching, April 4th, it is important to remember that cats and lilies don't mix. For a cat, eating lilies can cause renal failure and permanent, life threatening liver damage. Lilies are safe for other house pets. Other common household items that may harm cats include mothballs, cleaning products such as Pine-Sol and Lysol and antifreeze. Certain foods including chocolate, onions and garlic are also dangerous for cats. For more information on household safety contact your Veterinarian.

Rarest Flower in the World Blooms in England

2010-03-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

What is possibly the rarest flower in the world is blooming in England. It is known to exist only in England and New Zealand. For more visit: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/03/rarest-flower-world-blooms-pics.php . For less rare but equally beautiful flowers visit: nagengast.com !

Is 2010 the year?

2010-03-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

Getting married in 2010? Nagengast.com's new wedding section has beautiful ideas in all colors and price ranges. While some local florists have minimums for floral budgets, we are happy to do whatever we can to make your day special no matter how modest your budget.

For a peek at our weddings go to "Emil J. Nagengast Florist" on Facebook and follow "Nagengast" on Twitter.

Bring in your ideas, books, magazines and swatches and we'll work with you to help make your day exactly what you've dreamed of!

Another Way to Get a Jump on Spring!

2010-03-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

Some of the first signs of Spring are here at Emil J Nagengast Florist; daffodil bulbs, barely sprouting, from Canada! For anyone who is truly impatient, we do have cut tulips in lots of colors sold in bunches, arranged or in an arrangement with other garden flowers. See Spring on our site at : nagengast.com.

Forcing Spring

2010-03-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

Just can't wait for Spring? Don't!

Since many flowering trees and shrubs set their buds during the previous growing season, it only takes a few weeks of winter to get them ready for Spring blooming. Apple, crab apple, dogwood, flowering quince, forsythia, honeysuckle, lilac, redbud, spirea and willow all work well. Here are directions and tips for forcing flowering branches from trees and shrubs:

Cut branches when temperatures are above freezing.
Take branches less than 1/2" in diameter.
Be careful not to disfigure your tree or shrub; You're going to have to look at it next Summer!
Look for branches with plump flower buds. Flower buds will be larger than leaf buds.
Once brought inside, split the bottom of the branch to 1" from the end.
Place in a vase of warm water containing floral preservative in a cool place.
Mist occasionally to prevent branches from drying out.
Flowers should appear in 2 to 3 weeks.
Branches should be placed in a sunny but cool place once opened. Remember you're simulating Spring, not Summer.

2010-02-26T12:19:00.000-08:00

My first blog this year was a promise for insightful content and a peek behind the scenes here at Nagengast Florist. I guess this qualifies as a peek behind the scenes...

The other day we pulled out this bird and now we can't help ourselves! I named him Birt (very original). We decided he's our new mascot. Look back here for more on Birt and maybe some floral insight.

New York in Bloom 2010!

2010-02-24T10:18:00.000-08:00

As promised more images of our work in New York in Bloom 2010 at the New York State Museum in Albany. We all enjoyed being a part of this exceptional show and are grateful for the opportunity! Pam designed a piece for this red panel in the front hall of the Museum, MaryBeth's arrangement complemented a beautiful black and white print of old Albany. Jenn's designed her arrangement for the whale exhibit and Margie's arrangement was designed to coordinate with a parade cart in the fire engine exhibit.

Up on the Roof OR A Partridge in a Pair of Skis?

2010-02-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. Their "snowshoes" not skis. But pair of skis rhymed better!

What do you do on a quiet snowy day in the office when you have 8" of snow and a basement full of props? Things get fun!

Nicely Done Pam!

2010-02-22T11:52:00.000-08:00

More images to follow...

in the meantime visit nagengast.com !

New York in Bloom 2010!

2010-02-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

We just finished our arrangements for New York in Bloom and we could not be more excited to show off!

Each year the New York State Museum in Albany hosts "New York in Bloom," a benefit for the Museum Club. The Club provides after school activities and enrichment programs for young people here in Albany. The event is the primary fundraiser for the Club.

Over a hundred different sites are set up around the museum and florists and garden clubs are asked to design flower arrangements to complement the exhibits. This year we have four pieces in the Museum so four different floral designers get a chance to exhibit their work. We are grateful to New York in Bloom and the New York State Museum for this opportunity and wish them good weather and great turnout. For more details visit: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/programs/nybloom / To see our work visit our facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/nagengastflorist or our Flickr photos at: http://www.flickr.com .To see what we have available online visit: http://www.nagengast.com/ .

Spreading the Love

2010-02-15T05:33:00.000-08:00

Well that was fun! Thanks to all our loyal customers that chose Nagengast Florist this Valentine's Day. The Times Union and Capital News 9 both stopped in to visit and we were very happy to share our story with them- especially this year ((100 years!!)). Variety and customization seemed to be the name of the game. People really went out of their way to customize their gifts with thoughtful messages, carefully chosen flowers, and lots of candy, balloons and bears. It's great to see people really enjoying sending flowers!

Groundhogs Be Damned... Spring Is Here At Nagengast Florist!

2010-02-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

Tulips from the Netherlands (North Holland and South Holland are provinces of the Netherlands it is incorrect to refer to the country as "Holland") arrived today and Spring can't be far behind! Although tulips are most commonly associated with the Netherlands, they are actually native (as a wildflower) to Turkey and parts of the middle east. The Dutch East India Company and Dutch West India Company traded spices, furs, sugar and coffee through Turkish trade routes and in 1593 a botanist coming to work in the Netherlands brought a collection of tulip bulbs. Although tulips had never before been seen in this part of the world, they had been cultivated in the Ottoman Empire since about 1000 AD. The colors and variations were overwhelming and the flowers soon became a favorite in European gardens. Rare varieties became favorites of the wealthy and flower growers sold not just the cut flowers but the bulbs as well. The price of tulip bulbs skyrocketed and soon investors were day trading tulip bulbs and making a fortune. The frenzy became known as "tulip mania." In 1637 the obsession came to a quick end ruining many an investor. The love affair with the tulip was not over, however, and to this day the Dutch continue to cultivate new varieties and develop more disease resistant varieties to grow and sell at home and abroad.

For more see: http://www.pbs.org/thebotanyofdesire/
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulips

or shop online at: http://www.nagengast.com

I Do. ... not like turquoise

2010-01-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

"Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing."

Yeah, I don't think so. I know as a florist I'm supposed to think all colors are beautiful just like all babies and all brides are beautiful but I just can't feel the love. Pantone has named Turquoise the color of the year for 2010 and I could not be more underwhelmed. Their site offers over one thousand color boards full of creative and striking color combinations at http://www.dessy.com/pantone/gallery . For more traditional fare and a peek into our portfolio and more visit us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/nagengastflorist , Flickr as emiljnagengast , and our weddings home at http://www.nagengast.com/-florist/Wedding-Flowers.asp .

Maybe a turquoise wedding will walk in the door tomorrow and change my mind.

Don't Do It!

2010-01-27T10:20:00.000-08:00

...Yet!

A few things to think about before you order your Valentine's Day Roses.

Most people are under the misconception that roses are difficult flowers, Everyone should know that high quality roses, handled properly, will develop in the vase as they would on the plant; from buds to fully open flowers.

The sender needs to choose a reputable florist to ensure that the flowers were cared for according to optimal processing practices. It is the florist's responsibility to buy quality roses and treat and store them properly. Look for florists that store their roses in a cooler, not on the shop floor. Coolers control temperature and humidity to prevent botrytis. Roses need to be stored away from produce as high levels of ethylene gas from ripening produce shorten the vase life of roses. Flowers should be kept in fresh, clean water. Microbes in stale water inoculate flowers with bacteria. The flowers should be processed with hydrating solution and kept in preservative solution. Surveys show that 25% of retailers use no preservatives and 55% use them at too low a concentration. For this reason, choosing a reputable florist is essential.

Failure of roses can be caused by an air embolism or air bubble in the stem which prevents water from going up the stem and reaching the head of the flower. Careful processing and keeping the vase filled with water greatly reduce the chance of such an air bubble. If a rose "hangs its head" as a result of such an air bubble it can be laid in a sink of water and recut then placed deep in warm water to rehydrate the rose.

Finding an appropriate place for your roses is very important. Cut roses do not tolerate extremes of heat or cold. They should be set in a place free of cold drafts; away from doors and windows. They will not tolerate heat from direct sunlight, heating units, radiators or televisions. Remember these tips for rose success:

When buying, look for roses:

From a reputable florist
Stored in a cooler
Kept in fresh, clean water
Kept away from produce

When caring for roses:

Keep vase filled with water
Keep water fresh and clear
Keep out of direct sunlight
Keep away from heat sources
Transport wrapped to insulate from the cold

To view and order Nagengast Roses online visit nagengast.com

They Can't Promise Free Delivery- They Don't Deliver!

2010-01-26T06:23:00.000-08:00

Free delivery? They don't deliver flowers how can they promise free delivery. 1-800-Flowers Recently settled a case accusing them of claiming free delivery when they could not offer it and adding a shipping fee when the flowers were delivered by local florists. According to the terms of the settlement in this case against 1-800-Flowers.com, anyone who bought flowers from them from March 1, 2006- February 5, 2008 is due a $10 voucher toward future purchases. Many consumers are irate that after being conned by 1-800-Flowers they must now make a purchase from them again to get any compensation. This is what one online consumer received in an email from 1-800-Flowers:

Dear 1-800-Flowers.com Customer:

Because you purchased products between March 1, 2006 and February 5, 2008 from the www.1-800-Flowers.com website, when a “shipping charge” was noted on the website and the products were delivered by a local florist, you are a Class Member. Under a proposed class action settlement, upon final Court approval, you are entitled to a Gift Voucher of $10 for each order that you placed at www.1-800-Flowers.com between March 1, 2006 and February 5, 2008. Simply visit www.1-800-Flowers.com, choose any bouquet, gift basket or other product, and then enter your Gift Code Number at time of check out. Your Gift Code Number or Numbers are XXXXXX; XXXXXX.

Each Gift Voucher is valid for a single Internet order during the six month period following final Court approval (the “Redemption Period”) and is not valid for redemption or delivery of products during the one-week period (7 days) prior to Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Complete details, along with dates of the Redemption Period, can be found at www.molnarsettlement.com. Please check the www.molnarsettlement.com website after March 29, 2010 to determine whether and when Final Approval has been granted and the exact dates of the Redemption Period.

A class action lawsuit entitled Molnar v. 1-800-Flowers Retail, Inc. was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court (Case Number BC382828) on December 21, 2007. The lawsuit alleges that 1-800-Flowers made misleading statements and omitted information concerning the shipping and delivery charges associated with certain on-line purchases of floral products. 1-800-Flowers denies these claims, denies that it has done anything wrong, and denies that any Class Member was damaged in any way. The Court did not decide who was right. However, to avoid the expense of litigation, inconvenience, and interference with business operations, the parties have reached a settlement that they believe is in the best interests of the company and its customers.

A final hearing will be held to determine whether the proposed Settlement is fair, reasonable and adequate, and should be finally approved. The hearing will take place on March 29, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. 23 of the Los Angeles Superior Court, located at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, California 90012. You are not required to attend the hearing in order to participate in the settlement.

IF YOU WISH TO BE PART OF THIS CASE and/or receive the benefits of the settlement, you do not need to do anything. This Notice contains your individual Gift Code Number or Numbers, and thereby provides you one or more Gift Vouchers for future use during the Redemption Period. KEEP THIS NOTICE FOR FUTURE USE AND TO REDEEM YOUR $10 GIFT VOUCHER OR VOUCHERS. Upon Final Judicial Approval of the settlement, each Class Member, who does not timely opt-out of the settlement, will be bound by the Settlement and/or the Court’s final Order and shall automatically be entitled to use the Gift Voucher or Vouchers and shall receive $10 off one purchase per Voucher at www.1-800-Flowers.com. As part of this Settlement, it is expected that over $60 million dollars in Gift Vouchers will be provided to Class Members. Class Counsel, Westrup Klick, LLP, will seek attorney’s fees and costs not to exceed $400,000 and an incentive award to Plaintiff for no more than $5,000. The full text of the Notice Of Proposed Class Settlement (the “Notice”), which further explains the settlement terms and restrictions, appears at www.molnarsettlement.com.

IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE PART OF THIS CASE, you may exclude yourself. To do so, you must mail a request to “OPT OUT,” postmarked no later than February 22, 2010. The request must state: “I wish to be excluded from the 1-800-Flowers Class Action Settlement.” Mail your request to be excluded to Thomas Molnar v. 1-800-Flowers Retail, Inc. et al., c/o The Garden City Group, Inc., P.O. Box 9558, Dublin, OH 43017-4858. If you properly and timely exclude yourself from the settlement you will NOT be entitled to use the $10 Gift Voucher. In addition, you have the right to object to the settlement. The procedures for objecting are set forth in the Notice which appears at www.molnarsettlement.com.

IF YOU WANT TO OBJECT TO THE TERMS OF THE SETTLEMENT, you must file and serve your written request to appear and object with the Court and upon Counsel for all parties by February 22, 2010. You must serve all such notices and papers upon Class Counsel and Defendants’ Counsel at the following addresses: 1) Mark Van Buskirk, Westrup Klick LLP, 444 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 1614, Long Beach, CA 90802 (“Class Counsel”); and 2) Judith A. Powell, Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP, 1100 Peachtree Street, Suite 2800, Atlanta, Georgia 30309 (“Defendants’ Counsel”). The Court’s mailing address for filing an objection is: Los Angeles Superior Court, Dept. 23, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, California 90012. You may attend the final hearing either in person or through an attorney retained at your own expense. However, Class Members who do not make timely and properly filed objections will be deemed to have waived all objections and shall not be entitled to be heard at the settlement approval hearing. If your objection is rejected you will be bound by the final judgment just as if you had not objected.

Please direct any questions you have regarding this settlement or this lawsuit to Class Counsel, Westrup Klick, LLP. Do not direct any such questions to the Court, to 1-800-Flowers.com, or to Counsel for Defendants.

Please do not reply to this message. We are unable to respond to inquiries sent in reply to this email.

It's not personal...yet.

2010-01-22T10:30:00.000-08:00

When you let flowers do the talking it's nearly impossible to say the wrong thing but it is very possible to say it better. Just as people's taste in food or clothing differs, their taste in flowers can be very different. Making your gift personal may take some extra time and effort but it will make it much more meaningful.

When deciding what to send for Valentine's Day or any day think about the personality of the person receiving the flowers. Is she a gardener, out-doorsy? We have gardening gloves and hats and aprons. Our greenhouse is filled with houseplants large and small, blooming and green. Does she have place or time that are especially meaningful to her? Maybe a tropical arrangement would be just the thing? Does she have hobbies, sport or pastime that can be celebrated by using a special container? We just received spa bears and yoga bears from the Bearington Collection that would go very well with a gift certificate. Does she like to arrange flowers herself? A loose selection of fresh cut garden flowers in her favorite color would be beautiful. Or maybe a gift certificate? What are her favorite colors? Take cues from how she dresses her home and herself. For your little Valentines we have Bearington bears that bark and meow. All very reasonably priced and all adorable.

...But We Can't Do Anything About The Potholes.

2010-01-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

The tulips are up! Okay, maybe they're not up in your yard yet but their in at our shops. Just in time for pothole season in the northeast! Both shops have a great assortment of colors to use alone or in an arrangement. Check out www.nagengast.com or stop in our Ontario Street or Stuyvesant Plaza shop and pick up a bunch.

Magic for $3.50

2010-01-18T12:28:00.000-08:00

In 1898 a single rose went for $3.75 in New York City. Adjusted for inflation that's about $93 in 2010.

You probably appreciate how special roses are for Valentine's Day but did you ever think of how amazing roses are in the middle of winter? Think about it. Red roses are in the highest demand at Valentine's Day. This falls just 51 days after the Christmas holiday- which is the second highest demand for red roses. Growers need anywhere from 50-70 days to produce enough roses and during this time several smaller blooms are sacrificed for the large, long-stemmed rose we are accustomed to. The shorter days of winter and the higher energy costs also add to the price. Growers need to hire extra seasonal help at every level of production and shipping to accommodate the influx of orders. And that's before the roses even enter the flower shop!

So the next time you order your Valentine's Day roses and think "I'm in the wrong business!" Think of all the time and care that have gone into your order and remember how fortunate we are to live in a time and place that affords us such a great luxury at such a reasonable price! For an incredible selection of roses visit us at: nagengast.com !

Astound Your Friends!

2010-01-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

... with your knowledge of roses! Just in time for Valentine's Day, we've got rose facts courtesy of Wikipedia and SAF at AboutFlowers.com.

While the sharp objects along a rose stem are commonly called "thorns", they are actually prickles — outgrowths of the epidermis (the outer layer of tissue of the stem). True thorns, as produced by e.g. Citrus or Pyracantha, are modified stems, which always originate at a node and which have nodes and internodes along the length of the thorn itself.
The purpose of a rose's prickles is primarily to help the vine climb and hang on other bushes and trees for support.The prickles also discourage hungry animals and catch sand in the air to protect their roots from erosion.
In Rome a rose would be placed on the door of a room where confidential matters were being discussed. This lead to the phrase "sub rosa" or "under the rose" referring to secret matters.
Rose perfumes are made from rose attar or rose oils which is made by steam distilling the steam of boiled crushed rose petals.
The world's oldest known rose bush lives in Hildesheim Cathedral in Germany. It is thought to be over 1,000 years old!
Recently archeologists discovered remains of ancient wild roses over 40 million years old.
George Washington was not only our nation's first president but our nation's first rose grower.
There are over 900 acres devoted to commercial rose growing in the U.S. 60% Of which are grown in California.
Roses are more expensive on Valentine's Day because over 100 million roses are sold for this holiday alone. Growers must plan months ahead of time for February harvesting and extra laborers must be hired at every level.
Every long stem rose comes at the cost of many other roses which must be pruned away to allow this one rose to grow tall.

Russian?

2010-01-12T12:43:00.000-08:00

Russian cut roses that is. If you've noticed roses are not sold as tight as they used to be. Cut later in the growing cycle, Russian cut roses arrive with maximum bloom and vase-life. These roses are left to grow taller with blooms that open wider than normal. A favorite of Russians this treatment is now coming to America. Shop our roses at: nagengast.com .

"I gave her roses and...

2010-01-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

She blamed me for the thorns." is what the poster reads in our new shop window (but don't believe it).

We're gearing up for Valentines Day at the florist. Here are some fun numbers in regard to Valentine's Day:

Valentine's Day actually ranks second (25%, tied with Mother's Day) after Christmas (30%) in a floral purchases.
48% Of customers send red roses, 36% send a mixed arrangement, 24% send colored roses other than red, 23% send other flowers (all tulips, all carnations etc.) and 24% send plants.
9% of Americans bought flowers or plants for Valentine's Day in 2009.
58% were men and 42% women.
48% Were buying for their spouse, 27% for their mom and 19% for a significant other. 8% Bought flowers for themselves!

If you have flowers in mind this Valentine's Day stop by and say hi in the shop or get some ideas at nagengast.com

2010-01-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

To get the best flowers for Valentine's Day and ensure prompt delivery, call a local florist (preferrably us!) the week beforeValentine's Day. When you call, have the necessary information handy: the recipient's name, address, phone number, what you want to send and how you want to be billed. If you are unsure about what to send, we can help! Tell us a little about the recipient. Is she a gardener who might enjoy taking care of a dish garden this winter? Does she like traditional red roses? Maybe we can give them a new twist with a great container or a modern design. Roses come in all kinds of colors. Maybe yellow or pink roses would better suit her. Give it some thought then give us a call or visit: nagengast.com .

Now what?

2010-01-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

So, you just bought flowers or maybe you were lucky enough receive them. Now what? Here are a few tips that can buy you a lot of extra time with your cut flowers.

How to Make Your Cut Flowers Last

Use the flower preservative provided by your florist.
Cut the stems on an angle before placing in container.
Replace the water and trim the stems every day.
Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat or cold sources.

For more on taking care of flowers visit: http://www.nagengast.com/aboutflowers.asp

A Cut Above the Rest

2010-01-04T10:24:00.000-08:00

For anyone who missed the Tournament of Roses Parade...

video at:
http://www.ktla.com/entertainment/roseparade/

images at:

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/108790140IYNtFx

bringing flowers to you at:

http://www.nagengast.com

That's Just Cold.

2009-12-30T08:53:00.000-08:00

Warm up these cold winter weekends with gardening. No, really. There is so much on the web to keep your home and mind alive this winter.
To jump start your imagination visit the world's most famous gardens online. Versailles , Longwood Gardens, have stunning images online and the US Botanic Garden even has a virtual tour.

For ideas designing with cut flowers visit Martha Stewart for a photo gallery of amazing "everyday arrangements."
If you're set on getting your hands dirty HGTV has a video on Gardening in Winter sure to inspire on even the coldest days. Pages at hgtv.com include tips on caring for houseplants and forcing bulbs.

If, however, you decide to stay inside Cornell Cooperative extension offers online courses in beginning gardening, organic gardening, plant propagation, botanical illustration and more!

Road trip! Cornell University's Cornell Plantation is home to the Mullestein Winter Garden. It's a beautiful drive from Albany even on the darkest of winter days.

So don't despair. You can always visit one of our shops or visit Nagengast's online for flowers everyday of the year!

We're Baaaaack!

2009-12-28T07:53:00.000-08:00

Back from a holiday hiatus, the Emil J Nagengast Blog is making a New Year's resolution to bring you more! More tips, more images, and more insight into how it is to work in a florist every day.
December brought the opportunity to get out of the shop and deliver flowers. Anyone who has delivered for Nagengast Florist (a surprisingly large and diverse crowd) will tell you we have a very real following in Albany.
Many of our customers have known generations of the Nagengast family personally and their stories are very fun. Emil J. Sr. founded our shop in 1910 and he and his 5 sons and 2 daughters made so many friends along the way. Now, their children and grandchildren carry on the tradition of dedication knowing that every arrangement that leaves the shop bears their name.
After seeing the faces of recipients it is clear to me that you cannot underestimate the power of flowers. So many people have relatives that they, unfortunately, could not spend the holiday with. Flowers on the table from a friend or relative far away means so much to people. Besides the beauty they bring to a room, flowers are a living sign that people and memories are not forgotten. It sounds cliche but it's true. The recipients know it. They are also our biggest senders!

visit Nagengast Florist at http://www.nagengast.com/

Gift Baskets

2009-11-30T10:44:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you don't want to send flowers. We get it. We don't like it. But, we get it. But what about gift baskets. We create them too! They're personal; they're pretty; they're hand made and hand delivered and they're delicious. They're the perfect gift for those more difficult to buy for this season.
We have some of our gift baskets featured on our site : http://www.nagengast.com/category.asp?rcid=127599 but we can make up a basket with whatever you like. Think about what you would like to find and any special items that they would like to find. We did a basket recently for a college student with Gatorade, Oreos, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Granola and other custom choices. If we can get it they can have it. Also think about how many people will be sharing the basket. Baskets sent as sympathy to families and baskets sent to offices will be shared by a lot of people so take that into consideration.
The more information you can give us about the recipients the better we can customize the basket. While some people might love a fresh pineapple other may view it as a problem or project.
No matter what you order, know that we'll do our best to exceed your expectations every time!

Poppies

2009-11-11T06:52:00.000-08:00

Sincere thanks go to all Veterans today. The poppy's significance on Veteran's Day is related to the poem In Flanders Fields written by John McCrae during World War I. The red of the poppy is a remembrance of bloodshed. American, Moina Michael made 25 silk poppies based on the poem and the poppy was adopted as a national symbol of remembrance. Artificial poppies have since been used in England, France and Canada as well.
Remember the sacrifices of your favorite veterans today with a call, a note or even patriotic flowers:

http://www.nagengast.com/category.asp?rcid=98969

More stuff from the floor

2009-11-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

If you think this is gorgeous you've got to see what we keep! Visit: http://www.nagengast.com/

stuff I found on the floor

2009-11-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

Our trash knocks my socks off. The following are photographs taken of petals I found on the shop floor.

Call Me Crazy...

2009-11-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

What if a man you did not know approached you in Macy's parking lot and offered to go in and buy your Mom a Christmas present for you for a $15 fee. Don't worry he'll take your money and shop and deliver it. He can't really tell you what you're going to get because he's never been in Macy's in his life. He can't really tell you when it will get to your Mom. He can't even really promise what size, shape or color it will be. He can't even tell you what it will be for that matter.

"That," as my kids would say, "Is messed up."

On the first of each month we pull up a list of all of the kind sites that have referred customers to our shop's site http://www.nagengast.com/ . It is very satisfying to see that our work is appreciated by so many neighbors and businesses. It is frustrating, however, to follow some of these leads back to search engines that place order gatherers ahead of actual florists. It seems to me that if someone does a search for a florist in Albany, NY they probably want the URL of a shop that sells and delivers flowers in Albany, NY. These order gatherers are companies that sound like florists over the phone but never handle a flower. They are call centers that take your order on a computer and forward it to an actual florist that does the work of designing and delivering. What is wrong with this? Let me tell you:

1. PRICE For this service you are charged an extra fee of $10 to $15. The order gatherers often do not tell their customers about this fee until the end of the conversation. http://www.floristdetective.com/wst_page13.aspx
2. QUALITY The call center doesn't have any flowers. How can they tell you what looks great today, what's in season where the recipient is, what vases are in stock and what the delivery schedule looks like for today. http://www.floristdetective.com/wst_page5.aspx
3. HONESTY They entice customers with promises of "free delivery" and "half off" but the order goes to the florist with the amount the customer has paid for the arrangement on it. The customer gets exactly what they pay for. No more. No less http://www.floristdetective.com/wst_page4.aspx
4. ACCOUNTABILITY Yeah, there's very little of that. If you order directly from a florist and the florist makes a mistake they need to make it right; there is no fall guy. If you place an order with an order gatherer you can call the order gatherer who will call the florist who may or may not be at fault and responsibility and liability get very gray. Good luck with that one.
5. ETHICS It's misleading and dishonest. You are not ordering "Flowers" from a "Florist" as their names imply. A local florist is a brick and mortar shop that brings flowers from around the world together and hires professional designers to create arrangements for delivery in the recipient's area.http://www.floristdetective.com/wst_page9.aspx
6. RESULTS The real proof is in the satisfaction of customers themselves. Look at reviews online and get recommendations from friends. Look for customers who actually saw the arrangement they sent. http://www.floristdetective.com/wst_page17.aspx

So the moral of the story is to know who you are buying from and that a little research goes a long way toward saving you money, disappointment and sometimes a real headache.

If They Only Had Any Idea...

2009-10-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

I just got back from pinch hitting for our driver and I've got to say- Anyone who says flowers are a waste of money has never actually brought anyone flowers. These people were psyched! Keep an eye on http://www.nagengast.com/ for seasonal flowers, delivered fresh in a huge variety of styles and price points that wont break the bank.

On Potatoes and Tulips and Apples and Marijuana

2009-10-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

In "The American President" President Andrew Shepherd insists, "Bob's problem isn't that he doesn't get it. It's that he just can't sell it." Last night PBS proved again that they not only get it- they can sell it.

PBS's, "The Botany of Desire," based on the book by Michael Pollen, revealed an amazing world and underworld and history of plants. Portraying the role of plants in past present and future not as a passive character actor but an active protagonist.

If you have any interest in things that look good, smell good, are good for you ... or not, you'll be fascinated. PBS offers the full streaming video and a rebroadcast schedule at: http://www.pbs.org/thebotanyofdesire/ .

The Bloom Is Never Off the Rose.

2009-10-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

...or any other flower for that matter.

Yesterday as I was unpacking flowers from around the world it struck me. I am unpacking flowers from around the world.

"Dirty Jobs" it isn't. But sometimes in all the hauling of boxes and scrubbing of buckets and trips to the dumpster the wonder fades. (Usually after about 2 hours, your body has started to ache, your brain has gone numb and the brownies have run out.)

But yesterday I reminded myself that I have a really amazing job. Farms and greenhouses around the globe have spent years developing varieties with super-floral qualities. They can grown flawlessly, and be harvested, packed and shipped all without a bruise or break. Then the flowers have to provide ample shelf life for the final recipient who may or may not understand that water is necessary for all life.

We are very fortunate to live in a time and place where this is all possible. With that sentiment I brought the weary travelers into the greenhouse for a photo shoot to capture the moment. More pictures and less sappiness are available on Flickr under emiljnagengast.

On My Mind and In a Box

2009-10-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

"It's the thought that counts." really puts the pressure on, doesn't it?

"I thought of getting you a present." isn't really all that's implied. What is really meant is "I thought about you. I thought about who you are. I thought about what you like. I thought about what you want and need. AND THEN I thought about how to convey all this in a tangible gift that would let you know how I feel about you and how important you are to me and I want it to console you or make you feel happy and if it could fit in a box that would be awesome too."

Amidst all this thinking maybe you thought about flowers. Did you think about the meaning of flowers? Roses in particular have a huge range of colors and meanings. If you think your flowers are going to someone who may not have a clue that their peach roses express gratitude and admiration then ask the florist to put a note in them letting the recipient know. Below is a list with the meanings of colored roses. For a better understanding of what makes roses so special visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose. We are always happy to assist you in your quest for the perfect gift at http://www.nagengast.com/ or over the phone at 518-434-1125. We know a little thought can go a long way!

Red- "I love you." romantic love, desire, passion, courage, respect, beauty and sincerity

Pink- grace, joy, gentility, refinement, and gratitude

Light Pink- gentleness, sympathy, gladness, sweetness, happiness, fun, admiration and appreciation

Deep Pink- "Thank You." appreciation, admiration, sincerity and sympathy

Coral- desire and passion

Yellow- friendship, freedom, congratulations, joy, gladness, delight, new beginning, caring, sympathy, domestic happiness

Orange- desire, enthusiasm, fascination, "I am proud of you."

Peach- gratitude, appreciation, admiration, sympathy, friendship, and sincerity

White- purity, truth, innocence, silence, secrecy, reverence, humility, youthfulness, loyalty, platonic love, and charm

Lavender- enchantment, love at first sight

2009-10-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

We're not just in the business of designing flower arrangements. We're in the business of getting people excited about flowers. So when we stumbled on designer Jeff Leatham we had to pass on this find to our friends.
Beginning November 4, Jeff Leatham will bring his designs to TLC. We just friended him on Facebook and were inspired by his amazing designs. What most impressed me? Simplicity. Anyone who thought that they didn't know what to do with fresh cut flowers has quite a break coming. His arrangements of all-of-one-kind flowers really display the flowers beautifully. The vast majority of the containers that he uses can be found at any local florist, home decor shop and even (bubble bowls and cylinders) your nearest dollar store! You NEED to find him on Facebook to see his amazing event designs and don't forget to watch November 4th at 10:00 on TLC.

From TLC:

Follow the amazing artistry of one of the world's most renowned event designers: Jeff Leatham. A former male model who grew up in the States and has been dubbed "The Rock n' Roll Florist" for his style and pizzazz, Jeff will show the audience why he has earned his reputation as "the best florist in the world" by using an empty space as his canvas, and utilizing flowers as his paint to transform the otherwise ordinary area into an extraordinary experience. Utilizing a bold and innovative vision and approach to flowers as a work of art, Jeff's mantra consists of three things: "Keep it clean, keep it simple and keep it chic." And in doing just that, we will watch the end result: a jaw-dropping display of floral majesty that keeps his million dollar clients begging him for more. From Madonna to Mariah Carey, billionaire businessmen to snooty socialites, Bill Clinton to Eva Longoria, we get to see that Jeff is the man the elite turn to when they throw a big event and want to create an exceptional and unbelievable feel their guests will never forget. Premieres Nov. 4 @ 10/9c.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way Part 1

2009-10-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

At any florist holidays are not all fun and games. They are serious business. Even if your own preparations at home are not of the same magnitude one element remains the same. There is no substitute for great planning.

Start cutting out pictures from magazines and printing images you find online for inspiration while shopping and to easily and accurately convey your expectations to designers and sales people. A picture really is worth a thousand words.

Don't put off shopping until it's time to decorate. Anything you may need in large quantities, or specific sizes or colors may need to be special ordered and if you wait too long you may be out of luck. Many wholesalers are already offering discounts to retailers so don't wait for last minute savings. Fall centerpieces are available online at http://www.nagengast.com/category.asp?rcid=91 and Wintry holiday arrangements are coming soon to http://www.nagengast.com/ .

99 Years and Counting

2009-10-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

We appreciate your business; today and every day.

Thank You.

169 Ontario Street, Albany, NY

Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

http://www.nagengast.com/

Boss's Day

2009-10-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

October 16th is Boss's Day. A skeptic might say that these "Hallmark Holidays" were created by the likes of card companies, chocolate manufacturers and (ahem) florists to increase shop traffic and drive sales. (In fact, Patricia Bays Haroski registered Boss's Day in 1958 and Hallmark didn't even have a card for it until 1979.) We like to think that everybody needs to be appreciated now and again and we have a huge range of ideas from single flowers to arrangements to fruit baskets so there's no excuse for not remembering your boss on their day! Visit us at: http://www.nagengast.com/

We Welcome Wiki!

2009-10-12T06:32:00.000-07:00

Imagine if you wore a banner of stars across your back rating your value as a human being as judged by the the people who knew you best... and perfect strangers.

Sidewiki is a new application offered by Google to enhance your web experience. Users are allowed space in a side bar to add comments pertaining to their current web page for the rest of the web to view. For shoppers this may sound like a great opportunity to gather more information. (Knowledge is power. - Thomas Jefferson) But for many marketers it sounds like a nightmare! ANYONE can write ANYTHING as long as it is not spam, illegal content or content that advocates hate or violence.

Emil J Nagengast Florist has prided itself on our reputation for 99 years and we plan on continuing in our tradition for a long time both in our shops and online ( http://www.nagengast.com/ ). There will always be customers who disagree with us on the value of our services but we pride ourselves in our guarantee of making things right.

There is a story about a farmer who offered a prize cow to a group of townspeople. Every man woman and child would get one vote. If no one guessed the correct weight the farmer would keep the cow. The man was sure no one would guess the correct weight. And no one did. BUT someone pointed out to the farmer that if you averaged the weights in all the entries the result was EXACTLY the weight of the cow. The whole town had won the cow.

The point? We welcome everyone and their Sidewiki too. Stop by our site and our shop and let us know what you think. Your feedback is appreciated because when everyone is heard, everyone wins.

One Lesson of Flowers

2009-10-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

Everything natural- every flower, tree and animal- has important lessons to teach us if we would only stop, look and listen. - Eckhart Tolle

It is amazing how flowers celebrate the most important days of our lives and bring us comfort during the most difficult times. The phrase "In lieu of flowers..." comes to mind. What can take the place of flowers? Anyone can understand why a family would like contributions made to an organization or cause that is important to them. The significance and value of these gifts should not be underrated.

Nothing, however, can replace the expression of sympathy made by a tribute in flowers. The life of the deceased is commemorated and the family is comforted in knowing that their loved one was treasured and will not be forgotten.

The choice of an appropriate expression of sympathy should be left to the giver, however. Suggestions such as, "Memorial contributions may be made to ..." or "Flowers are welcome and contributions may be made to ..." may be made in obituaries instead.

Every day for close to one hundred years families have come to our florist to create tributes to their loved ones and we have personally seen the healing properties of flowers. Every flower does have something to teach if only we would stop and listen.

Celebrate Life. Eat Ham.

2009-10-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

Eat ham. Eat cookies. Eat pasta. October is a very busy month! How is a girl supposed to keep up?

October is National Apple Month, National Dessert Month, National Pasta Month, National Cookie Month, National Pork Month, Eat Country Ham Month, World Chocolate Awareness Month and National Caramel Month. So for all of you waiting for a holiday and an excuse to party- the wait is over. (For a list of reasons to celebrate I suggest http://www.holidaysforeveryday.com/ )Celebrate every month and every day and never take a day for granted! (And if you see fit to order some flowers for the festivities call 434-1125 or visit http://www.nagengast.com/ We are not too proud for a shameless plug.)

Card Message Suggestions

2009-10-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

"The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger - but recognize the opportunity."- Richard Nixon.

Anyone who has ever sat down with a blank card and been daunted by the prospect finding inspiration for the right thing to say (or worse by the possibility of saying the wrong thing) knows. This should be an opportunity. For inspiration our site, http://www.nagengast.com/ , lists card message ideas for all occasions. We'll list them below too.

Card Message Ideas

Birthday

A birthday is just the first day of another 365 day trip around the Sun. Enjoy the ride!

It's your day.

May today be the beginning of a wonderful year.

Forget the year and remember each moment.

Aging is mandatory. Maturing is optional. - Chris Antonak

Celebrating you!

Wishing you a year with the same joy you bring to others.

You don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old
because you stopped laughing.

We know we're getting old when the only thing we want for our birthday is not to be reminded of it.

Hope your birthday is just the beginning of a year full of happiness.

Hoping your wishes come true year after year.

May today be filled with sunshine and smiles, laughter and love.

Happy birthday to someone who is forever young.

You think you're special because today is your birthday. That's complete nonsense...You're special every day!

May the years continue to be good to you.

Don't count the years; count the blessings!

Love and Romance

To the one who makes all of my dreams come true.

You take my breath away... Today and every day.

Always and Forever.

Fairytales do come true.

Forever, for always and no matter what.

To the world you may be one person; but to me, you are the world!

You are the love of my life.

I wish there were more ways to say all that you are to me. Love Always.

I don't need a holiday to say I love you.

I love you not only for who you are but for who I am when I am with you.

Anniversary

Celebrating us!

Still looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you.

I'd do it again... and again... and again!

My love for you grows with each passing year.

If I had to do it over, I would marry you again!

Happy anniversary, to my partner and my best friend.

Anniversaries pass quickly but our love is here to stay.

Happy anniversary to the love of my life.

May our anniversary reflect all the special moments we've shared and all the wonderful moments to come!

I can't imagine living without you at my side.

Congratulations

A standing ovation for you!

Congratulations on your shining moment. We're sure there will be many more!

May today's success be the beginning of tomorrow's achievements.

Success comes before work only in the dictionary. Congratulations on what you've earned.

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. - Robert F. Kennedy

Just Because

The way you live your life makes the world a little brighter.

Life is lived not in years but in moments.

I feel so lucky to have you in my life.

Many things in life will catch your eye. Only a few will catch your heart.

Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them but you know they are there.

May your day be as wonderful as you are.

Just because you're you!

To brighten your day.

Hope these make your ordinary day, extraordinary!

Thinking of you is one of my favorite "thinks"!

Sending you a floral hug!

Get Well

Hoping these flowers brighten not only your home, but your spirits as well.

Sending you healing thoughts and a little sunshine to brighten your day.

Wishing you relief from your aches and pains.

Hoping that you'll bloom again soon.

Loving thoughts are tucked inside this bundle of flowers!

Good health starts with a happy heart. Hope these flowers start the job!

Hope you're back on your feet soon!

Sending sunny thoughts to brighten your day.

Hope this brightens your day!

Sending you some get well cheer.

Loving relief for your aches and pains.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

New Baby

Just to let you know we share in the celebration of the beautiful new life you have created.

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy.

Nice Work!

Babies are such a nice way to start people.

Congratulations and enjoy the years together.

Enjoy this special time.

Tickled pink. (for a baby girl)

We welcome your dear new child to this world with love.

A little one brings so much fun!

Welcome to the family!

Another miracle in this world. Welcome!

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy!

Best wishes to you and the little one!

Babies are always more work than you thought, and more wonderful!

May the joy of parenting bring you a lifetime of happiness and laughter!

Wishing your family a happy, healthy life together!

Thank You

There are not enough words to express my gratitude, so please accept this gift and my sincere thanks.

I hope you enjoy these flowers and know your kindness will be remembered forever.

Thank you isn't enough! You're the best!

You have a special talent of making the world a better place.

Thank you for the gift of you!

Sending love along with a thankful heart.

Thanks a bunch!

Thank you for all that you do- you are a true friend!

I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you!

You made my heart smile!

Sympathy

May the peace that comes from the memories shared comfort you today and in the days ahead.

Sharing in your sorrow with love and friendship.

Know that we are with you in spirit.

Please accept these flowers and hear the words we are not able to speak.

There are no words that can convey the depth of our sympathy.

Thinking of you at this difficult time.

Memories remain part of the heart forever.

May God hold you in the palm of his hand. - Irish Blessing

Fondest Remembrances.

Our hearts are filled with sorrow.

We're sharing your sorrow.

With heartfelt condolences.

May you take comfort in knowing there is one more angel above us.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time. For death is not the last sleep. It is the final awakening.

Beginners Welcome!

2009-10-05T05:51:00.000-07:00

Tech support scares me.

Every time I call I'm sure they're going to ask me something I don't know and leave me feeling like a fool. I can tell you when sunflowers are in season and how to revive a wilting hydrangea but you start talking ROM and RAM and cables and chips and I'm lost.

Many of our customers calling or shopping our florist for the first time are intimidated by sending flowers. We understand. We probably know less about what you do for a living than you know about what we do!

To start, we'll need an idea of the occasion. You wouldn't want to send an arrangement made for an office desk to Thanksgiving Dinner at your Grandmothers. We can give you some suggestions of appropriate arrangements in a range of color schemes. Visiting our site : http://www.nagengast.com/ is also a great way to start. You can get an idea of sizes, flowers, colors and designs so that when you call you feel better informed.

Think about the card. We also have suggestions for greetings on our site but a card with a nickname, an inside joke or another really personal touch shows a lot of thought. People like that.

Have your black book and credit card ready. That should contain all the information needed. If you know what hours the recipient will be at work that will make delivery go so much more smoothly.

The bottom line is that we are not here to make ourselves feel smart by intimidating you. We want you to feel great about what you're doing for someone else! It's that simple. Now if we could just convince those people down in tech support that the operative word is "support".

On Roses and Research

2009-09-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

Stop in Emil J Nagengast Florist during October and purchase a pink rose and a donation will be made to Susan G Komen for the Cure. We have single roses wrapped and ready to go for $3.50 each. We have plenty of pink roses for dozens for $55.00. We can include a pink rose or pink roses in any arrangement for an extra $3.50. So please consider doing something nice for someone today with a rose and doing something meaningful for the future with a donation to the fight against breast cancer. For more information on Susan G Komen for the Cure visit: http://ww5.komen.org/, For more information on Emil J Nagengast Florist visit: http://www.nagengast.com/aboutus.asp.

On Buying Local ...................................... An Old Idea With New Implications

2009-09-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

As we sit down to our treats from Crisan on Lark Street here in Albany, we reaffirm our conviction and confidence in buying local. If you need any convincing visit localfirst.com for the reasons and the 350project.net for an easy plan to get started buying local in your own town.

http://www.localfirst.com/why

http://www.the350project.net/home.html

If you ever plan to buy flowers... ever, you should know how you can save A LOT by shopping with a local florist. When you use the big, nationally advertised names in flowers you pay them a fee (often 12.99-15.99) just to hand the order off to a local florist. AND if that's not bad enough, these services, called "order gatherers", take a percentage of the money before they give the order to a local florist. For more on this visit:

http://www.floristdetective.com/

And as always there are no service fees added for shopping online at http://www.nagengast.com/.

Making a Difference this October

2009-09-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for every pink rose we sell at Emil J Nagengast Florist, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Whether you add a pink rose to your arrangement or order a dozen pink roses a percentage of the profits will go toward researching and curing breast cancer. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure visit www.komen.org.

Special Orders Don't Upset Us!

2009-09-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

My brother says, "Somebody wants your job. It better be you!"

At Nagengast Florist we want your job. Whether it's 40 balloons in a hurry or 60 corsages in a flash, when time is of the essence and quantity is a major factor you need a lot of hands ready to jump into action. One nice thing about working in a big flower shop is that you get to say "Yes!" (most of the time). The size of our shop, the size and diversity of our fresh flower stock, and a storeroom full of vases, baskets and containers of all shapes and sizes along with 99 years of experience in getting it done do come in handy. So give us a call because we want your order. Visit us at www.nagengast.com , 169 Ontario Street, and Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY. or call 518-434-1125.

Falling Up?

2009-09-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

Just when Albany started to feel the heat of Summer ... it was over. Today at 5:18 fall will drop and with it the end of an awesome Summer. Instead of feeling the loss we've decided to celebrate what our new season has to offer. We've got giant mum plants in the greenhouse and fresh cut daisies and crysanthemums in the cooler. Brand new "fun ribbon" in fall colors just arrived and we've got wheat, cattails and fall leaves to spice up our arrangements. Plans have begun for our October front window (it's going to be wicked fun) and the shopfront at Stuyvesant Plaza. Nagengast.com has brought up the Fall Flowers category and I just removed (gasp!) Summer Arrangements from our categories list.

So don't dispair. Celebrate Fall!

Your friends at Emil J Nagengast Florist

Albany NY