Archive for February, 2008

Ask your plants what they are doing?

Thursday, February 28th, 2008

bcalls_twitter_setup_cellph.jpgEver heard of Botanicalls? These guys were the ones who introduced a way to make phone calls to plants in order to find out how they are doing, whether they need more or less water. No, seriously, they did it. There are even samples of various responses from different types of plants for requests like “need water”, or “notification of unnecessary watering”.

Well, they’ve gone a bit further this time, and introduced a way to use the popular micro-blogging service Twitter. Yes, plants can now actually twitter their “feelings” in real time. Again, the idea is the same - know when your plant needs water, or has too much of it and take action accordingly.

We at Todich Floral Design have been doing covert SMS mesaging with our plants at various offices around London. Our plants notify us via SMS when our clients talk about us. It took years to train them, from generation to generation, until they got it right. For some reason, they always started SMS-ing each other and everything went crazy…

Okay, joking aside, electronic communication with living plants is not that new. In fact, it’s something that has been researched over decades, and there are indications that plants indeed are able to communicate, as the example above shows. Taking proper care of plants we can all enjoy their presence every day is what we do as professionals, but technological advancements that would make this easier are always welcome.

How about you? Would you twitt with your plants?

Flowers in hotels, restaurants and bars

Friday, February 22nd, 2008

One would think the decoration process is finished once the hotel lobby, or restaurant dining room or bar have been built according to the designer’s vision. In fact, many designers take into consideration plants and flowers and anticipate space for them while designing a venue. This is by no means a coincidence. Flowers and plants really do add that final touch to every space, and it’s only natural that they are considered an integral part of every day life. Just take a look at the space that surrounds you. Are there flowers and plants there? If yes, try to imagine how dull that space would look like without them, and if no, try to imagine how alive that space would look like with them.

Hotel lobby and rooms

TFD flowers in a hotelIt’s always a pleasure to see richly decorated hotel lobbies upon arrival. It really helps bring about an atmosphere of serenity and sophistication, not to mention, some very pleasant fragrances. Carefully placed plants and flowers will emphasize the overall look of the interior, and bring life to forgotten corners, that would otherwise look dull and simple. Plants (potted plants, plant walls) placed in strategic spots will help separate certain specific parts of the hotel lobby space from the others, creating an illusion of privacy.

Hotel rooms are a more delicate matter. Properly placed fresh flowers or plants will help create a welcome atmosphere, and add a touch of “home” decor to a room. Many guests request certain kinds of flowers to be placed in their room or suite. If your guests happen to be picky, you can rely on us to fulfill their wishes. We deal with special requests all the time, and it’s always a pleasure and a welcome challenge for us.

Restaurant flowers

TFD flowers in a restaurantMuch like hotels, restaurants benefit a lot by introducing flowers and plants as part of their decoration efforts. When done properly and with style, your guests will notice. Whether it’s a business lunch or romantic dinner, the experience will only be half as strong without flowers and plants to give that special touch to the occasion. Depending on the occasion and season, and the overall theme at the restaurant, we can provide you with a custom tailored solution that your guests will appreciate.

Bar flowers

TFD flower decoration in a barA place for socialising over friendly conversation and a refreshing drink, bars are simply crying for flowers and plants. The relaxed, informal atmosphere of bars demands a special approach to floral decoration. Depending on the theme, flowers and plants can be tailored to add that last layer that will communicate a welcome atmosphere to your guests.

Whether you operate a hotel, a restaurant or a bar, you’ll know that it’s the final touches that will be noticed by your clients. Flowers and plants, as part of the decoration in your venue, are that final touch. They will help you create a feeling of hospitality, sophistication, style and glamour. We at Todich Floral Design especially enjoy decorating hotels, restaurants and bars, and are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure you and your clients get the best floral experience.

Note: all images above are pictures of actual designs made and installed by Todich Floral Design

Valentine’s Day at the office - tips and pointers

Monday, February 11th, 2008

46707_img_3005-1.jpgValentine’s Day is just ahead, and if you’re working in an office environment, we thought these tips may be helpful. Even though the modern office is a less formal place nowadays, there are certain “rules” that are best observed to prevent unwanted effects.

Let’s start with a couple of rules for office romance

Once, an office romance could have resulted in the “culprits” getting fired. Today, office romance rules are easing a bit, although a particular company may choose to sanction office romance a bit differently than the next. The rule is - there is no clear rule. Singles now make up the majority of the work force, so less rigid rules for office romance are welcome and help boost morale. If you’re already involved or are about to get involved in an intimate relationship with someone at the office, take it easy, get all the info first, and act accordingly. A moderate approach to office romance is probably best. And, oh yeah, forget the copy room :), unless you are both driven by the danger of getting caught. ;)
Beware of the side-effects

An office romance attracts attention from your colleagues. Sure, the ones you’re friends with will understand and won’t make a lot of it, but don’t be surprised if you and your partner become the topic of coffee break talk. It’s probably best if you don’t emphasize your romance in front of colleagues too much. Avoid smooching at work, it may make others uncomfortable. It’s enough that they know and don’t object to your romance.

The next portion might interest you if you’re a woman at the office. With Valentine’s Day coming, signs of romantic thoughts will condense in form of flowers and gifts.

Don’t obsess over getting something

It’s Valentine’s Day, sure, and it would be nice to be on someone’s mind, but if you don’t get a bouquet, don’t make a lot of it, you’ll get one later. If you’re single, stay glamourous, do you job well, but be inspiring and free. Your colleagues will be envious of your freedom, and will enjoy your presence.

Make someone’s day

Not only will you experience the joy of giving, but you will probably make someone happy. Remember them on Valentine’s Day, send them flowers or a small gift, and take five minutes to chat with them.

Plan a fun day for yourself

The best part of the day is after work. Plan to do something self-indulgent. You’ll have something to look forward to, and your mood will reflect that. Go have Valentine’s drinks or something, have fun. Maybe you’ll meet someone who is interesting and inspiring, worthy of your time and attention.

Every woman at the office should get a flower

This may be proper for all the men at the office. Order single roses for every lady that works at the office. It would be a great surprise and will bring the Valentine’s Day atmosphere to the office. Every woman deserves a flower,  so c’mon guys, get a move on. Contact us and arrange for a surprise flower delivery on Valentine’s Day. You’ll be looking at smiling women all day!

If you want to order an individual delivery for your loved one on Valentine’s Day, visit our retail site and check out Valentine’s Day flowers and gifts made especially for this year’s celebration of love and romance.