Apr
19
2012

Give Carns a Chance

Before you go calling me a tacky, cheap, 95 year old grandma with no taste, PLEASE hear me out. I know what you are all thinking, “how can a 20 something, stylish, brilliant, creative young florist ever promote such an awful flower?” Am I right? Thought so. Well I am going to tell you why, but before you start judging me for my taste in flowers, have an open mind and remember all flowers are beautiful in their own way.

Due to my late grandfather's (the founder of Westmount Florist) love for the carnation, it could be the emotional attachment I share with these flowers that makes me want to defend their honor. His business was built on these little blossoms, back in the day there weren’t many flowers to work with and he did what he could with the classic carnation. Carnations always held a special place in his heart because they were the flower that got him interested in the floral business.

Are you a starving artist? Struggling student? Or maybe you want to save your money and go away on vacation this summer? Well guess what, carnations are affordable. If you need a floral fix for a good price, carnations might surprise you. They are never more than about two bucks a stem. I would recommend purchasing one or two, cut them low and accent them with a good quality filler like wax flower, hypericum berries or viburnum.

Now hold on, I’m not saying go out and buy two dozen mixed coloured carnations and add babies breath. No no no, that’s false. Keep it minimal with carnations, use them as a accent flower, not the main focus. Carnations come in all different shades, but a common misconception is that they are only available in basic tones like white, red and pink. If you can get your hands on deep, almost fuchsia carnations buy seven and add them to your hand tied. They will make the other colours and flowers pop. There are so many other colours out there that will blow your mind, all you have to do is look for them.

I guess what I’m trying to say is just give carnations a chance. We have been brainwashed into thinking these flowers are old fashioned, but just like anything, when styled correctly with talent and class they can be beautiful and unique. Which better florist to do that job than Westmount Florist? Don’t worry about carnations popping up in your arrangements and bouquets from Westmount Florist any time soon. It won’t happen unless you specifically ask for them…which we think you should every once and a while