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How to Care for Cut Tulips

Posted on by Amber

Tulips are back in our stores for the season, and we want to make sure that after you take them home, they last as long as possible.

We only offer the highest quality tulips available and care for them diligently while they are in our stores. However, to ensure their longevity there are some steps you can take at home.

Understanding Tulips

It is important to know that tulips are different from other cut flowers. Tulips continue to grow even after being cut. Their stems grow upwards and their flowers grow towards light sources.

Because they are active, they will droop. This does not mean they are dying or unhealthy; they are simply “moving”.

Connells Maple Lee also specifically sources tulips with larger heads, which increases the chance of the “drooping” effect while they are growing but is a higher quality flower.

They can easily be recut and shortened if they become too unruly.

It should also be noted that tulips do not require flower food like many other fresh flowers.

Tips to make tulips last longer

Cut them

As with most fresh flowers, it is recommended that you cut some of the stem off from the bottom. For tulips, cut a ½ inch off from the bottom at an angle. 

This is done to increase the flowers ability to uptake water, which ensures they don’t wilt or get shocked.

Water

Even though tulips don’t need flower food, they do require a lot of water. Be sure to check the amount of water in the vase daily. It is important that at least the bottom of tulips stems are always covered. Remember, the tulips are still technically growing.

For best practices, give your tulips fresh water everyday or continue adding water as the levels decrease.

Environment

Tulips like to be cool. Keep them in a room that won’t get a lot of heat. To help them maintain their ideal temperature, drop ice cubes into their water.

Be sure to place them somewhere away from direct light, radiators, lamps, tvs, electronics and other items that could cause them to overheat.

New Houseplants to start the year right

Posted on by Amber

This one is for the plant parents. 

A new year means it’s time for new plants, because you haven’t added a new one to your collection since last year. Far too long.

To start 2025 off the right way, we’ve expanded our houseplant offerings with new plants from Proven Winners. We are offering 12 new and unique plants:

  • Alocasia Mickey Mouse
  • Algaonema Cold Forest (Zebra)
  • Birds Nest Fern – Victoria (White Pot)
  • Ficus Elastica Tineke (small)
  • Hoya Shining Sea Star™ (Flamingo Dream)
  • Schismatoglottis Rivera™
  • Mythic Alocasia Longiloba
  • “Fozzie” Philodendron Nangaritense Fuzzy
  • Ficus Cyathistipula

To browse our full Proven Winners houseplant collection visit here: Proven Winners

Plants that will bring you luck in the New Year

Posted on by Amber

A new year means a whole 365 days of new experiences and opportunities await. 

Of course, everyone wants to have a prosperous and successful year. According to certain beliefs, there are plants that can help with that. 

Growing and keeping these plants in your environment could supposedly make 2025 your luckiest year yet:

Peace Lily

Peace Lilies, which are not true lilies, are thought to bring peace to those who tend for them. Those who practice Feng Shui believe the Peace Lily harmonizes the energy whenever it is placed and gives feelings of hope to those in its presence.

Orchid

Orchids are hard to take care of. According to Southern Living, it is believed that caretakers of the plant will be rewarded with good fortune. Others say Orchids are a symbol of creativity and beauty, according to Good Housekeeping.

Philodendron

Feng shui practitioners believe having two philodendron plants in your home helps promote the balanced partnership you hope to achieve with those you live with, according to Good Housekeeping.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamifolia)

The ZZ Plant is supposed to bring prosperity to its caretaker. In Feng Shui the ZZ Plant is said to elevate positive energy in relation to wealth and well-being. It is a very hardy plant and is nicknamed the “eternity plant” to symbolize endurance.

Consider adding one of these plants to your home or office to hopefully have your best year yet!

Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide Part 2

Posted on by Amber

Welcome to part 2 of our Christmas Gift Guide where we’re helping you find something for everyone on your list. 

Part 1, which features our first 12 categories, was posted on Dec. 16.

With just a few days left until Christmas, we hope the rest of this guide eases some of your Christmas shopping anxiety. Here’s the final 12 gift guide categories:

The Christmas Obsessed (For the one who has had their tree up since Nov. 1)

Your Neighbor (Who you kind of know, but kind of don’t)

Your Boss (Who you need to approve your upcoming time off request)

The Workaholic (Who definitely won’t (wink) check their phone during Christmas dinner)

The Coach (Who has cheered on your kids all season, even while it was freezing outside)

The Plant Parent (Whose house is basically a greenhouse they happen to sleep in)

The Reader (Who keeps bugging you to read Fourth Wing)

The One Who Has Everything (And refused to make a wish list)

  • A Connells Maple Lee gift card

The Art Lover (Who always has their sketch book with them)

The Bird Watcher (Who can tell what type of bird it is based on it’s song)

The Rustic Look Lover (Who drives a vintage pickup)

The Snow Lover (Who still builds snowmen every year)

Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide Part 1

Posted on by Amber

We’ve got something for everyone on your list.

If you’re looking for Christmas gift inspiration or you’re at a loss as to what to get the person that has everything, you’ve come to the right place. 

We’ve created a gift guide with 24 categories to help you find the perfect present. Because we have so many suggestions, we are splitting this guide into two parts. Check back for the next installment on December 20. For now, here’s the first 12 categories:

The Cat Parent (This is for the one who constantly has cat hair on them)

The Dog Parent (For the one who has matching sweaters with fido)

The Adventurer (For the person who is always in a new location on Snap Map)

The Trendsetter (For the one whose Super Bowl is NYFW)

The Little One (For the one who required 100+ images to get one of them smiling on Santa’s lap this year)

Mom (For the one who bought everyone else’s gifts)

Dad (For the one who has already stolen at least 3 Christmas cookies)

Your Bestie (The one keeping you sane this holiday season)

The Host/Hostess (For the one who already has Christmas dinner planned)

The Teen (Who might look up from their phone to open their gift if you’re lucky)

The Wellness Guru (Who is still going to yoga on Christmas morning)

The Foodie/Chef (The one cooking Christmas dinner)

Keeping Pets Safe Around Holiday Plants

Posted on by Amber

Plants are a beautiful, traditional way to celebrate the holidays. 

However, some of the plants associated with Christmas are dangerous to our furry friends. If you have a pet and are planning to use live plants to decorate for the holidays, it’s important to know which plants are toxic to pets and how to keep your pets safe.

Holiday plants that are dangerous for pets

Mistletoe

According to the Pet Poison Helpline the American and European variety of mistletoe are not good for animals. Although both types can cause issues for pets, the European variety is the most toxic.

Signs that your pet has ingested mistletoe includes drooling, vomiting and diarrhea which is all caused from the polysaccharides, alkaloids and lectins in the berries on the mistletoe. If a large amount of berries are eaten there can be more serious side effects such as an abnormal heart rate, low blood pressure, ataxia, seizures, collapse and even death.

Holly

The English, Japanese and Chinese varieties of holly have toxic saponins, according to the Pet Poison Helpline.

English holly is the traditional plant used for Christmas decorating. Signs an animal has eaten holly includes vomiting and diarrhea.

Poinsettia

Arguably the most popular Christmas plant besides actual Christmas trees, poinsettias can be found in many houses during the holiday season. These plants are often used to decorate for holiday parties and grace entryways and are often given as gifts.

Contrary to myths, which are hypothesized to have started over a hundred years ago after a child was found dead next to a poinsettia, they are not deadly.

According to the National Capital Poison Center, poinsettias can cause some issues like vomiting, nausea and diarrhea when eaten by pets, but it will not kill them. Some pets may also experience skin irritation if they brush up against the plant.

Amaryllis

The ASPCA states that Amaryllis plants are toxic to dogs, cats and horses because they have lycorine. When ingested, Amaryllis can cause animals to have vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia, tremors and depression.

What to do if your pet eats any of these plants

If you even suspect your pet has eaten any parts of these holiday plants immediately seek veterinary assistance and contact either of these hotlines:

  • ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline: 888-426-4435
  • Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

Tips for keeping pets away from dangerous plants

If you are planning on having any of the listed plants in your home and have pets, it is imperative that you take precautions to keep them away from your animals.

Keep your plants in rooms your pets are not allowed in or place them high up in areas they don’t go, such as on the kitchen table. Consider using the plants as decorations for your front porch as opposed to inside with your pets.

Make sure that even if the plants are out of reach that no debris like leaves or petals fall on the floor where a curious critter can find them.

Place the numbers for the previously listed pet poison hotlines somewhere you can immediately access, like on the fridge, just in case of an accident.

Pet safe holiday plants

Rosemary and christmas cactuses are both non-toxic holiday plant options for those with pets who find a way to get into everything. 

Rosemary is often shaped to look like a mini Christmas tree for the holiday season. Christmas cactuses add a pop of color with their bright pinkish-red flowers in bloom. Both are safe and festive options for households with pets.

If preventative measures are taken and you are observant of your pet, your holiday plants and pets can safely coexist together.

Mantel Decorating Ideas

Posted on by Amber

“And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”

Having a mantel in your home offers the opportunity to create a stunning Christmas scene. We’ve compiled some ideas to help you make a “Pinterest worthy” mantel for the holidays.

1. Make the Wreath the Star

Wreaths aren’t just for the front door. A wreath can act as a focal point, an anchor for a room. Placing a wreath above a mantel is the perfect festive touch. No matter what you put actually on the mantel, the look will feel complete.

2. Make a Village

Use the top of your mantel as host to your Christmas village. If you don’t want to place your whole village on the mantel, consider adding one or two houses on the ends for a whimsical feel.

3. Don’t Forget the Floor

Utilize the space around your mantel to enhance your Christmas look. Including lanterns and boxwood trees, which look like mini Christmas trees, will extend the magic.

There are also of course traditional holiday plants, like poinsettias, that when placed around the mantel will create a timeless holiday look.

4. Incorporate Flowers

If the shelf of your mantel is wide enough, consider incorporating flowers into your decor. Add a festive fresh arrangement of flowers to brighten the room or a silk arrangement that will last the entire holiday season.

5. Color Coordinate

Firstly, if your mantel is in a room with a Christmas tree make sure the mantel decor is color coordinated with the tree. For example, if you have a classic red and green Christmas tree, give your mantel a classical look too. But if your tree is pink, blue or any other unusual color combination, make sure your mantel compliments those colors.

Consider making all of the decorations on and around your mantel one color.  For instance, if you appreciate the “snow day” feeling, make all of your decorations white. If you’re adding flowers to the mantel’s decor, 

6. Hang Ornaments

Stockings are the traditional option to hang from the mantel, but what about including some ornaments? If you have greenery draped over the mantel adding ornaments to it creates a fun look.

How to Care for Cut Boxwood Trees

Posted on by Amber

Boxwood trees are the perfect Christmas decoration.

They look just like miniature Christmas trees, making them great for those who wish they could have a tree in every room of their house and for those who want something small. They are also great for those who want something festive in their office at work.

Once you get a boxwood tree, you of course want it to last as long as possible, especially through the holiday season.

The best way to keep your boxwood tree looking fresh is by giving it water. To keep your boxwood tree happy, simply add water to the bottom of the container, like you would with fresh flowers.

Your cut boxwood tree won’t last forever, but by keeping it hydrated, it will last you until the holidays come to an end.

Connells Maple Lee donates $830 to Mid-Ohio Food Collective

Posted on by Neal
From left, Ethan Bradford, coordinator, corporate partnerships, Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and Andrew Royer, vice president of Ohio operations, Connells Maple Lee Flowers & Gifts.

Connells Maple Lee Flowers & Gifts has donated $830 to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, which operates the largest food bank in Ohio.

Family-owned Connells Maple Lee earmarks $10 from every purchase of its Admiration arrangement for charitable giving. The arrangement has generated nearly $10,000 in donations since 2015.

Admiration features two roses, bells of Ireland, carnations, football mums, cushion poms, charmelia alstroemeria, hypericum and silver dollar eucalyptus. 

“We are grateful for the support of our customers and organizations such as the food bank for the wonderful work they do to improve lives in our communities and beyond,” said Tom Royer, president and CEO of Connells Maple Lee.

The food collective, which is based at 3960 Brookham Drive, Grove City, serves 20 counties.

We can’t promise eternity, but these steps will make your Christmas wreath last longer

Posted on by Neal

A circle has no end, which is one of the reasons why a Christmas wreath is a symbol of eternity.

One made from natural evergreen won’t last forever, of course, but you can take some simple steps to get the most out of it.

Make a noble gesture: Just as not all Christmas trees are created equal, the same holds true for wreaths. They have different characteristics, one of which has to do with needle retention.

Balsam wreaths are among the most fragrant, but they have a reputation for shedding needles. It has to do with where they are grown: Canada, northeastern states, the upper Great Lakes and Pennsylvania.

Noble fir wreaths, on the other hand, hail from the Pacific Northwest, where they are tested by high altitude, heavy rain and frost, and high winds. That makes them hearty in the face of what the holiday season throws at them.                          

The noble’s blue-green needles are rounded, giving them a fluffier look than the flatter balsam branches.

While noble fir might cost more than balsam because of growing time and shipping costs, it more than makes up for in longevity and construction.

Soak it: Any plant is on borrowed time once it is cut; however, keeping it moist will delay the inevitable. You can soak it in a bathtub or utility sink filled with room-temperature water for 24 hours to give it a deep hydration before you hang it.

Spray it with hairspray: You can seal in the wreath’s moisture with hairspray, which acts like glue and holds the needles on. To avoid a mess, it’s best to spray outdoors before hanging the wreath on a door, window or wall.

Mist it: Every day or every other day, lightly mist the wreath to keep it moist. To avoid getting walls wet or creating streaks on glass, remove the wreath from where it’s hanging while doing this.

Keep it shady and cool: Avoid direct sunlight and hang it on the outside of a door; otherwise, it can get cooked behind glass if hung between a main door and a storm door. The space between the doors suffers from reduced airflow, lower moisture and heat.

These steps will keep your Christmas wreath delivering joy throughout the holiday season.