How To Dress Your Pumpkin

When decorating your home for the changing season, why not try a festive pumpkin inspired floral centerpiece. Halloween decorations don’t have to be just ghosts and witches, pumpkins as a vase are an ideal eye-catching decoration throughout Autumn and Halloween.

What you will need:

1. 1 pumpkin which you can pick up at the local supermarket.
2. A block of floral foam or small vase of water to fit inside the pumpkin.
3. Carving knife to cut the top off and a spoon to scoop out the insides.
4. Autumnal flowers, leaves and berries.

Here are some tips when dressing your pumpkin:

1. When cutting the top off your pumpkin try keep a wide opening in the center to make it ease to scoop out all the guts.
2. Line the inside of the pumpkin with plastic. The plastic lining will help keep the moisture in when you water the floral foam.
3. Cut the floral foam to size and soak this in water as you are preparing you flowers.
4. Insert the foam block or vase inside the pumpkin and begin creating your arrangement.
5. Begin your arrangement with flowers then you can add leaves, berries and other seasonal embellishments.
6. An ideal color scheme is orange, yellow and red to give an autumnal feel. You can also add a splash of purple to bring some life to the arrangement while also keeping the arrangement seasonal.

Summer is over and the long, dark, wet evenings are beginning to set in. Don’t let this get your mood down – brighten up your home with one of our Autumnal floral arrangements. The refreshing orange and red tones are guaranteed to lift any rooms mood.

We have picked our top favourites below , take a look through our range and let us know what arrangement catches your eye!

1. Deep Sunset Vase

This beautifully autumnal jar arrangement features orange roses, orange carthamus, red germini, red spray roses and red sedum with pistache, pittosporum and oak leaf. This would be perfect for the middle of the dining table.

2.  Glorious Shades Hand-Tied

Refreshing orange and red tones accompanied by shades of brown, cream and green this is the perfect bouquet for the Autumn months and the ideal gift of choice for that special someone. This bouquet is made up of cream lisianthus, red germini, orange germini, orange LA lilies and orange roses with red oak leaves, aspidistra and salal, hand-tied, wrapped and presented in Interflora gift packaging. There is also a Birthday version of this gift available.

3. Perfect Pumpkin Ceramic

Celebrate Halloween with the ultimate Halloween accessory – this chic floral pumpkin ceramic. Featuring orange carnations and orange carthamus with pistache, arranged in a ceramic pumpkin this would look great on any window sill .

You can view our full range of Autumnal products over on https://www.mallowflowers.com/autumn-flower-range.html today!

Funeral and Sympathy flowers are an integral part of the funeral process and have been a tradition throughout history. However,we know that it is difficult to know what kind of flowers to send, which is why we have put this blog together with the most FAQ we get asked.

What is the difference between Funeral flowers and Sympathy flowers?

Funeral Flowers are for the funeral service and go directly to the funeral home, they are a tribute to the deceased. Sympathy flowers to to the home of the deceased and should be addressed to a loved one who has suffered the recent loss.

What is the most appropriate type of arrangement?

A wreath is without a doubt the most popular choice for funerals and most people will request a wreath to be made up to a certain value using the requested flowers. A wreath is a floral presentation often used because a circle symbolizes eternal life. Alongside wreaths there are many other types of popular arrangements such as a spray – flowers designed for viewing from one side only , hearts & cushions and also special tributes – specially designed in the shapes of crosses, teddy bears or iconic symbols.

What should I send for a cremation?

Cremation is becoming more and more popular nowadays and people are confused about proper flower etiquette. Simply put, just because there’s no body doesn’t mean you shouldn’t send flowers. In this case, Sympathy flowers would be a good option in this case to express your sympathy for the family of the deceased.

What flower types are appropriate?

Carnations are one of the most popular choices for sympathy arrangements. A red carnation evokes admiration while a pink carnation stands for remembrance. White carnations stand for pure love and innocence. Lillie’s roses and gerbera are also popular choices.

What message should I include on the card?

A personal note in remembrance of the deceased in usually included. A praise or tribute is usually expressed or simply a note to say ‘we are thinking of you’ message with the flowers would be especially nice for the family. Any support you can offer will let the family know you care. Be sure to write who it is from so that the family knows the sender.

If you do have any other questions please contact us today , we would be more than happy to help you.

Vibrant Summer flowers are a great way to bring the sunshine inside this Summer. Fresh flowers add to the home environment and also have an invigorating effect on the interiors. When we buy flowers for the home we like them to last as long as possible.

Check out our top 5 tips on how to keep flowers fresh in a vase.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar has many great health benefits for us, but did you know it also helps enhance your flowers’ longevity? Before adding your flowers to the water mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of sugar to the water. You will need to change the water every couple of days and add fresh apple cider vinegar and sugar again.

2. Remove leaves under the water – Any leaves that are under the water level may rot which will provide the perfect environment for bacteria to grow thus in turn damaging the rest of the plant. Cut off any leaves that are touching the water as soon as you notice them.

3. Remove wilted flowers – Similar to the previous point, wilting flowers release an ethylene gas and this may have a knock on effect to the other flowers in the vase. The best practise would be to cut off wilting flowers as they become noticable.

4. Keep away from environmental risks – Your flowers will last longer in a room with cool temperatures. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near appliances that generate heat, however avoid areas near open windows or vents as they can cause flowers to dehydrate. Flowers should be kept well away from fruit, which releases ethylene gas that can cause wilting.

5. Lastly , change the water! – You would be surprised the amount of times we’ve heard people saying their flowers don’t last as long as they should. When asked if they change the water every couple of days, the answer we receive is “no, it has a preservative in it”. You should replace the water every couple of days, and remove any debris from the vase, to reduce the risk of bacteria festering. If you notice your water is slightly cloudy, it needs to be changed.

Mother’s Day is the busiest time of the year for florists because we all know you can’t go wrong with a beautiful bouquet of flowers!

It’s a known fact that flowers makes people happy  Your mum will definitely give you a big hug and smile when she sees the fresh flowers! And as a bonus, flowers are affordable and a LOT less expensive than fancy jewellery!

Sending Mother’s Day flowers is considered one of the most beautiful ways of showing one’s love for their mother.

Flowers for Mother’s Day may be clichéd and predictable, but they really are the perfect Mother’s Day gift!

This Mother’s Day, surprise her with her favourite flowers! She will love you even more! Don’t know her favourite flower or don’t know anything about flowers? Don’t worry! You can’t go wrong with a beautiful mixed hand tied bouquet we have to offer.

Since Mother’s Day takes place in the spring, this springtime blooming flower is perfect! Tulips are currently in season with a wide selection of vibrant colours to choose from! These bright and cheerful flowers will surely bring a smile to your mother’s face! You can also tell her the flowers represent beauty and grace, two of her qualities that you admire!

Like tulips, the Gerbera Daisy is a bright and cheerful flowers! Gerbera adds a wonderful burst of colour and fun to flower arrangements. These flowers will definitely brighten up her special day! You can tell her that gerbera represent purity and cheerfulness.  

The lily is another popular choice for Mother’s Day. Lilies are long lasting and some of them are even fragrant! Many Mother’s Day arrangements will often feature beautiful and elegant lilies. Any mother will be happy to receive a bouquet of lilies!

And remember, it’s the thought that counts! Don’t worry about giving her the “perfect” flowers. Anything you give her, she will appreciate it because she is your mother.

Ever notice on bright and sunny days how everyone seems happy? Just like flowers need light, people need happy thoughts and moments to grow.

Colour therapists say colours really do affect our moods.

The happiest colour? Orange. It promotes optimism, enthusiasm, and a sense of uplift. Choose orange flowers—roses, gerberas, lilies, and alstroemeria,- to put on your desk and see your mood soar.

With summer just around the corner, Parkwest flowers summer range is delightfully bright and will cheer up any dark day. In Parkwest Flowers the colours of the stock and Hand-tie display are beaming with lots of bright summer colours. We have all types to suit any occasions.

When it comes to flowers, summer is the most colourful out of all seasons bursting with enjoyment, warmth and shine. There is a great selection of arrangements, bouquets and baskets to choose from.

Some of our lovely summer collections include our best seller Summer Scents Perfect Gift. The array of soft pink and shades complements each other beautifully in this vase arrangement. This gift not only looks delightful, it has a lovely summer fragrance too – just perfect for a special occasion this season.d lilac

Mother’s Day is around the corner and it’s one of the busiest times of year for us at Parkwest Flowers. Everyone is working hard to make sure that we’re ready to send out the best flowers to your mum in the coming weeks so that her Mother’s Day is a memorable one!

Mother’s Day is the occasion when all mums get honoured for the support and love they give to their children. Everyone pampers their mum then with gifts and surprises. The most popular gift is still the traditional bunch of flowers and there is a huge variety of flower bouquets and arrangements that might make your mother’s day.

So what if you can’t decide which flowers to give? We will help you out by presenting different meanings of flowers so you can choose the right one for whatever message you want to send to your mum. During the Victorian era it became a trend to give flowers and other gifts. The so often called “language of flowers” came up to create a language for friends, family and lovers to replace words.

Every flower has a different meaning and suits for different occasion. So when you want to express your love for your mum with more than just words pick the best fitting type of flowers. With red roses you always make the right choice due to their expression of love, respect and courage. Shiny pink roses are a perfect way to say “Thank You Mum”. Daffodils are the first flowers that show their beauty and bloom after a cold winter season. With their bright yellow blossoms they look pretty and express faith and honesty and add an extra highlight to your flower bouquet. Tulips are the right choice because they represent genuine cosiness and comfort in all of the right ways.

So show your mum that she is your home and thank her for her protection and understanding with lovely colourful tulips. Send your mum wishes of prosperity and sympathy with lilies. With the classic flower arrangement “Inspired by you” of pastel flowers including pink roses you can express grace. Show her you are proud of being her child with Carnations and Hyacinth to present constancy of love.

With Gerbera Daisies you can express purity and cheerfulness. They represent happiness and combined with white roses that say “you are heavenly” you are definitely on the right track. We hope you could find the right flower to show your mum what she means to you and make her happy on that special day. Add a yummy chocolate box to sweeten her day and a lovely card where you can express everything flowers couldn’t say.

Christmas is a unique time of the year, where everything is centred around family, friends and we think of loved ones, both near and far. It’s also easier than you’d think to make someone happy and see them smile this festive season!

This time of year gives florists a chance to sprinkle some Christmas magic into arrangements, adding luxurious, glamorous touches such as sparkle and glitter as well as new colour and scent combinations especially apt for the festive season. What better present to give to the host of a Christmas party than a beautifully chosen and wrapped festive bouquet?

Simple but effective ideas such as silver sprayed baby’s breath and creative use of snow spray gives that Christmas feeling, depth and dimension to any arrangement, while the seasonal scents of fresh pine and cinnamon will fill you with a sense of the season. Welcome friends and family to your home with a traditional holly based festive door Wreaths with rich red, deep greens and a shimmering touch of gold, silver, bronze or even purple and dress your dining table with a fabulously decorated frosted berry, pine and cone centre piece. Why not try to include something completely different and create a real talking Point? At Park West Flowers, we’re pushing the boat out with velvet glittering Cabbages!

Now that’s sure to create some interesting dinner table conversation! For those abroad, make the distance between you feel a little shorter with a festive Beautifully wrapped bouquet with rich red velvet or a tartan coloured bow and add a balloon order to bring a smile to their faces, using our in house Interflora service to send them a sense of home this Christmas.

Caught trying to think of a last minute gift? Don’t forget that we have a local delivery service too, so you no one will feel forgotten! Christmas is also a time when we are reminded of those who are unable to be with us at this special time of year, so pause during the hustle and bustle of pre Christmas shopping and preparations to honour their memory with a pre made or custom Christmas remembrance wreath.

So bring a little festive floral cheer to your house or those you love and care about this Christmas.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year from all at Park West Flowers.

Summer is over and thoughts of icy cold, dreary winter weather are lurking, weighing some spirits down, I have a severe allergic response to cold weather, I am not thrilled. So how do I deal with it? I revel in Winter and Christmas. Autumn, filled with golden yellows, bright oranges, savoury russets and browns, helped us transition to winter.

So often it seems we are in a rush to pack the summer things away and jump right into the holidays. However, we need this transitional period. Autumn mixes a potent medicinal cocktail of spirit-lifting colour, sensual textures, scents and intriguing shapes. The changing colours of the trees’ foliage and all these elements combined provide the curative effects to prepare us for cold and flu season.

We can create winter decorations for your home and deliver seasonal flowers to bring season’s joy to loved ones. Some festive options:

• A clear glass bowl filled with winter leaves, green foliage and a little bird, or a cute trio of flowering mum plants sitting on the table sets the tone for the season.

• Another idea for a centrepiece or gift involves burlap, one of today’s hottest trend pieces. The course texture and earthy neutral colour can work in many situations. A contemporary glass cube wrapped with a band of burlap, decorated with a cluster of wired buttons and filled with seasonal flowers, such as sunflowers, dahlias, grasses and berries, guarantees smiles.

• Hang a wreath of vine enhanced with a flourish of fall-coloured ribbon and a cluster of Indian corn on the door or over the mantle provides a warm welcome to guests for those heart-warming get together.

• Topiary of yellow and orange alstroemeria or bright sunflowers in an earthenware container makes for a perfect side table design or hostess gift. A touch of raffia, twine or ribbon in fall colours finishes the look.

We can all use a good dose of floral joy to keep our spirits healthy and happy.

To view our full winter and christmas flower collections please visit our website www.mallowflowers.com – orders can be placed online for delivery in Cork and nationwide throughout Ireland.

Funerals are difficult occasions for everyone involved. Funeral flowers offer a way to represent solace, compassion, comfort, and love while also showing respect for the deceased and his or her family.

They also offer opportunities to celebrate life and bring elegance to the proceedings. Turn to Parkwest Flowers for your floral arrangements, decorations, and same day delivery to help provide a warm embrace to those who attend the funeral services.

We offer several types of funeral flowers for you, including:

• Arrangements

• Casket Sprays

• Custom Designs   

• Hearts

• Personal named tributes

Our arrangements vary depending on the type and colour of flower you select, but without a doubt, they will provide a splash of colour and gentle reminder of the life of the deceased loved one. Choose between warm and elegant reds, peaceful whites, tranquil blues, bright yellows and purples, and all colours in between. Our same day flower delivery from your Mallow flower shop can deliver these arrangements to you quickly and surely.

The coffin is the focal point of any funeral, and as such is often the main place for beautiful funeral flowers. Our coffin sprays are professionally created and will provide a fitting centrepiece for the coffin. Select the perfect spray with the perfect colours for the funeral with our array of tasteful coffin décor.

Parkwest Flowers, your trusted Mallow Flowers shop you can even enjoy the benefits of custom designs. We can create custom floral designs with your choice of funeral flowers to give an appropriate and unique look and feel for the funeral. Our same day flower delivery service also ensures that you get your custom design when you need it.