As the leaves change colour, the weather cools and the calendar turns towards the holiday season, Tracy Bell is feeling grateful.
The owner of 性视界传媒鈥檚 La Belle Fleur Floral Boutique marks 20 years in the community this year, supported by family, friends and customers.
鈥淲e鈥檙e all like family here, as are our many customers who have been with us for so many years. Many will stop by just to say 鈥楬i鈥� and see how we鈥檙e doing,鈥� Bell says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e very, very grateful to be here.鈥�
Joining Bell at the store are her 鈥渆xtended family,鈥� including Susanne, who has been with her for 18 of the shop鈥檚 20 years, Lily, who celebrates six years at La Belle Fleur, and Merissa, the 鈥渘ewcomer鈥� approaching three years.
Marking milestones
The opportunity to be part of people鈥檚 lives at so many important milestones is rewarding in itself.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 take that for granted,鈥� Bell says. 鈥淎 lot happens in people鈥檚 lives over 20 years 鈥� babies, weddings and losses 鈥� and we鈥檝e had the privilege of being part of these special events.鈥�
On a personal level, the floral artists are grateful to be able to bring beautiful floral arrangements into people鈥檚 lives. 鈥淲e get to do what we absolutely love to do every day,鈥� reflects Bell, past-president of the Canadian Professional Floral Designers鈥� Association.
Feeling thankful with flowers
For those planning to include a floral centrepiece as part of their holiday table, Bell offers a few helpful tips:
- Give it time. While La Belle Fleur will have some pre-crafted centrepieces and arrangements available, for it鈥檚 best to allow ample time, Bell says. Most of their flowers are locally grown, and those that come from overseas are vetted for sustainability.
- Design matters. For those wanting a special arrangement for their table or home, photos of the setting, fabric samples or other helpful tools can ensure the perfect arrangement, suggests Bell, also a floral design educator.
- Take care. Despite significant advancements in longevity, some flowers still last longer than others and choosing a variety can provide ongoing interest. 鈥淲e use only the best-quality flowers and we do a lot behind the scenes to ensure they last,鈥� Bell notes. 鈥淲e get some really nice phone calls saying 鈥業 can鈥檛 believe how long it鈥檚 lasting.鈥欌�� Once home, add a preservative to fresh water and showcase flowers in a cool location. Trim stems every two days and ensure the water level is maintained.
Visit La Belle Fleur Floral Boutique in Boundary Park Plaza at 6350 120th St. in 性视界传媒. Visit on or online at , or connect via Twitter and Instagram at @labellefleur97.