Nothing since the World Wars of the last century is crushing more special days for more people of every age, than this virus Mother Nature has chosen to bestow on us.
Anniversary dinners are canceled, birthday parties are postponed, children’s concerts & recitals are lost, and sympathy respects are furloughed. However, I feel that Mother Nature always seems to have a lesson with what she does because after all, we are part of Nature and forgotten that.
I see this required, de-socializing as actually a gift; offering us a forced, peace and responsibility-free time. A quiet & reflective time we all have not had since childhood, free of must-do’s and go’s. Instead, it is giving us a chance to think. To take a longer walk with our dog and enjoy it, working on that garage, hobby project that has been hovering for years, learning a new “I always wanted to know how” art or craft, reading that cherished dusty book you found at auction, or spending that time you regretfully never have with your family. It is endless what we can now do that we would not even attempt before because… of the virus Mother Nature sent. Is she wiser than we know? Did she see we had become too over the top, too loud, too fast, too self absorbed, and…. too apathetic? I think she did.
Of course this will also be a very stressful and lonely time for some; especially those with birthdays, anniversaries, are home alone, under the weather, sympathy remembrances, etc. These people are not canceled and postponed-just your avenue to let them know they are still special and not forgotten seems to be.
Her Other Gift
There is still however, one way to recognize them which is also a gift from Mother Nature. Flowers. They can bring joy, freshness, sentiments, thought, and recognition to all these postponed people. A beautiful bouquet to someone in an otherwise closed up home can be a huge uplift at this time. Flowers can send your message when you cannot or are prohibited from visiting. If the birthday party is cancelled you can still let grandmother or best friend know they are special and not just ‘postponed’. Any occasion can still be recognized and remembered without your contact by sending a bouquet or a planted garden to let them know you are thinking of them. You shouldn’t have to postpone recognition of the day or person just because you cannot visit or get together.
As per the USDA and FDA most current findings; the virus does not attach itself to fresh products such as food, flowers, and plants which make them the near perfect item to bring home or send without consequence. As the ‘alternative eco-florist’, I only offer local & US grown products and I am keeping a daily watch on availability and airline schedules. Imported flower crops from around the world are going to start backing up in the coming days due to the market situation which means, older product will soon flood the market. US grown flowers and herbs are cut and in my store within 3 days to provide a safe and long lasting gift while being some of the most beautiful grown.
My Gifts
I understand the fears and hysteria as I myself is very much like the annoying, series character Monk. Wipes, wipes, and more wipes. So I am initiating some new procedures. One is non-contact deliveries. This means I give a courtesy call to the recipient of a gift coming and the driver will place it at their door to wait for them to answer and retrieve it. No contact. The second is for those who order on-line or call-in wishing to pick-up gifts. Curb side pick-up will be available during open hours with a call back or text when their orders are ready.
As an eco-florist and with an environmental background; I am aware of the homeopathic properties of many plant & flowers. With that, I am including complimentary packets of dried lavender and a mini, cedar smudge bundle with each order. For centuries cedar has been known by Native peoples to be a natural air purifier when burned. Lavender when boiled in water on the stove will help clear the air even further. Both bring a calming and mindful, aromatherapy to the home. Studies have shown that using these for just an hour reduced airborne bacteria by 94%. A single room stayed almost entirely bacteria-free for 24 hrs. with some bacteria not detected for up to 30 days.
Mother Nature has a remedy for every one of her nature-borne illnesses and we need to remember that too. I hope you use this time to reconnect with nature if even a little; as that is after all, how this situation started. We forgot from where we came, lost respect for it, and how we much we really need Nature-as it does not need us at all.
UPDATE
A few things since I wrote this post 2 weeks ago.
For safety and as per the NY mandate, absolutely no admittance is allowed into the shop beyond myself, owner.
With that, I am the only one inside working so please be patient with timing and choices. My many permanent, preserved, and dried bouquets, floral gifts and baskets may be shipped via USPS for out of town destinations.
*Note that I will give sympathy, birthday, and anniversary orders first priority timing.
Being I do not carry imported or prepackaged flowers, as of now I still have a supply chain for a general assortment of flowers & plants that are fresh from our American farms. This is on a week by week status and I cannot guess until when. Our farms keep growing so I will continue unless the viral situation worsens even more, FedEx cargo is no longer flown, and/or our Governor declares a complete shutdown and curfew of all function.
On a personal note……
I have made up mini burning, bundles of cedar, sage tops, and lavender packets to include on every bouquet I make now-my gift. All 3 cleanse our indoor air and bring the outdoors in. 
