FSG Workbook

Delivering Flowers to Hospitals

” Teleflora offers beautiful keepsakes that brighten the mood of any hospital room without taking up too much space; I love the Be Happy ® Mug and Buzzing Bee Well Pot, since they also hold a good amount of water. ”

— Carol Caggiano, AIFD, PFCI, Jeffersonton, VA

Delivery Policies Check with the hospitals in your area for their flower delivery policies. Always verify that the patient can receive deliveries in the first place, as certain departments such as the ICU do not allow flowers, plants or balloons. Are there specific cutoff times by which flowers must be delivered? Are balloons permitted? Make sure to inform customers of any limitations, so their gifts will be welcomed and remembered. Container Size Choose the container wisely. Make sure the container is small enough to fit on a small shelf or windowsill (3"–4" maximum diameter). The space for flowers in a regular hospital room is minimal, so design accordingly.

Water Supply Hospital rooms are usually 5°–10° F warmer than the average room. Be sure flowers have an ample water supply and that water can be added easily without creating a mess. Spray the flowers with an anti-transpirant like Crowning Glory ® or Floramist ® to slow the evaporation of water from the surface of the flowers. Plant Protocol When sending a plant to a hospital, be sure to place it in a leakproof container or basket. Always use a liner or saucer to catch runoff when a plant is watered. Fragrance Caution Be careful when using heavily fragrant flowers in designs going to hospitals. Be especially cautious of stargazer lilies, freesia, paperwhite narcissus, hyacinths, solidago, limonium and some varieties of roses, as these flowers tend to cause stronger allergic reactions in people.

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