GIFT BASKETS
Q. I have a large number of recipients on my order. Can I still use your web-site?
A. Yes, but you might find it easier to e-mail us @ cottageflowersandgifts@yahoo.com with your order.
Q. What is your discount policy?
A. We offer a 5% discount on orders totaling $1500.00 or more (excluding shipping and sales tax). We also, occasionally offer specials or discounts on our web-site. You will need to enter the discount code when placing an order via our web-site to take advantage of any special offers.
Q. Can you customize gift baskets?
A. In some cases, we can create a special gift basket for your gift recipient!
Q. Do you substitute items in your gift baskets?
A. In the rare instances when demand outstrips supply of a particular item in a gift basket, we will replace that item with one of equal or greater value at no extra charge.
Q. Can I order a gift baskets today and have it shipped a week from now?
A. Yes, you can. When ordering your gift baskets, just place the date in which you would like them to ship in the comments area and we will hold your order until that date.
Q. If I place an order, how will my gift baskets be shipped?
A. We ship Monday thru Friday by Federal Express, Priority Mail and UPS. Most deliveries arrive within 6 business days. Orders must be placed by 1:00 pm Eastern Time. Rush service is available upon request.
Q. Do you offer shipping insurance?
A. All gifts are insured against loss and damage during shipping at no extra cost to you.
Q. Can I ship my gift baskets anywhere?
A. Almost anywhere. We can ship some items to Canada. Please contact us for information on products that are available for shipping to our Canadian friends. We cannot ship to P.O. Boxes, APO-FPO Boxes or foreign (overseas) addresses. We can ship to Hawaii and Alaska, but please call or e-mail us for additional shipping fees.
Q. Can I send a personalized message with my gift basket?
A. Yes, you can! Remember to include your message in the space provided on our order form. Your gift basket will arrive with your personalized gift card.
Q. How long will the gourmet foods in my gift baskets stay fresh?
A. The items packaged inside are best if consumed within 6 months.
Q. Why do you need my recipient’s phone number?
A. Federal Express and UPS must have the recipient’s phone number to qualify for our guaranteed delivery service. We will not contact your gift recipients via phone unless we are having problems with the delivery.
Q. What are your hours of operation?
A. We are available to take your orders 24/7 via our web-site. If you need to contact us by phone, our hours are: Monday thru Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm EST. Extended hours during all seasonal holidays are 7:00am to 8:00pm EST.
Q. What forms of payment does Cottage Flowers and Gifts accept?
A. We accept American Express, our preferred card of choice, Visa, and Master Card. We welcome all verified PAYPAL customers as well!
Q. Do you collect sales tax?
A. State law requires us to collect sales tax on all purchases made within the state of Florida.
FRESH FLOWERS
Q. Will the flowers come arranged?
A. Flowers that you order from Cottage Flowers and Gifts, which are scheduled to be delivered by a local florist, come arranged and ready for displaying.
Grower Direct flower products, which you order from Cottage Flowers and Gifts, are shipped directly from our greenhouse using an overnight courier service. Due to our packing methods to accommodate courier service, bouquets do not come arranged as you would receive from a florist.
Q. How do you package the Grower Direct flowers when a vase is included with the order?
A. The flowers and vase are sent in a high quality gift box. The flowers are wrapped in cellophane, put into the vase (no water is included), and then placed on its side in the gift box. Everything is secured, and an ice pack is included to keep the flowers at the optimum temperature.
Q. Why were thorns left on my Grower Direct roses?
A. We do not strip our Grower Direct roses of thorns as it damages the stems and severely inhibits the vase life of the roses. 35 years of experience have shown that removing the thorns frequently causes lesions, which create an “air lock” in the stem and prevents water uptake.
Q. Are your Grower Direct roses fragrant?
A. Greenhouse roses are not as fragrant as roses grown outdoors, but do have a nice fragrance.
Q. Are your Grower Direct roses the huge ones that I’ve seen in the florists’ shops?
A. You are probably referring to South American grown roses. While these roses may be larger in size, they do have a shorter life span. We ship only our fresh cut floral products to arrive at your door overnight.
Q. How will I know the flowers have been delivered?
A. Once your order has been processed and shipped, you are sent an e-mail with shipping confirmation. If you have questions regarding the flower delivery, please contact us and we will contact the appropriate courier. They will have detailed information regarding the delivery.
Q. Are your Grower Direct roses open when they are shipped?
A. Our freshly harvested roses are barely beginning to open when we ship them. You will be able to enjoy seeing them open to their maturity and beauty.
DRIED/FREEZE-DRIED FLOWERS
Q. What are dried flowers?
A. The real distinction between a dried flower and a fresh one is the absence of moisture.
Q. Why dried flowers?
A. While there is a precious quality about the impermanence of fresh flowers, it is exciting to know that the pleasure flowers bring can have permanence. With today’s drying methods, dried/freeze-dried flowers are enjoying a renewed popularity. Bright, bold colors, as well as gorgeous Victorian shades, abound in the world of today’s dried flowers!
Q. What methods are used to dry flowers?
A. Air drying is the most popular, but there are several other ways that plant material can be preserved. Among the many drying methods are chemical desiccants and sand, pressing, using a microwave oven, and the most costly, freeze-drying.
Q. Do dried flowers retain their scent?
A. When certain flowers and leaves are dried, they retain their perfume, and these in particular have been used since the earliest times both to adorn and to perfume rooms.
Q. How long can I expect a dried/freeze-dried arrangement, basket or wreath to last?
A. If kept under the right conditions, your dried/freeze-dried flowers will last for many years. Light conditions are the most hazardous to dried/freeze dried flowers. Keeping your flowers away from direct sunlight, moisture, pets and children are the keys to longevity.
Q. What is freeze-drying?
A. Basically, freeze-drying uses a simple process called sublimation. During this process, the water is quickly frozen, and then placed under a vacuum. When under a vacuum, the ice will turn into water vapor without changing back to liquid. Therefore, the water has been removed, leaving behind the "dried" product.
Q. How are flowers, especially roses, freeze-dried?
A. Typically, roses and other flowers are placed in a freeze drier and then the vacuum is applied for an average of about 12 days while the temperature in the product chamber is stepped back up to room temperature.
Q. What is the best way to maintain freeze-dried flowers?
A. Roses and other freeze-dried flowers are best displayed in a low humidity environment, out of direct sunlight. Further preservation can be done by displaying your flowers in a closed environment such is domes, domed frames, shadow boxes, or sealed cases. This is a wonderful way to preserve a freeze-dried wedding bouquet!
Q. Where do you get your dried/freeze dried flowers?
A. Cottage Flowers and Gifts purchases dried flowers that are grown in the United States and around the world. Many of the beautiful hydrangeas that we use for our wreaths are grown on the beautiful Northwest Coast of Washington and Oregon. Other’s, come from the Eastern shores of Cape Cod, and North Carolina. Many other flowers and exotic plants that we purchase are grown in: Canada, Brazil, Ecuador, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Italy, France, South Africa, and Israel, to name just a few.
