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Contact Info
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Freds Flowers & Gift
4 Kiefner Street
Perryville, MO 63775
573-547-4322
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1. How do you preserve fresh flowers?
We use a process called Freeze-drying, which removes the moisture from fresh flowers.
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In simple terms the flowers are placed in a chamber and flash frozen at a temperature range of -15 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. A smaller separate chamber is maintained between -50 and -60 degrees Fahrenheit. When the flowers are thoroughly frozen (usually 12 to 24 hours), a vacuum is placed in the chambers. The temperature is then increased in increments of 5 to 10 degrees per day until room temperature is reached. As the temperature rises, moisture is removed from the flowers as a vapor which forms ice crystals in the smaller ice chamber. This process takes between 10 and 13 days to complete, depending on the varieties of the flowers.
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3. Is this the same as freeze-dried survival foods?
The process is similar to that used in the food, pharmaceutical, and taxidermy industries, but has only been used for the preservation of fresh flowers and foliage in the last two decades as technology advanced to the point of being able to process delicate fresh flowers without damaging them.
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4. What do these preserved flowers look like?
Most people agree that they are quite similar to their fresh counterparts. Shape and size remain the same as well as color retention. Certain types of flowers process better than others, but most varieties retain their original beauty. The freshness of the flowers and the care given to them before they begin the freeze-drying process plays an important part in determining their final appearance.
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5. Are freeze-dried flowers treated with chemicals?
Yes, pre-treatments are used to enhance color retention, prevent ultra-violet damage, and provide durability as well as shatter resistance. Post-treatments with polymers prevent moisture reentry and give flexibility. On a few occasions, color enhancer's are utilized. None of these chemicals are harmful once they dry.
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6. What flowers dry the best?
"FRESH" flowers! All reputable florists should be providing you with the freshest flowers available. Speak to your florist in advance, tell them you are having your bouquet preserved and that freshness of the flowers is very important, and that if at all possible a water supply be provided. Use finesse when talking to your florist; they're flowers and artistry will be viewed by your friends and family for years to come. The only varieties of flowers that do not freeze-dry well are members of the chrysanthemum family--especially daisy pomp's.
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7. Will my flowers retain the same color they had when they were fresh? Each variety and color shade responds differently, but most retain their original colors beautifully. Some colors may lighten slightly, Stephanotis and white stock will turn a very pale peach, and many varieties of white roses will turn creamy. As years pass, the colors will soften with an attractive antiquing appearance. Back to top
8. When do I need to get you the flowers
Freshness of the flowers is very important, therefore the sooner we receive the flowers after the wedding the better. We provide a special insulated box outside our shop door on weekends. Many brides will have a friend or family member drop off their flowers on Saturday or Sunday. It is important to make prearrangements with us so that the box will be avail available for you. We come in on Sundays in order to put your flowers in water and place them in our coolers, then on Monday we begin the process of freeze-drying your flowers. If the weekend does not work out for you please insure that we receive your bouquet no later than Tuesday.
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9. You are very far away from me, why should I use your services?
With Fred's Flowers & Gifts you will receive both quality and value. We have over 50 years experience in the handling and care of fresh flowers along with gifted floral designers. We are brick and mortar, family owned and operated in the same location since 1946. We will be here twenty years from now to serve your floral needs. We keep a full inventory of freeze-dry replacements flowers, including roses, gardenia, orchids, lilies, stephanotis, lily of the valley, and many other varieties of flowers on hand at all times. If your bouquet has damaged blossoms which are unattractive and unusable, we offer free replacement for up to 30% of the volume of your bouquet. This is an incredible value as many of these flowers can be quite expensive. Above all, we serve you with courtesy and a smile.
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10. If I live in the St. Louis area, how do I get my flowers to you?
11. Can I ship my bouquet to you overnight and have you ship it back?
12. How do I care for my bouquet before I get it to you?
DO NOT FREEZE!!! Attempting to freeze your flowers can permanently destroy them. Do not even place them in a refrigerator if it tends to freeze vegetables. Provide it with a water source and keep it in a cool location (however, above 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Also, keep it away from fruits, vegetables, and auto exhausts which will cause damage to the blooms.
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13. My flowers look terrible, what can I do?
Get them to us as soon as possible. We have had experience in re-hydrating flowers since 1946, and have special techniques for reviving fresh flowers. If you have flowers which are beyond hope, at your request we will provide substitute flowers at no charge for up to 30% of the replacement of your bouquet.
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14. Do you ever replace with silk flowers or foliages?
No. However, we will serve you in any way you desire.
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15. Is it necessary to have my flowers in a keepsake or under glass?
No. However, if you are going to display your flowers as a centerpiece or wall hanging unprotected from dust, humidity, pests, and pets, you will be greatly reducing your arrangements longevity.
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16. Do I have to preserve my entire bouquet?
No, individual flowers may be processed or you may have your bouquet resized and placed in a smaller keepsake.
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17. How long will my flowers last?
We expect freeze-dried flowers which are in enclosed keepsakes to last for many, many years to come. Unprotected preserved flowers will only last a couple of years. Care, handling, and freshness before they begin the freeze-drying process will definitely determine lasting qualities. The types of flowers and home environment will also be a factor in their permanence.
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18. How should I care for my preserved flowers?
Light and humidity are the "enemies" of freeze-dried flowers. Place your keepsake in a dry room away from any form of direct light. Hang or situate your keepsake in a permanent location where it will not be moved or jarred.
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19. Do you offer any guarantees?
We offer a 90-day guarantee on workmanship and materials from the time of pickup. If your freeze-dried flowers are kept enclosed you should be able to enjoy them for many years. We have utilized the latest in cutting edge technologies and experienced craftsmanship to insure that your preserved flowers are of the highest quality. Preserved flowers are a perishable item and we do not however have control over their history before we have received them, or their care and environment after they leave us. Therefore we cannot guarantee their longevity of life.
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20. When will I get my flowers back?
It normally takes 16 to 18 weeks to complete your order. Floral holidays or back ordered keepsake containers may extend this time slightly.
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If you have any other questions, please e-mail us at askfred@fredsflowers.com or telephone us at (573) 547-4322 during normal business hours. |
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