Visiting a new retirement home in Albany and their flower choices surprised me

I was dropping off a sympathy arrangement at the Sunrise Gardens facility yesterday and walked through their main lounge. Every single vase had these stiff, waxy-looking silk flowers, all in bright pinks and oranges. The activities director told me they switched from fresh to fake six months ago to cut costs and reduce allergies. But the whole place felt so sterile and sad compared to the memory care unit that still uses real weekly bouquets. Has anyone else run into a client choosing fake over real for a whole building, and how did you handle it?

3 comments

3 Comments

karenw901d ago

Albany's fake flowers are a smart, clean choice actually.

black.margaret1mo ago

Actually, the allergy thing is a bit of a myth! Most pollen allergies come from trees and grasses, not from cut flowers. It's usually the scent that bothers people, not the pollen itself. You could suggest unscented options like alstroemeria or orchids if that's their real concern.

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wrenwilson1mo ago

That's a solid point from @black.margaret. People get spooked by any plant material, but she's right, it's usually the heavy perfume causing the headache. Had a client insist on no flowers for a wedding due to "allergies," but they just hated the smell of lilies. Switched to orchids and nobody had a problem. Good call on the unscented options.