FOUNDER OF THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF FLOWER DESIGN APPEARS ON CBS’S THE EARLY SHOW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 14, 2011 -- NEW YORK, February 14, 2011 - Michael Gaffney, celebrity flower designer and founder of the American School of Flower Design appeared on CBS’s The Early Show on Wednesday, February 9, 2011. With Valentine’s Day less than a week away, the segment explored how Americans will spend $1.7 billion dollars on flowers for their loved ones. Many consumers turn to online flower websites to get their bouquets and arrangements. The goal of the segment was to explore if shopper really get their money’s worth when the flowers arrive on their doorsteps.

To do so, The Early Show spent the a few days ordering flowers from roses to mixed bouquets from online websites and had them analyzed by Michael Gaffney. Gaffney offered his expert opinion on each arrangement and found that not only did most of the arrangements not match what was originally ordered, but they overpaid for what they received.

In order to avoid this sticky situation for Valentine’s Day, Michael Gaffney recommends finding a local flower shop and be very specific about what type of flowers you want. To help extend the life of the flowers this Valentine’s Day, Gaffney also offers the following tips:

1. Cut the stems at a 45° angle with sharp scissors when you first get them and every day after that
2. Dip the flowers upside down in water as soon as you get them
3. A drop of bleach to kill bacteria growth from rotting the water transport system

4. Don’t place flowers in direct sunlight or by appliances like computers which can cause the flowers to de-hydrate
5. Keep flowers away from fruit and plants which give off ethylene. This gas will cause your flowers to wilt too soon

ABOUT THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF FLOWER DESIGN

The American School of Flower Design features eight campuses nationwide including New York, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Minneapolis, and now Miami. The curriculum covers all aspects of the floral industry and allows students to take their passion for flower design and turn it into a full-time profession. For more information about The American School of Flower Design, please visit www.newyorkflowerdesign.com or call (877) 32-BLOOM.

ABOUT MICHAEL GAFFNEY

Michael Gaffney has appeared on numerous television shows including WE TV’s My Fair Wedding with David Tutera and countless television and radio segments around the country. His work appeared in the Oscar-nominated movie, Black Swan and was recently showcased at the San Francisco Garden Club’s annual event at The Four Seasons Hotel. Michael’s quick wit, techniques, extensive industry experience, and intensive curriculum at the American School of Flower Design are some of the many reasons his students flourish in their individual professions. This year, Gaffney will release his first book, Design Star featuring tips, advice, and photos of his work throughout the years.

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