Sweetpea's
294 Roncesvalles Avenue M6R 2M4 Toronto, ON, Canada

You got this. #sweetpeamessages

I know, it seems like we post that we are hiring every month. . It is always a good thing though! We have been busy, which is why we need new people. In this case, our beloved @caitbolton is leaving the shop to go full time at her very own, recently expanded shop in Alliston. If you aren’t following her already, check out @northernblushfloral. For us ... yup. We are hiring (again). So, here goes: SWEETPEA’S IS HIRING!... Experienced florists (full or part time) are needed to start immediately, or after the holidays (yes, we will hold a spot for qualified people, if needed) We are looking for EXPERIENCED Floral Designers with strong mechanics behind their work and the versatility to work in a variety of design styles. Please look to our website and Instagram for examples of our work. Candidates must also be comfortable with animals as the shop cats are a big part of our family. Please check out our website and Instagram/Facebook accounts to get a feel for the shop and the level of experience we need. ******************************************** All candidates must: * be available Monday to Saturday (rotating schedule). * be capable of putting together an everyday mixed bouquet or vase arrangement on budget, with proper floral mechanics. * be team-oriented, upbeat and positive. * starting at $17/hr, based on experience. * working parents are welcome. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule. * please note preferred pronouns and names, if applicable. Please email your resume, along with 3-5 photos of your work, or links to an online portfolio/instagram to [email protected] What happens next? Qualified applicants will be asked to come in for a one hour interview and design test, where you will be asked to make 2-3 bouquets/vase arrangements. Mostly we are looking for proper mechanics, design-style is something that will evolve in time. We know this can be a little nerve racking, but, mostly, we want to meet you and see if you’re a good fit with our quirky personalities. We also want you to be sure you want to work with us (again with the quirky personalities).

I was just talking to some friends about what it’s like running a business in all this. As we all expected, 2021 didn’t fix everything. That wild hope, yeah, that went out the window faster than a nut walking out the door of the Capitol with a podium under his arm. I am sleeping in today by not getting out of bed at 5am (although still working on my phone). This has been the most exhausting ten months I have ever experienced. It’s frightening to think, we have be...en at this for almost a year. I described this as running the worst marathon ever. There are no participation medals. No commemorative t-shirt to wear after the event to show you completed the race. Everyone is tired and there are no Gatorade stations and for the life of you, you can’t seem to find a finish line. And, the biggest complaint of all, there are not even close to enough port-a-potties for the amount of $hit we are dealing with. But, whacca gonna do? Time to do a little pre-race pep talk to yourself, strap on your running shoes and get out there. The next lap is starting. Don’t forget to stretch. *fist bump to the cats, and off we go again.

Who says subscriptions have to be limited to flowers? Get your PLANT ON! Embrace your crazy plant mom/dad/care giver! (image description: web graphic for newly launched Plant Subscriptions. Order weekly, bi-weekly, monthly plants, to your door.)

So, my sister just started working with @cnibfoundation and the ADORABLE @cnibguidedogs (a must follow for cute doggos, doing their important jobs and puppies!). In a very short period of time, I learned a lot of about accessibility for websites and social media. If you haven’t already noticed, we have started adding image descriptions on our social media posts. Now, with a few, very simple changes, our website has added accessibility as well! I think what was so int...eresting was learning about the types of visibility issues and how websites can be easily adapted to help those with visual impairments. If you are on Shopify, this can be done with one of their various apps (this one was free!). Being in a visual, design based industry, I think this is even more important. Our site is so photo-heavy, this made so much sense. We will work further on this over the coming weeks. We encourage other business owners to do the same to their website. Comment or DM me if you had questions! (image description: Sweetpea’s website homepage, showcasing the newly installed visual accessibility tools. This includes bigger text, bigger cursor, invert colours, contrast, grey scale, brightness, reading line, readable fonts and highlighting hyperlinks.)

The only humane society in Nunavut is being torn down. The original building burnt down last year, and they have been operating out of a space, the equivalent of a one bedroom apartment. Sweetpea's has donated and promoted this organization in the past. They have saved over 10,000 animals and, without them, the local government will bring back mass euthanization and culling. They need to raise $1M to build a permanent, safe structure. We have donated what we can, and will donate more when possible, but if you have anything to spare, please help. If you can't help financially, please share and spread the word. Although you might not have the means, the more people who find out, the more people who can donate (even $5 helps).

Hi everyone! It’s been so hectic getting the lot set up and preparing our new curbside retail, we haven’t had a chance to fine tune our online buying of trees. We want to be sure this works seamlessly before it launches. Thank you for your patience! We will let you know the moment it is ready.

Ok Roncy and Parkdale (and neighborhoods throughout the city) .... we need you more than ever. The local business owners are crushed right now. We have worked so hard. And so many of us are barely holding on. Today’s news, although expected, is still devastating. The holidays are coming. We depend on this time to carry us through the cold winter months. Many of us have already received all our retail products, intended for this busy shopping season. Our win...dows are decorated. Our shelves are stocked. We are ready for you! We beg you, please ... Shop local. Support local. Eat local. We will find ways to deliver if you can’t come to us. We know it’s easy to order online. It’s just as easy to order from us, as it is from the big corporations. Call us and we will give you the same amazing service you get in store. Pick up from our shops, so we can see your eyes smile and we thank you for being there for us. This is an incredible neighbourhood and I often describe Roncy as a small town in the heart of the city. For many of us, this is our home too. We love it here and we want to survive this. Please ... we need you now, more than ever.

Soooooo .... it got cold. How is it, that the colour palette of Fall is so warm, when we are all putting on sweaters and digging out toques? It’s almost bittersweet. Get it? Bittersweet? ‘Cause there is bittersweet in the arrangement? #punny (I’ll show myself out)

The trees are here!!! How does all this magic happen? A lot of help from friends and family. My dad is here this year to give us a hand. My gym family came in to help (shoutout to @auxiliary_fit ) ... Neighbours who have become family during COVID. Friends from our outside lives, we haven’t seen since March came to help too. Generally just a giant THANK YOU to everyone. We managed to unload 425 Christmas Trees in 34 minutes!!!! WHAT?!?! The lot will officially open on Saturday. Online Contactless Christmas Trees will launch on Saturday as well. We can’t wait to see our regulars tree customers this year, even if it’s from a distance.

Every year, I try to write something for Remembrance Day that will encourage us to think. To think of consequences. To think of sacrifice. To think of a world of love and acceptance of others. This year, I feel like, all we do is think. We have become so entangled in our own struggles, we put those above others. This uncertainty we feel, is overwhelming at times. In the last week, we were at a tipping point. We knew the potential consequences and damage a si...ngle man could do, not only to a nation, but to the world as a whole. That fear, that worry, that fight for the equality and fair treatment of others ... we all felt it. We also, fought it. We fought it before it grew larger than we wanted to imagine. We fought it before it become worldwide. We fought it before we had to fight it. We have learned. We have remembered. We, as a whole, have chosen a path where we value each other. We have chosen to raise voices, awareness, love and compassion for others; rather than raise arms. We chose peace. Now, this is not saying the battle is over. This is not saying our work is done. Far from it. But, we have taken the first steps to stop a war before it became another pandemic, all of its own. I am proud of the progress we made during a dark time. I am hoping we continue down this path and find the things we need to make us all whole. To make us all welcome. To make us all accepted, celebrated and loved. Today, we remember. We remember those who fought so we had the opportunity to learn not to. Today, we remember. We appreciate. We learn. Tomorrow, we move forward again. Tomorrow we move to compassion. Tomorrow we move to something greater. Lest we forget.

"Import" is Not a Dirty Word (Where Our Flowers Come From & Why) As the frost settles in and many of our incredible local growers prep their crops for the winter season, we thought it would be beneficial to tell you more about where we get our flowers when the warm outdoor growing season has past. Read our full newsletter to find out where we get our flowers and why.

@belgogirl brought her babies by to inspect our newly painted steps. Normally we are treated with pics of the boys when they visit us for Christmas Trees. Their yearly photo in the tree lot has become our favourite tradition, after all these years. I know a few of you have asked, and YES! Sweetpea’s will still be selling our infamous locally grown Christmas trees this year. We won’t let 2020 ruin our ten year anniversary of the tree lot! We placed our tree order way back in January, before the world imploded, and trust us when we say, we are not letting COVID stop us from celebrating the holidays.

That wee nudge to vote for Sweetpea’s in NOW’s Reader’s Choice for Best Florist (link in bio). For every vote, the kitties get extra snuggles. Who are we kidding? They get all the snuggles anyway.

#sweetpeamessages #ladylloyd

Red on red on red with @thepolarprince

COVID UPDATE: Well, it’s official. As the cases in Ontario increase, and stricter protocols are put in place, we have made the decision to keep our doors permanently closed to the public. We will continue to provide curbside service and delivery. However, for the health and safety of the team, customers will not be allowed in the building. Sweetpea’s has officially become a floral studio, rather than a floral and gift boutique. We appreciate everyone’s understanding on this, and look forward to continuing to offer the service and quality you have come to expect over the last ten years. Thank you for your ongoing support as we evolve to meet the demands of the current health crisis.

She was like this for over an hour.

While the graffiti artists are working outside, the florists are doing their own graffiti painting inside. We use a lot of spray paint at Sweetpea’s. Like a lot. Partly, it’s beautiful and we love what’s visually possible with painted foliage. Also, with the shortage of floral product, this gives us an opportunity to create amazing pieces, without our exotic foliage and flowers, we normally import from around the world. Not many people realize that the flowers we... import from places like, Columbia, Ecuador and Australia come over on passenger flights, in the cargo holds. They fly into the Miami airport, where they are checked for potential biological issues, before they are dispersed throughout North America. With significantly lower flights coming in, product availability has gone down dramatically. Locally grown is definitely an option, but even that production has gone down since COVID, with many greenhouses working with reduced staff. Also, as weather gets colder, field flowers won’t be available. Ontario will be dependent on their greenhouse growers. Interesting fact, many greenhouses have changed to cannabis production, which changed the market over the last couple of years already. In a nutshell, it’s hard to get the volume of flowers and greens we once could. I think, at least at our shop, this has brought out a greater sense of creativity and a shift in the styles you’ll see going forward. As the buyer for the shop, this is challenging, but also fascinating, to be part of. We are, quite literally, watching the evolution of the floral industry happening daily. What an adventure!

Sweetpea's is looking for Full Time Experienced Florists to join our expanding team. We need a creative individual who can add their signature touch to our unique style. We do not have a wire-service and pride ourselves on creative, custom, designs. We are looking for EXPERIENCED Floral Designers with strong mechanics behind their work and the versatility to work in a variety of design styles. Please look to our website and Instagram for examples of our work.... Candidates must also be comfortable with animals as the shop cats are a big part of our family. Please check out our website and Instagram/Facebook accounts to get a feel for the shop and the level of experience we need. To start immediately, we are seeking: ***************************************************************** FULL TIME, Floral Designer (part-time not available, sorry) All candidates must: be available Monday to Saturday (rotating schedule) be capable of putting together an everyday mixed bouquet or vase arrangement on budget, with proper floral mechanics be familiar with proper flower processing techniques be team-oriented, upbeat and positive Please email your resume, along with 3-5 photos of your work, or links to an online portfolio to careers @ sweetpeas.ca.We will not reply to DMs regarding job applications. Qualified applicants will be asked to come in for a one hour interview and design test, where you will be asked to make 2-3 bouquets/vase arrangements. Mostly we are looking for proper mechanics, design-style is something that will evolve in time. Please note, we are NOT looking for someone new to the floral industry. Sadly, as much as we would love to train you, we just don't have the time to start from scratch. You need to have a basic knowledge of floral design in order to keep up with demand. Apprentices/those looking for a career change, sorry, but it is unlikely you will receive a reply.

Why do we fly the flag? I have always been supportive of the LGBTQ community. I think, going to an art school for high school, I quickly became immersed into a very diverse and understanding group of people. That continued through my higher education as well. Then, I went out into the real world and the harsh reality that the safe, supportive environment I grew up in, was not the norm. I was always watchful of comments and unspoken homophobic actions. I was sad ...Continue reading

Our neighbours, Bernard, Holly and their two boys have been raising monarch butterflies. They were kind enough to invite me for their latest release. It was a really remarkable experience.

#sweetpeamessages

When my sister found out she was having a son, our family of all girls were confused. We didn't know what to do with a boy. We were so accustom to the idea of being Strong, Confident Women, we were lost at what to do with a son. It took a while to wrap our head around how to raise a boy. Then, we realized, we would raise a Good Man. We talked about the characteristics of friends and family, who made up the good men in our lives. We talked about loving, kind, i...ntelligent men. Men who were creative. Men who were supportive. Men who worked with their hands, and taught others to do the same. Men who made the world around them better, through their own actions. We talked about men who were patient and generous. We talked about men we wanted to emulate when raising someone, who would be the kind of man, we wanted in our own lives. We talked about our dad. We talked about my ex-husband, Sean (aka ‘Sweetpea’) and our friend, David. We talked about Shaemus' father, Ryan. And we talked about Damon. @macro.photography.gallery On Saturday, the world lost a Good Man. A kind man. A loving man. A creative, honest, generous man. A man who walked his own path, hand in hand with his family and loved ones. Damon, you will be missed. Thank you for the example you have set. You will always be part of raising a Good Man.

PLANT OF THE WEEK: Fiddle Leaf Fig (ficus lyrata) A Ficus Lyrata, or as it’s commonly called a Fiddle Leaf Fig plant, has large wide leathery leaves that resemble a violin or fiddle. These dark green, hard leaves are over a foot longand grow on woody stems. The Ficus Lyrata, native to Australia, Melanesia, and Southern Asia, is one of the easier ficus trees to care for. It can be small enough to use as a table plant or large enough to be used as an indoor tree. A Fiddle le...af Fig is considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children. The sap of all ficus plants is very irritating so use gloves when working with this plant. LIGHT CONDITIONS: A Fiddle Leaf Fig requires bright, indirect light.In low light, new leaves are small and mature leaves may fall off.Turn frequently to keep a Ficus Lyrata from growing toward the light and becoming lop-sided.Too much bright light causes the leaves to fade. WATER CONDITIONS: A Fiddle Leaf Fig requires less water than other ficus trees.Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out and the leave to become soft and flexible before watering.Keep the leaves dry and water off the large fiddle shaped leaves to prevent mold.Too much water and water on the leaves, can also cause ugly brown spots on the leaves.Prefers higher humidity if possible.

Who else still chants Donna Martin graduates? #iconic

As a business owner, to say 2020 has been challenging would be an understatement. One of the biggest questions I think about daily is what is the future of our industry? Weddings and events are changing so dramatically. Walk-in customers aren’t a thing anymore (we are still closed to the public, offering curbside and delivery only). Rather than curl into a ball and hope we go back to normal, most of us, are finding ways to adapt. Even our style of floral design h...as to change as product because more expensive and harder to secure week to week. As the days become shorter, locally grown will become more of a challenge, and imports are scarce, this looms on my mind. Essentially, everything it took ten years to figure out and refine into a successful business model, has been thrown out the window. Now, comes the evolution. You either reinvent yourself, reimagine your business, or you will struggle. When Johanna posted this photo, I felt things click. THIS is Sweetpea’s. The careful handling of beautiful, innovative pieces, by caring and compassionate people, who love who they are and what they do. I am genuinely thankful for the opportunity to change, to improve, to reimagine the shop and it’s future. I’m thankful for the amazing team who has made this concept possible with their creativity and positivity. This has been a difficult year, for everyone. There is no doubt about that. However, I see a light and want to work towards something new and wonderful for all of us. There is a long way to go, but I’ve found our path.

Plant of the Week - Stromanthe Stromanthe sanguinea (sometimes referred to as Tricolor or Triostar Stromanthe), is a plant native to the rain forests of Brazil. This variety of the Stromanthe Plant has beautiful leaves in different shades of white, red, pink, and green. Since a Stromanthe Plant is a relative of the Prayer Plant and a member of the Maranta family, its leaves fold up at night as though praying. Stromanthe Plants produce reddish pink flowers in the spring, but ...they can’t compete with this plants dazzling leaves. A Stromanthe Plant is a spectacular looking plant, but challenging to grow, definitely not for beginners. LIGHT CONDITIONS: Place a Stromanthe Plant in bright indirect light but not in direct sun; a north or east facing window is best. This plant can tolerate some shade, but may lose some of its colour as a result. WATER CONDITIONS: A Stromanthe Plant likes to be kept barely moist at all times. Be careful not to over-water a Stromanthe or the roots rot and the plant dies. In winter, allow the soil of a Stromanthe to dry out a little more, but never completely. Please visit HOUSEPLANT411.com for more information and detailed care instructions. You can order a stromanthe through our website, or visit the shop for curbside pick-up.

Went to the shop today to buy some apples and grapes, but they didn’t have any. It was a fruitless trip. (I’ll show myself out.)

Lloyd is home!!! You’ll love this! She walked into a restaurant on Pacific Ave, almost 3kms from the shop. Sat down on the bar and told them she needed a whiskey (neat, would be my guess). Lloyd found some people to sit with. She hung around for awhile and then followed her new peeps home to their place on Annette.... They found one of our Facebook posts and called us. I rushed over and picked her up right away. So ... Lloyd is safe at home now! Thank you to everyone to helped by sharing, texting, calling, etc. We truly appreciate it. TGIF EVERYONE!