Frequently asked questions
Local flowers
Where do your flowers come from?
Most of our flowers come from Quebec flower farms... when in season, of course! Out of season, we favor Canadian (mainly Ontario and British Columbia) and American producers. We always indicate the origin of the flowers in store.
How many flower farms are there in Quebec?
There are about 140 flower farms in Quebec, and it's a sector that keeps growing. There's an association for cut flower producers in Quebec (APFCQ).
Where do our flowers come from during the winter season?
Outside of season, we favor Canadian (mainly Ontario and British Columbia) and American producers. We sometimes have flowers from other sources. We always indicate the origin of the flowers in store.
Does it hold true that local flowers have a shorter lifespan?
Not at all! On the contrary, the proximity of flower farms reduces the time between harvesting the flowers, transporting them, and their arrival in store. Local cut flowers therefore end up in your bouquet much faster.
What sets Hortense et Violette apart from other florists?
Mostly local sourcing, strong eco-friendly values (second-hand vases, reduced packaging, composting of stems, etc.) and warm, authentic human relationships!
Flower care
How do I care for my flowers?
A little extra care can make a big difference to a floral arrangement or bouquet of fresh flowers, regardless of size!
Most floral arrangements last between 4 and 7 days, or even longer, depending on the flowers used and how well they are cared for.
We make tied bouquets: do not untie them or you will lose the fruits of our labor! Keep the vase filled with fresh, clean water until you are ready to arrange the bouquet. If possible, recut the stems by removing one or two centimeters with a clean knife or scissors. Make sure the tool is sharp so that it does not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems in fresh, clean water.
Keep the flowers in a cool place (18-22°C/64-72°F), away from direct sunlight and sources of heat or cold. Avoid placing them directly under ceiling fans, which can cause the flowers to dehydrate. Most flowers last longer when kept cool.
What can I do to make my bouquet last longer?
If you receive flowers in a vase, check that there is water up to the base of the bouquet and that it is still clear. If the water becomes cloudy, or every 2 days, empty it and add fresh water. If possible, recut the stems with a sharp knife or scissors before putting them back in fresh water.
Regardless of the type of arrangement, it is important to keep flowers away from appliances and heating/cooling units. They should also be kept away from hot or cold drafts and out of direct sunlight.
Since flowers love the sun, should I place my arrangement in the sun?
No! Flowers need sunlight to bloom when they are growing, but cut flowers wilt much more quickly if they are exposed to heat and direct sunlight. To keep flowers fresh longer, place them in a location away from sunlight and drafts.
What happens to the water in a vase when it turns yellow and cloudy?
This is a natural sign that bacteria are growing in the water. Bacteria can block water absorption by the stems and thus reduce the lifespan of the flowers. You should therefore ensure that the water is always clear to prolong the life of your flowers. If the water starts to become cloudy, empty the vase immediately and add fresh water. Recut the stems with a sharp knife or scissors under water before placing them in a vase of fresh water.
Events
Do you make arrangements for funerals?
Yes, of course! Contact us so that we can create an arrangement that meets your expectations and best represents the deceased and their loved ones. You can fill out the form here or reach us at (438) 558-2564 or by email at info.hortense.violette@gmail.com.
Online orders
What payment method can I use to place my order?
The Shopify platform supports payments by Mastercard or Visa credit cards. They also offer the option to pay with ShopPay, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
How soon can my flowers be delivered?
We require a minimum of 3 hours between the time of order and delivery. We will confirm by email that we have received your order. You can specify a day and time slot (AM or PM) for delivery. We will contact you if we are unable to deliver at the requested time.
After ordering, when can I pick up my flowers at the store?
For orders placed on our website, we require a minimum of 3-4 hours between the order and pickup in store. For any specific requests, please contact us directly at (438) 558-2564.
Can I have flowers delivered on the weekend?
Yes, of course! The store is open on Saturdays and Sundays, and we are normally available for deliveries between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Can I have flowers delivered on public holidays?
The store is usually closed on holidays, but feel free to call us to check if delivery would be possible at (438) 558-2564. We are always closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Our schedule is also updated regularly on Google.
Can I cancel my order?
If the order has been prepared but is not yet ready for delivery, we can issue a full refund. If the order is in the process of being delivered but has not yet been delivered, we can refund the flowers but not the delivery charges.
Exceptions:
Orders for floral arrangements can be canceled at least 48 hours before the scheduled delivery date. For larger events, a contract will be drawn up and will specify the terms and conditions of cancellation.
Delivery
In which areas is delivery available?
In order to respect our eco-friendly values, we deliver within a 3 km radius of the store. Deliveries are available for orders of 40$ or more before taxes, and the cost is 10$. For any requests outside our delivery area, please contact us at (438) 558-2564 or info.hortense.violette@gmail.com.
Deliveries are made during shop opening hours within a radius of approximately 3 kilometres:
- northern boundary: Gouin Boulevard
- southern boundary: Metropolitan Expressway/Crémazie Boulevard
- eastern boundary: Papineau Avenue
- western boundary: Highway 15
Please be sure to provide us with the exact delivery address. If we have to make a second delivery for any reason, the 10$ fee will apply a second time.
IF DELIVERY IS NOT POSSIBLE: If we are unable to leave the bouquet in a safe place, we will attempt to contact the recipient and the customer. If no immediate solution is possible, we will offer you the following options:
- Return the bouquet to our store, where it can be picked up during our business hours.
- Arrange a second delivery, with the initial delivery fee applying a second time.
What happens if I accidentally entered an erroneous address or other incorrect delivery information?
If you need to change the shipping address after the order has been placed, please contact us promptly by phone at (438) 558-2564 so that we can correct your order.
Why is the recipient's phone number required when placing an order?
We request that you provide the recipient's phone number so that we can contact them to ensure they will be present at the time of delivery.
What happens if no one is home at the time of delivery?
We ask you to provide the recipient's phone number when placing your order so that we can ensure delivery. We will contact them to request specific delivery instructions if they are not available to accept delivery at the time or address provided.
If we have to make a second delivery for any reason, the $10 fee will apply a second time.
If the recipient is at work all day, we suggest sending the flowers to their workplace.
Do you offer delivery time slots?
We are committed to delivering on the requested day, either in the morning or afternoon.
We are unable to guarantee a specific time. Please note that special delivery terms may apply during certain periods, such as the week before the holidays, Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day.