Behind the Blooms
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Here are some photos of a recent corporate event that Tiger Lily was a part of at The Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island, SC.
We all know how popular succulents have become, but check out the use of air plants in this cool design incorporating nautilus shells, terrarium glass and cinnamon cymbidium orchids. Varying shapes of glass, wooden boxes and candles make this collection very unique and beachy.







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Posted by Manny Gonzales
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Mingo Point "Marsh Madness"
Friday, November 21, 2008

Mingo Point, the rustic outdoor venue on Kiawah Island is one of my favorite places in the world. Just 5 minutes from the 5-Star Sanctuary Resort, it's a slice of our pristine lowcountry natural treasure.
The saltwater Kiawah River wraps around Mingo Point almost 360 degrees. Everywhere you look it's water, spartina grass, live oaks, cypress, egrets, heron, osprey, palmettos and more.
Most of our events there are in the evening, and the setting sun over the marsh and river is a living work of art. When the full moon is shining through the live oaks, well you just have to experience it yourself.
I love to fish, and let me tell you the Kiawah River is an amazing fishery. It is absolutely loaded with speckled trout, spottail bass (redfish) and flounder. It's rare when you DON'T see folks fishing at the nearby bridge. With it's remote location, the vast majority of the gamefish there have never seen a hook! Add in the short distance to the ocean, and the result is an angler's dream. Bring stout gear, those Kiawah River spottails can reach thirty pounds. During the summer and fall, you can net a shrimp dinner for an entire family in about 15 minutes. TIP: Go at low tide.
About the flowers, simple, rustic, lowcountry is the rule at Mingo. We shouldn't and don't try to compete with the natural beauty on Mingo, just accent it a little. The earthy colors of the rented linens, seagrass container and local sunflowers are all we need to make the point "POP".
Kiawah Resort is smart about using Mingo Point the "right" way. While it has all the amenities you expect, it has kept its natural appeal. Kayak, fishing and dolphin trips are all offered through the resort, and all are great for the family day trippers or the serious nature enthusiasts.

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Posted by Manny Gonzales
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Helping Out at the Ronald MacDonald House
Thursday, November 20, 2008



The Sanctuary Resort asked us to help out with an idea for the Ronald McDonald House. Bill Lacey, Sanctuary Director of Operations (that's him in the left photo with Sanctuary Housekeeping Director Anna Glac) decided to turn the House into a 5 Star Resort for the day. What a great concept. As everybody knows, The Sanctuary is a 5 Star, 5 Diamond resort on Kiawah Island. They really do it right out there, and I find their focus and standards very inspiring. When they asked us to provide the flowers for their 5-Star Ronald McDonald House, well it was a slam dunk.
Every knows what great work the RM House does in providing a comfortable, home-like setting for families eduring long hospital stays. Located across from our Medical University of SC Children's Hospital, it is unfortunately a very busy place.
Bill asked us to participate and of course we said "yes". So late last week, during a very busy, hectic day at the shop, Gayla and I snuck over to the RM House to get an idea of colors and decor. Talk about a reality check. We were wrapped up in our production schedule, ringing telephones and mounting emails, but seeing families taking a break from a hospital vigil with a snack and a nap really hit us hard. I've got two kids, and like all dads I would walk through fire rather than see them hurt or sick. Gayla and I both felt humbled and fortunate.
So we made some nice arrangements for the lobby and each guest room. The RM House was in full holiday decor, so we created our first Christmas designs of the year for them. That's a picture of Taylor posing with The Big Guy while delivering one of our centerpieces. Ronald's the one on the right.
Bill, Anna and a large Sanctuary volunteer staff made the house look great. White linen tableclothes, doorman, full 5-Star buffet complete with uniformed servers, they even provided spa massages for guests!
Hopefully, we made their day a little brighter. I don't want to get preachy, but if you can make the time or have a few extra bucks, there are a lot of good folks out there who could use a little comfort.

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Posted by Manny Gonzales
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Tiger Lily helps with Charleston Nine Memorial
Thursday, June 19, 2008



June 18, 2007 was a tragic day in Charleston, as nine of our City firefighters perished in a fire. Our entire community grieved the loss, and emphathized with the families. Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the tragedy. Tiger Lily was proud to be asked to provide the flowers and plants for the event.

Two Tiger Lily employees are full-time City of Charleston firemen. The wreath on the left was for the Uncle of one of them. We could say the event touched us especially close, but Charleston is still a small town. It affected everyone "especially close". The memorial service was a chance to express our feelings of loss.

There was an AM public memorial at the Galliard. We provided the plants and the three stage arrangements for that, but didn't have the chance to take any pics. You could see glimpses of them in today's Post & Courier.

Last evening, at the same time of the actual fire last year, a private memorial was held for the families of the victims and fellow firemen. We donated a wreath for each firefighter who perished. As you can see, we didn't hold back on the design. Tiger Lily designer Wendy Long created all the arrangements. It took her the entire day, but they looked spectacular. Hydrangeas, lillies, roses and more. No greens, no fillers, no carnations, no shortcuts. The City provided the plaques, which the families will keep forever.

The private memorial was not open to the media. Each wreath was placed at the exact location where the firemen were found. We are proud of the designs, but we hope we never, ever have to do that again. It's always been my opinion that firemen, police, and teachers should be considered heroes, everyday. I couldn't do any of those jobs. Thank goodness they step up and do! A very sad day in Charleston.

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Posted by Manny Gonzales
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