I wasn't sure if I would consistently follow one-week intervals or space out the 'challenge' depending on my availability. This weekend worked out where I found myself close to the Publix across town. In an effort to play around with mixed media, I also created a few brief videos to accompany this post. The video below introduces the Publix flower finds.
My first impression was not great. There were decidedly fewer flower options than Trader Joe's- perhaps a third of what was offered there. I called ahead and was told that they receive fresh product daily. I'm suspicious of this and will tell you more about it when I talk about the hydrangeas.
Budget: $30
Actually spent: $21.99
Maybe I should rethink my budget and set it to $25 and under? I could have picked up another bunch or two and still come in under budget. This did not seem worth it given the slim selection.
Breakdown
3 for $12 bundle including:
2 Hydrangea stems $4
6 focal flowers $4
12 mini carnations $4
Mixed bouquet featuring one rose, 4 alstroemeria or ‘lily of the incas’, 2 lillies, and some greenery $9.99
Judgement criteria
Rankings: Bad // So-So // Good // Wow
Cost- Good
Quality- So-So
Combined Value- So-So
Selection- Not quite "bad" but "so-so" would be generous
Freak Factor- Bad
Pros
If you had to get a pre-made bouquet, these weren't awful. This is a lukewarm pro at best - ha.
I'm trying really hard to come up with other pros. Luckily the hydrangeas plumped right back up after I thought they were dying only hours after bringing them home. I'm not sure how much of that is a reflection of freshness, or not.
Compared to Kroger, Publix flowers seem to have better value. A similarly sized pre-made bouquet was $14.99 at Kroger. I haven't completed a Grocery Store Challenge on Kroger, so, more to come on that. My observation is merely anecdotal.
Cons
The hydrangeas began to WILT that very same day. They bounced back ... so this isn't a total con.
No greenery.
Limited selection.
Verdict
I'm pretty middle of the road here. These two arrangements have a sweetness about them- I show them to you in the video below. If given no other option, I wouldn't be complaining. More than likely though, there WILL be other options, and I would avoid doing this again. P.S. The flower I’m not sure about in this video is alstroemeria… and I said it right! Boo ya!