R.M.
My mother and mother-in-law live far away, too. What I have done is to look online (google) for a florist in a close zip code to them, then call and interview them. I get more flower power and higher quality for the money from the local florist than from the nationwide companies.
When I "interview" the florist I just ask questions about what is fresh at their shop, what they would recommend, etc. If it sounds like they care that my mom gets something special I'm likely to do business with them. If they just say "roses or carnations?" I know they are not for me.