Search Results for “”

summer bbq with flowers

Create the Right Flowers for Your Summer BBQ!

July 13, 2023

Who doesn’t love a summer barbecue? Nobody! So next time you have a barbecue why not add a touch of beauty to your outdoor gathering with flowers! Flowers not only enhance the ambiance but also add a vibrant touch to your summertime celebration. Get ready to discover the ultimate summer flowers that will make your bbq party an unforgettable event!

When it comes to hosting a bbq party, preparation is key. Beyond the delicious food and refreshing drinks, creating a captivating environment is a great touch, and this is there the right flowers come in. Opt for vibrant arrangements of sunflowers, daisies, and marigolds, which will make your barbecue area come alive. Arrange them in mason jars or galvanized buckets for a rustic touch. Don’t forget to include fragrant herbs like lavender or rosemary, which will add an aromatic twist to your floral decor.

And to make your bbq bash truly special, consider setting up a dedicated flower station! Provide fresh blooms and colorful ribbons, allowing your guests to create their own flower arrangements! From flower crowns to boutonnieres, everyone can express their creativity while waiting for their burgers or veggie burgers to cook. The aroma of fresh flowers mingled with grilling food is tantalizing! This interactive activity will not only entertain your guests but also serve as a memorable keepsake from your summer bbq.

While there are so many beautiful blooms from which to choose, some flowers are particularly suited for the summer season. Dahlias, with their vibrant colors and intricate petal formations, are a favorite choice. These showstoppers will be the perfect centerpiece for your bbq table, creating a focal point that will dazzle your guests. Another excellent choice is the cheerful zinnia, offering a wide range of shades from bold oranges and reds to soft pinks and yellows. Their long-lasting blooms will keep the party atmosphere alive all day long and into the evening.

Looking for a touch of elegance? Hydrangeas are the way to go. With their large, fluffy petals and pastel hues, they add a refined charm to any gathering. They are perfect for creating stunning floral arrangements in vases or even as standalone decorations. Lastly, don’t forget the classic and timeless roses. Available in various colors, they provide sophistication and romance. Incorporate them into your barbecue decor through bouquets, garlands, or even as individual rose petals scattered on the tables.

As you prepare to host the ultimate summertime bbq, don’t overlook the power of flowers. By choosing the right flowers you can transform your outdoor space into a truly magical and beautiful setting, creating a memorable experience for your guests. From vibrant dahlias to elegant hydrangeas, the choices are endless. So, let your imagination run wild and let the blossoms sizzle (uh, not literally!) at your next barbecue!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Graduation, Seasonal
gratitude forgiveness Victorian

Expressing Gratitude for Forgiveness the Victorian Way

May 12, 2023

My dear reader, expressing gratitude is a noble gesture, and the Victorian era had a unique way of conveying such sentiments through the language of flowers. In this article, I shall explain how you can use flowers to show gratitude in the same manner as the Victorians did.

Firstly, you must understand the significance of different flowers in conveying gratitude. For instance, Agrimony symbolizes gratitude, while Wisteria represents regret and Raspberry or Brambles represents remorse for your actions. Humility can be communicated with accents of Ground Ivy, Field Lilac, or Small Bindweed. Or if you wish to make the bouquet a bit lighter, Daisies are used to convey thankfulness and appreciation for the little things in life.

To show your gratitude to someone special, consider giving them a bouquet of pink Agrimonys. Alternatively, you could give a single pink Agrimony to someone to express your appreciation for something they did for you. If you wish to show your gratitude towards a close friend, then a bouquet of yellow roses will convey your appreciation and friendship towards them.

If you wish to express your gratitude for the little things in life, consider giving a bouquet of daisies. This will convey your thankfulness for the simple yet important things in life, like the warmth of the sun or the chirping of birds in the morning.

Another way to show gratitude is by combining different flowers with complementary meanings. For instance, a bouquet of Agrimonys Acacia, White Mullein, and Myrrh not only express your gratitude but also your appreciation and friendship towards the recipient. Similarly, a bouquet of daisies and pink Agrimonys will convey your gratitude and thankfulness for the little things in life.

When presenting the bouquet, be sure to include a note explaining the meaning behind the flowers. This will not only add a personal touch to the gift but also ensure that the recipient understands the sentiment behind it. Showing the person how much thought, time, effort, and intention went into this bouquet will surely mean more to them than words can express… you’ll have to teach them the way of the language of flowers.
The Victorian-era language of flowers offers a unique way of expressing gratitude. By understanding the significance of different flowers and their meanings, you can create a bouquet that conveys your gratitude in a meaningful way. Remember, a little gesture of gratitude can go a long way in brightening someone’s day and spreading positivity.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally
flower arranging floral arrangements bouquets of fresh-cut flowers living art

The Power of Flower Arranging

May 12, 2023

My dear reader, flower arranging is a skill that has been practiced for centuries and has evolved into a beautiful art form. A well-arranged bouquet not only brings beauty to a room but also has the power to convey messages and emotions through the language of flowers.

The history of flower arranging dates back to ancient Egypt and Greece, where flower garlands and wreaths were used in religious ceremonies and as symbols of honor and victory. In Japan, the art of flower arranging, or Ikebana, developed as a form of meditation and spiritual practice. Each culture has its own unique style and techniques of flower arranging that reflect their values and traditions.

The key to successful flower arranging is understanding the language of flowers. Each flower and color has its own symbolic meaning and can convey different emotions and messages. For example, a bouquet of red roses traditionally signifies love and passion, while yellow roses can symbolize friendship and joy. White lilies are often associated with purity and innocence, while bluebells represent humility and gratitude.

There are many different styles and techniques of flower arranging, including traditional European styles, such as the Dutch and English styles, as well as modern styles, like contemporary or minimalist arrangements. Each style has its own unique characteristics and techniques, but they all share the same goal of creating a beautiful and harmonious arrangement that captures the essence of the flowers and their meanings.

When arranging flowers, it is important to consider the colors, textures, and shapes of the flowers and how they will complement each other. A well-designed bouquet should have a balance of colors and textures, with each flower and element contributing to the overall harmony of the arrangement.

In addition to being a beautiful art form, flower arranging also has many therapeutic benefits. The act of arranging flowers can be a calming and meditative experience, reducing stress and anxiety. Studies have also shown that having flowers in the home or workplace can improve mood and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. (Next up, read: The Health Benefits of Fresh Flowers)

Flower arranging is a beautiful and meaningful art form that requires a deep understanding of the language of flowers. Whether you are arranging a bouquet for a special occasion or simply for your own enjoyment, taking the time to carefully select and arrange the flowers can have a powerful impact on your mood and overall well-being. So go ahead and indulge in the beauty of flowers, and let their language speak to your soul.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flower Crafts, Flowers Generally
floral scents, floral perfumes, Chanel No. 5

The Secret Language of Floral Perfumes

May 12, 2023

My dear reader, today we shall explore the secret language of floral perfumes. Much like flowers themselves, floral scents have held symbolic meanings and cultural significance throughout history. Perfumes are not only used to enhance one’s personal fragrance but also to convey hidden messages. Let us dive into the fascinating world of floral perfumes.

Throughout history, various floral scents have been associated with different meanings and emotions. For instance, lavender has been used for centuries to calm the mind and body, and its scent is often associated with tranquility and relaxation. Similarly, rose has been associated with love and passion, and jasmine with sensuality and romance.

In ancient times, floral perfumes were used as offerings to the gods in various cultures, including the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These scents were believed to have spiritual and mystical properties and were used to honor the deities during religious ceremonies.

During the Middle Ages, floral perfumes were used to mask unpleasant odors and to protect against diseases. People would often carry small sachets of perfumed herbs to ward off illness and disease. These scents were also used to mask the smells of the streets and were particularly popular among the aristocracy.

In the Victorian era, the language of flowers was popularized, and floral scents were used to convey secret messages. A woman could convey her feelings to her suitor by wearing a particular scent or gifting him a perfume with a hidden message. For instance, violet was associated with modesty and lilac with youthful innocence. A gift of violet or lilac perfume would convey the message of the giver’s pure intentions.

Today, floral perfumes continue to hold significance and are used to evoke emotions and memories. Perfumers create complex scents using a combination of different flowers and other ingredients to create unique and meaningful fragrances.

For example, Chanel No. 5 is a classic floral perfume that has been popular for nearly a century. The scent is composed of jasmine, rose, and ylang-ylang, among other ingredients, and is known for its elegant and timeless fragrance.

In conclusion, floral perfumes have held symbolic meanings and cultural significance throughout history. They have been used in various cultures and traditions, and have evolved over time to become a way of conveying hidden messages and evoking emotions. The next time you wear a floral perfume, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and significance behind its scent.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Fun Flower Facts, True Stories, Violet
cultural practices with flowers, international flower significance culutre

The Significance of Flowers in Different Cultures

May 12, 2023

Flowers have played a significant role in cultures around the world for centuries. From religious ceremonies to weddings and funerals, flowers have been used to convey meaning and symbolize various cultural beliefs and traditions. In this article, we will explore the significance of flowers in different cultures and their meanings.

In ancient Greece, the flower that was most closely associated with the gods was the lily. According to Greek mythology, the lily was created from the breast milk of the goddess Hera. The Greeks believed that the lily symbolized purity, innocence, and rebirth. Today, the lily is still a popular flower for weddings and funerals, where it is used to symbolize new beginnings and the cycle of life and death. Mind you, there are about 100 species of lilies with over 2,000 varieties, and there are different meanings for many of them.

In China, the peony is considered to be the national flower and is a symbol of wealth, honor, and happiness. The peony has been cultivated in China for over 1,500 years and is often used in art and literature to symbolize femininity and grace. In Chinese culture, the peony is also associated with the goddess Guan Yin, who is revered for her compassion and mercy.

In Hinduism, the lotus flower is one of the most important symbols. The lotus is said to represent enlightenment and the journey to spiritual awakening. The lotus is often depicted in Hindu art and is associated with the gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. In addition to its religious significance, the lotus is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

In Japan, the cherry blossom is a symbol of beauty and the impermanence of life. The cherry blossom is a popular subject in Japanese art and literature and is often used to represent the transience of life and the beauty that can be found in fleeting moments. The cherry blossom also plays a significant role in the annual Hanami festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring and the blooming of the cherry blossoms.

In Native American cultures, the sunflower is a symbol of good luck and harvest. The sunflower is often used in traditional ceremonies and is believed to bring blessings and good fortune to those who cultivate it. In addition to its cultural significance, the sunflower is also a source of food and oil for many Native American tribes.

And this is just a fraction of the incredible cultures in our world today, all of which have their own concept and meaning of flowers. Flowers have held symbolic meanings and cultural significance in many different cultures throughout history. From ancient Greece to modern-day Japan, flowers have played an important role in conveying meaning and representing cultural beliefs and traditions. Whether used in religious ceremonies, as a symbol of good fortune, or as a native plant to the indigenous lands, flowers continue to hold an important place in nearly every culture around the world.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Cherry Blossom, Flowers Generally, Fun Flower Facts, Lilies, Sunflowers
Victorian era Language of Flowers

Communicating Forgiveness With Flowers

May 2, 2023

Dear reader, The Victorian language of flowers is a beautiful way to express forgiveness and let someone know that they are truly forgiven. Here is a guide on how to say “I forgive you” using flowers.

The white tulip is one of the most classic flowers associated with forgiveness. It represents purity and forgiveness, making it a beautiful and meaningful addition to any bouquet. The white tulip is often used to symbolize a fresh start and a new beginning, which is why it’s a popular choice for expressing forgiveness. White tulips are often included in bouquets to express that the person being forgiven is starting anew, with a clean slate.

In addition to these classic flowers, there are other flowers that can be included in a bouquet to express forgiveness. For example, the iris is a flower that represents hope and faith, making it a beautiful addition to any apology bouquet. It represents a desire to move forward and let go of the past, making it an ideal choice for expressing forgiveness. The iris can be included to represent a hopeful future where the relationship can be renewed and restored.

Pink carnations symbolize gratitude and admiration, and can be included in a bouquet to express appreciation for someone’s forgiveness. They represent a deep sense of respect and admiration for the person being forgiven. Including pink carnations in the bouquet is an excellent way to let the person know how much their forgiveness means to you.

The delicate white flowers of the lily of the valley symbolize humility and sweetness, making them a beautiful addition to any forgiveness bouquet. They represent a sincere and humble desire to seek forgiveness and make things right. Including lily of the valley in the bouquet can show the person being forgiven that you are truly sorry and that you want to make amends.

Ultimately, the choice of flowers to include in a forgiveness bouquet will depend on personal preferences and the specific message that one wishes to convey. By choosing flowers that represent purity, forgiveness, and a desire to move forward, one can create a beautiful and heartfelt message of forgiveness using the Victorian language of flowers. A bouquet of white tulips, yellow roses, irises, pink carnations, and lilies of the valley would create a beautiful and meaningful forgiveness bouquet that truly speaks from the heart.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally
Crocus saffron, botanically known as crocus sativa has spicy and remedial properties

Beautiful, Spicy and Remedial: Meet The Saffron Crocus Flower

September 6, 2020

Saffron crocus, or saffron, and botanically known as crocus sativus, is a perennial flowering plant of the crocus genus in the iris family. Its English name, saffron, is derived from a French word, safran. The word was borrowed from the Latin word safranum, which is thought to have originated from an Arabic word that means yellow.

[Note: The Right Flowers is not a medical site. Knowledge of and information about the therapeutic benefits and applications of flowers, while known through the ages, does not constitute medical advice. If you are having health issues, you should consult with a physician.]

Basically, there are more than 90 species of crocuses in the genus. These perennial flowering plants have corms that go dormant in certain seasons and activate to produce leaves and flowers when the growing conditions are ideal. Crocuses grow in full or partial shade. They require well-drained soil and should be planted before the onset of winter. The crocus genus produces showy flowers in splashes of red, pink, blue, purple or white.

While the other types of crocuses are popular for their aesthetic and medicinal qualities, it is only the saffron crocus, the plant that produces saffron which, is a world-famous spice used for culinary purposes. The spice is made from the stigma or filament of the crocus sativus flower. Saffron crocuses bloom in autumn and do not occur in the wild. These plants are famous for their aroma, color, and flavor.

As a spice, saffron has a long and colorful history in the kitchen. Ancient records show that natives living around the Zagros Mountains regularly used saffron as a spice and food. Historians also say that Egyptian herbalists were using the herb for medicinal purposes as far back as 1600 BC.

Blooming crocus saffron gives a splash of purple or blue. Curiously, crocus flowers are sterile as propagation is normally done by corms rather than seeds following pollination.

Harvesting saffron is normally done by hand which explains why it is such an expensive spice. Basically, it takes about 3,500 flowers to make an ounce of dry saffron.

To harvest saffron, you cut the flowers in the morning hours on a sunny day when they are in full bloom. You place the flowers on a flat surface and pick out the stigmas. Only the red-orange parts of the stigma are required to make saffron. The stigmas are then dried under shade or by a dehydrator at the lowest settings.

Currently, the world produces about 400 tons of saffron annually with Iran leading by 76 percent. The spice is used in bakings, soups, stews, candies, beverages and rice dishes. Though there have been efforts to produce saffron artificially, none of those attempts have succeeded.

Apart from its culinary fame, saffron has also been used widely in Ayurvedic and folk medicine. The flowers are known to have antiasthmatic, antidepressive, sedative, adaptogen, emmenagogue and expectorant qualities.

Studies at clinical trial stage are evaluating the ability of saffron to treat depression. Researchers conducting the studies noticed that saffron was as good as fluoxetine in managing depression and was more effective compared to placebo.

People grow crocuses for various reasons. While some grow them for their beautiful burst of colors experienced when they come into bloom, others grow them for their culinary and medicinal benefits. Whichever way you look at crocuses, they are worth your effort. A good place to start is ordering your saffron crocus corms.

Comments: Comments Off on Beautiful, Spicy and Remedial: Meet The Saffron Crocus Flower Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally
Sacha inchi

Sacha Inchi, The Climbing Superfood

August 14, 2020

Sacha inchi, Inca nut or Inca peanut, and botanically known as plukenetia volubilis, is a woody, perennial climbing plant in the euphorbiaceae family. Though sacha inchi is known as Inca nut, it’s not a nut per se but a seed.

[Note: The Right Flowers is not a medical site. Knowledge of and information about the therapeutic benefits and applications of flowers, while known through the ages, does not constitute medical advice. If you are having health issues, you should consult with a physician.]

The plant is native to the Andrean rain forest of the South American Amazon region where it grew in the wild but was domesticated with time. Initially, the native inhabitants of the Amazon Rainforest harvested the seeds growing wildly under the lush canopies of the forest for food purposes. Then, the Inca people of the Junin region of Peru started to cultivate the plant which explains why it is named after them. Over time, the plant spread to other regions of the world including Asia where it grows abundantly.

Sacha inchi has hairy, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges, and tiny, white flowers. The flowers give way to green, star-shaped fruits that give them ornamental value.

The parts of the plant that are commonly used for food purposes include the leaves, flowers, and seeds. The leaves and flowers are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Though the seeds are the part that makes the plant famous, they are bitter when eaten raw due to the presence of tannins and are considered unpalatable in that state. However, when roasted over low heat, they make very tasty and nutritious, crunchy snacks.

Inca nuts are not famous for their ornamental value or making crunchy snacks. Their value lays in the oil they produce as it is a culinary delight. The oil is not only used in the food industry to enhance the flavor of food, but it is also known to help in fighting depression. In addition, the oil is used in the beauty industry.

Since the oil’s beneficial components are quite delicate and can be destroyed during the extraction process, extraction usually involves cold-pressing to preserve them. This process protects Omega 3 fatty acids as they are easily destroyed if the oil is exposed to high heat.

Sacha inchi seeds are excellent sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals such as iodine and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. The presence of these compounds in the plant is what qualifies it as a superfood. Basically, Inca nut is said to be the most nutritious fruit in the world.

Omega-3 oils are the building blocks of cell membranes. They are essential to the functioning of the nervous system and critical for regulating cholesterol levels. In addition, they are known to help in fighting inflammation.

Iron helps in creating hemoglobin and metabolizing proteins. In addition, it is good for healthy muscle development and brain functioning.

Sacha inchi is one plant that has everything going for it. It is ornamental, a superfood, and contains medicinal properties.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Edible Flowers - Flowers as Food
Sulfur cosmos orange and yellow flowers

Sulfur Cosmos: The Bright, Modest Multi Purpose Flower

May 26, 2020

Sulfur cosmos, orange sulfur, yellow cosmos, or bright lights, and botanically known as cosmos sulphureus, is an annual flowering plant in the aster or sunflower family. It is native to the Americas and Mexico but has now naturalized in Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia. In most of these places, it was introduced as an ornamental plant but in some instances, its seeds were accidentally transported aboard merchant ships.

[Note: The Right Flowers is not a medical site. Knowledge of and information about the therapeutic benefits and applications of flowers, while known through the ages, does not constitute medical advice. If you are having health issues, you should consult with a physician.]

The genus name of the plant comes from a Greek word, kosmos, meaning beautiful, orderly, and harmonious. Sulfur is borrowed from the color of the plant’s petals, which are bright orange or golden yellow.

Orange sulfur is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its bright, lovely flowers which are ideal for the cut flower industry. It is also harvested in the wild for food and herbal purposes. In spite of its many uses, the plant is considered invasive in some U.S states.

The plant is easily found growing along roadsides, on slopes, and well-watered meadows. It is known to escape cultivation to grow in the wild or as a garden weed. Sulfur cosmos occurs in fertile, well-drained soil with sufficient moisture but can also tolerate dry and poor soil. For the plant to thrive and flower, it must be in a sunny spot.

In summer, sulfur cosmos produces bright golden yellow, or orange to red, flowers that attract various pollinators including bees.

Basically, the parts of the plant that are used for herbal and food purposes are the flowers and leaves. Blossoms are ideal for stir-frying or garnishing salads as they add a splash of color. The flowers have a mild mango taste and pair well with fruity dishes.

To get the best out of the leaves, harvest them when they are young and tender. Together with the flowers, they are added to chop suey and eaten with rice or pasta.

Apart from being edible, the yellow flower heads of the sulfur cosmos are known to contain beneficial compounds such as flavonoids. These make them ideal for inhibiting the growth and reproduction of fungi, bacteria, and viruses. In addition, the flowers are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and are ideal for treating arthritis, ulcers, and liver inflammation.

Though not a common practice today, the orange sulfur flowers were commonly used to produce an orange or yellow dye for coloring fabric by native tribes in Central and South America. The dye was also used by European settlers in South Africa and the practice is known to exist to date but is limited to decorating traditional crafts.

Sulfur cosmos might be a modest flower but its uses are too many to dismiss. This is definitely a multi-purpose plant.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally
Rose-scented geranium is great for aromatherapy

Rose-scented Geranium Flower : Ideal for Aromatherapy

March 16, 2020

Rose-scented geranium, botanically known as geranium pelargonium, is an evergreen perennial plant. It is native to the southern part of Africa but has spread to other regions of the world due to its fame as a medicinal and ornamental plant.

[Note: The Right Flowers is not a medical site. Knowledge of and information about the therapeutic benefits and applications of flowers, while known through the ages, does not constitute medical advice. If you are having health issues, you should consult with a physician.]

These plants have pinnate leaves on long stems. They produce beautiful, showy blossoms in lilac, pink, red, and white colors, featuring 5 petals.

Rose-scented geraniums have been used as herbal remedies for years. The parts of the plant that are commonly used for medicinal purposes are flowers and leaves. These aerial parts have aromatic essential oils with a sweet, aromatic flavor reminiscent of roses. The oil has emollient, antidepressant, relaxant, astringent and antiseptic effects.

To extract these essential oils from the plant, the flowers and leaves are harvested and crushed or chopped. The pulp is applied to the site of injury and discarded after a while.

Apart from topical application, there is the option of making an infusion or tea from the flowers and leaves of the rose-scented geranium. To make the infusion, the crushed or chopped aerial parts of the plant are put in a pan with water and brought to a boil. Once the mixture boils, it is allowed to simmer for about 20 minutes.

Soothes and calms the nervous system
The rose-scented geranium oil is commonly used in aromatherapy where it is known to have sedative and uplifting effects. In some instances the oil is used as a deodorant or insect repellant.

The medicinal compounds of the oil can also be extracted via infusion or tea. Rose-scented geranium infusion is ideal for calming the nervous system, balancing the hormones and soothing frayed nerves.

In a fast world where stress levels are quite high, drinking a cup of the infusion or inhaling or bathing in water with rose-scented geranium oil will quickly lift up your mood, help in relieving stress and clear your foggy mind.

Analgesic
Rose-scented geranium oil has anti-inflammatory qualities which make it ideal for managing aches and pains brought on by migraines, injuries, and chronic conditions. Studies show that the infusion stimulates the release of endorphins which helps in relieving pain fast and effectively.

Ultimately, the rose-scented geranium is one of the few plants with both herbal and aesthetic value. It is definitely one of the flowering plants you should have in your home.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Festive Flowers for a Dazzling Winter Bouquet or Centerpiece

December 14, 2019

While most people claim winter is their least favorite season due to the wicked weather, there is so much to appreciate at the end of the year. Winter is full of holidays and family gatherings that fill us with happiness and gratitude. Whatever you celebrate, a wintery bouquet will be a cheerful addition to any decor.

Thanks to online shopping and fast global shipping, we can buy almost any type of flower throughout the year. We’ve put together a selection of cool blue and white flowers that evoke the best of winter. Create an arrangement focusing on these beauties to celebrate the season of family and fun.

Tall stalks of delphinium make a bold statement as the star of any floral arrangement. Also known as larkspur, these members of the buttercup family are readily available in cool shades of blue and indigo. One of the few, true blue flowers, delphinium evokes scenes of winter with its stems of star-shaped blooms. Be cautious if you have curious pets, as larkspur can cause illness if ingested.

Icy blue or white hydrangeas are a great choice to symbolize winter weather. Lace cap varieties are generally flat with small star-shaped flowers. Mop head hydrangeas are reminiscent of snowballs, composed of clusters of hundreds of tiny blooms. Hydrangeas are also quite attractive when the flowers dry, which may extend the life of your bouquet.

Often used as a filler in bouquets, delicate baby’s breath deserves a place in the winter floral arrangement. The multitude of tiny white flowers resembles swirling, drifting snow. Baby’s breath is long-lasting and dries nicely once cut.

Stars of Bethlehem are named for their star-like shape. These white blossoms also remind us of little snowflakes. The bulbs are usually forced, a method of growing flower bulbs indoors. When they are done blooming, Stars of Bethlehem should be stored in a cool, dark location so they can be planted in the garden the following year.

Pure white Asiatic lilies also resemble snowflakes, on a larger scale. These elegant six-petaled flowers are unscented, making them ideal for people with allergies and sensitivities. Asiatic lilies are known for being rugged, and with proper care they can last two weeks or more once cut.

Floral arrangements aren’t just limited to flowers. Add glittery snowflakes or bells to make your bouquet more festive. Celebrate the solstice, a winter birthday, or give a friend flowers “just because”. A cheerful gesture, these heart-warming flowers might even help to keep the winter chill away!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Seasonal, Flowers Generally
Creeping wood sorrel holds the potential of treating diabetes

Creeping Woodsorrel: A Potential Treatment For Diabetes?

November 26, 2019

Oxalis corniculata, commonly known as creeping woodsorrel, sourgrass, or sleeping beauty, is a delicate, perennial, low-growing, flowering plant in the oxalis genus. It looks similar to the common yellow wood sorrel or oxalis stricta.

Creeping woodsorrel is native to subtropical and temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant, also known as clover sorrel, is considered a weed in crop fields, gardens, and lawns.

Clover sorrel thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. It has smooth, compound leaves, divided into heart-shaped leaflets. The leaves are normally green on the upper side and dark-red or purplish on the underside. It folds the leaves at dusk and opens them again at dawn. The sleeping beauty brings forth yellow flowers with 5 petals from May to October. Flowers have an erect pistil and ten stamens.

All parts of the creeping wood sorrel contain vitamin C and oxalic acid. The plant is rich in calcium, fat, proteins, iron, phosphorus, beta, and flavonoids as well as volatile oils. It is also high in essential fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, linolenic acid, and palmitic acid.

In a 2016 study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences, extracts from the sleeping beauty were found to have antihyperglycaemic activity. The study involving hyperglycaemic rats found that the rats experienced a reduction in blood glucose when fed with single and double doses of creeping wood sorrel extracts. In glucose loaded animals, a reduction in blood sugar level was observed within an hour of administering the creeping wood sorrel extracts.

Continuous administration of the creeping woodsorrel for 14 days led to a noticeable reduction of serum cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and VLDL levels in the rats. There was also a remarkable increase in HDL and protein levels.

The researchers realized that the sleeping beauty plant had the ability to inhibit the absorption and digestion of glucose via the intestines. Based on these findings, they concluded that creeping wood sorrel had the potential of becoming the new source of a highly effective oral antihyperglycaemic drug.

Apart from being a potential treatment for diabetes, clover sorrel is also edible. This explains why the plant is fondly referred to as sourgrass due to the presence of oxalic acid, giving it a sour taste. Oxalic acid is a common compound found in many edible vegetables including spinach. In spite of being highly edible, the creeping wood sorrel is toxic when consumed in large quantities.

While research is ongoing to find out whether the creeping woodsorrel is as effective in treating diabetes in humans as it was in rats, this plant seems to hold a lot of potential in assisting diabetics to take off the edge from this condition.

Comments: Comments Off on Creeping Woodsorrel: A Potential Treatment For Diabetes? Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Beneficial Properties of Flowers

Accent Your Flowers With Unexpected Embellishments

November 12, 2019

Some of the most interesting floral arrangements contain more than just flowers. They may be accented with non-floral items to add color, texture, and height to the bouquet. Easy to incorporate into a floral display, these design elements can be found around your home and in your local craft store.

Feathers are a fun, natural element that can create visual interest in a floral bouquet. Brightly colored peacock feathers are well-known for boasting electric shades of blues and greens. Pheasant feathers add a playful element with their natural stripes and spots in shades of bronze, cinnamon, and black. If you don’t happen to own a peacock or a pheasant, the feathers are readily available at craft stores.

Branches and dried grasses are great for adding texture and height to your flowers. Stalks of dried wheat would make quite a statement in an autumnal display. For a fun accent, look for bunches of ting ting grass. These sturdy stems have been curled at the ends for a whimsical look and are sold in many colors.

Leaves, whether fresh, dried, or synthetic, can add a pop of color to your flowers. You can even find leaves with interesting hues and shapes in your own yard. Look to see which leaves are outstanding in each season. For example, brilliantly-colored autumn leaves make a bold statement when added to your harvest arrangement.

Stems of faux berries are available in a broad range of colors. The flexible wire can be cut or bent to suit the shape of your design. Options range from simple, solid-colored spheres to realistic-looking artificial fruits. Faux raspberries and blackberries would be a cheerful addition to any summer bouquet.

If you have a more structured floral arrangement, you may be able to add garland as a design element. Try winding colorful bead strands among the stems of flowers. For a more natural option, ivy (either real or faux) will combine nicely with every type of flower and adds an elegant touch to the display.

We sometimes see ribbon tied around the neck of a vase. Why not incorporate the ribbon into the floral arrangement itself? With countless sizes, colors, and patterns, there are options to coordinate or contrast with every type of flower. Whether you use a bow as a focal point or drape it among the flowers, ribbon will add a unique element that makes your bouquet one-of-a-kind.

If you want to add sparkle and shine to your flowers, choose jeweled craft picks as an accent. There is a wide assortment of picks in craft stores, ranging from rhinestones to shapes covered in glitter. The flexible wire stems allow you to bend the picks in various positions to suit your arrangement. A touch of sparkle would be a festive accent to flowers given for a birthday or anniversary.

Bouquets aren’t just for flowers anymore. Let your imagination be your guide when it comes to floral arrangements. Whether it’s a custom accessory for a friend or a design element for your own home, an unexpected accent will make your flowers unforgettable.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Any Time, Flowers Generally, Occasions

Pressed Flower Jewelry Makes Treasured Blooms Last for Years

October 2, 2019

Flowers make a wonderful gift for any special occasion. But many people feel bad when the blossoms begin to fade. By preserving some of the blooms, you can create a piece of jewelry that keeps meaningful flowers looking beautiful for years to come.

You can make dried floral jewelry for yourself using flowers you received as a gift. Drying the flowers is a way to extend their life so that you can enjoy their beauty and remember the special person who gave them to you.

Pressed floral jewelry is also a thoughtful gift for someone who loves flowers or gardening. Floral jewelry is an excellent choice for birthdays, Christmas or Hanukkah. It also makes a lovely gift for Mother’s Day, an anniversary, or to say “congratulations”. A handcrafted piece of floral jewelry will be appropriate for any celebration or just to say “I love you”.

The process for creating floral jewelry begins with pressing the flowers. Choose blooms that are vibrant and unblemished. Flowers from your own garden would make an especially personal and meaningful gift.

There are several methods for pressing flowers. Special presses that are designed for the microwave flatten the blossoms and remove moisture at the same time. Depending on the type of flower, this process may take only a few minutes.

There are also traditional manual presses that slowly wick away moisture from blooms using pressure and weight. One time-tested example of this type of pressing is to place flowers between the pages of a heavy book. Other types of presses require tightening a handle or screw to increase the pressure. This process can take several weeks but yields reliable results.

Once you have dried your flowers, there are many options for creating jewelry. Craft stores and large retailers usually carry all the supplies you will need. There are a variety of kits available with glass or acrylic pieces and bezel wire. Bezel wire is a narrow, pliable strip of metal that is used to hold the glass or acrylic together by binding the edges tightly.

You can often find kits with either transparent front and back pieces (glass or acrylic) or a solid metal backing in which to place the flowers. The preserved flowers are sandwiched between two layers to protect them and give them a framework for attaching to jewelry findings. These kits commonly feature metal in a silver or copper color and many have attached hardware through which a chain or ear wire can pass.

Perhaps you have a locket with special meaning and would like to place pressed flowers inside. You can coat the flowers with glue to hold them in place as well as to strengthen the fragile blooms. When choosing a glue for this project, read the label to be sure it is suitable for use on metal.

For experienced crafters, encasing dried flowers in resin is a popular way to preserve them. This involves pouring a two-part epoxy into a mold with preserved flowers. Resin can accommodate flowers that are more three-dimensional than pressed flowers. The finished resin baubles can be used as a pendant, drop earrings, or on a charm bracelet.

An advantage to using resin is that it allows the flowers to be seen from every angle. You may also see tiny bubbles in the resin as part of the design. This gives an ethereal look to transparent or lacy flowers.

There are many options for making dried floral jewelry, whether you are new to crafting or an experienced artisan. Whichever method you choose, the final result will be a unique piece of jewelry that will remind the recipient of someone special whenever they wear it.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Any Time, Flower Crafts, Flowers Generally, Occasions

Thoughtful DIY Gifts Made with Dried Flowers

October 1, 2019

As the growing season winds down and the holiday season approaches, our minds turn to gift-giving. What could be more thoughtful than a gift from your garden? Using dried and pressed flowers, you can craft unique floral-themed items for the special people in your life.

One of the simplest ways to create a gift with pressed flowers is to make a vignette in a frame. Any frame will work for this project, so choose one that suits your gift recipient’s tastes. Arrange the dried flowers and leaves in an artful design, using a contrasting piece of cardstock for the background. Depending on your choice of flowers, this framed arrangement can be suitable for seasonal or year-round display.

Decoupage is another great choice for creating decor with pressed flowers. Use a decoupage medium, available at any craft store, to adhere the flowers to clean, flat surfaces. Then top with additional decoupage glue to seal the flowers in place. You can use this technique to decorate a custom box, serving tray, side table, or mirror frame. Any of these would make a cheerful addition to a young girl’s room or a treasured gift for a gardener.

Another fun project using pressed flowers is adding them to the outside of a candle. This can be done with a pillar candle of any color or scent. Soy wax is a good choice here, as it burns cleaner than other waxes. There are many methods for creating floral candles, but we like the simpler techniques.

One option is to use the back of a hot spoon to melt the wax a little at a time so you can lay the flowers on the softened wax. Heat the spoon by holding it over the flame of another lit candle. Work in small sections to adhere the flowers and leaves to the tacky wax. Larger flowers may require heating the wax several times. After the arrangement is in place on the candle, go over it again with the hot spoon back to seal the flowers in their final positions.

Another option for adhering pressed flowers to a candle uses wax paper and a heat gun (available at craft stores). Again, this process will work with any pillar candle. Cut the wax paper to the height of the candle and 1.5 times the length around the candle. Arrange your dried blooms directly on the wax paper. Then roll the candle so that the wax paper with the flowers is tightly wrapped around it.

You will use the heat gun to warm the wax paper so that the flowers and a coating of wax transfer from the paper to the candle. Keep the heat gun moving at all times to avoid melting the candle underneath, and be cautious of your fingertips getting near the end of the heat gun. When you unroll the wax paper, the flowers will have transferred to the candle and will be coated with a fine layer of wax from the paper.

Perhaps you’ve received flowers as a gift and you’d like to use the dried blooms to say “thank you”. You can use pressed flowers to create a one of a kind greeting card with a personal touch. Blank greeting cards can be purchased at any craft store and are a blank canvas for your creativity. Use other decorative elements such as ribbon or buttons to embellish the card as well.

Floral greeting cards would also be thoughtful for a birthday or Mother’s Day. Dried evergreen or holly would make a festive Christmas card. Use flowers from your own garden, or the favorite flower of your recipient, to personalize the card even more.

There are countless ways to create meaningful gifts with pressed flowers. These gifts are suitable for any occasion and are limited only by your imagination. Try one of these projects, and create a keepsake that will be treasured for years.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Any Time, Flower Crafts, Flowers Generally

Drying Flowers Can Make your Beautiful Bouquet Last for Years

September 14, 2019

A bouquet of cut flowers makes a thoughtful gift for any occasion. Whether they’re for a birthday, anniversary, or just because, flowers send a message of beauty and affection. The main drawback to a floral arrangement is that many cut flowers last only a week or so in the vase. The good news is that there are many easy ways to preserve flowers so that they last indefinitely.

Air drying is the most traditional and economical method of preserving flowers. This technique has been used to save floral specimens for countless hundreds of years. All that is required is some string (or plain dental floss) and a moderately warm, dry room where the flowers can hang undisturbed. Flowers are grouped together in small bundles, bound with the string, and hung upside down to retain their upright shape. The dry time with this method is usually 2 to 3 weeks.

Silica gel is a desiccant that is used to absorb water. Similar to the little packets you find in shoe boxes, silica gel soaks up excess moisture into its gel-like crystals. It is sold in craft stores in tubs that are sufficient to dry several flowers. The flower is carefully surrounded by silica gel in an airtight container, and the water is gradually wicked away so the flower dries in a natural shape. This process usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, and many types of silica gel are reusable.

Manual pressing is a method in which flowers are flattened between sheets of blotter paper. The press is usually tightened by hand to facilitate the most removal of water. If you don’t wish to purchase a press, a similar result can be achieved by placing cut flowers inside the pages of a heavy book. Use caution when choosing a book, as the drying flowers can water-spot or wrinkle the pages. The pressing method creates two-dimensional flowers that are ideal for paper crafting. The drying time varies based on the thickness of the flowers and how tightly they are pressed.

The most modern method for drying flowers involves the microwave. Using this convenient appliance, you can dry flowers either with silica gel or with a press designed specifically to be heated in the microwave. These are the most rapid methods of drying flowers, with some specimens being finished in a matter of minutes.

Regardless of which method you choose, keep in mind that flowers should be dried at the peak of their freshness for the best results. Waiting until the flowers begin to droop may lead to a finished product with saggy petals or dull color. Plan ahead and you can capture your beautiful blooms at their finest.

Remember that, once dried, flowers are fragile. The leaves and petals may be brittle and should be dusted with caution. Avoid storing dried flowers in areas with extreme temperature changes, dampness, or bright sunlight that may fade their color.

Preserved flowers from your own garden would make a lovely, sentimental gift. You can create a bouquet or shadowbox with dried buds. Pressed flowers would be pretty on a handmade greeting card for Mother’s Day or a thank you note. You are limited only by your imagination, and your gift recipient will surely treasure such a meaningful present.

Whether you’re preserving blossoms that were a gift to you, or you’re giving a gift from your garden, you can capture the fleeting beauty of your flowers. Use these drying techniques to preserve a moment in time or a special sentiment in the form of long-lasting dried flowers.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flower Keeping Tips, Any Time, Flowers Generally

A Longer Life for Your Perfect Floral Gift

September 13, 2019

For any type of celebration, a gift of cut flowers is a beautiful gesture. If you’ve ever received flowers as a gift for any special occasion, you probably wished you could make them last longer than just a few days. Luckily, there are several tips and tricks to extend the life of flowers in a vase.

Before you put your flowers in the vase, be sure to trim each stem. Use a clean, sharp knife or pruners, and cut the stems on an angle. Take care not to crush the stem ends when trimming them. Cutting on an angle allows the stems to absorb the most amount of water in an efficient way.

After several days, check the flower stems to be sure they have not gotten soggy. If they are soft or slimy, re-cut the stems, removing an additional inch or so from each one. This will help them get sufficient water for a longer period of time.

Clean water is a key factor in extending the life of your blooms. Water should be changed every other day to reduce bacterial growth. Because your flowers are no longer receiving nutrients from their parent plant, they rely on clean water to help keep them fresh and vibrant. If the water looks murky or develops an odor, throw it out and clean the vase before putting the flowers back in.

There are several additives that can go in the vase to help prolong the life of your floral arrangement. There are a number of easy to find, low-cost options, including floral food, aspirin, or bleach.

Floral food often comes in little packets along with bouquets. Be sure to read the package before adding it to the water. You may only need to use part of the packet’s contents.

Aspirin has been used for decades to help preserve cut flowers. Be sure to use true aspirin – acetaminophen won’t work here! An uncoated low-dose aspirin can be crushed and added to the flowers’ water if you don’t have any floral food. The aspirin is thought to make the water’s pH more suitable for the flowers.

In a pinch, bleach can help keep the water in a vase clean and bacteria-free. Use caution, though, as too much bleach will quickly kill your flowers. A few drops (no more than 1/4 teaspoon) should be sufficient to keep the water fresh.

To prevent your flowers from wilting too soon, be sure to keep them in a cool location. Hot air can make your flowers droop rapidly. Avoid placing flowers in areas with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, furnace ducts, space heaters, and fireplaces.

If you have a cool location to store your flowers overnight, this can help the blooms to last longer. You can even keep them in the fridge overnight if you’re concerned about them fading too quickly.

Remember, now that the flowers are removed from their plants, they’re more fragile. But with a little care and love, you can prolong the life of your beautiful blooms and enjoy your gift of flowers for several days longer.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flower Keeping Tips, Flowers Generally

Gorgeous Green Blooms to Light Up the Room

August 28, 2019

When we think of flowering plants, we usually visualize green leaves with blooms in shades of pretty pastels and brilliant jewel tones. But did you know that there are many varieties of plants that have natural green flowers? Here are just a few examples of these unique green blossoms.

Bells of Ireland are tall stalks with graceful green bell-shaped flowers along the whole length of the stem. These flowers are often found in florists’ shops and used as a way to add height to floral arrangements.

Bells of Ireland stalks are frequently dried in order to preserve them, resulting in the flowers fading to a soft ivory color. A member of the mint family, Bells of Ireland are actually native to Syria and Turkey.

Hellebore, or helleborus, is a garden perennial that is famous for blooming in the winter. Also called the Christmas rose or Lenten rose, hellebore flowers bloom in shades of green and ivory, and dusty hues of purple and pink. You may also find varieties with striations or spots on the petals. Green hellebore flowers are commonly found in variegated shades with ivory or burgundy accents.

Natural green chrysanthemums are frequently given as cut flowers, especially around St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas. Mums are a popular choice for gifting because many varieties can last up to two weeks once cut. They are also common in the garden, blooming in late summer and early autumn. The zesty, bright green of chrysanthemums will add a brilliant pop of color to your fall landscape.

Orchids are exotic beauties that are available in a broad range of colors, including green. Orchids grow wild all over the Earth, including in the inhospitable tundra. It seems there are as many types of orchids as there are nations in which they grow.

Many green orchids are accented with shades of white and burgundy, while others are a solid, brilliant lime or apple green hue. Orchids are considered easy to grow and many varieties don’t even require soil!

Green flowers make a striking statement when planted in landscape designs with contrasting colors. The color green looks beautiful in combination with nearly every shade of the rainbow and will easily coordinate with everything else you plant in your garden.

Green flowers are also a lovely addition to bouquets of cut flowers. The green blooms will tie in with the green leaves of the other flowers to create a harmonious arrangement that is well-balanced and pleasing to the eye.

If you have a friend or loved one whose favorite color is green, surprise them with an unexpected gift of natural green flowers. These unusual blossoms will send a unique and unforgettable message to someone special.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Fun Flower Facts, Any Time, Flowers Generally

“Exploding” Jewelweed is Popping with Fun

August 18, 2019

Jewelweed is a yellow or orange flowering plant whose claim to fame is that the ripe seed pods “explode” or burst open when touched. Much to the delight of children and fun-loving adults, these plants have a quite entertaining method of dispersing their seeds.

Also known as touch-me-not, jewelweed grows in damp, marshy areas all across the eastern United States. While these trumpet-shaped flowers are classified as annuals (completing their life cycle within one year), they are so adept at self-sowing their seeds that they return reliably, year after year.

Jewelweed is a member of the impatiens family, which includes the shade-loving blooms of the same name. While common impatiens are readily found at every garden center and nursery, their wild cousins are not commercially cultivated. Like jewelweed, common impatiens also have a seed pod that bursts when fully ripened.

There are two theories about how jewelweed got its name. Some say that the gem-colored flowers glisten and shimmer when wet from rain or dew. Others say that the flowers hang from their stalks like jewels on a necklace. Whatever the case, these brilliant blossoms should not be overlooked.

Jewelweed has evolved to appeal to its primary pollinators, butterflies and hummingbirds. The warm red-orange to yellow hues of the flowers are attractive to these species. The jewelweed releases its seed pods with the gentlest nudge, such as the feather-light touch of a hovering hummingbird.

This fascinating manner of seed dispersal is called “ballistichory”, referring to the way in which the seeds act as projectiles. This enthusiastic popping is achieved by a buildup of tension within the cells as the seed pod dries out. The cell walls gradually begin to coil and the tension is released when the fully ripe pod is touched.

Aside from being fun for inquisitive people, jewelweed has some beneficial qualities as well. The liquid from the stem of the plant is said to be excellent at reducing inflammation when applied topically. It has long been used as a treatment for poison ivy, poison oak, and stinging nettles. In fact, jewelweed is frequently found growing in the vicinity of poison ivy. If you know you have touched the noxious poison ivy, immediately applying liquid from the jewelweed is supposed to reduce the severity of the reaction before it even gets started.

Note: The Right Flowers is not a medical site. Knowledge of and information about the therapeutic benefits and applications of flowers, while known through the ages, does not constitute medical advice. If you are having health issues, you should consult with a physician.

In addition to the medicinal liquid, the seeds of the jewelweed are edible. The seeds can be flung as far as ten feet away when the pod pops open. But if you manage to collect a few, they can safely be eaten. After wiping off the coating on the fresh, ripe seeds, you will find that they taste nutty. This flavor has been compared to walnuts or almonds.

Exploding plants like jewelweed are proof that botany can be fun. There are wondrous things all around us, if you take the time to look. Go for a walk and see what jewels Mother Nature has to offer in your neighborhood.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Fun Flower Facts, Beneficial Properties of Flowers, Flowers Generally, Seasonal

Easy-care Houseplants Send Well Wishes for Years

August 16, 2019

If you’re searching for the perfect floral gift that is long-lasting and low-maintenance, check out these easy houseplants. Each variety on this list is simple to care for and readily found at your local florist or garden center.

The asparagus fern is not a true fern, but has delicate frond-like leaves that are lacy and elegant. Asparagus ferns have been called “impossible to kill”. This is because dry, shriveled plants have been successfully revived with water and fresh air. To keep your asparagus fern happy in your house, mist it with water regularly, and keep it out of intense sunlight.

The peace lily is a houseplant that likes to have “wet feet”. It is unlikely that you can over-water the peace lily, but it can also recover nicely from severe under-watering. The peace lily produces white flame-shaped flowers when it receives sufficient water. This plant does not require direct sunlight and can brighten up any dim corner. The peace lily is a good choice for someone who doesn’t have a lot of natural light in their home.

Chinese money plants are endowed with a legend. They are said to bring good fortune and prosperity to the owner, especially when a coin is planted in the soil with the money plant. The leaves of this plant are coin-shaped, which may be where this belief originates. Chinese money plants are easily divided and owners are encouraged to “share the wealth” with their friends and families.

Air plants are fascinating plants that absorb their moisture and nutrients directly from the air. In nature they are found growing on trees, not in the soil. They are native to Central America and the surrounding regions, preferring a humid atmosphere. The consensus among experts is that air plants should be submerged in water about every two weeks, for a couple of hours. Air plants are a wonderful gift for someone who appreciates unique and unusual plants.

Aloe is a succulent plant that is well-known for the healing properties of its leaves. The juice from the plump aloe leaves is famously helpful in treating burns, cuts, and scrapes. This is a wonderful gift for someone who may be a little accident-prone! These plants prefer indirect sunlight and a deep watering every three weeks. Cut back on watering to once a month during the winter.

Native to Africa, the flowering kalanchoe is another easy-to-care-for succulent. Flowers are usually bright shades of orange, red or pink. Kalanchoe love sunlight and can even develop a light red ring around the leaves in adequate sun. These cheerful flowers need water every couple of weeks, when the soil is dry to the touch two inches from the top. Kalanchoe are rugged yet beautiful and make a thoughtful gift for a busy friend.

These low-maintenance houseplants are thoughtful gifts that don’t require too much care. Whether you choose a flowering plant, a plant with a legend attached, or one that helps to heal, your gift recipient will appreciate your well wishes for years to come.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Any Time, Occasions

Patriotic Petals: Check Out these National Flowers

July 27, 2019

The majority of the world’s countries have a national flower that is meaningful to its people. These emblems may have been chosen by popular consensus, government selection, or a long-standing tradition in the history of the nation.

Most national flowers are indigenous to the area that they represent. Many have played a role in a region’s culture for hundreds of years or more. In general, the national flower is beloved by the people it embodies.

Some national flowers have been associated with their nation for thousands of years. For example, the lotus blossom has been sacred to Egypt for millennia. Representing purity and divinity, depictions of the sacred lotus are found in tombs dating back to 1500 BC or earlier.

Other national flowers have only been officially recognized for a short while. The United States adopted the rose as its national flower in 1986. On the other hand, the rose has been symbolic of England since the Wars of the Roses in the late 1400s. The regal rose symbolizes the disparate ideas of love and war to both of these nations.

Some flowers are so beloved that songs are written about them. Edelweiss, the daisy-like national flower of Austria and Switzerland, was immortalized in song by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Written for The Sound of Music, the lyrics laud the small flower whose name translates as white and noble.

The regal iris is popular in the many regions in which it grows. Irises of varying colors represent the nations of Croatia, Algeria and Jordan. The iris also signifies the Virgin Mary in the Christian tradition. The fleur de lis, as it is called in France, has stood for nobility for centuries. For those who would protest that the fleur de lis is surely a lily, we refer you to this article. Reasonable minds can differ as to which flower the fleur de lis is patterned after – we are in the “flowers along the Lis river” camp.

The exotic orchid seems to blossom everywhere that the tropical sun shines. Popular varieties of orchids serve as the emblems for Brazil, Singapore, Kenya, and Venezuela. While the meaning of the orchid varies with its color, these flowers generally represent love, especially when given as a gift.

Jewel-toned tulips grow wild in many nations and make a stunning display in spring when thousands of these flowers may bloom at once. This colorful member of the lily family is the national flower of Iran, Turkey, Hungary and Afghanistan. The tulip also represents Holland, which is famous for selling a single bulb for a year’s wages in the early 1600s.

In many nations around the world, there are flowers that celebrate national identity. These patriotic emblems represent the culture and diverse people found in each region. Celebrate the history of your homeland with your national flower and make a statement of pride in your heritage. Or give them to someone whose family or roots are from the country with which the flower is associated!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Fun Flower Facts, Flowers Generally

Magnificent, Stately And Beneficial:Magnolia Flower Medicinal Uses

July 26, 2019

Magnolia is a large tree, reaching about 80 feet in height with a diameter of 3-5 feet. Its family is known to be among the oldest trees in the world. These trees are so ancient that their blossoms do not have real sepals and petals. Instead, they have petal-like tepals. In addition, the flowers do not produce true nectar and are not pollinated by bees because magnolias predate bees, however, they attract pollinating beetles with fragrant, sugary secretions and fragrances.

[Note: The Right Flowers is not a medical site. Knowledge of and information about the therapeutic benefits and applications of flowers, while known through the ages, does not constitute medical advice. If you are having health issues, you should consult with a physician.]

Magnolias bloom in a rainbow of colors which are quite a sight to behold. While some species flower in the heat of summer, others blossom in late winter to announce the coming of the warm weather ahead. Their white, pink or creamy flowers – the state flower of Louisiana and Mississippi – have a heady fragrance that most southerners are familiar with.

Magnolia trees are not just quintessential and magnificent but their blossoms are known to have medicinal properties too. Ancient records show that magnolia flowers have been used in Chinese medicine since 100 AD. Currently, there are more than 200 patented drugs in China based on the magnolia flower.

Basically, magnolia flowers derive their medicinal capabilities from potent compounds including honokiol and magnolol. These flowers are great for the following:

Allergies
Volatile oils extracted from magnolia blossoms have the potential of preventing allergic reactions such as asthma by inhibiting the release of histamines.

Sinusitis and rhinitis
According to Phyllis A. Balch in the book titled Prescription for Nutritional Healing, magnolia flowers have been used in Chinese medicine for years to alleviate headache and rhinitis associated with sinusitis. Studies published in August 2009 in the Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine shows that magnolia lilifloral extracts have the ability to reduce eosinophil cells in the blood which is highly beneficial to children with allergic problems.

Skincare
According to Leung’s Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients, extracts from the magnolia flower have been used to reduce irritations caused by ingredients used to make cosmetics. They can also assist in getting rid of dark spots and whiten the skin.

Diabetes
An animal study published in October 2008 in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine indicates that magnolia blossom extracts have the ability to help in preventing diabetes caused by streptozotocin, a drug that was initially derived from the streptomyces achromogenes microorganism. The drug was used as an antibiotic until it was discovered to carry the potential of causing diabetes. Today, the drug is mostly used to treat pancreatic cancer.

You probably drive past these beautiful, stately, flowering trees without giving them much thought. But next time you encounter magnolias, you may need to consider appreciating not only their ornamental value but also their health benefits.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Statice, Feverfew, Baby’s Breath, and More: Festive Filler Flowers that Stand on Their Own

July 26, 2019

In bouquets and floral arrangements, flashy focal flowers like roses and lilies are often the star of the show. The smaller filler flowers are sometimes considered just a placeholder. However, these small blossoms ought to be recognized in their own right.

Filler flowers are flowers that add volume and texture to floral arrangements. They may tend to be muted in color and may not have a strong fragrance. Nevertheless, many filler flowers are beautiful enough to stand on their own or as a focal point in a floral design.

One of the most common filler flowers is baby’s breath. Also known as angel’s breath or gypsophila, these miniscule members of the carnation family are usually white or pink, but can be dyed to coordinate with your bouquet. Representing innocence, baby’s breath have dozens of tiny flowers on each stem and add a dreamy, ethereal element to arrangements.

Another frequently used filler flower is statice. These delicate flowers look as if they are made of tissue paper. Available in a variety of colors, statice has come to represent remembrance and treasured memories. The statice flower can easily be dried to use in long-lasting displays.

Stock is a popular choice to add height to arrangements. The name stock might sound basic but these flowers are beautiful on their own. Growing in a broad range of hues, stock flowers add a pop of color on long, slender stems. These flowers have a gentle clove scent and are used to convey a message of long-lasting affection.

Bells of Ireland are another great choice to add height and texture to a floral display. Each stalk is covered in bright green, hollow bell-shaped blooms. Bells of Ireland add visual interest while easily coordinating with every color in the rainbow.

Stephanotis, or Madagascar Jasmine, are small, fragrant white flowers that represent marital harmony. With their pure white petals and sweet scent, they are quite popular in bridal bouquets and wedding decor. These petite blooms are so delicate that they are often wired in place.

Feverfew is an herb with tiny flowers that resemble daisies. The yellow center of each flower adds a gentle pop of color. Feverfew stems are often added to arrangements with a less formal structure, such as wildflower bouquets.

Alstroemeria, or Peruvian lily, is a trumpet shaped flower that often displays stripes and spots on its petals. Available in a variety of warm hues, alstroemeria is an affordable way to add exotic beauty to a floral arrangement. These flowers symbolize devotion when given as a gift and are popular as a gesture of friendship.

Filler flowers may not always get the attention they deserve, but each of these background beauties should get a chance to shine on their own. Give someone an out-of-the-ordinary bouquet of unexpected blossoms to make a lasting impression on the recipient.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Fun Flower Facts, Flowers Generally
Culinary sage

Musty and Culinary Sage

June 18, 2019

Common garden sage or sage is a woody, perennial plant with purple to blue blossoms that are edible. You can harvest the flowers and use them as decoration on cakes, pour hot water over them to make tea or use them to make herbal vinegar.

While there are several varieties of the shrub known as sage, this article will concentrate on salvia oficianalis or common garden sage. This is the sage you are likely to find flavoring your turkey.

Sage’s purple to white flowers are highly esteemed culinary delights. They are best harvested before they peak when they are partially open. For best results, cut them in the morning just after the dew has evaporated. In addition, the flowers are delicate and you do not want to take them through rigorous cooking to protect their fragile taste and aroma.

Fried sage blossoms and leaves

Ingredients
½ cup teaspoon baking powder
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup garbanzo flour
1 tablespoon corn starch
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup milk
1 egg
¾ cup of water
Twelve 4-inch sage stems complete with flowers and leaves
Enough oil for frying

Process: Heat the oil in a pan. Mix all the dry ingredients in a medium bowl with a whisk. In a smaller bowl, whisk wet ingredients and add the dry ingredients while you continue whisking to form a light batter.

Dip the flowers into the batter and fry in the hot oil for 2 minutes. Stir gently until they are golden brown. Remove from heat and place the blossoms on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Note: the stems are for holding as you eat the flowers and leaves.

Sage leaves, blossoms, and onion sauce

Ingredients
2 medium-sized onions
½ OZ of green sage leaves
½ OZ of fresh sage blossoms
4 teaspoons of water
1 teaspoonful of pepper and salt
1OZ of fine bread crumbs
¼ pint melted butter

Process: Chop the onions and sage leaves finely. Put them in a pan with 4 teaspoons of water. Place on low heat and simmer for ten minutes. Sprinkle the pepper, salt, and the breadcrumbs. Stir as you pour in melted butter. Chop the sage blossoms finely and toss them in as you stir. Simmer a few minutes and serve. The sauce is great with roast pork, duck or green peas.

Ultimately, these musky, evergreen shrubs with woolly leaves are so versatile that they can be eaten fresh, fried or dried.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Set Your Garden on Fire with Gloriosa Superba

June 15, 2019

With a scientific name like Gloriosa superba, you might say that this fiery beauty is superb in color and full of glory. And you would be right! Perhaps that’s why it’s so rich in descriptives. Common English names include flame lily, fire lily, climbing lily, creeping lily, glory lily, gloriosa lily, cat’s claw, tiger’s claw, and Rhodesian flame lily.

Whatever name you use, this plant is a stunner with showy reddish orange/yellow flowers that look like flames, and shiny green stems and leaves. The leaves are narrow and usually taper to a short tendril at the tip. The tendrils cling to other objects and help the plant climb up and scramble over other vegetation. Flowering occurs on pedicels or stalks up to 7-1/2” long from May to October. Though the showy flowers are lily like, these plants are not true lilies.

Insanely Beautiful, but Deadly

Gloriosa is a genus of 12 species in the plant family Cholchicaceae. They are tender, tuberous rooted deciduous perennials, adapted to summer rainfall with a dormant dry season. All parts of the plant contain colchicines and related alkaloids which makes them toxic if ingested and fatal if consumed in large doses. Small doses of colchicine are used in traditional medicines in both Africa and India, as well as pharmaceuticals in the U.S. Skin irritations can result from contact with the stems and leaves. Clearly not a plant you want to have around small children or pets.

The genus is found in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and from the Indian subcontinent in Malaysia. The national flower of Zimbabwe, Gloriosa superba is widely naturalized in coastal Australia, where it is considered a rampant and dangerous invasive weed. It is also considered a noxious weed in some Pacific islands and parts of the United States.

How to Grow Your own Gloriosa Garden

While propagation generally occurs from seeds, mature plants can be divided and grown from tubers. Outdoors, tubers should be planted horizontally 2-4” deep and 8-12” apart in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil after the last frost date. These plants do best with some afternoon shade. Because the tubers are brittle and difficult to dig up, many gardeners leave the tubers in pots or containers year-round. They work well as houseplants in a bright sunny window, with watering tapered off after blooming to induce dormancy.

The plant also produces fruit, which are large fleshy capsules that turn from green to yellow and eventually dark brown. These fruits contain numerous large, rounded, or ovoid shaped seeds. There are several named cultivars, including Citrina, which is yellow with maroon stripes, Lutea, which is all yellow, and Nana, which is a dwarf form. One brightly colored variety called Gloriosa Rothschildiana was named after the second Baron Rothschild who is credited with bringing the flower to Europe from Africa.

Bulbs are sold on Amazon and Plants Delight Nursery, and you can find seeds on Etsy. Here are the links:

ttps://www.amazon.com/Plants-GLORIOSA-SUPERBA-Flower-Viable/dp/B00LQIS1NS

Gloriosa superba Greenii

https://www.etsy.com/listing/530587243/100-gloriosa-superba-seeds-flame-lily?ref=pla_similar_listing_top-4&frs=1

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Any Time, Flower Keeping Tips, Fun Flower Facts, Seasonal
Roses with perfume bottle

Floral Perfume is a Bouquet You Can Carry with You

June 7, 2019

If you know someone special who loves flowers, consider giving them the gift of a floral perfume. With a floral perfume, they can carry their favorite flower’s fragrance with them throughout the day.

Floral scents are easily the most popular type of perfume, favored for centuries by people around the world. Other scent types include woody, Oriental or spice, and citrus or green notes.

High end perfumes are made from actual extracts, or essences, of flowers, spices, and sometimes leaves. Less expensive perfumes may be made from synthetic scents that mimic natural aromas.

If a perfume features a single note or fragrance, it is referred to as a soliflore. This would make a lovely gift for someone who has a favorite flower. A perfume bouquet refers to a perfume with multiple fragrance notes. This type makes up the majority of perfumes on the market today.

Rose is one of the most popular notes, found in numerous brands of perfume. It is used as a top note, meaning it is the first note you smell but the scent evaporates quickly. Rose is so valued in the perfume industry that many perfumers cultivate their own varieties of the flower in order to have their own unique scent.

Freesia is known for being one of the most sweetly scented flowers. This makes it quite popular in lighter perfumes. Some have compared its scent to fruit or candy.

Lily of the valley is a bell-shaped woodland flower with an old-fashioned scent still beloved by many. It may be labelled with its French name, muguet or muguet de bois.

Violets are another fragrance note that have been used in perfume for quite some time. The scent is very subtle and has been called flirty, as the scent seems to come and go.

Once used for ceremonial purposes, jasmine has been a common note in perfumes for centuries. Jasmine is frequently mixed with warm and spicy notes that complement it quite nicely.

There are around one thousand varieties of lilac with scents ranging from sweet to spicy and subtle to intense. Once considered to be magical by the ancient Celts, various types of lilacs are now used in perfumes.

Representing purity and love, gardenia is a popular wedding flower. Thus, perfumes made from the gardenia flower are frequently worn by the bride on her wedding day.

Lavender is known for its calming properties and is often used in aromatherapy. Lavender is commonly used as a middle or heart note, meaning that the scent lingers on the skin and lasts longer than the top notes.

Give a floral gift that will last for years by sharing a flowery perfume with someone special. Floral perfume is the bouquet that never wilts.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Occasions, Any Time, Flowers Generally

Bring on the Dancing Girls: Impatiens Bequaertii

June 5, 2019

Among the world’s rarest and most enchanting flowers, Impatiens bequaertii is part of the impatiens family but has no acknowledged species name. Most notable for their petals resembling little dancing ladies in skirts, they are commonly referred to as dancing girls.

Native to the rainforests of East Africa, where the climate is very mild (ranging between 45-80F (6C-26C), these little beauties bloom mainly in white and occasionally light pink. Adding to their appeal are two little spots of yellow on the petals that look like tiny buttons. Even their heart-shaped leaves are attractive in a combination of olive green and dark red.

Petite in stature, Impatiens bequaertii grow approximately one foot across with blooms measuring no more than ½” long. Though Impatiens are most often treated as annuals, this species is perennial and makes an excellent indoor plant. They grow well in a small pot and will blossom year ‘round when properly tended. Because they will trail and climb, dancing girls are also perfect for hanging planters.

Impatiens bequaertii alone has 300 positively identified species and nearly 900 other possible species still under investigation as possible new members. All told, there are more than 1,000 other kinds of impatiens flowers, including jewelweed, touch-me-not, snapweed and patience. Generally speaking, they prefer filtered light and humus-rich, moist, well-draining soil with humidity over 40-50%. Overwatering encourages fungus, while underwatering leads to flower and leaf drop.

Because they grow so well in shady areas and are prolific bloomers, impatiens are among the most popular flowers for spring gardening. And, while you’d be hard-pressed to find a dancing girl plant, other varieties of impatiens are inexpensive and readily available. Plus, they go well beyond the dancing girl palette with vibrant colors like red, violet, purple, coral and yellow.

The name ‘Impatiens’ comes from Latin, meaning–hang on now—“impatient.” The reason is that their ripe seed pods sometimes burst open from even a light touch, as if they were impatient to scatter their seeds. This characteristic is especially apparent in the jewelweed variety. Impatiens are tropical flowers and, when planted outdoors, will turn to mush in frost.

As mentioned at the outset, Impatiens bequaertii is extremely rare and exporting of the plant remains illegal. They can be grown from seeds, though and are available for purchase at a number of online vendors. Here are a few direct links:

https://www.bonanza.com/listings/Egrow-50Pcs-Pack-Impatiens-Bequaertii-Seeds-Beautify-Dancing-Girl-Orchid Flower/723770224

https://www.banggood.com/Egrow-50PcsPack-Impatiens-Bequaertii-Seeds-Beautify-Dancing-Girl-Orchid-Flower-Seeds-p 1302148.html?akmClientCountry=America&cur_warehouse=CN

If you’re taken by this extraordinary flower and looking for a unique gift, there is a very impressive handmade flower stem available on Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/668455002/dancing-girls-impatiens-impatiens

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Fun Flower Facts, Occasions, Rainforest Flowers, Seasonal

The Flower Named after Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex: Clematis Meghan

May 15, 2019

A new baby, royal anniversary and namesake flower all in the merry month of May! Being in the royal spotlight comes with many challenges, but clearly has its sweet spots. Clematis Meghan, named after the Duchess of Sussex, is making its debut at the famed Chelsea Garden Show May 21-25, 2019.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society, who named the flower, “the flowers are a rich, opulent magenta-purple, so they will really make an impact when planted in borders or larger pots.” Clematis Meghan flowers twice a year, in spring and early summer. It’s described as a hardy plant that makes a big impact when given room to grow.

Clematis Meghan will join a lineup of royal family flowers, including clematis Prince Louis, named after Prince William and Kate Middleton’s youngest child. There is also a clematis Princess Kate, clematis Royal Wedding and clematis Princess Diana. It seems even royals have to share! But, with so many stunning color variations, each seems to have its own unique personality.

Clematises are members of the buttercup family and have well over 300 species and countless man-made hybrids. Besides being prized for their magnificent, large flowers, they are one of the best-known climbers among vertical plants. They will train onto trellises and fences, or arch gracefully over doorways.

Though there are a few varieties that manage in part sun, most Clematis grow best in sunny locations (at least 6 hours of sun for blooming) and prefer cool, moist well-drained soil. They also need plenty of space for adequate airflow to prevent mildew. In the wild, clematis is often found growing at the edge of woodlots where they climb through the tree limbs to reach full sun while their roots remain in the shade.

Care of clematis vines is minimal except for watering, which calls for about an inch weekly and more during dry spells. Mulch should be replenished each spring. Bloom times vary depending on species. Whether you choose clematis for climbing or keep them in containers, pruning is important to keep them looking their best. The large flowering types, such as clematis Meghan, should be cut back to the topmost buds in late winter/early spring.

According to the International Clematis Society, clematis seeds may take up to three years to germinate, but you should get some germination in about six months to a year. You will find complete instructions on their website: http://www.clematisinternational.com/. Though your odds of getting a clematis Meghan plant are slim to none, there are an endless number of colors and varieties available from nurseries across America, including Spring Hill and Michigan bulbs

A clematis plant, sometimes referred to as the ‘queen of climbers’ makes a wonderful gift for gardening loved ones, such as moms on Mother’s Day, dads on Father’s Day, or anyone on their birthday or anniversary. This much-loved flower is also available in a wide range of gift items, including stationery, prints, tote bags, nightlights, tee shirts, plates, accent pillows and even iPhone cases. No doubt, the Queen Mother herself would approve.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Any Time, Flowers Generally, Fun Flower Facts, Mother's Day, Occasions, Seasonal

Pretty and Potent: Nasturtium Medicinal Uses

May 13, 2019

Tropaeolum majus also known as garden nasturtium, common nasturtium or just nasturtium is a flowering, herbaceous plant with trailing stems that can grow to 1 meter long. It has large, circular leaves with orange to red flowers featuring 3-5 petals. While it is native to South America, the medicinal value of nasturtium, coupled with the beauty of its flowers, have made it a highly sought-after plant worldwide.

[Note: The Right Flowers is not a medical site. Knowledge of and information about the therapeutic benefits and applications of flowers, while known through the ages, does not constitute medical advice. If you are having health issues, you should consult with a physician.]

Basically, nasturtium was introduced to Europe in the 16th century where it was fondly known as Indian cress. The name probably came from the confusion at the time between India and Indies and also due to its flavor which is similar to cress. In the 1800s, a Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus, named the genus Tropaeolaceae, meaning trophy.

Nasturtium plants are famous for their bright flowers that have a mild peppery flavor with a mustard tinge. To get the most out of its flowers, use them when they are fresh to make compresses for topical uses or infusions for internal applications. Though nasturtium leaves and its flowers have high medicinal value, the freshness factor is probably one of the reasons why its herbal remedies are less popular compared to other plants.

Medicinal value of nasturtium includes:

Immune boosting
Nasturtium is rich in vitamin C and is often used to prevent and manage common cold and flu. In addition, it has some antibiotic properties. Phenols in the red and orange flowers are great for neutralizing the effect of free radicals, thus protecting the body from chronic diseases including cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic
Nasturtium can be used as a healing agent for treating urinary infections and diseases of the respiratory system. It is an ideal disinfectant for cleaning and managing scrapes and bruises, and an external remedy for treating fungal and bacterial infections.

Skin care
Nasturtium flowers have been used to make ointments for preventing hair loss and treating skin conditions for years. In the absence of the ointment, you can make nasturtium tea or infusion that is equally potent by simmering a mix of the petals and water in a pot for 15 minutes. Strain and store in a cool place or refrigerate.

To encourage hair growth, massage into scalp and rinse after a few minutes. If you want to tone your skin, apply the concoction using a cotton ball and rinse off with warm water. For best results, use daily.

Now that you understand the medicinal value of nasturtium, do you have it brightening your backyard? If not, consider planting it for beauty and health purposes.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally
pink flowering bonsai

Bonsai is the Right Gift for the Patient Gardener

May 10, 2019

Bonsai refers to a tree or shrub that is grown in a shallow vessel and pruned to retain a compact form. This process can take years or even decades to achieve the desired result. It is said to promote inner peace and tranquility.

The art of growing perennial plants in shallow containers dates back several thousand years to ancient China. Now primarily associated with Japan, there are also examples of this practice in Vietnam and Korea.

Bonsai trees are an excellent gift for a gardener who is patient and methodical. In some cultures they are given to those who wish to develop those qualities. Bonsai are also suitable gifts for people who need a calming hobby or pastime.

The majority of bonsai trees are kept indoors. It is believed that ancient priests began this practice to bring an element of nature inside the temple. By growing bonsai indoors, you can cultivate a plant that would not normally survive over the winter in your growing zone.

Few bonsai trees are intended to remain outdoors for the duration of the cold season. However, many varieties can be left outside in the warm months and then returned to the house when the weather begins to cool.

There are several horticultural categories of trees and shrubs that can be used for bonsai. These classifications are evergreen, deciduous and flowering.

Evergreen plants retain their leaves or needles throughout the entire year. Juniper is one of the more popular species of this type for bonsai because of its naturally slow and compact growth habit.

Deciduous plants lose their leaves and become dormant in cooler months. Maple trees are one of the most common examples of trees used for bonsai, especially Japanese maples with their brilliant red leaves. Black olive trees are also highly regarded by experts.

For those who love a pop of color, flowering bonsai are growing in popularity. Examples include tropical plants such as the easy to grow bougainvillea. Other choices are shrubs from temperate climates such as the well loved azalea.

Bonsai are frequently categorized according to their size. The Japanese word Shohin means tiny and is often used to refer to bonsai. Mame bonsai are even smaller than Shohin. Finally, the smallest bonsai are called mini.

Bonsai are representative of balance. Classifications of bonsai forms reflect this idea. Some types of bonsai shapes include upright, slanted and windswept. There are further distinctions such as broom style and cascading style. Bonsai are carefully cultivated over time to be harmonious and aesthetically pleasing.

Bonsai would make a thoughtful gift for someone who is seeking balance, harmony or tranquility. They are also suitable for an accomplished gardener who would like to bring an element of nature indoors. Bonsai will give the grower pleasure for years to come.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Fun Flower Facts, Flowers Generally, Greenery

The Fabulous Floating Water Lily

April 30, 2019

Loved by flower fans and frogs the world over, water lilies are floating-leaved aquatic plants in the plant family Nymphaeaceae. Native to South America, they only live in fresh water that is shallow and still. There are 70 known species of water Lily found all over the world in both temperate and tropical areas.

Water lilies grow with their roots anchored in the soil at the bottom of a pond. They produce leaves or pads along with blooms that float on the water’s surface. The flowers stand above the water on slender stalks. There are two classifications of water lilies–hardy and tender or tropical. While the hardy variety is bred for cold tolerance (they’ve been found growing wild in Alaska!), tropicals prefer water temperatures of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Renowned for their beauty, hardy water lilies are commonly white and yellow with a watery-wildflower look. They bloom only in the daylight, gently closing at night. Tropical varieties often have many more petals and more intense colors. Tropicals will bloom any time of the day or night and stay open until they fade. When the lilies close up for good, the underwater stalks curl up so the lilies become submerged and, inside the closed petals, the pollinated flowers develop seeds.

With plenty of water all around them, water lilies have a big advantage over other flowers. They don’t need adaptations to absorb, move or collect water. They save energy because they don’t need to grow elaborate root structures of vascular tissues. Plus, the buoyant water keeps them afloat, so they don’t need additional support. Their fibrous root systems take up nutrients from the soil below.

Aside from adding beauty to any pond or garden pool, water lilies create shady retreats from the hot summer sun and protection for fish to hide from predators. The shade also protects against algae blooms and helps keep the water aerated. The pads also provide a gentle resting place for frogs and dragonflies.

On a cautionary note, while the lovely lilies are fine in a controlled environment, they can wreak havoc with the ecosystems in lakes, natural ponds and wetlands. Their fast reproduction poses a risk to native species.

The best news for water lily lovers, though, is that you don’t need a pond to grow them! Because they thrive in containers, you can plant them in something as simple as a pot. Late April or early May is the best time to plant water lilies in the Northern Hemisphere, and you can find everything you need at most garden centers. A great step-by-step article is available from Better Homes & Gardens at https://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping projects/water-gardens/growing-water-lilies/

Water Lilies are the celebrated national flower of Sri Lanka and the birth flower for July. They serve as the source for perfumes and were repeatedly used in the oil paintings of French impressionist Claude Monet. Aside from seeds and live plants, water lilies are available in a countless number of gift forms—from earrings, pendants and bracelets to pottery, placemats and prints. And, if you really want to knock someone’s socks off, $43 Million might just buy you a Monet water lily original.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally
White Hellebore flower

Helleborus is an Early Messenger of Spring

April 24, 2019

Helleborus makes a thoughtful gift to a loved one’s garden by providing color in winter and early spring. Usually found in shades of pinks and purples, their shape resembles a wild rose. However, helleborus is actually a member of the buttercup family Ranunculaceae.

With over two thousand years of folklore, the hellebore flower tells many captivating stories. Most recently, it is known as a herald of spring, as it is one of the first to bloom in the garden. Some types even bloom in December and January when many gardens are otherwise dormant.

Helleborus niger is often called the Christmas Rose. Legend has it that the flower sprouted from the tears of a young girl who wanted to bring baby Jesus a gift. Helleborus orientalis is known as the Lenten Rose as it blooms in early spring in many areas, around the season of Lent. The Lenten Rose is well suited to warmer climates where other varieties do not grow as well.

Different parts of the hellebore plant have been used in a variety of medicinal treatments for nearly two millennia, but have since been discovered to be toxic in all but the smallest of doses. Be careful if you have curious children or furry friends, as ingestion can cause illness.

There have been numerous myths and legends surrounding helleborus since the time of the ancient Greeks. Pliny the Elder advised facing toward the east and saying a prayer before digging up a hellebore plant. This may stem from the fact that these plants do not like to be moved once established. According to medieval folklore, walking on powdered hellebore root would result in invisibility of the person stepping on it. It is not clear how this story began, but years of experience seem to indicate that it is probably not true!

Considered relatively low maintenance once planted, hellebore tolerates a good deal of shade and many varieties are easy to grow in a range of gardening conditions. They are also resistant to being eaten by deer and other hungry visitors to the garden.

Helleborus will make a considerate gift because they require little attention once planted. They provide lovely blooms when the weather may be dreary, and they give the gardener something to look forward to early in the growing season. If you’re looking for a flower steeped in mystery and tradition, helleborus is a fine choice.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Fun Flower Facts, Flowers Generally, Seasonal

KISS ME YOU FOOL! It’s the Flower that Looks Like Luscious Red Lips

April 23, 2019

Move over Mick Jagger and Angelina Jolie, there’s a new pair of lips in town. And they’re kissable! Whether you call them hooker’s lips or hot lips or by their scientific name, Psychotria Elata, one thing is indisputable: These lips are unique–and stunning!

Psychotria Elata is from the Psychotria genus in the family Rubicae, which contains about 1900 different species. Often mistaken for a flower, this luscious-looking specimen grows as part of a small tropical shrub or tree. The “lips” are actually modified leaves or bracts that serve as a cover for the flowers that will soon emerge.

Native to the rainforests of South and Central America, the hot lips plant is found in countries like Columbia, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Panama. The plant grows in soil that is rich and humid from leaf litter where it is sheltered from the sun’s strongest rays by upper-story trees.

The bright crimson color and unusual shape act as a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Hiding beneath the seductive lips are the tiny white star-shaped flowers that will turn into small blueish-black oval berries. The pleasant light fragrance exuded by the flowers has been compared to black currents.

Much to the delight of adventurous gardeners, the plant can be cultivated in temperate climates by mimicking its native environment in heated greenhouses or solariums.

The bark and leaves of Psychotria Elata were once commonly used as a medicinal plant (to treat coughs, earaches and skin rashes) within the indigenous populations of Central America. It was also used as a common expression of love for Valentine’s Day. Sadly, because of rampant deforestation, this remarkable plant’s numbers are dwindling
and it is no longer a popular choice.

But thanks to Psychotria Elata’s beauty and uniqueness, it has developed a lip-loving following on the worldwide Internet. And its striking image has found a place in the no holds barred world of tattoos. So it looks like we won’t be kissing nature’s hot lips goodbye anytime soon.

If you’re looking to plant one on someone special, how about the popular red lips tattoo as a forever gift idea. Or you can do a quick Internet search for Psychotria Elata or hooker’s lips plant. You’ll find seeds from multiple vendors (including Amazon!), watercolors, clip art, and even tee shirts!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

It’s Time for Macy’s Flower Show in NYC!

March 15, 2018

The time has come again for the annual Macy’s Flower Show in New York City! Every year, Macy’s presents an extraordinary array of floral arrangements, mini gardens and flower displays of the most magical kind. “Once Upon a Springtime” is the theme for this year’s show and it will surely delight with a new story to be told about beautiful blooms.

Discover the wonder of flowers and enter an enchanting land created in NYC’s Herald Square. Stroll through a spectacular setting and experience a place where heroism defeats any forces that might thwart beauty. Enjoy a Macy’s Flower Show like never held before. Attend the 2018 show and live a real-life flower-filled fairy tale.

Macy’s Flower Show Date and Hours:

The 2018 Macy’s Flower Show takes place from Sunday March 25th to Sunday April 9th during regular Macy’s store hours. The show will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 1st.

Tickets to Macy’s Flower Show:

Macy’s Flower Show is free to the public and no ticket is required.

Parking for Macy’s Flower Show:

There are paid-parking options near Herald Square and Macy’s Flower Show. Validated parking is not available for this event.

Learning About Flowers During the Show:

Macy’s will have special Flower Show activities taking place during the show’s 2-week run so that guests can learn more about many of the flowers on display.

To find out more about Macy’s Flower Show and the activities schedule, visit Macy’s.com.

 

 

 

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

5 Great Flowers for November

November 9, 2017

All flowers are beautiful and appropriate for giving anytime. But, certain flowers are standouts for November. They offer a look that’s perfect for fall and a sense of warmth to convey just the right message during the holiday season.

Here are 5 great flowers for November:

Snapdragons

Snapdragons come in bold yellow and orange, and in visually stimulating white. They have long, dramatic stems and have a bit of a scent but not one that’s overpowering. These flowers represent graciousness and strength. They’re perfect for giving in a tall vase or paper wrap.

Calla Lilies

You’ll find calla lilies in warm, subdued hues like cream and peach, and in soft yellow. These unscented flowers are bulbs, so you can give the blossom or be creative and opt for a collection of bulbs for the recipient to plant later. Calla lilies stand for beauty. They’re pretty in bouquets and look gorgeous when surrounded by greenery.

Stephanotis

If you want to give a flower that will welcome winter, choose stephanotis. It looks like a 5-pointed star and it’s a luminous white with a vibrant fragrance. Stephanotis is also called Madagascar jasmine and it is said to bring harmony into a space.

Iris

Iris comes in many hues, but for November, consider yellow and purple. Some irises have a sweet scent and others barely show off a fragrance. They all represent faith and hope. The word “iris” is derived from the Greek goddess of rainbows.

Grape Hyacinth

As the name suggests, grape hyacinth looks like a small bunch of grapes. It’s stunning paired with larger, showier flowers. Also called muscari, this flower is striking in purple and even more glorious in white. You can get sweet-smelling grape hyacinth in green too.

Do you love giving any other flowers in November? If so, we’d love to hear which are your favorites.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: By Month, Flowers Generally, Iris, Lilies

Best Places to Send Flowers Online

October 19, 2017

How easy the Internet makes everything. With just a few minutes of searching, and a click of a “Pay Now” button, you can order and send nearly anything, including flowers.

There are some great flower sellers online that make it easy for you to send a floral gift to someone special. Many of them will even process a last-minute order for you, in case you’ve forgotten to buy a gift or have an immediate need like someone’s unexpected passing.

Here are some of the best places to send flowers online:

FlowersFast.com – Make someone happy with flowers delivered the same day!

From You Flowers – Custom arrangements in vases that make beautiful reminders of your sympathies, love or friendship.

Amazon – Yes, Amazon delivers flowers, and you don’t have to pay delivery fees if you have a Prime account.

ProFlowers – ProFlowers has long offered beautiful flowers for any occasion.

1-800-Flowers – This time-tested flower company offers an array of non-traditional arrangements and baskets of flowers at many price points.

Florists – Search for the perfect flowers from stores local to you.

Global Rose – You can send more than 100 roses for the same price you’d pay for a couple dozen at a traditional brick and mortar shop.

Kremp Florist – Kremp sells rose petals and other unique floral gifts, and everything is reasonably priced.

FTD – Choose from a large selection of unique flower arrangements made by local florists.

Teleflora – Order up until 3 p.m. and still have your order sent that day.

Send Flowers – This online flower shop sends arrangements same day and they have a ton of great options.

Other top online flower shops include KaBloom, The Ultimate Rose and Fifty Flowers.

 

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Apps to Identify Flowers

October 12, 2017

Have you ever come across a flower in the wild and wished you knew what it was so you could give it to someone? Many people have, which is why there are apps to identify flowers. More than a handful of helpful mobile applications will let you snap a photo of a flower to find its name, or access a large database to match your find with a picture in the app.

These are some of our favorites:

PlantSnapp

PlantSnapp makes it easy for you to identify and even buy flowers. First, you just take a photo of the plant, then the app tries to recognize it. If it does, it will give you the name of the plant, information about caring for it and the regions that are best for planting. Those who like what they read can purchase the flower from a HTA certified partner nursery. PlantSnapp is only available for iPhone.

LikeThat Garden

Another plant identifying app for iPhone, LikeThat Garden also lets you photograph a plant so it can try to recognize it. The app sifts through its database to look for a map, and once found, it offers inspiration for creating a garden using the flower. You’ll also receive care information for the identified flower.

FlowerChecker

FlowerChecker is available for Android and it lets flower fanatics identify blossoms along with moss, fungus and many other botanical beauties. This is perhaps the most accurate of all flower-identifying apps.

Leafsnap

University of Maryland, Columbia University and Smithsonian Institute collaborated to develop Leafsnap, an app that identifies tree species. This app comes in handy, of course, when trying to identify flowers growing on trees. Snap a photo of the leaf and the app will compare your picture to a bank of images. It even does a decent job identifying tricky trees.

Other flower identification apps to check out include NatureGate and iPlanzen.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Why You Should Give Lavender

September 28, 2017

“I judge that the flowers of lavender quilted in a cappe and dayly worn are good for all diseases of the head that come from a cold cause and that they comfort the braine very well.”  – Turner, Herbal (1545)

William Turner, an English divine, physician, and natural historian discovered the magic of lavender centuries ago.  But, since the time of the ancient Greeks, the world has had a love affair with the aromatic and healing properties of lavender.  This fragrant beauty, with soft billowy flowers of violet, blue, and even white, has graced palace doorsteps and anointed kings and queens throughout history.

When the doors to the tomb of Tutankhamen were opened, plant material resembling lavender was found filled in jars containing sacred essences.  Lavender is one of the holy herbs referred to in The Bible’s Song of Solomon, and during Roman times this cherished botanical sold for 100 denarii per pound, approximately one month of a farmworkers wages.  Mystics say that lavender keeps away the “eye of evil,” and it has been dedicated to the Goddess of Witches and Sorcerers, Hecate.

Beloved lavender is prized today as an ingredient in herbal teas, aromatherapy oils, cosmetics, skin care products, and culinary delicacies.  Its sweet and camphorous odor marries beautifully with its rich purple hue, delivering a pleasure to the senses that is almost without compare.

Whether you reach for lavender to calm a tired spirit or to heal an aching body, there is no denying that lavender is the mother of all flowers.  This gentle blossom has a unique ability to interact with the human form, physically and mentally, delivering health, happiness, and vitality of spirit to all who are open to her healing.

What is it about lavender that allows it such impressive properties of rejuvenation?

Chemically, lavender contains constituents that promote positive and concrete changes to the body.  When applied topically, this natural medicine acts as an antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antitoxic, anticoagulant, analgesic, and deodorant.

Lavender is a first aid “go-to” for many holistic health practitioners to relieve pain, aches, swelling, and arthritis.  The curative herb heals acne, soothes burns, relives headaches, and treats insect bites.  During World War I, lavender was used effectively to disinfect hospital walls and floors.

An assortment of complimentary chemical compounds give lavender its ability to restore balance to our bodies and our surroundings, some of which include camphor, linalool, linalyl acetate, a-pinene, and 3-octanone.

Lavender is an adaptogen, and has the remarkable capability of bringing all of the body’s systems to a state of homeostasis, regardless of their condition.  Current research on lavender supports its ancient uses as a medicinal herb, and modern science is taking note of its efficacy.

When used in aromatherapy, the fragrance of lavender is well rounded and highly malleable.  Lavender conveys rich floral notes combined with gentle, balsamic wood and herbaceous undertones that combat stress, ward off nightmares, and reduce irritability.

Lavender is peaceful, uplifting, invigorating, purifying, and refreshing. Who can you give lavender to today?

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Shop the Denver Cherry Creek Farmers Market for Flowers

June 22, 2017

The Cherry Creek Farmers Market is considered “tops in the field” out of all farmers’ markets in Denver and in Colorado. In fact, Colorado Biz Magazine says that the Cherry Creek Farmers Market is the “Cadillac of farmers’ markets among nearly 50 markets throughout Colorado.” If you’re looking for fresh flowers in Denver, and the chance to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and meet people while you’re at it, wake up early and shop for flowers and more at the Cherry Creek Farmers Market.

The market runs until 1 p.m., so you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn if you don’t want to.  But, you will find that the best bouquets and single-stem floral options sell out quickly. We suggest you go early in the a.m. – when the crowds are lighter and there’s more blossoms to choose from.

Visit the Cherry Creek Farmers Market for local delights that you use to liven up your home for no reason other than beauty is a joy. Or, pick out flowers for a formal occasion like a dinner party or reception. This farmer’s market has many options and they change seasonally, so during summer you’re sure to find some pretty things that you might not have had the chance to score had you visited the market this past spring.

And, there are some yummy artisan breads that are great for breakfast, and fresh organic produce to take home with you. So, make a day of shopping for flowers in Denver at the Cherry Creek Farmers Market. as you enjoy Activities in Denver like hiking or biking, and yummy wines from Denver’s top wineries.

Cherry Creek Farmers’ Market Hours:

Wednesday (June 18 through September 24) – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tips for Shopping in Cherry Creek Farmers’ Market and Interesting Facts:

  • Bring several reusable shopping bags to the Cherry Creek Farmers Market so you can fill them up with all of your lovely flowers and other goodies.
  • The Cherry Creek Farmers Market is a wonderful place to buy fragrant flowers for 4th of July celebrations.
  • The Cherry Creek Farmers Market sells the freshest of flowers and it keeps local families and farmers in Denver profitable.

Cherry Creek Farmers’ Market Location and Contact Information:

Cherry Creek Farmers’ Market is located at 2500 East 1st Avenue, Denver, CO 80202. Tel: 303.442.1837.

 

 

 

 

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Visit Marguerite Gardens in Chicago

June 15, 2017

How does shopping in Chicago in an enchanted garden sound? Imagine you’re tucked away in a tiny little flower shop where Belgian wrought-iron grates rim the ceiling and old Dutch shutters hang on the windows. You wander past Parisian bistro tables that spill over with flower buckets – all displaying a dazzling array of some of the most gorgeous blooms in the world. This is a scene almost indicative of what you’ll find at Marguerite Gardens, a top destination for shopping in Chicago for unique flowers and gifts.

Marguerite Gardens is a gem among Chicago flower shops. It’s a place where the shopkeeper makes you feel like you’ve just wandered into a friend’s home – a destination that compels you to walk out with the most magical of arrangements, on a whim.

This European-style flower shop and garden offers contemporary floral designs on North Clark Street. Marguerite Gardens specializes in stunning floral arrangements and flowers for Chicago weddings – creations that you won’t find anywhere else.

Marguerite Gardens overflows with beauty at every turn. Step inside of this favorite among flower shops in Chicago and you’ll immediately be wrapped in floral sensations – from the most simple to the utterly divine.

There are many occasions that call for flowers: weddings, social gatherings at restaurants, meetings and functions, and days spent enjoying all of what shopping in Chicago offers. Consider stopping by Marguerite Gardens if you live in Chicago or are visiting, to see if there is some floral delight that stirs your spirit. Think about – perhaps – bringing home some beautiful floral treasures to decorate your home or hotel room with.

Address: 5059 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640 | Phone: 773.506.6295

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Why You Should Visit Boston Public Gardens and Revere House

June 8, 2017

Boston Public Gardens first opened to the community in 1837. From the beginning, the botanical garden was decorated with beautiful flowers to enliven the spirit, which it still does today for many Boston visitors. With tranquil meandering paths and floral exquisites of all kinds, the Public Garden has a long history of treating Boston visitors to showy annuals and greenhouse plants that vividly display breathtaking colors and structure.

About Boston Public Gardens

The Victorians ushered in Boston Public Gardens and today the attraction features most of the same garden art that some critics find brash but many Boston visitors truly adore. When you’re spending the holidays in Boston, you’ll find some amazing seasonal flowers and trees at the Gardens, as well lovely monuments, fountains, and even a lagoon that hosts Swan Boat races.

More than 80 species of plants are cultivated in the Public Gardens’ greenhouses, by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, which are used for future plantings in more than 50 other locations in the city.

Boston Public Garden location (51 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 | 617-635-4505)

Visiting Revere House

Take a peak into life in the late 1700’s at Revere House, the former residence of Paul Revere located on the Freedom Trail’s North End. Visiting the Revere House is one of the most treasured Boston holiday activities because the house takes on a picture-postcard atmosphere that is a perfect example of the Boston homes in Revere’s time.

If you love history, you’ll enjoy getting an up-close-and-personal look at this revolutionary character by viewing unique period pieces, such as fine silver, inside. Revere House has become a National Historic Landmark in Boston since Revere’s infamous ride from this small wooden home on 1775. Revere House is downtown Boston’s oldest building, and one of the only buildings of its kind remaining today that gives us a glimpse into colonial America.

Revere House was built in approximately 1680, on the site of the former parsonage of the Second Church of Boston. The Minister of the Second Church and his family lived in the home until it was destroyed by fire in 1676. A new home was built on the same ground 4 years later.

Revere House location (19 North Square, Boston, MA 02113 | 617-523-1676)

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally
hibiscus flower

How to Make a Hibiscus Agua Fresca

May 11, 2017

Hibiscus flowers are beautiful to keep in the house or to give as a gift. They’re also stunning as decorations on cakes and cupcakes, and they taste amazing in a traditional Hispanic drink known as a Jamaica agua fresca.

Many Mexican restaurants sell the Jamaica agua fresca along with a tamarind version and the popular horchata. But, Jamaica is a favorite, possibly because of its beautiful magenta color and its sweet, but unusual, flavor.

If you’ve wanted to make a Jamaica agua fresca at home but didn’t know where to start, the first thing you need to do is to get some organic, pesticide-free hibiscus flowers. Don’t shop for them at the gardening store or a big box store, unless you know that no harmful chemicals where used on the flowers or in the plant’s soil.

A better bet is to visit your local farmers market and ask the growers if they have hibiscus, or get seeds online and grow your own so you can make this delicious cold beverage when your blossoms bloom. Keep in mind that many people find it difficult to grow hibiscus from seed. Growing from cuttings is the preferred method.

How to Make Jamaica Agua Fresca

Ingredients

2 quarts water

3/4 cup organic sugar

1 cup naturally dried hibiscus flowers

Squeeze of lime

Orange slice for garnish

Method

1. Place 4 cups of water in a medium saucepan, along with sugar. Heat until sugar is dissolved and water is boiling. Remove from heat and stir in dried hibiscus flowers.

2. Cover liquid and allow to set for 20 minutes. Strain into a large pitcher and discard the hibiscus flowers. Add remaining water and lime, then chill.

3. Serve over ice in a tall glass, with an orange slice as a garnish.

Do you have any recipes using flowers that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Flower Ideas for Mother’s Day 2017

May 2, 2017

It’s Mother’s Day in just a few weeks, which means there will likely be much exchanging of flowers as gifts. If you’re one of the many who are planning to give flowers to your mother, wife, sister, or other mom in your life, you have several options to choose from.

You can give a traditional bouquet in a vase or a loose bunch of flowers tied with a ribbon. Sometimes, a classic corsage is a nice and surprising gesture, and a packet of seeds that can grow into flowers can be a creative touch.

Here are some other fun ideas for Mother’s Day flowers:

Mother’s Day Flowers in a Seashell

If you can find a huge seashell somewhere, use it to hold some island or ocean-inspired flowers. Not close to a beach? Look online for a seashell-shaped bowl or dish, and then fill it with florist foam to house birds of paradise, lilies, amaryllis or chenille plant.

Flowers in a Tote Bag

Give flowers in a pretty reusable tote so your giftee can have a keepsake after the bulbs or blossoms have perished. Find one that goes beautifully with some wildflowers that you picked yourself or with a bunch of blooms from the local farmers’ market. You might also place a nice potted floral plant in your gift bag.

A Bowl of Flowers

Find a wide shallow ceramic or glass bowl and fill it with flowers that have been cut low. You might even be able to locate a stunning wood bowl that’s lined with a waterproof coating. This can be a unique and exceptional choice. Present your offering that showcases camellias, fully blossomed roses, daisies or other large floral varietals.

There’s no end to the options you can come up with for gorgeous flowers to delight on Mother’s Day. No matter what you go with, you can’t go wrong because flowers are stunning however you arrange.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Mother's Day

Flowers in Seattle: Terra Bella Flowers and Mercantile

July 7, 2016

If you find yourself shopping for flowers in Seattle, either for yourself or to give as a gift, pop into Terra Bella Flowers and Mercantile. This florist runs an earthy little shop that finds inspiration from the “nearby woodlands where we collect moss covered branches, fallen lichen, and mushroom fronts.” Shop owner, Melissa, searches for “jewel toned blooms,” “soft grasses,” and “berry laden branches” to combine them into stunning arrangements that are unlike anything we’ve seen.

Welcome to a Garden

Melissa invites customers to meander through her garden, or her galleria as she also calls it, to personally smell the blooms and play with the foliage. She wants flower buyers to meet the designers who craft the perfect pieces of art, which are mostly sourced from local farmers in the Norwest who are Certified Salmon Safe and who practice organic farming methods.

Terra Bella Flowers and Mercantile sits in the heart of the Greenwood – Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Settle, which is just a bit north of the Woodland Park Zoo. The shop offers daily deliver throughout Seattle, into Blue Ridge and Queen Anne, so you can purchase delightful flowers from Terra Bella even if you’re not in the city but want to send something special to someone.

About Melissa

Melissa is Terra Bella’s visionary. She is obsessed with all things flowers and she has a background in Environmental Studies – Hazardous Waste Management. After working in in the field for a while, Melissa became aware of the large amounts of pesticides that were used to produce cut flowers. She founded Terra Bella in effort to consciously support the organic side of the flower industry and to prove that growing flowers could be a beautiful thing for flower givers and receivers, and for the planet.

To find out more about Melissa and Terra Bella Flowers, visit the Terra Bella Flowers and Mercantile website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

The Poppy: The Official Flower of August

July 7, 2016

Did you know that the poppy is the official flower of August? It seems like a perfect official flower for a summer month, as it has a warm hue and petals that open up to the sun.

The poppy has long played an important role in mythology, religion, and even politics. If you don’t know much about the poppy, read on to find out some fun facts and bits of poppy trivia.

About the Poppy

  • The poppy is often found growing wild along roadside ditches and other not-so-glamorous places. Which seems strange, given how stunning the poppy looks.
  • Poppies been used as medicine for centuries and they have helped doctors treat many patients with a variety of ailments.
  • Poppies are edible.
  • In many cultures, poppies represent restful sleep and recovery, messages delivered in dreams, a vivid imagination, peace in death and eternal live, and beauty and success.
  • Most countries share at least two symbolic meanings for the poppy.
  • The poppy’s common name, Papaver, comes from “pappa,” the Latin word for milk. This is due to the white sap that drops out of the flower when the stem is cut.
  • The poppy is one of the most widely used symbolic flowers in the world.
  • The Greeks tied the poppy to sleep, probably because of Morpheus, their God of sleep.
  • Ancient Egyptian Romans linked the poppy to sleep due to the sedative effect of the flower’s sap.
  • In Chinese and Japanese cultures, the poppy is symbolic of deep and passionate love, but it also represents death.
  • Europeans and North Americans tend to think of the poppy as a flower of remembrance, because of it’s like to World War I and II.
  • Red poppies are thought of as flowers of death in the West. They symbolize love and success in the East.
  • Need a flower for a funeral? In the East and West, you could choose white poppies to represent peaceful eternal sleep.
Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Find the Right Flowers at the WASCO Rose Festival

June 30, 2016

What do you think about visiting the “Rose Capital of the World?” How about heading to these unique place when it’s overdone itself with roses, standing as more of a rose ambassador that one would think possible. Wasco, California will once again hold its annual Rose Festival, which includes a parade and is a perfect event for all ages. The fun takes place on September 10th, in Barker Park. The Festival is held every year on the first Saturday after Labor Day Weekend, a time when usually the weather has cooled a bit and all kinds of fun can be had.

Why WASCO and What Makes a Small Town a Rose Capital?

Roughly 55% of all roses grown in the United States are grown in and around Wasco. More than nine major rose companies grow more than 50 million rose plants in the town. The WASCO Rose Festival is a multi-day celebration of the flower that is a part of the lives of so many Wasco residents, and people all over the world. It begins on the 10th with a kick off event, and then continues for several days with a host of thrilling activities and learning opportunities for people of all interest in the rose.

The Events

Throughout the Festival, there are pageants, receptions, breakfasts, arts and crafts fairs, rose field tours, rose shows, and more. Of course, there is always the annual Parade, which pays tribute to the beauty of the North Kern area and the community spirit of the people of Wasco. Rose Fields tours, located just a bit away from the park, offer a look a roses of all the colors of the rainbow. There is an informative and entertaining bus that takes Festival guests from the park to the rose fields.

To learn more about the exact schedule for this year’s WASCO Rose Festival, visit the City of Wasco website.

 

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Mississippi Residents and Visitors: Find the Right Flowers at the Fall Flower and Garden Fest

June 30, 2016

The 2016 Fall Flower and Garden Fest takes place on October 14th and 15th, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. The festival, which focuses on “Healthy Living” and “Healthy Gardening” will fill the Truck Crops Experiment Station in Crystal Springs with flowers, people who love flowers, and ideas for bring more flowers into your life.

A 2-Day Soiree South of Jackson

Located just 25 miles south of Jackson, Crystal Springs is a great venue for vewing and talking about flowers. Folks who live in Jackson, and tourists to the area, have less than an half hour drive to get to what is the largest home gardening show in the Southeast. Previous Fall Flower and Garden Fests have seen an average attendance of 5,000 people over the course of the two-day event. There will be three acres of garden to explore and contests will be held for best vendor display, one will end with a lucky winner receiving an All-American Selections award.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Fall Flower and Garden Fest will feature opportunities to visit three themed gardens: a vegetable garden, an herb and ethnic garden, and an herb bed garden. There will be a Truck Crops Experimentation Station, chances to learn how to grow greenhouse tomatoes, and people to talk to you about growing stunning plants for low-maintenance landscapes.

To find out more out what’s in store for visitors at the Fall Flower and Garden Fest, visit the Mississippi State University Extension website. Parking and admission for this flower event are free.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Fresh Flowers at the Santa Fe Farmers Market

June 16, 2016

If you live in Santa Fe, or if you’re visiting, you have to visit the Santa Fe Farmers Market for fresh summer flowers. Seasonal blooms are on display throughout the market, and many of the local vendors who sell these flowers are happy to help shoppers make the best decision for their flower needs.

Whether you want blossoms for your home, a luncheon, a wedding dinner, or to give to a friend or family member, you’ll surely find something delightful at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market.

The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market features mountain dessert flowers in all their glory. The unique selection at this farmers market is worth a trip whether you live close by, in nearby Albuquerque, or a bit further out. Because New Mexico receives so many sunshine-y days each year, there are special opportunities for the most gorgeous flowers to grow.

As you explore Santa Fe, and make your way through the Santa Fe Farmers Market, keep on the lookout for the following flower merchants:

  • Adams Family Gardens
  • Charybda Farms
  • Core
  • El Jardin De Flores
  • Flor del Rio
  • Gilberto’s Orchard
  • Green Tractor Farm
  • Ligaialein Products
  • Mountain Flower Farm
  • Orozco Farms 2
  • Purple Adobe Lavender Farm
  • Rancho Arco Iris
  • The Succulent Garden

Have you shopped for flowers at the Santa Fe Farmers’ market? If so, please tell us in the comments below what you thought about the market and what you bought.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

View Stunning Flowers at Monet’s Garden at Giverny in France

June 9, 2016

When visiting France, you have the perfect opportunity to enjoy flowers as those who walked on earth before you did – one quite famous person, in particular. In France, you can head to the Fondation Monet at Giverny, a magical destination where guides will show you Claude Monet’s stunning garden and help you understand the impact that flowers had on the leader of Impressionist art.

Visiting Monet’s Garden

Monet’s Garden at Giverny is a special place, as you’ve likely noticed in the artists’ paintings. In this garden, there were (and still are) Japanese bridges, water lilies, and much more gloriousness. When you visit the Garden, you’ll have the chance to cross those bridges and stroll around the lilies. You can also take a look at the changes in the sunlight in the garden (and the reflections on the water’s surface) that inspired Monet to paint his stunning creations.

Walk across the Clos normand, which is the colorful flower garden that blooms from spring to fall, and imagine what Monet must have been thinking as he landscaped the area according to his sense of perfect composition, color, and perspective.

Ramble through Monet’s Garden and view an authentic house that contains the artists’ first studio (which later became a smoking room), Monet and Alice’s bedrooms and bathrooms (they had separate ones), the artists’ blue-tiled kitchen, and Monet’s yellow dining room with extensive collection of Japanese woodblocks.

Monet’s Garden at Giverny is a spectacular spot to learn about Monet’s painting and his family life. And, it’s a glorious place to see some of the most beautiful combinations of flowers you’ll likely ever witness.

To learn more about Monet’s Garden at Giverny, and to view days and times of tours, visit the Fondation Claude Monet website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

International Flower and Trade Expo 2016 in Kenya this June!

May 26, 2016

This June, the fifth annual International Flower and Trade Expo (IFTEX) takes place in Kenya and it promises to be one of the best cut-flower trade fairs ever. The event will be held at the Oshwal Center in Nairobi, Kenya, and it’s already set to be the largest cut-flower expo on record in Africa. It’s also likely to become the biggest expo of its kind in the world.

About IFTEX

Over the past few decades, the floriculture industry has grown tremendously in Kenya, making it possible for the country to host a flower event the size and magnitude of IFTEX. Besides the International Flower and Trade Expo, the Kenya Flower Council celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, which is a sign of how important floriculture is to the people of Kenya.

IFTEX 2016 in Nairobi will feature more than 200 exhibiting companies as well as 4,000 national and international trade visitors (a 15% increase from last year’s numbers). There is currently more than 50 countries scheduled to participate in IFTEX 2016, and the companies exhibiting at the event will include exporters, growers, brokers, propagators, breeders, and other industry suppliers.

This international flower expo takes place in a beautiful, stylish building surrounding by gorgeous landscapes, which makes for a perfect setting to indulge in such a glorious event. Expo-goers will have plenty of stunning spaces all around to revel in flowers and have an enjoyable time talking, buying, and selling flowers of hundreds of varieties.

Although Kenya has seen periods of unstable economic activity (even to this day it does in some industries), floriculture is an industry that has remained strong and has flourished over the last 30 years or so. We love the fact that many people from around the world will gather in Kenya to celebrate flower growing, trading, and decorating. And, we’re thrilled that flower importing and exporting will be discussed, and that representatives from many cultural backgrounds will come together to take part in a flower extravaganza and share a common experience.

Have you been to IFTEX? Or, how have you attended any other major flower expos? If so, what was your experience? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Visit the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival this June

May 12, 2016

Do you live in Michigan or are you visiting Michigan this June? Looking for a place to vacation to during spring? Consider visiting the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, which will take place from June 3rd to the 12th.

Lilacs and Michigan’s Mackinac Island

Lilacs are abundant on Mackinac Island during June because of the island’s unique climate that is influenced by Lake Michigan. The climate allows the lilacs to thrive in ways that they don’t in most parts of the world. When you visit the island during June, you’ll quickly see how plentiful and vibrant the lilacs are, bursting with colors that range from purple to pink to white.

The Mackinac Island Festival

Each year, Mackinac Island celebrates the lush lilacs with a week-long festival that all ages enjoy. The first lilac was planted on the island more than 150 years ago, so the flower has a deep history there and it’s a treasured sight.

During June, when the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival takes over the island, there are plenty of chances to admire the flower and learn more about it. And, of course, you’ll be able to dip your nose into the flower and smell its sweet scent.

Since the first festival, back in 1949, residents and visitors of Mackinac Island have been able to view flowers, participate in flower-themed events, and just have a beautiful time on a gorgeous island. The first Mackinac Island Lilac Festival was only a one-day event, but now the festivities last for 10 days and they’re something that everyone should experience at least once.

To learn more about the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, and to see stunning pictures of past festivals, visit the Mackinac Island city website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Visit the Portland Rose Festival this May and June

May 5, 2016

Portland residents – or anybody visiting Portland from late May to early June – the Portland Rose Festival is coming and you won’t want to miss it!

The Portland Rose Festival is an annual tradition in the “the City of Roses.” The event features thousands of blooms each year to admire and purchase, as well as fun activities that can be enjoyed throughout the course of more than two weeks.

About the Portland Rose Festival

The Portland Rose Festival takes place this year from May 27th to June 12th, and it’s a celebration of a beloved flower that takes over many areas of the city. For more than 100 years, the Portland Rose Festival has entertained residents and visitors to the city, offering great ways to appreciate the rose and bring it’s beauty even more into the spotlight than it already is.

The grand Portland Rose Festival is the second-largest rose festival in the United States. It features three parades, activities for three full weekends, and many community involvement opportunities that focus on the rose and on how beautiful it is for people to come together.

This year’s Portland Rose Festival’s theme is “Excessive Celebration,” which seems fitting considering that the festivities for this event will include dozens of things to do and see like dancing, fireworks synced to music, a “fun and wacky” illuminated Starlight Parade, a Starlight After-Party, and more.

There’s an all-children parade as well as traditional Chinese dragon boat races going on at the Portland Rose Festival, and there will be ship displays from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Canadian Maritime Forces as part of Portland’s “Fleet Week.”

The Details

The 2016 Portland Rose Festival will offer Opening Songs and Blessings, the revealing of the 2016 Rose Festival Court, rides, cultural events, special food vendors, dances, and more as festival-goers of all ages have a splendid time at various venues throughout the city of Portland (all with roses as the highlight).

There are events and activities for everyone, so visit the Portland Rose Festival website to learn more and to schedule your Portland trip around the fun!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Visiting Boston: The Boston Public Garden and Revere House

April 28, 2016

Visiting Boston and want to find somewhere to look at beautiful flowers? Head to the Boston Public Garden and Revere House. Not only will you be able to view stunning floral gardens and arrangements, you’ll have the opportunity to learn a bit about Boston’s history and the history of the United States.

Here’s a bit of what you can expect at the Boston Public Garden and Revere House:

Boston Public Garden

The Boston Public Garden first opened for public use in 1837. From the beginning, the botanical garden was decorated with beautiful flowers to enliven the spirit, which it still does today for many Boston Visitors. With tranquil meandering paths and floral exquisites of all kinds, the Public Garden has a long history of treating Boston Visitors to showy annuals and greenhouse plants that vividly display breathtaking colors and structure.

Boston’s Public Garden was ushered in by the Victorians, and it currently features most of the same garden art that some critics find brash but many Boston Visitors truly adore. When you’re spending the Holidays in Boston, you’ll find some amazing seasonal flowers and trees at the Public Garden, as well lovely monuments, fountains, and even a lagoon that hosts Swan Boat races.

More than 80 species of plants are cultivated in the Public Garden’s greenhouses, by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, which are used for future plantings in more than 50 other locations in the city. 

Revere House

Take a peak into life in the late 1700’s at Revere House, the former residence of Paul Revere located on the Freedom Trail’s North End. Visiting the Revere House is one of the most treasured Boston Holiday Activities because the house takes on a picture-postcard atmosphere that is a perfect example of the Boston homes in Revere’s time.

If you love history, you’ll enjoy getting an up-close-and-personal look at this revolutionary character by viewing unique period pieces, such as fine silver, inside. Revere House has become a National Historic Landmark in Boston since Revere’s infamous ride from this small wooden home on 1775. Revere House is downtown Boston’s oldest building, and one of the only buildings of its kind remaining today that gives us a glimpse into colonial America.

Revere House was built in approximately 1680, on the site of the former parsonage of the Second Church of Boston. The Minister of the Second Church and his family lived in the home until it was destroyed by fire in 1676. A new home was built on the same ground 4 years later.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Growing Flowers with Hydroponics

April 14, 2016

Hydroponics is a great way to easily grow flowers indoors. It provides a means to enjoying their beauty without having to worry about obtaining soil or keeping soil at a specific balance.

If you’ve ever wanted to bring flowers into your home (perhaps even edible flowers), but don’t want to set aside a lot of time or space for them, consider growing blooms hydroponically.

The following is a guide to growing flowers indoors using hydroponics.

What Exactly is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a way of growing flowers (and fruits, veggies, and herbs) with water. A perfect hydroponic system also utilizes a substrate and a nutrient-rich solution to keep flowers thriving, in often less space than a traditional soil medium requires.

When you grow flowers using hydroponic methods, you can use a variety of containers, so there’s bound to be one that will look nice in your home. The main advantage of growing flowers hydroponically is that you don’t have to deal with annoying aspects of gardening, such as weeds. Only your lovely flowers will fill your pots or jars.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Growing Flowers Hydroponically

Along with weed-free gardens, hydroponic gardens can easily be grown upright (vertical gardening) to preserve space. They’re not messy and they actually take up far less water than traditional soil-based gardens.

The primary disadvantages of growing hydroponic gardens is the initial time and cost of setting up your garden, but after you’ve tacked this, it’s usually smooth sailing. It will take a bit of research to learn how to grown a strong hydroponic flower garden, and you’ll soon learn that not all flowers are suited for this type of growing environment. But, there are tons that are. Just set aside some time to play around with what works and what doesn’t, then you’ll reap the rewards of a beautiful indoor garden.

Hydroponic Garden Techniques

There are several techniques to growing hydroponic flower gardens indoors. What’s best for you will depend on the time you have to research and set up your garden, your space, your budget, and your visual preferences.

Some hydroponic gardeners like using an ebb and flow technique, which utilizes an automatized system for root coverage and draining. Others prefer the drip method so that they can stake tubes to each plant and easily supply the correct amount of nutrient fluid. The mist system is specially designed to cover plants with an oxygenated mist that moistens and nourishes the entire flower, stem, and root.

For a simple, out-of-the-box and ready-to-go solution to growing flowers indoors through hydroponics, consider this set up from Emsco Group.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Water-Wise Flowers for Summers in So Cal

April 14, 2016

Live in Southern California and planning your summer garden? Concerned about how you’ll be able to live with beautiful flowers through scorching temperatures, or with water restrictions that are in place in many areas?

There are some great ways to maintain a garden that has a big impact visually, but that keeps weather in mind and doesn’t use up precious resources. The following are some water-wise ideas for gorgeous summer gardens.

Stunning Sculpture Gardens

To make a statement with a summer garden, opt for one filled with succulents. Succulents give structure to a garden, offering flowing or striking geometrical shapes that are like living sculptures. Because rain is rare in Southern California, and water companies penalize for water overuse, it’s wise to choose garden flowers that don’t depend on much moisture to thrive. Succulents are perfect! Arrange these drought-tolerant blooms amongst boulders and borders, and group them like pieces of art.

Romantic and Free-Flowing Gardens

Turn to romantic and beautiful wildflowers for So Cal gardens during the summer months. Make a dreamy garden filled with wild blooms that don’t require a lot of water by choosing wildflowers from seed, and then plant them during springtime while the weather’s still moderate. In summer, you’ll have a gorgeous display of colorful blossoms that are naturally drought resistant. Consider wildflowers that are local to your area (go to your local gardener), and think about blooms that will attract friendly bees and butterflies.

Bird-Friendly Low-Water Gardens

Summer gardens that include low-water plants, recycling-water features, and shade trees are beneficial to area birds. Hummingbirds especially love the dwarf bottlebrush’s red blooms, so see if you can plant this gorgeous varietal. Consider  trees that are large enough, or can become large enough, to provide shade for your home too. Even if you have to plant them young now, you’ll reap benefits in just a few years.

Adhering to a garden-planting scheme that works with the cycles of nature, and with any restrictions that your city has in place, is the best thing to do if you want a low maintenance, yet enjoyable, garden.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Coyote Family Farm in the East Bay for CSA Flowers, Produce, and More

April 7, 2016

If you live in the East Bay Area of California, you can buy flowers (in addition to produce and nuts) through several CSAs. If you don’t know what a CSA is, we highly recommend you do a bit of research on these cooperative farming groups to find out how you can become part of a collective that brings locally sourced food and flowers into households on a regular basis.

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, and it’s a structure for farming that allows community members to contribute monetarily to local farmers to help them grow their crops. In return for their investment, CSA participants become members of the farming group and they get first-hand, direct access to the farm’s harvested crops daily, weekly, or at times set by the CSA.

The East Bay’s Coyote Family Farm offers one of these CSA groups, and it’s a farm that gives area residents access to beautiful, just-cut flowers that are unmatched.

About Coyote Family Farm

Coyote Family Farm is a three-acre farm that grows a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Its sits on Slow Creek Ranch, at the foot of Sonoma Mountain, on land that was once a 60-acre dairy farm.

For the past three years, Coyote Family Farm has produced yummy, cool and warm-weather food crops as well as beautiful cut flowers. The farm sells its flowers at the Santa Rosa Community Farmers Market on Saturdays, from April to December.

How to Buy Flowers From Coyote Family Farm

Folks who want access to Coyote Family Farm’s flowers can visit the Santa Rosa Farmers’ Market to get their hands on fresh-cut blooms for their home, business, or event. In addition, residents of Penngrove, Santa Rosa, and Berkeley can become members of the Coyote Family Farm CSA and enjoy regular delivery of fresh flowers.

You can sign up for the 2016 growing season of the Coyote Grove Family Farm CSA beginning on May 16th. Half-season subscriptions are available before May 1st. To find out more about joining the Coyote Family Farm CSA, so that you can get farm-fresh flowers and food delivered straight to you, we suggest you visit the Coyote Family Farm website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Gorgeous and Green Floral Studio on Oakland, California

April 7, 2016

Oakland residents who need floral delivery (or anyone who wants to send quality flowers to someone in the East Bay Area,), can call Gorgeous and Green Floral Studio for perfect care with all their floral needs.

Gorgeous and Green Floral Studio delivers flowers and special gifts to homes and business in Oakland, Berkeley, and Emeryville. The company actually bike-delivers its lovely creations, so turn to this eco-friendly business for reliable and sustainable purchasing of flowers for a birthday, holiday, or other event.

About Gorgeous and Green Floral Studio

Gorgeous and Green Floral Studio crafts unique, stunning seasonal flower arrangements from locally sourced blooms. And, whenever possible, the studio uses organic flowers to create it’s amazing bouquets and arrangements.

You won’t find any cheap looking, or earth-destructive, designs coming out of the Gorgeous and Green studio. This means that there will be no foam fillers in arrangements and no plastics used anywhere. Instead, you’ll get earth-friendly, beautiful, green and lush floral displays that every one and every part of the environment can benefit from.

In addition to bouquets and flower arrangements, you can order potted plants from Gorgeous and Green as well as locally made soaps, jewelry, and baby products for gifting.

Behind the Scenes of Gorgeous and Green Floral Studio

Pilar is the woman behind the scenes at Gorgeous and Green Floral Studio. She’s the owner who had a flower-filled dream, one filled with sustainable ideas and creativity that was unmatched, and she’s witness her dream become reality with the help of a diverse group of talented flower artists.

Gorgeous and Green’s hands-on approach to small-scale floral creation and delivery makes the studio perfect for your personal flower needs, but it offers a unique touch for ordering flowers large events and conventions too. Whatever your need, call upon Gorgeous and Green (you can even email them pictures of designs you like) and then let the team get to work making your floral dreams come true.

Throughout Gorgeous and Green’s design process, the shop adheres to a sustainability pledge that says, “ A Native American proverb suggests that all that we do today must be done with the next seven generations in mind.”

To find out more about Gorgeous and Green’s commitment to beautiful flower design, their customers, and the environment, visit the Gorgeous and Green website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Organic Lavender Farming at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Farm in Albuquerque, New Mexico

April 7, 2016

Even in places that are typically dry and void of a lot of color, you can sometimes find floral abundance of the most glorious kind if you look hard enough. This is what’s possible for those who live in, or who visit, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The city is home to an organic lavender farm that provides healing and aromatic oils, by way of organic lavender blossoms grown on land that also houses a historic inn. Guests staying at the Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Farm get to use the lavender oil-infused bath products as part of their stay.

About Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Farm

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Farm in Albuquerque, New Mexico runs an Organic Lavender Farm that provides lavender oil for a line of artisan skincare products made available in the Inn’s guest rooms. The lavender for the oil is grown with the environment and guests’ health in mind, and it’s been produced that way for years.

When travelers stay at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Farm, they’re able to see first hand how organic lavender is sown and harvested – without the need for harmful chemicals that wreak havoc on the health of the soil, wildlife, or humans. They’re able to experience organic agriculture for themselves, and they can participate in a rich history of growing plants in a way that respects the earth.

The Organic Lavender

The lavender at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Farm is grown according to the highest water conservation and soil structure ideals, then it’s gently harvested and steam distilled at the farm, to extract the potent oil in a pure and pristine way.

Albuquerque’s natural resources and climate benefits are the focus throughout the lavender’s growing process. Using what the earth naturally provides for the area, and working the land responsibly, helps farmers grow plants that are stronger, require less work to maintain, and are more pleasurable for all who enjoy the fragrant oils that come from them.

To find out more about how you can visit Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Farm, and experience the healing nature of the Inn’s lovely lavender oil-infused products, visit the Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Farm website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Looking for Flowers in Hawaii? Visit the Oahu Flower Mart

April 7, 2016

For our flower-loving friends who live in Hawaii, or will be visiting Hawaii, we want to share a beautiful place to pick up gorgeous native Hawaiian flowers. The Oahu Flower Mart is a premier destination for cut-to-order and just-harvested flowers that will make your home, hotel room, business, or event space look stunning. If you already know about the Oahu Flower Mart, you certainly understand what we mean when we tell you that this is the top place to buy flowers on the island of Oahu.

What’s Great About the Oahu Flower Mart

All of the gorgeous blooms that are sold at the Oahu Flower Mart are shipped directly from local farms, which means they’re super fresh and they’ll last quite a long time in a vase. There shouldn’t be any worry about flowers from the Oahu Flower Mart looking amazing in your arrangements either. They won’t come with wilted blooms, browning petals, or soggy stems like you might find in flowers purchased at the supermarket or florist.

The Oahu Flower Mart is a wholesale flower source that can supply you with all your fresh flower needs for parties, meetings, weddings, and even gifts. And, it’s a reliable place to buy greens, filler, and floral supplies that might be needed to make bouquets, arrangements, or large-scale floral displays for big and small events.

About the Oahu Flower Mart

The Oahu Flower Mart has long been a place where locals, and tourists, could come to find premium flowers for almost any flower need. Whether you’re on a tight budget or have a lot of money to spend, the friendly folks at the Oahu Flower Mart are available to help you put together a flower arrangement that will meet your needs and delight everyone who sees your flowers.

Pick up flowers on the spot at the Oahu Flower Mart or put in a custom order. Either way, you’ll get top-quality flowers that are guaranteed to be fresh and beautiful.

To find out more about the Oahu Flower Mart, and to get ahold of the nice people who can help you with your flower needs, visit the Oahu Flower Mart website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Celebrate Spring with Flowers at Biltmore Blooms in Asheville, North Carolina

April 6, 2016

Throughout April, and until the end of May, Asheville, North Carolina will be bursting with flowers as part of Biltmore Blooms. The celebration will bring more than 100,000 colorful flowers to the Biltmore Estate, in Conservatories, Gardens, and many other gorgeous spots.

What is Biltmore Blooms?

Biltmore Blooms is a festival of springtime that features many stunning floral displays strewn about Asheville’s Biltmore House and Biltmore Gardens. Why this location for a flower event? The legacy of Biltmore Blooms began years ago when Frederick Law Olmstead started his final project on the first day of spring, on George Vanderbilt’s magnificent Biltmore Estate. He brought in opulent exhibits of tropical plants and glorious flowers that dressed the estate lavishly and gave visitors a chance to experience the abundance of spring in a special way.

What to Expect at Biltmore Blooms

The Biltmore Blooms annual festival of flowers is a springtime tradition in Asheville that all ages can enjoy. It’s an event that features exuberant displays of spring tulips at Biltmore’s main entrance, a gigantic floral exhibition in the estate’s Walled Garden, and much more.

Biltmore Blooms has already given Asheville residents and tourists quite a show with 200 orchids in bloom in the estate’s warm Conservatory, during late March of this year. Hyacinth, crocus, and other early bulbs also sprung to life in the estate’s Walled Garden during March.

Early April is when towering forsythia and more than 15,000 daffodils are expected to steal the show in the Walled Garden, and there will be some early varietals of tulips joining in the display. April is an excellent time of year to come see what’s going on at Biltmore Blooms, so consider an impromptu trip if you can.

Mid-April brings tulips in their peak, along with dogwoods and redbuds to provide a beautiful backdrop for a glorious show. There will be an expected 74,000 tulips exploding with color in the Walled Garden during mid-April alone! For more information about the schedule of flowering beauties as part of Biltmore Blooms, visit the Biltmore Blooms website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Visiting Amsterdam This Spring? Attend the Annual Amsterdam Tulip Festival

April 6, 2016

If you have plans to visit Amsterdam this spring, make sure you set aside some time to attend the annual Tulip Festival. No plans for a visit? Think about vacationing to the city, because there will be beautiful tulips blooming (and on display) all over the place and livening up public and private spaces like you may not have seen before.

About Amsterdam Annual Tulip Festival

Amsterdam has a rich history of association with the tulip, but if you were to visit the city today, you’d probably not guess it. There aren’t many of these gorgeous flowers growing wildly anymore, which is why Amsterdam residents, and people from all over Holland, excite in the annual Tulip Festival held in the city.

The Tulip Festival’s main goal is to, once again, populate the streets of Amsterdam with gloriously colored tulips. The intention is for Amsterdam to eventually, after many fun festivals, have one tulip planted for each citizen of the city (which would amount to 800,000 flowers in total).

This is a dream determined to come true, according to many Amsterdam residents. This past year alone, more than half a million tulips were planted in open soil and in pots throughout the city. The Tulip Festival focuses on tulip planting to reach a collective goal, and the results of each year’s efforts are on display during springtime for all to enjoy.

This year, the Tulip Festival takes place from April 1st to the 30th, so consider a trip to Amsterdam during this spring month. The festivities will include shows of tulips bursting in full bloom along, and on, bike paths, squares, lakes, canals, and gardens in the city center and surrounding areas.

The Details for This Year’s Tulip Festival

The annual 2016 Tulip Festival is in its second year this year. Once again, it will take place at numerous public places in Amsterdam, including in a few carefully selected gardens and beautiful buildings. As part of the Festival, Amsterdam residents and visitors can view thousands of planted bulbs in the city’s north south, east, and center areas. All public locations are freely accessible and the few museums housing tulip exhibits will charge their normal fee for admission.

Consider visiting the annual Tulip Festival in Amsterdam to view explosions of color in many predictable and surprising areas, and to get ideas for bringing the stunning tulip into your own home garden. A Festival Guide (written in Dutch and English) is available to help you locate all of the venues for witnessing sensational tulips as part of the annual Tulip Festival. The guide includes the names of the tulips on display, so you can learn about the extraordinary blooms that you’re witnessing.

To find out more about Amsterdam’s annual Tulip Festival, visit the Tulip Festival website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

The Cincinnati Flower Show to be Held From April 13th to the 17th

March 31, 2016

If you live in Cincinnati, or will be visiting the city, consider attending the Cincinnati Flower Show, which will take place from April 13th to the 17th. Even if you’re not in the area or don’t have a trip planned, if you’re close by, think about paying the show a visit.

The Cincinnati Flower Show is an international celebration of fantastic flowers and fine foods. It’s a five-day adventure in floral design, lectures, and entertaining that’s paired gourmet cuisine, fun kids’ activities, and much more.

About the Cincinnati Flower Show

The 2016 Cincinnati Flower Show coordinators, in partnership with the Cincinnati USA Sister City Association, will again put on the annual show to give all ages a fabulous time viewing and talking about flowers. A General Admission ticket makes it possible for attendees to view imaginative landscape gardens in Horticulture Pavilions, discover flower-filled Dramatic Table Settings, make Creative Container exhibits, and admire bursting Window Boxes.

Guests can roam from exhibition to exhibition, delighting in all things flowers and getting plenty of ideas to take home for house or garden decorating. There will be an Amateur Flower Show highlighting the skills of local gardeners, and many celebrity guests will make appearances. An Artist’s Studio will present a thrilling gallery of nature-inspired art from artists of diverse backgrounds.

Something for Everyone

Whether you love landscape design, container gardening, crafting window boxes, or doing things with flowers that are completely different, you’ll be able to enjoy a memorable day at the Cincinnati Flower Show. Floral enthusiasts can attend a Lunch & Learn event, brides can get ideas for wedding flowers, foodies will be able to taste yummy treats at a Fine Food Show, and families even have the opportunity to enjoy storytime together.

To find out everything that you can participate in at the show, we recommend you visit the Cincinnati Flower Show website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Will You Catch the Rare Superbloom in Death Valley This Spring?

March 31, 2016

Once in a while, beauty overcomes situations that one would deem nearly impossible. This is what happens every decade or so in Death Valley, California, as a superbloom of Desert Gold wildflowers covers stretches of earth that doesn’t usually see much life. Actually, the area is know for it’s share, plus some, of heat-related misfortunes – hence it’s name.

This year, Death Valley is expected to see the rare and stunning super bloom, and park rangers say that it could come in the next couple of months. An abundance of gorgeous wild blossoms have already popped up in Death Valley as a precursor to the main event and given people passing through the region quite a show.

Why Wildflowers in Death Valley this Year?

Experts believe that the flowers that have already bloomed in Death Valley, and the predicted superbloom, have the El Nino rains to thank for their existence. Officials are quick to say that extreme weather conditions are likely the cause of the once-every-decade bloom of bright yellow and purple flowers, which are visible now on the south side of the park at lower elevations.

Some sections of Death Valley, like Copper Canyon, have reportedly been blanketed with jaw-dropping wildflowers that are inspiring visitors to pull out their cameras or make a special trip with camera in tow to capture the event while they can. To be clear, Death Valley gets wildflower blooms here and there throughout the year, despite record-breaking temperatures. But the superblooms are what photographers, and anyone who loves looking at the beauty that Mother Nature provides, go crazy over and make it a point to witness for themselves.

What do You Have to Look Forward To?

What can you expect to see with this year’s superbloom, should it come? You’ll likely view something similar to what happened in 1998 and 2005. There was quite a flower spectacle as “hillsides, valley floor, and washes were covered with solid carpets of flowers that went on for miles and miles,” according to Alan Van Valkenburg, Park Ranger for Death Valley National Park.

Van Valkenburg goes on to say that, “In a normal springtime there will be scattered flowers here and there, but during a super bloom, almost every possible place a flower can grow, it will. It totally transforms Death Valley into a valley of life.”

Does this potential for beauty on such a grand scale tempt you to head to Death Valley during spring? Have you already seen a superbloom in the area? If so, we’d love to hear about your story in the comments below.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Places to View Spring Wildflowers in Arizona

March 31, 2016

Did you know that the Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona tracks wildflower blooms to let flower lovers know where to view the amazing natural displays during springtime? The Garden partners with many parks, and other gardens, in the state to give locals and tourists up-to-date information on where spring wildflowers are in abundance.

Since we’re in the middle of wildflower season right now, we thought we’d tell you where the Garden says you can view these beautiful blossoms. If you’re living  in Arizona or will be visiting, consider making a trip to see them in all their glory. Even if you can’t make it to view these pretty flowers this year, the list below will help you to know where you can probably marvel at wildflowers next year.

Use the following guide to find out where you can view spring wildflowers in Arizona on car rides, walks, hikes, and many outdoor adventures.

Arizona State Parks and Botanical Gardens with Spring-Blooming Wildflowers

Phoenix Area

  • Desert Botanical Garden
  • South Mountain Park
  • Maricopa County Parks
    • Adobe Dam Regional Park
    • Buckeye Hills Regional Park
    • Cave Creek Regional Park
    • Desert Outdoor Center
    • Estrella Mountain Regional Park
    • Lake Pleasant Regional Park
    • McDowell Mountain Regional Park
    • San Tan Mountain Regional Park
    • Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
    • Usery Mountain Regional Park
    • White Tank Mountain Regional Park
  • McDowell Sonoran Preserve
  • Glendale Public Library Xeriscape Garden
  • Thunderbird Conservation Park

North of Phoenix

  • Agua Fria National Monument

East of Phoenix

  • Tonto National Monument
  • Boyce Thompson Arboretum/Globe Area

Western Arizona

  • Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
  • BLM, Colorado River District (Lake Havasu)

Southern Arizona

  • Picacho Peak State Park
  • Saguaro National Park East District
  • Saguaro National Park West District
  • Tohono Chul Park
  • Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
  • Patagonia Lake State Park
  • Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Museum

If you’ve been to any of these state parks or botanical gardens, we’d love to hear what you thought of the experience and whether you saw tons of stunning wildflowers. Feel free to leave us a message below.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

7 Great Botanical Gardens in the United States

March 24, 2016

Where do you go in the U.S. to view beautiful flowers? There are dozens of places, but the following are 7 of the top spots to admire gorgeous blooms.

1. Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis, MO)

The Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis offers 79 acres of flower displays, including a 14-acre Japanese garden and one of the world’s largest collections of endangered and rare orchids.

2. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (Richmond, VA)

At the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, visitors stroll through a classic domed conservatory that houses orchids as well as butterflies who flitter from flower to flower.

3. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Columbus, OH)

It’s easy to visit the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ flower displays year round thanks to large greenhouses that keep blooms and guests covered from excess sun and rain. More than 400 species of plants live in these greenhouses.

4. Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix, AZ)

The desert is anything but lifeless, which you’ll quickly see when you stop by the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. This space for viewing flowers focuses only on desert plants, on 145 acres complete with trails and shady resting stations.

5. ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden (Albuquerque, NM)

The ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden sits on the banks of the Rio Grande river, and it provides 35 acres of gardens for you to explore. You’ll be able to walk more than 1-1/2 miles of pathways as you look at Japanese flower exhibits and other glorious displays.

6. United States Botanic Garden (Washington, DC)

Washington D.C.’s United States Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the country. Congress established in it 1820, and today it’s still an amazing place to view outdoor gardens and flowers in spectacular conservatories.

7. San Francisco Botanical Garden (San Francisco, CA 

When you visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden, you have nearly 100 magnolia trees blooming around you (from January to March) and many other exquisite blossoms filling the space of what’s one of the most stunning gardens in the nation.

All of these botanical gardens provide hours of flower-viewing pleasure, so plan on setting aside at least a whole day (or afternoon, at minimum) to explore the

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Spring Lemonades You Can Make With Flowers

March 23, 2016

If you’re planning a get-together for the upcoming Easter holiday, or for Mother’s Day or a spring bridal shower, you can use flowers to beautify your beverages and make them taste amazing.

Flowers go great in lemonades, in particular. They offer a bit of lovely spring color and flavor that’s perfect for sharing with others. The following are some floral lemonades we love the most. Consider making these in small or large batches.

Lavender Lemonade

Ingredients

2 cups boiling water

1 cup lavender flowers

2 cups cold water

1 cup fresh lemon juice

1 cup organic sugar

Method

1. Place lavender flowers in a large pitcher that can withstand high heat. Pour boiling water over the blossoms. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to steep for 10 minutes.

2. Strain the flowers from your water, discarding the them and returning the water to the pitcher when you’re done. Add cold water, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Serve immediately over ice or chill.

 

Hibiscus Lemonade

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups water

1-1/2 cups organic sugar

1/4 cups hibiscus buds

2-1/2 cups cold water (or cold sparkling water)

1 cup fresh lemon juice

Method

1. Heat water and sugar over medium heat, just until boiling and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.

2. Add hibiscus flowers to water and sugar mixture, and then allow flowers to steep until water is room temperature.

3. Strain flowers and reserve sugary water mixture in a large pitcher.

4. Add cold water and lemon juice. Serve immediately over ice or chill.

 

Rose Lemonade

Ingredients

6 cups water

1 cup organic sugar

1/4 cup rose petals

1 cup fresh lemon juice

Method

1. Bring water and sugar to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and add rose petals.

2. Allow water and sugar mixture to steep for about 20 minutes.

3. Strain out rose petals, reserving water and sugar mixture in a large pitcher.

4. Add lemon juice to mixture. Stir and chill for about one hour.

5. Serve over ice, if desired.

Enjoy these spring lemonades and enjoy your gatherings with family and friends!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields

March 10, 2016

Each spring, Carlsbad, California residents and tourists flock to the city’s Flower Fields to enjoy a brilliant display of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus. The colorful show lasts about six to eight weeks, typically beginning in March.

The Flowers

Carlsbad Ranch is the spot where nature comes alive with flowers so stunning in shades, and in arrangement, that they often have the eyes of passers by on nearby streets and highways affixed at the gloriousness of it all. The flowers are strewn in the ground, in rows and patterns that look perfectly tidy from afar, but up close show that nature is simply having its playful and whimsical way with us.

The ranunculus are surely the stars of the Carlsbad Flower Field show, bursting with orange, white, pink, and yellow that is sometimes monochromatic and often sprinkled together like ice cream toppings or flowers in a Monet garden painting.

The Flower Fields

In addition to the ranunculus display, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch offer a miniature rose garden and the All-American Rose walk of fame that holds 170 of the All-American Rose selection winners chosen since 1940.

The Flower Fields is a perfect spot for holding birthday parties and other event such as weddings and corporate gatherings. There’s a newly built barn on the property that can house up to 200 people, and nearly every inch of the Fields and barn affords striking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Flower Field Prices

Entry to the Flower Fields, where you can view the flowers up close, is approximately $14 for adults, $13 for seniors (60 years of age and up), $7 for children (ages three to 10), and free for kids less than two years of age. Season passes are available for all age groups.

To learn more about the Flower Fields, we suggest you visit the Carlsbad Ranch Flower Fields website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally
The 5 Longest Lasting Fresh Cut Flowers

The Right Flowers for Awesome Cocktails

March 10, 2016

Did you know that you can make awesome cocktails out of flowers? It’s possible to create beautiful and tasty drinks, from popular blooms like roses and orchids, for events and occasions or whenever you want to turn an average day into a special one.

The following three cocktails you can create from flowers that are easily found at a store, garden center, or in your own home:

Rose Margarita

Whip up this Rose Margarita for an Easter or Mother’s Day gathering, and use the beautiful rose to symbolize new life or love.

Ingredients

1-1/2 ounce agave blanco tequila

1 ounce fresh lime juice

3 rose petals, washed

3/4 ounce rose syrup

3/4 ounce orange liqueur

rose salt

 

Method

Place all ingredients (except salt) into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Pour into a margarita glass rimmed with rose salt. Enjoy!

 

Orchid Champagne Spritzer

This is another flowery cocktail that’s ideal for holidays. It makes a beautiful spirit to serve at bridal showers and weddings too, as orchids have long represented fertility.

Ingredients

1/2 ounce elderflower syrup

1-1/2 ounce fresh pink grapefruit juice

1-1/2 ounce gin

1-1/2 ounce organic vegan champagne

splash of fresh lime juice

1 orchid, cut at the flower’s base

 

Method

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker (except champagne). Add ice and shake. Then, add the champagne, give the mixture a swirl, and pour into a highball glass. Garnish with your fresh orchid.

These are two yummy cocktails that you can make with flowers, but there are certainly more. If you use your imagination, we know you can come up with some others like a pansy sangria or a chamomile citron spritzer, perhaps.

Do you ever make cocktails with flowers? If so, what do you make. We would love to hear about your drinks in the comments below.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is Coming to Washington D.C.

March 10, 2016

What began as a simple flower ceremony on March 27th, 1912, when First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted the first two trees from Japan on the north bank of the West Potomac Tidal basis, has turned into a national treasure. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. now sees more than a million attendees each year who come to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms and to gather in the spirit of community.

The Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a beloved annual tradition that includes two weeks of viewing thousands of cherry trees, in full glorious blossom, and enjoying activities like a parade, Japanese street festival with performances and food, and much more. Washington D.C. locals and tourists come to the Festival each year to admire the cherry blossoms, have a bit of fun, and participate in events that represent the arrival of spring in the nation’s capital.

The History of the Festival

The first cherry trees planted, in 1912, were part of a gift of 3,000 cherry trees given to the United States by Tokyo mayor Yukio Ozaki. The trees were reciprocated with a gift of flowering dogwood trees from the U.S. to Japan.

Even though the National Cherry Blossom’s seeds were sown in the early 20th century, the first official Festival did not take place until 1935. In 1927, a group of Unites States school children re-enacted the first planting, but civics groups’ sponsorship of the Festival in 1935 confirmed it as an annual tradition.

In 1965, First Lady Lady Bird Johnson accepted 3,800 more cherry trees. In 1981, Japanese horticulturists were given cuttings from the Washington D.C. trees to replace some of their trees that were destroyed in a flood in Japan. The 1994 Festival was the first two-week festival. The festivities were expanded and stretched out to accommodate a rapidly growing activity schedule during the trees’ blooming.

To learn more about the Festival, you can visit the official National Cherry Blossom website. You’ll be able to view peak bloom dates for the cherry blossoms, which on average is April 4th, and find out about all of the activities that will take place as part of the festival.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Kauai Orchid & Art Festival Marks the Arrival of Spring

March 10, 2016

On April 1st and 2nd, residents and visitors of Hanapepe, Kauai will be able to attend the Kauai Orchid & Art Festival at Hanapepe Town Park and surrounding areas. The Kauai Orchid & Art Festival showcases beautiful, exotic, and tropical orchids as well as gorgeous art by Plein Air painters (outdoor paint artists) from all over Hawaii, and it features many fun festivities to welcome the arrival of spring.

The Show

The Kauai Orchid & Art Festival is part flower show, part juried art exhibition, and part arts and crafts exhibit (along with a little bit of fair and festival thrown in). It’s a family-oriented event that includes activities, workshops (including cooking workshops focusing on vanilla – the only edible orchid), music, and charitable fundraising events held over the course of two days.

April 1st Festivities

On Friday, Plein Air artists will be at various locations around town as part of the Festival. The Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project will exhibit all day at Hanapepe Hawaiian Congregational Church and the Spring Fantasy Orchid Show will open at 1 p.m. on Friday (continuing until 7 p.m.)

April 2nd Festivities

Saturday’s Spring Fantasy Orchid Show begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Kids can work on art projects from noon to 4 p.m. at the Hanapepe Hawaiian Congregational Church and fundraisers will take place to help raise money for diabetes. As part of Saturday’s Orchid Festival, there will be a guided walking tour of historic Hanapepe Town at 10 a.m., an Exotic Orchid Watercolor Painting workshop at Hawaiian Congregational Church (from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a fee), and a free concert at the Hanapepe Hawaiian Congregational Church featuring Noon Taiko Drummers, Paul Togioka, and Makana.

To learn more about the Kauai Orchid and Art Festival, you can visit the Hanapepe website. Do check the website before the festival to confirm dates, activities, and event times.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Spring Brings the Epcot International Flower Festival to Walt Disney World Resort

March 10, 2016

The annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns this year to celebrate flowers with themed events and gorgeous displays in Walt Disney World Resort. The event again will feature interactive areas for kids, the popular Flower Power Concert series featuring live music, and much more.

Where

Walt Disney World in Orlando is where you’ll find Epcot’s celebration of Spring, as an assortment of flower-focused experiences take over the theme park. Events bursting with floral abundance as backdrops, and sights and scents that are meant to amaze, will be happening in gardens, restaurants, and other spaces within the Walt Disney World Resort.

When

The Epcot International Flower Festival events take place from early-March until mid-May. During these three months, you’ll find many things to do and see on weekdays, but weekends is when the Festival really comes alive with gardening gurus and outdoor nature-themed exhibits scheduled nearly all day long.

The Events

Throughout the unprecedented three months of the Epcot International Flower Festival, there will be farm-fresh flavors to explore in Epcot dining areas, live concerts in gardens, brilliant blooming displays all around, outdoor kitchens featuring culinary tasting events, topiary exhibitions (living sculptures shaped like beloved Disney characters), garden guided tours, kids’ play areas, and more.

The Epcot International Flower Festival welcomes guests to enjoy festivities for one day or for many days. Events for 2016 will begin on March 2 and end on May 15th. Disney will spring to life with flower marketplaces and so much more, so be prepared to spend many hours at these fabulous events. Disney artists have painted the Disney World Resort with a rainbow of colors, all in flower form, for guests to enjoy as they participate in events that are unlike anything at any other flower festival in the world. Epcot admission is required to attend the International Flower Festival, but most flower and gardening programs are included with admission.

 

To find out more about the Festival, visit the Epcot International Flower Festival’s website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

The 2016 Boston Flower and Garden Show Coming This March!

March 10, 2016

The Boston Flower and Garden Show is the biggest indoor spring flower show in the United States and one of the Top 30 Flower and Garden Events in the U.S. It returns this year with more stunning garden displays curated by renowned landscape professionals, and with lectures from some of the top local nursery owners and industry experts.

The Show

From lectures and demonstrations to garden exhibits and marketplaces, the 2016 Boston Flower and Garden Show will bring the latest flower and gardening information – and products – to the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston from March 16th to the 20th. The theme for this year’s Boston Flower and Garden Show is Nurtured by Nature, which is perfect because attendees will surely be nurtured by all of the lovely sights and knowledge available at the show.

The care that’s put into the garden displays at the Boston Flower and Garden Show is astounding. Landscape artists, floral designers, garden growers, and more show off their most brilliant flower arrangements and garden plans, and they gather to offer their bits of wisdom and their enthusiasm for flowers. Guests typically come away inspired to include more flowers in their lives in some form.

The Details

Well-designed gardens and floral displays at the Show include popular houseplants, garden varietals, and common flowers for arranging. The Show is filled with opportunities to learn how to liven your living space with flowers, spruce up a classic or modern garden, and even grow flowers and plants for food.

To find out more about the Show, visit the Boston Flower and Garden Show’s website. You’ll be able to view hours and ticket prices, and you’ll get directions and parking information. There will be a coat and bag check at the show, so you don’t need to worry about lugging these items around as you marvel at all of the displays. And, there will be plenty of photo opportunities so bring your camera!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival Coming This March!

March 10, 2016

Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival will bring a series events to Macon, Georgia, during March, to celebrate the beauty of a pink and white-blossomed tree that symbolizes springtime in the United States. Beginning on March 1st, Macon will host several contests, concerts, and plant sales – among other fun things activities – in honor of the beloved cherry blossom.

Macon, Georgia – according to Congressional Records – is considered the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World. Every March, more than 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees burst with blossoms that seem to turn the city into one big cottony paradise. Cherry Blossom Festivalgoers will get to experience the spectacle as they participate in events meant to promote fellowship and city pride.

The History of the Georgia International Cherry Blossom Festival

The International Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the top flower events in the United States, one of the Top 20 Events in the South, and one of the Top 100 Events in North America. Since it began, 56 years ago, it has enhanced the lives of citizens living in Macon and gathered locals in a sense of civic pride.

As a secondary mission, the Georgia International Cherry Blossom Festival has always sought to share the quality of life and community spirit of Macon with visitors, as residents welcome guests to come join them in fun Festival festivities. The Festival’s humble beginnings allowed for a three-day celebration, but today the Georgia International Cherry Blossom Festival lasts the entire month of March and it includes hundreds of events for all ages and backgrounds.

The Cherry Blossoms

The Yoshino cherry trees in Macon keep growing in numbers as the Fickling Family Foundation continues to donate thousands of trees to Macon-Bibb residents annually. This generosity keeps the floral abundance flowing and makes it possible for the beauty of the cherry trees to be enjoyed by locals and tourists year after year.

The Events

This year, the Georgia International Cherry Blossom Festival will include a Youth Photography Contest, Ceelo Green Concert, Indigo Girls Concert, Master Gardener Plant Sale, Pink is the New Green Cherry Blossom Event, Cherry Blossom Men’s and Senior’s Golf Tournament, Cherry Blossom Road Race, Lantern Lighting in 3rd Street Park, and Cherry Blossom Organ Night, among other events.

To find out more about the Festival, visit the Georgia International Cherry Blossom Festival’s website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Water-Saving Flowers for Your Garden

March 3, 2016

Many places in the world right now are experiencing drought, which means that it’s a good idea for people living in those water-depleted areas to think about the flowers they choose for their yard.

If you live somewhere that’s challenged by drought conditions, but you love flowers and want to enjoy their color and energy, consider growing the following water-saving blooms.

Blanket Flower

Blanket flower is a gorgeous flower that has bright gold tips. It requires only moderate water to thrive.

Spanish Lavender

If you grow Spanish lavender, you’ll have a stand-out flower in your garden that doesn’t require much water at all.

Pincushion Flower

For informal hedges in draught areas, grow pincushion flower. It starts blooming during January and February, and it puts out water-wise showy blooms that are ideal for cutting.

Sea Holly

Sea holly offers silvery blue stems with pretty amethyst flowers on top. These low-water flowers attract butterflies.

Ceanothus

With purple buds that open up to bold blue flowers, ceanothus doesn’t need water during summertime and it provides a haven for bees.

Kangaroo Paw

Kangaroo paw produces velvety flowers in bright warm shades. This flower tolerates drought, but it will appreciate a bit of summer water with some good soil drainage.

Strawberry Tree

You’ll get cute little puffy fruits (that turn from yellow to red as they mature) at the same time as urn-shaped flowers with strawberry tree. You won’t have to water much for the show, either.

In addition to these drought-resistant flowers, you can grow African daisy (it features blossoms that change color from orange to purple) and fairy duster (a shrub with brilliant red flowers that attract hummingbirds).

Do you live in an area drought-stricken area? If so, where are you and what types of flowers do you grow, if you grow them? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Creating a Romantic Bouquet

March 2, 2016

What are the right flowers to use when you’re creating a romantic bouquet? Any blossoms, really, since flowers are a universal symbol of love. But, for a super-feminine, soft, flowy, and ethereal kind of romantic bouquet, we suggest the following:

The Flowers

Dahlias and peonies look amazing in a romantic bouquet. Each type of these flowers has several varietals that you can choose from, so pick the ones that call to you most. You have much available in terms of color and design, and all of these blossoms look lovely with greenery like eucalyptus or lamb’s ear. Other flowers you can use in a romantic bouquet include anemone, Gerbera daisies, ranunculus, poppies, lilies, and roses.

Assemble Your Flowers

As you begin assembling your romantic bouquet, you’ll need to have a container ready to place your blooms in. Think about using glass bowls for romantic bouquets. Consider buying bowls that are about six inches tall and round like a ball. Fill your bowls with water and leave about two inches empty. Cut your flowers so that each blossom will be tall enough to just hang over the edge of the bowl. Remove any leaves from stems, if they would be in the water when the flower is placed in the bowl.

Begin arranging your romantic bouquet by placing flowers in the bowl, toward the back of the bowl’s opening. Continue filling the hole, putting rows of flowers in front of each other. You can stuff your flowers in tightly or let them hang a bit loose. Your flowers should, however, be secure in the bowl and not in danger of falling in the water or outside.

Then, you’re done. You’ll have a romantic flower display that’s perfect for an engagement party, bridal shower, or Valentine’s Day dinner. Your bouquet will be simple, but eye-catching, and will have only taken you at half hour or so to assemble.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Botanical Gardens in Los Angeles

February 25, 2016

Where do you go in Los Angeles to view beautiful flowers? There are dozens of places, but some of the best are at museums and botanical gardens. The following are destinations that we think any Los Angeles resident, or tourist, who loves flowers should visit at least once. These spaces are filled with gorgeous blooms, and they offer other fun surprises to delight and discover.

Central Garden at the Getty Center

Head to the Getty Center, off of the 405 freeway in Los Angeles, and make a beeline to the Central Garden. This beautiful space is a work of art just as gorgeous as the paintings inside the museum’s galleries. The Central Garden features tree-lined walkways, little rivers, and many extraordinary flowers climbing up trellises and overflowing onto paths. There are more than 500 varieties of plants in the Central Garden, and many of them bloom. In fact, the colors in this garden keep the eyes popped and fixed on loveliness throughout a visit, they’re that mesmerizing.

James Irvine Japanese Garden

The James Irvine Japanese Garden sits in the Little Tokyo area of LA and it’s a secret to many locals as well as visitors. Which is good when you want to stroll through flower gardens in a quiet setting. But, if you’re not in the know about this museum, because it’s kept on the down-lown, you’re missing out. Now that you know about the James Irvine Japanese Garden, you have to get there and view in person how impeccably flowers can express the energy of nature and how they contribute to a place of calm and wellbeing.

Descanso Gardens

At Descanso Gardens, one of the most popular botanical gardens in Los Angeles, you’ll be able to view horticulture magic as you admire more than 600 varietals of camellia and nearly five acres of roses. This botanical garden also houses many orchid, lilacs, and other native California flowers and they’re either about to give you a carefree feeling or they’re placed stunningly so that a visitor can appreciate their beauty in a more formal way. If you love doing yoga, you can even take a class amidst the flowers at Descanso Gardens.

These are some of the top botanical gardens in LA, but there are more. You can always spend time at the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden in the Westwood area of Los Angeles or make your way to the Huntington Garden in the outskirts of Downtown LA, in San Marino, CA.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

About the Los Angeles Flower District

February 25, 2016

Wondering where to find amazing flowers in Los Angeles? Many people who live in the city know that the LA Flower District is the place to go for flowers for a wedding, special event, or even the home. If you happen to be from LA and you haven’t heard of the LA Flower District, or visited it, we suggest you get yourself there right away because the selection is outstanding and the prices are great.

If you don’t live in Los Angeles, but will be visiting, head to the Flower District while you’re here and enjoy choosing beautiful blooms from hundreds of vendors or just looking around a bit to admire the view.

The Los Angeles Flower Markets

The Los Angeles Flower District is actually a section of street in Downtown LA, Wall Street between 7th and 8th Streets, that houses rows, rooms, and buildings of flowers and floral accessories.

The individual Flower Markets in the Flower District are run by growers, shippers, suppliers, wholesalers, distributors, and floral designers. They sell, trade, and deal flowers and floral supplies – on a wholesale and retail level. They’re used to doing business with flower shops and event planners, but they welcome non-industry visitors who want to buy for their personal use.

The Los Angeles Flower Markets are the city’s premier wholesale flower resources and, together, they comprise a historic district that LA locals depend on and tourists love to flock to. The LA Flower District offers an unparalleled selection of some of the freshest flowers in the city, alongside great greenery and fillers, as well as floral arranging supplies and most things of the floral nature.

Everything Floral in the Heart of Downtown Los Angeles

Many of the impressive flowers and greens that you’ll find in the LA Flower District come from California growers and suppliers. These folks love being able to supply Los Angeles residents, business owners, and tourists with fresh flowers that are beautiful, affordable, and locally sourced.

Even if you don’t have a direct need for flowers when you’re in Los Angeles, it can be fun to stroll around in the Flower District and check out what’s trending in the industry or get ideas for a future project. The Flower District offers convenient parking, a safe place for exploration (even at 5:30 a.m. when the Markets open to wholesalers), and many places nearby to grab a great breakfast or cup of coffee after you’ve shopped your heart out.

To find out more about the Los Angeles Flower District, including information on individual vendors as well as opening times and prices, visit the LA Flower District website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Bulbs to Plant During Spring

February 25, 2016

Many gardeners like to plant bulbs during fall for spring arrival, because the bulbs breathe new life into a space that might have been dull during winter. And, because they give forth blooms that are perfectly suitable companions for spring-blooming wildflowers.

But, spring-planted bulbs also give off a show and it’s one that we think is worth consideration. These bulbs dazzle with color during summertime, and they offer a welcome surprise during a season that’s not known for offering abundance in a garden.

The following are some of the best bulbs you can plant during spring, if you want to enjoy the beauty of brilliantly colored and shaped flowers during a time when many landscapes are looking a bit torched.

Lilies

You can absolutely grow lilies from bulbs planted during spring. Plant your lily bulbs anytime during the season and enjoy a variety of colors in your garden come summer. Choose Oriental hybrid lilies (like Casa Blanca and Star Gazer) or hard-to-find lilies like the golden-rayed lily of Japan. These are often considered the most beautiful lilies in the world.

Tulips

Planting tulips during fall, for spring bloom, is tradition for many gardeners. But, we like to plant them during spring as well, and let them display their pretty colors long into August. Tulips are simple to sow and grow, and they’re perfect additions to gardens that contain wildflowers or more formal varietals.

Daffodils

Plant daffodils during spring and you’ll have a colorful garden with flowers that are easy to maintain come summer. These blooms, even when their foliage dies down, will keep coming back for you. If you want to turn their soil every so often, they’ll love you even more.

In addition to planting these bulbs during springtime, you can plant irises and crocus into the soil and end up with a stunning garden when summer rolls around.

Do you plant bulbs during spring? If so, what do you plant and do you also keep a bulb garden going year round? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Seasonal

Macy’s Flower Show

February 18, 2016

The dates have been set for one of the most anticipated events in New York City, Macy’s Flower Show. While we don’t yet know the theme for this year’s show, it’s sure to be as amazing as in years past.

If you’re not familiar with Macy’s Flower Show, it’s a spectacular extravaganza of flowers that fills up Macy’s Herald Square in New York City. Each year, the show brings dozens of varietals of flowers together, in brilliant colors, to offer a theme of floral celebration to attendees.

About Macy’s Flower Show

Previous Macy’s Flower Shows have focused on the colors and flowers of Indian Spice Markets, Art in Bloom, and Secret Gardens, among other themes. The show always runs at Macy’s department store, and it takes place in several cities in addition to New York City each year. You can find Macy’s Flower Shows in San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Minneapolis.

Every Spring since 1946, flower enthusiasts have been able to turn to the Macy’s Flower Show in Manhattan for dazzling displays of stunning flowers. This year’s show will also offer a bit of dazzle and delight, we’re sure about that, because it has a long-standing reputation to uphold. To view this year’s NYC Macy’s Flower Show, make sure you’re in Manhattan from March 30th to April 3rd.

The New York City Show

For 70 years, Macy’s Flower Show in New York City has presented gorgeous displays of flowers in the form of beautiful and fresh artistic arrangements, and overflowing gardens. The show always takes place at Macy’s Herald Square in New York, and it signifies the arrival of Spring to many NYC locals and tourists. Macy’s Flower Show transforms Herald Square into a spectacle that’s striking and inspiring. Vibrant gardens spew more than 30,000 kinds of flowers, shrubs, and trees, everywhere the eye can see. The public is able to view the gorgeousness for free.

Macy’s Flower Show always features a “bouquet of the day” that’s a delight to anticipate and to view. There are large and small gardens to explore at Macy’s Flower Show, topiaries and flower sculpture to admire, and ornamental floral abundance nearly everywhere you turn. Each year, Macy’s Flower Show seems to get more elaborate and more advanced in terms of how floral artists create awesome beauty with nature.

To learn more about Macy’s Flower Show, and to stay updated on this year’s theme and happenings, you can the Macy’s Flower Show website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

New England Grows 2016

February 18, 2016

New England residents, and anyone visiting Boston later this year, mark your calendar for one of the most fun landscape and gardening shows in the country. New England Grows is returning to Boston in 2016, and it will bring fresh floral displays, new vendors, and more opportunities to celebrate flowers and nature.

New England Grows is a popular flower and garden show that takes place minutes from Downtown Boston. It’s combing back for three days of flower and gardening thrills, from November 30th to December 2nd, and it will take place again at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. New England Grows will feature horticulture shows, vendors, and many chances to learn about beautifying your home with flowers. The event gives show visitors access to a huge showroom filled with contemporary exhibits as well as many products that will help you become an expert gardener, if you’re not already a pro.

The Details

New England Grows typically features about 100 merchants who display their beautiful flower art and landscaping ideas for the public. They bring show attendees the best in floral presentation and gardening tips, in the form of displays that can be viewed interactively and products that can be purchased on the spot. Vendors who show at New England Grows are typically eager to talk flowers with anyone who passes their booths.

Over the past few years, New England Grows has upped the number of merchants displaying, and selling, at the show and attendance has increased tremendously. The blossoming popularity of New England Grows is due to many factors, one being the opportunities it affords to speak face-to-face with garden curators. Guests also love to witness the brilliant floral art created by some of the top artists in the industry.

New England Grows showcases landscaping design experts from all over the world who come to share their knowledge about green gardening, gardening in tiny spaces, drought landscaping, and more. The show features several seminars each year as well as, a huge marketplace with useful products for gardeners and anyone who loves flowers.

How to Attend

If you’re interested in attending the show this year, visit the New England Grows website. Expo hours are already posted, and you can learn more about the activities that will take place at the event.

Have you attended New England Grows? Feel free to leave us a note in the comments below and tell us what you thought of the show!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park

February 18, 2016

The Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is one of many beautiful spaces to relax and enjoy nature in the city. The beloved local gem, and top tourist attraction, is a place where you can connect with the abundance of the Earth and join the San Francisco community in a shared love.

The Conservatory is a historic landmark where San Francisco residents, and city visitors, have gone for more than a century to view Victorian architecture and gorgeous flowers. It’s a place worth visiting at least once in a lifetime so that one can take in the stunning sight of perfect wood and glass building design along with a tale of San Francisco history, as told by brilliant blooms and blossoms.

The History of the Conservatory of Flowers

The Conservatory of Flowers is the oldest wood and glass conservatory open to the public in North America. It’s a San Francisco, California, and National Historic Landmark, and it’s one of the most photographed attractions in the city.

During the 19th century, conservatories were pretty common among North American aristocrats. The wealthy built greenhouses on their estates and constructed glass rooms in their mansions. They had tropical plants sent to their California homes from around the world, by botanists and explorers who were often hired to stock the rich’s greenhouses with rare and exotic varietals.

Around this time, successful businessman named James Lick ordered a greenhouse for his estate in Santa Clara. Before he could erect it, he passed away, so the parts remained in crates for decades. In 1877, Lick’s trustees put the greenhouse kit up for sale and a prominent group of San Franciscans bought it. They offered it to the city and it became the Conservatory, which opened to the public in 1879.

A Treasure in Golden Gate Park

From the Conservatory’s first day of public viewing, it was a treasure in Golden Gate Park and one of the most visited attractions in the rural space within a city. After a few incidents of damage and destruction throughout the years, and subsequent reconstruction and renovation, the Conservatory has remained a fixture in San Francisco.

In 1998, the World Monuments Fund placed the Conservatory on a list of the 100 Most Endangered World Monuments. Many historical preservation groups, and national council projects, have raise funds to help rehabilitate the Conservatory after various disasters and to keep it protected so that the public can continue to view its beauty.

The Conservatory is a place where plant enthusiasts, botany students, cultural groups, and everyone can stroll through special floral exhibits and learn about landscapes. At the Conservatory, guests sometimes find displays featuring pre-historic flowers as well as exhibitions teaching about carnivorous plants. Horticulture classes take place at the Conservatory, and inspiration is all around in the form of living walls and other beautiful creations.

If you’d like to learn more about the Conservatory of Flowers, or find out how you can visit, head over the Conservatory’s website. You’ll be able to view hours and days of operation, and you can get directions to the attraction.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

About The San Francisco Flower Mart

February 17, 2016

Flower lovers who live in San Francisco, or are visiting the city, should make their way to the San Francisco Flower Mart at least once to purchase flowers or simply checkout the amazing offerings. The San Francisco Flower Mart is a wholesale mart that dates back to the late 1800’s, when nature’s floral abundance filled the Bay Area’s land with a variety of flowers and flower growers came to sell their bounty near Lotta’s fountain in Downtown San Francisco.

For three days out of the week, the growers would pedal their flowers to local flower shops and they would gather, in an ethnically diverse group, to fill the needs of a growing market.

The San Francisco Flower Market’s Beginnings

Around 1924, the flower-growing trade expanded in many parts of the United States and it flourished in San Francisco. Scores of growers from outside of the Bay Area would bring their flowers to San Francisco to sell, which meant the original location for the Mart wasn’t suitable any longer. A new facility was in order, one that would meet the growing demand of the local and national market, so, so the San Francisco Flower Mart obtained a larger and more modern space that was designed specifically for it. This venue is where you’ll find the San Francisco Flower Market still today, at Sixth and Brannon Streets in the SoMA (South of Market Area) in San Francisco.

The Grand Opening of the New Flower Market Venue

September of 1956 was the big grand opening of the San Francisco Flower Mart (officially called the San Francisco Flower Terminal). From the start, the Mart was an icon in the flower industry. It had vendors selling cut flowers, plants, and flower supplies, just as it does today. The current Mart, however, has many more purveyors – more than 60 who also sell blooming flowers, cut varieties, and flower accessories.

The San Francisco Flower Mart is no longer considered a “growers” market. It’s an industry-leading marketplace for floral wholesalers, and it’s one that offers product from all over the world. You can visit the San Francisco Flower Mart and pick up blooms, for trade or personal use, at great prices (the best discounts go to wholesale buyers). The Mart opens up early, so we suggest you get there when dawn breaks to get the most gorgeous flowers (only wholesaler buyers can arrive before 10 a.m.). If you do visit the San Francisco Flower Mart, or if you’ve been there before, feel free to leave us a comment below and let us know what you thought of it. We’d love to hear about your experience and what types of flowers you picked up.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

The San Francisco Flower and Garden Show 2016

February 17, 2016

If you live in San Francisco or will be visiting the city during the middle of March, consider attending the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show. The 2016 show takes place from March 16th to the 20th, at the San Mateo Event Center, and it will feature some amazing designer gardens as well as a beautiful collection of artfully arranged plants, flowers, and trees.

The Show

Everything will be in full bloom at the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, as world-class floral designers show off their best creations and stunning garden demonstrations hold visual keys to learning how to best make your garden thrive.

There will be hands-on workshops, inspiring seminars, professional gardeners offering tips, and nursery owners answering questions on everything floral at the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show.

You’ll be able to browse a variety of specialty flower shops, including shops selling rare flowers, gift flowers, and tools for tending to flowers. And, you can view exhibits that will show you how to grow flowers to eat!

The History of the Flower Show

The San Francisco Flower and Garden Show started in 1985, as a fundraiser for the San Francisco Friends of Recreation and Parks. It originally took place at Fort Mason and it was first called the San Francisco Landscape Garden Show. In 1997, Seattle-based company Salmon Bay Events took over and changed the name to the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show. After a few venue moves, San Francisco Flower and Garden show finally settled into the San Mateo Event Center in 2009.

You Can Be Part of the Show

If you’re a garden enthusiast, flower shop owner, or someone with with a knowledge and passion for flowers, you can be part of the San Francisco Flower Show. “Budding sprouts” and experienced gardeners, and all types of flowers in between, can work, sell, or volunteer at the show (and sometimes even get free tickets in exchange for service). If you’re at all interested in flowers, check out the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show’s website to learn more about how you experience the show or even participate. We think you’ll surely be glad you did, and consider that the show gives you an excuse to get out and enjoy beautiful San Francisco!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Top Florists in Las Vegas for Weddings, Conventions, and Other Occasions

February 11, 2016

Getting married in Las Vegas and need a florist? Visiting Vegas and want to pick up flowers for your hotel room, or for someone special? Maybe you’re in charge of planning your company’s conference in Las Vegas. There are tons of florists in Las Vegas to help you out with nearly any flower need, which is great because there’s a lot of demand for flowers when you consider an average of 315 weddings take place in the city each day and an average of 22,103 meetings are held there every year.

If you find yourself in need of a flower shop in Vegas that can whip up a bouquet or arrangement in a hurry, or put together something more thoughtful and take time doing it, turn to the following florists:

Enchanted Florists

Enchanted Florists offers fresh flowers in Las Vegas, both cut-stem casual bunches and more elaborate arrangements for formal affairs. The prices at this flower shop can’t be beat by many, as you’ll find some extremely affordable selections on fancy bouquets and custom floral designs.

Vegas Flowers

For beautiful and exotic fresh-cut flowers, turn to Vegas Flowers. This flower shop sells elaborate and custom arrangements for weddings and most other occasions. If you need a florist to deliver, Vegas Flowers will come through for you. This florist’s unique creations include flowers sourced from all over the world, such as tulips from the Netherlands and Spanish blossoms from South America.

Gaia Flowers Gift Art

For nuptials, dinner parties, corporate meetings, and other events, visit Gaia Flowers Gift Art and take a look at the shop’s custom and pre-made floral creations. Gaia Flowers Gift Art has years of experience providing flowers to Las Vegas residents and visitors, and they’ve earned a reputation as a trusted neighborhood resource. This shop’s expert staff will help you come up with amazing flower ideas for your wedding or other occasion.

In addition to these Las Vegas florists, you can give Flower Festival, We Luv Flowers, and Antony’s Flowers a ring when you need a special bouquet or arrangement (or a lot of them).

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Floris Hiroko Flower Shop in Shinagawa Tokyo

February 11, 2016

Because we love flowers so much, we’re always eager to share the flower love and help people get their hands on gorgeous blooms wherever they are. We’ve been showcasing some of our favorite places to buy flowers, in some of our favorite cities like San Francisco and Paris, and today we thought we’d virtually visit Tokyo and offer a tour of a great florist’s space.

We wanted to give Tokyo residents, and visitors, a source for stunning flowers in case they didn’t have a go-to flower shop for impulse purchases or holiday gifts. We recently found the amazing Floris Hiroko in Tokyo, and we thought you might want to read about this family-run shop and find out what’s happening in the world of flowers there.

The Shop

Floris Hiroko sits just a 10-minute walk from JR Osaki Station and a 15-minute jaunt from JR Shinagawa Station. It’s perfectly located for stopping by on your way to work, your hotel, or a dinner party. We love the fact that Floris Hiroko is conveniently situated in Shinagawa and that it delivers to most of the surrounding areas. We also appreciate that this flower boutique is a full English-speaking shop. Thank you, Floris Hiroko!

The Proprietors

Hiroko Suzuki, Wakako Shibata, and Hiroko’s son Shigetada Suzuki are Floris Hiroko’s proprietors and, together, they bring more than 50 years of floral experience to their shop.

Hiroko has worked in the flower industry for more than 25 years. Her greatest passion is creating unique, and beautiful, flower arrangements that bring enjoyment to others. Hiroko says that the shop is her favorite place to be. There, gorgeous flowers surround her all of the time and she gets to help customers design the perfect arrangements for their special occasions.

Wakako has worked with flowers for more than 10 years. She has a degree in landscape design and she brings a special artistic approach to Floris Hiroko’s creations. Wakako loves spending time in nature, and she gets much of her inspiration for her flower arrangements when she’s biking or strolling through the green parks in Tokyo.

Shige is Hiroko’s son, and he’s been around flowers for as long as he can recall. He studied fine art and international relations at Boston University, and then he returned to Japan to combine his love for art, nature, and meeting new people. He chose to work with his mom, at Floris Hiroko, and he brings his worldly influences into his flower designs. Shige loves working with vivid, tropical colors like you’d find in Bali. He also favors the subtlety and pastels of European arrangements.

Floris Hiroko takes the passions, and talents, of all three show owners and turns them into a striking, and inspirational, collection of flowers that we think you should experience for yourself if you’re in Tokyo. If you’re not in the city, but you know someone who is, consider sending him or her an arrangement from Floris Hiroko as a special gift that’s unlike any other.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

The Best Flower Shops in Paris

February 10, 2016

Imaging the prettiest, most romantic, most wonderful flower shops in Paris. The ones that call to you from the street, begging you to pick up a single bloom to hold for the day or a bunch to take back home for your kitchen table. The shops that spew color and charm, and the ones that have the friendliest of proprietors selling the blossoms inside.

These are the flower shops we’re highlighting in this post. We’ve been on a hunt for the top flower shops in some of the cities we love, and we had to include Paris and its offerings in our quest.

Paris and flowers go together so naturally that when you think of one, it’s perfectly understandable if your mind floats instantaneously to the other. If you live in Paris, or visit the city often, you might know about some of the top flower shops we found and are sharing today. If you don’t, keep the following florists in mind if you make your way to Paris or if you need flowers delivered to someone there.

Bleut Coquelicot

You’ll first notice Bleut Coquelicot by the bunches of colorful flowers, and plants, that are piled up on tables outside. Once you enter, the floral merriment continues as you slowly put one foot in front of the other on the shop’s gorgeous tiled floor. You’re probably going to want to linger for a while in this shop. The interior is constantly changing with the seasons and it’s so beautiful you may want to take a dozen, or more, pictures of it. There’s a water featuring inside that’s super tranquil and, of course, you’ll find many stunning blooms and bouquets in Bleut Coquelicot.

Vertige Marais

Vertige Marais sits in the heart of Marais, around the corner from the Place des Vosages. It’s a lovely shop with ivy spilling out onto the concrete and spring shrubs poised for the taking. You’ll have to venture down a little side street to get to Vertige Marais, but you won’t miss the shop with its bold floral window displays and grand colors. Inside of Vertige Marais, you’ll see magical arrangements containing blossoms and branches that are perfect for home, a hotel room, a gift, or a special event.

Green Factory

Many people make a point to visit Green Factory for flowers, even if they only have a day to spend in Paris. This flower shop is bright, clean, and splendidly curated by the owner, Noam. Noam makes each arrangement for Green Factory by hand, by placing a little tree as the center and focal point, and then arranging complimentary blooms all around. He puts together tiny ecosystems under glass that can thrive with just four waterings a year. These pieces of floral wonder are ideal for anyone who loves nature, thinks they can’t tend to a plant, or simply wants a bit of the amazingness that we’re, quite frankly, baffled by.

These are our favorite florists in Paris, but we know there are many other wonderful shops. Do you have a favorite flower shop in Paris that isn’t on our list? If so, feel free to let us, and other readers, know about it in the comments below.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Fabulous Flower Shops in San Francisco

February 5, 2016

Looking for an amazing flower shop in San Francisco? There are dozens, but a few come to mind when we’re thinking about the best places to buy single blooms for your apartment or pretty bouquets to take somewhere as a host or hostess gift.

When you’re visiting what we think is the most beautiful city in the world, or if you have the pleasure of living there, visit the following flower shops for floral beauty for yourself or someone special that’s absolutely beyond compare.

Farmgirl Flowers

Farmgirl Flowers’ owner, Christina Stembel, grew up on a farm in Northern Indiana. She harvested soybeans and corn, not flowers, but she learned an appreciation for agriculture at an early age. Her experience on her family farm gave her the knowledge necessary to build a thriving local-model flower shop for San Franciscans, and visitors, to purchase fresh varieties of flowers that change each morning. When you visit Farmgirl Flowers, look for Christina’s Bouquet of the Day if you need inspiration for an exceptional and special bouquet.

Bloom That

Bloom That is an online-only flower shop based out of San Francisco. It’s a floral company that’s just a year old and one that keeps its inventory limited to only seven, or eight, seasonal arrangements at any given time. Bloom That started when three friends – Chad Powell, David Bladlow, and Matt Schwab – wanted to easily source flowers during their busy schedule if they needed a “makeup” or “sorry” gift for their girlfriends. They wanted to be able to quickly find, and give, a bunch full of beautiful flowers (or a stunning succulent) show their love and appreciation. If you find yourself in need of a gift to make amends in a hurry, or if you just want some pretty flowers on the spot, call Bloom That. Flower Delivery from Bloom That is guaranteed within 90 minutes or less.

Utsuwa Flowal Design

The owner of Utsuwa Floral Design, Hiro Hayama, ran a flower shop in Tokyo before opening his floral studio in San Francisco. With more than 10 years experience behind him, he turned his vision for the perfect flower shop into Utsuwa Flower Design, a haven that features moss balls and air plants hanging from the ceiling. When you step into Utsuwa Flower Design, you’re immediately met by a range of exquisite bonsai, succulents, and air plants strewn about  – all of which Hayama incorporates into his ikebana-style bouquets. Utsuwa Floral Design is known for its custom terrariums, so ask about those when you visit. The shop also specializes in mini gingko trees and exotic plants.

Have you been to any of these flower shops in San Francisco? If so, what did you think of them? Do you know of any other flower shops in San Francisco that should be included on a “Best Of” list? If so, we’d love to hear about them in the comments below.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Top Flower Shops in Los Angeles

February 5, 2016

Living in Los Angeles and looking for an amazing flower shop? Visiting the city and searching for a fantastic florist? We have a few ideas for you.

The City of Angeles is full of fabulous flower studios, in the downtown area, by the beaches, and in many places in between. Whether you’re shopping for flowers for your home, the office, or someone special, you’ll be able to pick up beautiful blooms at many beautiful shops in LA.

The following, however, are some of our favorite flower shops in Los Angeles. These florists incorporate gorgeous studio design into their collection of offerings, which always includes an incredible array of flowers. We love buying flowers at these places, but we also enjoy lingering to soak in perfection and beauty.

Spruce

Spruce is a sparsely decorated, all-white (with color only coming from the flowers) flower shop in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. This shop’s flower design, and interior design, is all modern. Spruce is actually an LA outpost of the popular New York flower shop, which is located on the Eastside and is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. When you visit Spruce, we suggest you take advantage of the shop’s funky and cool bouquets, and arrangements, that are ideal for last-minute needs. Some of the bouquets you’ll find at Spruce are among the most unusual creations you’ll see in the city.

Dave’s Flowers

Dave’s Flowers has been providing floral creations to some of Los Angeles’ most discerning customers for more than 40 years. This flower shop supplies blooms for William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the Hollywood Bowl, The Patina Group, The LA Philharmonic, and LACMA. Whatever your budget, the staff at Dave’s Flowers will work with you to come up with an amazing bouquet, or arrangement, for a scheduled event or a last-minute occasion. Dave’s carries an extensive selection of flowers, from succulents and orchids to fresh-cut blooms and seasonal-themed flowers. The shop also delivers locally and worldwide.

Twig & Twine

If you’re looking for a bouquet or arrangement that’s so stunning it could garner thousands of likes on Instagram, head to Twig and Twine. This Los Angeles flower shop sits in East Hollywood and it’s run by owner Heather Williams. She has created a fairy tale-like space with Twig & Twine, with beautifully curated gifts offered in addition to flowers (we love the geodes and stylish coffee table books). Twig & Twine’s flowers come straight from the Original LA Flower Mart each day, so they’re super fresh. Prices are reasonable at Twig & Twine, and there’s a nice collection of ceramic vases available for purchase in case you want to put your own unique bouquet together on the spot.

In addition to these flower shops in LA, we love Mark’s Garden in Hollywood and The Empty Vase in West Hollywood.

Do you have any favorite Los Angeles flower shops that you frequent? If so, we’d love to hear about them in the comments below.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Why Grow and Buy Organic Flowers

February 4, 2016

We love flowers. But, we love them most when they’re organically grown. Organically grown flowers are clean (and beautiful) flowers grown without the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides, which means they help keep our environment and us healthy.

Whether you’re purchasing flowers from a flower shop, ordering blossoms online, or growing your own flowers, you can have stunning options of the organic variety quite easily.

The following is a bit of information we thought you might want to know about when it comes to growing, choosing, and buying organic flowers. We’ve also offered some reasons you might want to consider filling up your life with the beauty, and health, that organic flowers offer.

How to Grow Organic Flowers

If you grow your own flowers, you’ve probably experienced challenges with pests trying to eat your blooms. When you spot bugs on your flowers, or as a preventative measure to keep bugs away, don’t reach for insecticides! These poisonous substances kill bugs, but they also contribute to contamination of soil and ground water.

And, they leave dangerous residue on the hands of anyone who handles the flowers. Instead, spray an oil-based mixture of cayenne pepper and raw garlic on your blossoms. Or, release insect-eating ladybugs into your garden.

Buy Organic Instead of Conventional

Flowers grown by conventional methods contribute to the pollution of the environment by leaching poisonous pesticides into ground water, streams, and run-off areas. These poisons affect human, animal, and wildlife health as documented in a 2003 San Francisco Chronicle investigation of contaminated waterways and wells near a lily farm in California.

The highly toxic chemicals used on conventional flower farms are known carcinogens, and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is currently looking into the possibility that the run-off from these farms may be harming endangered species.

For holidays, and for “just because” occasions, purchase organic flowers and you’ll contribute to a greener and cleaner earth. You can find organic florists online and in many cities. If you don’t have an organic flower shop near you, think about growing your own flowers to cut and give. For that far-away friend or family member, you’ll surely be able to find organic options on the Internet to give as a gift.

There are many organic flower seeds that you can purchase to start an organic garden. Seeds of Change is a favorite of ours and they even sell organic flower bulbs. You can also buy organic flowers at many flower marts and farmers’ markets, and you can start up a community garden in many cities so that groups of concerned people can work together to keep the environment safe.

Do you grown organic flowers at home? Do you have a favorite place to purchase organic flowers? If so, let us know about your experience in the comments below.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

More Good Reasons to Give Flowers

January 27, 2016

Sometimes, a gift of flowers can be just what a person needs to make his or her day a better one. If you know someone who’s going through challenges, and you’d like to offer a bit of cheer, consider sending flowers.

Wondering what circumstances, exactly, warrant giving flowers as a gift? We think the following are great reasons to give flowers to someone you care about:

A Bad Day

If a family member or a friend has had a bad day, it can be a thoughtful gesture to give him or her flowers. Sometimes, those close to us have had it rough at work or at home. Maybe they’ve been overwhelmed with responsibilities or had a series of unfortunate events take place in their life. Sending flowers in cases like this can be perfect. We think happy flowers like sunflowers or daisies would be ideal.

Prolonged Stress

Do you know someone who has had one bad thing happen after another? Or, do you have a friend or relative who’s going through trying times that don’t seem like they’ll end anytime soon? Offer flowers in a situation like this. Something cheerful, but subtle, might do the trick like pretty pink tulips or white roses.

Bereavement

If someone you know has lost a loved one, send flowers to show you care and are thinking about that person’s wellbeing. Give flowers that convey a message of condolence, and maybe even send flowers known for their peaceful qualities. A modest bouquet of asters or chrysanthemums would be nice in an instance like this.

There are many more reasons that someone you care about might be going through a hard time, and most all of them can probably be helped or healed a bit with a thoughtful gift of flowers. Flowers, especially ones you’ve taken the time to choose yourself, are perfect for transmitting good energy and comforting feelings from one person to another.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Reasons to Buy Flowers Just Because

January 26, 2016

Have you ever thought about buying flowers for someone “just because?” Just because you love a person, or because you wanted to brighten up his or her day? Maybe because you had a great time on a date or because the way someone makes you feel compels you to give a special gift?

These, and more instances like them, warrant “just because” flowers and the giving of flowers in circumstances other than on a birthday or holiday. Anytime someone inspires you to do a good deed, or inspires you to celebrate what’s good about the world, is a perfect time to involve flowers.

If you’re experiencing any of the moments listed below, we encourage you to make flowers a part of your special “just because” occasion:

You Want to Show Someone You’re Thinking About Him or Her

If you’ve been thinking about someone, show him or her by sending flowers. When flowers arrive to your intended, especially if they arrive unexpectedly, a smile and good vibes are sure to ensue. How incredible do you think it would make a person feel to realize that there’s someone, somewhere, caring about him or her enough to send positive energy and loving thoughts even from a distance?

You Want to Bring Joy to Another

If you want to bring joy and happiness to a special someone, maybe because you know that person could use it, do it with flowers. Flowers smell amazing and they’re beautiful. They make a great piece of beauty to wake up to, live with during the day, or fall asleep to. And, their lovely fragrance can turn any day into a sweet one. Flowers can be the perfect gift to cheer someone up or help him, or her, get through a challenge.

You Want to Solidify Your Feelings

Even if you’ve verbally expressed your love or deep feelings for someone, solidifying these feelings with a gift of flowers can be a profound gesture. In addition to speaking what’s on your mind, taking the time to send flowers goes out of your way to show you care and want to be generous.

There are many more flowers that are perfect for “just because” gifts, some of which can be made up by you in accordance to your unique life experiences. If you’re wondering what flowers are good to give just because, consider cheery and gorgeous blooms like wildflowers, sunflowers, roses, anemone, and daisies.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Reasons to Give Flowers as a Gift

January 22, 2016

If you want to give a gift to someone, but you’re not sure what to buy, consider flowers. Flowers can be perfect gift for a person you know well or hardly at all. Flowers are beautiful, thoughtful, and cheap if you cut them from your own garden or purchase small arrangements. They’re ideal gifts for people young and old, near and far.

The following are some of the reasons you might want to choose flowers for a gift for someone, but there are many more (and actually any occasion is suitable to offer flowers).

You’re Not Sure What Your Recipient Likes

If you want to buy a gift for someone, but you’re not sure about his or her tastes and likes, opt for flowers. Maybe you have a coworker who is having a birthday or a baby? Perhaps you’re meeting your in-laws for the first time? These occasions, and others, are ideal for giving flowers. Depending on the situation, you can choose happy sunflowers, colorful carnations, elegant orchids, or a variety of other flowers.

You Want to Offer a Gift from the Heart

Whether you’re giving a gift to say “I’m sorry,” you want to confess a mistake you made, or you feel like expressing your feelings for someone with a thoughtful token of affection, flowers can be a good gift. Again, the circumstances will usually dictate what types of flowers you choose, but roses, wildflowers, or Gerbera daisies are always nice selections.

Your Giftee Already Has Nearly Everything

Sometimes, it can be hard to choose a gift for someone because it seems like they already have everything. In this case, give flowers. Even if your giftee has received the same flowers before, they’ll surely appreciate having them in their home again. A new arrangement of flowers will likely be a welcomed offering, especially if they’re gorgeous tulips or stunning anemone.

These are just some of the reasons you could opt for flowers instead of another gift. There really are dozens of other scenarios that fresh flowers can fit right into.

 

Do you often give flowers as a gift? Are there varieties that you choose quite often? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Flowers for a Picnic

January 22, 2016

Planning a picnic and wondering which flowers would make a perfect centerpiece for your table or blanket? There are many blooms you can turn to, but we think the following are perfect.

The flowers listed below are ideal for creating a peaceful, romantic, or relaxing setting that’s idyllic for a picnic meal.

Daisies

Daisies are lovely flowers for a picnic because they seem to speak of the beauty of the outdoors. Daisies, either big or small ones, are carefree and just what’s needed for a wistful encounter on a leisurely day or evening. Choose Gerbera daisies in white, pink, or orange, or go for a bouquet of traditional small yellow daisies.

Sunflowers

If you want to bring tons of cheer to your outdoor picnic, opt for sunflowers. Place them in a tall vase (make sure it’s one with a solid base if you’ll be setting in on soft grass or sand) and put them in the middle of your picnic spread. Let them provide an atmosphere filled with happiness and beauty, as you enjoy a lunch or dinner with someone special.

Roses

Roses are wonderful for a picnic date. We love red roses in an arrangement if you’re picnicking with someone you have strong feelings of love for, but you can just as easily go with pink or white roses and bring whatever level of romance you’re comfortable with to your picnic encounter. Roses come in many shapes and sizes, so have fun choosing the perfect ones for your occasion.

It doesn’t matter if you’re picnicking with a true love, your kids, or a group of friends, you can bring beauty to your special time by including flower arrangements as part of your bounty. We even love the idea of making edible flowers part of a picnic by using them in salads, lemonades, and yummy baked sweets.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Flowers that Grow Well in Alaska

January 22, 2016

It’s often easy to find flowers that grow well in warm climates, but if you want to grow beautiful blooms where it’s cold you’re sometimes hard pressed. We were wondering which flowers thrived in Alaska, a place known for extreme temperatures  and a locale that would certainly look lovely with some color strewn about.

So, we researched and found that the following flowers do excellently in Alaska, when given the proper attention.

Green Yarrow

Greek Yarrow that grows in private residences in Alaska is much different than the wild yarrow that pops up on the sides of many roads. But, it’s just as beautiful. Many people like to line the edges of their Alaskan rock gardens with Greek yarrow because it provides a beautiful border of silver-grey leaves intermixed with small and stunning white flowers.

Terra Cotta Yarrow

This yarrow is a favorite for many Alaskan gardens because it brings warm colors into a usually white setting. Terra Cotta yarrow matures in late fall and it offers a spectacular scene of tiny yellow and orange blooms.

Blushing Brides Larkspur

Alaskans love Blushing Brides larskpur as an addition to an outdoor garden because it blooms in pretty shades of mulberry and dusky pink. This flower stands up to 6 feet tall and it offers a dramatic presence for any landscape. If you remove spent larkspur flowers, you’ll get another round of blooms in late summer or fall.

In addition to these beauties, we love the look of Lamiastrum, with its green foliage that has tons of silver threads running through it. Lamiastrum features small yellow flowers that do well in wet conditions. Peony is another flower that would be stunning to have in an outdoor Alaskan garden. This flower comes in several shades of deep red and it’s known for its signature ball-style blossom.

Do you live in Alaska? If so, we’d love to hear about any other flowers that thrive in your garden, even under the harshest of conditions.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Flowers to Soak in a Bath

January 14, 2016

Whether you suffer from skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, or just like to take luxurious care of your skin, you might want to soak the following skin-soothing flowers in your warm bath water.

Dandelion

Dandelion sap, also called dandelion milk, is often used in treating skin conditions that are caused by fungus or bacteria. Soak some dandelions in your tub (the whole flower, with sap seeping out from the cut stem) to treat skin issues caused by infection and to help clean cut or scraped skin. Dandelions are a natural source of lecithin, a moisturizing agent that assists in balance the skin’s water level.

Horsetail

Horsetail contains more silicon than any other herb on the planet. Silicon is the primary compound in collagen, a substance that gives skin its firmness and elasticity. Soaking in a tub with horsetail flowers can help your skin retain its natural glow, become suppler, and heal from rashes caused by eczema or contact dermatitis.

 

In addition to these flowers, St. John’s Wort, neem, and lavender are ideal for including in your bath. These flowers, like those mentioned above, contain many soothing properties that help you have great-looking, and feeling, skin. And, flowers like lavender smell divine, which is an added benefit if you’re turning to the bath for some relaxation.

Do you like to float flowers in your bath? If so, do you do it because it helps your skin, or do you enjoy the way your tub looks and smells with flowers strewn in it? Feel free to leave us a message in the comments below with your favorite flowers for the bath.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Flowers that Can Soothe Skin Rashes

January 14, 2016

Have you ever had a skin rash and looked for something effective, but gentle, to treat it? We have. We usually turn to natural sources of healing for issues that arise with our body, so we love the fact that the following flowers can be used in ointments, masques, and bath soaks to relieve skin rashes.

You can make your own healing treatments, to use on your face or body, by putting these flowers into a topical plant-based oil or warm bath water:

Licorice

Licorice is not just a sweet treat, it’s a healing herb that’s been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin that has shown effective in reducing inflammation. In 2003, a clinical trial showed that people with dermatitis had significantly reduced symptoms after applying a licorice gel to the skin for two weeks.

Burdock

Burdock is an herb that many people think is simply a weed. It’s absolutely not! It’s a beautiful plant for healing that contains a high percentage of mucilage, a substance that gels when mixed with water. Mucilage soothes the skin and helps conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Burdock has been used for centuries by native North Americans to provide relief to dry and scaly skin.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is named for its milky sap, which is demulcent, meaning it can create a gel-like barrier that traps moisture and soothes the skin. This flower contains a potent substance called silymarin that was the subject of a 2008 research study in Italy. When silymarin-containing milk thistle was applied to a group of rosacea patients over the course of a month, redness and itching improved.

If you have experience using flowers to treat skin rashes, feel free to leave us a note below. We’d love to hear how your skin condition was cured with flowers.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Perrenials that Can Survive Harsh Winter Weather

January 7, 2016

Many parts of the world experience harsh winters, which means these regions are sometimes challenged when it comes to maintaining beautiful flowers. But, despite frigid temperatures, and snowfall that can completely cover the land, there are some perennials that manage to survive and thrive.

Depending on where you live, you might be able to get away with planting the following perennial flowers in your garden. While you may not see blooms during winter, don’t give up on these plants! They’re likely lying dormant for the winter, and they’ll soon burst to life during spring. Like people, flowers often prefer to lay low and holed up during extreme weather.

Sedum

Sedum is a hardy creeper that makes a beautiful ground cover. It also looks lovely as a colorful tall back flower in a thick garden. Sedum are rough plants that can take a licking, which means they make it through challenging winters and scorching summers (this season is actually when they’ll bloom). Sedum is ideal for those who don’t like to water, can’t water, or forget to water their plants. It’s notable for its dark green leaves with pretty red edges.

Peony

Peonies are gorgeous flowers that are known for popping up during spring. In fact, many a gardener has relied on this bloom to be a front-runner in the colorful spring garden. During winter, your peonies will be sleeping soundly and preparing for a burst of color during springtime. Plan for their arrival or simply forget about them. It doesn’t matter, because these bright and fragrant blossoms are coming (if planted any time during the year) regardless. Wait until you see their display!

Coneflower

Coneflower, also known as Echinacea, is a flower native to the Americas and it’s one that can easily withstand cold winters. Coneflowers develop daisy-like heads of purple and pink, and they make themselves seen during summer and fall. Sometimes, you’ll be able to find newer varietals of coneflower to plant that have white, yellow, and even orange petals. Enjoy these blooms during warm-weather months.

Other perennials that can withstand freezing winter temperatures include monarda, wild columbine, and coralbells.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Flowers that Grow Fruit for Your Garden

December 31, 2015

What do you think about having pretty flowers around your garden that will turn into something even more special? We think the idea for double the pleasure sounds divine, so we’re committed to bringing some fruit-bearing flowers into our garden this spring.

There are many kinds of flowers that will provide sweet fruit for you to eat. You can grow these flowers in your yard, in hanging baskets, and even in vertical gardens on patios.

If you want to bring beautiful flowers and yummy fruits into your home, and your experience, this year consider planting the following:

Elderberries

Consuming elderberries is becoming quite popular due to the fruit’s ability to help cure common illnesses. If you have a cold or flu, or another viral or bacterial sickness, you can turn to elderberries in whole, tea, or syrup form for healing. Elderberries are a deep purple fruit that develops from a small, star-shaped flower. This flower grows on shrubs, and it produces fruit in late summer and early fall.

Apple Genus

Flowers from plants in the apple genus put out fruits like cherries, raspberries, pears, and strawberries. Many people don’t realize that all of these fruits come from similar plants and flowers, but upon close examine the relation becomes evident. All of these flowers have about five petals, a flat appearance, and white coloring. Once in a while, however, you’ll find them in other colors due to crossbreeding and hybridization. You can grow these fruit-bearing flowers in the ground, in pots, or in small planters.

Peach Subfamily

Flowers in the peach subfamily give forth life to stone fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines. These flowers product nectar and they have just one carpal, which is what turns the flower into a fruit (called a drupe). The carpal, or the female reproductive part of the plant, drops away after pollination and becomes the hard pit in the center of the fruit’s flesh. Grow these flowers in your yard or in a very large pot.

Do you have any favorite fruit-bearing flowers that you keep around your house? If so, drop us a note in the comments below and let us know what sweet things you’re growing.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Easy Flowers to Grow Indoors

December 31, 2015

If you live in an apartment, condo, loft, or other home without out a lot of outside living space, you may be attracted to keeping flowers indoors. Flowers bring a bit of beauty and oneness with nature into our lives, so we completely understand a desire to have these things despite not having an outdoor area to enjoy them in.

If you’re looking for specific flowers that make stunning inside décor, and are easy to care for, you can turn to the following:

Oxalis

Oxalis are perfect indoor, easy-to-grow flowers. They offer gorgeous, triangular, and clover-shaped leaves as well as pretty pink, or white, blooms. You can find Oxalis varieties that offer plain green foliage or green foliage with shimmery silver accents. Oxalis grows from bulbils in soil, so you can divide this plant into many pots if it gets too big. Oxalis are indoor flowers that like relatively moist soil.

Kaffir Lily

Also called clivia, the kaffir lily is a houseplant that typically blooms during winter. It gets clusters of reddish-orange, or yellow, tubular flowers (up to 20 on a single plant), but it blossoms only when exposed to dry, cool conditions. So, we suggest you keep this plant as a winter plant if you want to show off its colors, and remember not to water it too much. Kaffir lily, even when not in bloom though, is a beautiful plant that fits in with a variety of décor.

Streptocarpus

Commonly known as Cape primrose, streptocarpus can bloom continuously wen growing it conditions it enjoys. Most streptocarpus varieties bear pink, purple, red, or white flowers. Sometimes these blossoms have stunning, contrasting yellow throats that are quite exquisite. Cape primrose is an indoor flower that thrives in cooler temperatures and it’s easy to keep around if you don’t water it too much, or let it dry out, just like the African violet.

Any of these indoor flowers will bring beauty and life into your home, during winter days when you spend a lot of time inside or throughout the year if you’re lacking an outdoor garden. We love them all, so we’re thinking getting one of each. Do you keep any of these plants in your house? Do you have other indoor flowers you love to have around? Feel free to let us know in the comments below.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Flowers to Give on a First Date

December 31, 2015

Some people like to follow tradition when it comes to first dates and offer a bunch, or a single bloom, of flowers as a kind gesture. We love this tradition. We think it speaks a lot of a person to give a simple, beautiful gift from nature to express the beauty of a potential new relationship.

Flowers given to a first date show thought. They display generosity of spirit and a desire to please someone else, which is a great foundation for any partnership.

If you’re going on a first date and are thinking about bring flowers, you don’t have to choose anything elaborate or expensive to make an impression. You can find flowers to fit almost any budget in a grocery store, or at a florist, that will due just fine because they’ll provide a bit of beauty for your recipient to enjoy. If you have access to a garden, you can simply cut a few flowers and wrap them modestly, and still show your appreciation for the chance to spend time with someone.

Wherever you get your flowers, we think you should look for the following blooms. These flowers are great to give because they’re beautiful and they have a cheery nature, which will surely bring a bit of happiness to a first date.

Anemone

Anemone are striking at first glance, which means they make a great first impression so consider giving these flowers if you want to be noticed for your attention to beauty right away. Amenone come in pink, purple, red, white, and variations of these colors. But, it’s the white flowers with purple borders, with the bloom’s signature dark and inky center, that we’re in love with.

Wildflowers

Wildflowers are some of the most happy and carefree flowers you can find. So, offer these flowers on a first date to lighten the moment and show that you’re ready to have a great time. We especially love black eyed Susans in a wildflower bunch.

Your Date’s Favorite Flower

Does your date have a favorite flower? If so, bring those. It can be an extremely thoughtful gesture to inquire about favorite flowers before a first date, so that you can show up with a surprise that will likely stay on the mind of your date for quite a while.

All of the flower we’ve mentioned, plus many others, are wonderful gifts to give on a first date. They speak of your willingness to put another first, which will probably get you even more dates.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Flowers that Thrive Indoors During Winter

December 31, 2015

Are you looking for indoor flowers to replace your Christmas tree and mistletoe when the holiday season is over? We are, so we searched for some blooms that can thrive inside during winter.

We found quite a few. The following are the indoor, winter-loving flowers that most piqued our interest. We’re going to check our local farmers’ market and nursery in the next week or so to see if they’re carrying these gorgeous flowers. If they aren’t, we’re thankful that we can always buy flowers online.

Euphorbia “Diamond Frost”

Euphorbia “Diamond Frost” is an understated flower that can grow happily on a window ledge during winter. It’s a delicate and pretty bloom that thrives in containers, so make up a lovely display in several small pots, or a big one, to bring color into your home when outside is monochrome.

Torenia “Yellow Moon”

This flower also thrives in small pots, so place it on your windowsill in your kitchen or bathroom. Torenia “Yellow Moon” puts out blossoms with wide purple throats and flashy yellow tube-like petals, which are interesting (but welcoming) contrasts to the jagged nettle leaves of the plant. This bloom seems like a perfect flower to transition from winter to spring.

Primula Forbesii

With delicate deep pink flowers, primula forbesii brings a bit of perkiness to a winter day. We love thinking about having this flower around in a living or dining room to help brighten some of the darkest days of the year. The Japanese grow primula forbesii abundantly, which has led to crossbreeding and a variety of plants that are readily available.

In addition to these winter flowers that can easily live indoors, we love to keep orchids around the house, so we’ll be getting at least one of them. Which will it be, though? A lady slipper orchid or a phalaenopsis? We’re not quite sure yet.

Do you have favorite winter flowers that you like to decorate your home with starting in January, or any time during the season? If so, leave us a message below and tell us what they are!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Fragrant Flowers for Winter

December 30, 2015

Winter brings many delights, including the chance to bundle up and the opportunity to take in delicious smells. The experiences and aromas of winter are precious, and they’re things that we look forward to all year. As you throw on your favorite boots and sweater this season, and step out into the brisk air or chilly snow, consider bringing the following flowers into your home or garden for a perfect fragrance of winter. These blooms may not be what some people think of when they imagine a winter blossom, but their smell fits right in with sugar and spice and everything nice.

Cameo

Cameo is an old-fashioned flower that perks up a winter garden with bold color and intrigues the nose. This blossom fiercely competes with other flowers to attract honeybees for pollination by putting out a fragrance that’s a natural perfume for wintery days.

Edgeworthia

This flower really attracts attention in a winter landscape. Edgeworthia, commonly called the rice paper plant, is an unusual-looking shrub that has naked tan branches topped with round clusters of silver flowers that are just about an inch in diameter. The flower’s fragrance is sugary, like icing or winter pudding.

Osmanthus

An evergreen and the most typical winter plant on our list, osmanthus blossoms with pretty orange flowers. Osmanthus offers the best of both worlds by giving you a Christmas tree-scented shrub with dessert-like aromatic blooms. This is the flower that we think will stop you, or your house guests, in your tracks and beg you to take a deep sniff.

Along with these yummy-smelling winter flowers, we love mahonia and sarcococca, which are also evergreens. Do you have a favorite winter flower that you think smells perfect for the season? If so, we’d love to hear about it. Feel free to drop us a note in the comments below.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

More Ways to Wear Flowers in Your Hair

December 24, 2015

We recently wrote about pretty flowers that you can wear in your hair. Today, we’re thinking of even more flowers to adorn the hair and some specific ways that you can wear them.

Even if you have the most beautiful bloom for your hair, you need to find a way to secure it to your head if you want to go out and show if off. We’ve put together a few methods for fixing flowers in your hair so that they’ll stay with you all day long, or into the evening if you want to look flowery for a night affair.

Orchid Hair Comb

Orchids look stunning in the hair when affixed to a hair comb and tucked behind the ear. You can use bobby pins to secure an orchid to a plain comb, or you can rubber band the flower to the comb. Wondering which orchids look best in hair? There is no favorite, in our opinion. Go with white, pink, cream, or whatever color best suits your mood.

Flower Crown

Flower crowns can be simple to make or a bit complex. You can easily make slits in the stems of daisies to thread other flowers through, and make up a loose crown that will last you a few hours. Or, you might want to go the wire and tape route to create a sturdier flower crown that will take you from day to night, for a wedding or a festival.

Rose Headband

We love the idea of pinning mini roses to a headband to create a beautiful look for a party, shower, or daytime wedding. When you create your rose headband, choose any shade of rose that you like. We love all white or all red rose headbands, but you can craft one in other colors or multi colors.

In addition to these ways to wear flowers in your hair, we love the idea of pinning a single pink daisy behind our ear or crafting a ring of mini roses (or button daisies) to wrap around a hairband when you’re wearing a ponytail. Wearing flowers in your hair is all about expression. It’s something that can actually be done any way you want, so have fun playing around with different blooms and coming up with styles that are truly you.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Flowers to Put in a Flower Crown

December 24, 2015

Are you making a flower crown for a wedding, a festival, or just because? We’ve often wanted to create a pretty floral crown for an event, or simply to wear because we want to feel pretty.

We’ve found that any flowers look stunning when turned into a crown, but the following are some suggestions we have if you want specific ideas for blooms to make a flower crown:

White Flowers

A collection of white flowers, of many kinds, makes a pure and simple flower crown that looks lovely on a bride. We love white daises, roses, carnations, and babies breath. There is something so stunning about an all-white flower crown. Maybe it’s the innocence of white and the purity of heart it suggests we all have the core.

Rustic Fall Flowers

You can put together a beautiful flower crown with fall-colored flowers in shades of orange and yellow. Opt for big, bold orange Gerbera daisies combined with little common daisies or dandelions. Also, orange orchids look amazing gin a flower crown as do peach roses.

Lovely Lilac

For a soft and super feminine flower crown, choose lavender lilacs or purple hydrangeas. Mix these blossoms with mini berries for a garden fairy look that’s perfect for bridesmaids or flower girls.

Other flowers that you can use in a flower crown include brightly colored gerbera daisies. These flowers look incredible in shades of red, orange, yellow, and bright pink. Want a really romantic look for your flower crown? Choose classic red or pink roses. You can also go with flower crowns of only babies breath, a bohemian-inspired flower crown with yellow daisies, or a flower crown of puffy, cheerful carnations. The key to choosing the right flowers for a flower crown is to go with flowers that express some part of your personality. You’ll want to feel comfortable, and beautiful, in your flower crown. So choose flowers that are truly you.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Choosing Flowers at the Grocery Store

December 24, 2015

If you’ve ever been in a pinch to buy flowers and thought about making a last-minute purchase at the grocery store, this guide is for you. Usually, the best quality flowers, and the cheapest, are not the ones found at the supermarket. But, sometimes, in a crunch, these are the only ones that are available and we realize this.

If you ever need to buy last-second flowers at the market, consider choosing bouquets and arrangements from a natural foods market like Whole Foods or Sprouts. Flowers sold there are often the freshest and they’re sometimes grown without dangerous pesticides, which we appreciate.

In case you do find yourself having to buy flowers at a conventional grocery store, however, you can follow this guide to make sure you’re getting the best quality flowers (for the best price) that you can.

Search for the Most Value

Sometimes, the flowers that you have to choose from at the market are not the best ones. They’re often generic mixes that are thrown quickly together, without much thought. To give the flowers you actually want to give, and not pay for ones you’re not absolutely thrilled with, you can do a couple of things. You can purchase a bouquet that offers the most kinds of flowers you like, and pick out any that you don’t love. Or, you can opt for single blooms of your favorite flower (even if it’s just one) that will make more of an impact than a random bunch. The point is, you don’t want to spend money on flowers you don’t feel good about giving.

Choose Something That Catches Your Eye

Amidst the myriad of grocery store blooms, again, go for something you love even when in a crunch. At a market’s worst, there’s usually at least one flower that will catch your eye. As you stand there among a somewhat pointless display sometimes, what does your eye gravitate toward? Roses? Gerbera daisies? An orchid? Choose flowers that strike you in some way and you should be fine with your gift.

Feel for Freshness

When you’re buying flowers at the supermarket, it’s okay to feel each bunch to gauge freshness. Look for signs of wilting or dying, such as limp stems and petals. Check to see if bouquets contain any brown flowers, and smell for the flowers’ aroma. While you’re at it, look down deep inside the floral bunches to uncover any slimy stems that might signify you should pass on that particular flower arrangement.

Giving a gift like flowers requires that your whole heart be in it. It means so much more to a person (and we think they will surely be able to tell) when you offer a thoughtful gift or just a flower or two (or only a simple sincere expression of your thoughts in person or on a card) than to grab any old flowers off a rack just because. As long as you feel good about what you give, your giftee will surely be able to also feel your love.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

About the Rose: Everything You Wanted to Know

December 17, 2015

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” This we know. But, the rose’s name has become synonymous with love and friendship, so we appreciate being able to refer to it when we’re pondering these thoughts for a special person.

The rose is a flower that can be given to express innocent love, deep and true love, commitment, gratitude, and dozens of other feelings that we have for others. It’s long been referenced in history as a flower symbolic of many emotions, and it’s a bloom that takes on even more meaning when chosen in certain colors.

We love roses. We adore them in many varieties and scents that await to be explored, given, and cherished. If you love the rose as much as we do, and even if you’re on the fence about the rose, here are a few fun facts that will hopefully inspire you to buy roses soon for someone special or for yourself.

Variety

The variety of roses that one can buy, or grow, is expansive. There are garden roses, spray roses, hybrid tea roses, carpet roses, and many other types of roses that offer varying degrees of fragrance and varying hues for your enjoyment.

Rose Anatomy

All roses have stems, but some are thin and bendy while others are long and thick. Long-stem roses are some of the most popular types of roses for giving. They feature a large, single rosebud atop a long stem. Rose petals make up the head of the rose. Premium roses, like long-stem roses, have large heads. Some roses, like African roses, have multiple small heads, or buds, on one stem.

Origin

Long-stem roses that you’d typically find in a floral shop usually come from farms in Ecuador, Columbia, and Guatemala. Sweetheart roses, which have small buds and stems, often come from Tanzania, Kenya, Columbia, and India.

More About Roses

The cost of roses depends on many factors like season (red roses rise in price during February), color (hybrid roses go for a premium), and type (long-stem roses are some of the most expensive). The abundance of colors that the rose is available in makes this flower perfect for giving for any occasion. Need Christmas flowers? Choose white roses. Looking for a thank you gift? Opt for yellow roses. Roses can be ideal flowers to give for any reason and to express any sentiment.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers by Type, Flowers Generally, Roses

Flowers for a Hawaiian Wedding

December 17, 2015

Are you planning a Hawaiian-style wedding or a wedding in Hawaii? If so, we have some flower ideas that you might like. There are quite a few Hawaiian flowers that look lovely in a bouquet, corsage, or flower arrangement. These tropical blooms are perfect for casual or upscale weddings, weddings with most every color scheme, and weddings of almost any budget.

Orchid Spray

Set an orchid spray as a centerpiece on every table at a classy, contemporary Hawaiian wedding.

Ti Leaves

While not flowers, ti leaves are plants that look beautiful when placed underneath table settings at a Hawaiian wedding.

Loose Orchid Blossoms

Scatter loose orchid blossoms over the guests’ tables, the bridal party table, and even the buffet table at your Hawaiian wedding.

Leis

Offer a lei of orchids or plumeria to every guest who enters your wedding ceremony or wedding reception (and, of course, wear one yourself).

Floating Flowers

If you’re getting married near a pool, float carnations, tuberose, or pikake on the water.

Bridal Bouquet

For the bride, create a stunning bridal bouquet with orchids, bird of paradise, anthurium, amaryllis Barbados lily, and coffee.

These are just a few beautiful Hawaiian flowers that can make your Hawaiian wedding a stunning and delightful affair. In addition to placing them on tables, in your hands, and in swimming pools, you can bring Hawaiian flowers into your special event by using them as headbands, boutonnieres, and hanging flowers.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Weddings

Flowers for a Beach House

December 17, 2015

If you live by the ocean and are looking for the perfect flowers for a beach house, there are many beautiful blooms you can choose from. You have some gorgeous blossoms available to you that will bring a laid-back feeling of shorelines and waves into your kitchen, living room, or bedroom.

As you attempt to bring the colors, shapes, and feelings of the beach into your home, or a beach house you’re staying at, consider the following flowers:

Blue Delphinium

Blue delphiniums are the perfect flower to bring the sea into your house.

A blue delphinium in a clear glass vase might make you think of light sea breezes, so much so that you’d swear you felt one even though you’re not outside.

Succulents

Simple succulents are great choices for beach flowers because they inspire one to get outside and sink toes into sand, as pretty cactuses catch the eye all around with their stunning symmetry.

Bird of Paradise

To bring colors of exotic beaches of South Africa and the Chilean islands into your home, place bird of paradise on a windowsill, tabletop, or porch.

In addition to these beautiful flowers for a beach house, you can decorate with pride of Madeira, purple fountain grass, geranium, and verbena.

Do you have any special flowers you like to show off in your beach home? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Flowers to Help Honey Bees Thrive

December 10, 2015

The fate of the honey bee is in question, as the decline in the honey bee population has been noted by scientists and brought to the public’s attention by filmmakers. The honey bee serves many important functions in our eco-system, including pollinating plants so that they might produce food for us to eat. This is one reason why it makes sense to help the honey bee thrive.

In order to keep the honey bee population strong, there has to be an abundance of plants around that will give them pollen and nectar they need. And, these plants must not be heavily sprayed with pesticides, because these chemicals are detrimental to the bee.

To help honey bees strengthen their numbers, you can plant the following flowers in your garden:

Pale Purple Coneflower

The pale purple coneflower is a beautiful flower with delicate drooping petals. It’s a favorite of the honey bee, and when in full bloom it actually attracts tons of bees to a garden. The pale purple coneflower even brings in butterflies, so choose this flower and enjoy a show for up to three weeks, from June to July.

Common Yarrow

Common yarrow produces bright, flat heads of tiny daisy-like flowers. Honey bees really love this plant. It’s native to Eurasia and North America, but no matter where it’s planted, it’s sure to be accompanied by tons of pollinators. Common yarrow comes in a stunning “Strawberry Seduction” variety and a beautiful “Wonderful Wampee” version.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers, the popular flower of summer, attract bees like no other flower. The massive gold, orange, and red blooms contain tons of seeds that birds love too (and many humans). Sunflowers come in various heights and varieties, but we especially love the dwarf “Little Becka” and the classic “Big Smile.”

As you plan for these bee-loving flowers in your garden, keep their placement in mind. While these flowers are wonderful for bees, they’re not the best to have next to where kids might play. These flowers for honeybees can be planted strategically to offer nourishment and beauty, without causing problems.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Flowers for Hanging Baskets

December 10, 2015

If you’re putting together a hanging basket for yourself, or ordering one to give as a gift, the following flowers are great choices. They’re boldly colored, have long and gorgeous stems, and thrive in baskets when watered appropriately.

The below flowers are sure to look beautiful in your hanging basket!

Impatiens (Busy Lizzies)

Hanging baskets bursting with impatiens, or Busy Lizzies, offers a show of color from early summer to late autumn. These flowers have a wow factor that gives life to a backyard or a patio.

Impatiens come in a variety of vibrant hues, like pink and purple, and you’ll often find them in bi-color versions.

Lobelias

Lobelias are perfect flowers for hanging in baskets. They grow on a bushy plant that really fills up a basket nicely. You can choose ornamental or medicinal lobelias. All lobelia varieties are vividly colored and stunning.

Pelargoniums

Choose ivy-leaved pelargoniums for a hanging basket if you’re looking for a flower that’s a bit different from the norm. These flowers grow downward and they sometimes hide in the basket, giving it a lot of depth.

Petunias

Like lobelia, petunias also offer a dramatic statement for a hanging basket. We think these flowers are amazing to keep on a porch, so hang one on each side of your steps or hang many of them. Petunias are weather-resistant flowers that bloom in pure colors and they sometimes come in veined varieties.

All of these flowers for hanging baskets will surely brighten up your space and your spirit. They have much potential to bring joy to a day for someone close to you as well. If you know about any other flowers that are great for hanging baskets, we’d love to hear about them. Drop us a note in the comments below and tell us which flowers you love.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

The Best Place for Flowers in New York City

December 10, 2015

If you live in New York City, you might know about a flower shop that’s a bit out of the ordinary. It’s a special spot that allows one to grab some pretty flowers for the house and then grab a drink. The place is called Sycamore, and it’s a fun destination in Brooklyn where you can choose the right flowers for any occasion and then celebrate your purchase with just the right cocktail.

If you’re not from NYC, but will be visiting, make a point to hit up Sycamore Bar and Flower Shop. We think you’ll love it as much as we do.

Sycamore Bar and Flower Shop

Sycamore Bar and Flower Shop opened in 2008. From the beginning, the space has been somewhere to which New Yorkers could turn for a bit of beauty and a lot of comfort (the bar’s drinks are perfect for warming the body on a chilly NYC evening). Sycamore’s bar offers yummy libations that are great for indulging in after a long day at work. Its flower shop sells non-traditional bouquets and arrangements, made with flowers that the owner gets in fresh every day.

The folks behind Sycamore work with farmers in New Jersey, Connecticut, and NYC to bring in amazing blooms for your pleasure. They source many of their flowers from Brooklyn Grange, which has a rooftop garden with incredible floral abundance.

In addition to welcoming in locals and tourists to buy flowers, and have a spirit, Sycamore gives away tips on how to keep cut flowers fresh.

Flower Freshness Tips

Sycamore’s owners offer the following tips to keep freshly cut flowers lasting as long as possible:

  • Cut the stems each day
  • Change the water in the vase every day
  • Keep flowers out of direct sunlight
  • Roses need extra care
  • Flowers can be chilled to make them last longer

The next time you’re roaming Brooklyn, consider stopping into Sycamore Bar and Flower Shop! Their address is 1118 Cortelyou Road. If you do visit, drop back by here and let us know what you bought!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

The Best Flowers for People with Allergies

December 10, 2015

Do you live with allergies but love flowers? Do you want to give some beautiful flowers to someone who’d appreciate them if not for their allergies?

There are some gorgeous blooms that you can keep in your home, or give as a gift, that likely won’t cause an allergic reaction. These blossoms are fragrance-free or mildly fragrant, which helps keep irritation at bay.

For allergy sufferers, the following are the best flowers to have around:

Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a beautiful plant and it’s one that’s allergy friendly. This shrub, which produces flowers in a variety of colors, is a great choice for allergy sufferers because it doesn’t shed or smell much. It just sits there looking amazing with its pink, blue, white, or purple bunchy blooms.

Hosta

Hosta is another great choice for anyone with allergies. These flowers usually range from gold to chartreuse. Sometimes the smaller flowers come in shades of white or pale violet. Hosta are unscented, which is ideal for those with allergies. They require minimal sunlight or water, which also makes them perfect for many people.

Lilies

The lily is another stunning allergy-friendly plant. It gives off amazing blossoms that are pollen free. Pollen is an allergy trigger for many people. So, giving these flowers will keep a number of flower lovers thrilled that they can finally enjoy nature in their homes. For a treat, choose an exotic Asiatic lily for yourself or for someone you care about.

If you suffer from allergies and have a favorite, allergy-friendly flower you’d like to share with us, feel free to let us know in the comments below!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally
russian sage

Flowers to Attract Wildlife

December 6, 2015

Do you love the idea of wildlife hanging out in your garden, or stopping by to visit your patio? We do. So, we did a little research to find out which flowers wildlife are attracted to.

We wanted to get an idea of flowers that would be great for planting, or giving to someone, so that beautiful creatures would be enticed to come to our home or to our friend’s house.

The following are some of the wildlife-friendly flowers we found. They’re gorgeous in their own right, but they’re even more special considering they’ll bring little critters to brighten our day.

Russian Sage

Russian Sage offers a scent that we love. But, deer don’t seem to like it so you won’t find these animals gathering around your sage plant. You will, however, see bees and butterflies flying around sage, looking for sweet and sumptuous nectar.

Poppies

If you want a perennial for your home that looks stunning and begs for big bumblebee beauties to come eat, choose poppies. They’re easy to grow, which makes them a perfect flower for newbie gardeners who want to welcome winged friends.

Serviceberry

Birds go crazy over serviceberry. The tasty berries on this plant are favorite meals of many fluttery creatures, including the brown thrasher. Oh, and many a wild human likes to eat these blueberry-like berries too.

Purple Coneflower

A never-fail garden flower, the purple coneflower is worth growing if you want to bring butterflies into your space. These flowers come in a variety of colors. So, when combined with butterflies of varying hues, you’ll have a rainbow for viewing in your yard.

Chokeberry

Chokeberry has a rather unfortunate name, because it’s actually a go-to flower for attracting wildlife into a garden. The chokeberry blossoms during spring, and during summer it gets pretty berries that birds adore. This plant’s foliage during fall is phenomenal. Plus, it grows well in most soil and sun conditions.

We hope you’ll give these flowers a try in your home, for your sake and for the sake of the critters that live in your area. If you already have some of these flowers growing where you live, drop us a note and let us know what kind of wildlife come to enjoy them.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Fun Flower Facts

Indoor Flowers for a Modern House

December 3, 2015

Are you looking for contemporary flowers to decorate your modern house? We have some ideas for you. We’ve put together a list of flowers that look stunning as part of a modern decorating scheme. All of these flowers do well indoors, which means you don’t necessarily need to get a lot of light in your house for them to thrive. But, if your house gets quite a bit of sun, these flowers will surely be okay too, and they’ll likely flourish.

The following indoor modern flowers will do well in most rooms in your home.

Anemone

Anemone is a perennial that has beautiful basal leaves (a cluster of leaves that radiate from the base) and long-leaf stems. It’s a bloom that typically has from four to five petals fanned out to reveal a dark, inky center. Anemone blooms come in many colors, from white and purple or orange and red. We especially love white anemone for a modern house.

Bromeliads

Technically, bromeliads are not flowers. But, they’re plants that look like flowers so we’ll include them in our list of modern flowers for a contemporary home. Bromeliads flourish in low light and they add flair to any indoor space. They’re natural beauties that can bring vibrancy and color into a kitchen, bathroom, living room, or dining room.

Peace Lily

Peace lilies are also low-light plants. They make great additions to a modern home with their gorgeous, white-cupped petals, which are moderately fragrant. Peace lilies are long lasting and need very little attention, which means you can place them in a space in your home and simply enjoy them.

Zebra Plant

Another low-light flower, the zebra plant has striped foliage that looks incredible with many modern interior design plans. This flower is beautiful year round, but once a year you’ll especially adore your zebra plant as it produces pretty yellow flowers.

Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus is a popular Christmas plant for a modern home, but it’s not just to be displayed at Christmastime. This plant is a fantastic indoor plant for a contemporary house because it puts out little flowers, from white to pink to red, that look dramatic and magazine-photo worthy whether in a casual or formal room.

Are there any modern-looking flowers that you especially love? We’d love to hear about them and share them with our readers. Feel free to leave us a comment below with the flowers you use to style your contemporary residence.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally
calendula

Flowers for Healing

December 1, 2015

Do you know that there are some sicknesses that can be treated with flowers?

Certain flowers offer healing because flowers they can lift the spirit and bring a positive mindset to an ill person. Which will surely help the regenerative process. But, flowers can also be consumed to health the body. Some flowers, after ingestion, can help you get well. And, there are particular flowers that, when applied to the body topically, promote healing.

We’re going to tell you about some of these miracle flowers. We’re going to talk about a few flowers that you can use to get over the common cold, certain stomach conditions, and even respiratory issues.

Here are some of our favorite flowers to use:

Calendula

Calendula is an amazing healing flower because it can help reduce a variety of symptoms, inside and outside of the body. If you’re suffering from a cold or the flu, turn to calendula tea to help you kick it. When you’re dealing with eczema or have other skin ailments, like cuts and burns, you can use calendula petals mixed with olive oil as a salve for healing.

Angelica

Angelica has many healing uses, but it’s often given to the elderly and to children as a system-strengthening tonic. Angelica can be used to treat the digestive system, coughs, colds, and more. It’s extremely fragrant, so consider making a tea with Angelica if you think a warm soothing drink before bedtime will pick up your spirits when you’re sick.

Gardenia

Chinese medicine relies on gardenia for cleansing the blood, urine, and other internal fluids. Gardenia can help with physical injuries when its petals are applied in a carrier oil like coconut oil. This healing flower’s fragrance also works as a mental healing agent by helping to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress.

Rose

Roses contain vitamin C, so feel free to make up a bit of rose water to drink when you’re trying to get rid of a cold or flu. Many people don’t know that roses are extremely safe for human consumption. Rose petal tonics can help mild cases of constipation and rose tea can assist with blood circulation. Creams and pastes made with rose petals offer amazing benefits to dry and cracked skin.

We love flowers and we enjoy finding ways to bring them into our lives beyond just standard uses as tabletop arrangements. We hope that you will turn to some of these floral remedies if you find yourself feeling under the weather or hurt. Of course, we do recommend that you consult your physician before you consume these flowers.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Calendula, Flowers Generally, Roses
cactus as gift

Flowers to Send to a Teenage Boy

November 23, 2015

In between the video game systems, basketballs, computers, musical equipment, and collectibles, flowers can be an appreciated addition to a teenage boy’s bedroom.

If you know a teenage boy that is graduating, celebrating a birthday, going through a rough time, or just being an all-round special kid, consider sending a gift of flowers to offer your heartfelt thoughts.

Teenage boys aren’t typically marketed to by florists and flower shops, but they’re humans capable of enjoying beauty too.

For the teen boy in your life, consider these flowers:

Carnations

Carnations can be a fun flower to give a teenage boy. You can find these flowers in many hues, some natural and some artificially dyed. Teenage boys might love an arrangement of carnations in primary colors or one that’s custom made to match the décor in their room.

We love the idea of carnation stems cut short for a teenage boy. When arranged this way, it seems a bit more playful and informal than a tall bouquet. Carnations are often called the “flower of love.” So, if you want to send your love to a teen boy, carnations are perfect.

Cactus

Teenage boys seem to like cactuses above many flowers and plants. Maybe it’s because they have spikes that are ever so tempting to touch. Perhaps it’s that there’s a more “manly” quality to them than some flowers and plants.

We just know that some teenage boys we’ve observed go crazy over little pots of cactuses sold at hardware stores and supermarkets. Even cactuses with tons of brightly colorful flowers seem to be attractive to teenage boys. It’s fun to pick out cactuses with bold-shaded or geometrically shaped flowers.

Dandelions

Dandelions are cool looking, fun flowers that a teenage boy can gawk over or blow all over. These flowers are perfect for cheering up, showing you appreciate playfulness, and teaching about the magic of nature.

The dandelion is a member of the daisy family, which we think naturally means it’s a good flower for brightening a room or a spirit. You can buy them when they’re cute and yellow, but we love them fluffy and white.

You can find so many flowers that will convey your beautiful message to a teenage boy. When it comes time to choose, trust your instinct to deliver the perfect sentiment.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Carnations, Flowers Generally
heliotrope

Flowers to Say “I Love You” to Yourself

November 23, 2015

Have you ever had a day, or week or longer, where things got tough and you got down on yourself? Maybe you’ve been trying to keep a positive attitude, but the people around you are coming at you negatively. It can be challenging to keep love in our hearts for ourselves when we feel like we’re getting rocks thrown at us.

This is when “I Love You” flowers sent to ourselves are in order. If you’re ever going through times that make you question your worth, send some of the following flowers to yourself. They’re perfect for treating yourself to a big dose of self-love. They’re beautiful, worthy, and special.

Heliotrope

Heliotrope is a symbol of eternal love. So, go ahead and commit to loving yourself through anything by sending some of these gorgeous flowers to yourself. The word heliotrope means “turn towards the sun,” so turn your face to the light and soak in the goodness that these flowers bring and that you are.

Heliotrope exudes simple beauty. It doesn’t have to do anything flashy to gain attention, it just has to be itself. Supposedly, the original heliotrope was a plant known in Germany as “God’s herb” and it had many healing qualities. Heliotrope may just heal any negativity that you’re experiencing in your life.

Rue

For grace and a clear vision of the love that you are, choose rue for your floral gift to yourself. Rue is actually an herb, but it has small yellow flowers that compliment many other flowers in arrangements. Rue is matter of fact, but subtly stunning. It’s perfect for bringing clarity of purpose into your awareness.

Rue is native to the Mediterranean region. It’s known as Herb of Grace because Catholic priests once used its branches to sprinkle holy water. Rue has also been called the plant of patience because one rue plant can live for hundreds of years. Send rue to yourself as a reminder to have patience through tough times.

Edelweiss

For courage getting through difficulties, and for constant devotion to your truth, allow Edelweiss to enter your home. Edelweiss symbolizes deep love and commitment. The flower is closely related to alpine terrain, where dedication is required to get through rough moments.

Edelweiss is a flower of purity and accomplishment. It’s prized where it grows, in Switzerland, because it can only be obtained by a few and it lies waiting for discovery.

In times of sadness, grief, anger, confusion, or doubt, there is always a way to switch our mindset toward the beauty that lies within ourselves. That beauty may be hard to find at times, but it’s there and it’s worth discovering.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally
yellow flowers

Real Estate Agents and Mortgage Officers: Perfect Flowers to Give as Closing Gifts

November 23, 2015

If you’re in the real estate or mortgage business, you may be wondering about the perfect closing gift for your client. There are many options, from new appliances to gift certificates for dinner, but a classic and thoughtful gift can be a nice arrangement of flowers.

What better way to say “Congratulations,” “Good Luck,” and “Thank You” than sending flowers that will add to the beauty, and positive energy, of your clients’ new home.

Here are a few of our favorite flowers to give as closing gifts for win-win transactions:

Flowers for Friendship

If you like the thought of your clients, your friends, smiling every time they see your gift, send them sunflowers. Yellow is a traditional color of friendship. And suns, well they’re bright and cheery, which is something most people would want to experience in a new home. You can also send yellow roses. Or, send a bouquet of daisies to show your loyalty.

Flowers for Good Luck

To wish your clients “Good Luck” in their new home, send them a potted jasmine or bells of Ireland. You can also go with a bamboo plant, which is a plant that has a reputation for attracting wealth, health, happiness, and love. If you send bamboo, take note of the number of stalks on the plant. It’s said that the more stalks the plant has, the more fortune and luck will be bestowed.

Flowers for Appreciation

There are several flowers that convey a message of appreciation. These blooms will show your client that you are grateful for the opportunity to work with them and for their trust in your services. Great flowers to offer appreciation include radiant yellow tulips, warm peach roses, and joyful bird of paradise.

There are numerous ways that you can use flowers to convey your message to your client in your closing gift. A couple of other options include sending purple flowers of any kind to say “Congratulations” or giving them Peace lilies to help purify the air in their new home.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Daisies, Flowers Generally, Lilies, Peace Lily
flower seeds as a gift

Giving Flower Seeds as a Gift

November 23, 2015

If you’re wondering about a unique gift that you can give someone instead of flowers, consider flower seeds. Flower seeds can be a fun replacement to the standard bouquet of roses or other flowers, because they have the potential to be a gift that keeps giving.

Long after cut flowers would have died, flower seeds can provide beauty and fragrance for a room or garden because they turn into a living plant. Giving a gift of flower seeds can show love, friendship, or endearment on a long-term basis by offering the recipient a constant reminder of your thoughts.

The following are some flower seeds you might want to give for occasions like birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, baby births, and graduations:

Alyssum “Summer Romance Mix” from Renee’s Garden

This flower seed mix includes fast-growing, honey-scented blossoms for a garden or pot. It features a combination of seeds for growing beautiful lavender, violet, rose pink, and white flowers that attract butterflies.

“Love in a Mist” Flower Seeds from Hudson Valley Seed Library

“Love in a Mist” will give your intended the gift of feathery foliage for a dreamy atmospheric effect. Light and wispy blooms in jewel tones like sapphire, quartz, and amethyst offer even more seeds to dry and plant.

“Thanks a Bunch” Flower Seed Cards from Bloomin’

For a unique gift, give a “Thanks a Bunch” greeting card made out of plantable seed paper. These cards are stylish and earth friendly. They’re embedded with annual and perennial wildflower seeds and they come with 100%-recycled envelopes.

If you want to give the gift of flower seeds for a special occasion, or to offer sympathy, there are many companies you can turn to online like the few we’ve mentioned. You can buy flower seed packets, cards, and even plantable novelty items, such as seed bombs, that can serve as a message of your kindness for a long time to come.

It’s possible to buy seeds to grow roses, bachelor buttons, sunflowers, zinnias, and many other gorgeous flowers. Consider this special and thoughtful gift the next time flowers seem in order.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally
Hyacinth

Fragrant Flowers to Give as Gifts

November 20, 2015

Want to give flowers that will fill your recipient’s home with a strong and beautiful fragrance? We thought you might. Some flowers are more fragrant than others, so if you want to offer an experience for your giftee that’s like being surrounded by fresh blossoms in an abundant garden, you should know which flowers to choose.

Sweet smelling flowers conjure up thoughts of romance, peace, and innocence. They’re perfect for giving when you want to say, “I love you,” “You’re special,” or “I think I’m falling in love with you.”

We’ve given some thought as to which flowers we think are most fragrant and which would make perfect gifts. The following are some of the flowers we came up with.

Sweet Pea

Sweet peas are known for their intensely fragrant blooms. These plants are typically found in vine form, usually from about 4 to 6 feet tall. You can send a small potted vine, or you can ask your florist to send cut sweet pea flowers for you. These flowers come in many colors, including bi-colors.

Lily of the Valley

Even tiny flowers can have a big, robust flowers, as is proven with lily of the valley. This nodding bell-shaped flower typically comes in white or pink. Again, you can find this flower in a pot or cut. If you opt for a potted lily of the valley, you’ll surely be pleased (as will your recipient) to know that it’s very easy to care for.

Hyacinth

Hyacinth offers a sweet, sensual, and refreshing fragrance. This spring flower comes in colors like purple, pink, red, white, and yellow. Its a playful bloom that can convey friendship or budding love. Hyacinth looks lovely packed tightly in a plain brown paper wrap or in a simple vase.

These are three fragrant flowers that we love, but they are certainly not the only blooms that give off a provocative and gorgeous scent. We also adore irises, garden phlox, roses, jasmine, heliotrope, and gardenias. If you’re looking for fragrant blooms like these, simply do an online search to see which florists carry these flowers and which will deliver to your recipient’s location. We know that your intended will be thrilled with receiving any of these delicious-smelling floral gifts.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Iris, Roses, Sweet Pea
yellow tulips

Flowers to Send After a Breakup

November 20, 2015

Unlike the song says, we don’t believe breaking up is always hard to do. It can be difficult, for sure. But, it can be a relief and a blessing.

Something that does ring true for us, though, is that breakups are often best done with closure. And, sending flowers after a breakup could offer just the finality you need to strengthen your heart.

Sometimes, letting go by sending flowers may be the selfless act that actually heals a relationship.

Whether you find yourself wanting to say farewell in a respectful way, offer your generosity to mend a broken bond, or even celebrate your newfound singleness, there are flowers that are just right for the situation.

Here are a few good choices…

If you’re trying to be an upstanding person, even when you know a relationship is over for good, you can send these flowers:

  • Purple Carnation – These flowers say “I’ll never forget you.”
  • Striped Carnation – Send striped carnations to say “Sorry, I can’t be with you.”
  • Cattail – To wish your ex partner peace and prosperity, send cattail.

If you know that selfish acts on your part have contributed to your breakup, you might want to send the following flowers to show you’ve changed:

  • Roses – Roses are flowers that say “I Love You” in a way that’s hard to ignore.
  • Gladiolus – These flowers offer thoughts of “I’m Really Sincere.”
  • Hyacinth – To say “I’m sorry, please forgive me,” send hyacinth.

Maybe you feel the need to send flowers to yourself so you can cheer up or move on with courage. Perhaps you’re just darn happy with yourself for doing the right thing for your heart. Choose these flowers.

  • Agrimony – Agrimony helps you put on a happy and bright face to move away from heartbreak.
  • Sunflowers – It’s hard to get much more cheerful than a sunflower. Treat yourself to a few.
  • Chestnut Bud – These flowers assist in learning lessons and making better choices.

For any of these circumstances, you can always send a yellow tulip. They speak of the importance of a smile.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Saying I'm Sorry, Saying Thank You

Eight Crazy Nights of Flowers for the Festival of Lights

December 9, 2014

Bust out the dreidels and latkes- it’s Hanukkah time!
Celebrating the successful rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the long-lasting one-day’s supply of oil that burned for eight, count ’em, eight crazy nights, Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights, as each evening a candle is lit on the menorah and left to burn all night. Gathering with family and friends is the kosher thing to do during this winter-time holiday, and a small gift of flowers will look lovely as you sing Hanerot Halalu. Here are eight fabulous flowers that will light up the night. Try bringing home one each evening for a bouquet of blessings worth their weight in gelt.

White Lilies
Said to represent resurrection and return to happiness, these large showy flowers can trumpet the triumph of the Maccabees like no other. There are several different varieties to choose from of these highly-fragrant flowers. Most will last for at least a week and their large blooms really fill out a vase so, much like the oil that burned for 8 days straight, a little goes a long way.

Blue Iris
If you’d like to stick with the blue and white color theme of the Hanukkah season, try adding iris to your vase of white lilies for a gorgeous contrasting color. They last just as long and are easy to find at any florist.

GoldenrodGoldenrod
Like the flame of a candle, this wispy wildflower has a golden plume that tops erect stems that can be several feet tall. Trim it down and tuck it in to add texture and a spot of bright color to an arrangement or consider choosing 8 tall and regal stems in a glass vase.

Queen Anne’s Lace
In the Victorian language of flowers, this frilly flower is a message stating, “I will return.” In honor of Judaism’s return to the Temple, try using this lovely, white wildflower as an accent to lilies or roses.

Hyssop
On returning, the Temple was cleaned and rededicated, so many people take the opportunity to give the house a good scrubbing this time of year- especially before guests arrive. Consider hyssop, and purple-flowered mint relative said to symbolize cleansing and purity to the bouquet.

Rosemary
An herb said to symbolize both devotion and remembrance, stick a spring of this heavenly scented shrub in with other flowers for a delicious smell and texture. You can also bring a nice potted plant of it home to last for months to come.

Celosia
Like little candles shining bright, this feathery flower comes in a bright yellow or orange. Fluffy and long lasting, this flower looks great in a vase by itself or tucked in with others.

Blue HydrangeasHydrangea
The large, lush blooms of hydrangea are said to symbolize devotion and piety and will light up the table with their delicate, soft petals. Give yourself a gimel and get a few stems of these for Hanukkah this year.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: By Month, Flowers Generally, Irises, Lilies

5 Whimsical Wildflowers for your Wedding Bouquet

May 17, 2014

Adding a bit of nature to your nuptials is easy with the choice of fresh flowers for your bouquet, ceremony and reception area. While your area florist will have a wide variety of beautiful, tropical flowers imported from all over the world, using more native-looking and natural wildflowers can lend a unique look to your special day. Here are five choices that will give any bouquet a fresh-picked look.

Larkspur
Native to parts of North America, this frilly flower comes in some of the truest shades of blue found in nature. A type of delphinium, most larkspur have tall stems with individual, 5-petaled flowers that have a curled nectar spur behind them, giving it a wonderful and whimsical look that looks at home in a fairy tale. With a natural bloom time of June, July and August, this is a perfect pick for a summer wedding.Larkspur

Amaranthus
A close relative of quinoa, this delicately trailing stem can come in cascading blooms of green, red, orange and pink. Added to the outside of a bouquet, it lends a bit of natural frippery that tendril down the sides. Consider adding this versatile bloom to bouquets, vases and tabletops. Available spring, summer, fall and winter, these flowers are perfect for any season.Amaranthus

Sea Holly
This spiky, blue bloom seems out of place next to hot house roses, but actually adds an interesting look to an otherwise ordinary bouquet. Mixed with more traditional flowers, the wild look of sea holly stems pair well with almost any color and add “something blue” as well.Sea Holly

Ranunculus
Nothing says natural quite as subtly as the lovely ranunculus. While most of these many-hued beauties will be grown in greenhouses these days, this buttercup relative looks like it was just gathered from a meadow. White, red, orange, yellow and pink make this poppy-like bloom match just about any color scheme and works great in a boutonniere to match.

Poppy heads
The perennial poppy produces beautiful flowers, but once those fade you are left with a large, green seed pod that adds both whimsy and form to a wedding bouquet. Available for most of the summer and fall, these large, round, green stems fit into any color palate and make any mix of flowers more natural-looking. In a winter wedding, these dried pods look perfect next to red hypericum berries and seasonal greens.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Larkspur / Delphinium, Poppies, Weddings

The Right Romantic Flowers

August 3, 2012

When deciding upon romantic flowers for your loved one it can be easy to fall back on red roses. Sometimes, though, red roses can get old, especially if you’ve given them to that special someone before. Romantic flowers come in a variety of sizes, types and colors and the true art of choosing a romantic flower arrangement comes with how the flowers are arranged. Romance in flowers can be found in flower petals that are delicate, like tissue paper, accentuation with whimsical spray flowers, and the incorporation of beautiful colors. Here are a few of our favorite romantic flower arrangements:

The Abundant Array

This stunning bouquet is bursting with romance. The arrangement is marked with delicate pink garden roses, double lisianthus, tulips and ranunculus, which are enveloped with etherial purple lilac, seeded eucalyptus and ivy, and dotted with soft blush hydrangea flowers. The bouquet is arranged in a way that it appears to be overflowing from the clear vase, included, as if it were just gathered from a beautiful english garden and placed right in the vase.

Thinking of You

This sweet bouquet is reminiscent of a magical moonlight stroll. Lavender roses are contrasted with deep purple lisianthus, with a sparkle of yellow Peruvian lilies, and a smattering of light lavender lilies flitting about the entire arrangement. The gorgeous marrying of varied shades of purple, with dashes of yellow and white looks as if it were inspired by a beautiful dusk evening with twinkling stars. This elegant bouquet comes arranged in a matching lavender vase to further offer a dramatic look to this breathtaking arrangement.

Dawning Love

This warm and embracing arrangement offers a jaw-dropping beauty that is alive with vibrant colors. Red gerbera daisies burst over a bed of fuchsia roses, burgundy mini carnations, peach Peruvian lilies and orange spray roses. This beautiful bouquet will light up any room, and offer an inviting presence to any space it graces.

Red roses are always a classic way to keep the romance alive but for a unique and unexpected way to appreciate your loved one, any one of these gorgeous arrangements will make for a perfect surprise.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Anniversaries, Flowers Generally, Occasions, Valentine's Day

The Right Flower Bouquets for Decorating in a Pinch

July 16, 2012

When you think of flower bouquets, you often think of buying them for events and loved ones: birthday flower bouquets, congratulatory flower bouquets, sympathy flower bouquets and “get well” flower bouquets. But flower bouquets can actually be a way to save you time when planning a party or gathering! Simply order one or two bouquets of flowers, and set to work making them do the decorating for you. Here are a few of our favorite ideas:

Mixed Flowers in Mixed Glass Vessels

This is such a delicate and elegant look, and is as easy as ordering a bouquet of flowers and gathering various, mismatched vessels. They could be empty bottles, canning jars and bud vases, the sky is the limit. If you want to purchase a few pretty glass bottles, Amazon.com has a several great selections. You can get a simple set of six 375ml bottles for under $30 and it would be great for this look. Or you can scout your local thrift store for unique bottles, or even your own kitchen or garage! This neat set of 5 magnetic bud vases allows you to attach the vases to their metal bases through your tablecloth and then place a single stem in each one and it will look like they are coming out of the table.

The FTD Color Rush Flower Bouquet By Better Homes And Gardens - Vase Included

Once you have your bud containers assembled, simply grab a bouquet of mixed flowers to start assembling your decor. We love this Color Rush arrangement, which is a lively mix of orange roses, red mastsumoto asters and pale pink mini carnations. Simply gather one or two stems and arrange them in one of your bud containers. You can group them together as a table centerpiece, or place them around the room as an overall decor. This is a simple and stunning look, and if you have everything delivered to you, it is one or two less errands you have to run to prepare for your gathering!

Hydrangeas and Baby’s Breath

The pairing of hydrangeas and baby breath is both beautiful and cost effective. While hydrangeas can typically be pricey, you can fill out the bouquet with inexpensive baby’s breath. The result is a dazzling arrangement that will make for jaw-dropping centerpieces or buffet table decor. Simply order a bouquet of hydrangeas and a bouquet of baby’s breath, gather some of your favorite flower vase or containers, and arrange a few hydrangeas with a bundle of baby’s breath. It couldn’t be easier! For a rustic look, arrange them in quilted canning jars, milk glass containers for a vintage look, or simple bubble vases for an elegant look.

Floating Flowers

For this look you need wide glass vases (such as bubble vases or square vases) or canning jars, some floating candles, and some decorative gems or other vase fillers. You can use any flower that you like, but in our experience, larger blooms such as roses, gerbera daisies and tulips work best.

Snip off the stem of a flower at a shorter length than the height of the vase you are using. You can do varying lengths to add depth to look, or make all of the stems the same length for uniformity. Hold the flower, stem down, in the center of the vase and gently add your vase filler around the stem, to anchor it down. Slowly fill the vase with water until the flower is full submerged. Float a candle on top.

Flower bouquets are an excellent way to dress up your next event, and with just a few minutes out of your day, you can whip up some fun flower looks to brighten up your entertainment space.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Occasions

Eucalyptus in Flower Bouquets

July 11, 2012

Eucalyptus fronds are a favored addition to bouquets because they are beautiful and wonderfully fragrant. They are used in a variety of decor, and are prized by brides who are having rustic weddings, as the eucalyptus’ shade of green offers a gorgeous vintage feel, and the scent has aroma therapeutic properties. The scent of eucalyptus is used for many purposes in aromatherapy, such as in saunas and hospital rooms for its antiseptic properties, and it is great for personal use to perk you up if you are tired. Eucalyptus is a fantastic addition to any bouquet, and here are some of our favorite flower bouquets that feature eucalyptus:

Eucalyptus with Fuchsia and Orange

The muted green of eucalyptus provides a beautiful pop against bright colors like fuchsia and orange, as shown in this stunning bouquet. Eucalyptus is arranged amongst Fuchsia gladiolus, orange Asiatic Lilies and eye-popping hot pink roses. This color arrangement is perfect for summer, and would look lovely as a summer wedding centerpiece, or would make one lucky recipient very happy if delivered to their door. To top off this stunning arrangement, the flowers come in a beautiful Waterford Crystal vase.

Sweet Samba Rose & Lily Flower Bouquet In Waterford - 14 Stems - Vase Included

Eucalyptus and Yellow

The gorgeous green of eucalyptus looks lovely when contrasted with yellow and offers an earthy look that would delight anyone who loves the outdoors. This bouquet shows that simplicity can often be the sweetest look, with soft yellow roses and delicate white calla lillies mixed with eucalyptus. The scent of the roses mixed with the eucalyptus will offer a beautiful fragrance to make this a dynamic bouquet, delighting the senses. With yellow roses being the symbol of friendship, this is a perfect bouquet to let your dearest friend know that you are thinking of them.

Eucalyptus with Soft Pinks and Purples

As we mentioned, eucalyptus is a phenomanal addition to rustic decor, and when paired with other soft colors it is reminicent of an english garden. We are in love with this breathtaking bouquet which features seeded eucalyptus seated amongst lavender roses, green hydrangeas, pink ranunculus, pink tulips and lavender heather. In addition to greens of eucalpytus, this gorgeous bouquet features English ivy, and is arranged in a beautiful glass rectangular vase. Because this is a low-sitting bouquet, it would also make for a breathtaking centerpiece.

The FTD Blooms Of Hope Flower Bouquet By Better Homes And Gardens - 28 Stems - Vase Included

While greens make for beautiful fillers in flower bouquets, they often go unnoticed. With eucalyptus added as part of the greens, the arrangement commands attention and will certainly be an eyecatching option for any flower bouquet needs.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Anniversaries, Flowers Generally, Greenery, Occasions

The Right Flowers for Brunch

July 6, 2012

Brunch has grown in popularity throughout the years and now people are looking for just about any excuse to plan a fun brunch! Brides have opted for brunch bridal showers, and brunch birthday parties are increasingly popular as a fun way to honor someone’s special day. Part of the fun of a good brunch is the beautiful and cheerful bouquet that tends to accompany a brunch. Whether you are having a formal or informal brunch, flowers are a beautiful and fresh way to bring a degree of class and elegance to a gathering. If you are the brunch host, or looking for a brunch hostess gift, here are a few of our favorite brunch flower arrangements!

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are the quintessential sunny day flower, probably because they look like little suns on a stem! It is hard to be in the presence of sunflowers and not instantly be uplifted. While sunflowers may seem like an overly-simplistic option for brunch, consider  this luxurious bouquet of sunflowers from FTD. Boasting 27 stems in a clear glass vase, this arrangement is essentially all one would need at their brunch table, aside from some complimentary tea lights. This is perfect for a centerpiece, or buffet table decor.

Luminous

Elegant Bouquets

If you are looking for a sophisticated look for your brunch, then look no further than this gorgeous bouquet. Featuring lavender roses, pink Oriental Lilies and purple stock flowers, this bouquet touches on all of the colors one thinks of when thinking of spring and summer. These beautiful flowers are a lovey way to bring a touch of class to any brunch event, and would be stunning flanked by white pillar candles, or silver candlesticks.

The FTD Timeless Elegance Flower Bouquet - Vase Included

Bright and Cheerful

If you are aiming for brunch decor that is simply eye-catching and cheerful, a bouquet like this Brighten Your Day Bouquet, which features every dazzling color associated with the warm season, is a perfect way to go about it. For a truly dramatic look, consider three of these bouquets, lined up as a centerpiece on your brunch table. Because they sit relatively low in their bubble vase, they will look stunning, yet still allow guests to comfortably talk across the table.

The FTD Brighten Your Day Flower Bouquet By Better Homes And Gardens - Vase Included

Brunch is such a fun way to get friends and family together to catch-up, eat and spend quality time together. Let them know that their presence is special to you with these gorgeous flowers!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Occasions

The Right Luxury Roses for Your Occasion

April 20, 2012

Looking for luxury roses for your loved one? Roses are one of the most popular flowers that are given to the special someone in your life, and while many people aim to find the best price available for their expression of love, certain occasions in life call for nothing but the best. Whether you are proposing, expressing sincere apologies or simply want to tell that cherished loved one just how much you love them, expensive luxury roses can be worth the money! Here are a few of our favorite luxury rose bouquets:

Classic Red Bouquet


Red roses are the classic way to say “I love you” and you cannot go wrong with traditional arrangements such as this bouquet of 72 long-stemmed roses, or this bouquet of 100 long-stemmed roses. Long-stemmed roses, like the 24-inch stems in this feature bouquet, aid in showing off the extent of the brilliance of this extravagant amount of roses and is sure to excite the lucky recipient. If all red is not your first preference, there are plenty of other options, such as this bouquet of 72 long-stemmed roses in pink, purple and red.
Breathless Luxury Rose Flower Bouquet - 100 Stems Of 24-Inch Premium Long-Stemmed Roses - Vase Included

Tall Standing Roses

What these arrangements lack in quantity, they more than make up for in presentation! You can get tall standing roses ranging from 3 foot to 5 foot stems for a visual impact that is sure to stun and please your love. Most tall standing bouquets come with their own tall vases, such as this Ultimate Rose bouquet which comes complete with a black ceramic vase. If you want to save a little money, you can buy them without the vase, but that may put the recipeint in the awkward position of having to find a really tall vase!

Presentation is Everything

Give your love the gift of beautiful roses in a presentation that they will enjoy for years to come. Many florists offer roses in collectible crystal vases or other accessories that add an extra sense of luxury to the arrangement. For a jaw-dropping presentation, consider something along the lines of this stunning 18 long-stem bouquet, arranged in a fine Steuben crystal vase. If you have a special night planned, such as a proposal or birthday celebration, this stunning gift set features 18 long-stemmed pink and red roses, with two Baccarat crystal champagne flutes. This elegant touch is sure to leave a lasting impression in the mind of your loved one.

While we here at the Right Flowers aim to bring you beautiful, economical flowers that will give you maximum beauty for minimum dollars, we recognize that some occasions call for extravagant flowers. Any one of these arrangements will knock the socks off of the lucky recipient!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Anniversaries, Flowers Generally, Occasions, Saying I'm Sorry, Weddings

Flowers by Color – Purple Wedding Flowers

April 5, 2012

Today in the “Flowers by Color” series we are taking a look at purple wedding flowers. The color of royalty and the favorite color of many engaged couples, purple wedding flowers are cropping up everywhere this wedding season. We have you covered if you are looking for purple flowers for a wedding, whether you are eyeing a soft lavender color, or looking for a deep purple!

  1. Purple Peruvian Lilies – Purple Peruvian Lilies are a beautiful medium purple, as shown paired with bi-colored calla lilies and white roses in this bouquet. They bring a touch of an exotic element to floral arrangements, and would make a stunning addition to flowers in contrasting colors, such as orange.
  2. Purple Anemones – Anemones are so delicate that they almost look like they are made of tissue. Available in light and deep purple colors, such as this elegant Purple Passion Flower Bouquet, they inspire a dramatic bridal entrance. Because they are a larger flower, you can get more of an impact for less money because just a handful of blooms produce a lush bouquet. They also make for a unique and unexpected boutonniere
  3. Tulips – Tulips come in a variety of colors, including light and deep purples. They look positively breathtaking and classy when bunched together in a monochromatic arrangement and housed in a silver vase, or when paired together as in this Painted Skies tulip flower bouquet.

Some popular color pairings with purple wedding flowers are orange, yellow, black, red and gray. Remember that color pairing is everything when going for a specific theme. For example, a purple wedding flower paired with peach flowers and topped off with burlap can create a gorgeous, rustic feel. A deep purple, paired with red and black can create a vintage feel. With so much impact, it is no wonder that flowers make up such a large part of wedding budgets!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

The Right Flowers to say “Congratulations”

April 4, 2012

Any occasion that arises to say “Congratulations” is a happy occasion which is why it is important to make sure you send the right flowers to say congratulations. The sky is virtually the limit on happy flowers available to express your well wishes and it can be overwhelming to decide on one bouquet. Typically bright, big blooms are the preferred way to express congrats, but flowers that are personalized to the recipient are also a great option to consider. Here are some of our favorite congratulatory bouquets!

  1. The Sweet Splendor Flower Bouquet – This springy bouquet boasts orange roses, yellow mini carnations, white daisies and contrasting greens. It is like a sunburst in a vase and is sure to bring a smile to the face of the recipient. It is a perfect pairing with warm spring and summer days.
  2. The Time to Celebrate Rainbow Rose Bouquet – This is a unique bouquet with rainbow petals on each stem. Described by the florist as being inspired by kaleidoscopes, these roses are each swirls of yellow, green, blue, pink, purple and yellow. This would be a particularly fun bouquet for kids and teens, and would be extra fun for them to receive in class for a job well done at a school event.
  3. The New Dream Bouquet – This aptly named bouquet is a perfect “congratulations” for a couple who has announced a new baby or engagement, or a loved one who has turned a new leaf. The “New Dream” bouquet is architected to look like a happy symbol of an optimistic future. Featuring a lush ball of yellow spray roses and pink carnations with asters and blue iris flowers perched on top, the arrangement is displayed in a glass bubble vase to reveal thick, cheerful green stems.
  4. The Colorful World Gerbera Daisy – Gerbera daisies are one of the most popular flowers in the world and are a welcome site to those who are tired of more traditional flowers, such as roses. This bouquet is arranged in a burst of colors such as yellow, pink, red and orange. This eye-catching array of flowers is sure to be proudly displayed in the home or office of its intended.

While each of these bouquets do a great job of conveying “congratulations”, they are each unique and sure to offer something to everyone.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

Flowers by Color – Blue Wedding Flowers

April 2, 2012

Blue is proving to be a hot color for weddings and events for 2012. Paired with vibrant oranges, bright yellows, or left as a dramatic monochromatic theme, blue is a fun color no matter what hue you choose. Here are some of our favorite blue flowers:

  1. Hydrangeas – Hydrangeas are a classic wedding pick that come in several shades of blue. Whether you choose a soft sky blue, or a deeper indigo blue, the hydrangea is an elegant way to dress any display table. Because they are such a dense flower, even a few stems of hydrangeas make an eye-catching display, potentially saving you money on your flower budget.
  2. Blue Spider Flower – Despite their creepy, crawly name, blue spider flowers offer an exciting addition to a floral arrangement. Resembling a burst of party streamers, the long, thin petals shoot out of the center, making it a celebration-worthy addition to your bouquet.
  3. Cornflowers – Blue cornflowers typify spring and summer and offer a shock of electric blue to any arrangement. With rows of ruffled petals, they are like the sophisticated older sister of the carnation. Capped off with a black stigma (the center of the flower), they are a perfect compromise for the bride and groom who are wanting a flower that is somewhere between feminine and masculine.
  4. Blue Roses – Blue seems such an unlikely color for roses and that is what makes these blue-hued roses an unexpected surprise. If an all-blue rose bouquet is too much blue for your taste, you can break them up with complimentary colors, or even flowers that are a light shade of blue.
Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

7 Tips for Buying Quality Flowers

March 21, 2012

Are you looking for an exquisite bouquet of flowers for someone special, but not sure where to start? Have you decided to finally try your hand at flower arranging, but unsure how to purchase flowers like a pro? Here are 7 easy steps to help you ensure that you are buying the healthiest, highest quality flowers that you can find:

  1. Don’t buy flowers that have been placed outside for display. These flowers have been exposed to environmental stresses such as weather, cigarette smoke of passers by, passing dogs and smog.
  2. Check the petals and ensure that they are not dry, or limp. Ensure that there are no brown spots. For flowers with dense petals, such as roses and peonies, be sure to gently check the middle petals as well.
  3. Make sure the leaves are fresh. The leaves can often be the first sign that something is wrong with the flower. You are looking for green, strong leaves that are free of discoloration and holes, and that are not overly dry or slimy. If the leaves are not healthy, this suggests that the flowers are old and/or sick.
  4. Inspect the stem for strength. A healthy stem will be strong, and when you hold the base of it, the flower will stand up on its own (or at least will try if flower is heavier). The stem should be crisp and green, like healthy asparagus, not weak and limp. Also ensure that the stem is not slimy or malodorous, as this can be a sign that the flower has been in water for awhile, further indicating that it is not fresh.
  5. Look for barely open blooms. For flowers that start with a closed bloom and then unfurl, such as roses, look for buds that are closed, but showing a little color at the top. This means that the flower is soon blooming so you can ensure that you maximize how long you have the flowers, and also enjoy the beauty of their bloom.
  6. Beware where you buy. If you are buying the arrangement, ensure that you are choosing a good florist. Websites where consumers can rate local business, such as Yelp.com, are helpful because you can read about the types of experiences that others have had. Particularly important is to see if the floral shop responded to, and remedied, any bad reviews that they received.
  7. Be prepared. If you are setting out to arrange your own flowers, make sure are prepared to handle those beautiful, healthy flowers you brought home. The Complete Guide to Flower Arranging, by Jane Packer, offers step-by-step instructions on how to complete several arrangements, including fresh and dried arrangements.

With a little patience, persistence and know-how, you can feel confident that you are buying the best flowers available for you and others to enjoy as long as possible.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Any Time, Flower Keeping Tips, Flowers Generally, Occasions

Unique Wedding and Bridal Bouquets

March 19, 2012

Wedding season is quickly coming and many brides and grooms are looking to add a unique flair to their weddings. Gone are the days of bridesmaids who match from head-to-toe, red rose petal decor and prom-style picture poses. Young couples want their weddings to reflect their own personal style and ensure that those wedding pictures capture both the wedding, and the essence of who the couple is.

The bridal bouquet is such a personal statement to the bride. It compliments the gown in which she invested hours of decision, it accents her wedding theme and colors and it will grace numerous wedding pictures. The bouquet is second to the wedding dress, and third to the bride, in terms of what wedding guests will notice when the bride takes her first steps down the aisle. This is an opportunity to make that bouquet a statement with one of our three ideas for unique bridal bouquets:

The Natural Girl Bouquet

With warm spring and summer weather upon us, many couples will opt for outdoor weddings with natural, earthy themes. A bouquet that reflects the diversity of blooms that the earth has to offer is an excellent way to achieve the natural look of the outdoors. Raw cotton stems, such as those sold by the Fresh Lavender is also an earthy, fragrant addition to a bouquet and is abundant in the warm spring and summer months. An additional consideration for lavender buds: they make an excellent, eco-friendly alternative to tossing rice on the newlywed couple. Regional wildflowers are also a fun addition to the natural bouquet, and are a loving way to acknowledge the state in which you are getting married. You can see which wildflowers are in bloom in your region by consulting Wildflower Information.

The Nautical/Beach Bouquet

If you are getting married by the beach, or having a nautical-themed wedding, there are a bunch of fantastic directions to take your bouquet. A simple bouquet of all white flowers, such as this White Wonders bouquet would look stunning wrapped with navy blue ribbon, or even sail rope. If you want your bouquet to take on more of a beach theme, a bouquet of anemones, such as this bouquet featured on I Do it Yourself are already color-perfect. Want to “beach it up” even more? Find some pretty shells, hot glue a shell to the end of a wooden barbecue skewer, and slip it into the bouquet so that just the sea shell is peeking out.

The Wine-Lovers Wedding Bouquet

Eye popping burgundy Dahlias, deep purple Smithsonian Glorious Daybreak Orchid and full Raspberry Althea Sprays Garden Roses are just a few of the vibrant, rich flowers that can adorn a wine-lovers bouquet. If you are a true purist, the Velvet Wine Dahlia, with stunning burgundy petals, dotted with a contrasting, yellow center (reminiscent of the contrast of red and white wine) is the must-have addition to your wine-themed wedding bouquet. To carry through the “Dahlias and Wine” theme, opt to serve Dahlia wines at the reception, available in a Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Reserve for toasting. For a unique touch to the bouquet, follow the directions above for adding sea shells to the bouquet, but instead of gluing sea shells to the barbecue skewers, glue wine corks to the skewers and slip them in the bouquet. They will make a beautiful contrast to the deep burgundy and purple flowers.

With just a little imagination and less than 10 minutes of crafting time, you can have your gorgeous bouquet reflecting your personal style in no time!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally, Occasions

The Right Flowers to Say “I Love You”

February 27, 2012

Sending flowers to the person you love can be a headache, trying to choose from the multitude of options out there. Simply going to any of the big flower websites will cause you to be inundated with hundreds of different bouquets and options. How can you possibly pick the right flowers to say “I love you”? Here are a few ways to narrow it down!

  1. Start with the obvious – What is your love’s favorite flower? Are there a few? Depending on the type of flower, they may not be in season when you want to send your bouquet so they may set you back a bit more financially. They also may not be as beautiful as other blooms that are currently in season. So first weigh which is more important to you, the thoughtfulness of buying the specific flower or the breathtaking beauty of a fresh, in-season bouquet.
  2. Favorite color – If you know your love’s favorite color, this could be a great option, especially if you do not know their favorite flower or if that particular flower is not in bloom. A monochromatic bouquet can be stunning, or throw in a few accent colors. Either way, this is sure-fire way to get their attention and personalize the bouquet.
  3. To plant, or not to plant – If your love works in an office and has their own desk, you might consider sending a potted plant so that they can enjoy it and think of you throughout the year. Many florists have an array of potted options that are gorgeous, ranging from green plants, to simple orchids.

Remember to consider such things such as whether your love has any flower allergies, or dislikes any certain flowers. Regardless, the gesture of sending flowers is such a thoughtful one that it is sure to bring a smile to your love’s face!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Any Time, Flowers Generally

The Right Flowers for Mardi Gras

February 21, 2012

Mardi Gras is upon us and there is not a lot of information out there on picking the right flowers for Mardi Gras! There are a few reasons why you would want Mardi Gras flowers. Whether you are a business that wants to recognize Mardi Gras by sprucing up the office, have a friend from New Orleans who likes to celebrate and you want to surprise them with a bouquet, or are in New Orleans and want to join the festivities, you may find yourself looking for a Mardi Gras bouquet. Here are a few guidelines to finding the best Mardi Gras bouquets:

Bright and Colorful:

Mardi Gras celebrations are known for their bright and vibrantly colored streamers, beads and masks. Keep this theme going with Mardi Gras flowers. Since Mardi Gras is in February, you will want to look for blooms that will be in season. Some great options include:

  1. Cornflowers – vibrant blue
  2. Dahlias – come in a variety of bright colors
  3. Gerberas – feature bold pink, yellow and orange hues
  4. Tiger Lilies – ornate, splashy orange petals
  5. Belladonna Lilies – similar to the Tiger Lily, but in a rich pink hue

Think Outside the Flower:

With Mardi Gras being synonymous with bold and bright, you might want to add some other elements to your bouquets that will punch them up with more festive colors. Synthetic additions are an excellent choice to bring your bouquets to full Mardi Gras glory! Several Mardi Gras specialty stores, such as Mardi Gras Outlet offers synthetic sprays to arrange in your bouquets. Options include:

  1. Beaded Faux Flowers
  2. Glitter Faux Feather Picks
  3. Glitter Hanging Curl Sprays
  4. Metallic Foil Star Sprays
  5. Gold Fleur de Lis Picks

Because Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” is symbolic of the traditional practice of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual of fasting for lent, edible bouquets made from cookies, candies or other treats are also a fun way to celebrate Mardi Gras. Just remember to keep those colors bold and vibrant!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Dahlia, Flowers Generally, Orchids, Roses

What to do with Leftover Valentines Day Rose Petals

February 15, 2012

Valentines Day has come and gone and you may just find yourself with leftover Valentines Day rose petals. Don’t just let those roses die! Put those leftover Valentines Day rose petals to good use! Here are some of our favorite uses for rose petals:

  1. Make Sugared Rose Petals – Believe it or not, your leftover Valentines Day rose petals are a delicious and decadent delicacy! Sugared rose petals are fantastic for use in decorating cupcakes and cakes and sprinkling on top of vanilla ice cream. You can also steep them in hot water to make a deliciously sweet rose tea. For a simple sugared rose petal recipe, check out the recipe featured in My Recipes. Important note: do not consume roses that are not organic as you may ingest pesticides.
  2. Make Your Own Rose Water – Rose water is a fantastic astringent for sensitive skin because it is a very mild astringent. It also smells heavenly to burn in an an oil incense  burner. For an easy rose water recipe, check out Care 2.
  3. Make Your Own Rose Potpourri – Why pay the high prices that can accompany quality potpourri when you can make fresh potpourri from your leftover Valentines Day rose petals yourself? You can make the loveliest scents with your roses and other ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry! For a basic recipe, check out Garden Guides.
  4. Make a Rose and Honey Facial Mask – Rose and honey are both excellent astringents and impart a glow on you face that is visibly noticeable by others. As with ingestible roses, make sure these roses are pesticide-free so that those toxins are not going on your skin! For a great rose and honey facial mask recipe, check out the recipe offered by Beautylish.

Just because Valentines Day is over does not mean you cannot enjoy your leftover Valentines Day rose petals! Get creative and have a little fun!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally

The Zinnia; Zesty and Elegant Flowers in Profusion

April 20, 2010

zinnia red yellowZinnia flowers are members of the Asteraceae family, also known as aster, daisy or sunflower family, known for their single long-stemmed flowers that come in a wide variety of bright and cheerful colors, and occasionally bi-colored. The zinnia was a bland, single orange color when discovered in Mexico in the early 1500s, and they were thought by Aztec, the Mexican emperor, to be so dull and boring that he named them “eyesore”. How times change, for today zinnias are a popular flower, grown to look at, both cut and growing in the garden. The commonly grown variant, Zinnia elegans, is also known by the name young-and-old-age.

The message sent by the zinnia flower varies with the color, and in general signifies fond remembrance of absent friends:

Magenta Lasting Affection
Mixed Thinking (or In Memory) of an Absent Friend
Scarlet Constancy
White Goodness
Yellow Daily Remembrance
Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flowers Generally
Skip to content