Search Results for “”

Fun Flowers and Plants for St. Patrick's Day

Fun Flowers and Plants for St. Patrick’s Day

March 14, 2023

Wondering what are the right flowers to give on St. Patrick’s day, or some great plants for the day? Check these out! St. Patrick’s Day, that global celebration of Irish culture, is a time when revelers don green attire, indulge in festive food and drink, and display vibrant decorations to honor the patron saint of Ireland. To add a touch of natural beauty to this festive day, consider giving or even adorning your own space with an array of fabulous flowers and plants.

Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis)

Bells of Ireland, with their bright green, bell-shaped calyxes, make a stunning addition to any St. Patrick’s Day arrangement. These unique flowers represent luck and good fortune, making them a perfect fit for the occasion. Their tall, elegant stems and delightful fragrance will add charm to any setting. Combine them with white or yellow blooms for a striking, festive display.

Shamrocks (Oxalis)

No St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without the iconic shamrock. These small, clover-like plants boast delicate, heart-shaped leaves that fold up at night and reopen in the morning. Available in both green and purple varieties, shamrocks make an adorable tabletop decoration or gift. According to Irish folklore, the shamrock’s three leaves represent faith, hope, and love, while a rare four-leafed clover brings luck to its finder.

Green Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Green carnations, a St. Patrick’s Day staple, are created by adding green food coloring to the water in which white carnations are placed. As the flowers absorb the water, their petals gradually turn a vibrant shade of green. These easy-to-make, eye-catching blooms can be used as centerpieces, corsages, or boutonnieres, adding a touch of Irish cheer to your festivities.

Green Spider Mums (Chrysanthemum)

With their unique, spiky petals radiating from a central button, green spider mums are an excellent choice for a St. Patrick’s Day floral arrangement. Their rich, green hue and striking appearance will add a touch of drama and elegance to your celebration. Pair them with white roses or daisies for a balanced and captivating display.

Green Trick Dianthus

Green Trick Dianthus, a fascinating and unusual flower variety, features a moss-like appearance and a vibrant green color. Its round, fluffy shape adds texture and interest to floral arrangements, making it a standout choice for St. Patrick’s Day. Combine Green Trick Dianthus with other green flowers or contrast them with brightly colored blooms for a truly unforgettable arrangement.

This St. Patrick’s Day, celebrate with a touch of natural beauty by incorporating these exquisite flowers and plants into your festivities. Whether you prefer the luck-bearing charm of shamrocks, the elegance of Bells of Ireland, or the whimsy of Green Trick Dianthus, these botanical treasures will bring an extra dose of Irish spirit to your home or event. May the luck of the Irish be with you as you enjoy these delightful, festive floral accents!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Greenery, St. Patricks Day

Low-Light Houseplants to Brighten Your Room

September 10, 2019

We love houseplants for their countless benefits to both our physical and emotional well-being. A bit of fresh greenery indoors can improve the air quality, make us feel more calm, and may even boost our recuperative powers. An indoor plant can be a welcome addition to nearly any room, even those with very little sunlight.

We know that plants require sunlight to grow and thrive, but many varieties can do quite well with just a few hours of indirect light. These low-light plants are ideal for offices or homes with few windows. With ample water and just a glimpse of the sun each day, there are dozens of indoor plants that can brighten a dark room.

Ferns are a great choice for any low-light situation. They often grow in the deep woods in nature, and receive only dappled sunlight. Ferns that are bred to grow indoors are hardy and easy to care for. The lovely, lacey fronds are a delicate addition to bedrooms and living rooms that don’t have much natural light.

You may find “lucky” bamboo at your local garden center. It is considered luckier if you have an odd number of stalks. You don’t need luck for your bamboo to thrive – it is very easy to grow with little care required. In fact, bamboo is such an enthusiastic grower that it is sometimes considered a nuisance in the wild!

You can tame bamboo’s urge to take over by growing it in a snug-fitting container with ample water. Lucky bamboo has been known to grow in rooms with no windows at all, receiving sufficient light from fluorescent bulbs instead. This makes lucky bamboo ideal for offices and commercial buildings.

If you have a room with indirect light, English ivy is a nice choice. This elegant vine-like plant has been popular for centuries and is one of the more durable varieties of ivy to grow indoors, as long as the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much.

As with most types of ivy, the plants don’t like “wet feet” and should be allowed to dry out between waterings. When your ivy begins to outgrow its container, take some cuttings and plant them in new containers. Ivy is easy to propagate in this way.

The cast iron plant was given its name because it is said to be almost impossible to kill. Cast iron plants do well in rooms with little light and are not fussy about being watered frequently. In fact, the plant does better when the soil is allowed to dry out from time to time. The cast iron plant is so hardy that it can even withstand dramatic temperature changes. This easy-going plant even prefers not to be fertilized.

These low-light plants would make considerate housewarming gifts, as they are also low-maintenance. A hardy indoor plant would also be a thoughtful gift for a co-worker, as a welcome gift or a pick-me-up for a friend. Requiring little care, low-light plants allow the recipient to bring a little cheer indoors, even when the sun is scarce.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Greenery, Any Time

Loving those Leaves: Plants with Showstopping Foliage

August 30, 2019

When picturing plants in our minds, we often envision colorful flowers. But there are many plant species whose leaves are the star of the show. These plants show off their colorful foliage all through the growing season, so you don’t have to wait for a brief bloom time to get maximum color.

Artemesia is a group of plants in the daisy family with charming soft, silvery leaves and tiny flowers. This silver-leafed family of plants is quite diverse in its habitat, with some species growing where no other vegetation can survive.

Many of the varieties of artemesia have tiny “hairs” on the leaves, making them feel fuzzy, to the delight of curious children. Most artemesia has a bitter taste, with the exception of tarragon, an herb commonly used in French cuisine.

The Japanese painted fern adds a touch of dramatic color to your shade garden. The silvery leaves with a hint of burgundy on the stem make the fern look as though it is always dancing in dappled sunlight.

Japanese painted ferns are hardy in most of the US, returning each spring after a dormant winter period. These graceful ferns are low maintenance and are generally unappetizing to hungry deer.

Coral bells are named for their tiny stems of bell-shaped flowers. However, their leaves are the real showstoppers. With brilliant shades of chartreuse, red, or purple, there are hundreds of varieties to choose from. Native to North America, coral bells are a lovely choice for a partial-shade garden.

Coleus plants are grown outdoors as annuals (completing their life cycle in one year) in much of the US. However, these brilliant plants can be grown in the house with much success. There are over 600 varieties of coleus, with variegated or spotted colors ranging from deep burgundy to bright apple green.

In general, the darker the coleus leaves are, the more direct sunlight they can handle, whether indoors or outside. If your coleus receives sun at noon, be sure to give it an extra drink of water so it doesn’t dry out. If you wish to prolong the life of your coleus plant, pinch back any blooms it produces.

Poinsettia plants are synonymous with the Christmas holiday. What many people don’t realize about poinsettias is that the festive red, pink, or white “flowers” are actually leaves! The true flower is a tiny yellow cluster at the center of the colorful foliage.

With plenty of direct sunlight and regular waterings, you can keep your poinsettia alive throughout the year. About two months before Christmas, place your poinsettia in a location where it will have 12-15 hours of complete darkness each night. This will force the plant to bloom again after 6-8 weeks, in time for the upcoming holiday season.

When choosing plants as a gift for someone who loves gardening, don’t just focus on flashy flowers. There are countless choices that offer fascinating foliage for a long-lived, vibrant display. These colorful foliage plants would make a unique gift for a birthday, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Look for plants with season-long interest and let the luxurious leaves steal the show!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Greenery, Any Time, Occasions
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

Gilded Foliage makes Sensational Seasonal Accents

December 15, 2014

All that glitters is not gold, but it’s certainly easy to add a bit of golden sparkles to your flower arrangements this winter. Aside from the glimmer and cheer a bit of gilded leaves will add to vases, garlands and wreaths, a simple can of florist’s spray paint can add glitz to everything from pine cones to plain, plastic containers- transforming your home into a shining example of the holiday spirit. During the winter months, florist may have several different greens that have been gilded in gold or glitter available to add to any arrangement. If not, one small can of gold or silver floral spray paint (available at craft stores and some florists) is easy to apply and fun to use. Here are some tips for adding a bit of the Midas’ touch to your holiday decor.

Start Small
Think accents rather than focal point when you first start out. Pine cones are a perfect way to add a bit of glitz to garlands and wreaths without going overboard. Pick out ones that are relatively intact and open. Using about one foot of thin wire (dental floss will do in a pinch), thread the wire around the center of the cone towards the base and tighten so that the wire is not visible, leaving a long stem. Standing outside and holding the end of the wire in one hand, spray the cone as you spin it, covering all facets. Adjust the trajectory of the spray rather than the cone to coat the inside to avoid drips. Hang on a branch for two to three minutes, allowing the cone to dry completely. If you’ve used floss or string, the cones can be easily tied to wreaths or garlands. Wire works best for adding to a vase arrangement. Simply find a wooden or plastic pick to wire the cone to the top of or add a bit more wire as an artificial stem to stick into the vase.

Large Leaves
Certain leaves look better cast in gold than others. Choose broad ones that widen in the center and are smooth on both sides for a more even look. Seeded eucalyptus or salal (sometimes called lemon leaf) are great for spraying and tucking into vases or simply arranging on a table top around the desserts. Be sure to wash the leaves and allot them to dry completely before spraying with paint. Try to use as little of the color as possible- think dusting rather than coating. This prevents unnatural looking drips and will keep the leaves from becoming too heavy and drooping. Pine branches and magnolia leaves look amazing with a bit of gold frosting, but plan on using a little more paint (or only covering one side of the leaf in the case of magnolias) for the best look.

Just about any flower looks amazing next to golden leaves. Try a deep burgundy dahlia or blood red rose to highlight the season- without spending a lot of silver or gold.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Greenery, Seasonal

Kiss the Night Away Under Fresh Mistletoe

December 14, 2014

A symbol of the season, mistletoe is the iconic plant of Yuletide affection. Tied with a ribbon and hung above a door or threshold, tradition holds that lovers (or those who time their entrances wisely) smooch under the sprigs of mistletoe hung there. While this might make the plant a favorite for paramours, it is actually a slightly poisonous, parasitic plant that sucks the sap from trees in which it grows. How then did this leeching evergreen find its way down from the boughs of host trees an into the lore of Christmastime lovers?

Many researchers credit the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe to Druid mythology, specifically the Ritual of Oak and Mistletoe practiced among the Celtic people of what is now England and Ireland. It was thought at the time that mistletoe could be made into an elixir that could cure infertility. According to accounts written in the 1st century AD by the Roman historian, Pliny the Elder, mistletoe that was found growing high up in the branches of an oak tree were considered to be sacred. On the sixth night of the moon, priests clad in white would climb the tree to gather the mistletoe and make it into a concoction that was given to barren animals. Most species of the plant are toxic to humans in any sizable quantity, so offering this to cure infertility in humans seems questionable at best. In the language of flowers, however, it is still said to represent affection.

Like many other pagan traditions, this symbolic plant was slowly incorporated to more Christian traditions, so along with the Christmas tree and and Easter egg, the hanging of mistletoe this time of year found its way into modern day practices of early Europeans, particularly the British, French and Irish. Eventually, kissing under a sprig of this round-leafed evergreen followed Europeans over the pond, where it became a tradition in the New World as well.

There are several different species of mistletoe, including one (Phoradendron leucarpum) that is native to North America. The European mistletoe (Viscum album) is the species most commonly used for Yuletide smooching and can be found at many florists come December. It has small, rounded, light green leaves with small white or somewhat transparent berries. Gathered in a cluster and tied with a ribbon, these are sometimes sprayed with a preservative to help them last the season. While handling mistletoe poses no risk, keep them out of reach of pets and children, as the alkaloid they contain, tyramine, can make them quite sick. If this is a concern, try a sprig of holly hung it its place.

Whether you want an excuse to sneak in a kiss or simply want to carry on a tradition that dates back to the time of the Druids, hang a bit of mistletoe in your doorway this season.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Fun Flower Facts, Greenery, Seasonal

Impress the In-Laws with Ivy

December 11, 2014

Few first impressions will ever be as important as the first time you meet the family you are marrying into. Whether you passed the interview with flying colors years ago or are meeting your potential in-laws for the first time this holiday season- come prepared. A plant is the perfect thing to bring if you are worried a bottle of wine might mark you as a boozer and a box of candy seems too trifling. Said to symbolize fidelity and tenacity in the language of flowers, ivy is a great choice for just this occasion. Long-lasting, steadfast and graceful in its growth, show your in-laws that you will be, too, with this potted plant that’s sure to impress parents of a discerning nature.

Ivy is a common name thrown around the botanical world that’s attached itself to several different vining plants. True English ivy, Hedera helix, is the species most commonly grown indoors, though this hardy vine can withstand below freezing temperatures outside as a ground cover without batting an eye. There are several different species that may also be grown as a potted plant inside such as Irish ivy, Russian ivy and Persian ivy; all named after regions in which they are native. Most prefer similar growing conditions and all will have glossy leaves on thin, twinning branches that can easily be shaped into topiary creations using wires or left to spill joyfully over the sides of a container or hanging basket.

English ivy has leaves that are trident-shaped, with a prominent point and a glossy finish. New leaves form at the ends of the growing vines which will spiral up any support such as a string or wire. Deep green and lush all year round, some cultivars show variegation with lighter colored edges in white or gold. While technically a flowering plant, the foliage is the focus on ivy and it is unlikely the inconspicuous flowers will be noticed.

Contrary to their shady lane reputation, ivies actually prefer bright light in your home and will be quite content to sit in a sunny window all year long. They like moisture, but detest wet feet, so be sure they are in pots with holes and sitting in a saucer for proper drainage. A bit of dusty from time to time will keep them shiny and happy and a spot of fertilizer from time to time will keep them lush and growing strong. Despite this extra bit of care, they are not fussy plants. They just require a bit of work from time to time to keep healthy and happy- just like a relationship with your in-laws.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Greenery, Occasions

3 Fantastic Foliage Options for Winter Flowers

December 10, 2014

Hothouse flowers grown in greenhouses around the world have made roses available in winter and tulips possible in fall, but the best part of fresh flowers can sometimes be bringing a bit of the season inside. For this reason, choosing flowers that are in season not only ensure they are at their freshest and most economical, but that they match the mood of the months as they go by. Like pages on a calender flipping by, the leaves around us grow, change colors and flutter to the ground each year. Choosing greens that reflect the season outside are a detail that is sometimes overlooked in flower arrangements, but can add so much to the decor when properly chosen and placed. Spring sprigs and lush summer leaves are easy to find, but choosing winter greens are not as much of a challenge as you may think. Here are three fabulous foliage choices for the coldest months of the year.

Dusty MillerDusty Miller
The silvery leaves of this summertime annual will last long into the snowy months of winter and can add a bit of shimmer and softness to any winter arrangements. The downy leaves are wide and flat, but deeply lobed, similar to a fern, which gives them a fine, feathery texture. The sharply defined edges of the leaves almost resemble snowflakes. They make great additions to corsages or boutonnieres and longer ones can be added to a centerpiece or short vase. Their silver coloring makes dark reds pop, so try them with a burgundy mum or blood-red ranunculus. The sharply defined edges of the leaves almost resemble snowflakes.

Ornamental CabbageOrnamental Cabbage
No longer just for sauerkraut, growers have developed several varieties of spectacularly colored cabbage which can hold their own against any number of fancy flowers. Ornamental varieties come in red, purple and white varieties that form rosettes that can range from several inches to almost a foot in width. Sturdy, long-lasting and unique, ornamental cabbage looks more like a flower than foliage, but will look absolutely lovely mixed into vase arrangements.

Variegated PittosporumPittosporum
The shiny leaves of this evergreen shrub have been a perennial florist favorite for vases and centerpieces. Long-lasting and easy to use, the whirled leaves of pittosporum come in a combination of green with frosty, white edges. Faintly scented, the branches of this elegant green can be used in vases or centerpieces for a fresh and look. Try mixing with berries or pine cones gathered from outside for a seasonal look that will make you glad it’s cold outside.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: By Month, Greenery

Heartwarming White Cyclamen for Winter’s Coldest Days

November 12, 2014

Winter came whalloping in this week for many parts of the country, covering fall-blooming flowers with snow and bringing down the temperatures to record-breaking lows. While the winter weather seemed a long time coming this year, with it comes the need to bring the outside in with a fresh bouquet or potted plant to remind us through the short, cold days and chilly nights that spring will come again. Consider the white cyclamen for a frigid day like today. Said to represent warmth in the Victorian language of flowers, its gracefully drooping white blooms and silver-streaked leaves will warm your heart and help you not mind being cooped up in the house on these chilly winter days.

While its beauty rivals any tropical, hothouse houseplant, the cyclamen is actually native to the temperate climates of Europe and the Mediterranean, where it grows along rocky coastlines, thriving once the hot summer sun sinks lower on the horizon and cooler temperature prevail. The name, cyclamen, comes from the Ancient Greek word for “circle,” in reference to the round bulb from which it grows. The leaves grow directly from the underground bulb and are held aloft on long leaf stems that open up into a heart-shaped leaf blade. The leaves of the cyclamen have interesting coloration, with a white or silver streak running through each leaf in the pattern of a maple leaf or Christmas tree on the upper side. The undersides of each leaf is often a darker purple, making this a lovely houseplant even when not in bloom.

The unique flowers of the cyclamen are distinctive for their upswept petals. They can come in purple, pink and red, but the white-flowered variety are a perfect choice for a winter flower- each bloom like a falling snowflake. The flowers last for more than a week and most cyclamen will put out 3 to 5 flowers at a time. After the plant is finished flowering, simply cut off the spent blooms and water with your usual houseplants. A bit of fertilizer a couple of time each year will help your cyclamen re-bloom in the late fall through early spring.

There are more than 20 different species of cyclamen, but the florist’s cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is best suited to grow as a houseplant. They prefer bright light and will do best in a sunny window, flowering just as the long nights and cold temperature of winter set in. Pick one up today (or better yet, have one delivered) for a warming winter gift to yourself or someone you love.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: By Month, Greenery

Celebrate United Nations Day with a Peace Lily

October 20, 2014

Dedicated to world peace and the betterment of human society, the United Nations was created through a charter in 1945 and established on October 24th of 1948. Each year on this day, the anniversary is celebrated around the world in more than 100 member countries to mark the global organization’s efforts toward mitigating poverty, hunger, conflict and other worldwide challenges. This year, send a message of solidarity with their humanitarian aims with a peace lily.

Popular as houseplants and a perfect gift for yourself or others, the peace lily (Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum) is not a true lily, but rather a member of the tropical Arum family of plants native to parts of southern Mexico and Asia. Growing from a central rosette of glossy, green leaves, the unusual flowers of the peace lily are lovely and long lived. White “hoods” called spathes, similar to a calla lily, top long, green stems and partially surround a central, cylindrical flowering part called a spadix. This unique bloom can last for weeks at a time and can reach more than a foot or two in height. Even when not flowering, the long glossy leaves of the peace lily are a fountain of healthy, green growth that has been shown to improve indoor air quality while making a garden of any office or kitchen windowsill.

Peace lilies are easy plants to grow. Unlike us humans, very little water and food is required to keep them healthy and strong. They are the perfect plant for the busy person that sometimes has difficulty remembering to water plants, as they will droop and wilt to let us know when they are thirsty and spring right back up afterwards- no harm done. Not too picky about light, the peace lily does best in a room with natural light, but does not need to get direct sun and will do just fine in a room with a window or at least several good hours of artificial light. Long-lived, the peace lily will grow quite contentedly in a pot that may be a bit to small for it and can reach over two feet tall over time. Occasionally dusting the leaves and trimming back old growth can encourage faster growth and brighter lights can encourage flowering.

Unlike peace, which requires constant vigilance, the peace lily can be relatively ignored and still survive. It is easy to find, with most garden centers and florists caring several different sizes in stock year round.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Greenery, Occasions

Send a Student off to College with a Colorful Croton Plant

July 28, 2014

As bags are being unpacked and books bought for the new semester, a splash of color in a drab dorm room or tiny apartment will bring a smile to your favorite college-bound kid’s face and brighten up their academic year. The croton is the perfect houseplant for sending a student off to college and will be a welcome reminder of home. Easy to care for with cheerful, multicolored leaves, the croton will thrive in a sunny corner from orientation until finals week.

While there is a genus of plants called Croton, with hundreds of different species around the world, the common name “croton” is used in reference to the plant Codiaeum variegatum– a specific species of flowering houseplant with leaves that come in a rainbow of colors. Native to parts of southern India, the colorful croton can grow into a large shrub but is sold as a houseplant suitable for smaller spaces in pots and containers. In tropical climates they make striking landscape plants with their large, flat, rubbery leaves that come in yellow, red, green and bright orange. In a container on a sunny windowsill, they will grow slow and steady over the course of a semester.

Crotons are specifically cultivated for the vibrant colors of their foliage. Leaves of some varieties are long and wide, reaching more that four inches across each leaf even when plants are small. Other varieties may have lobed or narrower leaves that twist and turn. The green edges are lines and crossed with veins of yellow, orange and red- all in the same leaves. These colors are created as pigments produced in the plant such as anthocyanin (red), lutens (yellow) and carotinoids (orange). The brighter the light exposure to the plant, typically, the brighter the colors of the leaves. If a croton is not getting enough light, it will start producing more chloroplast to capture any available light with its chlorophyll, resulting in a plant with more green in its leaves. If your student is a Biology major, try asking them to figure this out on their own!

Crotons are easy to find and often available at florists, garden centers and any place houseplants are found. While primarily grown for their foliage, the plant does produce a funky spike of white flowers from time to time when given plenty of sunlight. Send off your student with instructions to water it regularly and give it a lot of light and it should do beautifully right through graduation.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flower Keeping Tips, Fun Flower Facts, Graduation, Greenery, Occasions

Ferns for a New Client

July 23, 2014

Before there were flowers or even bees and butterflies to pollinate them, ferns ruled the planet. A primordial plant that carpets the Earth to this day, ferns represent tenacity and abundance while filling a room with a lush sense of vivacity. Through twists and turns of evolutionary adaptations, ferns have feathered the world’s biomes for more than a 100 million years and have diverged into more than 12,000 different species that inhabit 6 out of the 7 continents. Unlike lovely bouquets of flowers that bloom brightly and then fade, a potted fern shows a sense of longevity and stoicism without seaming stodgy. Show a new client that you and your company have staying power with the symbolic gift of one of these choice ferns.

Boston FernBoston Fern
A southern comfort on porches next to rocking chairs or in a north-facing office window in a heirloom urn, the Boston Fern is the classy older uncle of houseplants. The uniformly pale green fronds of this hearty plant cascade out and over, reaching lengths of 1 to 3 feet in a showy circular arrangements. Easy to grow, the Boston fern is a great houseplant, needing regular watering and medium light. As a gift, this plant represents confidence and will instill a sense of both security and expectation in a new client’s office or home. Much like the bow tie, this fern is both elegant and manly, and absolutely timeless.

Maidenhair FernMaidenhair Fern
Few things in life shimmer and drip with ephemeral awe quite like the maidenhair fern. Slender black stalks unfurl bright green showers of leaflets on fronds that seem to be floating in air. This is the perfect fern for creative jobs and creative types to get, give or gawk at and do much to set the mood at an artsy occasion. The natural loveliness of this dainty fern make it a perfect plant for gifting new clients with your creative contributions.

Staghorn FernStaghorn Fern
A good florist or garden and nursery center will have this strange and unusual fern mounted on a flat piece of wood to hang on the wall of an office or home. One flat vegetative leaf lies flat mounted on a surface while larger, antler-shaped fronds trail downward over time. Odd? Perhaps. You were hired because you stand out from the rest, so why get a new client the same old flowers. Show them you are an innovator with this anything but cookie-cutter plant.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Greenery, Occasions, Saying Thank You

DIY Dish Gardens are a Delightful Office Gift

July 15, 2014

Shopping for coworkers is never easy, but promotions, retirements, new babies and get well soon’s happen a lot in a busy office. One of the joys of giving plants or flowers is that there is not an occasion when they won’t be received as a thoughtful and appreciated gift. Flowers dazzle and delight for the week or two they remain fresh, but why not pick up something for your colleague that the whole office can enjoy for many years to come with a few houseplants? Green, indoor plants not only add aesthetic value, they are also shown to reduce indoor air pollution by filtering toxins out of the ambient air during the process of photosynthesis. A mixture of several different kinds of houseplants together in a container is called a dish garden, and whether your office is bright and sunny or a little limited on windows, these do it yourself combination of houseplants are easy to put together and sure to please.

Low Light Environment
Many of the houseplants we enjoy come from tropical areas with fairly consistent, warm temperatures that grow in the understory of other larger trees. This makes them uniquely suited for inside our homes or offices with fairly consistent conditions as well. While all plants need some amount of light, there are several houseplants that tolerate lower levels than others. If your coworker works in a cubicle with little access to natural sunlight, there are several good choices that can be mixed together in a basket or container that will thrive in a low light environment.
PothosPothos– Sometimes called Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pothos, this shade tolerant, vining plant with heart-shaped leaves makes a great addition to a dish garden because of its trailing nature. Over time it will cascade down the side of the container or can be trained up a string to grow up a wall.
ArrowheadArrowhead– A popular houseplant with tall, upright leaf stems and arrowhead shaped leaves, many cultivars of this plant exist. Some have colorful stripes or colors along the margins of the leaves and look great next to pothos in a container. You can plant them together or simply put one small plastic pot of each in a basket and top with some sphagnum moss (available at a garden center or craft store) for decoration.

High Light Environment
If your colleague has scored an office with a window or simply lights up the room with their own personality, try out one of these amazing light-loving houseplants.
HoyaHoya– A fun, climbing vine, this plant loves a lot of light, but needs very little water or care in case your coworker has a perpetually full inbox. Give it a bright window and something to climb over like the handle of a decorative basket where you can add some colorful Croton plants or Dracenea. If you are lucky, you may get to see it blooming one day with large, pink clusters.
Jade PlantJade Plant– This succulent plant has round, fleshy leaves on stems that bend and turn over time to create a classic form. Placed in a sunny window, this plant will thrive with very little care and last them though retirement.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Expressing Sympathy, Greenery, New Baby, Saying Get Well Soon, Saying I'm Sorry, Secretary's (Admin Professional's) Day

DIY Fairy Gardens with these Fabulous Plants

June 19, 2014

Add a bit of magic to your house or garden by creating your own miniature landscape for sprites, fairies, nymphs or other otherworldly creatures. Choosing plants that stay small while adding color and texture to a terrarium, container or dish is the key to putting together a garden any fairy would be proud to call home. Great gifts for a child’s birthday or retirement party, these do-it-yourself tips will help you get started building your very own fairy garden.

Containers
Fairies are remarkably flexible as to the choice of container they will inhabit. A long, low terracotta pot (or even the large saucer of a pot) can be used. While you would never normally pot up any plant in a container without drainage holes on the bottom, if you find an old cooking dish or other container you like that doesn’t have holes (and you don’t want to bother drilling them), simply line the dish with gravel and then a bit of sand before adding potting soil to allow pore space for water to drain. This works great for fairy gardens you will bring indoors, but if you can’t regulate the flow of water (for example, if you put it outside and it gets watered by rain), it’s best to use something with drainage holes.

Soil
Add a bit of rocks or gravel to the bottom and a bit of sand, if it’s handy. You can usually find this at a garden shop, but it’s also fine to just scoop some up from outside and give them a quick rinse. Top off your container with a good potting soil mix that is light and fluffy.

Pink Polka Dot PlantFriendship PlantBaby's TearsAluminium Plant
Plants
Here’s the fun part! The best plant choices for fairy gardens tend to come from several families of tropical houseplants which are easy to grow and do well in a crowded space. Here are several good choices:
Pink-polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)– is a short, small-leafed plant with splashed of white and pink.
Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)– has crinkly-textured leaves in bright greens.
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)- almost looks like moss with tiny little leaves and occasional white flowers.
Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei)- adds a bit of bling to your fairy garden with silvery-stripped leaves

Furniture
After a long day of flying around, your fairies will want a place to relax and unwind. The best way to quickly furnish your garden is to pick up some dollhouse furniture at your local thrift store or toy store. Add a garden path with pretty rocks or shells or a water feature with some shiny sea glass. With the growing popularity of these whimsical gardens, many florist and garden shops now have areas in their store with everything you need to create these magical landscapes. Just be sure to check references before letting any fairies move in.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Flower Keeping Tips, Greenery, Saying Thank You

Best Flowers for Getting Over a Breakup

March 30, 2014

Into each life, a little heartbreak must fall, so when it does, be ready with a vase of Proteas. Sometimes called Sugarbushes, these amazing tropical stems come in a wide variety of colors and shapes and are one of the most unique flowers on Earth. The tall blooms are wild and exotic looking and come in a wide range of colors, sizes and textures. Their diversity will remind you that, while there are many more fish in the sea, there’s just one of you- and she deserves flowers.

Native to a widespread geography of Pacific islands and southern Africa, the large, solitary flowers grow in bright reds, pinks, oranges and yellows. With large buds that resemble artichokes, the flowers open up in a dazzling array of color revealing different sizes and hues of petals and fanciful stamens that can’t help but make a gal smile. Some blooms are the size of limes, while others can be as large as a grapefruit and last several weeks as they slowly open.

With such bold texture, color and size, a single stem alone looks amazing in a vase and will remind you that, at times, the simple elegance of the solitary life is something to be enjoyed. If you’d like to pair it with another exotic stem, consider the stately bird of paradise or lovely leucadendron.

In the language of flowers, Protea are said to convey courage in the face of adversity. Perhaps this come from their thick stems, which hold the flowers upright and strong even several weeks after cutting. The leathery leaves will remind you to have a thick skin, but are still soft to the touch and often have lovely colors themselves, oftentimes a bright, cheerful green with one shade on the top and another on the bottom, adding complexity to this already beguiling flower.

Named after Proteus, the son of the Greek god Poseidon, this flower has become associated with change and versatility. According to legend, this sea-god Proteus was said to have the ability to foretell the future, but would often change his shape and identity in order to avoid having to do so. This ability is ascribed to the changing nature of the sea and tides and has lead to the adjective in English, protean, meaning flexible or ability to adapt- all great characteristics to keep in the forefront when making a fresh start after a break-up.

With ancestors dating back to Gondwana some 300 million years ago, the Proteas are some of the oldest flowering plants on Earth and have adapted to a range of environments over time. If time heals all wounds, then a vase of beautiful Proteas will certainly help speed the process along.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Any Time, Expressing Sympathy, Greenery, Occasions, Saying Get Well Soon

The Right Flowers for a New Home

March 27, 2014

Between the boxes and heavy lifting, the joy of moving into a new home can sometimes be overwhelming, but a lush and lovely potted heather plant sitting on the counter will be a welcome new homeowners won’t soon forget. This small, soft-textured shrub represents wishes that have come true and protection in the language of flowers, which for many people is exactly the feeling they get stepping over the threshold of a house that now belongs to them. While the list of things to unpack and organize might stress the new homeowners out, the thoughtful gift of a heather plant will make them even more happy to have just moved in.
There are hundreds of different species of heather, most native to parts of Africa and Europe, where they grow wild on hillsides. Used in a variety of medicinal applications, this plant has a long history in folk medicine, as well as practical purposes, such as stuffing for furniture and mattresses. The Latin name for the genus, Erica, literally means “broom,” as the branches of this plant were often tied together and used to sweep the floor. With so many uses around the home, this plant has a historical connection to the hearth and is a wonderful welcome in any room in the house.
With delicate, bell-shaped flowers lining the entire upright stems, this splendid shrub literally bursts forth in color, with the whole plant covered in blooms all at one time. Soft pinks, bright fuchsias and calming lavender colors make this plant soothing to the eye, as well as to the nose. The evergreen-like foliage has a mild and memory-inducing fragrance that is pleasant but not overwhelming. If you want to preserve the color of the blooms, allow the soil to dry out completely and the bright flowers will retain their color. If the new homeowners have a green thumb, then they can put the plant in a sunny window and water frequently. After the blooms have slowly faded, the plant looks lush and natural in a windowsill. If their new address falls in the warmer climate zones, have them plant the heather in the landscape after they have enjoyed it inside. This perennial shrub stays small and will look great along sidewalks and on slopes around the house. Each time it blooms they will remember the day they first moved in and smile.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Greenery, 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

Rainforest Flowers for Bouquets and Vases

January 27, 2010

Give yourself, a loved one, or a hostess an instant virtual trip to the islands with a lovely bouquet of rainforest flowers!  Rainforest flowers make the perfect bon voyage centerpiece for someone going off to the tropics, as well!

While rainforest flowers typically are found in, well, the rainforest, there are a few that can be readily found at your local florist. If your florist doesn’t offer a pre-made rainforest arrangement, just ask them to make a nice arrangement including any of the following flowers and greens:

rainforest-flower-dendrobium-orchidOrchids are perhaps the most common, and best known, rainforest flowers that one can readily find at the florist. With over 22,000 species of orchids, the orchid family is the largest family of flowering plants. While not all orchids are tropical rainforest plants, many are, and orchids in your rainforest bouquet certainly count. The Dendrobium orchid is one rainforest orchid that is regularly found in rainforest bouquets and vases.

rainforest-flowers-anthuriumAnthurium (also known as Antherium) are among the next most common of the rainforest flowers to be found at your local florist. This broad, leaf-shaped (and, locally, usually red) flower with a large protruding spadix is sometimes nicknamed the “boy plant”, for somewhat obvious reasons.

rainforest-flowers-proteaProtea, also known as sugarbushes, come primarily from Africa, where they grow along, among other places, the Limpopo river. This national symbol of South Africa comes in many varieties, however the most relatively common are the King Protea and Queen Protea, so named, some say, because they look much like a crown atop a head.

In addition to orchids, anthurium, and protea, you may want to add some sprigs of palm leaves and ferns to your rainforest flower bouquet or vase.

However you choose to arrange them, your rainforest flowers are sure to bring enjoyment and thoughts of the tropics to whomever you give them.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Greenery, Orchids, Rainforest Flowers
Skip to content