Take flowers on your coffee date

Black and Red Roses

A single black rose says ‘it is over’. This is a good way of ending a relationship - sending a single black rose together with a note is a sure fire way to bring to a close a relationship. Don’t be too hurtful with the accompanying note. You can ask your Longwell Green Florist for some examples of notes that are sent with flowers to give you some ideas.


But the single red rose is considered to be the most beautiful and romantic of all the roses. Even from the ancient roman times, lovers give each other red roses. In those times, roses were the symbol of the Roman goddess Venus, the goddess of love, and since then a single red rose clearly states ‘I love you’.

Flowers for Drying

Many of the flowers I thought were too diffi­cult for a novice to dry are now my favorites. Rosebuds, which are so expensive to purchase from St Marylebone florists dried, can be easily air-dried from your own rosebushes. Cut the roses in the bud stage and hang them to air-dry. What could be easier? Peonies can be dried in the same way. They will fade in color and shrink a bit in size but you will still be delighted with their crêpe paper appearance. Every garden holds its own pleasant surprises. If you garden at all, you al­ready have many wonderful flowers for drying. Many common perennials are easy to dry. Some herbs have tiny flowers that dry easily, while others provide the beauty of their aromatic fo­liage. For a bonus, tuck these fragrant herbs into your dried bouquets and arrangements.

What temperature?

The temperature requirements of species differ, and while many spring flowers will keep best at 2°C (35°F), others, such as carnations, prefer a minimum low of 8°C (46°F). Most florists find that an average chiller temperature of 6-8°C (42-46°F) is acceptable. It must also be remembered that many tropical flowers do not require cool storage, although they do enjoy high humidity — gingers, strelitzias, anthuriums and many orchids fall into this category. Cold-sensitive flowers can exhibit symptoms of ‘bluestain’ on the petals. Nerines, in particular, are susceptible to temperatures below 2°C (35°F). Euphorbia, heliconias and eucharis lilies are all materials that prefer a warmer storage temperature, and for these, and other tropical flowers and foliages, the temperature should preferably not fall below 16°C (60°F). High temperatures, however, will hasten the development of cut materials and shorten their vase life.


An even temperature should always be maintained, whether flowers Mount Dandenong are stored in a chiller unit or in a cool place. Wild fluctuations in temperature can cause discoloration in some flowers. Red roses are particularly sensitive to major temperature changes, and this is evident when petals take on a blue tinge.

Caring for spring flowers

When caring for spring flowers, it is useful to remember their natural flowering times. Spring can be a cold time of the year, and most spring flowers — especially the bulb flowers — will last longer if they are kept in the cool conditions of their natural habitat. Be aware, however, of those bulb flowers that need warmer conditions, such as amaryllis, which should not be refrigerated. Spring flowers need plenty of water, so buckets and vases will all need a regular topping up. Other problems can occur if wrappings are left on for too long, or are too tight.

Tulips, freesias and mimosa are particularly susceptible. Moisture on foliage and petals can lead to spotting, and moulds may thrive. Getting this right is fundamental for anyone starting out as Yoker florist as no one can afford to lose stock through wastage.

Extending the life of your blooms

Nowadays it is possible to buy a proprietary chemical substance which extends the life of some flowers. Use these materials according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You can always ask your florist to include some with your next flower delivery Collyhurst, but be sure to consult with them on the best product and how to use it.

Over the years some discoveries have been made which, although not based on scientific fact, are known to help extend the life of some plants. It is certainly no old wives’ tale that aspirin helps to keep flowers fresh and that flowers are known to last well in metal containers. A copper coin in water slows down the breeding rate of bacteria and a few drops of weak disinfectant will help to keep the water the flowers are in smelling fresh.

Stand the test of time with silk

You can easily cherish your wedding bouquet, keeping it looking as beautiful as the day you wed, long after the last piece of frozen wedding cake has been eaten. Silk wedding flowers can be a great way to make an elegant expression without spending a great deal of money. If you are looking for ways to have a wedding on a budget, using fake wedding flowers is a great way to cut costs. Just get your local florist to send flowers Wilshire Center over to you to allow you to make your choice. They can often look just as good as fresh flowers, particularly from a distance, so for many it is a viable option.

Bulb Pans

Either clay or plastic pots purchased from your nearest florist Bishop serve for bulbs. Hyacinths are often planted individually in standard flower pots because a single plant makes a handsome display; most other bulbs, however, look better planted in groups in the broader, shallower pots called pans or bulb pans, which are half as high as they are wide. Pans not only provide more space with less height than standard pots but do not tip over easily; a frequent problem with potted plants that grow tall. If you use clay pans or pots, soak them overnight before you begin planting, so that they will not absorb moisture from the growing medium and deprive the plants. Clay or plastic pots that have been used before should be washed thoroughly to remove vestiges of old soil that may carry disease agents.

The Romance of the Rose

Of all flowers, none has been so entwined in men's hearts and history as the rose. Roses lent their legendary romance to the Garden of Eden, to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and to the gardens of ancient Persia, where nightingales sang and the clovelike scent of damask roses filled the air. The rose was the flower of Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and beauty, and in Roman times it became the flower of Venus as well. Ever since, in the odes of poets and lays of balladeers, the rose has stood for womanly perfection and the mysteries of love.

Among the first women of history to capitalize on this symbolism was Cleopatra, who, the story has it, welcomed Marc Antony in a room filled with rose petals up to their knees. It was not long before Antony's countrymen outdid the Queen, importing shiploads of roses by Weesatche-Ander flower delivery for their pleasures. When Roman nobles dined, their guests were draped with rose garlands, washed with perfumed rose water, and plied with rose puddings and rose wine. In Rome the rose eventually became a symbol of debauchery and, somehow, of secrecy too: when Romans wanted to signify that a conversation was to be confidential, they hung a rose above the participants. Thus was born the term sub rosa: under the rose.

Problems in using wild flowers

Growing, as they generally do, in poor soil wild flowers often have long tap roots to enable them to survive. If these roots are severed the flowers will wilt very quickly. So if you are intending to gather wayside flowers I suggest you should keep a strong plastic bag handy in the car. As you cut, say, cow parsley or bluebells place them head-first in the bag. Everyone puts them stalks-first into bags and this is how problems start. If you keep the heads out of the air the flowers suffer much less from lack of moisture. As quickly as you can after picking them, place the stems in a bucket of really warm water. This will give them the best chance of lasting reasonably well. I find that of the many wild flowers I like to use, bluebells and cow parsley, or cow parsnip, are the favourites. They last better (unlike those from a Sunnyside florist) if not on very long stems. Bluebells, like wallflowers, should be cut on stems no longer than four or five inches (12—15 cm), then mass them in a box or basket. In this way they last very well and the scent is out of this world; they appear to like being packed closely together for they always seem to last better this way.

Additional information
If you love flowers as much as we do you may also enjoy Flower Baron's Blog. Another blog dedicated to bringing you the very best florist information on the internet.

Crossroads in love - flowers can help

Baskets

Baskets are an ideal accompaniment for flowers. They are available in a multitude of materials and an amazing assortment of shapes and sizes, so it is possible to purchase a suitable basket for any occasion. Small delicate baskets can be used for designs to be carried, large ones for planted displays, and all the sizes in between for fresh, fabric or dried arrangements.


With a coarsely-woven rustic basket, use a profusion of dried country-style flowers, such as larkspur, yarrow, alchemilla and tansy. Fabric flowers in a small pastel-coloured basket can create a wonderfully romantic display for a bride or her attendants. Complete the design with a bow of good- quality fabric ribbon just as any good florists O'Connor would do.

It is a good idea to link the colour of the basket to the arrangement, so choose pale pastel shades to fill a straw-coloured willow basket, or vibrant exotic flowers to complement baskets of woven palm or bamboo.

Best loved flowers - Consolida orientalis (larkspur)

Characteristics: Larkspur is a graceful flower that is indis­pensable to the summer border. Densely flowered spikes provide masses of color in the bor­der or along a fence or wall. It is one annual that every florist Dunedin will find essential. Its color range and height make wonderful additions to any arrangement.


For a more informal feeling, grow larkspur in a wildflower meadow or on a sunny slope. The single or double florets and fine, light green foliage provide splendid color from late spring into summer. 'Giant Imperial Mixed' from Burpee blooms in shades of blue, pink and white and dries beautifully. It is an outstanding cut flower and easy to air-dry. It retains its bright colors all winter. Don't confuse larkspur with delphinium, which is a tender perennial in many zones. Delphinium has a thicker flower stalk and tight clusters of larger flowers that make drying more of a challenge.

A Prayer Book Spray

A prayer book decorated with a spray of flowers can be carried either by the bride or by a bridesmaid. You need to see the book to assess the size of floral spray required. The completed design must look attractive without overpowering the prayer book. Ask the bride to bring the book into the shop prior to the wedding. Wrap, label and store it carefully, as the item is of great sentimental value to the bride. When organising the flower delivery Bromsgrove ensure that the book spray is included, and packaged carefully to prevent damage. Use plenty of tissue paper to support this delicate arrangement.

Treating Stems

Soft stems


Flowers with soft, succulent stems, for example, tulips, arum lilies and clivia should have their stems cut at an angle and be placed immediately in deep water, Some flowers from this particular group exude a slimy sap. Hyacinths and narcissi come into this category. Place those types of flowers in water on their own for an hour or so and then put them into fresh clean water.

Tulips also require additional care to bring out the best from them. Cut their soft stems at an angle and if they are thick, split them at the base for about 1 cm (1/2 inch). Remove the bottom leaves and then, before placing them in deep, tepid water for a long drink, bunch them together with their heads level and roll them in greaseproof paper just covering the flower heads. This will stop the heads falling forward and breaking off.

Hard, woody stems

Plants that fall into this category should have their stems cut on an angle and then split with a pair of secateurs, or hammered to break up the fibres. Florists Reddish always have a tricky time with this kind of stem. If a stem is particularly woody, 2 cms (1 inch) of bark should be stripped from its base before hammering so that the white stem beneath the bark shows clearly. Remove unwanted foliage and stems. Place the material into a deep bucket of water initially.

If there is a time delay between cutting and placing the material into water in its final receptacle, dip the tips of the stems into hot water for a few minutes first and then stand in warm water.

It's not all rosy . .




Although yellow roses are symbols of positive ideas such as freedom, marital bliss and friendship; they can also have some negative connotations. During the early part of the last century, yellow roses were known to mean lukewarm affection and sometimes jealousy. A yellow rose could signify infidelity within a relationship (not really something you would want to advertise). It symbolised the waning of passion; a relationship that has been reduced to a certain monotony and a relationship that lacks passion. This analogy could be why yellow roses could also mean farewell in certain circumstances.

Whenever you're unsure of the meaning of a particular flower, pick up the phone and contact your reseller of flowers Castellammare for some sound advice before deciding on the kind of flower you wish to send.

Wiring methods

Small flower heads need to be supported and controlled when used in the traditional construction of corsages, buttonholes and headdresses. It would be convenient if there were just one basic wiring method, but unfortunately this is not so. The modern florist handles a wide range of flowers requiring individual wiring methods, such as:

Singapore orchids


Handling the orchid with care, as petals are easily cracked or damaged, remove the flowers Battlefield head from the main stem, leaving only a small portion of stem. Insert a length of silver wire through the base of the flower, leaving one end longer than the other; bring the wire ends together, twisting the short end around both the stem and the longer end of wire, which is brought down to form an artificial stem. Neatly tape this stem.

Hyacinths

Bend a silver wire in half, twisting it to make a small loop. Gently remove a flower head, leaving a short stem. Insert the wire down and through the flower head, so the loop is hidden in the flower head. Complete as above.

Carnation spray

Leaving a small portion of stem, remove an individual flower from the spray. Make a small hook at the top of the wire and insert the wire through the head of the flower, pulling it carefully so that the hook is hidden in the flower centre. Start taping at the base of the stem.


Rose

Remove most of the stem; insert a stub wire up into the stem, pushing it securely into the seed box, then tape.

Grow your own

There are literally thousands of flowers that you can grow in your garden, and the riot of colors and scents that they each bring will be calming and relaxing. They will make your garden look magnificent when in full bloom. If you choose flowers that grow in different seasons you will add a burst of beautiful color throughout the whole year. Certainly a lot cheaper to grow your own flowers in your garden rather than using a florist to send flowers Greasby!

Bulbs’ Resistance to Cold

Summer-flowering bulbs come from so many parts of the world and are available at virtually every Fairwater flower shop. They belong to so many genera that they have few things in common except that they bloom sometime between spring and fall. Some, like most lilies and camassias, originated in cold climates and are hardy enough to survive winters outdoors anywhere in most climate zones. Others such as the caladium, which is native to the banks of jungle rivers in South America, are tender, or susceptible to cold; even their dormant tubers cannot stand temperatures that fall lower than 55°. In most areas such bulbs must be dug up in fall before the ground freezes if they are to be saved for flowering the next year. Resistance to cold (or the lack of it) determines not only how a bulb should be handled during winter but also when it should be set out to grow in the garden.

Your florist should . .

• Store the flowers in an upright position for, preferably, no more than 2 days. If flowers are to be stored for more than 2 days, extra handling steps should be taken to assure good postharvest quality.


• Before selling the flowers, cut off the ends but leave the wrapping on the bunch. Bunches should remain in an upright position and tightly wrap during rehydration (6 to 8 inches of lukewarm water) to prevent stems from becoming wavy.

By following these guidelines any of the reputable Carroll Gardens Florists will ensure that your flowers are delivered to you as fresh as can possibly be!

How about this?
Whilst we aim to provide you with a never ending supply of flower facts, you may like to check out Flower Trivia Gold if you want even more! You can never have too many tips and facts when you love flowers, or wish to have a career in the floral industry.

The heart will mend quicker if you have flowers

What to send?



Don't just send her favorite flowers over and over again show some originality now and again and mix it up a bit. Everyone loves surprises, and your girlfriend is no exception. Why not send the occasional bunch in her favourite colour as a nice change?


If you decide to order your flowers from an online florist for your flower delivery Kangaroo Point, you have the opportunity to check out their range on the website before ordering. This would be far better than just calling them and trying to describe what you want. It is very difficult to explain over the telephone exactly what it is you're looking for, particularly if you're not clued up on the different flower varieties.

Cutting for Flowers

When spring-flowering bulbs blossom, many gardeners are content to enjoy them where they are planted. But when cut and brought indoors, they make fine arrangements. Cutting the flower stems does not harm the plants; in fact, the bulbs become stronger because no energy is wasted in allowing the flowers to mature and produce seeds. Do not, however, cut leaves, which must remain to build up the bulbs for the next year. The favorites for cutting are the large-flowered anemones, tulips and daffodils, but squills, grape hyacinths and snowdrops make interesting miniature arrangements. After the arrangements are complete, you can take advantage of a Western Springs flower delivery service to brighten someone’s day.

Recession

This is the placement of flowers, foliage and perhaps ribbon bows on lower levels within design. To achieve recession, set back short-stemmed flowers, foliage or ribbons by placing them behind other materials. A design that lacks recession will appear hat and two-dimensional, whereas materials placed on lower levels attract and lead the eye into the design, creating visual balance. Short-stemmed materials also have the advantage of hiding the mechanics, giving he design an attractive finish while strengthening the profile. Check your next flower delivery Grover Beach meets these criteria before sending to the recipient.


Achieving recession

• Use open flowers (avoid buds) and bold foliage, which will fill in the design quickly.


• Use darker colours — their recessive quality will give greater visual depth.


• Remember to leave space around the materials, otherwise the design will appear packed and visually bottom-heavy.

How to Buy Bulbs

When you shop for bulbs, the best advice I can give you is to deal with reputable firms. If you choose to have the bulbs sent to you via Canary Wharf flower delivery, always be certain to check the bulbs before signing your receipt. Wrapped in the tight brown packages of their own tissue, bulbs can hide, even from a practiced eye, internal damage they may have suffered since leaving the grower’s fields. They may have been improperly dried, or cured, or they may have been overheated in shipment or storage, either of which can doom the embryonic flower inside. The terminology under which bulbs are sold is not much help: some are classified by their circumference in inches or centimeters; others are labeled “top size” or “exhibition,” called “jumbo,” “first size,” “second size” or “flowering size.” If you buy from a top-grade nursery, garden center or mail-order house, however, you can depend on the fact that, despite the trade jargon, what you will get will be of a size and grade suitable for growing in your garden with satisfying results.

Creating New Roses


Sooner or later almost every gardener who starts propagating his own plants is tempted to take the next step: rose breeding. For what rose lover does not carry within his heart a secret desire to cre­ate a new and better variety, one more lovely than any other ever grown? Perhaps he dreams of fame and fortune and even goes so far as to pick a name for his unknown beauty. The chance of his achieving this goal is very slim, for the most gifted of professional plant breeders rarely finds one rose out of ten thousand seedlings that is worth introducing into commerce.

However, the amateur should not be discouraged by the odds against commercial success. The techniques are simple, and even if the flowers Staple Hill he creates are never grown outside of his own garden, he is still likely to enjoy them more than the loveliest varieties hy­bridized by other men. The professionals themselves are the first to say that rose breeding is a fascinating game of chance.

Starting a flower garden?

Study the problems, such as an ugly shed to be hidden, or a cold prevailing wind; draw in the features you want to emphasize, such as a fine tree or a natural slope, and remember practical considerations. A flower delivery Edgbaston could be a thing of the past once your lovely garden is established. Ask all your friends for advice: everyone loves to give advice, though you may not want to take it all. Often you will find that something will strike one person and something else another, and you will be given quite a lot of useful ideas. For example, we had decided to make a path between the house and a wall, and some sensible friend said ‘Make it wide enough for the barrow.’ I have never ceased to be grateful for the enormous amount of walking that advice saved me.

White Rose Purity



The white rose is known as the traditional wedding flower and as such, it signifies pureness of a newly formed bond between lovers. The tradition of brides carrying a bouquet of white roses was started in 1840, at the wedding of Queen Victoria. During this momentous occasion, white roses were used abundantly throughout the ceremony. Since then, the tradition was formed and passed on through generations. No wonder they are so popular as a flower delivery Adamsdown around the time of a wedding.

Brides carry a bouquet of white roses during their wedding ceremony to indicate their purity, virginity and innocence. That being said, white roses also state the reputation of women in society – that they are clean and untainted. In Ancient Rome for example, white rose bushes were planted at the graves of deceased young women to indicate their virginity and innocence.

Gardening in the North

If you have moved recently to a northern or mountainous climate, you may be distressed to see how much it limits the growing of some of your favorite trees, shrubs and flowers Tuebrook. You will also find, however, that there are many wonderful woody plants that thrive there, and that the climate is ideal for most annuals and herbaceous perennials. Many species grow best and bloom over longer periods in areas where summers are cool and evening dews are heavy. Frigid winter temperatures do not affect perennials as much as they do woody plants, because their tops die down before winter, and snow often mulches the roots. Indeed the North offers many colorful possibilities for your flowers and other plants.

Flower Power

Throughout history flowers have played an important role in famous love affairs, unforgettable fashion trends, and even in international relations. Never underestimate the impact of flowers or their place in history. For example, you will enjoy finding out about how tulips became the centre of a frenzied fever of investment that swept across Europe in the mid 17th century. More recently, flower power swept the world as part of the hippy movement of the 1970s. Flower songs, floral kaftans and even VW vans took up the theme as flowers became a symbol of the peace movement during this era. Calvert florists everywhere will often convey tales of the real power of flowers, which is of course their ability to melt a girl's heart.

Can't get enough aye?
Ok, so you need even more facts, tips and information on flowers? Well, you're in luck, just head over to Flower Fact Jungle for more great information. Say hi from us as you browse through their mountain of flower and florist tips.

Come back and start over with flowers

Plan your event



To make an event fabulous, you must organize and plan. Always know where you are going to be placing your flowers and how many arrangements you will need. Florists are great at helping you categorize and outline your feelings and personalities into flowers. This creates mood when you are entertaining your guests. Florists can also point out things that you may have overlooked. All of the little details, like planning and being in control, contribute to the making of a wonderful day!


Florists can be a tremendous asset in helping you in designing and creating magical flowers for your special occasion. Whether a birthday party, wedding, or anniversary many florists are willing to plan any event for you. They can also help you create the appropriate mood for business functions or a more somber statement such as a funeral. After reading these tips, you can be confident that you will save money and time when you choose a good reliable florist.

If you put these tips for hiring a florist into action, you will be rewarded with exceptional results, not to mention beautiful flowers Wick.

A pretty flower - Tanacetum (tansy)

Characteristics: Tansy is an attractive addition to your garden. Native to Europe, it has naturalized in North America and is often seen growing along roadsides. The pungent, fernlike leaves were once used as stewing herb, but are now used as an insect repellent. This reliable plant grows about 2 to 4 feet tall with an equal spread. It should be planted at the back of the border and staked to prevent wind damage. The attractive blooms are clusters of button-shaped, yellow flowers that bloom in mid- to late summer. Isolate tansy because its aggressive creeping roots can become invasive.

Cultural Information: Tansy will grow in any garden soil, but prefers moist, loamy soil. Sow seeds in early spring or late fall, or propagate new plants by root division in early spring. Space the plants 12 to 24 inches apart.

Harvesting/Drying: Pick flowers Bermondsey at the peak of their color, before they have fully opened. Remove foliage and hang to air-dry. The flowers will fade a bit but they still make a sunny addition to dried arrangements.

Funeral flowers ease pain

At a time of such sorrow comfort can be taken from the thoughts of others and many people find that flowers help express their feelings. It's not always easy to find the right words to convey your sorrow and condolences, so a well thought out floral bouquet or wreath can be the ideal way to express your sentiments. You can't bring back a dearly departed loved one, and you can't ease the deep grief experienced by their close friends and family, but if you send flowers Dixons Creek to the funeral you are helping in some small way.

Buttonholes

It is customary for the groom to pay for the flowers of the bride and bridesmaids, and sometimes included in this gift are flowers for the mothers of both the bride and groom, and also the groomsmen’s buttonholes.

Carnations are frequently chosen, as they symbolize love and good luck, and the groom and best man often opt for red, the symbol for masculine love.

Many people now try to coordinate the flowers Botany more fully, and instead of carnations they choose a flower included in the bride’s bouquet. Sometimes, the groom alone will have a rose to match those in the bouquet, and everyone else will have carnations. This distinguishes the groom from the rest of the bridal party.

Too hot to handle


While some flower species can't tolerate lots of hot summer weather, the half hardy annuals may sometimes droop in this weather but they will perk up in the later summer months. You can choose some tender annuals like scarlet sage, morning glory, petunias, begonias, celosia, balsam, nasturtium, and verbena. Flowers that can withstand almost anything a Queensland winter has to throw at it can be found in the local shop you use to get your flowers delivered Beswick. Always do your homework prior to planting as some plants just can't handle the heat of summer.

Protecting Roses

When you have your flowers delivered West Los Angeles, remove their moisture-conserv­ing wrappings immediately and dampen the roots. One way to keep them moist is to cover them with a wet piece of burlap; however, an even better way is to put the roots in a pail of water. This will en­able the plants to absorb all of the moisture that their cells will hold. An old-fashioned, but excellent, trick is to use muddy water. If there is a considerable clay content in the mud, the roots will come out coated with a film of mud, which will keep them moist while they are being planted.

The plants may be left in the water up to 24 hours prior to planting if necessary. But rose roots must be protected from freez­ing as well as from dehydration, and care should be taken that bush­es to be planted are not left out in the open overnight when freezing weather is expected. A combination of freezing temperatures and drying wind is especially lethal to roses. I once saw hundreds of healthy rose plants killed when careless nursery workers persisted in planting bare-root roses on a windy day when temperatures were only a few degrees below freezing. Even if the weather is mild, the bushes should be carefully sheltered from desiccating winds. It is a good idea to put them, immersed in their pail of water, in a corner of an unheated garage where no wind at all can reach them.

Aristocrats of the Garden

In planting lilies, few home gardeners want, or can afford, to duplicate the vast displays seen in public arboretums and parks. This is just as well; lilies have often been called the aristocrats of the garden, and like aristocrats they are used to standing alone. They are striking in small groups, particularly if their statuesque stalks and bright, sculptured flowers Apple Valley are highlighted against a dark background of evergreens. But wherever a few lilies stand, they still draw the eye, and for this reason the taller varieties can be used with stunning effect to terminate a garden vista.

Perennials: Powerful Partners

From studying the new garden catalogs in mid-January to tucking mulch in among the plants just before the winter snows arrive, gardening is full of delightful surprises and never monotonous. As soon as the snow melts in the spring, we hurry out to discover which perennials are peeping through the wet earth after their winter hibernation. With the first spring shower, many that had seemed dead on first inspection suddenly sprout green buds, and we know that more delights will appear each day until the cycle of seasons bring gardening to a close once again. It is this quality of metamorphosis that attracts us to herbaceous perennials. They are fascinating because most bloom for only short periods and seldom looks the same two days in a row, or two years in succession. Our early morning walks reward us with a changing display of blossoms and an endless variation of plant textures, heights, and fragrances. We wait expectantly to see if the new hybrid iris we splurged on last fall from a Ingram flower shop will be as spectacular as the catalog description promised, or if the blooms of the peony that were disappointingly small last summer will improve this year. Each season is a new adventure.

Flower arranging tools

At is vital to use the correct tools for any job, a rule that applies to flower arranging just as much as to any other branch of floristry. There is a vast array of containers, foam and tapes and the florist must select the correct items for each design.

The invention of floral foam about forty years ago brought about dramatic changes in the art of flower arranging. Until that time, flowers were arranged in wet sand, clay or chicken wire. The early types took forty minutes to soak, but today’s wet foams only take one and a half minutes. Floral foam, which is available under many brand names, comes in several shapes, sizes and densities, variously designed to suit different containers and the weight of specific types of plant material. The best-known shapes are the bricks and cylinders.


Also available are foam- filled trays, ready-prepared for designs such as wall swags, marquee-pole arrangements and sympathy tributes. These can be found in biodegradable form. It is also possible to obtain long bars of foam covered in plastic film, and these are ideal either for large floral arrangements to be hung on walls or for casket sprays.

Some foam is treated with fire retardant, a valuable feature now that fire regulations have been tightened up. No one wants their flower delivery Bellaire to contain any harmful or dangerous materials.

Additional information
If you love flowers as much as we do you may also enjoy Flower Heaven. Another blog dedicated to bringing you the very best florist information on the internet.

Can a florist get you a girlfriend?

Flowers of the world - Helipterum roseum (immortelle flower)

Characteristics: Helipterum has a strong stiff stem with gray-green foliage and large, daisy-like flowers. It is just one of the approximately 60 species of dried flowers that originated in South Africa. The flower heads, usually solitary, are 2 inches wide. They are commonly available in white or pink with yellow centers although some more unusual ones are red with a black center. Flowers bloom from June to September.


Cultural Information: Sow seed in early April, 1/8 inch deep. Maintain temperatures of 55° to 65°F to ensure proper germination. You may have the flowers delivered Kangaroo Point after all danger of frost. Thin to 8 inches apart. Don't forget to harden off plants that have been started indoors before planting outside. A well-drained soil, rich in humus but slightly acid is preferable. These plants do not tolerate soil that has been limed. Plants flower about eight weeks after the seed is sown. Plants tend to have sparse-looking foliage so it is best to grow them in rows in a cutting garden or with fuller plants in front to cover their lower stems.

Harvesting/Drying: Harvest the flowers on a dry day. Collect flowers that have just begun to open or while in the bud stage. Harvesting flowers in several stages of development creates more natural looking arrangements. Remove the foliage and secure bunches with rubber bands. Hang in a dark, dry, well-ventilated place.

Trimming your cut flowers

When cutting, cut at an angle, as that makes greater surface area for the  water to enter the stem. Cut off any leaves that will be under water, as left on   the stems, they will begin to rot and promote bacterial growth. Keep your   flowers out of direct sunlight and heat, and change the water often. These initial steps will ensure a healthy bouquet. 


 

For those seeking natural means of protecting and caring for flowers, the   only thing to avoid from the above-mentioned description of flower care will be   the plant food and anti-bacterial preservative to keep the plants healthy. There   are many natural formulas for those preferring to avoid the chemicals found in   plant food. Water is the essential element for all of life to survive. So, ensuring that your plant gets the best water for it will ensure a longer life whenever you receive flowers Rotorua.

The Iris: Flower of Royalty

Of all the figures in medieval heraldry, none is more wide­spread than the three-pronged fleur-de-lis, a symbol of royal power and of divine protection. The symbol first appears in the art of the earliest civilizations of both India and Egypt as a sign of life and resurrection. Although it may have de­rived from a lily, or even from a spear or arrowhead, it was more likely inspired by wild irises, which grow throughout much of Europe, Africa and Asia. These irises can be found in any South Birmingham flower shop.


What is certain is that the kings of France adopted the fleur-de-lis as their royal standard. It was used as early as the Fifth Century on the banners of Clovis, King of the pagan Franks. And as France became a nation, spreading her power far beyond her shores, her soldiers carried with them the King's azure flag with the three golden flowers.

Wildflowers: Familiar Faces

Planting wildflowers in the cultivated flower garden can be a debatable subject, as most Trafford Park florists can attest to. Most are better suited to a more natural setting, and many require shade, especially in summer. There are notable exceptions, however: Violets fit nicely into even the most formal perennial garden, for instance, while bunchberries (Cornus canadensis) make great edging plants. In our own yard, we enjoy a clump of maidenhair ferns (Adiantum) in a shaded part of our back border, and wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) has seeded itself beautifully in part of one sunny bed. Wild shrubs, such as flowering raspberry (Rubus odoratus) and red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum), add some interest as well as beauty to a planting, and wild roses can make a nice impenetrable background.

Mother Nature’s Judgment


Color is an essential element of dried arrangements. Often, the colors will be determined by the color scheme of the room in which the arrangement will be placed, so if you choose to send flowers Echo Park to someone it is a good idea to have a general vision of the room in which the flowers will go. The eye gives different emphasis to different colors and different sizes. Bright colors, for example, will stand out more than pale colors, and large flowers will stand out more than small ones. Dark flowers seem heavier than lighter-colored flowers of equal size and height. Because of this, you might find it best to place lighter-colored flowers higher up in the arrangement, while placing the darker, larger flowers toward the base. No one questions Mother Nature's judgment when she mixes many vibrant colors in a summer wildflower meadow. So if you love to mix strong colors in arrangements, I see no reason why you shouldn't. But the color mix in each arrangement will be different, so be sure to look at the relationship of the colors to each other.

Focal point and line

Area of dominance, accent point, centre of interest — these are just some of the design terms used to describe areas of emphasis and interest. The focal point and line exist for the following reasons:

• To attract and stimulate interest, the main focal point catching the eye and leading it into and through the design;


• To give emphasis and provide a strong visual line;



• To provide a sense of order and coordinate all materials within the completed design, as all lines and groupings should radiate from this;


• To avoid monotony, through its bold form, colour and large size.

Achieving a focal area

There are several methods used by Provanhall florists to achieve a focal area.

• Form — select materials, such as lilies or gerberas, which are either round or have an interesting form, as this will attract and stimulate the eye.


• Lines — the main focal point is the most dominant line, formed by using 3, 5, 7 or more flowers (even numbers may also be used) to form a direct line. A graded line of flowers avoids the obvious ‘bull’s eye’ focal point. All secondary lines must appear to radiate from or converge at this point.


• Repetition — use the same form and colour of one type of flower, in varying sizes, to create the main line.



• Gradation — buds are placed at the outer edge, then come the semi-open flowers, and larger materials are placed at the centre.


• Colour — full hues are used at the centre to attract the eye; paler colours are placed to the outside, where the design must appear lighter and have less visual attraction.


• Grouping and recession — a grouping of flowers or leaves, recessed at the focal area, will strengthen the visual depth of the design.


• Contrast — greater emphasis can be achieved by contrasting the forms, colours and texture at the main focal area.

Sweetbrier [Eglantine] Roses

Sweetbrier roses, also known as eglantine roses, de­rive their common name from their sweet fragrance and thick, thorny habit of growth. Their gracefully arched branches grow 8 to 12 feet tall. Their blos­soms, five petaled except in a few hybrids, are bright pink, red, copper or yellow, and appear singly or in clusters. The flowers Ford are about 1 ½ inches in diameter and are surrounded by roundish leaves approximately 1 ½ inches long that are dark green on the upper surface and grayish on the underside; the leaves give off an apple fragrance that is especially strong on humid days. Most sweetbriers bloom once each year, in late spring or early summer, but the leaves retain their fragrance throughout the growing season. Many types of sweetbrier roses produce an enormous num­ber of hips, small and either round or oval in shape, depending on the variety; their orange-red hue lends color to gardens well into autumn and even winter. Sweetbrier stems are abundantly thorny, and if left untended the bushes become impenetrable thickets. But because of their compact growth habit, they can be trained into excellent hedges. Vigorous growers, sweetbriers are hardy enough to survive in most mild climates without winter protection.

Quick Tips to keep your cut flowers longer

• Use plain, lukewarm water for most cut flowers, but use cold water for bulb flowers, such as daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips.


• Change the water every 2 days — don’t just top it off. This is the single most effective thing you can do to keep your flowers looking fresh.



• Keep flowers out of direct sunlight, and move them to a cool place at night.


• Give daffodils their own vase — daffodil stems give off a compound that is toxic to other flowers.


• Keep cut flowers away from fruit, which releases a gas that causes flowers to age faster.

Purchase your fresh flowers online through a reputable florist, or take some extra time and source your lovely blooms with someone who specialises in delivering fresh flowers Penylan. There are many, many places available these days were you can purchase those blooms online and get them delivered the same day.

Garden Flowers

Growing your own flowers or foliage can provide many hours of pleasure. If you have only a small area it may pay to concentrate on growing foliage plants and supplement this constant source of material with blooms from the market or from the shops.

Preferably, cut your plants early in the morning or in the early evening when it is cooler. Carry a bucket of water with you and immediately a stem is cut place it in the bucket. Do not gather material and leave it on the ground to be collected later as the stems will become dehydrated and cause the flowers to wilt.

Always do your cutting with secateurs or a good pair of sharp scissors. Make a clean cut and never tug at the material or you could loosen the whole plant and cause it to die.

When you have bought your material inside, leave it to stand in the bucket for several hours so that it has a long drink before arranging it in other containers.

Once cut, flowers Kew Gardens Hills and foliage last for varying amounts of time. Learning some techniques which can help extend the life of your material is well worthwhile.


Whether you have obtained your material straight from the garden or from a flower shop, it should be properly treated before being arranged.

How about this?
Whilst we aim to provide you with a never ending supply of flower facts, you may like to check out The Florist's Blog if you want even more! You can never have too many tips and facts when you love flowers, or wish to have a career in the floral industry.

Take your florist away

Born free . .

Freedom can be symbolised through yellow roses. This sense of freedom would make this the rose of choice for occasions such as someone breaking up from an unhappy relationship, being released from prison or perhaps a lottery winner being freed from financial burdens. There are many ways that freedom can be interpreted in modern life, and when you send flowers Coburg East, yellow roses signify this perfectly. The yellow, spring time feel of these roses are like a breath of fresh air when situated in any room. Bright and beautiful!

Just Google it


You can find many articles on the internet that will advise you on the best ways to maintain your cut flowers. There are articles that tell you tips like tulips and daffodils are not compatible and that tulips need more water than other flowers. Take advantage of the information super highway and you can transform your home with simple and affordable flower arrangements.

Always check with your local florist to see which blooms are in season at the time as they will invariably be cheaper than those which are out of season. Saving money and energising your home at the same time has to make good sense, and technology is there to make life easier for you when getting your flowers delivered Albany.

Permanent Flowers

Usually known as "silk flowers," permanent flowers aren't really made from silk. Most commonly, they are made from polyester, but many other materials are used to recreate natural looking stem flowers. Polyester flower petals hold their shape well, allowing the flowers and arrangements a long life. In recent years the quality of "polysilks," as they have come to be known, has greatly improved. Natural colors are being used, with botanically correct shading or veining in the petals and leaves.


Permanent flowers or polysilks come in all sizes and ranges of quality. Hand-wrapped flowers are the most expensive and usually are worth the expense because of their realistic appearance. As their name suggests, they are constructed by hand. A flower is attached to a wire stem with floral tape, then the leaves and more blossoms are added as the stem is wrapped. As a result, the stem is thick and usually contains several wires, making heavy-duty wire cutters essential. These floral materials can be purchased from a Palm Springs flower shop, and their high quality adds realism to any arrangement, even when only a few are used. Because of their natural appearance, they remain in style longer with their colors spanning more seasons.

A Straight Shower Bouquet

This style of design is defined as a formal bouquet, and the construction incorporates a handle, which allows the bouquet to be carried easily at either a wedding or a formal presentation. Flowers, foliage and accessories are arranged in specific styles, such as a straight shower, as seen here, a semi-crescent, or line. The traditional method of assembly is for florists Uxbridge to wire and mount all the materials, with the wires forming the handle. The modern approach is to use a wet or dry foam bouquet holder.

The Ancient Lily


When asked, some St Annes florists are happy to tell the tale of the lily. One of the oldest plants known to man, the lily is mentioned in his­tory for the first time on a tablet that was inscribed in Sumeria near­ly 5,000 years ago. The tablet tells of a city in Persia that was surrounded by fields of lilies and in fact was named Susa, which means lily. Some scholars believe the lily spread from Persia in the caravans of nomads who took edible bulbs along as food for their long journeys; occasionally they would drop one, according to this theory, and it would take root and grow where it fell. In any case the lily traveled far, to Crete, Egypt, Greece, Rome and, probably in the baggage of homesick Roman soldiers, to northern Europe and England. Wherever it went, it took on an aura of sanctity. The Minoans associated it with their goddess Britomartis. The Greeks made it a symbol of their greatest goddess, Hera, and the Romans associated it with Juno, Hera's counterpart.

Quick flower meanings . .

If you wanted to show respect you could send some sunflowers…. the iris (named after the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology) shows that a message is being sent….a pansy means you're thinking about someone and the ivy represents fidelity. The list goes on, with almost every flower you can think of having a very specific meaning when translated from Florish (the language of flowers). Don't bother looking in any bookshop for a Florish dictionary, because they simply do not exist. The information is all neatly contained inside the head of your local flower delivery Castle Bromwich Sydney man!

Rose Planting Season

Every experienced florist Coryton has his own little secrets for bring­ing a plant to the peak of free-flowering perfection. I have some pet methods of my own. But really there is no mysterious wizardry to rose culture. The techniques are simple, and if you apply them with some care, you will be rewarded with bumper crops of lovely blooms year after year. The care begins at the beginning, with the planting of a new bush. This is done when the plant is dormant: in cold climates, in early spring; in moderate climates, in late fall or early spring; in warm climates, in the brief period of dormancy between December and February. But whenever planting time comes in your area, don't delay; plant the bushes as soon as possible after they arrive. And until you can get them into the ground, protect them carefully from drying out or freezing, or from sudden fluctuations in temperature.

Floral Symbol of Christianity

The rose was shunned by early Chris­tians, who linked it with the excesses of pagan Rome. Prudentius, a Christian poet, wrote that the Third Century Span­ish martyr St. Eulalia scorned the "sweet smell of roses" as she did jewels and oth­er flowers Tranmere. But by the Middle Ages, the rose had undergone a transfor­mation in the eyes of the Church, becoming not only the symbol of purity of the Virgin Mary, but the model for a pa­pal award and the inspiration for the magnificent stained-glass windows of the imposing Gothic cathedrals of Europe.

Papaver orientale (Oriental poppy)

Characteristics: Poppies are another dried flower grown for their highly decorative pods. The perennial Oriental poppies produce large, showy pods. Many annual poppies also produce attractive smaller pods. Allow a few annual seedpods to ripen on the plants. This will ensure a continuous supply of poppies next year.

Cultural Information: Perennial poppies are a bit more demanding in their growing requirements than annual poppies. They prefer areas with cool summer temperatures and are short-lived in warm-winter areas. They do not appreciate being transported by Pinehill flower delivery, as their flowers are extremely fragile. It will take about two growing seasons for them to become established. Mulch in summer to keep their roots cooler. Annual poppies will grow in average, well-drained soil. Sow the seed directly into the garden in early spring or late winter.


Harvesting/Drying: The flowers of poppies are almost impossible to dry successfully, but the seedpods are easy to dry and very decorative. The pods are green in the early stage and mature into an attractive beige. Don't pick them too early because they need to dry on the plant before harvesting. Harvest both annual and perennial poppy pods before damp weather discolors them. Hang small bunches to air-dry.

Can't get enough aye?
Ok, so you need even more facts, tips and information on flowers? Well, you're in luck, just head over to The Enchanted Florist for more great information. Say hi from us as you browse through their mountain of flower and florist tips.

Pushing the boat out - order some flowers

Rose Arrangement

From a single flower to a massed display of blooms, roses can provide beauty in a variety of arrangements and surroundings. Alone or combined with other flowers, they can be casual or formal, intimate or elegant, riotous or restrained. One thing roses seldom are, however, is long lasting; without care their beauty tends to be sweet but fleeting. To make roses last as cut flowers they must be picked while still in the budding stage, then plunged immediately into several inches of tepid water, preferably water that contains one of the cut-flower preservatives sold by Frenchay florists and garden supply stores. These chemical compounds, containing both nutrients and antibacterial agents, can double the life of a rose arrange­ment. Stand the roses in a cool place for at least an hour to cut down the process of transpiration: the loss of moisture through petals and foliage. Then, just before arranging them, cut off any unwanted foliage and strip off all leaves that would fall below the water surface, where they might rot and foul the water. A special stripping tool facilitates this task and also removes another troublesome appendage: thorns. Trim off a fraction of an inch of stem to open a fresh water-absorbing surface, and place the rose in the container. To hold it in place use a commercial flower holder, such as a block of foam plastic or a needlepoint holder, or force a ball of crumpled chicken wire into the mouth of the container.

Assembly of a prayer book spray

Collect all the materials together and, working on a sheet of paper, prepare the ribbons (if required), and then the foliage and the flowers. This elongated style of corsage will require longer-than-usual units of flowers and foliage.

Florists Sidcup will assemble the corsage by binding units together under the focal flower. Use finer materials to create the outline, and position the main flowers in a curving line to establish the profile. Add the trailing units of flowers and foliage. Next, bind in single leaves and flowers on various levels and recess some materials. Now trim out excess wires; tape the stem end, and firmly wire the spray onto a ‘figure-of-eight’ wire foundation.

Check that the book is the correct way up, then position the spray on the centre, bending the wire frame over the top and bottom edges of the book and clamping it firmly onto the inside cover.

Place the ribbon streamers where they can act as a page marker during the ceremony. Check the design; adjust the materials; carefully and lightly mist the spray; protect the book with paper, and store it in a cool place until it is required.

Woody or hollow stemmed flowers


Woody-stemmed materials can prove difficult to condition. Use warm water and flower food or if necessary, the boiling-water method, to encourage water uptake.

Flowers with hollow stems, such as delpinium hybrids, can be inverted and filled with water from a watering can. Plug the end with cotton wool and place the stem in a bucket of tepid water. The cotton wool acts as a wick, and the water in the stem will keep the whole flower turgid. This is usually a process carried out by the florist and the flower delivery Akuna Bay for the customer will already be done.

Stand the test of time with silk

You can easily cherish your wedding bouquet, keeping it looking as beautiful as the day you wed, long after the last piece of frozen wedding cake has been eaten. Silk wedding flowers can be a great way to make an elegant expression without spending a great deal of money. If you are looking for ways to have a wedding on a budget, using fake wedding flowers is a great way to cut costs. Just get your local florist to send flowers Auldhouse over to you to allow you to make your choice. They can often look just as good as fresh flowers, particularly from a distance, so for many it is a viable option.

Nature at Work


The process of "crossing" or intermarriage between natural species in the same family of plants varies greatly with the different families. Just why this should be so no one knows. In some cases no assistance from the hand of man, the plant breeder, is required. Nature, unaided, attends to the job. In the woods on Cape Cod, for instance, we can find a half-dozen distinct species of oak, in­terspersed with innumerable mongrel types which show, in vary­ing degrees, the characteristics of the several parents. In a water­side grove of black gums, however, all are as alike as peas in the same pod. It is a general characteristic of hybrid varieties that they are more vigorous, and grow satisfactorily under a wider range of conditions of soil and climate, than was the case with their parents. This is especially true of man-made or controlled hybrids devel­oped during a long series of crosses, for the simple reason that the weak-growing and otherwise least satisfactory ones are constantly being discarded in the process; or, in the case of those which may show some unusual but desirable character, such as a new color or flower form, be retained merely for further breeding until the new color or form can be combined with a more vigorous strain. Many Clayton florists possess flowers that have been created in such a way.

Planting flower borders

Never plant a flower border too near a hedge: make a path at the back, which makes for easy working and prevents weeds from beyond and under the hedge from encroaching into the garden. Always make borders wider than you think they should be, and try to place at least some so that you can look along them: you can get a wonderful effect from a wide flower border, whereas narrow borders seen straight on are often disappointing.

Don’t make too many small flower beds: they look fussy and take up a lot of time. To decide on which flowers you would like to grow, why not take a trip to your Skid Row florists? A paved area can be a lovely feature in a garden with either sink gardens or just paving and sweet-smelling plants such as pinks, lavender and honeysuckle growing from small areas left clear between the paving stones. Best of all, if you can design your paved area so that it is close by the house, slightly sunken or sheltered by wall and hedge, you have a perfect ‘sitting-out’ place.

Flowers of the world - Gypsophila paniculata (baby’s breath)

Characteristics: Baby's breath is tiny white clouds of flowers on strong branching stems. The plant adds an airy effect to both the summer garden and winter dried arrangements. The flowers appear in midsummer and continue to bloom until early fall. Try growing the large double-flowered variety 'Bristol Fairy'. 'Early Snowball' is an early blooming variety with small, double flowers. Gypsophila is also available from Santa Clara florists in the annual form G. elegans, which has lance-shaped foliage and pink to white flowers. Another annual, 'Covent Garden White', has clusters of large white flowers. Both of these annuals can be easily air-dried and used in arrangements. The flowers tend to darken into an off-white color after drying. This antique white color is preferred for certain projects.

Cultural Information: Gypsophila does best in well-drained, alkaline soil in full sunlight. A generous handful of lime sprinkled yearly in a circle around the base of the plant should keep the soil alkaline. The roots of baby's breath are deep and need a lighter soil through which they can penetrate. Propagate by sowing seed in early spring, or taking cuttings in late spring. Plant baby's breath 36 inches apart. Like most perennials, it requires division after three years. Annual Gypsophila, G. elegans, is best propagated by direct sowing seeds in early spring.

Exotic and beautiful

Some of the flowers described as exotic are now regularly to be seen in Northeast Rockwall florists’ shops. Dendrobium orchids, kangaroo paws, wax flowers and gerberas are now popular with customers and can be used in a wide range of designs to stunning effect.

Other species are not seen quite so often, including the Bird of Paradise — a lovely name for Strelitzia reginae. Heliconias, with their rather odd names, such as ‘Lobster Claw’, ‘Manoa Midnight’ and ‘Yellow Christmas’, flower in colours ranging from lavender, orange, green and yellow through to dark red and almost black. One of the most recent arrivals, from South-East Asia, is the curcuma, a lilac-purple plant, with colourful bracts that resemble the ginger flower, and which, along with proteas and anthuriums, displays the excellent lasting qualities of tropical flowers.

Several of the flowers and foliage types mentioned here are cold-sensitive, and should not be put into cold store, but kept at room temperature. Orchids and other exotic materials are valued for their long life, bold forms, strong colours and interesting textures.

Wedding flowers on a budget

You could use a floral headpiece as a substitute for the bouquet if you are on a tight budget. The floral headpiece can easily be used instead of a bouquet to throw into the crowd of expectant women. This sure is an unusual way to lend that personal touch to the ceremony and can be really inexpensive when compared to the cost of a bouquet. If you plan on wearing a veil, then flowers can still be incorporated into the design. Just ask your local florist to get the best advice on which flowers will look best with your colour scheme. Once you have decided on the arrangement you want, the florist can send flowers
Broad Channel over to you.

Additional information
If you love flowers as much as we do you may also enjoy Florist News Desk. Another blog dedicated to bringing you the very best florist information on the internet.

Native flowers make a lovely arrangement

The Lush Begonias

The fourth of the big four of summer-flowering bulbs (dahlias, lilies and gladioluses) is the tuberous begonia, widely popular like the other three but for different reasons. Tuberous begonias bear flowers more varied and colorful than most other summer-flowering bulbs. Some resemble roses, others camellias, others carnations; they come in flower sizes up to 10 inches across and in a brilliant sunset of colors from yellow and orange to pink and red, with pure white thrown in. And they can be kept in bloom even longer than lilies. They can be started indoors and brought outside to flower on a porch or patio from spring until frost. Begonias are also very popular choices if you want to send flowers Netherby to a friend or loved one. Moreover, since tuberous begonias are among the most colorful of shade-tolerant plants, they provide bright beauty for enjoyment at close range on a shady terrace or under trees, where most people like to sit on hot summer days. Among my favorites are hanging-basket begonias, B. tuberhybrida pendula, which can be hung from an eave or a low tree branch to provide a cascade of glowing hues in the shade of early evening. Tuberous begonias are virtually disease free, can be grown in pots or in wire or plastic containers, and produce an extraordinary harvest of blossoms that inevitably become a focal point, on a patio, next to a front door or wherever else they are placed.

Lunaria annua (money plant, Pope's money, honesty)


Characteristics: The money plant is an old-fashioned garden plant grown for its showy seedpods. It is best grown in an informal setting or meadow. The small clusters of flowers are violet or white in color. A standard of Victorian European parlors, this lovely plant was not grown in America until the 1930s. It produces circular seedpods that dry into translucent silvery discs. These pods are extremely decorative and useful in dried arrangements.

Cultural Information: The money plant is easily grown from direct sown seed. In early summer, biennial plants need to be seeded where they will flower the following summer.

Harvesting/Drying: This plant needs very little drying time. Pick the silvery white seedpods when dry and papery. Remove the outer brownish discs (the outer seed cover) by gently rubbing. A lovely silvery disc will be uncovered. Air-dry in an upright or hanging position until stems are dry. If you choose to have these flowers delivered Mt Wellington, handle gently as they tend to become very brittle.

Pew ends . .


Everyone loves pew ends. They guide the bride down the aisle to the altar; they make the scene complete, and they help to give the church a fairytale appearance. In addition, pew ends are expected to be a low-cost item, and they can be a good way of using up short flowers.

Traditional style

If the wedding is in a traditional church or cathedral, the flowers are generally massed, with little space left between them and with lots of foliage. The typical arrangements to choose for the occasion would be large triangle-shaped pedestals, and the pew ends would be in keeping with these. Again, they would be triangular in shape, but in this case with the length running down the design, and with flowers and foliage massed together.

Modern style

In a modern building, it is far more appropriate to make the arrangements modern. Use bold flowers and leaves, and lots of space. Here again, the pew ends would echo the larger arrangements. Getting the flowers delivered South Birmingham to the church on time is also a critical factor to take into consideration.

Arranging those cut flowers

Ideally, you would already own a vase or two. If you don't, purchase a large glass one, the wider it is at the top, the better. Then drop large hints to your nearest and dearest that you would like to practise your flower-arranging skills. Or send yourself a bouquet. Or send one to your sister or best friend or mother and hope she returns the favour.

A bouquet usually contains enough flowers to fill two vases. Arrange the larger flowers at the back and the smaller ones at the sides and the front. Don't be afraid to mix colours, flowers love to show off, and the more striking the arrangement the better. Never cram a vase too full. Better two vases with plenty of space than one overflowing. Wrap the ribbon that came with the bouquet around your vase. Check your own garden for greenery, if none came with your bouquet. Use half of the packet of flower food straight away, mix it with the vase water and save the rest for the water change. If you didn't receive any flower food with your bouquet, phone up your local Rusholme florist shop and complain!

Manly Colours?

There are no hard and fast rules about what colors are appropriate for each gender but it ia best to stay away from the more feminine associated colors such as pink, and the lighter pastel shades. There is no need to settle for the fail-safe blue, though, use a little creative imagination here. Choose, instead, flowers in strong, vivid and monochromatic hues like bright yellow, intense orange, fiery red and royal gold to ensure your man looks upon them as being a masculine gift within his North University Park flower delivery . Whatever you end up choosing for your man I'm sure he'll appreciate the effort and sentiment of the floral gift.

Wedding Reception Flowers

Floral arrangements are a great way to carry a consistent theme throughout your Australian wedding experience, which is very important when planning your big day. There is nothing more beautiful (bride excepted of course) than a reception venue decorated in the same theme as your bridal bouquets. You can't of course, trust this important job to just any old florist. We strongly recommend you use a flower delivery Crosshill expert with many years of experience in providing fresh flowers to Australia. Flowers, whether you're sending them online, or purchasing for your wedding day send such an important message, that you just have to get it right. There is no second chance if the flowers arrive on your wedding day not as you had expected. Communication between yourself and your florist is vital to ensure that everyone is happy on the big day.

Mounting Flowers onto a Backing Board

Once your material is com­pletely dry, it is time to mount it onto a backing board. Select a mounting board of linen, velour or velvet, or a matting board of the type used by pic­ture framers. You can use a sil­icone adhesive, which can be purchased at a Eastham flower shop, to mount the flowers onto the backing board. If the flowers are small and delicate, a pair of tweezers will help to position them on the board. Avoid using household glues because they can cause discoloration after framing.

Working with silicone adhesives can be messy, so some people prefer to place the flowers onto the backing board and cover them with a sheet of clear contact paper. Start by cutting a sheet of contact paper slightly larger than the back­board. Adhere the top of the contact paper to your working surface or table. Slowly smooth the contact paper downward and outward over the flowers on the backboard. Work slowly because the petals will often jump off the backboard due to the static nature of the plastic contact paper.

Floral Ball or Kissing Ball


Traditional kissing balls were covered with mistletoe. They hung in doorways or from chan­deliers during the Christmas holidays. Many Pentwyn florists sell round floral forms to use as a base for these quaint balls. Cover the form with a base ma­terial such as sweet Annie (or, of course, mistletoe). Then add colorful flowers and possibly ribbon. If you'd like to hang the dried flower ball from a door­way or chandelier, tie a length of ribbon or string around the ball or secure it to the ball with a long, straight pin. The floral ball can also be used sitting in a pretty bowl or dish. Remem­ber to keep the flowers in scale with the size of the floral foam ball and the container that it will finally sit in.

Flower arrangement for the speaker's table

This impressive arrangement is designed for a guest speaker’s table at a business, civic or social function, when it can be used to hide notes, or conceal microphones. The arrangement may also be positioned on a top table at other occasions, such as a luncheon, banquet, or wedding reception. The design should draw the eye to the top table.

Initially, this may appear to be a faced design, but in fact it must look attractive from all angles and the materials should be placed on different levels. Position the design at the centre of the table, close to the front edge. Flowers and foliage should then trail over the edge if the florist Harlem has done a good job arranging this. The speaker and other VIPs should be able to see over the arrangement, however, and it must not hide them from their audience.

How about this?
Whilst we aim to provide you with a never ending supply of flower facts, you may like to check out The Florist's Blog if you want even more! You can never have too many tips and facts when you love flowers, or wish to have a career in the floral industry.

Take a break from the daily grind and send some flowers

Dried Arrangement Advantage

Working with dried flowers can be challeng­ing because they are very brittle and apt to break easily. Their colors also tend to be more subtle than those of fresh flowers, and will fade even further with age and exposure to light. However, dried flower arranging has advantages over fresh flower arranging, too. One advantage is that you can take several days to create a dried arrangement. You will also have a good selection of plant material from which to choose. Mix and match beauties of all seasons, such as a spring-flowering branch of dogwood with the gorgeous roses of summer and even the dried hydrangea of autumn. It is always fun to create such mixed-season arrangements be­cause they truly are tributes to the beauty and variety of your garden, and others will greatly appreciate this when you have the flowers delivered Moree to them.

Packing them in


Good packaging protects flowers during transit from distant countries, ensuring they arrive at the florist’s shop in good condition with the minimum of damage. Thanks to the packaging methods now used by growers and exporters, flowers always arrive at the florist in peak condition. Many flowers are now aqua packed, or wet packed, for transport. This is an excellent method, as the stem ends do not dry out and instead have a constant supply of water and flower preservative.

Most spray carnations are now sold in buckets enclosed by a box to keep them upright. For many years, orchids have had test tubes with a small reservoir of water attached to stem ends, and freesias are often supplied with a wad of damp absorbent paper attached. These methods ensure that flowers delivered Western Springs reach the florist in optimal condition.

Florists can fake them too, ladies . .

Your wedding can still retain all of its elegance when you use silk wedding flowers. And you will likely get a better price on a variety of flowers, especially roses, if you choose fake flowers. Most floral shops offer silk flower arrangements, and you can visit your regular florists and look at fake floral bouquets, boutonnières, and corsages. Additionally, you can ask about buying individual flowers or small table arrangements. It is also possible to have large arrangements made and delivered to the wedding or reception location using fake flowers (but keeping the arrangements small and simple so you can pick them up will save you more money). If you do not have time to pick them up your florist will send flowers Acton over to you. Give silk a thought when planning your wedding day, and not just for your underwear!

Elegant Formality

When the furnishings of a room are traditional in style, roses generally look best in an arrangement that reflects the quiet dignity of their surroundings. Colors that harmonize and blend into one another are better than sharp contrasts, and a good choice for a container is a footed vase or urn that lifts the flowers Tower Hamlets above the surface on which they stand. When foliage seems called for, choose one that is ornamental in form, like spiral eucalyptus.

For example, perhaps imagine that you have a table in front of a low-keyed French painting. An open and deliberately simple arrangement of Queen Elizabeth and Regal Gold roses in a china shell would create an island of serenity in an object-filled environment.

Best loved flowers - Dahlia

Characteristics: Dahlias come in a variety of sizes, shapes and foliage colors. The showy flowers bloom from midsummer to frost. Dahlia flowers range in size from large dinner-plate size to tiny pompons less than 2 inches across. Single, double, cactus, pompon, peony and quilled flowers types are available by Lodge Hill flower delivery in most areas. Foliage comes in medium to dark green and deep bur­gundy. There are dwarf varieties with large 2- to 3-inch flowers for the front of the border, medium-height varieties for the middle, and tall varieties for the back of the border. The tall varieties can also be grown as a floral hedge. Some continue blooming late in the fall after light frost and right up to heavy frost. In warmer climates dahlias will overwinter.


The smaller double or pompon dahlia varieties make wonderful dried flowers. Try Burpee's 'Pompon Dahlias Mixed', which bloom in white, pale pink, yellow, orange and red.

Gift Wrapped cut flowers

A lovely selection of flowers, with carefully chosen foliage, professionally arranged in cellophane and trimmed with an attractive ribbon bow, is a gift suitable for many occasions, including birthdays or anniversaries, and makes a charming way of saying ‘Get well soon’ or ‘Thank you’.

Almost any type of flower can be gift wrapped and flowers delivered Halesowen beautifully packaged. Rolls of cellophane can be fitted on a rack with serrated edges for easy cutting, and you can then take lengths as required. The latest range includes cellophanes decorated with hearts, flowers, stars or company names, as well as coloured types, which can be coordinated with the flowers.

Gardening in the North

If you have moved recently to a northern or mountainous climate, you may be distressed to see how much it limits the growing of some of your favorite trees, shrubs and flowers Ty Glas. You will also find, however, that there are many wonderful woody plants that thrive there, and that the climate is ideal for most annuals and herbaceous perennials. Many species grow best and bloom over longer periods in areas where summers are cool and evening dews are heavy. Frigid winter temperatures do not affect perennials as much as they do woody plants, because their tops die down before winter, and snow often mulches the roots. Indeed the North offers many colorful possibilities for your flowers and other plants.

Funeral flowers ease pain

At a time of such sorrow comfort can be taken from the thoughts of others and many people find that flowers help express their feelings. It's not always easy to find the right words to convey your sorrow and condolences, so a well thought out floral bouquet or wreath can be the ideal way to express your sentiments. You can't bring back a dearly departed loved one, and you can't ease the deep grief experienced by their close friends and family, but if you send flowers City Centre to the funeral you are helping in some small way.

Disbudding

While cutting helps maintain or increase the number of flowers La Grange a rosebush bears, another technique can control the size of blossoms on hybrid teas and similar varieties. "Disbudding," which requires removal of all but the top flower buds on each stem, concentrates the plant's energy into the remaining buds. The results are fewer but much larger blooms. Disbud while the flower buds growing from the base of a leaf are still very small; about a quarter of an inch long. They are then so soft that you can snap them off with a finger without leaving an unsightly stub.

Need more?
This information is brought to you by the Flower Baron. Another great resource for flower and florist information is Florist Files.

Don't give your florist a heart attack - buy more flowers

Brightening your wedding venue

There are lots of ways to spruce up your venue such as a vase containing smooth stone or glass pebbles, water and a candle (sounds good hey?) plus flowers of choice, sitting on top of a mirror. The candlelight will reflect from the mirror and be a constant talking point for your guests.

Also consider using calligraphy candles as place cards for your guests. This can also be kept as a memento of your special day by your guests.


I love to transform wedding reception venues into a magical room that guests will always remember. So if you're looking to transform the most basic of venues into a floral extravaganza, contact your Cabot Florist today for some great advice, and flowers!

A beautiful flower - Astrantia major (masterwort)

Characteristics: Astrantia has attractive lobed leaves and small, pinkish white umbelliferous flowers. Appearing June through August, the flowers tend to change in color as they mature. Lovely raylike bracts of deep rosy pink fade to pinkish white.

Cultural Information: To propagate by seed, you should sow the seed in autumn and allow it to overwinter before germination can take place. Astrantia can also be propagated by division in autumn. Astrantia thrives in sun or part shade and prefers moist soil.


Harvesting/Drying: Astrantia’s starlike flowers hold their color best if silica dried. They can also be air-dried, but will fade slightly in color if you send flowers Romford to a distant area. Pick them throughout their growing cycle to have a wide range of color shading.

Achillea (yarrow)

Flat-topped flower clusters grown above green or gray-green fernlike foliage. Long-lasting when cut, the flowers also dry and ship well if you are having the flowers delivered Unley to a distant area.

Selected species and varieties: A filipendulina (fern leaf yarrow)-yellow flower clusters up to 5 inches across; 'Gold Plate', 6-inch yellow flower heads on 4 ½ -foot stems. A 'Coronation Gold', a hybrid with 3-inch deep yellow flower clusters on 3-foot stems. A. x lewisii 'King Edward' -small yellow flowers on 4-inch stalks. A millefolium (common yarrow) - 2-inch white flowers with cultivars in shades from pink to red; 'Red Beauty" has broad crimson flower clusters.


Growing conditions and maintenance: Plant taller species 2 feet apart, dwarfs 1 foot apart. Propagate by division every 2 to 4 years in spring or fall or from midsummer stem cuttings.

Dying for fresh flowers

The rush to get cut flowers from the soil to the vase has always been a high-pressure affair with your florist usually caught in the middle of it all. In the days when many of our fresh flowers were transported by train from fields in Cornwall and the Scilly Isles, it was said that some daffodil farmers, keen to get their crops to London as fast and as cheaply as possible, would try to beat the competition by loading their bunches into coffins to exploit the fact that the dead always travelled free on God's Wonderful Railway. Now who's a clever florist Cowcaddens?

Quick Tips to keep your cut flowers longer

• Use plain, lukewarm water for most cut flowers, but use cold water for bulb flowers, such as daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips.



• Change the water every 2 days — don’t just top it off. This is the single most effective thing you can do to keep your flowers looking fresh.


• Keep flowers out of direct sunlight, and move them to a cool place at night.


• Give daffodils their own vase — daffodil stems give off a compound that is toxic to other flowers.


• Keep cut flowers away from fruit, which releases a gas that causes flowers to age faster.

Purchase your fresh flowers online through a reputable florist, or take some extra time and source your lovely blooms with someone who specialises in delivering fresh flowers Pendlebury. There are many, many places available these days were you can purchase those blooms online and get them delivered the same day.

Starting Seed Indoors


Many of the everlasting annual flowers take three months or more to flower when grown from seed. You can give them a jumpstart by planting them indoors in late winter. In my area I begin about Feb­ruary. Growing from seed is a time-consuming, yet truly rewarding, process. You must fol­low some simple steps to assure your success. Start by purchasing a good sterile pot­ting medium from a florist Manchester Square. This potting me­dium must be thoroughly moist, but not soaking wet. Place it in potting trays or individual plastic pots. Next, check your seed packages for the needs of the individual seed. Some larger seeds must be nicked or soaked before planting. Most of the larger seeds will need to be covered with about ¼ inch of the medium. However, some require light to germinate and need nothing but a gentle tamping onto the medium sur­face. After you have planted according to the packet direc­tions, spritz lightly with water and cover the tray or flat with a large plastic bag or plastic dome cover.

A Florist’s Caring Priorities

Flowers arrive in the flower shop in bunches, boxes, buckets and wraps of cellophane, and tied up in bundles. What will need your attention first?

Wilted flowers should always be conditioned first. They will need the longest time to recover, and if you leave their conditioning until last they may become too poor to sell.

The last flowers to require conditioning are those that have arrived ‘aqua packed’; several types of cut material are now being transported in this way to reduce the problems inevitably involved in transporting living, and short-lived, flowers.


Between these categories, there are others that will also require priority treatment. The delicate and generally expensive flowers such as orchids, lilies and roses should be conditioned and stored quickly, to prevent the accidental damage that might occur if they were left until last. Flowers that are required for customers’ orders should also be treated promptly, to allow them sufficient time for a good drink of water and flower food before use. The other category of cut material requiring speedy treatment consists of those that have been ‘dry packed’. These will need several hours to recover before being displayed for sale. Aqua-packed materials, on the other hand, can be ready for sale in just two to four hours by your Laguna Beach florist. Once the priorities have been established, the flowers and foliage can be treated according to the stem structure; whether the materials are flaccid and wilted, or perhaps the particular requirements of the individual cut flower or foliage.

Flower arrangement for the speaker's table

This impressive arrangement is designed for a guest speaker’s table at a business, civic or social function, when it can be used to hide notes, or conceal microphones. The arrangement may also be positioned on a top table at other occasions, such as a luncheon, banquet, or wedding reception. The design should draw the eye to the top table.

Initially, this may appear to be a faced design, but in fact it must look attractive from all angles and the materials should be placed on different levels. Position the design at the centre of the table, close to the front edge. Flowers and foliage should then trail over the edge if the florist Waller has done a good job arranging this. The speaker and other VIPs should be able to see over the arrangement, however, and it must not hide them from their audience.

Appreciate the Ancestors

Many plants were introduced to this country by the first European settlers, who brought their favorite growing things along with their personal necessities. Even back then, people took the time to send flowers Grasmere to others. In addition to the plants imported by immigrants or by early American missionaries and other people who traveled abroad, many others were discovered by professional horticulturists who visited foreign lands to seek new species of plant life. Some of the imports felt so much at home in this country that they quickly became unappreciated weeds. The common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), devil’s paintbrush or orange hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum), oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), and many others arrived as garden flowers or medicinal herbs but rapidly spread throughout the countryside. Of course, not all garden perennials are immigrants. In fact, a fair number of them are natives of North America’s fields and woods. Wildflowers such as the yellow lady’s slipper (Cypripedium calceolus), bee balm (Monarda didyma), and Virginia bluebells (Mertensia pulmonarioides) were admired by the early settlers and transplanted into private yards and gardens. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using native plants in gardens, so now we can buy nursery-grown selections of these special plants instead of digging them from the wild.

How about this?
Whilst we aim to provide you with a never ending supply of flower facts, you may like to check out Flower Fact File if you want even more! You can never have too many tips and facts when you love flowers, or wish to have a career in the floral industry.