http://blogs.myspace.com/southparkflorist
Source. www.aboutflowers.com
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Hospital visit today
Okay so I get up this morning coughing my lungs out and end up going to the ER here in Texas because my doctors are in Oklahoma. I did visit my doc last week and they gave me meds and basically said try this and go rest. So that's what I have been doing but apparently not effective enough. Well before I could leave the hospital they had given me 4 breathing treatments and finally got my airways opened up and I am very grateful. They sent me home with steroids and tussinex which she said would knock me out! Hmm... I am still wide awake at 2:49am. I still am shaky from all the treatments and I really feel sorry for children that have to have breathing treatments as a norm. Okay my arm is getting tired and I am going to try and rest. My son took a picture of me getting the treatment so it is quite a dandy as I just look so lovely!!
-- Post From My iPhone
-- Post From My iPhone
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
New University Research Proves It Can Be Better to Give Than to Receive
Gifts Say More About Us Than We Know
Happy birthday, congratulations, thank you, I love you, thinking of you. Each day, millions of gifts are exchanged by people who want to send thoughtful regards to deserving friends and loved ones. According to research from Rutgers University, the presents we pick to convey our special messages say a lot about us.
Rutgers University researcher Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., director of the university’s Human Emotions Lab, explored what the gifts we choose say about who we are and whether they affect how we are perceived. The research reveals that those who send flowers, in comparison to other gifts, are viewed as successful, caring and emotionally intelligent people. More specific findings include:
Both men and women who give flowers are perceived as happy, achieving, strong, capable and courageous people;
Men and women come across as more emotionally intelligent; they give the impression they can effectively express their feelings and take time to understand the feelings of others;
and Female floral gifters are viewed as more appreciative of beauty and nature.
“Our findings show that you can influence and change what people think of you in a significant way through the gifts you give,” says Haviland-Jones. “That news is particularly important to those interested in enhancing friendships and romances, even business relationships.”
Discovering the scientific power of flowers is not new to Haviland-Jones. Previous Rutgers University research conducted by her team found that flowers create instant delight and happiness, and increase enjoyment and life satisfaction. Specifically, upon receiving a gift of flowers, the female study participants responded with true smiles and reported positive moods that lasted for days. The presence of flowers also led to increased contact with family and friends.
“Flowers have evolved to activate positive emotional responses from people,” says Haviland-Jones. “Each bloom has the potential to put a smile on our face and sway our opinion of a friend, colleague or loved one. That’s powerful.”
M.J. Ryan, award-winning author of the Random Acts of Kindness book series and The Giving Heart, uses cutting-edge science to bring out the best in people. In her books, she teaches individuals how gratitude and generosity can result in greater happiness, health and feelings of human connectivity.
“Gift recipients experience compelling connections with givers, and the positive link is particularly evident in the exchange of flowers,” says Ryan. “In my everyday work with individuals, CEOs and leadership teams at some of the world’s top global companies, I see the powerful implications of gratitude and appreciation.”
According to Ryan, a simple call to the florist can make a big impact beyond conventional gifting occasions. Some of her favorite, unexpected gifting opportunities include surprise recognition for a job well done; an “I miss you” gift for an out-of-town family member; and an advance “thanks for hosting us” gesture before visiting a friend’s house.
“A successful person is not necessarily someone with a lot of money and material goods, but rather someone who is in tune with people and knows how to touch their hearts,” says Ryan. “I can think of no other item besides flowers that evokes such positive feelings and perceptions for both the giver and the recipient.”
Ryan has coupled her expertise on the power of gratitude with her love of flowers to create Random Acts of Flowers, a list of her favorite reasons to send a floral gift.
“I see flowers as a way to capture special moments and emotions in life,” says Ryan. “People truly and fondly remember when they get flowers, and you will continue to feel thanked throughout your relationship long after you send them.”
Here are Ryan’s Top 10 Random Acts of Flowers:
One Who Makes a Difference: Think of the carpool mom, scout leader, local volunteer or apartment doorman who makes an everyday difference in your life. A surprise bouquet is a convenient, informal way to say “Thanks for making my life easier.”
Wedding Arrangements: When asking a friend to join your wedding party or expressing thanks to a shower hostess, ask your florist to help make it special by delivering an arrangement in advance of the big day.
Best Friend Boosts: Send a celebrational bunch to a best friend who lands a dream job, a sibling who receives a promotion at work, or a friend who reaches a personal milestone. Show them you care about their success.
A Moment of Calm: Help someone dealing with a hectic time in their life relax with a tranquil gift of flowers. Your florist can give you ideas on soothing colors and styles, and help you deliver that “moment of calm.” The recipient will be impressed by your thoughtfulness.
Life Lessons: Surprise your child’s teacher or tutor with an eye-popping arrangement for his/her desk. Ask your child to put his/her favorite teaching moment on the gift card to make a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Lifeguard Reward: Send flowers to thank your baby-sitter or pet sitter as a surprise thank-you for safely guarding your most prized possessions.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Welcome a new family or delight an elderly neighbor who does not get out much with a colorful flowering plant or fresh flowers for their kitchen. It’s a great way to break the ice, meet a friend and show you care.
Fresh Squeeze: Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day to say “I love you.” Research shows that people like to receive flowers when they least expect it. Send a surprise floral hug to make your romance spontaneously blossom. Or, on your birthday, send flowers to your mom to thank her for all she’s done for you.
Delivery is in the Details: Show your appreciation to your hair stylist who always manages to fit you in during a pinch, or your doctor who spends those extra minutes to show he/she cares.
Declare You Care: Send a bouquet to celebrate a friend who has recovered from an illness or a new mom on her first day back to work. It will be a beautiful reminder of your support and friendship.
“Flowers are the perfect expression of gratitude and
appreciation, and they deliver a message with sincerity and care,” says Ryan. “The new research shows that these positive characteristics also are attributed to the giver. Giving flowers is an act of kindness, and the results are anything but random.”
*****************
Research Methodology
Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., of Rutgers University, and her research team investigated the personal and perceived impact of gift-giving. The study recruited 150 ethnically diverse female study participants, who had a median age of 47. Participants studied 12 personal profiles (six men and six women), including contributions to work, charity and family, with the sole variable being the types of gifts they give – flowers, gourmet food or luxury items such as jewelry. Each profile was evaluated on positive and negative emotion, aesthetic appreciation, emotional intelligence and achievement.
About Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D.
Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at Rutgers University and the director of its Human Emotions Lab. An internationally recognized authority on the role of emotional development in human behavior and nonverbal emotional signals and response, Haviland-Jones has published several books on adolescence and emotion and is co-editor of the Handbook of Emotion, for which she won a Critics Circle Award.
About M.J. Ryan
Inspirational author and coach M.J. Ryan co-created the best-selling Random Acts of Kindness book series, The Happiness Makeover, This Year I Will… and several other books on giving and gratitude. An expert in human fulfillment and giving, she makes speeches and holds workshops throughout the country on positive emotions and enhancing quality of life. Ryan’s advice has appeared in more than 1,000 newspapers and magazines including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Family Circle and Cosmopolitan. Her television appearances include The Today Show and CNN.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamin F:
Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamin F:
Nature’s Remedy for Emotional Energy
Personal Fulfillment Expert Reveals
Flowers Fuel the Soul and Create Inspiring Spaces
From A to E, vitamins are responsible for strengthening our senses, bolstering our bones and invigorating our bodies from the inside out. Research proves that flowers, being dubbed by some as Vitamin F, help feed our need for serenity, inspiration, wellness, gratitude, love and optimism.
Mind and matter are interconnected, according to personal fulfillment expert and best-selling author Jayme Barrett, as she points to university research studies linking flowers with happiness, creativity, compassion and tranquility. Barrett’s interiors expertise coupled with the floral investigations demonstrate that flowers hold an intrinsic, natural energy that, when used throughout the home, can create positive shifts in emotions, and lead to truly inspired living.
“People and flowers both have a life force that needs oxygen to thrive, and light and water to live. And, when we are surrounded by nature, our emotions are calmed and harmonized,” says Barrett, who has applied the principles of Zen and feng shui to floral design. Her philosophy is that we can cultivate idyllic atmospheres by purposefully integrating flowers throughout our living space.
In fact, research from America’s leading universities has cemented the connection that flowers have both scientific and emotional powers. As early as 2000, Rutgers University found that flowers create instant delight and happiness, and increase enjoyment and life satisfaction. Most recently, a Harvard University study introduced small bouquets of flowers into people’s morning routines and discovered that respondents immediately perked up, much like they would with a morning vitamin.
“We need and deserve simple ways of creating homes where we feel happy and harmonious by disconnecting from the hectic pace of the world outside,” says Barrett. “Flowers are a wonderful way to ease the stress of everyday life and refocus our emotions more constructively.”
So that anyone can introduce a range of positive floral energies in the home, Barrett shares a simple, do-it-yourself guide to creating Vitamin F arrangements. Her seven soul-stimulating energies include gratitude, wellness, inspiration and motivation, love and romance, new beginnings, serenity, and prosperity. Her floral formula factors in color combination, shape and significance, vase style, placement in the home and flower variety.
Barrett’s Blueprints for Mood-Boosting Vitamin F
Gratitude: Reminds us to be grateful for the little blessings in life
Key Colors: A low, clustered arrangement in all shades of pink symbolizes opening the heart and making others more receptive to you.
Vase Style: A glass container of any size is fitting, as its transparency exhibits openness.
In the Home: To start and end the day counting your blessings, place this depiction of gratitude on a nightstand, dresser or in the kitchen.
Suggested Flower Options: Ranunculus, alstroemeria, tulips, spray roses
Wellness: Evokes balanced feelings of mind, body and spirit
Key Color: Yellow is the primary color for this emotional energy, as it represents the sun, life force and health. Supplement a big burst of blooms with greens, which induce nature’s healing energy, and white, which reflects serenity.
Vase Style: Choose an oval or round, terra-cotta, wood or bamboo container to replicate the Earth’s element, providing grounding and balance.
In the Home: Locate this energy in the living room or family room to enhance the space of relaxation, meditation and family connection.
Suggested Flower Options: Gerbera, carnations, solidago, hydrangea (white or green), callas, pompons, chrysanthemums
Inspiration and Motivation: Infuses the soul with rejuvenating energy
Vase Style: A tall mirrored or shiny metal container of any kind will stoke inspiration. Mirrors boost positive energies and bring good luck, which will circulate through all endeavors.
In the Home: The home office is an ideal place to inject motivational energy — or the power of now. Anyone will feel encouraged to reach for the stars and live life to the fullest.
Suggested Flower Options: Roses, callas, Asiatic lilies, snapdragons, hypericum
Love and Romance: Sparks intimate connections and blossoming love
Key Color: A tight bunch of flowers flush with burgundy and red embodies feelings of passion and romance. Incorporating lush pinks and peaches will help invite love and inspire kindness.
Vase Style: A circular vase is the perfect shape for never-ending love.
In the Home: Spark feelings of adoration during a meal in the kitchen or dining room. As you nourish your body, you will be dually energized by love and encouraged to show your affection throughout the day and night. Flowers are a great addition to the bedroom too.
Suggested Flower Options: Stock, roses, alstroemeria
New Beginnings: Welcomes change with open arms and mind
Vase Style: A square, ceramic vase brings an earthy energy, proclaiming that while the sky’s the limit, it’s good to keep your feet firmly rooted on the ground.
In the Home: Put the spirit of new horizons on display on a mantle or coffee table, where it will instill faith, creativity and endless possibility.
Suggested Flower Options: Gerbera, carnations, Asiatic lilies, spray roses, alstroemeria
Serenity: Allows our minds to unwind and release tension, bringing a sense of calm to our lives
Key Color: Loosely arranged hues of blue, violet and lavender evoke serenity and will help clear the mind of stress. Blue represents the ocean and sky, while shades of purple invoke spiritual energy.
Vase Style: A cobalt blue glass vase represents inner wisdom and will help add balance. The blue is yin (soft, curving, cyclical) and the glass is yang (straight, shiny, linear) for a perfect equilibrium.
In the Home: Setting this in the entryway will set the tone for tranquility as you step inside your home from the chaotic world outside.
Suggested Flower Options: Hydrangea, delphinium, lisianthus, stock
Prosperity: Stimulates action and indicates success and richness
Key Color: Let red or deep purple dominate this abundant arrangement, intimating accomplishment and wealth. Accent with shades of gold, the preeminent color for good health and fortune.
Vase Style: Select a metallic, perhaps golden container, representing a pot of gold.
In the Home: Give your home a boost by placing this inspirational bouquet where you welcome guests or potential buyers.
Suggested Flower Options: Lilies, roses, lisianthus, snapdragons
“We all strive to surround ourselves with positive energy, and nature is a powerful and proven tonic,” says Barrett. “Anyone can let Vitamin F fortify their home, whether it’s a refuge, haven, retreat or sanctuary.”
Southpark Florist
10915 South Memorial
Tulsa, Ok 74133
918-369-3966
800-796-9730
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Dictionary of Flowers
African Violet - a popular house plant, Saintpaulia ionantha, of the gesneriad family, having hairy leaves and showy violet, pink, or white flowers.
Agapanthus - any of the several plants of the genus Agapanthus, of the amaryllis family, native to Africa, having sword-shaped leaves and umbels of blue or white flowers.
Agave - any of numerous American plants belonging to the genus Agave, of the agave family, species of which are cultivated for economic or ornamental purposes: A. arizonica, of central Arizona, is an endangered species.
Allium - any bulbous plant belonging to the genus Allium, of the amaryllis family, having an onion odor and flowers in a round cluster, including the onion, leek, shallot, garlic, and chive.
Alstroemeria - any of several South American perennial herbs of genus Alstroemeria, popular as cut flowers for their showy, variously colored blooms.
Amaryllis - any of several bulbous plants of the genus Hippeastrum, esp H. puniceum, which has large red or pink flowers and is popular as a houseplant.
Anemone - any of various plants belonging to the genus Anemone, of the buttercup family, having petallike sepals and including several wild species with white flowers as well as others cultivated for their showy flowers in a variety of colors.
Anthurium - any tropical American plant belonging to the genus Anthurium, of the arum family, certain species of which are cultivated for their glossy red heart-shaped bract surrounding a rodlike spike of tiny yellow flowers.
Aster - any composite plant of the genus Aster, having rays varying from white or pink to blue around a yellow disk
Azalea - any of numerous shrubs belonging to a particular group (Azalea) of the genus Rhododendron, of the heath family, comprising species with handsome flower clusters of various colors, some of which are familiar in cultivation: the group was formerly the botanical genus Azalea but is now a horticultural classification.
Baby’s Breath - a tall plant, Gypsophila paniculata, of the pink family, haaving lance-shaped leaves and numerous small, fragrant, white or pink flowers.
Basket Flower - a composite plant, Centaurea americana, of central U.S. to Mexico, having raylike heads of tubular rose-colored flowers, each surrounded by a whorl of bracts making the flower head appear as if it is set in a basket.
Bellflower - any of numerous plants of the genus Campanula, having usually bell-shaped flowers and including many species cultivated as ornamentals.
Bells of Ireland - a plant, Molucella laevis, native to western Asia, having inconspicuos white flowers, each surrounded by an enlarged green calyx.
Bird of Paradise - any of several plants of the genus Strelitzia, native to southern Africa, esp. S. reginae, having a large, showy orange and blue inflorescence.
Bouvardia - any tropical shrub belonging to the genus Bouvardia, of the madder family, having cymes of red, yellow, or white tubular flowers.
Bromelia - the type genus of the family Bromeliaceae which includes tropical American plants with deeply cleft calyx.
Calendula - also called pot marigold. a composite plant, Calendula officinalis, widely cultivated for its showy, many-rayed orange or yellow flower heads.
Calla Lily - any of several plants belonging to the genus Zantedeschia, of the arum family, esp. Z. aethiopica, having arrow-shaped leaves and a large white spathe enclosing a yellow spike.
Camellia - any of several shrubs of genus Camellia, esp. C. japonica, native to Asia, having glossy evergreen leaves and white, pink, red, or variegated roselike flowers.
Campanula - any plant of the genus Campanula, comprising the bellflowers.
Carnation - any of numerous cultivated valrieties of the clove pink, Dianthus caryophyllus, having long-stalked, fragrant, usually double flowers in a variety of colors: the state flower of Ohio.
Cattleya Orchid - any of several tropical American orchids of the genus Cattleya, having showy flowers ranging from white to purple.
Chyrsanthemum - any of several composite plants of the genus Chrysanthemum, as C. leucanthemum, the oxeye daisy, having white ray flowers with a yellow center.
Clematis - any of numerous plants or woody vines of the genus Clematis, including many species cultivated for their showy, variously colored flowers.
Cornflower - a European composite plant, Centaurea cyanus, growing in grainfields, having blue to white flower heads, often cultivated as an ornamental.
Cosmos - any composite plant of the genus Cosmos, of tropical America, some species of which, as C. bipannatus and C. sulphureus, are cultivated for their showy ray flowers.
Cymbidium Orchid - any of various orchids of the genus Cymbidium, native to Asia and Australia, having long clusters of numerous showy, variously colored flowers.
Daffodil - a bulbous plant, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, of the amaryllis family, having solitary, yellow, nodding flowers that bloom in the spring
Dahlia - any composite plant of the genus Dahlia, native to Mexico and Central America and widely cultivated for its showy, variously colored flower heads.
Daisy - any of various composite plants the flowers of which have a yellow disk and white rays, as the English daisy and the oxeye daisy.
Delphinium - any of numerous plants of the genus Delphinium, esp. any of various tall, cultivated species having usually blue, pink, or white flowers.
Dendrobium Orchid - any of numerous epiphytic orchids of the genus Dendrobium, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Eastern Hemisphere, having variously colored, often showy flowers.
Euphorbia - any plant of the genus Euphorbia, comprising the spurges.
Forget Me Not - either of two small Old World plants, Myosotis sylvatica or M. scorpioides, of the borage family, having a light-blue flower commonly regarded as an emblem of constancy and friendship.
Forsythia - a shrub belonging to the genus Forsythia, of the olive family, native to China and southeastern Europe, species of which are cultivated for their showy yellow flowers, which blossom on the bare branches in early spring.
Freesia - any of several plant belonging to the genus Freesia, of the iris family, native to southern Africa, having fragrant white, yellow, or sometimes rose-colored, tubular flowers.
Gardenia - any evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the genus Gardenia, of the madder family, native to the warmer parts of the Eastern Hemisphere, cultivated for its usually large, fragrant white flowers.
Geranium - any of numerous plants of the genus Geranium, which comprises the crane’s-bills.
Gerbera Daisy - any of various composite plants of the genus Gerbera, native to Africa and Asia, having showy, many-rayed flowers ranging from yellow to red.
Ginger - a reedlike plant, Zingiber officinale, native to the east Indies but now cultivated in most tropical countries, having a pungent, spicy rhizome used in cookery and medicine.
Gladiola - any of numerous plants of the genus Gladiolus, native chiefly to tropical and southern Africa and having sword-shaped leaves and showy, variously colored, irregular flowers arranged in one-sided spikes.
Gloriosa - any plant of the genus Gloriosa of tropical Africa and Asia; a perennial herb climbing by means of tendrils at leaf tips having showy yellow to red or purple flowers; all parts are poisonous.
Gypsophila - any plant belonging to the genus Gypsophila, of the pink family, native to Mediterranean regions, having small, panicled, pink or white flowers, as baby’s breath.
Heather - any of various heaths, esp. Calluna vulgaris, of England and Scotland, having samll, pinkish-purple flowers.
Hibiscus - also called China Rose. a woody plant, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, of the mallow family, having large, showy flowers: the state flower of Hawaii.
Hyacinth - a bulbous plant, Hyacinthus orientalis, of the lily family, widely cultivated for its cylindrical cluster of fragrant flowers in a variety of colors.
Hydrangea - a shrub belonging to the genus Hydrangea, of the saxifrage family, several species of which are cultivated for their large, showy flower clusters of white, pink, or blue.
Hypericum (St. John’s Wort) - large almost cosmopolitan genus of evergreen or decidous shrubs and herbs with often showy yellow flowers; cosmopolitan except tropical lowlands and Artic or high altitudes ans desert regions.
Iris - any plant of the genus Iris, having showy flowers and sword-shaped leaves.
Ixora - any of numerous tropical shrubs or trees belonging to the genus Ixora, of the madder family, having glossy leaves and clusters of showy flowers in a variety of colors.
Jasmine - any of numerous shrubs or vines belonging to the genus Jasminum, of the olive family, having fragrant flowers and used in perfumery.
Larkspur - any of several plants belonging to the genera Delphinium and Consolida, of the buttercup family, characterized by the spur-shaped formation of the calyx and petals.
Lavender - any Old World plant or shrub belonging to the genus Lavandula, of the mint family, esp. L. angustifolia, having spikes of fragrant, pale purple flowers.
Liatris - any of various composite plants of the genus Liatris, native to North America, having long spikes of purplish flowers.
Lilac - any of various shrubs belonging to the genus Syringa, of the olive family, as S. vulgaris, having large clusters of fragrant purple or white flowers: the state flower of New Hamsphire.
Lily - any scaly-bulbed plant of the genus Lilium, having showy, funnel-shaped or bell-shaped flowers.
Lily of the Valley - a plant, Convallaria majalis, having an elongated cluster of small, drooping, bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers.
Lotus - an aquatic plant of the genus Nelumbo, of the water lily family, having shieldlike leaves and showy, solitary flowers usually projecting above the water.
Lunaria - small genus of European herbs: honesty.
Magnolia - any shrub or tree of the genus Magnolia, having large, usually fragrant flowers and an aromatic bark, much cultivated for ornament.
Marigold - any of several chiefly golden-flowered composite plants, esp. of the genus Tagetes, as T. erecta, having strong-scented foliage and yielding an oil that repels roost parasites.
Lady Slipper - any orchid of the genus Cypripedium, the flowers of which have a protruding petal somewhat resembling a slipper: all species are reduced in numbers, some greatly.
Morning Glory - any of various plants, esp. of the genera Ipomoea and Convolvulus, as I. purpurea, a twining plant having cordate leaves and funnel-shaped flowers of various colors, often opening only in the morning.
Nerine Lily - any of several bulbous plants belonging to the genus Nerine, of the amaryllis family, native to southern Africa, having funnel-shaped red, pink, or white flowers.
Pansy - a violet, Viola tricolor hortensis, cultivated in many varieties, having richly and variously colored flowers.
Peony - any of various plant os shrubs of the genus Paeonia, having large, showy flowers, as the widely cultivated species P. lactiflora: the state flower of Indiana.
Phalaenopsis Orchid - any of varios epiphytic orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis, native to tropical Asia, having clusters of showy, variously colored flowers.
Poinsettia - a plant, Euphorbia (Poinsettia) pulcherrima, of the spurge family, native to Mexico and Central America, having variously lobed leaves and brilliant scarlet, pink, or white petallike bracts.
Poppy - any plant of the genus Papaver, having showy, usually red flowers.
Protea - any tropical African shrub of the genus Protea having alternate ridgid leaves and densecolorful flower heads resembling cones.
Pussy Willow - a small willow, Salix discolor, of eastern North America, having silky catkins.
Queen Anne’s Lace - a plant, Daucus carota, the wild form of the cultivated carrot, hacving broad umbels of white flowers.
Quince - either of two small trees, Cydonia oblonga or C. sinensis, of the rose family, bearing hard, fragrant, yellowish fruit used chiefly for making jelly or preserves.
Ranunculus - any of numerous plants of the genus Ranunculus, including the buttercups.
Rosehip - the aggregate fruit of the rose plant, consisting of several dry fruitlets enclosed by the enlarged, fleshy, usually red floral cup that is used for jelly or tea.
Scabiosa - any of various plants of the genus Scabiosa, especially S. atropurpurea, having opposite leaves and variously colored flower heads that are subtended by an involucre.
Silver Dollar - a European plant, Lunaria annua, cultivated for its fragrant purplish flowers and round, flat, papery, silver-white seedpods.
Snapdragon - any plant belonging to the genus Antirrhinum, of the figwort family, esp. A. majus, cultivated for its spikes of showy flowers, each having a corolla supposed to resemble the mouth of a dragon.
Snowball - any of several shrubs belonging to the genus Virburnum, of the honeysuckle family, having large clusters of white, sterile flowers.
Statice - any of various plants belonging to the genus Limonium, of the leadwort family, having clusters of variously colored flowers that retain their color when dried.
Stephanotis - any vine belonging to the genus Stephanotis, of the milkweed family, having fragrant, waxy, white flowers and leathery leaves.
Sunflower - any of various composite plants of the genus Helianthus, as H. annuus, having showy, yellow-rayed flower heads often 12 in. wide, and edible seeds that yield an oil with a wide variety os uses: the state flower of Kansas.
Sweet Pea - a climbing plant, Lathyrus odoratus, of the legume family, having sweet-scented flowers.
Tulip - any of various plants belonging to the genus Tulipa, of the lily family, cultivated in many varieties, and having lance-shaped leaves and large, showy, usually erect, cup-shaped or bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors.
Vanda Orchid - any of several epiphytic orchids of the genus Vanda, of tropical regions of the Eastern Hemisphere, having large white, lilac, blue, or greenish flowers.
Violet - any chiefly low, stemless or leafy-stemmed plant of the genus Viola, having purple, blue, yellow, white, or variegated flowers.
Waxflower - twining woody vine of Madagascar having thick dark waxy evergreen leaves and clusters of large fragrant waxy white flowers along the stems; widely cultivated in warm regions.
Zinnia - any of several composite plants of the genus Zinnia, native to Mexico and adjacent areas, esp. the widely cultivated species Z. elegans, having variously colored, many-rayed flower heads.
Source: Flowerstothepeople.com
Agapanthus - any of the several plants of the genus Agapanthus, of the amaryllis family, native to Africa, having sword-shaped leaves and umbels of blue or white flowers.
Agave - any of numerous American plants belonging to the genus Agave, of the agave family, species of which are cultivated for economic or ornamental purposes: A. arizonica, of central Arizona, is an endangered species.
Allium - any bulbous plant belonging to the genus Allium, of the amaryllis family, having an onion odor and flowers in a round cluster, including the onion, leek, shallot, garlic, and chive.
Alstroemeria - any of several South American perennial herbs of genus Alstroemeria, popular as cut flowers for their showy, variously colored blooms.
Amaryllis - any of several bulbous plants of the genus Hippeastrum, esp H. puniceum, which has large red or pink flowers and is popular as a houseplant.
Anemone - any of various plants belonging to the genus Anemone, of the buttercup family, having petallike sepals and including several wild species with white flowers as well as others cultivated for their showy flowers in a variety of colors.
Anthurium - any tropical American plant belonging to the genus Anthurium, of the arum family, certain species of which are cultivated for their glossy red heart-shaped bract surrounding a rodlike spike of tiny yellow flowers.
Aster - any composite plant of the genus Aster, having rays varying from white or pink to blue around a yellow disk
Azalea - any of numerous shrubs belonging to a particular group (Azalea) of the genus Rhododendron, of the heath family, comprising species with handsome flower clusters of various colors, some of which are familiar in cultivation: the group was formerly the botanical genus Azalea but is now a horticultural classification.
Baby’s Breath - a tall plant, Gypsophila paniculata, of the pink family, haaving lance-shaped leaves and numerous small, fragrant, white or pink flowers.
Basket Flower - a composite plant, Centaurea americana, of central U.S. to Mexico, having raylike heads of tubular rose-colored flowers, each surrounded by a whorl of bracts making the flower head appear as if it is set in a basket.
Bellflower - any of numerous plants of the genus Campanula, having usually bell-shaped flowers and including many species cultivated as ornamentals.
Bells of Ireland - a plant, Molucella laevis, native to western Asia, having inconspicuos white flowers, each surrounded by an enlarged green calyx.
Bird of Paradise - any of several plants of the genus Strelitzia, native to southern Africa, esp. S. reginae, having a large, showy orange and blue inflorescence.
Bouvardia - any tropical shrub belonging to the genus Bouvardia, of the madder family, having cymes of red, yellow, or white tubular flowers.
Bromelia - the type genus of the family Bromeliaceae which includes tropical American plants with deeply cleft calyx.
Calendula - also called pot marigold. a composite plant, Calendula officinalis, widely cultivated for its showy, many-rayed orange or yellow flower heads.
Calla Lily - any of several plants belonging to the genus Zantedeschia, of the arum family, esp. Z. aethiopica, having arrow-shaped leaves and a large white spathe enclosing a yellow spike.
Camellia - any of several shrubs of genus Camellia, esp. C. japonica, native to Asia, having glossy evergreen leaves and white, pink, red, or variegated roselike flowers.
Campanula - any plant of the genus Campanula, comprising the bellflowers.
Carnation - any of numerous cultivated valrieties of the clove pink, Dianthus caryophyllus, having long-stalked, fragrant, usually double flowers in a variety of colors: the state flower of Ohio.
Cattleya Orchid - any of several tropical American orchids of the genus Cattleya, having showy flowers ranging from white to purple.
Chyrsanthemum - any of several composite plants of the genus Chrysanthemum, as C. leucanthemum, the oxeye daisy, having white ray flowers with a yellow center.
Clematis - any of numerous plants or woody vines of the genus Clematis, including many species cultivated for their showy, variously colored flowers.
Cornflower - a European composite plant, Centaurea cyanus, growing in grainfields, having blue to white flower heads, often cultivated as an ornamental.
Cosmos - any composite plant of the genus Cosmos, of tropical America, some species of which, as C. bipannatus and C. sulphureus, are cultivated for their showy ray flowers.
Cymbidium Orchid - any of various orchids of the genus Cymbidium, native to Asia and Australia, having long clusters of numerous showy, variously colored flowers.
Daffodil - a bulbous plant, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, of the amaryllis family, having solitary, yellow, nodding flowers that bloom in the spring
Dahlia - any composite plant of the genus Dahlia, native to Mexico and Central America and widely cultivated for its showy, variously colored flower heads.
Daisy - any of various composite plants the flowers of which have a yellow disk and white rays, as the English daisy and the oxeye daisy.
Delphinium - any of numerous plants of the genus Delphinium, esp. any of various tall, cultivated species having usually blue, pink, or white flowers.
Dendrobium Orchid - any of numerous epiphytic orchids of the genus Dendrobium, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Eastern Hemisphere, having variously colored, often showy flowers.
Euphorbia - any plant of the genus Euphorbia, comprising the spurges.
Forget Me Not - either of two small Old World plants, Myosotis sylvatica or M. scorpioides, of the borage family, having a light-blue flower commonly regarded as an emblem of constancy and friendship.
Forsythia - a shrub belonging to the genus Forsythia, of the olive family, native to China and southeastern Europe, species of which are cultivated for their showy yellow flowers, which blossom on the bare branches in early spring.
Freesia - any of several plant belonging to the genus Freesia, of the iris family, native to southern Africa, having fragrant white, yellow, or sometimes rose-colored, tubular flowers.
Gardenia - any evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the genus Gardenia, of the madder family, native to the warmer parts of the Eastern Hemisphere, cultivated for its usually large, fragrant white flowers.
Geranium - any of numerous plants of the genus Geranium, which comprises the crane’s-bills.
Gerbera Daisy - any of various composite plants of the genus Gerbera, native to Africa and Asia, having showy, many-rayed flowers ranging from yellow to red.
Ginger - a reedlike plant, Zingiber officinale, native to the east Indies but now cultivated in most tropical countries, having a pungent, spicy rhizome used in cookery and medicine.
Gladiola - any of numerous plants of the genus Gladiolus, native chiefly to tropical and southern Africa and having sword-shaped leaves and showy, variously colored, irregular flowers arranged in one-sided spikes.
Gloriosa - any plant of the genus Gloriosa of tropical Africa and Asia; a perennial herb climbing by means of tendrils at leaf tips having showy yellow to red or purple flowers; all parts are poisonous.
Gypsophila - any plant belonging to the genus Gypsophila, of the pink family, native to Mediterranean regions, having small, panicled, pink or white flowers, as baby’s breath.
Heather - any of various heaths, esp. Calluna vulgaris, of England and Scotland, having samll, pinkish-purple flowers.
Hibiscus - also called China Rose. a woody plant, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, of the mallow family, having large, showy flowers: the state flower of Hawaii.
Hyacinth - a bulbous plant, Hyacinthus orientalis, of the lily family, widely cultivated for its cylindrical cluster of fragrant flowers in a variety of colors.
Hydrangea - a shrub belonging to the genus Hydrangea, of the saxifrage family, several species of which are cultivated for their large, showy flower clusters of white, pink, or blue.
Hypericum (St. John’s Wort) - large almost cosmopolitan genus of evergreen or decidous shrubs and herbs with often showy yellow flowers; cosmopolitan except tropical lowlands and Artic or high altitudes ans desert regions.
Iris - any plant of the genus Iris, having showy flowers and sword-shaped leaves.
Ixora - any of numerous tropical shrubs or trees belonging to the genus Ixora, of the madder family, having glossy leaves and clusters of showy flowers in a variety of colors.
Jasmine - any of numerous shrubs or vines belonging to the genus Jasminum, of the olive family, having fragrant flowers and used in perfumery.
Larkspur - any of several plants belonging to the genera Delphinium and Consolida, of the buttercup family, characterized by the spur-shaped formation of the calyx and petals.
Lavender - any Old World plant or shrub belonging to the genus Lavandula, of the mint family, esp. L. angustifolia, having spikes of fragrant, pale purple flowers.
Liatris - any of various composite plants of the genus Liatris, native to North America, having long spikes of purplish flowers.
Lilac - any of various shrubs belonging to the genus Syringa, of the olive family, as S. vulgaris, having large clusters of fragrant purple or white flowers: the state flower of New Hamsphire.
Lily - any scaly-bulbed plant of the genus Lilium, having showy, funnel-shaped or bell-shaped flowers.
Lily of the Valley - a plant, Convallaria majalis, having an elongated cluster of small, drooping, bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers.
Lotus - an aquatic plant of the genus Nelumbo, of the water lily family, having shieldlike leaves and showy, solitary flowers usually projecting above the water.
Lunaria - small genus of European herbs: honesty.
Magnolia - any shrub or tree of the genus Magnolia, having large, usually fragrant flowers and an aromatic bark, much cultivated for ornament.
Marigold - any of several chiefly golden-flowered composite plants, esp. of the genus Tagetes, as T. erecta, having strong-scented foliage and yielding an oil that repels roost parasites.
Lady Slipper - any orchid of the genus Cypripedium, the flowers of which have a protruding petal somewhat resembling a slipper: all species are reduced in numbers, some greatly.
Morning Glory - any of various plants, esp. of the genera Ipomoea and Convolvulus, as I. purpurea, a twining plant having cordate leaves and funnel-shaped flowers of various colors, often opening only in the morning.
Nerine Lily - any of several bulbous plants belonging to the genus Nerine, of the amaryllis family, native to southern Africa, having funnel-shaped red, pink, or white flowers.
Pansy - a violet, Viola tricolor hortensis, cultivated in many varieties, having richly and variously colored flowers.
Peony - any of various plant os shrubs of the genus Paeonia, having large, showy flowers, as the widely cultivated species P. lactiflora: the state flower of Indiana.
Phalaenopsis Orchid - any of varios epiphytic orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis, native to tropical Asia, having clusters of showy, variously colored flowers.
Poinsettia - a plant, Euphorbia (Poinsettia) pulcherrima, of the spurge family, native to Mexico and Central America, having variously lobed leaves and brilliant scarlet, pink, or white petallike bracts.
Poppy - any plant of the genus Papaver, having showy, usually red flowers.
Protea - any tropical African shrub of the genus Protea having alternate ridgid leaves and densecolorful flower heads resembling cones.
Pussy Willow - a small willow, Salix discolor, of eastern North America, having silky catkins.
Queen Anne’s Lace - a plant, Daucus carota, the wild form of the cultivated carrot, hacving broad umbels of white flowers.
Quince - either of two small trees, Cydonia oblonga or C. sinensis, of the rose family, bearing hard, fragrant, yellowish fruit used chiefly for making jelly or preserves.
Ranunculus - any of numerous plants of the genus Ranunculus, including the buttercups.
Rosehip - the aggregate fruit of the rose plant, consisting of several dry fruitlets enclosed by the enlarged, fleshy, usually red floral cup that is used for jelly or tea.
Scabiosa - any of various plants of the genus Scabiosa, especially S. atropurpurea, having opposite leaves and variously colored flower heads that are subtended by an involucre.
Silver Dollar - a European plant, Lunaria annua, cultivated for its fragrant purplish flowers and round, flat, papery, silver-white seedpods.
Snapdragon - any plant belonging to the genus Antirrhinum, of the figwort family, esp. A. majus, cultivated for its spikes of showy flowers, each having a corolla supposed to resemble the mouth of a dragon.
Snowball - any of several shrubs belonging to the genus Virburnum, of the honeysuckle family, having large clusters of white, sterile flowers.
Statice - any of various plants belonging to the genus Limonium, of the leadwort family, having clusters of variously colored flowers that retain their color when dried.
Stephanotis - any vine belonging to the genus Stephanotis, of the milkweed family, having fragrant, waxy, white flowers and leathery leaves.
Sunflower - any of various composite plants of the genus Helianthus, as H. annuus, having showy, yellow-rayed flower heads often 12 in. wide, and edible seeds that yield an oil with a wide variety os uses: the state flower of Kansas.
Sweet Pea - a climbing plant, Lathyrus odoratus, of the legume family, having sweet-scented flowers.
Tulip - any of various plants belonging to the genus Tulipa, of the lily family, cultivated in many varieties, and having lance-shaped leaves and large, showy, usually erect, cup-shaped or bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors.
Vanda Orchid - any of several epiphytic orchids of the genus Vanda, of tropical regions of the Eastern Hemisphere, having large white, lilac, blue, or greenish flowers.
Violet - any chiefly low, stemless or leafy-stemmed plant of the genus Viola, having purple, blue, yellow, white, or variegated flowers.
Waxflower - twining woody vine of Madagascar having thick dark waxy evergreen leaves and clusters of large fragrant waxy white flowers along the stems; widely cultivated in warm regions.
Zinnia - any of several composite plants of the genus Zinnia, native to Mexico and adjacent areas, esp. the widely cultivated species Z. elegans, having variously colored, many-rayed flower heads.
Source: Flowerstothepeople.com
Care of Cut Flowers
Here are some simple tips to help lengthen the life of your cut flower stems and keep them fresher, longer.
Make sure to thoroughly clean vases and containers that you are going to use, as bacteria kills flowers.
When filling the vase, make sure to use lukewarm water. This creates less oxygen and air bubbles in the stems, allowing them to drink more. Always use flower food/preservative! The food gives flowers things they need to last longer such as carbohydrates; to help their metabolism, biocides; which help fight bacteria, and acidifiers; which helps increase water intake.
Before placing the stems in the vase, cut about an inch off of the bottom at an angle. This allows the flowers more surface area to take in more water. Make sure to use a sharp tool!
If you are cutting the stems from a bush outside, make sure to do it in the morning. Not only are flowers cooler in the morning, but it’s when the plants are storing the most food.Also, check for maturity of the flowers.
Certain types need to be cut as buds, where others should be cut as open blooms. Some Examples Are:Buds - Rose, Daffodil, Iris, Gladiola, TulipOpen - Marigold, Dahlia, Sunflower, Gerbera Daisy
Once your flowers are placed in their container — (be careful not to overcrowd)! — avoid extreme temperatures, cool drafts, and direct sunlight (unless otherwise specified). Also, keep your flowers away from fruit, garbage, and cigarette smoke; as these items give off ethylene gas that flowers are sensitive to.
Make sure to remove any wilting, faded, or dying flowers and give your blooms fresh food and water every couple of days!
Source: Flowerstothepeople.com
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Mother's Day Gift Ideas For Kids
Mother's Day Gift Ideas For Kids Give Mom a "double feature." Provide your florist with the latest edition of the newspaper movie section, and ask him to include it in a box of flowers. Decorate the outside of the box with movie theater candy and attach a card that tells Mom she gets to see a movie of her choice. Of course, you buy the tickets and the popcorn!
Let Mom know you think she is your treasure with a treasure hunt! Visit your local flower shop and pick out several pretty stems of flowers. Ask the florist to put water tubes on the flowers. Tell Mom that she is on a treasure hunt and give her clues as to where she can find each of the flowers. At the end of the hunt, have an empty vase ready with a card telling Mom what a treasure she is to you. Then you can arrange the flowers in the vase together.
Give Mom a kitchen break. Take a cooking pot from your kitchen along with some kitchen utensils to your florist. Ask him to make a floral arrangement in the pot that includes the utensils. Give the arrangement to Mom with a note that tells her she is getting a kitchen break. Then let her sit back and relax while you and Dad prepare dinner.
Surprise Mom with a home pampering party. When she comes in the door, have rose petals on the floor leading to the bathroom. Prepare a bubble bath and float rose petals in the water. Place small vases of flowers on the edge of the tub with scented candles and a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Then leave her alone to relax.
Breakfast in bed is a treat that every Mom loves. Dads and kids can prepare a special morning for Mom by greeting her with a homemade breakfast in bed, on a tray adorned with fresh flowers.
For a very personal tribute, write her a note telling Mom why you're glad she's your mom and attach it to a long stemmed rose.
Present Mom with a vase of her favorite flowers. On each stem tie a "coupon" for a chore that you promise to do.
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