Flower Power

Ordering advice: What to tell your Florist

2009-07-05T00:17:00.002-05:00

http://blogs.myspace.com/southparkflorist

Source. www.aboutflowers.com

Hospital visit today

2009-07-02T02:42:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-01T19:39:00.008-05:00

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.

Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamin F:

2009-06-30T20:57:00.008-05:00

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

Key Color: Red epitomizes motivation, fame, courage and power. Design an up-shooting spray that also includes sensuous, rich orange and fuchsia, which suggest enthusiasm and exuberance.

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

Key Color: Stimulate joy, enthusiasm and excitement with a simple arrangement featuring the color orange. Complement it with white — the color of purity and freshness — and green, characterizing new opportunity and growth.

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

http://www.southparkflorist.com/

www.facebook.com/southparkfloristfans

Dictionary of Flowers

2009-06-28T19:59:00.004-05:00

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

Care of Cut Flowers

2009-06-28T19:46:00.004-05:00

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

Mother's Day Gift Ideas For Kids

2009-05-03T02:54:00.001-05:00

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.

Mother's Day

2009-05-03T02:51:00.001-05:00

The first celebrations of Mother's Day can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who worshiped mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele. During the 1600s in England a special day was set apart as Mothering Day, a day of taking small cakes and trinkets to mothers.

In the United States the idea for Mother's Day has generally been credited to Anna Jarvis. The first Mother's Day observance was a church service held at her request in Grafton, West Virginia (the burial place of her mother) on May 10, 1908. Because of her mother's fondness for them, Miss Jarvis wore a carnation to that first service. She went on to play an active role in encouraging the government to establish a national holiday to honor mothers everywhere. By 1911 Mother's Day was being celebrated throughout the United States, as well as in Mexico, Canada, South America, China, Japan and Africa. On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as National Mother's Day and asked all Americans to offer their respect and love for mothers publicly.

Power of Giving Flowers Study

2009-03-08T18:43:00.002-05:00

Power of Giving Flowers Study

Rutgers: Flower Givers Perceived as Successful and Caring

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 andfriends.

“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.”

This Article was brought to you by www.aboutflowers.com

Mothers Day Facts and Ideas..

2008-04-26T18:41:00.005-05:00

In the United States the idea for Mother's Day has generally been credited to Anna Jarvis. The first Mother's Day observance was a church service held at her request in Grafton, West Virginia (the burial place of her mother) on May 10, 1908. Because of her mother's fondness for them, Miss Jarvis wore a carnation to that first service. She went on to play an active role in encouraging the government to establish a national holiday to honor mothers everywhere. By 1911 Mother's Day was being celebrated throughout the United States, as well as in Mexico, Canada, South America, China, Japan and Africa. On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as National Mother's Day and asked all Americans to offer their respect and love for mothers publicly.

Mom Deserves to be Pampered

For all the work Mom does throughout the year she deserves to be pampered on Mother's Day.

The Society of American Florists has provided the following tips to make Mom feel extra special:

If you're planning on taking Mom out to eat, take a plate, bowl, napkin and set of silverware to your florist the week before Mother's Day. Ask your florist to make a floral arrangement in the bowl and include the silverware among the flowers. Then slip in an invitation to her favorite restaurant.

Invite Mom to brunch or dinner at her favorite restaurant and have a flower arrangement delivered right to your table for all to see.

For Moms that like to cook, ask your florist to create an herb garden design with several small pots of herbs.

Make a special tribute to Mom by sending a decorated "Mother's Day Tree." The week before Mother's Day, take several of your favorite family photos to your florist and ask him to attach them to a plant or miniature tree using colorful ribbons. Prepare the photos ahead of time by pasting them onto pretty colored papers or put them in small frames.

If your Mom is planning on attending worship on Mother's Day, find out what she plans to wear and ask your florist to design a special corsage to match. For a very special twist, choose a new dress or hat for Mom and have it boxed and wrapped with the corsage in place of a bow on the outside.

Give Mom something to relax with by wrapping a new book and asking your florist to place it into a fragrant flower bouquet with a note that reads "Today is your day to relax!"

Ask your florist to help you create a special spa kit. A few days ahead of time, bring goodies like nail polish, a loofa sponge, bath crystals, oils and other pampering items to your florist and have him design a basket with the spa items on one side and flowers on the other. You could even add a certificate for a manicure, pedicure, massage or spa treatments at a local day spa or salon.

If you want to surprise Mom from across the miles, ask a florist in her town to make a floral arrangement and include an airline ticket for a visit to you. Be sure to mail the ticket to the florist well in advance and confirm that he received it.

Incorporate flowers into a theme gift. If Mom is an avid gardener, ask the florist to create a design that includes gardening goodies such as a trowel, garden gloves, seed packets and tools. If Mom is a bird watcher, how about a design in a bird feeder? An athletic would certainly appreciate a pair of workout shoes - with flowers arranged inside. Tennis balls, golf balls or sport headbands can be a unique addition to any floral arrangement. If Mom loves clothes or jewelry, tie a scarf or drape a necklace around a vase of flowers to make the gift extra special.

For the 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!

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.

Click here for statistics for Mother's Day.

Visit us online at http://www.southparkflorist.com/

or call 1-800-796-9730

Information provided by the Society of American Florists.

Flower Therapy

2008-04-18T17:12:00.000-05:00

DISCOVER THE COLORS OF EMOTION

THROUGH FLOWER THERAPY

International Color Expert Leatrice Eiseman Reveals

How Flowers Bring Feelings To Life

The power of color is well established. Throughout time, nature’s spectrum has played a vital role in areas that significantly impact our everyday lives, from the color of our walls, to our clothes, to our cars – and, even more meaningfully, our emotional responses. In this realm, color may be more essential to our consciousness than we realize.

International color expert Leatrice Eiseman, who has earned international acclaim for her five book titles, including Colors for Your Every Mood and The Color Answer Book, has unearthed the philosophy of Flower Therapy. Eiseman believes that certain color combinations – easily expressed in floral arrangements - can stimulate and relax the senses, release happy memories and enhance our moods.

“Our response to color is intensely emotional, and flowers can be a catalyst for feelings that stimulate more than just our senses of sight and smell,” said Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “An artful floral arrangement has the ability to convey a feeling or create a mood without using words, just color.”

Additionally, scientific research shows that flowers and plants have a beneficial impact on state of mind and emotions. Rutgers University behavioral studies have proven that flowers provide a simple way to improve emotional health – that the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.

Flower Therapy

Throughout our hectic, fast-paced lives, we seek to rejuvenate ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. According to Eiseman, flowers, in conjunction with their design and color schemes, create feelings that enhance our moods.

“Color can help us find the balance we seek from our surroundings. And, flowers are an ideal way to harness the power of color to enrich our lives,” said Eiseman.

The following are Eiseman’s five emotional color palettes that are expressed through color combinations in floral arrangements and the flowers that bring them to life.

Nurturing: A true sense of caring is created by a combination of colors that are fragile, soft and tender. Arrangements in pastel shades and the softest yellows, peaches, warm pinks, creamy whites and subtle greens make us feel safe, snug and loved. Consider a nurturing floral arrangement for a new mother, a sick friend or a grieving loved one – anyone who would benefit from a caring, loving embrace.

Romantic: A sensation of intimacy, nostalgia and comfort is captured in this color palette, a blend of delicate warm and cool colors with lavenders and pinks at its heart. Romantic arrangements express loving sentiments and admiration to mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, best friends, significant others and brides-to-be.

Sensuous: The rich, luxurious color combinations of the sensuous palette set the mood for sophisticated, passionate and even seductive settings. Robust reds and purples, hot pinks and spicy oranges are at the soul of this dynamic floral feeling. Consider a sensuous arrangement for a very special evening or an elegant dinner party – anywhere you want to feel magnetic and extravagant.

Tranquil: Serenity and relaxation are the essence of this color scheme. Its peaceful palette, reminiscent of sky and sea, is dominated by clear, light shades of green, misty blues and other cool hues. A vase of tranquility is perfect for busy moms, harried professionals and those who seek a moment of calm from life’s stressful situations.

Whimsical: Fun-loving, free-spirited, playful feelings are conveyed by the whimsical palette, which is characterized by bold, contrasting colors. Floral arrangements featuring these hues set an upbeat tone and are ideal for birthdays, graduations, promotions and other celebrations.

“There is no doubt that beautiful surroundings provide us with a special environment that helps us thrive,” said Eiseman. “Flowers are an easy and affordable way to add a splash of color and emotion into your life.”

Your Florist =Your Flower Therapist

To achieve Flower Therapy, it can take just one phone call to your florist, a profession that for over a century has designed arrangements that make moments special. A good florist will ask questions about what atmosphere or mood you are trying to create and will provide expert advice on gifts that enhance any sentiment or occasion.

ASKING YOUR FLORIST FOR FLOWER THERAPY
When it comes to achieving Flower Therapy, consult a professional florist to ensure your desired emotion is expressed just the way you want it. Don’t worry if you are not familiar with the names of the hundreds of flowers available. By following these simple tips from the Society of American Florists, anyone can order flowers with confidence, send the perfect floral gift for any occasion, and choose a gift that takes into account the feelings of others.

When ordering floral gifts, describe the recipient’s personality, as well as favorite hobbies or colors. Your florist can match the floral arrangement with the recipient’s personal preferences.

Tell your florist if the gift is for a special occasion (birthday, anniversary or other personal milestone) or just because. He or she can offer suggestions on how to best create an emotion with flowers.

If the flowers are for decorating or entertaining, describe the environment where they will be placed so your florist can create an arrangement that complements the style and colors of your home.

Selecting A Florist

Word of mouth is often the best resource when looking for a florist. An outstanding florist will have a good reputation in your community. If you use a telephone book or directory assistance to find a florist, look for one with a local address. If you choose a national service with a toll-free number, pick an established organization with a strong reputation for providing great service. For those looking for a florist, here are some recommendations:

Good florists ask questions about what you're looking for, offer expert advice and suggest floral gifts to match any sentiment, occasion, personality or home decor.

Look for artistry in the florist’s arrangements, design and presentation.

Choose a florist who will get to know you, keep track of your floral preferences and send reminders of upcoming special occasions.

Look for convenient hours, easy-access location and a satisfaction guarantee.

From the familiar rose to exotic tropicals, a great shop carries a complete menu of flowers and plants to choose from.

Florists who belong to professional groups are committed to being the best in their field. Look for affiliation with national wire services (FTD, Teleflora), national trade associations like the Society of American Florists, state and local trade associations, and local community and civic organizations.

CLICK HERE for more information on the five emotional color palettes.

"For My Teenager"

2007-06-30T17:49:00.000-05:00

I have so many wishes for you

I want you to be safe, smart,

cautious, and wise beyond your

years. Don't grow up too fast.

Come to me with your fears.

Get your feet wet with new

experiences, but never get in over

your head. Realize how capable

you are! Your possibilities are

unlimited. You are loved beyond

words, and I will love you beyond

all time. So many treasures await

you in your journey through life,

and being blessed with you

has been mine.

~Douglas Pagels

To my amazing remarkable SON...

2007-06-30T12:45:00.000-05:00

Everywhere you journey in

life, you will go with my

love by your side. Forever

it will be with you. Truly,

joyfully, and more meant to

be than words could ever

say. You are the joy of my

life, the source of my dearest

memories, the inspiration for

my fondest wishes, and you

are the sweetest present life

could ever give to anyone.

I'll always love you, Son,

with all my heart. And I

couldn't be more proud of you

if I tried.

~Douglas Pagels

Unique Ideas For Party Flowers

2007-06-18T23:34:00.000-05:00

Here are a few more simple and inexpensive ideas to add that extra special touch to your party:

Flower Napkin Rings/Guest Favors Ask your florist to create a floral napkin ring for each guest, or order a few extra flowers that match the centerpiece and simply tuck one into each folded napkin or napkin ring. Be sure to keep flowers in water until right before guests arrive and then cut the stem back to about 3 inches. Ask your florist about what kinds of flowers work best for this type of treatment.

Floral Place Cards for Each Guest Use small vases with one flower cut very short in each as place holders. The card can be glued or taped to the front of the vase, or nestled into the blossom itself. Another option is to glue each place card to a single flower blossom.

Dressed Up Candles Place votive candles on flower petals or a leaf. Add ribbons with flowers to candlesticks. Float flowers or fragrant flower blooms in crystal bowls.

Buffet Flowers Ask your florist to make several designs in different sizes. Place them throughout the buffet table to allow everyone to see the flowers up close.

Decorate a Cake with Flowers Ask your florist which flowers make the best cake decorations. Wash the flowers thoroughly and allow them to dry. Cut the stems to about 1 inch. Dip the ends into melted paraffin and allow them to dry before inserting the stems directly into the cake. Foliage or flat flowers such as pansies can be placed flat onto the cake.

Posies in the Punch Make a punch float by placing washed fruit or edible flowers into a tube cake pan. Fill with water to about 3 inches. Freeze it and pop it into the punch bowl flower side up as guests arrive. Make sure that you replace the float when the ice melts.

Garnishing Trays and Platters Line the tray or the edges of your serving platter with decorative lettuce leaves or kale. Use flowers as accents in the center or on a corner of the tray. This is a great way to disguise serving platters that don't match.

Information provided by http://www.aboutflowers.com/

http://www.southparkflorist.com/

Home Trends: Decorating and Entertaining

2007-06-13T00:49:00.000-05:00

Consumers are seeking inexpensive, simple solutions to perk up existing living space rather than investing in complete home makeovers. Flowers are the latest and greatest trend in jazzing up living space and enhancing the mood and personality of every room in the house.

Whether you live in a studio apartment or four-bedroom colonial, the personal touches you add to your home make it uniquely yours. Whatever your style, flowers are the perfect way to add beauty and warmth, and create a space that reflects your personality.

Here are some examples of how you can achieve different looks using flowers:

For a soft, natural look, you could use loose, wispy arrangements of single-or multi-colored flowers placed in a glass bowl or vase.

For a calming effect you might try blues in every hue, reflecting the natural blues of the sea, space and sky.

Bold and bright colors with deep pigment saturation such as bright orange, hot red and lemon yellow have also enjoyed popularity in the home as dramatic and feisty punctuation marks for today's multi-cultural population.

Bring the outdoors in by mixing flowers with seasonal vegetation such as grasses or branches. To keep a natural look, ask your florist to use a clay pot or a woven basket as the container.

To fill a space you might try tall, full blooming shrub or tree branches placed in an urn on a pedestal, with lots of flowing greens.

Your florist can create a mixed flower arrangement that features small, delicate details that invites the discovery of all its components - perfect to make a space more inviting.

Let your florist help

Florists are problem solvers. You don't have to have specific flowers or designs in mind, just a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Be prepared to talk to your florist about the colors, looks and styles you like. Once your florist has your preferences on file, it will be easy for him or her to meet your future flower needs efficiently. You can even arrange for your florist to deliver flowers on a regular basis.

Brought to you by the Society of American Florists..

Ordering Advice

2007-05-28T01:28:00.000-05:00

Ordering Advice Don't worry if you are not familiar with the names of the thousands of flowers available. By following these simple tips from the Society of American Florists, you can order flowers with confidence:

When ordering floral gifts, describe the recipient's personality type, as well as his/her favorite hobbies or colors if you know them. Your florist can match the floral arrangement with the recipient's personality.

Tell your florist if the gift is for a special occasion (birthday, anniversary or other personal milestone). He or she can offer suggestions on how to best celebrate with flowers.

If the flowers are for decorating or entertaining, describe the environment where the arrangement will be placed so your florist can create an arrangement that complements the style and colors of your home. Consider bringing in your own vase or container for an added personal touch.

Ask your florist for specific colors or color themes. Let your florist know if you prefer a mixed flower arrangement or an arrangement made up of just one type of flower.

Provide your florist with the necessary basic information - the name, full address and phone number of the recipient, the delivery date, your card message and payment information. Whether sending flowers across the country or around the corner, your florist provides the expertise, convenience and service today's on-the-go consumers are looking for.

Flower Care

2007-05-19T02:10:00.000-05:00

Teleflora has a worldwide network of professional florists selected for their outstanding quality, design expertise and dependability. Trust us to use the freshest flowers available to fill your order - each bouquet is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. All of our flowers arrive professionally arranged in a vase or container, ready to be enjoyed. In the days that follow, these simple care guidelines will help keep them vibrant and long lasting.

Check your flowers daily Keep the vase, container or liner filled with fresh water. Even if the container has floral foam, you should keep the water level high to promote long lasting flowers. The container’s water has a fresh flower food added to it. If you completely change the water, you should also thoroughly clean the container. Add fresh water mixed with a commercial fresh flower food. These flower foods may be supplied by the florist who delivered your order and they contain the correct ingredients to properly nourish the flowers, keep bacteria at bay (which can block the stems and prevent them from absorbing water), encourage buds to open, and lengthen the life of the bouquet. It’s one of the best—and easiest—ways to extend the life of your flowers, but be sure to follow the directions on the package correctly. Improperly mixed flower food can actually do more harm than good.
Maintain clean water above floral foam

Cut stems at an angle using a sharp knife
Re-cut their stems Every few days, remove the flowers from the design and re-cut the stems. Remove 3/4" to one inch from the bottom of the stem and be sure to cut the stem at an angle to allow the flower the best chance to take up water. Use a sharp knife or sharp floral cutter or scissor. Avoid smashing or piercing the stems, as this can destroy the water vessels in the stem and prevent water absorption. Remove any spent or damaged blooms or foliage that falls below the waterline in the vase.
To avoid disturbing the stem placements in a vase arrangement, tie the stems with twine just above the vase’s edge before taking them out of their vase. Hold the tied arrangement at the twine-bound point to re-cut the stems. Then place them back into the clean vase with the fresh water and a flower food.
Change their water, and add additional fresh flower food Be sure to clean the vase before refilling it with room-temperature water mixed with the proper amount of fresh flower food. Be sure no debris is floating in the water (such as leaves and stem parts) as this could promote the growth of bacteria which can shorten a flower's life.

Display them in a cool spot Most flowers prefer temperatures between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 22 degrees Celsius) and are best displayed away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators, which give off heat and can cause flowers to dehydrate. Avoid placing fresh flowers near ripening fruit, which releases tiny amounts of ethylene gas that can age them prematurely.

Alstroemeria Amaryllis Anemone Bells of Ireland Birds of Paradise
Callas Carnations Chrysanthemums Daffodils Daisies
Dendrobium Orchids Freesia Gerbera Hyacinth Hydrangea
Iris Lily Lisianthus Peonies Roses

To learn about the care of specific flowers, please refer to the listing below:

Alstroemeria: The buds of your Astroemeria may appear, when new, to be very tight; with proper nutrition from flower food they should open to full bloom and maximum enjoyment. Alstroemeria are particularly thirsty flowers, so check the vase often to ensure it is full (or the foam material is saturated) and add floral food with each water change.

Amaryllis: Amaryllis may arrive with some of their blooms closed, but with proper care, they will open into large flowers. Their stems need to stay filled with water at all times, so when you refresh the water and re-cut the stems, turn them upside down and fill them with water, plugging the bottom of each stem with a cotton ball or your finger until it is back in the vase. Their stems can be brittle and may bend or break when you refresh them. Keeping them trimmed daily and even wrapping the stem ends in clear tape will help prevent this. As new blooms open, carefully pinch off older, wilting blooms.

Anemone: The same general care guidelines described above apply to anemone, but because their stems are very soft and easily damaged, handle them gently and support their stems when re-cutting. The delicate nature of the blossoms means you’ll enjoy them for 3-5 days.

Bells of Ireland: These tiny, fragrant, green bells are arranged in rings forming a vertical column. Each bell has a tiny white blossom in the center. Follow the care guidelines listed above, and your bells of Ireland should last 7-10 days.

Birds of Paradise: Each stem of a birds of paradise usually contains about 4 to 5 flowers (called inflorescence) sometimes only the flower is visible, ther others are hidden in another part of the flowers. When one exposed flower withers it should be removed and another one can be pulled out of the flower’s boat shaped bract. If a flower doesn’t emerge, gently ease it out by hand. These exotic blooms are sensitive to temperatures below 50 degrees F, so display them in a warm spot.

To learn about the care of specific flowers, please refer to the listing below:
Amaryllis Bells of Ireland Alstroemeria Anemone Birds of Paradise
Callas Carnations Chrysanthemums Daffodils Daisies
Dendrobium Orchids Freesia Gerbera Hyacinth Hydrangea
Iris Lily Lisianthus Peonies Roses

Callas: (both full size and miniature varieties) The same general care guidelines described above apply to callas but because their spathe (the colored part of the flower) can bruise easily, it’s important to be particularly gentle when handling them. Callas have thick fleshy stems that tend to curl at the bottom as they age. They should be recut every 2 days for maximum vase life. They tend to be thirsty flowers, so check the water level of your vase often.

Carnations: The same general care guidelines described above apply to carnations, including their sensitivity to ethylene, a harmless (note: it does not harm humans or animals), naturally produced gas, which can be released by fruits, vegetables, and decaying floral materials. Keep arranged carnations free of ethylene producing materials for best results. When you re-cut the stems, cut them just above one of the nodes that run up the flower’s stalk. This will allow the stem to more easily draw the water it needs. When properly cared for carnations can last 7-14 days, depending on variety.

Chrysanthemums: Chrysanthemums come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and petal formations. Some even look like the most exotic blossoms you’ve ever seen – in unusual colors with single or multiple blossoms per stem. It’s important to remove the foliage of chrysanthemums if it begins to droop or yellow. The foliage often deteriorates more quickly than the flowers themselves. Recutting the stems often will also increase the uptake of water and increase vase life. Most chrysanthemums will last 7 to 12 days on average.

Daffodils: Daffodils last longer in shallow water, so when you re-cut their stems and change their water (adding additional floral food) every two or three days, fill the vase only partway. You can leave the protective husks on or gently remove them. When daffodil stems are cut, they release sap that can shorten the life of other flowers. To prevent this, after cutting their stems, place them in a bucket of water for at least 12 hours on their own before mixing them with other flowers. Some modern designs use daffodils with the bulb and roots still in tact on the stems. The soil is washed from the root system – and you can enjoy the full botany of the flower from roots to stem, leaves and blossoms.

Daisies: The same general care guidelines described above apply to daisies, but keep in mind that these are particularly thirsty flowers, so check their water level often, and be sure that the vase is full and any foam materials are completely saturated.

Dendrobium Orchids: The same general care guidelines described above apply to dendrobium orchids, including their sensitivity to ethylene gas, which can be released by fruits, vegetables, and decaying floral materials.

Freesia: The same general care guidelines described above apply to freesia, but note that they prefer room-temperature water. Blossoms appear on a comb – in order from largest to smallest on the horizontal comb. As blossoms pass their prime, they should be plucked or removed from the stem to keep the flower looking attractive.

Gerbera: Gerbera stems are highly susceptible to bacteria blockage, causing their heads to droop over, so change their water often and replenish their supply of floral food every 1-2 days. Since they are particularly sensitive to ethylene gas and bacteria – keep the vase and surrounding areas clean and debris free.

Hyacinth: The same general care guidelines described above apply to hyacinths, but keep in mind that when their stems are cut, they release sap that can shorten the life of other flowers. To prevent this, after cutting their stems, place them in a bucket of water for at least 12 hours on their own before mixing them with other flowers. In modern designs, hyacinths are arranged with the bulbs and roots in tact, as part of the composition. The soil is washed from the roots to prevent the water from becoming dirty.

Hydrangea: Hydrangeas have woody stems that need to draw water for maximum vase life. If a blossom wilts prematurely, remove it from the design, recut the stem at a sharp angle and place in warm water for at least one hour. The flower should be revived and ready to take its place in the design. For best results keep the water level in their vase full. Hydrangeas can also be dried, by hanging them upside down in a warm spot. Although the color will fade slightly – the dried flowers can last between 9 months to a year.

Iris: Iris may arrive in your vase arrangement as tight buds. But they will open quickly and mature to open form usually within one or two days. Their beautiful blue blossom look good with other spring flowers like tulips and lilies. Their vase life is wonderful, although short lived. Keep water levels in the vase full and bacteria free for best results. Expected vase life 3-5 days.

Lily: Lily pollen can stain clothing and furniture, so carefully remove the anthers (the orange pollen-coated tips at the end of the stamens) with tissues before displaying your bouquet. As flowers open as your design ages, you should continue to remove the anthers. Follow the same general care guidelines described above, but since lilies bruise easily, handle them with particular care. Their blooms open in succession, and you can snip off spent flowers close to the main stem.

Lisianthus: Lisianthus have rose-like showy blossoms in grand colors, and with proper care they can last 7-10 days. Many of the unopened buds which show color may open fully. Smaller buds may not open but simply support the larger blossoms and accent the foliage.
Peonies Follow the general care guidelines described above, placing your peonies in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Peonies often arrive in bud stage and open fully while in the design. The open blossoms can be fragile and shatter if mishandled so give them space and move them only as necessary. With proper care they should last about 7 days.

Roses: Follow the general care guidelines described above for your roses, being sure to remove any discolored petals on the flower’s outer edge (called guard petals) and foliage that fall below the waterline when refreshing your arrangement. Recutting the stems often will give your roses the longest vase life.
If your roses begin to wilt, you may be able to revive them. Trim off about an inch from the bottom of its stem and then submerge the entire rose under water in a sink or bathtub. Allow the stem to absorb water for about 20-60 minutes before returning them to their vase.
Roses last longer in a cool area, but if you want their blooms to open quickly, temporarily place them in a warmer spot (Note: not hotter than 80 degrees fahrenheit).

This information was provided by teleflora.com which is a wire service we are a part of at my shop.
For more info and pictures you can click on the direct link below to take you to actual pictures of the flowers listed above.
http://www.teleflora.com/flowercare.asp

I hope this information was useful to you and that you enjoyed it!
My shops website is www.southparkflorist.com

I am entering the world of blogging...LOL

2007-05-19T02:03:00.000-05:00

My name is Lisa and this is my first time to blog but I thought it would be a great way to keep my customers and other consumers up to date in the world of flowers. I have owned and operated my floral business for 14 years and enjoy it tremendously. My intentions are to post blogs that will be of help and to you in the world of flowers. Hope that you enjoy this and will look forward to my blogs and please bare with me this is new to me and I am sure I will learn alot about the world of blogging.