Find Your Ask the Expert: I have a lucky bamboo plant that 2 stalks are shaped like a heart. One of the stalks has turned completely yellow, however, there are healthy leaves steming from it. What should I do?? How often should the water be changed?? Please contact me and give me your advice. Thank you — Jean
Archives for August 2007
Floral designs often incorporate geometric design styles
August 30, 2007 by Leave a Comment
Whether your creating or ordering a floral design it is important to understand the terminology. Since communication between designer and client is crucial, I thought that every so often we could discuss floral designs terms and procedures.
Under the geometric design chart in the AIFD Guide to Floral Design is the term: Crescent Design. According to AIFD, crescent design is a three-sided composition having the form of a triangle with unequal sides. Asymmetrical triangle designs are generally considered to be less formal than symmetrical triangle designs.
The design shape is represented in this picture
The crescent design provides a unique style with great movement. This design is used in sympathy flower arrangements, centerpieces and most container arrangements. Flowers can be presented tightly as in this arrangement
or in a more free flowing design. In fact, bear grass works well in creating movement when using a crescent design.
So, why is it important to someone ordering a flower arrangement? Many times when someone places a flower order, an idea of what they want is dancing in their head. Often, the person placing the order has trouble relating the image in their head to the florist designing the flower arrangement. When both the customer and the florist understand a design and the term associated with it, then the image and the actual product will be more in sync.
For florists, this design is something both the novice and experienced designer can create with relative ease and with a multitude of flowers, foliage, and other materials.
I am interested in what you think about this type of design and in which ways you have used it. I would,also, like to know if their are other floral design terms that you would like to discuss.
How to attach dried flowers to a shadow box.
August 28, 2007 by 1 Comment
Flower Shop Network has an interesting newsletter about dried flowers. One of the dried flower concepts was to place them in a shadow box design. A reader from North Carolina recently ask me how to attach the dried flowers to the back of a shadow box.
Although my experience is limited, I have created shadow boxes with dried flowers. If I had the ability to permanently attach the dried flowers to the container, I used hot glue. (There are also some spray adhesives that can be used with dried flowers). I have known designers who have “picked” the dried flowers and inserted them into Styrofoam.
The key to using dried flowers is to make sure they are firmly attached either to the container or each other. (I have seen bouquets of dried flowers tried together with ribbon so that they stand on their own without a container.) Dried flowers seem more fragile than fresh flowers, as a result most people are hesitant to use them. The essential element in designing with dried flowers is to cover the mechanics. When you use hot glue use it sparingly and don’t leave a trail. If you choose to use picks make sure they are hidden. Even with ribbon, I tend to use a little hot glue but use it conservatively. Avoid products that will cause the dried flowers to become sticky — you don’t want dust to adhere to them.
Every day I learn a new floral design trick. If you know a technique for attaching dried flowers to a shadow box that I haven’t mentioned or a tips on the techniques I’ve mentioned please post your comments. Knowledge is the door to everything and sharing knowledge is the key that opens it.
Winners from the Arkansas Florists Convention
August 27, 2007 by Leave a Comment
Hot Springs Arkansas was the hot spot for the 2007 Arkansas Florists Convention. Flower Shop Network staff had a wonderful time meeting and greeting all the fantastic florists and flower shops who attended the convention.
The Flower Shop Network booth was the place to be at the convention. Staff members and floral designers spent time discussing the issues of how to reach customers and providing flower arrangements specific to those customers’ needs. In fact to aid in reaching customers, all visitors to the booth had the opportunity to register for a complementary florist listing and a complimentary eCommerce website package.
The Flower Shop Network staff held the drawing the Tuesday after the convention.
Congratulations to Lawson’s Flowers & Gifts in Pine Bluff Arkansas, who received a complimentary premium florist listing in Flower Shop Network’s online florists directory. The complimentary listing will run for a full year on Flower Shop Network. Lawson’s Flowers & Gifts provides fresh flower arrangements, as well as, wedding flowers, home décor and gift items through the Pine Bluff Arkansas Area. Lawson’s Flowers & Gifts are provide gift and flower delivery service to Watson Chapel Arkansas, White Hall Arkansas, Redfield Arkansas and Jefferson Arkansas.
Flower Shop Network welcomes Lawson’s Flowers & Gifts as a new member. Congratulations to Phyllis Lawson and the rest of the staff at Lawson’s, we hope to see you at the Arkansas Florists Convention next year.
Congratulations to Distinctive Designs By Tanarah in Maumelle Arkansas, who received a premium listing and an eCommerce website. The complimentary package will run for a full year on Flower Shop Network. Distinctive Designs by Tanarah customers will now have the opportunity to place their orders online for flowers and gifts. Distinctive Designs by Tanarah creates fresh flower arrangements as well as wedding flowers, silk flower arrangements and holiday floral designs for the Maumelle Arkansas area. Flower and funeral deliveries are also provided for Mayflower Arkansas, Conway Arkansas, North Little Rock Arkansas, Scott Arkansas, Benton Arkansas and Little Rock Arkansas in addition to the Maumelle area.
Flower Shop Network welcomes Distinctive Designs By Tanarah as a new member. Congratulations to Tanarah and the rest of the staff, we hope to see you at the Arkansas Florists Convention next year.
The Arkansas Florist Association and staff deserve a round of applause for hosting a wonderful convention and special thanks for inviting us to be a part of it. Flower Shop Network appreciates your support as we continue to provide affordable, quality products and services to the floral industry. Flower Shop Network has already committed to attending the Arkansas Florists Convention in 2008.
Sending Flowers To The Hospital
August 16, 2007 by Leave a Comment
Many times, we feel helpless when a friend or family member is in the hospital. Often we send flowers to the hospital letting them know we care and support them. But did you realize, that by sending flowers to the hospital you are actively helping them in the recovery process? How?
Researchers have discovered a link between flowers and life satisfaction. In fact, flowers have a huge impact on moods and emotions. An immediate impact on happiness occurs when someone receives flowers. Picture an office – everyone’s heart fluttering in anticipation as every eye follows the florists carrying a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Not only does the person receiving the flower arrangement break out into a smile, but all those around him/her do as well.
Many stories about someone overcoming a devastating illness begin with … they had a positive and cheerful attitude. By sending a flower arrangement to the hospital, you are helping the patient achieve a positive attitude. Even if only for a little while, the hospital patient will let go of the depression, anxiousness and agitation surrounding an illness and replace it with joy, happiness and relaxation. So by encouraging a smile with flowers, you are aiding them in the recovery process.
Here an example of a cheerful flower arrangement that can be sent to someone in the hospital.
Bird Of Paradise A Tropical Surprise
August 15, 2007 by Leave a Comment
Bird of Paradise Bringing The Tropics To Everyone
Bird of Paradise … The name alone brings a warm tropical feeling. The brilliant flowers look similar to head plumes on a bird. Brought to England for King George, this plant with its orange and blue tinged bloom is native to South Africa. In honor of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (King George’s wife), it was named Strelitzia reginae. Bird of Paradise, also known as crane flower, is one of the most widely know flowering plants around the world.
Bird of Paradise Structure
The Bird of Paradise flower is composed of a series of highly colored bracts, or modified leaves, formed into green, red, and or purplish canoe-like structures. Bracts vary between 4-8 inches long, depending upon the age and size of the Bird of Paradise plant. Each bract contains 2 or more protruding Bird of Paradise florets of bright yellow or orange elongated petals and a bright blue tongue. The female part of the Bird of Paradise flower is the long extension of the blue tongue, which is extended well away from the stamens. The color, foliage and structure of the flower are distinct and unforgettable.
Bird of Paradise in Flower Arrangements
One of the most unique flowering plants used in flower arrangements, Bird of Paradise provides structure by forming lines and mass. The orange and blue flowers offer vibrant colors and a style that no other flower can. When using Bird of Paradise, you’ll find it lends itself to a good base mass and is easily incorporated into any tropical arrangement style. It is best to use the striking flowers as the most dramatic piece in the arrangement. When using Bird of Paradise keep other flowers and foliage lower in the design and choose material that complements the tropical feel.
Bird of Paradise is typically used in spring and summer arrangements. But don’t hesitate to use Bird of Paradise in the winter or fall when we long for a little tropical feeling. This flower can be added to wedding centerpieces or even as a topper for the wedding cake. The only rule to abide by when using Bird of Paradise is to keep the accompanying flowers or foliage on the demure side. For a unique flower arrangement design pair Bird of Paradise with fruits such as grapes, kumquats or small vegetables. Bird of Paradise speaks for itself, so not much else is needed. In fact simplicity is best when using this flower.
Caring For Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise as a Cut Flower
Caring for Bird of Paradise as a cut flower is simple; requiring no more than a change of water every two to three days, and snipping about ¾” off the stems. This practice will help the flower last for weeks. If the flower is arranged in a way that you can’t change the water or snip the stems, add water and avoid letting the arrangement dry out.
Bird of Paradise as a Plant
When selecting a Bird of Paradise plant, look for a full healthy-looking plant with lots of new growth. Plants that are slightly crowded in their pots will bloom better. This clump forming, trunk-less plant will grow to a height of five foot and approximately five foot wide when planted outside. Bird of Paradise has thick, stiff leaves often referred to as paddle like and are approximately eight inches long and six inches wide. Overall Bird of Paradise screams tropical.
Bird of Paradise Outdoor Care
Easy to grow, Birds of Paradise does well in full sun or semi-shade. In areas where frost is not a danger it can be plant outdoors year round and requires rich loamy soil. Often you’ll find a time-release fertilizer through out the year brings the most out of this gorgeous plant. Bird of Paradise requires liberal amounts of water until well established. Planting in full sun will provide you with more flowers, while planting in shade will keep the foliage looking the best.
Bird of Paradise House Plant Care
When using Bird of Paradise as a houseplant, watch out for over watering. Plants should be watered only when soil is slightly dry. The best watering method for Bird of Paradise is to thoroughly wet the entire soil mix then allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again. Daily misting maybe required in dry climates or in the winter, since Bird of Paradise is tropical by nature thriving in 60% moderate humidity. During the winter months watering should be slightly taper off; this is thought to encourage the flowering process. Use a time-release fertilizer March through September for optimum growth. Bird of Paradise oddly enough seemed to do better when slightly root bound. Keep pot size relevant to plant size; large pots or containers may be needed. Bird of Paradise plants naturally bloom September through May, although when grown and kept in greenhouses they can bloom year round.
Propagating Bird of Paradise
The best time to propagate Bird of Paradise is in early spring prior to new growth. Remove the plant from the pot, or ground and cut the rhizomes (underground stems) with a sharp knife so each division has a fan with roots. Then place these divisions into small pots, water and place in a warm location. Bright indirect light sunlight is best. After eight weeks, when plants have acclimated move them to a place with more direct sunlight. The new plant will bloom in two to three years. Bird of Paradise can also be grown from seed, but the plants may take four to ten years to bloom. Check with your seed supplier for special seed propagation instructions.
Bird of Paradise pest problems
Usually caused from over watering or a poor soil mixture, root rot maybe the only issue you may have with this plant. Pests that may affect Bird of Paradise are scale, mealy bug, whitefly or aphids, all of which can easily be treated with an insecticide. Check with your local garden center for a pyrethin based houseplant insecticide.
Bird of paradise used in flower arrangements or grown, as houseplants will give you the surprise of the tropics even in the dead of winter. You could send a Bird of Paradise to a family member or friend; this plant is the perfect way to bright any day. Find a local florist to send Bird of Paradise today.
Did you know that Bird of Paradise is the official flower of Los Angeles? Florists love Bird of Paradise.
Contributor: Leigh Morrisett
Are Calla Lillies Available In September
August 15, 2007 by 3 Comments
Ask the expert:
I just had the quick question if I would be able to have cali lillies (sorry, not sure the exact spelling) in September.
Lucky Bamboo and Yellow Stalks
August 14, 2007 by
Ask the Expert:
my stalks are yellowing from roots on up .What is the deal?
How To Repot Delphinium
August 14, 2007 by
Ask the Expert: How to plant..
Hi there, I just bought purple Delphinium and I was told that it need to be re-planted(in the bigger pot) I never planted flowers,although I love plants and I want to learn to keep them growing. My questions are; whats the best way to re-plant Delphinium and keep them healthy for long period.
Thank You!
What Do Chris Isaak And Flowers Have In Common?
August 13, 2007 by Leave a Comment
The Memphis Botanical Garden this past Saturday night.
I attended the Live at the Garden Chris Isaak concert this weekend. Live at the Garden is an outdoor concert series held at the Memphis Botanical Garden. Concert-goers can purchase tables or open lawn area tickets. Decorated by the ticket holders, most tables look like mini parties. I love to watch people but as I was watching the crowd something else began to catch my eye. Several of the tables had beautiful flower arrangements.
This impressed me greatly. One, because it was August in Memphis Tennessee and well over 90 degrees and two, because I love flowers especially when arranged in a pretty container. It just goes to prove where ever you are and what ever you are doing flowers just make it better.
I snapped these photos with a friends camera phone.
Below: The beautiful flower arrangement that adorned the table of Michelle and all her friends at the Magna Bank table.
Below: Becky Kight arranged these lovely flower arrangements for the table she shared with friends.
