Archive for January, 2008

Kind Act Causes Problems For Lucky Bamboo

Monday, January 7th, 2008

Ask the Expert: my step-father filled the water of my lucky bamboo to the top of the vase. Now the stalk is mushy, hollow and brownish-yellow. I have had the plant for 2 years. Is there any way to save it? Andrea

Stunted Lucky Bamboo

Monday, January 7th, 2008

Ask the Expert: I READ THE FOLLOWING INFO CARING FOR LUCKY BAMBOO ON LUCKY BAMBOO PLANTS. I'VE HAD ONE FOR ABOUT A YEAR OR SO AND IT DOESN'T GROW MUCH AND IS KIND REAL PALE. TO RENEW IT CAN I DUMP OUT THE WATER THAT'S BEEN IN IF FOR QUITE A WHILE AND HAS A LOT OF MINERALS ETC AND REFILL IT WITH BOTTLED WATER? IF SO, SHOULD I LIGHTLY SCRAP OFF THE MINERAL DEPOSITS? Todd

2008 Brings Big Changes to Virginia Flower & Garden Show

Friday, January 4th, 2008

If your looking for the Virginia Flower & Garden Show in January, you're a little early. Normally held in January each year, the Virginia Flower & Garden Show is partnering with the Mid-Atlantic Home and Garden show to create a bigger and better Mid-Atlantic Home and Flower Show and will take place February 15-17, 2008. This show offers an abundance of home, garden and flower exhibits and merchandise. This year's "Sensusous Garden" theme promises a celebration of the senses through the landscaping and flower displays slated for the show. Several competitions are on tap for the show including front door, container gardening and floral arranging divisions. In fact, the most anticipated contest is the Floral Challenge - back by popular demand. The Floral Challenge has three competitive divisions: (1) beginners; (2)garden clubs and experienced floral designers; (3)professional floral designers and local florists. This contest is a fabulous way to see the creative nature of show attendees and the beauty of flowers at the same time. So if you love flowers and are in Virginia Beach, Virginia on Febraury 15th, 16th or 17th, check out the Mid-Atlantic Home and Flower Show.

Sending Roses - What Message Do They Give

Thursday, January 3rd, 2008

The Flower Shop Network Newsletter for January goes out next week. Beth Roberts has once again created an inspiring and informative newsletter. If you enjoyed her Power of Red Flowers, you'll enjoy The Meaning of Roses. Beth takes us on a journey exploring the meaning of roses and their significance in history and in other cultures. Take a sneak peek and enjoy the journey to the world of roses.  I knew red roses symbolize love; but, who knew a rose in full bloom symbolized the maturity of love.  I'm interested in your opinion of the newsletter, so don't hesitate to comment.

Is it to Early to Think About Valentine's Day?

Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008

Jenny’s (Oak Hill Florist in Scarborough, Maine) "Thoughts of Valentine’s Day" post on Monday was interesting. First, it proves what I always thought: Florists never rest - they are constantly trying to make the next holiday or flower arrangement better for us. Second, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and the earlier we prepare for it, the better it will be for us and our special someone.

Jenny had a good point when she said "… men – you don’t have to buy roses for Valentine’s Day." Roses maybe the Valentine’s Day flower and considered the flower of love, but contrary to popular opinion they are not the favorite flower of every woman. I like roses; I even have some in my garden, but if you really want to excite me give me “Star Gazer” lilies, gerberas or tulips. Over the years, my husband has sent me roses, “Star Gazer” lilies, gerberas, tulips and mixed flower arrangements - I loved them all and have wonderful memories associated with each one. Flowers, in general, are always a wonderful gift for Valentine’s Day or for any other reason; you can never go wrong by sending roses. But if you really want to make an impression, find out what her favorite flower is and send it. The key to flower giving is to create a memory that will last forever.

We always refer to the act of flower giving as men sending and women receiving. Jenny brings up a good point – men love flowers too – they just have a hard time admitting it. Of course, my husband loves flowers - after all he grows bedding plants for his nursery and landscaping company - but he adores fresh cut flowers. He is the one who make sure that we have fresh flowers in our home at all times – he either cuts them from the garden or pops into the flower shop and picks up a few stems. (If you want to create your own arrangement, your local florist is a great place to pick up flowers by the stem.) I’ll be honest; I haven’t sent my husband flowers before, but this Valentine’s Day, flowers sound like the perfect gift.

Although the new year may have just begun, it is never too early to think about Valentine’s Day. So, start looking for great Valentine’s Day gift ideas now. I love to hear other people's Valentine's Day Gift Ideas and I've even copy a few over the years. Flower Shop Network has several newsletters with Valentine’s Day gift ideas:

Hearts and Flowers

Valentine’s Day Romance Ideas

St Valentines HistoryRoses, Roses,and more Roses

Romantic Valentines Ideas

Language of Flowers

Help someone else create a magical Valentine's Day by sharing your ideas. Remember "Love is in the Air" enjoy it.

New Jersey Flower & Garden Show February 14-17, 2008

Tuesday, January 1st, 2008

Although it is January, we need to prepare ourselves the busy month of February. After all, February is the month of Valentine's Day and several flower and garden shows. In fact in Edison New Jersey, flowers and Valentine’s Day are taken to a whole new level with the New Jersey Flower and Garden Show. The Show begins on February 14th and ends on February 17th. Which gives me a great idea for a Valentine’s Day gift idea - tickets to the show tucked in a bouquet of roses; a unique gift and a day of fun to boot. Anyone visiting Edison or living in New Jersey is welcome to use my Valentine’s Day gift idea.

The New Jersey Flower & Garden show celebrates outdoor entertaining with its 2008 “The Entertaining Garden-Party Among the Petals” theme. Visitors can enjoy the display gardens designed to enhance the entertaining qualities of the outdoors. The six display gardens names are as intriguing as the designs and components used for each garden.

Read the rest of New Jersey Flower & Garden Show February 14-17, 2008 »