Ask the Expert: May seasonal flowers in Maryland
What are some seasonal flowers for a May wedding in Maryland? I don't want to pay extra to have flowers flown in, as it's much more affordable. The wedding is May 9th. I really like color and the wedding will be held in a garden.
Any ideas or suggestions? Jessica

Jessica,

In today's global world, most flowers aren't truly "seasonal" any more. With the exception of really rare flowers like lilacs, most florists can get any flower any time with very little seasonal cost difference. With that said, Roses are more expensive during Valentine's Day and peonies are less expensive during May and June. Cost is related more to the sources your local florist has available. I would make a list of the flowers and colors you like and consult with your local Maryland florist. The florist will be able to tell you what they bring in as a standard order and what they can order without charging a premium price. I would also discuss the fact that you are having an outdoor wedding. Using flowers that will not hold up well outside, no matter what the price, will lead to disappointment. Your florist will be able to determine what flowers do well based on your climate. I will suggest the use of gladiolus for outdoor receptions since they do well in these conditions. I would, also, suggest using a mixture of flowers for your bridal bouquet and bridesmaids bouquets – this will try into the garden theme of the wedding.  With mixed flowers you can get a lot of color.

Ask The Expert: I have a plant that was my moms. This year something happened and most of the leaves have died. I has like bamboo type stalks the leaves are solid dark green kinda shaped like the peace lily. In fact in better days it would grow flowers that are exactly like the peace lily. I have recently repotted it in hopes it will come back to life. Would you have any idea of what kind of plant this is. My mother used to call it a prayer plant but I have looked these up and they look nothing like this plant. The stalks have bumps where leaves should grow from. My mom has passed away and I can not ask her what I should do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I'm sending you a couple of pictures. I did cut one of the canes down, and have since replanted that one It looks like it might have possible new growth on it. I'm wondering if this is what I may have to do with the rest. I know this plant is very touchy to placing it in direct sunlight. The window is further away then it looks so no light hits the plant. Its a very old plant as my mom gave it to me some 25 years ago. I hope this helps. Thank you so much for any help you can give me. Sue Spike

Sue,

From the looks of the photos, you have a peace lily (Spathiphyllum). Take a look at our Caring for Peace Lilies article, it has a lot of helpful information. Although propagation is normally done by division, I would try taking cuttings. Take one of the stalks and cut about three inches of the stem from the tip down. Then dip in rooting hormone and place the cut end in moist soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, in a couple of weeks it should form new roots. If you are successful you will have a new plant. As for the plant that you re-potted, follow the care instructions in the Caring for Peace Lilies. Your plant should come out of it's stress and begin to produce new leaves. You could place the potted peace lily in a shady area of your yard during the spring and summer. The peace lily will enjoy the outside air circulation.

Ask The Expert: I was trying to reach someone by phone, to ask a question about a lucky
bamboo plant that I have. I have had this plant for three years now, it is beautiful and I have never had any issues with it. I went on vacation this past week and I literally forgot to have my co-workers water it for me and I have returned and the leaves are pure yellow. Please tell me what I should do for this. Should I peel them off? Or will this come out of it, I love this plant and I don't want to loose it. It went for almost 10 days without water : Thank you so much. Paula

Paula,

You have a couple of options. If the roots are still viable you can simply water the plant and ride it out; in a couple of weeks it should produce new growth. Completely yellow leaves are damage beyond recovery and you should remove them. Pale leaves may come out of it and be ok. If the roots seem too damaged to recover and the top stem is still firm and green, you can cut the top off and start a new plant. Our Caring For Lucky Bamboo page will tell you how to do this — read the propagation section at the bottom. Good luck

Today’s Garden Center recently named Hillermann Nursery & Florist in Washington, MO the winner of the 2008 Revolutionary Retailer Award. The award ceremony took place during the Revolutionary 100 Roundtable, February 27-29, 2008 in Atlanta, GA. The Revolutionary 100 Garden Centers is an elite group of the country’s most innovative retail garden center operations – big and small – that have been recognized for their commitment to creating a customer experience that sets their operation apart from the rest and doing so in a way that helps them to be profitable businesses.

According to the editors of Today's Garden Center magazine, "This company has demonstrated excellence and unique innovation in marketing, retail business practices, and outreach to employees, customers and the community." A picture of Co-Owners Sandi Hillermann McDonald and Scott Hillermann appeared on the cover of the Today's Garden Center's February issue with an article and more pictures on the inside pages. The Revolutionary Retailer featuring Hillermann Nursery & Florist can be found in the February Issue of Today's Garden Center Magazine.

We've known for years what a wonderful job that Sandi, Diane, Scott and all the staff at Hillerman Nursery & Florist provides their customers. It is nice to see someone else recognize them as well. On behalf of Lynn and Flower Shop Network, congratulations on your award!

Ask the Expert: Seasonal flowers in May in Northeast Ohio
We are planning a May wedding and I am curious about which flowers would be the best choice for a late May wedding. I'm on a fixed budget so someone suggested I go with "what's in season." I really love dahlias and would love to use these. Any chance? Also do the dahlias come in shades of pink? Thank you so much. DeeDee

DeeDee,

Most flowers are available year round and depending on where you live dahlias could be available for your May wedding. Dahlias do come in a variety of pink shades. With that said the cost of the flowers can vary from season to season and from region to region. The style of bouquets and other wedding flower needs will also create a difference in price.

Typically flowers like alstroemeria, calla lilies, carnation, daisies mums, delphinium, freesia, gardenia, gerbera daisies, gladiolus, hydrangea, iris, liatris, asiatic and oriental lilies, lisanthus, orchids, peonies, ranunculus, roses, snapdragons and statice are "in season" during the month of May.

As to the issue of cost effectiveness – it all depends on the style you choose for your bouquet and other wedding flower needs. You could use a more expensive flower if the style is simple and minimalistic. The use of premium flowers in combination with other flowers can create a balance in the cost of the bouquet. Typically your less expensive flowers will be alstroemeria, carnations, chrysanthemums, statice. Premium flowers would be gardenia, oriental lilies, orchids, peonies, ranunculus and some roses.

The first thing I would do is make a list of all of the flowers needs for your wedding: bouquets, corsages, boutonnières, reception flowers, etc. Then set a budget and make an appointment with your local florist. When you meet with the florist, tell them the style you have in mind and the flowers you prefer to use along with your budget. Your local florist will have a better sense of what those flowers cost in your area and what will fit your budget. And by all means if you love dahlias use them. Depending on your budget it may only be a couple here or there, but they will add a truly personal touch to your day.

Just a little side note. If I had to do it all over again, I would carry a hand tied bouquet of gerbera daisies or calla lilies.

Ask the Expert: Can you help with my peace lily. I have had this for about 5 years. This is the worst it has ever looked. Any ideas what could be wrong with it ? Randy

Randy,

Take at look at Peace Lily Plant Care. Many of issues that cause peace lily distress are addressed in the care sections. If you can't determine the problem send me a picture (you can upload photo through the Ask the Expert page) and I will try to determine the problem.

Here are the pictures Randy sent of his peace lily.

Ask The Expert: Is it possible to "air layer" an aloe vera plant that I just got from a friend? He didn't know what he was doing and potted in too small of a pot. It's about 3 feet high and the bottom and middle parts aren't doing well. There are several smaller plants popping up from the sides at the base of the plant, which I will plant in smaller pots. If I can't air layer, should I just cut it where it appears appropriate and root it and replant the two/three halves and the smaller shoots all in one pot? Please clarify if you can. Thanks, Vicki

Vicki,

The only way I have ever propagated Aloe vera is by division – removing the smaller shoots from the plant. I haven't been successful with Aloe vera cuttings but I have had success with other succulents. If you try to propagate Aloe vera by taking cuttings, I would suggest tip cuttings only. Since air layering is normally used on plants with a herbaceus or woody nature, it is probably not appropriate for Aloe vera.

Ask the Expert: Now growing in my backyard

About 2ft tall

James,

I believe you have a Datura stramonium also known as Angel's trumpet, Jimson weed, Thorn apple. Datuar stramonium seems to be native in all of the continental US states expect Wyoming. The large trupet shaped flowers are pretty and later it will develop a spiny fruit. Certain Native American tribe used this plant as an herb. However, all parts of this plant are toxic and should not be ingested.

Ask The Expert: Can you tell me what kind of flowers you would send to someone who has had a tough battle with cancer and won. Pat

Pat,

Flowers of any kind are appropriate for someone who has beat the odds, especially brightly colored flowers.

Rather than a general symbol of their achievement, send flowers that convey a very special and personal message. To add personal sentiment, you could send a flower that Continue reading "Flowers For A Cancer Survivor" »

Ask the Expert: Peace Lily Help

Hello,
I received a peace lily from my grandmother recently. I repotted it into a slightly larger pot with potting soil, and have had it in medium light with weekly watering. This week, it looked pretty wilty, and also had yellowing of the flowers. I trimmed them off, and moved it to a lighter location. When I put my finger in the soil, it doesn't seem overly dry or overly wet. Included is a photo of the poor plant. If anyone has advice, I would love to hear it!

Thanks!
Kami

Kami,

Your peace lily is under stress. Transplanting, water issues and light issues can all cause stress. Here is the kicker, it can take a few weeks for the damage to appear. As a result you may have corrected the problem before you knew you had a problem. From the picture I would say at one point it had a water issue. However, it also looks like you are getting new growth at the bottom – an indication that the stress issue may have been corrected.

When you re-potted the peace lily did you keep the plant at the same level? In other words you didn't add soil to the top of the plant, you only closed the gap between the root-ball and the sides of the new pot. Covering the top of the root-ball can effect the surface roots of the plant. Lift the plant so that the top of the root-ball isn't covered with add soil. I would also recommend reading our Caring for Peace Lily Tips.

All in all I think your peace lily will be fine. Just as it takes a few weeks for damage to show up, indication of recovery also takes a few weeks.