Ask the Expert: Bagged African violet
I have repotted my African violets and put them in a clear plastic bag to help them overcome the repotting process. Water is appearing on the leaves from the closed bag, will this hurt the leaves. Since one is not to get the leaves wet when watering, will this have the same affect as when waters the plants.
Your help is appreciated.
Sincerely, Sara
Have you heard the one about the florist who gave away flowers and turned a horrible situation into wonderful act? Well I did and the story happened Monday to a Walnut Ridge Florist.
Karen Williams of Flower Basket in Walnut Ridge, AR just turned lemons into sweet, sweet lemonade. Karen is an expert designer who won several awards at the AFA Convention this past weekend including 1st place in the wedding design category and 2nd place in the scholarship design competition. Not only is she a decorated florist with more than 35 years experience, Karen’s a giver. Literally. She’s involved in several local charities but it’s even more heartwarming than that.
Karen's prize-winning flowers were snatched so quickly that only a picture remained to pose with for this photo!
Karen’s cooler went down yesterday. Instead of pouting over the day’s losses or letting a pretty major setback get her down, Karen instead called the nursing home in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. She asked how many residents and staff were there and then made arrangements to deliver the flowers to them including passing out more than 150 roses. Karen told Joe Hays FSN network coordinator “I just couldn’t see all those flowers going to waste when someone else could enjoy them."
Joe was so moved by Karen’s story that he told everyone in the office how amazing she is and how she is deeply committed to her community. Having driven through Walnut Ridge several dozen times in my life, I’m almost compelled to stop by Flower Basket and hug Karen for being so sweet. I’ll be honest. My heart melted a little when I heard about it and I couldn’t keep from passing her story around. Maybe the goodness will become contagious. After all, if I’m tempted to drive that far to hug someone, imagine what good can come from something like that in other towns.
Of course florists are like that, their sense of commitment to their community is strong and their need to share the beauty of flowers is great. My hat is off to Karen - thank you for renewing my faith in people. Sounds like Karen and the Flower Basket deserve a Good Neighbor Award as well.
Making friends is easy at florist and flower shows. Rhonda Sade (left) and Karen Williams (right) became buddies quickly in Hot Springs.
About a month ago I came across a blog called Garden Muse. Cindy Dyer writes this blog which revolves around the wonders of the garden with amazing pictures of flowers, vegetables, insects - basically anything that occurs in a garden. I was instantly an admirer of this site. After all, it contained two things that I am very passionate about gardening and photography. Flowers have a depth and richness of color along with a textural quality making them exceptional subjects for pictures. I love to take pictures of the flowers in my garden. Unfortunately my passion for photography doesn't translate to skill. My flower pictures are often a pale comparison to the beauty of the flower in which I am photographing. Cindy, however, is a spectacular photographer and her flower pictures are breath taking. After seeing the lily photos on Garden Muse, I was inspired to take a picture of my new Salmon Star lily. I planted it this spring and it smells almost as good as my Stargazer lilies.
In case your interested in pictures of flowers, here are a few more from my garden.
Above is a Casa Blanca Lily
This arrangement has Casa Blanca Lilies, Platycodon (balloon flower) and eucalyptus all from my garden.
Photo of a Calla Lily from my garden.
My flower pictures may not measure up to the ones on Garden Muse but I think I'll keep trying. After all, the pictures will remind me of the flower memories and beauty that occurred in my garden during the growing season. This winter when things are cold and dreary, I'll be able to pull these pictures out and enjoy their beauty once again.
Strike up some Glenn Miller on the gramophone. Grandparents' Day is just around the corner. As it falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day every year, Grandparents Day is September 7, 2008. Many people have parents and grandparents in nursing homes and want to celebrate this special occasion with their loved ones but are unable to visit. When you want to send a gift to let your loved one know that you're thinking of them, send flowers that symbolize just how special that person is to you.
Some people enjoy regular visits to their family and friends in nursing homes. However, special occasions call for special gifts but it's not always possible to break away from the office to shop for a unique gift. Nab two birds with one stone by having flowers delivered to your special person before your scheduled visit or possibly even during your visit. You'll get to watch their face light up after receiving a beautiful flower arrangement and share in their special day.
There are a few things that everyone needs to know when sending flowers to friends or loved ones in a nursing home. As with all deliveries, your local florist will need accurate information including the following:
These little trinkets help make sure that the florist is able to deliver your gift on time and without any hassle. Due to recently enacted privacy laws, it is not always possible for the recipient's room number and other personal information to be given over the phone. Often delivery personnel are asked to simply leave the package at the front desk. To avoid any delays or confusion, call the nursing home and obtain this information as well as delivery protocol before contacting a local florist.
Ask The Expert: Peace Lily
I have had a fabulous peace lily for just under 10 years - it's about 1.5 meters high and around 2 meters wide. Never had a problem until I went on holiday last month and my colleague forgot to water it for 3 weeks and it dried out completely. I came back to find it totally wilted and laid on the floor. I've watered it but it made no difference and it's still completely wilted and I've now had to tie it around bamboo canes to keep it upright but the leaves, although still green, are just hanging down. Any tips on what I can do? THANK YOU. Fiona
Alright. Who wouldn't want to hang out with other florists in Hot Springs, Arkansas? I know that I would! Fortunately for people like me, the Arkansas Florists Association is hosting their 2008 convention and trade market in Hot Springs from August 14-17. Sweet!
Flower Shop Network's network coordinators will be at the show this year ready and raring to talk to our friends in the floral industry. Stop by booth 309 and look for our smiling faces as we enjoy the good times and fabulous scenery in Hot Springs, one of the premier relaxation destinations in Arkansas. We hope to brighten your day the way your visit will brighten ours.
Once the shows are over check out the many amenities in the city. Widely renowned spas, fantastic eateries, and other floral industry experts within a stone's throw are some of the great reasons to join us at this year's Arkansas Florists Association Convention and Trade Market. What a mouthful! Go a little crazy at the convention and enjoy yourself learning more about the latest trends and products in the industry then pamper yourself and relax at one of the many relaxing places to visit in Hot Springs. You can't go wrong with this show—so see you there!
Congratulations on another milestone year! Stuck on what to give your sweetie this year? It may seem cliche but it's never wrong to send flowers on your anniversary. There are many clever ways to surprise your lovely lady or dashing beau when your anniversary rolls around again. Just to help you out, here is one sure-fire surprise that is bound to be a hit.
If your beloved's workplace allows visitors or deliveries, send a romantic flower arrangement to your honey at work! Your lady will be the object of envy around the office for the rest of the day. She'll have a chance to brag about how sweet you are and how much you care. You'll earn brownie points for remembering the day without being told. You don't have to go far to find beautiful anniversary arrangements. Flower Shop Network has a great selection of anniversary flowers that you and your sweetheart will love!
To spice up the traditional, throw in a special gift such as a teddy bear or candy. If you really want to hit a home run, include that new cd that she's been eyeing. If she's a dog lover but poodles are her prize, send her a bouquet of pretty flowers lovingly arranged in the arms of a stuffed poodle. Your local florist has probably seen every idea out there so don't be afraid to ask him or her for more great ideas.
Speaking of great gift ideas, we have many more ideas for sending flowers on your anniversary so remember to visit the Bloomin' Blog again. Did you try this gift idea and love it? Let us know!
There’s nothing quite like getting the best of both worlds in something that is important to us. Such is the case with African Violets plants which merge the easy care and health benefits of houseplants with the beauty and wonder of flowers. African Violets (Saintpaulia) are a real crowd pleaser and it’s easy to understand why.
Everyone knows that owning plants in the home increases the quality of Read the rest of African Violets Help Gift Givers Breathe Easily »
Ask The Expert: my peace lilly is droopy and most alarming to me is that the leaves is browning. I felt so bad for it that I brought my other plants to keep it company (dont laugh at me, plants are alive). it sits outside on my porch. please help me care for it.
thank you
godfrey
Ask the Expert: What is the plant commonly known as monk's cowl?
I was given a cutting of a plant my friend called monk's cowl.
It has curled succulent leaves on long stems.
How do I care for it? Brenda
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Send flowers to the young at heart!
Surprise your sweetheart at work with colorful flowers! 
