For years I have known about the fun, energetic and interesting people that exist in the floral industry. I'm sure that all of you know a little something about the personalities at your local florist. In fact flower shops are often the nucleus of event planning and celebrations for a town. The importance of flower shops to a town and the personalities that reside within have been a well kept secret until now. It looks like Hollywood has realized that doctors, lawyers and housewives aren't the only exciting people. And of course our friend Kate Collins has known the power of flower shop personalities for a while.

Kate Collins, friend of Flower Shop Network and author of The Flower Shop Mysteries, recently released a new book entitled "Shoots To Kill". Kate’s book brings the light and love of flower shops to the surface of popular recognition with its engaging plot line, clever twists and turns, and positive tales of the joys of surrounding oneself with flowers. Though she could've chosen any other profession for her main character, Kate keeps us on the edge of our seat with her tale of a young flower shop owner. Doctors and lawyers are overdone. It’s refreshing to see a spunky young woman taking charge of her own life and business. Kate has also shared her creative talent and floral insight with us as she taught us a little about the Language of Flowers.

Books aren’t the only creative medium that is putting florists on show—literally. The CBS television network is set to premier a new romantic comedy series about a flower shop owner who learns that her soulmate is one of her former flames. What a funny twist considering that florists are always the go-to people for romantic Valentines Day gifts—not the chasers! We all know about the exciting drama that happens in a flower shop. Instead of the same old boring cop shows and medical dramas, now we get to watch what happens during the crazy days blooming at her local flower shop.

In my professional opinion (as a professional television junkie and book-aholic), it’s about time that the floral industry and the entertainment industry join forces. And why not? It’s hard not to respond to the call to beautify our lives with so much interest in the wonderful world of flowers being brought to our attention.

Welcome to Wyoming! How can you not feel warm and fuzzy inside when even the official Wyoming State website declares "Wyoming Welcomes You" in flowing bold letters? There is so much to love about Wyoming but part of the beauty of the state is found in the natural wonder of rolling mountains, streaming rivers, and handsome natural attractions at every glance.

Remaining true to these natural roots, Wyoming adopted the Indian paintbrush (Castilleja linariifolia) as the official state flower in 1917. The Indian paintbrush is a vibrant, gorgeous and colorful flower that shoots from the earth with fiery red determination which definitely explains why it's often called Prairie-Fire. Indian paintbrush make quality additions to gardens, bold additions to home décor, and are sure to add a bold pop to a boring day.

Castilleja linariifolia may be difficult to say but you won't have to worry about that when gazing at Indian paintbrush with your beloved because these brilliant wildflowers leave you speechless! For fiery personalities that love to stand out in the crowd, wow them by complimenting their flair for brilliance with an arrangement inspired by the bold colors of Indian paintbrush from a Wyoming florist or contact your local florist to create something that dazzles the eyes and warms the heart.

I was digging around to see if any of our florists in Torrington, Wyoming could help me gather Indian Paintbrush for my garden when I ran across this fantastic picture. Enjoy!

Gorgeous natural Wyoming Indian Paintbrush

Photo provided by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center of the University of Texas at Austin.

Ask the Expert: What is this plant and how do I care for it?
My Mother was given this plant for her birthday and than gave it to me, we do not know what it is or how to take care of it, it is not doing well and I don't know what to do for it… the picture is when she first got it.. thank you so much.  Patricia.

Ask the Expert: What are these?

Linda

Pictures added by Linda