Easter is so much fun! Half of the fun of celebrating this candy-coated holiday is seeing which Easter gifts you'll get. Pass the fun around this year by sending Easter flowers and candy to someone that you love. You'll be glad to know that you made someone happy. Who knows — they may repay the favor next year!

Want to send flowers for Easter but aren't sure which to send? Try one of these top 5 Easter flower arrangements.

The Top 5 Easter Flower Arrangements

"SomeBunny Loves You" – This is by far my favorite Easter flower arrangement ever. White carnations are given the look of little bunny rabbits hence the name. It's cute enough for everyone regardless of age. However, the Somebunny Loves You arrangement is absolutely perfect for children.

"Easter Praise Bouquet" — Easter flowers have never looked so colorful and fun. This bouquet is decorated with Easter eggs for additional whimsy. Tulips, carnations and daisies make this an arrangement to love. The height of this arrangement makes it a great addition to coffee tables, desks at an office and other places. It's bound to be the center of attention.

"Floral Freshness" — Easter flowers like this are simple enough to satisfy very sedate tastes. The pastel colors of lilies, carnations, roses and others make a wonderful impression. When you don't want something over the top or excessively colorful, try this beautiful arrangement of flowers. Friends with calm or neutral home decor themes will be very appreciative of this gift.

"Lyrical Lavender" — Vase arrangements are great for many locations. Easter flowers in pretty lavender vases like this are exceptional gifts for offices, hospitals and any other place that allows the vase as well as the flowers to be shown off. Purple is a very calming color. Know someone that needs some cheer? This peaceful arrangement warms the heart with a low key lavender color.

"Traditional Easter Lily" — Flowering plants are delightful Easter gifts. They last quite a while, are very attractive, and create a beautiful addition to any decor. Want to perk up someone feeling a little blue around Easter? Flowering plants like these traditional Easter lilies are exceptional options.

Local florists are more than businessmen, they are part of their local community. I've made this statement a thousand times. Usually in reference to a florist who has participated in some kind of community project or act of generosity to their community. But I have never been brought to tears by the actions of a florist until now. All because of a very gracious act of a Saint Clair Shores MI florist.

Last week 4 teenagers from the Macomb County Michigan area were killed in a car accident. A tragedy that deeply affected residents and the surrounding communities. Viviano Flower Shop was so deeply touched that they graciously offered to provide casket sprays to all four families. This family-owned flower shop didn't see their bottom line. They didn't worry about the expense. Instead they saw four grieving families (members of their community) who need comfort and support. Viviano's wanted to comfort the families, the only way they knew how, with a floral tribute. Because what was important was reaching out and being there for family.

No, the teenagers weren't related to the Viviano family. However, they were part of the community in which Viviano's has been a part of since 1937. So, in a sense these four were a part of the community family. Nothing is more important to the owners and staff of Viviano's than family. I could tell that when I spoke to Tracy about the shop response to this tragedy.

I learned that two of the families graciously accepted the offer. My heart breaks for the families involved. Although I can not even begin to understand their pain, I can tell you from past experience that the flowers on their child or friend's casket will be a comfort many years from now.

To the staff of Viviano's a deep, I thank you for the compassion and generosity you have shown to these families. My tears have been ones of sheer thankfulness that there are good people in this world. Thankfully many of them are florists.

Schefflera

Ask the Expert: I would like to know what kind of plant this is. this clipping was given to me and I'm not sure how to care for it or ever what kind of plant it is.  Jimmy

Reply:

What you have is a Schefflera actinophylla (sny Brassaia actinophylla).  This plant has many common names: octopus tree, Australian ivy plam, Queensland umbrella, umbrella plant.

It makes a good houseplant.  This plant can become quite large and may out-grow the typical home environment.  However, this Schefflera won't reach extreme heights fro some time.  In the mean time, it will make a nice addition to your home.  It will need a room with lots of light and the soil will need to be kept moist to the touch. You might want to read our Caring For Schefflera page (the plant care will be towards the bottom of the page).

Good luck with your new plant and keep me posted.

You see it all of the time in books and magazines, so why aren't more people decorating their mantlepieces with flowers? The truth is that many people don't consider it or put other items there. There is nothing wrong with family photos and mementos on the mantlepiece. However, decorating a mantlepiece with flowers is a great idea for those needing a flower decorating tip for spring and summer months.

Photo Credit: Petals A Florist in Atlanta Georgia

I know that it seems odd to think about the mantlepiece during the spring and summer. After all, it's definitely a winter fixture in the home. But you know, who wants to look at a boring empty mantlepiece all spring? Spice it up!! Add flare to it with flowers from your local florist. From a home decor perspective, here are two reasons why you will be glad that you chose flowers to enhance your mantlepiece.

Decorating the mantlepiece with flowers adds color to the room. Colorful flower arrangements are eye-catching no matter where they are placed. Setting them on the mantle surrounded by votive candles, family portraits or unique mementos will quickly draw the eye in this direction.

Flowers help draw attention to the fireplace and that side of the room. If the theme of the room centers around that fireplace, why not play it up all year round? Decorating it with flowers will help during the spring and summer months.

You can't go wrong when you decorate with flowers. The beauty of decorating your mantlepiece with flowers is that you get to enjoy their beauty while giving life to the fireplace for more than just three or four months out of the year. When it's time to put out the fire, light up the room with flowers from your local florist.

Ask the Expert: Peace Lilly out growing pot
I have a peace lilly and have had it for about 11 years (one of the few I haven't killed) and I have it in a huge pot but it seems to be growing close in I want to know how can I separate the plant, it has a huge root ball and replant to give it more room to grow to it's full potential? Sandy

Reply:
Although peace lilies like to be a little root-bound, you should re-pot or split them when the roots overflow the container. It seems your peace lily is definitely overgrowing its container. In your case, I would split the plant rather re-pot it. You will need:

• Pot (around the same size as the one it is now)
• Potting Soil (a good houseplant potting soil)
• Large Serrated Knife

Begin By removing your plant from the container. Don't worry about tearing the roots or losing a few leaves. Lay the plant on its side. This will give you a view of the root system as well as the foliage attached to the rootball. Now you are going to cut the plant into two pieces.

To do this, take the knife starting at the bottom of the rootball and work it back and forth until you have made a cut all the way to the foliage. Now you should have two separate peace lilies. Each one will have foliage attached to a portion of the rootball.

Now place one of the peace lilies in the center of the original container. Be sure the rootball is at the same depth it was before the plant was split. Then add soil to close the vacant space in the container. Be sure to water it when done. This will get rid of any air pockets that have formed around the roots.

Now pot the other peace lilies in the new container. Once again, make sure the rootball is planted at the same depth as it was in the original pot. Fill in the vacant space and water.

These plants will go through a little transplant shock and may wilt. Resist the urge to pamper them. Instead, place them in the same environment as before and water accordingly. In a couple of weeks, you will have two thriving peace lilies.

Good Luck and keep me posted.

Not For The Faint of Heart or Women With Strong Tempers

I'm a huge fan of classic movies. I'm a little put out by the cheesy "Casablanca"-esque dates but I still swoon over a sweet surprise every now and again. Little stuff like remembering my favorite flower goes a long way. I long for the days far prefacing my birth where chivalry was the mark of a gentleman and a courtly kiss was the diary's hot entry. *sigh* If you or your sweetie are anything like me, try this cool idea for an anniversary celebration.

Let the car run out of gas. You read that right. Perhaps let it run low or keep a spare jug in the trunk but make your lady/fellow believe that you've run out of gas. I know, I know. It seems dated and lacking in creativity but it's really not! This is a great way to surprise her with something unexpected. It shows your romantic side which scores major points with other romantic people. Even the hard hearted go soft for someone who puts this much effort into celebrating their relationship.

Prepare a small meal and either have it waiting nearby or in the trunk. This is where it's helpful to note that you probably should not store extra gas and food in the same trunk. *smile* Perhaps come an hour or two before your date is scheduled and make the arrangements.

Remember to make this about you two. Dance under the starlight. Enjoy a candlelit dinner and a bottle of wine on a blanket under the stars. Present her with a corsage, a bouquet, or the cork from the bottle of wine. Wear a boutonniere of her favorite flower. There are many ways to make it special and unique to just the two of you. Whatever you choose, this is a great anniversary idea because it will be just the two of you.

Keep these things in mind when planning your "out of gas" anniversary date:

• Make sure the location is secluded enough that the preparations will be safe until your return
• If the location is private property, get it cleared with the landowner first
• If the location is public such as a park or main highway, consult with the authorities (park ranger, local authorities, facilities manager) so that nothing spoils the night
• Bring spare gas if you plan to actually run out
• Don't forget to pick up a bouquet of anniversary flowers from your local florist

After reading about the birth month flower of April, I began to ponder that somewhat philosophical question. I suppose it's possible that he did to be quirky. Good on him if he did. It's a clever gift!

"Birthday Confetti" Arrangement With Pink Gerbera Daisies

Even if your girlfriend, daughter, mother, aunt, or other female friend carries another moniker, daisies are a great gift for people with an April birthday. Being the birth month flower of April, daisies are a very unique gift idea. It means a lot to have someone give you a gift that is very thought out, very detailed or significant in some manner. That's exactly what sending birth month flowers represents.

I'm one of the lucky ones that gets to buy gifts for five birthdays in April. Buying birthday gifts can get monotonous unless I find something really clever. Thankfully, that's where birth month flowers come into play. My sister Shannon turns 22 during the middle of April. My best friend shares her birthday but will be a year older. My grandmother celebrates her birthday late in the month. My pastor's son will be 13 this year. To top it all off, my favorite coworker's birthday is the day before Shannon's. Wow!

Now that I have a list of people celebrating an April birthday, it seems only natural to try to find a similar gift for all of them and take the hassle out of the gift buying process. Much to my great pleasure, sending a bouquet of daisies to each is a unique gift that they will all remember. None will be offended by sending a similar arrangement to someone else. Plus, I can buy daisy flower arrangements from my local florist all at once. That's a pretty big perk since I do not often venture into stores to shop.

Have a crazy month like mine? Keep April calm by sending birth month flower arrangements from a local florist.

Celebrating a birthday in April or enjoying this occasion with someone else who has an April birthday?? — Let us know what you think of this gift idea.

Ask the Expert: Flower ID

Blue Linum

A few years back, I purchased a mess of flower seeds..perennials I believe. The flower pictured was among them. I cannot find what it is anywhere, and I really enjoy them and would like to find more seeds. I hope you can help me out.
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Connie Reffitt

Reply:

It looks to me that you have Linum perenne also known as perennial flax.  The most common is a cultivar called Blue Saphir.   I would try your local garden center first.  They may have the plants already up and ready to plant in the ground or they may carry seed packets of blue flax.  You could also try garden seed companies online.  We sell Ferry Morse Seed at our garden center and I know that they carry blue flax seed.

Good luck!

If you caught last year's blog about Aries zodiac flowers, this will be a great reminder. If you missed that post, you're in for a real treat!

"Timeless Tulips Bouquet" of Flowers

Zodiac or astrological flowers are usually sent to someone with a birthday that falls under a particular zodiac sign. These are not flowers that florists stand over like shamans. They have no tom foolery attached. They simply represent the same general qualities that people possess who are born within that time frame. For April, these flowers are tulips, red roses, and amaryllis.

I'm sure you're wondering (as I did at first) what tulips, red roses, and amaryllis have to do with the Aries zodiac sign. There are a few qualities that Aries are said to possess that can easily be seen in these flowers. For example, Aries are generally innovative people full of ideas and energy. They put the "get up and go" in most situations. This makes sense since Aries is the first sign in the zodiac. Aries tend to be daring, impulsive, desire first place or the most attention and want to work without restriction. Here's what their astrological flowers have in common:

"Loving Embrace" Arrangement with Roses

Tulips: Tulips are the perfect zodiac flowers for Aries because they are beautiful, full of charm, and are second to none in many arrangements. They stand out above the crowd with a stunning simplicity that can't be matched.

Red Roses: Ah, the truest signs of romance. Red roses arrangements are sent for many occasions. Whatever that event may be, it's almost always the sight of the red roses that gets the night up and running. They conjure up visions of romantic events. They're the dreamer's flower. They're also great for many different occasions which goes hand in hand with the Aries tendency to start many projects.

Amaryllis: Absolutely gorgeous amaryllis are a fiery flower that couldn't be more perfectly placed with another zodiac sign. Aries is the god of war, i.e. a very fiery character that lives in the moment with a fierce intensity. People falling under the Aries sign are said to have these characteristics, however sublimated. For the fiery Aries in your life, there is no better addition to a birthday flower arrangement than amaryllis.

Question: My grandfather passed away six months ago and his and grandmothers wedding anniversary is coming up.  He always sent flowers to her on her anniversary.  Would it be proper for me to send her flowers on their anniversary date?

Brynn's Response: First, my condolences on the loss of your grandfather. It is very sweet of you to want to comfort your grandmother in this way. She is very lucky to have such caring people in her life.

Flower etiquette for this occasion is a bit of a gray area. The deciding factor is the personality of the recipient. Sending anniversary flowers after your grandfather's passing is a reminder of your grandfather and the many sweet times that he sent flowers. If your grandmother would be comforted by this, by all means send flowers. If this would be a bittersweet or sad memory, do not.

Most women and even many men would be comforted by receiving flowers in remembrance of a loved one. Memorial flowers are often sent with cards that explain the reason for the flowers and a brief message of encouragement. Some examples are:

• Just thought you could use a little extra sunshine today.
• May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.
• It will be the little things that you will remember: the quiet moments, the smiles, and the laughter.
• May the care of friends bring you comfort and loving memories heal your heart.
• Praying for friends to comfort you, faith to uphold you, and loving memories to help you smile again.

"In memory of" is another popular phrase that helps the recipient understand the reason for the flowers. More personal messages can also be offered. Just remember to say to your grandmother what you would say to her if you were with her in person. Would you hug her and tell her that you wanted her to remember something nice that grandpa did? These are the kinds of things that should be on the card.