If you aren't the greatest chef in the world you can still bring a cool hostess gift to a Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving flowers are a staple at the dinner table and around the home. What could be more festive than giving thanks for ALL of the harvests (flowers included) by bringing along a fall bouquet?

Now there are many types of flower arrangements that you can bring to a Thanksgiving dinner or party. To know which is right when talking to your florist, consider two things. First, consider the nature of the event. For instance, an elaborate dinner party may be beautifully decorated for fall. A simple "thank you" Thanksgiving bouquet will be a lovely reminder to the host and a good display for other tables throughout the home.

Next, consider the personality of the host/hostess. If they like opulence, over the top is better. Are they more contemporary or traditional? These things will help your local florist create a beautiful arrangement perfect for the occasion.

Want a visual idea to show your florist? Take a gander (bad pun-sorry) at these Thanksgiving flowers.

Over the top Thanksgiving gatherings deserve the "Orange Opulence" flower basket. This simple but beautiful arrangement fills the room with the warm, earthy colors most associated with fall.

For some reason, contemporaries seem to gravitate to the "Contemporary Thanksgiving Flowers" arrangement. Go figure.

It may not be a waterfall but the "Cascading Splendor" Thanksgiving arrangement lives up to its name. It is contemporary beauty and style in a simple glass vase.

What's Thanksgiving without a candle wreath? Aside from a cornucopia, fall flowers surrounding warm colored candles are at the top of the list of popular Thankgiving flower arrangments. The  "Abundant Beauty" fall centerpiece puts a modern spin on the classic and is perfect for any table.

The "Amber Sky" of fall is one of its most glorious features. As a tribute to the splendor of the heavens, the "Amber Sky" fall flower arrangement reaches out with warm rays of sunshine through the whole meal.

Sometimes to make a point you have to put your money where your mouth is and that is what a handful of florists did last week. Cheryl Bakin of Parkway Florist, Clay Atchison of McAdams Florist and Lisa Greene of Nunan's Florist have been long-standing proponents of funeral flowers.

However, simply stating a fact — flowers are comforting or flowers make a funeral service special — doesn't always effectively make the point. So these creative florists, along with Melissa Mega of The Ivy Green and Kathy Dudley of The Bloomery, decided a picture was worth a thousand words.

Contemporary Funeral Spray

Last month they attended the National Funeral Directors Association convention in Boston, painting a very important picture — flowers and funerals go together like peanut butter and jelly. Each taste good on its own, but together the taste is awesome.

With the kind and generous support of Smithers Oasis, Delaware Valley Floral Group and Pioneer Wholesale, the florists created several sympathy flower arrangements which gave the attendees a better picture of why funeral flowers are important.

Although I didn't attend the convention, I know the attendees experienced a WOW moment at the florists booth. If the flower arrangements were half as amazing as the descriptions Cheryl gave me, anyone walking up to the booth would be blown away.

Cheryl was kind enough to give me a run-down on the events at the convention. I thought I would share an excerpt of the design process. Maybe this will give you ideas on how to effectively communicate the importance of funeral flowers.

Contemporary Casket Spray

In less that 5 short hours, including the time to decide what containers we were using, what vignettes we were making, and which

Read the rest of Florists Share The Importance Of Funeral Flowers »

Ask the Expert: Peace lily won't flower
Hi.
I had a peace lily that was healthy, and flowered lots.  One day (about a year ago) I decided it was pot bound, and as it divided easily, split it into several 'new' plants and repotted each of these.  All have done well, continues to grow and look healthy - dark green glossy leaves, but none of them have flowered.  all the plants have different conditions (given away to family and friends) and I've tried moving mine between rooms to try different light levels.

What do I need to do to get the plant to flower?  or did dividing it 'kill' the flowers? Sarah

Plant Expert Reply:

Dividing the peace lily did not kill the ability of the plant to flower.  The natural cycle of a peace lily is a 3 to 4 month blooming period per year.  Hybrid varieties may have different blooming cycles that occur more often or they have been chemically manipulated (with a hormone called Gibberellic acid - GA ₃ ) to bloom.

Light and humidity are the natural factors that inhibit or stimulate  the blooming of a peace lily. In your case, another factor maybe a contributing factor - maturity.  One of the reasons peace lilies have been hybridized is that the original Spathiphyllum needed maturity and size before it would bloom. This often meant more than a year's growth before the plant would bloom. You plant may simply lack maturity. You didn't say how long it has been since you divided the peace lily.  If it has only been a few months give it a little more time.  When the plant has "matured", it should bloom.

In the mean time, I would make sure the plant is receiving the right amount of humidity and light. You can find more Peace Lily Care information on the Peace Lily page on FSN. If you want to learn more about peace lily blooming, read Making Peace Lilies Bloom.

Good Luck and keep me posted.

When the sad occasion comes and it is time to send flowers to a funeral home, no one wants to be bothered with more details. The passing of a friend or loved one is a burden which is hard to bear, so juggling phone calls from businesses providing a service to the grieving can be equally exhausting. Don't put yourself through that when sending funeral flowers.

There are a few bits of information that your florist needs to ensure that your sympathy and funeral flower arrangements are delivered promptly with little or no hassle to anyone else. To make sure that all goes smoothly on the day of the service, include these details when talking with your local florist. You'll find the process easier and your load remarkably lighter.

When sending funeral flowers, include:

The deceased's name – The funeral home keeps up with services based on the name of the deceased. This way, there is no confusion when deciphering which arrangement goes where. For example, perhaps you were friends with the deceased's daugther who has since married and changed her name. Instead of piling through paperwork to figure out whose daughter she is, the funeral director can quickly place your arrangement with the right service based on deceased's name.

The funeral home where the service will be held – This is particularly important when sending flowers for a funeral service instead of sympathy arrangements to the home. Florists who do not have this information must call each funeral home and inquire about the services. Though this is only a minor inconvenience, it is a time-consuming one for all involved. Knowing the name of the funeral home will help prevent any late or missed deliveries.

The address of the funeral home – If you know this, you're golden. Though most florists are familiar with the funeral homes in their area, including an address will help the delivery person in the event that their is a different error in the information. For example, if the name of the funeral home is incorrect, having the address will prove beneficial to the driver who can then verify the service times upon arrival.

Funeral service time – If possible, always include the service times. This will help prevent any missed or late deliveries.

Once your florist has this information, your hands are free and clear to tend to the grieving. If you are among them, you will not have to worry with what seems rather trivial at the time. Our deepest condolences to anyone having lost a friend or family member. My the following days find you with smiles instead of sadness.

If you'd asked me just over a year ago what I thought a Benjamin fig was, you'd have received a blank stare and then some sort of foodie response. Unfortunately, Benjamin fig (also known as Weeping Fig) is not the newest way to spice up your figgy pudding but it is an awesome houseplant to have in view.

Benjamin Fig (Ficus benjamina)

Benjamin fig (Ficus benjamina) is an incredible thing of beauty. It's your typical ficus, i.e. shrub-looking houseplant. In fact, Benjamin fig IS the leading ficus found in most homes. It's popularity has been noted for years and continues to scale onward and upward. Being of a curious nature, I wondered why. I browsed the Flower Shop Network plant care information for Benjamin fig and found out very quickly why everyone loves this ficus.

It's not hard. It's not easy. Benjamin Fig plant care is just right. Benjamin fig requires a lot of attention but the payoff is great. Also a popular bonsai tree, Benjamin fig is perfect for practicing discipline and attention to detail. It is great for home-bound people who enjoy a hobby in which they can literally watch themselves reapthe benefit of their effort. Benjamin fig houseplants are also the perfect gift for plant care experts who need a challenge but don't want a time-consuming project.

Here's a heads up about Benjamin fig plant care. Treat Benjamin fig houseplants much like you would treat yourself or a person living in your home. That's not to say you should talk to your plant or invite it out to dinner but keeping the "house guest" notion in mind will help remember how to properly care for your plant. For example:

• Benjamin fig houseplants require very moist but well drained environments. (i.e. They can't be thirsty or waterlogged.)
• Benjamin fig plants need an area of indirect sunlight without direct heat or drafty cold. (i.e. They want to live in a comfortable environment. Not too hot or cold. Keep the thermostat on "comfy".)
• Benjamin fig requires a varying fertilizer regimen over its lifetime. (i.e. Tastes change from birth to adulthood. Vary meals accordingly.)

See? This is one house guest that you won't mind having around. They don't talk back. They don't steal all of your food. They don't invite friends over without notice. They simply sit in the corner and look beautiful for you so long as you pay them a little attention every few days. Why wouldn't someone want a houseplant like that? Now if they only made Benjamin fig in human form…

Ready to wow your sweetheart? Want to dazzle her with your charm? Want to floor him with your beauty? It all starts with flowers. Whether planning a romantic weekend or enjoying the same routine night as usual, add a dose of different to your anniversary. Flowers are a girl's true BFF; diamonds are just their playmates. Here's how you can eavesdrop on the chatter and get away with it:

Listen to the flower meanings. That's right! Almost every flower has a particular meaning. The anniversary bouquet you send will have more significance if you take the time to pick out flower meanings that are right for your relationship. We're going to go ahead and cut out the research time. Here's a list of popular flowers and their meanings. Choose these and your sweetheart will be yours for the rest of the night.

Lilac - First Love
Orchid - Delicate Beauty
Pansy - Loving Thoughts
Passion Flower - Passion
Red Rose - Passionate Love
Red & White Rose - Unity
Sunflower - Adoration
Tuberose - Pleasure
Red Tulip - Declaration of Love
Yellow Tulip - Hopelessly In Love
Holly - Domestic Happiness
Gardenia - Joy

Your local florist will have an incredible amount of ideas for how to make these anniverary flowers extra special using flowers with a certain meaning. If you have thoughts of your own, contact your local florist and let the magic begin. With a little explanation on the enclosure card, your sweetheart will be swooning as soon as these flowers grace the doorway. Happy anniversary!

You're in luck if you were married in December. This month is one of the best times to send beautiful anniversary flowers that remind your bride of her special day. This year, make the anniversary flowers you give your sweetheart extra special. Make it personal.

"Delicate Affection" Anniversary Flowers

Your wedding was a lovely, wonderful day that your bride will cherish forever. Make her gush wonderful sentiments by sending her anniversary flowers that mimic the ones she carried during her wedding. Here's how to do it:

First and foremost, dig out your wedding photos. If you can't find the photos or don't want to be conspicuous, ask one of her bridesmaids or family members for help. You may not know each flower but your local florist will. That brings us to number two.

Second, contact your local florist. Your florist will be able to create a lovely bouquet themed around your wedding day. They can attempt to recreate the bouquet, use the same flowers in a similar arrangement, or put a new spin on the same type of flowers. Their expert advice and artistic designs will leave you looking like the king of the moment all over again.

Want to come out looking like the mack daddy of romance land? Give this anniversary flowers idea a spin. Flower Shop Network can help you contact your local florist. Throw your own ideas into the mix or leave the bouquet in their hands. Either way, you'll come out on top and your honey will be forever pleased.

Doubt it. However, I'm not Jewish. I'm unfortunately very Gentile (goyum) but have a fascination with Jewish people, customs, traditions and holidays. They are quite enthralling! If you're like me, you'll love what I discovered when browsing the new features on the Flower Shop Network website. We recently added the ability to add Jewish holiday pages to florists' online websites. How cool! Now I won't have to get terribly creative when the Jewish holidays roll around. I can simply click, browse, buy and be done with it. Sweet!

Bar & Bat Mitzvahs In The Temple

These cool pages definitely pique my interest. What do you think? I've included a link to the pages (just click on the title of the holiday below) as well as some information about each holiday for the rest of the Jewish-loving gentiles among us flower folk. I greatly encourage you to read more about each of the holidays. The history behind them is full of richness and intricately woven with passionate, scriptural detail. Enjoy!

**Interesting note, all of these holidays are celebrated from the sunset to sunset rather than midnight to midnight. This means most Jewish holidays span two days on the Caesarian calendar commonly used today.**

Rosh HaShanah (ראש השנה) — Rosh HaShanah is the Jewish new year. It is a holiday that occurs ten days before Yom Kippur, another major holiday. These two days are known as the "Days of Awe" in Hebrew. In English, they are called the "High Holy Days". Officially the day falls within the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar because it is believed that God created the world in this month (Tishrei). The start of the Hebrew calendar is the month of Nissan which marks the date the Jews were freed from slavery in Egypt.

Rosh HaShanah is a peaceful holiday. Similar to a New Year's resolution, the Jewish people believe that God will use the two days of Rosh HaShanah to decide who lives and who dies in the coming year. Therefore, the Hebrew people are encouraged to reflect upon their lives and their habits and give thought to what they will correct in the future. They are also encouraged to make amends with anyone who they have caused to suffer wrongdoing in the previous year.

(Send flowers for Rosh HaShanah or view the new Rosh HaShanah eCommerce website for florists)

Passover (Pesach) — Passover (Pesach) commemorates the establishment of the Jewish nation, or rather the birth of it centuries ago. Passover is celebrated on the fifteenth day of Nissan, the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Christians and Jews alike recognize passover, or at least the story of it, as the story itself is a huge part of both Judaism and Christianity (which recognize the same God).

According to the story, Moses was commanded by God to ask the Pharoah of Egypt to Read the rest of Do You Love Jewish Holidays As Much As I Do? »

Ask the Expert: Help ID"ing seed pod

Cyrpess Seed Pod

I picked up this 1" seed pod in Barcelona a year ago.  It was closed up then.  Since then it opened, dropping out about 50 3mm flattened seeds.  Any idea? Mary

Plant Expert Reply:

Once again Rick Pudwell, at the Memphis Botanic Garden, has saved the day. I just couldn't identify this seed pod.  It seems to be some kind of cypress seed pod.  It could be from a Montezuma cypress (Taxodium mucronatum).

Just a little side note.  Although Montezuma cypress are drought tolerant, they usulaly grow along side rivers or springs.  One of the oldest trees in Madrid is a Taxodium mucronatum found in the Buen Retiro Park.

Ask the Expert: Please can you help me identify this plant?

Euphorbia characias wulfenii

Hi, I walk past this garden every morning on the way to work and have watched this plant since mid-summer grow quite vigorously. I really like its look and would like to plant some in my own garden. But having searched through my RHS encyclopaedias and the Internet, I have failed to identify it. Do you have any idea what it it? The highest stems stand around a foot high and it is a slightly blueish-green in colour with a white strip running down the centre. Any help will be very much appreciated. Many thanks, John

Plant Expert Reply:

I had a good idea that the plant was some kind Euphorbia, but I need a little help to make a positive identification.  Lucky for me the great guys at the Memphis Botanic Garden came to my rescue.  The plant is mostly likely a Euphorbia characias wulfenii other wise known as Mediterranean Spurge. In full sun, this clump forming perennial produces chartreuse flowers.

Now that you know the name of the plant, you should be able to find it at a local garden center.

Flower Shop Network tips it's hat to Rick Pudwell at the Memphis Botanic Garden for the help in identifying this plants.  Thanks Rick!