Ask The Expert: My ex and I are still friends. We dated for a long time but now we are both with other people. His mother just passed away. Is it appropriate to send him flowers since we aren’t together anymore? Thanks. ~ Keely

Flower Etiquette Expert: I’m sorry to hear about your ex-boyfriend’s mother, Keely. In response to your question, it is appropriate in a few situations. There are a few very important questions to answer though. I have included the appropriate flower etiquette for each situation. I hope it helps you both deal with this hard time in a positive way.

“Do I get along with his new girlfriend?” — This one is hugely important because it will dictate when/where/if you are able to send sympathy flowers. If you do get along with his new partner, feel free to send sympathy flowers to his home but make a point to mention her as well on the enclosure card. This is polite even if you aren’t close to her. It can be something as simple as “please let me know if you and *partner’s name* need anything during this difficult time.” It’s simple and lets both of them know that you aren’t trying to horn in on her territory during a weak moment when emotions run high.

“Was I close to his mother?” — If you were close to your ex-boyfriend’s mother and remained that way after the split, it is appropriate to send funeral flowers to the funeral home. Sympathy flower etiquette also allows flowers to be sent to her  home but usually addressed to the family instead of just one person. If you were never close to her, sending flowers to your ex depends mostly on whether or not his new partner would be accepting.

“Would my new partner be offended?” — The chances are slim that your new partner will react in a negative way provided you discuss sending sympathy flowers before the gesture is made. Otherwise, it may seem shady whether it was meant that way or not. If your new partner is offended anyway and refuses to budge on the issue, the decision to send flowers or not is completely up to you. At that point it’s juggling your partner’s feelings and consideration for those feelings should be put first.

Hi, my name is Brynn and I’m a “Twilight” addict.

I know. Since I’m certainly not a tween and other stories in this genre are unappealing to me, it seems strange that I would like the books and movies but I do. I really, really do.

I was thinking about what to do before “New Moon” releases and it made me think of florists. Go figure, right? I knew that I would be hosting a Twilight themed party at my house before leaving to see “New Moon” in theatres. I started thinking about the decorations and it dawned on me. Flowers!

So in my many hours of dedicated thought–ok, like 15 minutes–I decided that I would have one of my local florists create a few Twilight themed flower arrangements for my party. I even thought of a few tips for making it more Twilight-y to share with my florist. If you’re interested in the movie or your children are (more likely), think about having Twilight themed flowers delivered to your home for a pre-screening party. You’ll be the coolest parent in school. That’s for sure!

• Use a black or brown vase. These are the colors of Edward’s eyes *hint hint*
• Use white flowers  with red edges or dipped in something red. There is a flower like this on the cover of the “New Moon” book.
• Think Vampires. Halloween flower arrangements often have the elements needed for a Twilight themed flower arrangement.
• Mix up the colors. Many dark flowers and many light flowers. These are to reflect the constant mood changing of Bella and Edward.
• Attach a Twilight mylar balloon or an apple mylar balloon (Twilight book cover) to the arrangement.
• Create a werewolf themed arrangement for the group of fans that are on “Team Jacob.”

There are many other cool things you can do to inspire the right mood for watching “Twilight” followed by “New Moon”. These flowers are also great for a Twilight themed birthday party, Twilight book party, or even a girls-only sleepover consisting of tween-age Twilight fans. Your florist will have fun creating something so unique and different. Just give them plenty of tips and have fun!

As you probably know, most flowers are associated with a particular meaning. For instance, the flower meaning of red roses is “passionate love.” Forget-me-nots are a rather obvious one, “remember me forever.” Ginger is associate with being proud. Sweetpea is associated with shyness. There are tons of flowers associated with a particular meaning which comes in very handy when you need a unique anniversary gift.

For the creative type this year, write a poem for your sweetheart. It can’t just be any poem though. Make this one special to your beloved, unique to his/her personality, and include a few flower meanings that are associated with his/her disposition. When you get ready to buy anniversary flowers for your love, simply ask the florist to use a mix of those flowers only or a pretty blend that is predominantly one kind; the one with a meaning that best reflects her uniqueness.

If you’re not the creative type, I’ll help you out by giving you an anniversary flower arrangement idea. I’m sure I’d love your sweetheart but since I do not know her/him, I’ll make this example about me and my beau. If you have a different personality type in mind, simply view Flower Shop Network’s list of flower meanings and pick out the ones that mean the most to you. Here goes!

Anniversary Flowers For A Woman

My personality is very distinctive. I am very open, blunt and slightly opinionated. I am very thoughtful, analytical and intelligent. I am perky around people and completely quiet when left to myself. For a personality like this, try:

• Pansy (loving thoughts)
• Larkspur (beautiful spirit)
• Freesia (spirited)
• Yellow tulips (hopelessly in love) — a reflection of your feelings for her

Anniversary Flowers For A Man

My sweetheart’s personality is very complementary but different. He is very reserved, cautious and protective. He doesn’t brood on things as I do but he is able to assess a situation. His entire world is wrapped around being with his family and providing for them. His personal hobbies are a little young for his age but that’s only because he works harder than anyone his age should have to.  For a personality like his, try:

• Lilac (first love) — he is mine, this may be appropriate for you as well
• Black-eyed susan (encouragement)
• Pink carnations (gratitude) — for everything he does selflessly
• Gardenia (joy)
• Ginger (proud) — because you’re proud of him
• Passion flower (passion) — a reflection of your feelings for him

If these do not strike a chord with you, view Flower Shop Network’s list of flower meanings or visit FSN’s flower dictionary to discover other unique things about these flowers.

You’ll Love Sending Dish Gardens

There are many reasons why Grandma and Grandpa will love dish gardens instead of more traditional Grandparents Day gifts. If your grandparents are anything like mine, reading this will likely result in a lot of nodding and the occasional phrase “that sounds just like my grandma/grandpa.”

Dish Gardens Are Low Maintenance

“I’m pretty sure they can handle a plant.” Grandma and Grandpa were there for you through childhood, tween years, teen years and beyond. They’re still supportive. Thankfully, a dish garden requires no more maintenance than any other houseplant. It’ll be a nice break after all those years.

Dish Garden Containers Have Their Own Unique Qualities

If they’re the type that have collected every childhood trinket pertaining to their grandkids, dish gardens will be a nice gift for both of you. They’ll probably keep the container because it’s what they do. At least it’s not a useless knick-knack that needs dusting. You’ll feel better for not contributing to the shrine o’ junk that was once your old bedroom. It’s a win-win.

Plants In A Dish Garden Last Quite A While

On a less light-hearted note, plants in a dish garden last quite a while. (Why does that exact phrase sound so familiar?) There is only as much care required as a normal houseplant. Plus, plants live on like a dramatic stage play where the main character just can’t find the right time to die but everyone is entertained during the wait.

Dish Gardens Are Unique Gifts

That’s right. You’re better than peer pressure. You’re above it. That’s why you will choose to send dish gardens. While everyone else is sending something cheesy and porcelain, you’re relaxing in the new found fresh air created by the dish garden that you had a local florist deliver. Mmm. Even the food will taste better when you head over to your grandparents house  for a holiday celebration.

Did I Say 5 Reasons? Let’s Go With Eco-Friendly

I can probably name several other reasons why dish gardens are awesome gifts but I’ll stop with the eco-friendliness of sending a dish garden. First of all, the containers can be reused. Recycling is fun for everyone. Go recycling! Second, some dish garden plants can be transplanted. That’s great for the environment because plants replenish soil nutrients and create fresh air for us all.

Hurry! Grandparents Day is September 13, 2009.

Have another reason to send dish gardens? Even if you just want to comment on my comments, feel free to commence commenting below.

I mean this in the best of ways…

The “Charming For Fall” flower basket looks just like something my grandmother would love. For that matter, my mother would love it also. It’s the perfect fall flower arrangement for a dining room table, a mantlepiece, the coffee table, or anywhere else that flower baskets could be used for decoration. In my mother’s house, that’s the table at the end of the hall. It fills an empty space and is often overlooked. Not anymore!

"Charming For Fall" Flower Basket

Both women have an affinity for fall decorating. Flowers are their thing. They usually have immaculate gardens and displays of flowers that neighbors envy. This year is going to be a little bit different for both. My grandmother turned 82 in April. Still a pistol with her speech, her body is failing and she’s left in a motorized wheelchair. That means gardening the hilly land around her house is out of the question.

My mom is a full time mom even though her children are 22, 23 and 26. She is also the full-time homemaker, a college professor during the day and is a medicare billing specialist at night.

I love these women with all of my heart.  I couldn’t ask for more respectable, strong women in my life. I want to honor them with something special this month. A gift isn’t enough. They need a special gift with meaning and feeling. I looked at the “Charming For Fall” arrangement and knew instantly that it was the right gift for them. Though too busy and too frail to garden for themselves, they can still enjoy fall flowers and autumn decorations.

It’s important to me that they get the best. They always give it to me.

Which flower arrangement is your favorite? Tell us why and it may be next month’s featured flower arrangement!

Send "Hello Sunshine" To Your Pure Friend

It’s easy to get lost for a while in thoughts about the underlying meaning of thoughts, actions and words. It is for me at least. Lately I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about flower meanings because finding an inventive way to say something normal or usual is very important to me.

Think for a moment about the most special gift you’ve received lately. What was it that made it so important? Most people truly do place stock in the adage, “It’s the thought that counts.” This is especially true with women. We love to be pampered and spoiled but anyone can do that. What we want from our partner is more special, that above and beyond affection that secures their place in our hearts.

For this reason, my mind wandered back to the meaning of sunflowers. The simplest of these is “adoration” but sunflowers (Helianthus) also represent pure thoughts, pure love, longevity, pride, and sunshine. Oh to be the pure, sweet sunshine in the eyes of the person that I love! It’s that kind of desire to feel special that drives women inside and outside of relationships.

One way to let the pure woman in your life know that you find her gentle demeanor so endearing is by sending sunflowers. As always, create a lavish gift that will be remembered forever by including a sweet card detailing the meaning of sunflowers and how your woman is all of those things to you.

I wonder which flower means “incredibly desirable, more beautiful than the rest, and who my heart melts for”??

Fret not, dear blog reader. I have your answer.

The September birth month flowers are the aster and the morning glory. Oh yeah, beautiful and meaningful. Good stuff. If you were a reader last year you may remember “Mark September With An Aster-isk”, our friendly reminder blog about the birth month flower of September. You may also remember that September can be quite a headache for my family! With three birthdays on the same day stuff gets really crazy toward the middle of the month.

Mom is great. She’s one of my favorite people in the whole world and I’d be lost without her. That’s a great (and true) sentiment for the card, but you can’t really package that. Oh wait, yes you can! It may not come in a box but a birthday bouquet with aster is a package that she’ll be happy to receive! I’m thinking that showing it off to her friends at work will be fun for her given the type of women she works with. If I can make her day better, why not? So this year I’m sending Mom the gift that she loved last year — asters.

Ask Your Florist About Aster This September

Now the other Virgo in my life is a bit harder. I tend to stop by game stores a lot when shopping for him but I’m pretty tired of staring at electronics. By the time I muster up the courage to go shopping, the last place I want to be is somewhere that will take a lot of time. Plus, I can never remember which games he has so I get a gift card. It’s a little impersonal (or so he said last year) so I don’t want to repeat that experience.

My Love may be brutally honest but he has a point so I’m sending him aster flowers instead. It’s kind of payback for the comment about the gift card. Plus, his daughter loves playing with flowers and dirt and bugs and grass so we’ll have a lot of fun planting morning glory in the backyard. This may not be the ideal way to send birth month flowers of September. Given that not everyone lives in a fairytale world of romance and lollipops, I’m sure I’m not the only one who finds this a funny alternative.

Regardless of your intent, you really can’t go wrong with birth month flowers. They’re just too cool! Plus they’re really unique so  you don’t have to worry about someone copying your idea. It’s all yours. Be your own with aster and morning glory this September.

Fiery Red Gladiolus For Your Virgo!

Everyone knows I adore my charming, vivacious Virgo. He’s one-in-a-million for sure even if he is also a million headaches. Know what I mean? The virgo in my life deserves something incredible for his birthday. It has to be special and sweet. Since he shares a birthday with my mother, it has to be something unique so that they don’t feel like they’re getting the same thing. What a hassle!

Hassle/problem solved this year. Regular readers probably remember me touting zodiac flowers for virgos last year. I know from personal experience how incredible those gifts went over so I’m looking for a repeat performance this year! Though their birthday isn’t until September, if you have someone in your life born between August 21 and September 21, you have a virgo on your hands! When you want a cool birthday gift without a lot of trouble, contact your local florist and mention these Virgo zodiac flowers.

• Forget-me-nots
• Gladiolus
• Monkshood
• Hypericum
• Chrysanthemum
• Violet
• Ivy
• Eucalyptus (even filler flowers count!)

Sending zodiac flowers to your virgo this year? Don’t forget to stop back by and let us know how it turned out!

Parents and children celebrate going back to school with a bang. There is lots of back to school shopping and back to school parties to enjoy. But what does the teacher get?

This year, send your child’s teacher some flowers. Better still, buy a bouquet of flowers from your local florist and have your child present them. Flowers aren’t quite as tasty as an apple but the smile lasts longer.

Another idea is to visit your local flower shop and see if they have any mugs that are appropriate for your child’s teacher. They could say “#1 Teacher,” “You’re The Best,” or anything like this. Then, ask your florist to create a small mug bouquet or candy mug for the teacher. Both are excellent gifts that are unique and creative.  Instead of adding to the pile of apples on the desk, add a smile instead with a candy mug or mug bouquet.

Of course, no teacher will refuse a balloon or two, especially tied to the rim of a candy mug or back to school flower vase. They may wish to put them in a different part of the room so as not to make the other children feel badly about getting nothing or something smaller. If this is a concern for you, make sure the flowers are presented at the end of the day or to the teacher’s home. Bringing back to school flowers and gifts at the end of the day not only spares embarassment for others, but it also gives you a chance to speak to the teacher when more one-on-one time is available and the stress of the day is gone.

For more back to school gift ideas, contact your creative local florist!

August is the official wrap of summer. Parents and children get ready to go back to school. College students begin the countdown to spring break. Couples celebrate anniversaries with the same fervor and passion as they did the very first time — or at least will with this fun idea!

Anniversary flowers are a must. Just like gifts on Valentines Day, most women expect something special on this day. Anniversary flower bouquets are a great way to celebrate your lasting romance, but why not spice it up a bit this year? A themed dinner date is a fantastic way to earn some laughs, share some kisses, and get bonus points for creativity. You never know. Your honey may pay you back with something creative of their own. Here are some ideas for a very special evening with spicy flair from some other cultures:

(Guys) Mexican Themed Anniversary Dinner Date: Become her Latin lover for an evening. If this seems like the cheesiest thing you can think of, great! Your lady will most likely give you credit for creativity, have a few laughs at your expense, and think you’re adorable for trying. Then again, you could pull off the Rico Suave appearance.  Her reactions either way are worth a shot.

Anniversary flower ideas for this theme: Keep two small vases of flower stems on the table while you eat. Red is a fiery color that excites the senses, especially the sense of passion. Also, a rose between your teeth as you invite her to tango–hot! Funny, but cute. Don’t forget to shower your senora with compliments and present her with a very special bouquet of flowers for your anniversary. Flowers are something she can keep to remember the evening!

(Girls) Bollywood Themed Anniversary Dinner Date: Become his sultry Indian princess for an evening. Have fun with the outfit. Set the mood for an evening of great Indian food and a little show from the hottest dinner date he’s ever had. As with all spicy foods, be wary of his reactions to spicy foods. If this one seems too much for his tummy, tone down the food but keep the theme of the evening.

Anniversary flower ideas for this theme: Color is a huge part of the bollywood movement. India is full of rich color and beautiful surroundings. Live up to this theme with fresh flowers in vivid colors. Ask your local florist which flowers have the fullest color for your anniversary. Though he may not be riding an elephant to dinner, a large necklace of flowers is a fun way to remind him of the culture that you are celebrating.

What do you think? Think your guy/girl will love it? If this idea makes it way from your head to the anniversary night, please return to Flower Shop Network and let us know how it went. Happy anniversary!