My mother is a Virgo. I married a Virgo. Oddly enough, their birthday is the same day. Suffice it to say that gift giving in the Jackson family becomes very difficult around September 15th. I’m quite taken with birth month flowers as unique birthday gifts because it blends the traditional with the creative. This is a very endearing quality after three years of finding a unique gift for a man and a charming birthday gift for a mother all on the same day!

My fellow is fairly easy to please when gift giving is involved. His birthday is a fairly major occasion but finding a way to make him feel completely special on that day is difficult when we also celebrate Mom’s birthday on that day. Not this year! (more…)

Fiddling with the zodiac signs to create an awesome gift idea can be loads of fun. I have several special occasions to celebrate in August so gift ideas run short as July winds to a close. Thankfully for all, my father has reached the age where it is forbidden for another year to mention his fifty-something birthday. The good people in my family still like to make everyone feel special on their birthday so we tend to sneak-attack him with a gift that he can’t refuse; (more…)

If pictures are worth a thousand words, how many words are flowers worth? Every individual attaches some special memory or memories to the many types of flowers in their lives. Whether it was the focal flower in the bouquet that he delivered with the engagement ring, the sympathy flowers that made mourning easier, or simply the creative gesture of a loved one who somehow just knew that a little boost would turn the day around, there are thousands of memories to delve into when we pass flowers in the grocery store, garden, or local flower shop.

Some flowers, though, have very particular flower meanings and can be sent to express a very specific feeling or message. The birth month flower of August is gladiolus so which better to share? This beautiful, tall blossoming flower represents some very pleasant flower meanings (more…)

There are many awesome flowers that make great additions to summertime flower arrangements. When it comes to creating an exquisite display for my tables, centerpieces, gardens and other home décor uses, I look to these fabulous blooms for an extra splash of cool during the summer months.

Hydrangeas in full bloom are gorgeous additions to the home or garden. The blossoms of hydrangeas provide a very distinctive and soft scent that no nose can resist. Hydrangea (more…)

Celebrate July with a bang! The fabulous flower for the month of July is the larkspur which is the common name for several varieties of flowers from the Delphinium and Consolida genera. Beautifully complex, the intricate spikes of Larkspur plants bloom in colors ranging from white to blue and violet to pink, making Larkspur an attractive addition to gardens, homes or inside flower arrangements. The long, stemming Larkspur plant adds a very desirable height and visual appeal to flower arrangements. This touch of distinction keeps Larkspur the popular choice for florists desiring a little extra for a truly stunning arrangement.

Celebrate your independence from unoriginal, boring gift ideas this July. The uncommonly appealing blossom of the larkspur can be used to (more…)

Ask the Expert: what flowers are in in October. Kelley

Ask the Expert: What flowers are in season in the Great NW on 7/4?

I am planning a wedding to commence on the 4th of July this year.  I am trying to plan it as “‘green,” local, and inexpensive as possible.  My colors are green, purple, white, and perhaps bold yellow highlights.  Please email me your response as soon as possible.  Thank you! Shawnicee

It’s Earth Day again! Time now to celebrate the rich beauty and the fullness of this great planet that daily sustains the lives of millions of inhabitants. With such a remarkable and rewarding existence, it is no wonder that April 22 marks the yearly celebration of such a fascinating home.

My older brother and I were sitting around discussing “green” politics one day—a practice not at all unusual or uncommon. The topic of Earth Day and Arbor Day spawned such (more…)

April is the month of many birthdays in my family. I knew that I wanted to send my elderly grandmother a colorful spring bouquet but was unsure of which unique gift to give my sister. Shannon shares a birthday with my best friend, which is difficult enough, but her birthday is also one of five family birthdays in the month.

I went in search of a unique idea for expressing just how meaningful Shannon is to me and how special she is apart from anyone else. I began shopping through the horde of treasures on her wish list but nothing particularly grabbed my fancy. I dislike shopping (more…)

Ask the Expert: May seasonal flowers in Maryland
What are some seasonal flowers for a May wedding in Maryland? I don’t want to pay extra to have flowers flown in, as it’s much more affordable. The wedding is May 9th. I really like color and the wedding will be held in a garden.
Any ideas or suggestions? Jessica

Jessica,

In today’s global world, most flowers aren’t truly “seasonal” any more. With the exception of really rare flowers like lilacs, most florists can get any flower any time with very little (more…)