Ask the Expert: Peace Lily care
I purchased a peace lily about 4 weeks ago for my office. It is not in direct sunlight, I have been watering it regularly to keep the soil moist, and spray the leaves. However, the leaves are CONSTANTLY turning yellow. Everyday there are new yellow leaves appearing. Any suggestions? How often should I be watering the plant. Lisa

Plant Expert Reply:

I believe your plant is receiving too much water.  Peace lilies generally get by with once a week watering.  If they are in a climate that is cooler or has low light levels, the peace lily (Spathiphyllum) can go even longer between watering.  The first thing to check is drainage.  Make sure your container allows the plant to drain off excess water. Once the water issue is corrected it will take a couple of weeks for the plant to fully recover.  The first sign of recovery will be new green leaves.    Good luck and keep me posted.

This plant problem diagnosis was brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

Flower Girl Bouquet by FloraBella Designs

Congratulations to Renee De Stefano Griswold of FloraBella Designs for submitting this week’s Flower Shop Network Facebook Photo Contest of the Week!

As it’s clear to see, FloraBella Designs is a Wallingford CT flower shop full of talented florists with a desire to make the best, most beautiful flower arrangements for any occasion.

Renee is a whiz with weddings and is the bride’s go-to gal for top notch designs. Did you know that the flower girl in this photo is Renee’s daughter? Precious from head to toe, she’s a treat for the eyes as she hides behind the flower girl bouquet.

Congratulations Renee and everyone at FloraBella Designs!

Want To Enter The Contest Too? Don’t Forget:

• You can read the official rules anytime on Flower Shop Network’s Bloomin’ Blog.
• You don’t have to be a florist to submit a photo to the contest.
• Votes count! Make sure to have your friends “like” and comment on your photo. Don’t let an awesome photo go unnoticed. Vote! (Only Flower Shop Network and FSN employee votes do not count.)
• It only takes a few seconds to enter the contest. See recent photo submissions and upload your photo today on the FSN Facebook page.
• Have you faved/fanned the FSN Facebook page? It’s the only way to make your voice (and your votes) known.

Keep uploading and visit next week to see if you won!

Ask The Expert:
I have a Peace Lily and I am noticing that some of the leaves (at the tips) are turning black. What is causing that?  I have been cutting off the black parts, is that OK?
Thank you for your time.  bfh

Plant Expert Reply:

There are 3 things that can cause peace lilies to turn black.

The first is a water issue - too much or too little.  With water the leaves turn brown first then black.

The second is exposure to an extreme temperature change.  Exposure to extreme cold will turn the peace lily leaves black.  Exposure to extreme heat or sunlight usually causes a yellow/brownish discoloration before it becomes black.

The third is a fungus called Phytophthora (aerial blight).  With this  fungus you need to keep water off the foliage - that is how the fungus spreads.  You may need to treat both the soil and the foliage with a fungicide.  Check with your local nursery & garden center for the appropriate fungcide.

This plant disease discussion was brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

Flemish Style Inspired Flower Arrangement

History: Flemish designs are inspired by the Flemish paintings of artists during the medieval period between the 15th, 16th and early 17th centuries. “Flemish” refers to people from the medieval country of Flanders which is now covers parts of Belgium, France and Holland. Flemish painters depicted a wide variety of flowers that were gathered by British and Dutch merchants during their travels.

Typically, Flemish paintings depicted many different types of flowers and placed the most important blooms at the top of the arrangement. Paintings were done from models as Flemish arrangements disregarded seasonal availability and compatibility.

Style: Flemish style flower arrangements are almost always created in an oval shape. These arrangements feature a wide variety of different, mismatched flowers. Flemish designs are regarded for the excellent use of many different shapes, colors and textures.

Flowers Used: It is common to see only one or two stems of a particular flower in a Flemish flower arrangement. Though anything is permissible now, flowers commonly seen in Flemish paintings (the inspiration for these designs) are tulips, peonies, roses, marigolds, snowballs (Viburnum), iris and crown imperials (Fritillaria).

Foliage plays a smaller role (used only sparingly) in Flemish designs but soft, “weeping” grasses and other foliage are seen in Flemish designs. Bulb flowers are mandatory in a Flemish flower arrangement. Tropical flowers, wild flowers, fruit and accessories are also encouraged. Examples of popularly used accessories are birds’ nests, insects, reptiles, and shells. Also jewelry, rich fabrics and other things denoting wealth are seen in many Flemish arrangements.

Basic Characteristics: Flemish style flower designs are very lavish, full, and unique. Since any flower can be used, the flower vary widely.

Prominent flowers are placed in positions within the arrangement where they would receive the most attention. Slight breaks from the general oval shape draw the eye’s attention quickly, so Flemish flower design features prominent flowers at the tops and sides of the arrangement. Flowers may face all directions because Flemish painters wanted to show that many flowers also have beautiful profiles.

Depth is important in Flemish flower arrangements. Flowers can cascade over the edges of the container. This also adds to the dimension of the arrangement by playing an interesting contrast to the height of these arrangements.

Though this would not be done now, Flemish depictions of flowers showed imperfections because no perfections were found in nature. Leaves and flowers often featured bug holes, spots, and even the bugs themselves.

These designs are generally considered formal because of their mass and elaborate composition. They may considered informal as well when created in smaller arrangements.

Colors: Flowers in Flemish style arrangements typically feature warm hues such as yellow, orange and red. White, pale pink, and other pastels are also seen but less often. These are added to create contrast where needed. Flemish designs should feature touches of blue, especially pure Dutch Delft blue, wherever possible.

Containers Used: Flemish style flower arrangements commonly feature urns and containers with the same shape or appearance.

If you are any of the above, check out these growers association meetings, gardening shows and landscaping shows in October.

October 1-2, 2009: The Landscape Show in Orlando Florida. For more information call 407-295-7994.

October 5-6, 2009: Indiana Flower Growers Association Meeting in West Lafayette Indiana. For more information 260-637-1700.

October 5-8, 2009: Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers Inc. (ASCFG) National Conference and Trade Show in Hauppauge New York. For more information call 440-774-2887.

October 7-8, 2009: Canadian Greenhouse Conference in Toronto, Ontario. For more information call 905-945-9057.

Ask the Expert: why won’t the bud on my peace lily open
My peace lily the bud started to open now it is closed tighter than tight.  Cecilia

Plant Expert Reply:

A severe temperature change or lack of water will cause spathiphyllum bud maturity problems.  Make sure your peace lily is moist but not soggy and the air flow around the plant is remaining constant.  I suggest you check for thrips.  I’m not sure of thrips effect peace lilies the same as they do roses, but thrips keep rose blooms from opening.  Thrips are a small slender insect.

Flowers And Thanksgiving - A Natural Pairing

Thanksgiving Day is the perfect time to brighten the season with fall flowers. The colors alone are enough to bring a smile to a loved one’s face or bring warmth to a cold November day with shades of red, gold, orange, brown and plum.

Colorful Thanksgiving Flowers

Flowers communicate in ways that other decorations can’t. They say that the day is blessed and the guests or recipients are valued. When you add the natural beauty and aroma of a fall flower arrangement to the aromas associated with Thanksgiving—roast turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and pumpkin pie—you can really make someone’s day.

At the very first Thanksgiving in December 1621, the Pilgrims thanked God for their bountiful harvest of crops and expressed gratitude to the Native Indians for their help in surviving their first year in America. Their feasting tables were laden with duck, turkey, venison, fish, clams, lobster, berries, watercress, dried fruit and plums.

Not only did the Pilgrims get to eat from their bounty, but their harvest also decorated their tables. Wheat stalks, pumpkins, squash, berries, plums, corn and sunflowers arrayed their tables like a kaleidoscope of autumn colors. The hearty flowers that grew back then no doubt were tucked into the bounty to bring splashes of color and beauty.

Flowers as a Hostess Gift

Fall Centerpiece With Candles

As a guest at a Thanksgiving Day gathering, this day is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude to your host, whether your parents, grandparents, aunt or friend. It is always impressive when guests are thoughtful enough to bring a hostess gift; like a bottle of wine, baked goods or gourmet coffee.

But when you arrive with a beautiful fall flower arrangement of mums, gerbera daisies and berries, that takes the cake. An arrangement can be as simple or as lavish as you want. You can choose several stems of fall flowers tucked in a decorative vase or a lavishly-wrapped flower bouquet; either will be well-received. Pairing seasonal fruits such as oranges, apples and pears with flowers makes an appealing combination. You not only show your appreciation for being part of the celebration when you bring a flower arrangement, but it is also a tangible expression of your gratitude for all to see.

Flowers to Enjoy Indoors and Outdoors

Potted chrysanthemums are a fall favorite for making your home come alive for the holidays. You can use them as an indoor decoration during the holidays; at an entryway, on a mantel or stairwell, then plant them outdoors to enjoy year-round. Potted mums, ornamental cabbage and curly twigs tied with raffia make festive decorations at doorways, mailboxes and on porches. Golden sunflowers and fall leaves make an inviting door wreath to welcome family and friends.

You can also send these kinds of versatile flowers to loved ones you can’t be with at Thanksgiving. It’s a very thoughtful way to show appreciation to those you love. Flowers in bloom, whether indoors or outdoors, remind us of those special to us and shared memories with them.

Bountiful Cornucopia

Flowers provide that perfect, finishing touch as a centerpiece to a Thanksgiving table. Florists do so many creative arrangements with miniature pumpkins, gourds, flowers, grains, curly willow and calico (aka Indian) corn.

For a symbolic twist, flowers can be arranged in a cornucopia or “horn of plenty”, a horn shaped container which symbolizes the the meaning of Thanksgiving. It represents the overflowing abundance of the Earth’s harvest. Cornucopias are especially beautiful as Thanksgiving centerpieces with flowers, leaves and berries flowing from them.

Many times, holidays can be difficult for families who have lost a loved one. A flower centerpiece can be an especially beautiful reminder of those loved ones. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for families and friends to reminisce about times past, especially the funny memories to brighten the mood.

Flowers as Decorations

Just as important as the family feasting and prayers of thanksgiving is decorating for the season. Wreaths with fresh and dried flowers evoking the warmth of autumn and a spirit of gratitude for daily blessings are the decor of traditional choice.

Contemporary Thanksgiving Flowers

In keeping with the Thanksgiving tradition, you can use fresh flowers, nuts, leaves and candles (in fragrances like Mom’s Apple Pie, Cinnamon Cider, and Candy Corn) to decorate fireplace mantels and entryways. Small places like guest bathrooms and kitchen windowsills are just right for miniature flower arrangements and a single votive candle. Don’t underestimate the impact a small vase of flowers will make in a bedroom, bathroom or a coffee table to make guests feel at home and welcome.

Whether you are an American celebrating on November 26^th or a Canadian celebrating on October 12^th, Thanksgiving Day is a holiday anticipated year after year. It’s a time to get together with family and friends, eat homemade comfort food, root for your favorite football team, take a long nap and relax from the everyday routine.

This holiday, in particular, reminds us of all the ways we are blessed and to give thanks for those blessings. It prompts us to say “thank you” to parents, siblings, grandparents and those who have been an influence in our lives.

There is no better time to express our gratitude to those we love (and who love us!) than Thanksgiving. Flowers are a simple and heartfelt way to do this, but their impact will last a lifetime.  Your local florist can help you express your gratitude this Thanksgiving with a custom designed flower arrangement.

"Fall Flirtations" Vase Arrangement

Fun, feisty and perfect for fall, the “Fall Flirtations” vase arrangement strikes a beautiful pose for recipients.

With it’s delicate blend of tulips, roses and hydrangea, these flowers beckon the recipient to get ever so close. The fragrant aroma of the flowers make inhaling the succulent smell a necessity. The tempting colors of this fall flowers arrangement keep each new viewer yearning for a closer view.

Alluring and inviting, this beautiful arrangement is a delightful gift for everyone—and quite the favorable one. It is difficult not to enjoy the beauty in the tulips, roses, carnations, stock and other flowers. The colors of the flowers are reminiscent of a fall sunset. For most, even the faintest reminder of such a beautiful is enough to make the strongest fall in love.

Give an irresistibly attractive gift this October. Order the “Fall Flirtations”  flower arrangement from a local florist.

“Fall Flirtations” Recipe

Ginger Vase
‘Antique’ Hydrangea
Rust ‘Leonidas’ Roses
Orange & Yellow Variegated Tulips
Ruby Stock
Orange Dahlias
Orange Variegated Carnations
Brown Hypericum
‘Sunset Safari’ Leucadendrons
Sheer Bronze Wired Ribbon

It’s no secret that Flower Shop Network has been deeply and personally affected by breast cancer. Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’d like to give you our reasons why we hope this month will be a strong month for everyone who has been affected by the horrible disease.

"Think Pink" Flowers for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

1. Recently each one of us was touched by the tragic loss of our dear friend, Jackie Marshall, who passed away earlier this year from complications of breast cancer. Having been in remission for many years, the cancer resurfaced later in another part of her body and took her much quicker than any of us had imagined possible.
2. Our own Loranne Atwill suffered a loss long before selling her flower shop to pursue her dreams with Flower Shop Network, Wedding And Party Network, and FGmarket. One of the florists in her shop was diagnosed with breast cancer and was sadly lost to the illness.
3. A very good friend of mine and a strong mentor lost her life battling the disease for only a few months. After a double mastectomy, the cancer was still not isolated and removed. My family, her family and many friends have never forgotten the sound of her voice or how happy it made us to hear her laugh. We just miss it.

It’s hard not to meet someone who has been affected by breast cancer. It is a prevalent, horrible disease that sneaks and attacks without warning, without repentance. It is very important that a cure is found and found FAST. Having known all but first hand the difficulties of the disease, it’s our sincerest hopes that people (including us) do everything we can this month and every one after to help find a way to end the suffering for our sisters.

Many florists give a portion of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or another respectable foundation involved in the fight against breast cancer. Contact your local flower shop today to see if they participate in any programs. If they don’t, request one!

Know someone battling breast cancer? Respectfully and gently show your respect by sending a Breast Cancer Awareness flower bouquet to your loved one.