The other day I received a gift from my father that can turn even the most devout momma’s girl like me into Daddy’s little girl again. I told my mom about moving into a new office at work. She in turn told my father who surprised me when she came to see me on the first day in that office. Dad by himself was a treat but it was what he brought with him that nearly had me in tears.

A small recap of former posts:  my favorite flower is the standard pink carnation. It is this because this is the flower that dad always sent to my sister and me when we were growing up. He sent a pink carnation for Valentines Day when we were too young for suitors. He would send us pink carnations when he got lonely working away as a paramedic. I’ve loved the delightful flowers ever since.

So here mom comes with a few things for my new home. I’m already stoked to see my dad and their dog who tagged along for a quick visit. When dad walks me to my truck and shows what he’d put in my seat as a “new office” gift, I felt something I haven’t felt in a long time. I was pleased and delighted as well as a bit embarassed by the attention. In other words–I loved it.

I once heard a father say that the gift itself doesn’t matter nearly so much as the fact that it came from his child. “They could give me an empty box and I’d love it.” Well Dad, it works both ways. I knew my gift wasn’t something Daddy picked up from a random bix box store. He took the time to go to the town’s local florist and pick up a carnation for me.

Yeah, he just solidified the pink carnation’s place in my heart forever. See, dads give great gifts too.

To secure a fresh place in your daughter or son’s heart, send flowers from a local florist using Flower Shop Network.

I have to say that I think the world of Corinne Galarneau of Artistic Petals & Scents in Hanna Alberta. Though we’ve never crossed borders to shake hands, Corinne keeps us entertained and awed. Everyone at Corinne’s trendy Hanna AB flower shop is always a step ahead when it comes to implementing creative ideas like the haunted house they do each year for Halloween. It’s a clever idea in many ways, but I’ll let Corinne tell you more about it.

The Fun Florist’s Halloween Haunted House:

This was last year (08) which was our first year. There were 150- 175 people that went through in two nights (30th & 31st) We are in a very small town pop. 3000…

As I stated in the post to Flower Shop Network post we do this free of charge, just ask for a donation to the local food bank. No one is turned away and everyone gets a goodie bag at the end of the scares and screams

Again we have the opportunity to utilize our seasonal garden center at the back of our store but this could easily be adapted to either a store front or a rental space…or something a business could do as a community event… arena? community center? etc….

I act as the ‘Tour Guide’ dressed as the Grimm Reaper.. and my business partner is my surgery victum… We ask our families and friends to assist us in the haunting. We have spooky music, fog machine and things popping out from nowhere. As I walk in the back door I announce the presence of ‘young ones or older kids’ We take care not to really scare the young kids.. just enough to make it fun.

As you can see from the pics, we have ghouls hiding in corners, under tables, in coffins and what you don’t see is the goblins hidden under all the leaves… they all reach , grab legs or move slowly (depending on who is going through). We have an 8 foot spider web with a bunch of spiderlings as well as a 3 foot momma spider. Also as I walk from one room to another there is a 4 1/2 foot helium filled balloon spider that I reach over and grab her leg and have her float down in front of the kids… we complete the effect by adding in ghosts, bats, fun lighting, intestines (chowmein noodles dyed red) ‘eyeballs (water pearls) carved watermelon ‘brain’ , styrofoam tombstones, dead trees and plants and lots of fun things. The possibilities are endless. And the cost is very minimal… as much as you want to put into it.. lots of the items can be made at home. (bonus!)

Last year it was a ton of fun…. everyone had awesome feed back.

And if that weren’t enough, here’s a little spoiler. There’s also a town festival in July that is a huge hit. People from towns more than 300 miles away visit for this event. Want more info on that tasty morsel for promoting summer sales and fun? Check the Bloomin’ Blog again soon!

Artistic Petals & Scents is a proud member of Flower Shop Network. Want to contact your local florist? Flower Shop Network makes it easy.

Ask the Expert: Can you please identify this plant
This plant showed up in my garden this spring and has grown into a bush about 2.5 ft high since then, but it never flowered.  I live in the Pacific Northwest. Joe

Plant Expert Reply:

I think it is some type of Euphorbia.  Maybe Euphorbia amygdaloides or Euphorbia myrsinites.  Where in the pacific northwest did you find this plant?  Knowing which state or city might help make a stronger identification.

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.