|
July 2001
Cut flowers are a quick and simple way to brighten up your home or work
environment, and summer is a wonderful time to take advantage of the
abundance of fresh cut blossoms which are available in local flower shops
right now. Lots of varieties are plentiful during the warm season, and many
florists are offering "cash-and-carry" specials on flowers by the bunch,
including such summertime favorites as roses, lilies, and gladioli. In fact,
glads are very affordable in many parts of the country at this time of year,
and their popularity as an interior accent is growing. They are compatible
with any decor, from classic to contemporary, and one may select from a
nearly endless range of hues. There is probably no other flower which
offers
such long-lasting color and large-scale impact at such a reasonable price.
A bunch of gladioli simply dropped into a tall, clear vase makes a
dramatic statement in any room of the house. Alternatively, glads can be
arranged into a charming topiary style centerpiece design as pictured here.
(For "how to" instructions on creating this arrangement for yourself,
CLICK HERE).
The name "gladiolus" comes from the Latin word for "sword" and is a
reference to the flower's long, spear-like shape. Hence the term "gladiator"
for the fighting swordsmen of the ancient Roman arena.
Gladioli florets naturally open at a gradual pace, from the bottom of the
stem to top, which allows for a long vase life. Spent flowers at the bottom
of the stalk should be removed as soon as they begin to wither in order to
keep the stems healthy and looking fresh. Should you prefer that more of the
florets be open at one time (if, for example, you want them to look their
showiest for a special party or event), remove the top two or three unopened
buds from the stem. Doing so removes a chemical growth inhibitor in the tip,
which keeps the flowers from opening too quickly, thus permitting more rapid
development of the blooms (this same technique also works with other line
flowers which open from the bottom up, including snapdragon, larkspur, and
freesia).
Naturally, as with any cut flowers, a bit of extra care goes a long way
toward keeping gladioli at their best. Place the flowers in a clean,
sanitized container. Use specially prepared floral nutrient solution,
provided by your professional florist, in lukewarm water, and replenish or
replace the mixture frequently. Using a sharp knife and slicing at an angle,
cut off the bottom inch or so from the stems when you first bring them home
and every few days thereafter. This procedure eliminates any blockages and
encourages the uptake of water. Keep the flowers out of drafts and away from
ripening fruit, which produces damaging ethylene gas.
Visit your local florist today. With such color, drama, and longevity,
all at an economical price, you'll want to bring home a bunch of gladioli
every week!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Flower Shop Network Newsletter is a free monthly email featuring
articles based on the knowledge of floral professionals across the country.
Once a month we will provide you with interesting information about all
things floral. You have received this email because you are a valued
customer of Flower Shop Network. Please visit our site at
Flower Shop Network
To have a friend join this free monthly newsletter, forward this to them and
have them send us a message with "send newsletter" in the subject. Or, go to the
Flower Shop Network Newsletter Section of our site.
To unsubscribe, reply to this email with REMOVE in subject.
REPRINT PERMISSION Copyright, 2000-, FlowerShopNetwork.com Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit and link appear "Reprinted with permission from FlowerShopNetwork.com." Click here for link source. To subscribe to future Flower Shop Network Newsletters, free, visit the FlowerShopNetwork.com Newsletter Section of our site.
|
