Archives for 2003

Mystery Plant Identifictation

December 21, 2003 by Jamie Jamison Adams

I hope someone there can help my wife and I. We received a plant from my brothers funeral and have no idea what it is or how to care for it. We were hoping that you could identify it for us and maybe you have a past newsletter on it or something. We also got a peace lily, (it was labeled) and found your web site had all the information we needed to take care of it! Hope to here from you soon.

Signed: Curious Couple!Mark and Andrea.

Hello Mark and Andrea:

The plant you have is a Red Margined Dracaena or Dracaena marginata.

red margined dracaena

For care and instruction review the following newsletter.

Houseplants Chase Away the Winter Blues

If we can help further please let us know.

Filed Under: Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert, Dracaena, Draceana marginata, Plant Care Questions, Red Striped Dracaena

Peace Lily With Black Greasy Substance

November 17, 2003 by Jamie Jamison Adams

Jannick Asks:

I have two large Peace Lily’s that have a black greasy substance on the leaves, they have stopped blooming flowers also. They are 3 1/2 years old about 4 ft. wide, planted in the ground in a patio area that gets sun in a.m. and bright the rest of the day. Bloomed always until this black substance got on them. Help, what should I do?

Flower Shop Network’s Reply:

The black substance you are seeing is actually a residual mildew from an insect. You probably have one of the following pests on your plant: aphids, mealy bug or scale. Scale looks almost like a fungus and will usually be at the base of the leaves where they join the stem. Aphids and mealy bugs will be on the backs of the leaves. All of these insects damage the plant by puncturing and sucking from the backside of the leaves.

You can eradicate these pests by using any house plant insecticide. It may take several applications over a period of time to get rid of them for good. Consult you local nursery or garden center for additional help

Filed Under: Peace Lily, Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert, Flower Shop Network, Peace Lily, Plant Care Questions

A Nightmare Before Christmas? Last Minute Decorating Ideas

November 15, 2003 by Kelly Curtis Leave a Comment

If the thought of decorating for the holidays is giving you a nightmare (after all, there are just a few weeks left before Christmas arrives), then pay a visit to your local florist for some up-to-the-minute advice and inspiration. Holiday merchandise is now appearing in flower shops everywhere, ready for your approval.

Christmas’ ‘Hottest’ Colors

One of the Christmas decorating trends this year is the use of hot colors; think of the day-glo hues of the Sixties. It’s a retro look, evoking a spirit of nostalgia among those of us who lived through it the first time. Hot pinks, greens, and oranges are finding their way onto Christmas trees and wreaths, creating a youthful and festive exuberance.

Mod Christmas Style

Ornaments are being created in the “mod” geometric forms of the era; you know…. the shapes of those triple light fixtures hanging in your mother’s kitchen. They’ve been decorated in polka dots and wavy stripes, and sometimes even flocked. If you can’t afford a whole new collection, then simply adding a few new ornaments or a bit of splashy new ribbon can update your older arrangements and give your Christmas decorating scheme a fresh appearance.

Natural Christmas

At the other end of the Christmas decorating spectrum is the natural look, which features such rustic elements as branches, cones, pods, and feathers. Colors are muted and textures are emphasized. Woven baskets or bark-covered containers may be used to hold an assemblage of earthy finds, such as cinnamon sticks, dried flowers, or an empty bird’s nest. Artificial pine Christmas wreaths may be encircled with dried grapevine to provide texture and movement. Add dried mushrooms, pomegranates, spruce cones, and lotus pods to the wreath to create a lush, woodsy collage of nature. Such a design is also appropriate for the fall of the year, and even beyond holidays, into the winter. This “trans-seasonal” approach to decorating can save time and money.

Bringing It All Together

If you want to decorate like the professionals, select a theme for your Christmas decor and re-interpret it throughout your home or office. Unify all the decorations by duplicating a specific motif — such as holly berries or candy canes — and by repeating a certain ribbon pattern or ornament style. And when it comes to decorating Christmas trees, remember that depth is important. Christmas trees ought to appear full and abundant. Place larger ornaments well to the inside of the branches in order to draw the viewer’s eye inward while creating a background for the other, smaller ornaments at the surface. This gives the tree a greater sense of volume. Use wide ribbon or swags of lightweight fabric as a garland to spiral around the tree and to occupy space. Consider purchasing ordinary, inexpensive glass ball ornaments as filler for the center of the Christmas tree while bringing the more unique and precious ones forward.

With the help of a professional floral designer, you can turn your nightmare before Christmas into a decorating dream come true. Stop in today… you’ll sleep easier.

Filed Under: Holiday Info, Newsletters, Seasonal Ideas, Trends Tagged With: Christmas Decorations, Christmas Tree, Christmas Wreaths, Holiday Decorations, Holiday Flowers

Interior Decorating Ideas with Flowers

October 15, 2003 by Kelly Curtis 1 Comment

Flowers and plants, naturally enough, bring a sense of warmth and vitality to any interior decorating plan. People respond positively to the energy that flowers and plants emanate. Even silk flowers, or permanent botanicals as they are more properly called, can add life to a room if they closely resemble their living counterparts. A room devoid of flowers is sterile and dull, even uninviting. But just a few well-placed blossoms or a handful of green foliage can do wonders for the personality of any interior space.

Flowers For The Entryway

The first place to start is at the entry, where visitors may be greeted by a bouquet of cheerful flowers placed on a credenza in the foyer. It makes no difference whether the arrangement is simple or elaborate; the message is the same: “welcome.” Other interior decorating ideas for the entry include placing vines of artificial ivy over a mirror, or flanking the doorway with wall sconces overflowing with foliage. Of course, the entry experience begins outside the front door, where a seasonal wreath or a floral swag creates an inviting statement.

Choosing Flowers For The Home

Within the interior of the house, use flowers to adorn the coffee table, dining room table, or end tables. Choose colors which complement the decorating scheme of the room. However, don’t be locked into the idea that the colors of the flowers must match those of the upholstery or draperies, especially if they are colors which do not normally occur in nature. Permanent flowers will always be more pleasing, and they will never go out of style, if they are realistic and botanically accurate. For example, you’ve never seen a turquoise rose growing in a garden. Placing one in your living room would seem contrived and unnatural, and you would soon tire of it even if your sofa was that color. Better to use a flower in a peach or coral hue, which is the direct chromatic complement to turquoise and a naturally occurring color for roses. Choosing the complementary hue allows the flowers to stand out as a lovely accent to highlight the room.

Using Garland & Greenery Effectively

Use cascading vines for decorating the top of a bookcase or an armoire; they’ll soften the angular edges of the furniture. A garland of magnolia foliage lends grace and elegance to a mantle. A free-standing houseplant brightens a dark corner. The breakfast table is brightened with a sunny bouquet of daisies.

A novel interior decorating idea is to tie a bunch of realistic permanent flowers into a casual bouquet, using a distinctive, wire-edged ribbon. Choose flowers with natural looking stems and foliage. Arrange the flowers so that the bouquet is flat on the back. Tie the bow with long, flouncy streamers, and place the bouquet on the edge of a table or dresser for a spontaneous and understated look.

Your local professional florist has lots of other ideas for interior decorating with flowers. Stop in for a visit today, and bring samples of colors, fabrics, and wall coverings from your rooms, so that your floral designs can be artistically customized to your living environment. And remember… no turquoise roses!

Filed Under: Floral Design, Flower Suggestions, Newsletters, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Decorations, Floral Design, Fresh Flower Decorating, Mantlepiece Decorations

Decorating Ideas For A Wedding Reception

September 14, 2003 by Kelly Curtis 1 Comment

What is true of nearly every wedding is the fact that the guests spend far more time at the reception than they do at the ceremony. So when it comes to flowers, the astute bride will focus more of her attention, and her budget, on decorating the wedding reception. The ideas are as varied and unique as each individual bride, but the primary goal is always the same: to provide a happy and memorable experience for the guests and the bridal party alike. And flowers are, of course, the obvious choice for creating a festive and celebratory mood.

Find Your Reception Theme & Stick With It

Among the most important ideas in decorating for a wedding reception is to establish a specific theme and stick with it throughout the venue. This may be based on a particular color or color harmony, or a certain motif, such as a heart or a fleur-de-lis, which is repeated in all the decorations. Very often, the color scheme is related to the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses; when the attendants enter the room, they complement the environment with their colorful presence. Tablecloths, napkins, and flowers are then selected to coordinate with the gowns. It is important to consider the existing colors in the room as well, even when it comes to selecting the bridesmaids’ dresses.

Reception Entryway Flowers

The wedding guests’ entry experience will greatly influence their mood at the reception. This is an area which should be emphasized for maximum impact. Decorating ideas include hanging garlands of fragrant blossoms over the doorway, flanking the entrance with grand floral arrangements or masses of foliage plants, hanging heart-shaped wreaths of flowers on the doors, swagging fabric overhead, or strewing the floor with rose petals. Miniature twinkle lights can certainly add to the festive atmosphere, and may be incorporated into trees or garlands.

Free-standing Flower Arrangements

Free-standing floral arrangements, strategically positioned around the room, can contribute greatly to the wedding reception decorating plan. One idea is to stuff the canopy of a rented ficus tree with flowers, creating a large-scale floral topiary. Or place extravagant, cascading flower arrangements atop tall columns, which may be situated among the tables or around the dance floor. These large scale designs can do a lot to dramatize the room, and create a sense of intimacy among the guests.

Decorating The Wedding Cake Area

The wedding cake is a primary focal point at every reception, and should be decorated accordingly. Stage the cake in a prominent position in the room, on a special table of its own. Consider creating a backdrop of foliage, flowers, screens, or fabric, since this will be a setting where many photographs will be taken. Drape the table in layered linens to emphasize the importance of the scene, and elevate the cake on a large platter or silver plateau to make it more prominent. Of course, fresh flowers will always enhance the wedding cake itself as well as the table. One lovely decorating idea is to position the cake on top of a clear glass disk, perhaps 24″ or 30″ in diameter, which is supported by glass bricks. Fresh flowers can then be arranged beneath the cake, gracefully spilling out onto the table from under the glass as the cake seems to float.

Reception Finishing Touches

To add a charming and sentimental personal touch to the wedding reception decor, place framed photographs of the bride’s and groom’s parents from their own wedding days on the cake table or the guest book podium. It’s a loving expression of heritage and gratitude.

The individual guest tables provide unlimited opportunities to personalize the reception decorations. Consider clustering several small vases of fresh flowers into a larger composite centerpiece. Guests can then take the individual bouquets home as a memento of the happy event. Placing the vases atop mirrors, and interspersing votive candles and glass gems, adds a dimension of sparkling light to the completed tablescape.

Your local florist has lots of other creative decorating ideas for a wedding reception. Call or visit today, and begin planning an unforgettably special event.

Filed Under: Newsletters, Wedding Flowers Tagged With: Wedding Decorations, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Reception Flowers, Wedding Tips

Beautiful Wedding Flower Pictures

August 15, 2003 by Kelly Curtis Leave a Comment

The wedding season is here, and brides-to-be across the country are busily planning the details of their nuptials. From the gowns to the food, from the invitations to the music…. and including, of course, the flowers…. careful decisions are being made which will assure a beautiful and memorable event. It is, after all, meant to be a once in a lifetime experience, and every detail must be perfect.

The Right Wedding Bouquet For Photographs

But no matter how lovely a wedding may be, the fact is that once the festivities are over, it will be the pictures of the event which remain as a permanent record of all those beautiful wedding flowers. Thus, it’s very important to choose bouquets and other floral decorations which will be seen to their best advantage in photographs. A professional florist who has experience in designing for the camera can be an invaluable ally in making sure that your wedding flower pictures are just as beautiful as were the flowers themselves.

The Camera ‘Sees’ Things Differently

Remember that a camera lens “sees” things differently than a human eye… For example, a camera does not perceive depth as well as a person can. For that reason, open spaces within a bouquet should be exaggerated in order to keep the flowers from appearing as one big blob in the photographs.

Dealing With Flash

Flash photography can make the problem even worse, as the bright flash of light tends to flatten out the subject being photographed. This is especially true when dealing with monochromatic (all one color) combinations of flowers. By carefully combining a variety of textures within the bouquet, which will create an interplay of light and shadow, a professional floral designer can compensate for the flash effect and help ensure that the wedding flower pictures will be exquisite.

For instance, hydrangea blossoms, with their rounded form and fluffy, soft texture, have become very popular wedding flowers in recent years. Combine them with velvety-petaled roses or waxy, star shaped stephanotis flowers, and you’ll have the beginnings of a picture perfect bouquet. The variety and contrast among the forms and textures of these flowers will help them stand out from each other in photographs.

Dark Flowers

Color is an important consideration for wedding flower pictures as well. Keep in mind that dark, receding hues such as burgundies, purples, blues and deep greens can appear black in photographs, and may turn out looking like black holes in a floral arrangement or bouquet which was gorgeously colored in real life. Appropriate lighting and a skilled photographer can help compensate for this difficulty. Still, it’s a good idea to anticipate the problem beforehand and work with your local florist to create wedding designs which are easier to photograph.

Visit our gallery of wedding flower pictures to see images of all kinds of wedding- appropriate blossoms and blooms. Then consult your professional florist for expert assistance in creating a beautiful and memorable event…. one which will live forever in superb pictures as well as in the hearts and minds of your guests.

Filed Under: Newsletters, Tips & Tricks, Wedding Flowers Tagged With: Floral Photography, Tips & Tricks, Wedding Tips

Duranta erecta

August 1, 2003 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Kim asks:

I was wondering about a plant possibly called duranga. Have you heard of it? COuld you tell me about it. Any help would be appreciated. I know it has purple flowers on it.

Brock’s Reply: Without a photograph or more description it difficult to be certain on the identification.

We think it is really Duranta erecta — common name dew drop or sky flower.

A semi-tropical plant with dense, slightly pendulous branches can reach to 15-25ft if trained to a single-trunked tree. The flowers are a pale mauve-blue with darker streaks on the two lower petals and a cream eye borne from late spring to autumn. The fruits are yellow about 1/2″ in diameter overlap with the flowers in late summer and last well into the winter. Zones 10-12.
This plant most likely will not be readily available at garden centers.

I hope this helps. If you can send us a picture we can probably nail it.

Filed Under: Plant Identification Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert, Duranta erecta, Plant Identification

Caring for Lucky Bamboo Plants

July 14, 2003 by Kelly Curtis 95 Comments

The so-called Lucky Bamboo has become quite a popular houseplant in recent years. With a resurgent interest among the public in Eastern spirituality, lucky bamboo plants have found a welcome spot in many homes, where they are valued for their interesting, sculptural shapes as well as for their symbolism.

Lucky Bamboo

Brief History of Lucky Bamboo

With it’s fresh, green hues and it’s vigorous tenacity, bamboo has been considered a symbol of good fortune in Asian cultures for at least 4000 years. It has the ability to thrive in a variety of conditions and to adapt to its surroundings. The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui seeks to create a balanced arrangement of the elements of earth, water, wood, metal and fire in order to bring harmony to our living environments. Bamboo is valued as a perfect representative of wood, with its tall, vertical shape and verdant color. This element is said to have an influence on life energy, growth, vitality and physical activity. Because Lucky Bamboo is able to thrive in many areas of the home or workplace where other plants would not, it is frequently cultivated as a means to enhance the positive flow of energy or “chi” in these areas.

Ironically, the plant which is commonly sold as Lucky Bamboo is not really bamboo, but in fact a member of the Dracaena family (Dracaena sanderiana), plants which are well known for their durability under adverse indoor conditions. Because of its ease of care and it apparent resemblance to the true bamboos, this Dracaena is now widely grown.

Lucky Bamboo Care

Caring for lucky bamboo plants is very easy. Typically, they are grown in a few inches of clear water, perhaps supported by small pebbles, stones, or marbles. It is important that the water be kept clean and fresh and not allowed to stagnate. In areas where the local water is heavily treated with chlorine or fluoride, the leaf tips or edges of the lucky bamboo may become yellow or brown. This condition can also be caused by too much salt in the water, known as in “softened” water. Thus, it may be advisable to allow tap water to stand in an open container for 24 hours, allowing the chlorine and flouride to dissipate, before using it with your plants. In the presence of salts, it’s best to used filtered or distilled water.

Lighting

Appropriate light levels are also an important factor in caring for lucky bamboo. The plants grow naturally under the shady canopies of taller rainforest trees. Thus, they prefer an indoor location with bright, indirect light. They will perform well under artificial lighting. Too much direct sun can cause burning of the leaves. Too little light will lead to weak growth, stretching and poor coloration. Normal household temperatures are ideal.

Fertilizer

Since water contains no nutrients, per se, the best care for lucky bamboo plants includes the occasional use of a dilute solution of plant food. Without soil to buffer the fertilizer salts, the roots are susceptible to burning if the solution is too strong. Use any standard house plant food at about one-tenth the recommended dilution rate each time you change the water.

Getting Lucky Bamboo to Twist

Lucky bamboo is frequently seen growing in unusual twisted, curved, or spiraling forms, which seem to enhance its appeal and sense of mystery. The plant does not grow this way naturally. In fact, the curving shapes are produced by laying the plants on their sides, with light directed from the top and shielded from each side, causing them to grow in one direction only toward the light and opposite gravity. The plants are rotated regularly to encourage the spiraling form. Naturally, this is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process which justifies the somewhat higher prices commanded by lucky bamboos.

Your local florist can provide you with your very own lucky bamboo plant, and with just a little simple care, you too can bring a bit of harmony as well as elegant style to your living environment which will last for years. May good fortune smile upon you!

Find a florist near you to order lucky bamboo or see what other House Plants they sell that are easy to grow!

Find a Florist

Filed Under: Newsletters Tagged With: Lucky Bamboo

The Symbolic Meaning of Flowers

June 14, 2003 by Kelly Curtis Leave a Comment

Symbolic meanings have been ascribed to flowers since the earliest history of humankind.

It has been said that roses first turned red as they blushed with shame at Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden.
Laurel wreaths placed around the heads of early Greek Olympians symbolized victory and glory.
According to Christian legend, carnations sprouted from the ground where Mary’s tears fell as she wept at the foot of the cross upon which Jesus died, and thus are associated with a mother’s undying love.
The white lily is strongly linked with Mary throughout art history, symbolizing her virginity, purity, and majesty.
And in Ancient Egypt, Cleopatra scattered roses at Marc Anthony’s feet as a symbol of her love.

Love, in fact, is the dominant message among the symbolic meanings of flowers… as well it might be. Flowers, after all, are the sexual reproductive organs of plants, and as such they are emblematic of all sorts of intimate proceedings. Think about that every time you sniff a rose, that most sensual and voluptuous of flowers.

The Language of Flowers

There was a time in the past when persons of polite and decorous demeanor never spoke publicly of their romantic feelings. Displays of affection or amorous intent where considered vulgar and inappropriate in a society where all sorts of behavior was proscribed by the social mores of the day. Thus, the so-called “Language of Flowers” evolved as a way to communicate ones deepest feelings in a socially acceptable way. Love was never discussed among polite company during the Elizabethan Age in Europe, restricted by etiquette and conformity. So flowers were used to convey feelings.

The Victorian Era

It was during the Victorian Era that simple messages were assigned to individual flowers. Several small books were published in the late 1800’s which detailed the symbolic meanings of flowers, so that a suitor could send an elaborate, often romantic, secret message to his beloved by combining the appropriate flowers into a telling bouquet, and she could respond in kind. The recipients of such flowers could picture an entire love letter among the blossoms.

And so was born the Language of Flowers. Some of the meanings have changed over the years (for example, a yellow rose once meant “jealousy” but today is most often understood to mean “friendship”), and some of the small books actually contradicted each other… a peony symbolizes either “shame” or “happy marriage”. Nonetheless, we’ve assembled a list of the most commonly accepted symbolic meanings of flowers here. Use them at your own risk.

Rose Meanings

Roses in particular carry a veritable lexicon of quaint expressions of emotion. Everything from modesty to jealousy to gratitude to mourning… and of course, every degree of love… may be expressed by the color, size, shape, maturity, or position of the flower (pictures of roses in arrangements). But a perfect red rose always means “I love you”, a message which will never be confused with any other symbolic meaning of a flower. Contact a professional florist to help you expand your flower vocabulary, and send a well-worded message to someone you love, today.

Filed Under: Flower Meanings, Newsletters Tagged With: Flower Meanings, Victorian Style Floral Design

What Kind of Boston Fern Doesn’t Shed?

May 21, 2003 by Jamie Jamison Adams 2 Comments

Can you tell me the name of a fern that similar to the Boston fern but

does not shed like the Boston does? Thank you, Anne

Ferns are touchy subjects at best in any indoor-growing situation; They prefer a humid atmosphere which is much more damp than most household interiors, particularly during our central-heated winters.

Some of the cultivars of the Boston Fern which have more finely-divided fronds, such as “Fluffy Ruffles”, seem to perform better indoors than the species.

Another choice might be the Dallas Fern, which is smaller than the Boston Fern but is similar in form. It has more leathery leaves which are less prone to drying out and shedding.

Meanwhile, ferns growing indoors will benefit from frequent (daily) misting with water. Place them in a cool, bright location out of direct sun. Keep them away from drafts and heating ducts or air vents; A summer outdoors in a shady spot helps a fern which has suffered through a dry winter indoors to recover and produce new growth.

Filed Under: Plant Suggestions Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert, Flower Shop Network, Plant Suggestions