Bloomin' Blog

QUIZ: Think You Know The Elements & Principles of Floral Design?

May 20, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell 1 Comment

Has it been a while since you’ve reviewed the good ole’ elements & principles of floral design? Take this quiz and see if you might need to hit the books for a refresher! No matter how traditional or far-out contemporary, good design makes use of all these principles. Grab some scratch paper and get started..

1. What is not a primary characteristic of floral design?

(a) Line
(b) Pattern
(c) Symmetry
(d) Texture

2. A design using flowers and foliages in all one color in various hues is

(a) Achromatic
(b) Monochromatic
(c) Complementary
(d) Tetradic

3. When you are trying to create emphasis in a particular area of a design, it is the

(a) Symmetrical
(b) Visual Flow
(c) Focal Point
(d) Harmony

Got An Orchid As A Gift, Now How Do I Take Care Of It?

May 19, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell

Ask The Expert: Sent an orchid to a friend who would like information about how to care for it.

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: Joy,

It depends do you know what kind of orchid was sent? Phalaenopsis or oncidium? Phelaenopsis have large blooms. If this is the type your friend received, our Phalaenopsis Orchid Care post will be very helpful. As for Oncidium orchids, they need very filtered or subdued light and must be kept moist but not soggy. It is okay to let them become slightly dry between watering.

I hope this information was helpful. Please let me know if I can help with anything else.

Filed Under: Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Flowering Houseplants, Oncidium Orchids, Orchids, Phalaeopsis orchid

The Most Popular Iris In The World — Flag Iris

May 18, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell 2 Comments

One of the most well known symbols, the fleur-de-lis is seen all over the globe! While it’s name means “Lily Flower” it’s beginnings did not start with the lily. Instead, it’s widely thought to be a stylized version of the species Iris pseudacorus or the Flag Iris.

As you can see, the flag iris is a bit different from the normal irises we usually see in our gardens. The upper petals are not as pronounced as regular bearded irises, but it looks just like the fleur de lis.

According to Pierre-Augustin Boissier de Sauvages, a French naturalist and lexicographer:

This flower, or iris, looks like our fleur-de-lis not just because of its yellow colour but also because of its shape: of the six petals, or leaves, that it has, three of them are alternatively straight and meet at their tops. The other three on the opposite, bend down so that the middle one seems to make one with the stalk and only the two ones facing out from left and right can clearly be seen, which is again similar with our fleurs-de-lis.

The fleur de lis has been used throughout history as a political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic, and symbolic icon, especially for heraldry, all over the world and as far back as history can remember. It’s interesting to see see this yellow flower pop up in anything from the oldest paintings to the most modern fashion. The fleur de lis is a classic symbol that is sure to be around for generations to come. Whether you’re in the French Quarter for Mardi Gras, New York for fashion week, or strolling the streets of Europe, keep your eyes peeled for the world’s favorite iris — the Flag Iris!

Filed Under: Flower Memories Tagged With: Iris, Spring Flowers, Wildflowers, Yellow Flowers

What To Do After My Indoor Bromeliad Has Bloomed?

May 17, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell

Ask The Expert: What to do after my indoor Bromeliad has bloomed? Do I snip off the dead bloom, and if so where? Will it the Bromeliad bloom again?

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: Yes, you will need to snip off the bloom. Cut the stem off inside the cup. Bromeliads flower only once in a lifetime.

After the blooming cycle, the mother plant will have offspring sprouting from the base which, at the proper time, will bloom. The feeding in this period is stronger. Use the same fertilizer at the same strength but with every watering.

When the pups become big enough to separate from the mother, gently remove them, pot in their own container, and care for them just like you did the mother plant. If you lose roots, start misting daily for two weeks. The pup will eventually bloom and become a mother plant.

Hopefully this information helps. Please let me know if you need anything else.

Filed Under: Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Bromeliad, Bromeliad Plants, Flowering Houseplants, Houseplant Care, Houseplants

Show Your GRAD They’re RAD — Send Flowers!

May 16, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

What better what to say, “I’m so proud of you” for all of your Grad’s hard work than by sending graduation flowers? Sure, it may sound cliche, but seriously, a reminder to stop and smell the roses couldn’t come at a better time.

Flowers Congratulate – The gift of flowers is a tried and true tradition that dates back probably as long as humans and flowers have been together. A beautiful flower is like nature’s gift we have all won and deserve in our own ways. A graduate, for all their hard work, deserves the best nature has to offer!

Flowers Keep Things Simple – Flowers remind us of the beauty of nature and really keep us grounded as we go through times that may be overwhelming, such as graduating. Research shows flowers have an immediate impact on happiness and long-term effects on positive moods.

Flowers Keep Us Going – We all know flowers will eventually wilt, however this reminds us of the brevity in life. We must stay proactive in order to flourish, and that’s the only way to make the most of yourself.

Include This Graduation Card Message:

A beautiful flower is like nature’s gift we’ve all won and deserve in our own ways. As a graduate, you deserve only the best for all of your hard work and dedication. Life has a lot in store for you, but no matter where your like may take you, never forget the beauty of a flower. Flowers spring up and bloom for our pleasure every year, and although they may fade, just wait a while and their vivid beauty will return again. No matter what you are going through in life, stay proactive. Continue to flourish and you will truly make the most of yourself.

This post is brought to you by local Bismark ND florists.
Not in North Dakota? No worries, Flower Shop Network is here to help you find YOUR local florist!

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas Tagged With: Back To School Flowers, Enclosure Card Messages, Flower Sending Tip, Graduation, Sending Flowers

What Is This NY Garden Mystery Plant?

May 13, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Ask The Plant Expert: In the People’s Garden at Riverside Park NYC, I found an odd little bunch of flowers in bloom that were almost hidden from view in our very lush garden. I haven’t the foggiest idea what it is, and I have been learning flowers hard for two years now. It’s quite unusual to me in shape, like a bell with four hornlike extensions beneath the petals. Help! Am attaching a really pretty picture of our little flower garden. I picked the hardest place to get interested in flowers–am crazy about Wave Hill Gardens up in the Bronx, but many of them are rare varieties excepting the wild flower garden. It has really been hard to ID plants there. I hate to bother busy experts, but you can be sure I have spent three hours at least trying on my own between my books and the internet.

-Tess

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: I contacted the New York Botanical Garden to see if they could help identify the plant. I received an answer from them this morning

It appears to be one of the epimediums.

Plants Delights nursery online may have it…Hope this helps.

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert

New Facebook Feature Could Mean Big Help For Florists

May 13, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell 2 Comments

I am so excited about the newest feature announced by Facebook yesterday! If you recall our post on Tips For Tagging Pictures For Business Pages, we explained how Facebook did not allow for individuals to tag Pages in their pictures, well…

YOU CAN NOW!

What does this mean for you?

Scenario 1: Sally Prom-Goer has just received her first prom corsage; she is so excited she instantly takes a picture with her phone and uploads it to Facebook for all of her friends to see. Included with her corsage was a card saying ‘Tag us on Facebook!’ and a address to your shop’s Facebook Page. She easily finds your Page, tags you in her picture.

So now she will forever have a picture of her corsage on her profile AND a link to your shop’s page. Of course, it’s the best looking corsage -ever- because it came from your shop, so all of her friends know exactly where to go when they need a corsage.

Scenario 2: Jenny Newlywed has just got all of her pictures back on a CD from her wedding photographer. Of course, she uploads them all to Facebook to show her friends and family. There are many beautiful pictures of the bouquets, reception flowers, and more designs from your flower shop. You send Jenny a private message in Facebook asking her to please tag your shop in the pictures of the flowers because they were so beautiful. You and Jenny got along great, and she instantly tags your shop in some 30 pictures.

Scenario 3: Robert Romantic sent his wife, Louis, 24 roses for their 10th wedding anniversary. Robert is at work when the flowers are delivered to their home, so Louis takes a picture of her arrangement with her mobile phone and uploads it to Facebook to show her friends, as well as Robert.

To Pot Or Not To Pot New Hydrangeas?

May 12, 2011 by Jamie Jamison Adams

Ask The Expert: I received 2 new hydrangeas for Mother’s Day, from a nursery, not foil wrapped. They are both large. I have one other one that was foil wrapped that I have potted and is now flowering (after 20 months). I live in San Antonio, TX, which is hot and dry. I want to know what would be the best option for these new hydrangeas — to plant them or pot them in probably a 15-20 gallon pot each. I would keep them in is partial shade – late afternoon sun, which has been good for my other older hydrangea. Do you have any suggestions on these new ones and what kind of pots, soil, etc?

Thanks a bunch,
Pam

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: Pam,

Since you have one hydrangea that is doing well, I would plant the new ones the same way. Hydrangeas typically prefer a well-drained soil with some sun protect in very hot climates. Different varities of hydrangeas can tolerate sun better than others.

For example: the oakleaf hydrangea prefers a shady area where as the PeeGee hydrangea like the sun.

In Texas, it is best to plant your hydrangeas in rich loamy soil with an eastern or northern exposure (some shade protection could be beneficial, but it will still need a fair amount of sunshine). Make sure to mulch your hydrangeas well to help retain the soil moisture.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if I can Help You with anything else.

Filed Under: Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert, Hydrangea Plant Care, Hydrangeas, Repotting Plants

Angel Trumpet Or Devil Trumpet?

May 12, 2011 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Ask The Expert: What is the differences between an angel trumpet and a devil trumpet? – Elaine

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:

It depends. Most of the time, devil’s trumpet is associated with the genus Datura. These herbaceous leafy annuals/short-lived perennials have lobed toothed alternate leaves with erect flowers and spiny fruit..

Angel’s trumpet are associated with the genus Brugmansia and have pendulous flowers, smooth fruit and are small woody tree/bushes. The large leaves of this plant have fine hairs along the coarsely toothed leaf margin.

Both plants belong to the Solanaceae family and contain toxins.

Hope this information was helpful. Please let me know if I can assist you with anything else!

Filed Under: Plant Identification Tagged With: Angel's Trumpet, Datura, Plant Identification

Who Else Has Never Heard Of A Flower Frog?

May 11, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell 2 Comments

Recently, while visiting a family friend, I discovered a new love for Flower Frogs. As an avid thrift store enthusiast, I had seen a ton of these little things before, but never put 2 and 2 together to realize they go with flowers! (doh!) Nor had I ever heard them called flower frogs.. I took as many pictures as I could to share with you guys, hope you enjoy..

Early Metal Versions

What is a Flower Frog?

A flower frog is simply something to hold flowers up, either with holes, a grid or a comb of metal. Some were intended to be placed in the bottom of a container to hold tricky stems, others were incredibly ornate vases themselves with holes to insert stems. Flower frogs were made of metal, ceramic, glass, and plastic.

How To Use Flower Frogs

Most people keep different varieties on hand. The spiky ones are good for thin, flimsy stems; ones with holes are suited to the thicker stems of tulips and lilies; and hairpin frogs with wire loops are best for stiff stems and branches.

This is a very decorative ceramic flower frog:

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Flower Memories Tagged With: Containers & Vases, Floral Design, Floral Supplies

YOU CAN NOW!

What is a Flower Frog?

How To Use Flower Frogs

Follow Us