Find Your Local Florist:Everything you want to know about flowers!
Monica Asks:
I bought a plant a few days ago and I do not know what kind it is how do i find out what it is.
Jamie Replies: There are a few ways; FlowerShop Network has a gallery of house plant pictures — go to FSN Pictures of House Plants, check out FSN Floral and Plant forum’s plant identification, or send me a few pictures of the plant and I will identify it. You can summit the picture to me through our ask the expert page.
Valentine’s Day has past but that doesn’t mean the need for sending flowers is gone. Birthdays, anniversaries, and other flower giving events are still occurring. When sending flowers it is fun to let the flowers speak for you. You can choose flowers that represent the emotion you want to convey. The flower meanings for daffodils for example are:
So try this sometime: Send your girlfriend a vase of daffodils to let her know “she’s the one”.
You can Learn more at Flower Meanings
Understanding funeral flower etiquette is important when deciding how to express your sympathy. When we think of funerals, we often think of flowers. However, different religions and cultures dictate when and where funeral flowers are appropriate.
Flowers are a part of many funeral services. Your professional florist can be of assistance when deciding the type of sympathy arrangement to be sent to the funeral home or to the family residence. Preference in flowers, colors and types of arrangements may be different in different regions of the country. When considering religious and cultural funeral customs, the professional florist filling your funeral flower order will help you with an appropriate selection.
There are many types of arrangements available when ordering funeral flowers. Selecting the style and design usually falls within these categories:
VASE OR TABLE ARRANGEMENTS are usually funeral flower arrangements sent to the bereaved family’s home or taken home after the service. Choosing this type of arrangement can reflect the deceased’s tastes, style or personality. If uncertain as to the type of funeral flower arrangements to send, a discussion with the florist will help you with your selection.
FUNERAL FLOWERS FOR AN INFANT OR CHILD are usually smaller than regular funeral flower arrangements. The color theme may be that of soft pastels or of bright sunny colors. Funeral flower arrangements, sprays, bouquets, wreaths, angels and crosses are considered appropriate.
FUNERAL FLOWER WREATHS come in a variety of floral or other types of designs. Wreaths bring a special meaning to the service. The circular shape of the wreath is the symbol for eternal life. Crosses are also considered appropriate.
FUNERAL FLOWER CASKET SPRAYS come in an assortment of sizes. The two most common sizes are either full-length or half-length sizes. The full-length arrangement extends over the full length of the closed casket lid. The half-length arrangement covers the bottom half or the closed portion of the casket during an open casket funeral. The family usually orders funeral flower casket sprays.
FUNERAL FLOWER LID ARRANGEMENTS can be small floral bouquets, corsages or other types of small arrangements. These types of funeral flower arrangements are usually ordered by the family and represent the children or grandchildren of the deceased.
FUNERAL FLOWER SPRAYS are delivered to the funeral home. Funeral flower sprays may be ordered from a wide selection of flowers and themes, and are presented on an easel during the service.
LIVE PLANTS are often welcomed as gestures of condolence and sympathy. Live plants can be sent to the funeral home, the residence, or even to the office.
SYMPATHY GIFT BASKETS containing flowers, plants, kosher, gourmet or specialty foods, and gifts are appreciated by family and colleagues. These types of baskets are delivered to the family residence or to the office. These types of baskets are not usually delivered to the funeral home.
SYMPATHY CARD: The Enclosure or Sympathy Card lists who gave or sent the flowers. On the back of the card the florist will list the type of arrangement, along with a description of the flowers, plant or sympathy basket.
FUNERAL FLOWER CULTURES AND CUSTOMS
The etiquette of sending funeral flowers differs by religion and custom. Understanding the type of service will help in your decision of whether or not to send flowers. If you are uncertain about the type of religious service, or the cultural customs of the deceased, then it is advised that you ask the family’s religious leader, the funeral home director or a professional florist.
Military Funerals usually follow these practices: When the flag is draped on the casket, then only standing sprays are used. Funeral flowers arrangements with ribbons in red, white and blue are often requested for a patriotic theme. Military symbols can be used with the funeral flower arrangements.
Japanese Services usually follow these practices: The incorporation of lots of flowers is used in the funeral service. It is considered appropriate to send flowers to the funeral home, such as large standing sprays and floor arrangements.
Cremation Services usually follow these practices: Funeral flower arrangements are generally considered appropriate. It is often recommended that you check with a member of the deceased’s family, the florist or the funeral director as how to best express your sympathy.
Roman Catholic Services usually follow these practices: It is considered appropriate to send flowers to the funeral home such as standing sprays, floor arrangements, standing arrangements, crosses and hearts. Sympathy gift baskets of fruit and food may be sent to the deceased’s residence, but not to the funeral home.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) Services usually follow these practices: It is considered appropriate to send sympathy cards and flowers. Funeral flower arrangements in the shape of a cross should not be sent.
Baptist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and other Protestant Services usually follow these practices: It is considered an appropriate expression of your sympathy to send flowers, cards and charitable donations in memory of the deceased.
Buddhist Ceremonies usually follow these practices: Flowers are considered appropriate; however do not send red flowers. White flowers are considered the symbol of mourning.
Understanding funeral flower etiquette is important. Talking with a professional florist can help answer your questions. The family and friends who have lost a loved one will appreciate your appropriate expression of sympathy.
Sending funeral flowers is easy with FlowerShop Network Directory of real local florists in the United States and Canada.
For more information concerning funeral flowers and etiquette, please read: Funeral Flowers In Lieu Of Flowers
Gary asks:
We have a 3 stalk Lucy Banboo plant and it was doing well but in the last two weeks we have ovserved that the biggest and tallest one has start to trun yellow. The leaves are all green and healthly looking. We live outside of Bethlehem PA. The temperature is about 60 degrees. The plant gets indirect day light but it is not in a window.We use only spring water and we water it twice a month.
Is this condition something that I should be worry about.
Jamie’s Reply: Although you use spring water, it may still be heavy in salts. Too much floride, chlorine, or salts can cause the leaves to yellow. Try using distilled water. I would not worry if only one or two leaves at the bottom are turning yellow. Flower Shop Network has an informative newsletter called Caring for Lucky Bamboo. Hope this helps.
Gary responds:
Thank you for getting back to me but the leaves are not the part that is turning yellow but 1 out of tree stalks are turning yellow.
I printed out the newsletter and will read through it. Should I be worried about the stalk turning yellow?
Jamie’s Reply: I am a little concerned. You may have some type of pathogen — insect or fungal. Check for scale or spider mites both are insects. Scale will be a cottony substance or a shell like attachment on the stem or at the base of the leaves. You will need a magnifying glass to see the spider mites — they will be actively crawling around. As for fungal, check for soft tissue any where on the stem especially at the water line. One other thing have you fertilized your lucky bamboo? I will research a little further to see if I can come up with any other possibilities.
Gary Responds:
Thank you for getting back to me.
I will get a magnifying glass and check for spider mites and fungal. No we have not fertilized the luck bamboo but we will. Can you please let us know what and how we should do this.
Jamie’s Reply : Use any standard house plant food at about one-tenth the recommended dilution rate each time you change the water. Make sure you are using a water soluble fertilizer.
Lucky bamboo requires a lot of effort and time. There are many low-maintenance plants that are easy to grow and still just as beautiful! Click the button below to order a plant that is easy to care for!
With the 2007 Valentine’s Day holiday approaching, Flower Shop Network would like to offer these suggestions and tips to ensure your satisfaction as well as your customer’s, on orders placed going outside your delivery area:
Delivery fees in metro areas average $10 to $12.
Provide recipient telephone numbers. Many shops will not accept orders without a working recipient phone number.
During the Valentine’s Day holiday, the minimum order amount is $40, plus delivery which averages $8-$10.
Must provide 2nd choice products on orders: this includes flowers, colors, etc…
Guaranteed delivery cutoff will be Monday, February 12th, 2007 at 2:00pm CST.
Please inform your customers that orders placed after the cutoff date and time will be delivered as quickly as possible according to the delivery date.
The staff at Flower Shop Network appreciates the opportunity to work with you and wish you a happy and prosperous Valentine’s Day.Sincerely,
Julie Ratliff
FSN Relay Manager
Tracee asks:
I have been trying for months off an on to find the identity of this plant. A small start was given to me as a gift from a friend. She has no idea what is is, as a start was given to her. I have replanted it into a larger pot, and am thinking I need to again. It has really grown well, but I would like to know what it is and a little more about it. Can you help me? Any information that I could get and share with the friend that gave it to me would be greatly appreciated.
Jamie’s Reply: I believe you plant is some type of hybridized begonia; possible in the rex begonia family. It looks like a bloom bud might be forming. If it blooms it should prove to be a hybrid begonia. I hope this helps. I try to find out more about this plant and send you the information. Reply: After consulting with Janet Carson at the Arkansas Extention Service we believe you have a rhizomatous begonia possibly a star begonia (Begonia heracleifolia). The American Begonia Society has culture information concerning this type of begonia. Go to American Begonia Society to find out more about your begonia. Hope I helped.
Tracee responds:
Thank you SO much for the information about my plant. It is DEFINITLY a Rhizmatous Begonia. I did some more research on it, and found a wonderful picture of one that is very much like mine. I guess I have lucked out as far as the care of it, and it’s grown well. I have learned some tips though, so that’ll help when I replant.
David asks:
HELLO. I RECEIVED THIS PLANT FOR MY MOTHER’S FUNERAL LAST WEEK AND WAS PURCHASED IN COVINGTON VA. LITTLE CLAY POT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW THE NAME OF THE PLANT AND HOW TO CARE FOR IT. IS IT A HOUSE PLANT OR CAN BE PLANTED OUT DOOR’S ANY INFO YOU CAN GIVE WILL GREATLY BE APPRECIATED. THANKS,
Jamie’s Reply:
You have a Schefflera arboricola. This plant doesn’t like temperatures under 59 degrees, so I would recommend using it as a house plant. Schefflera have moderate to low light requirements and enjoy temperatures ranging from 59 to 70 degrees. If plants are kept too cold leaves will drop off. Keep plant lightly moist. From April thru August, feed with a water soluble fertilizer every two weeks. Insufficient fertilizing will cause stunted growth and pale leaves. To keep it shapely prune to encourage branching. Plants needed to be repotted about every two years or if pot size is inappropriate for plant size. Watch for spider mites (the prime pests for Schefflera — they thrive in very warm conditions). Although spider mites can only be seen with a magnifying glass, your plant will exhibit leaf discoloration and other symptoms to alert you. Don’t be alarmed if your plant is stressed for the next few weeks. Your Schefflera will go thru transplant stock from it’s traveling. Follow the above guideline and it will be fine. I hope this helps. If you need any other information please contact me. Flower Shop Network has an article on houseplants that might give you some more information: go to House Plants For Interiors.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, so naturally the thought of love is on everyone’s mind. But, so many questions need to be answered: What kind of flower should I send? What are some romantic ideas and gifts? Should I send a unique flower arrangement? Do I need a valentines gift idea?
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, everyone has pondered those very questions. Everything will fall in to place if we answer two questions:
The answer to the first question is easy. You either love someone or you don’t. So with that question out of the way, what does question number two mean? Think about your life: it goes through stages and therefore, so does your love life.
PUPPY LOVE is junior high school carefree and clueless love, with gestures that are low key and effortless. Puppy love doesn’t need elaborate romantic valentine ideas; just simple and fun. Sending a girlfriend or boyfriend a carnation in a bud vase or a fuzzy teddy bear is the perfect puppy love Valentines gift.
YOUNG LOVE is high school sincere and public love. Valentine’s Day is the biggest day of the year for young love. A girlfriend or boyfriend in the young love phase wants outward displays of love and affection that are cute and fun.
Romantic ideas for young love are:
Whether sending a balloon, stuffed animal or flower arrangement to your girlfriend or boyfriend, remember with young love it’s all about exposure. So, make sure your romantic Valentine’s gifts are delivered to school; in front of as many people as possible.
TRUE LOVE is a genuine developing love. Romance is a must; not only at Valentine’s Day but all year long. True love wants grand romantic gestures and spontaneity. Flower arrangements are always a romantic gesture and paired with the unique or extravagant, just what the true lover desires.
Whether it is Valentines Day or any other day, true love will be delighted with these Valentines ideas:
In True Love, it is all about romancing them, so make sure your romantic gift ideas are thoughtful and spontaneous.
NEWLYWED LOVE is a committed and idealistic love. Life is one big romance with the ideal husband or wife. Sentimental and elegant are the essence of Valentine’s Day romantic ideas and gifts for Newlywed love.
Of course flowers are romantic, but don’t stop there! Newlyweds have so many romantic options:
Every day for newlyweds is like Valentine’s Day, but it can be special with a little thought and planning. Remembering all the firsts in the relationship can give the newlywed love a creative way to be elegant and sentimental.
MARRIAGE is a “for better or worse” love. Romance in marriage is sometimes pushed aside for other demands in life and not always celebrated. The great thing about Valentine’s Day is it gives the marriage an opportunity to stop and smell the roses, literally. Marriage needs romantic ideas that show admiration and appreciation. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with romantic gift ideas such as:
Admiration is the key to everyday love. This love needs to show appreciation with romantic ideas and gifts, especially on Valentine’s Day.
SWEETEST LOVE is a rare and unique creature. It is a love that spans years of sorrow, laughter, joy and commitment. This love knows what romantic ideas are all about. They know that:
Gifts for your sweetest love:
Visiting the phases of love over and over with your wife or husband is the key to their happiness. With the Sweetest Love, there is always room for romance not only on Valentine’s Day but every day.
Valentine’s is a great holiday with endless possibilities to show someone how much you love them. Have you answered the questions and are still struggling with romantic ideas? Contact your local professional florist; they are always willing to help.
Click Here to find a local florist to send one of the romantic Valentine’s Day Ideas mentioned above.
More Valentines Ideas:
Roses and More.
St Valentines History.
The Meaning of Flowers.
Valentine’s Day Romance ideas
Hearts and Flowers.
Denny & Jo asks:
Could you help me identify a flowering houseplant given to me? I received this plant a couple of years ago and have cut off stems as they grow long and just pushed them back into the soil for additional growth. About a month ago I noticed that one of the plant was starting to bud. It had never done this before. About a week ago the buds opened into small yellow/orange flowers. I have had the plant (Now 2 plants, since I transplanted some of the stems into a different planter) for at least 2 years with never any indication of buds or flowers. I have attached several photos of the plants.
Reply: The plant you have is a Kalanchoe. Blooming is day length sensitive. It is a short-day plant meaning blooming occurs when light exposure has been restricted. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
December – the season of snow, gift giving, seasons greetings yuletide and all that jazz. It is also the time to hang your Christmas wreath. One of the most festive and personalizing displays at Christmas time is the holiday wreath. Basically, there is only one way you can do the nativity scene (it’s not like you can leave out the three wise men or place baby Jesus in a majestic Victorian cradle). However, a Christmas wreath has endless possibilities for personalization. Look at the houses down your street; no two holiday wreaths look the same.
Think about all your options: masculine, feminine, natural, contemporary, traditional, glitzy and many others. If you like an old-fashioned feminine look, try a Victorian wreath with soft pinks and ivories intertwined with pearl ribbon. Want a rustic look? Achieve the rustic look with pheasant feathers, natural fiber ribbon and feather covered balls incorporated in a grapevine wreath. Use your imagination when creating a Christmas wreath. Remember the seventies and the tinsel tree with it’s light and rotating color wheel. Retro is in; borrow the seventies concept by making a tinsel wreath using colorful ornaments and little sparkling lights.
Fashion Is My Thing Christmas Wreath
“Babes in Toyland” is a movie shown around the holidays. With this in mind, a novel idea would be to take components of that movie and integrate them into a Christmas wreath. Work a toy soldier, a teddy bear, a jack in the box and other toys around a
wreath so they appear like they are matching in step one after the other. If you enjoyed the Williamsburg Christmas in our November 2002 newsletter, then the placement of fruit on your wreath can give you the right effect. The possibilities for a Christmas wreath are endless and a great way to present your personality to the world, or at least to your neighborhood.
Another distinct but somewhat different type of Christmas wreath is the Advent wreath. The Advent wreath is a marvelous indoor display of tradition and simplified beauty. Yet, because it is trimmed in long-lasting greenery it still lends itself to some personalization. For those stimulated by their olfactory sense, choose an Advent wreath with fragrant eucalyptus or cypress. You will achieve both an amazing aromatic quality, and a astounding textural effect with these greenery options. For the visually stimulated person, a glossy leaf holly with red berries will highlight your Advent wreath with its contrasting red and green. Adventurous at heart, discuss unusual greenery with your local florist and develop you own greenery options. The key is to remember tradition can be accomplished without losing your own personality.
It seems like Christmas is the only time we think about using a wreath. We dress our front door elaborately for the Christmas holiday just to strip it of all its glory the minute the holiday is over. Why? We can and should dress our door all year long. A holiday wreath could be used for the other numerous holidays throughout the year.
Make your Valentine’s Day more romantic with a wreath draped in beautiful red velvet ribbon and opaque pearl hearts. Greenery such as ivy and shamrocks, a leprechaun, and a pot of gold tucked in to a grapevine wreath will make St. Patty proud. A wreath with colorful eggs and bunnies made by your children will be a whimsical Easter display and a sentimental keepsake. Placement of a dried hot pepper wreath on your door will spice up your celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The ability to place a wreath on your door every holiday is only limited by your imagination. So let your hair down and be creative.
A door wreath can be more than a holiday accoutrement. The floral wreath can be a great bridge between the holiday wreaths. A remarkable quality of the floral wreath is the use of permanent flowers. The worry of “what is in season” is eliminated with the use of permanent flowers. You can personalize your floral wreath with your signature flower. If hydrangeas are your thing, make a dried hydrangea wreath. The culinary master might want a floral wreath containing dried herbs or fruits. For the sentimental bride, have your bridal bouquet flowers dried and incorporated into a wreath for your newlywed home.
The possibilities are never-ending when it comes to creating a wreath. You can change your wreath seasonally, use it only on holidays, or create special celebration wreaths like a baby wreath announcing the birth of a child. Just remember to always add your personal touch.
There is always a way to personalize your wreath. So drop in on your local profession florist and discuss your ideas. Whether the florist creates your wreath or supplies you with the tools needed to create a wreath, you can be sure that you will have a wreath with style and personalization.
Click here to find a florist to create one of the wreaths mentioned above.
For more Christmas ideas read:
Yuletide Berries, Holly & Mistletoe.
Deck the Halls
A Night Before Christmas.
Christmas Decorating Ideas.
Christmas Cactus, Paperwhites, Narcissus, & other Holiday Plants.
Author: Jamie Jamison Adams
