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November is a time for giving thanks and celebrating the start of the holiday season. Naturally, flowers are a great way to show your thanks to friends and family, so you could send them just because if you really wanted. But in case you need a reason, we’re giving you five reasons to send flowers. Some you may know, and some you might not! [Read more…]
5 Reasons to Send Flowers November ’17
November 3, 2017 by 1 Comment
10 Weird Facts About Irises
February 24, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Irises are beautiful flowers that are often used as accents in floral design. With a unique shape, they add a special element to any arrangement. They have a rich history and are great additions to any floralscape. Learn more fun facts about these beauties below! [Read more…]
Flower Spotlight – Stargazer Lily
January 15, 2015 by Leave a Comment
When looking for flowers to dazzle, Stargazer Lilies seem to do that effortlessly. With their vibrant colors and delicious fragrance, it’s hard not to take notice of this oriental hybrid!
Origins and Symbolism
Originating from California in the early 70s, this perennial has added to the already famous legacy of the lily, so it’s no surprise that this striking bloom has a variety of meanings.
Used to congratulate or for sympathy, Stargazers symbolism varies due to their color. Whites represent purity, while bright pinks and reds express aspiration and prosperity.
To Consider
Although this beauty looks beautiful planted or cut, caution is given to those who have feline friends.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports this plant can be toxic to cats, causing vomiting, kidney failure and even death.
Availability
Named ‘stargazer’ because their blooms face the sky, these flowers are available late-summer.
Used in arrangements as well as bridal bouquets, they always astonish any receiver lucky enough to gaze at its star-like petals.
Make sure to head to your local florist to find this bloom in an arrangement!
Bridal bouquet photo accreditation to: http://www.weddingandpartynetwork.com/gallery/
December Flower Spotlight: Poinsettia
December 11, 2014 by Leave a Comment
As it is in keeping with seasonal tradition, this month’s flower spotlight should be no surprise to anyone. After all, what flower is most associated with the holiday season? None other than the Poinsettia, of course!
Origins
This is yet another plant that comes to us from south of the border, and like the dahlia, it was once important to the Aztecs. Although the dahlia was a food source, (really!) the poinsettia was used to create red dye, and it absolutely should not be ingested.
Safety Concerns
It is commonly believed that the poinsettia is highly toxic, but those reports are overblown. Unless you sat down and ate a large number of plants, the worst you would suffer is possible vomiting and diarrhea.
Flower Symbolism & Mythology
As should be expected with a flower synonymous with Christmas, most of the poinsettia’s symbolism is very religious in nature. The red flower is supposed to symbolize Jesus’ blood, while the white blooms represent purity. The star shape of the blooms are supposed to represent the Star of Bethlehem which led the wise men to the baby Jesus.
The Aztecs also believed the flower represented purity, (Red meant purity to them.) but its connection to Christmas can be traced back to a Mexican legend originating in the 16th century.
The legend says that a young girl was too poor to purchase a gift suitable to leave for Jesus on the church altar. An angel told her to pick weeds from the side of the road, which she did. As she placed the weeds on the altar, red and green flowers burst forth. As of the early 17th century, Mexican monks began using the poinsettia in all Christmas celebrations.
Availability
You can find the poinsettia just about anywhere at this time of year, but if you want it professionally worked into a gorgeous arrangement, you’ll have to visit your local florist. They always do the best work and can make even the most abundant flower look uniquely beautiful.
Now when you buy your poinsettia this Christmas, you can share a bit of trivia with your family!
November Flower Spotlight: The Dahlia
November 13, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Flowers are beautiful at any time of year, and they will be blooming somewhere no matter how cold the temperature gets. With fall weather here in earnest, let’s look at a flower to remind us of warmer climes, the beautiful Dahlia!
Origins
The Dahlia is native to Mexico but is also grown throughout Central America. Its roots were used by the Aztecs as a food source, but though European explorers took the dish home, it didn’t catch on. Instead, the beautiful flowers became the only reason European horticulturists had any interest. The tuberous roots are rarely eaten anymore, but the blooms have never lost their luster.
Flower Symbolism
There is no one meaning that encompasses all the dahlia is, and that more than anything else may embody its symbolism. For some, the dahlia expresses dignity and elegance. It can also mean commitment and everlasting bonds, but that’s not all. To others, the dahlia means change, travel or even a warning of impending danger. It is also seen as meaning inner strength, creativity and standing up for what you believe.
The Perfect Gift
So with all those different meanings, when is a good time to gift someone with a dahlia?
It’s perfect for that friend with a bit of a wild side, someone who tempers their adventures with a good heart and good intentions. It can also be given for any of the meanings listed above, it may just be a good idea to verbally express what your intentions were at the outset.
Availability
The dahlia is normally available from most flower shops, but as with any specific flower request it’s always a good idea to give the florist time to order some if they don’t carry them in stock. After all, flowers are highly perishable items. But don’t fret. That ordering process normally only takes a couple of days.
So contact your local florist and order a gorgeous arrangement with the always elegant dahlia!
FSN September Newsletter: Last Chance for Summer Sun!
September 11, 2014 by Leave a Comment
September means the end of summer, and yet there is still time before temperatures fall into the cool days of autumn. For a few weeks more, summer sunshine will grace us with warm days and cool nights. Before you turn the page to the new season, engage in some fun summer activities. Go camping, play a neighborhood game of kickball and buy yourself or a loved one another arrangement of fabulous summer flowers.
Because that’s how you celebrate the last days of summer, by enjoying the warmth of the summer sun outside and the beauty of summer inside.
September Flower Spotlight: Aster
September 10, 2014 by Leave a Comment
September’s birth flower is the Aster, and that makes it the perfect choice for our September Flower Spotlight. A gorgeous bloom that looks like a star burst and whose name means star, it makes the perfect gift for any September event!
Mythology
As usual with Greek mythology, there is more than one tale that explains the presence of these beautiful flowers. The first says that the goddess Virgo spread star dust upon the earth and it took root to eventually become the Aster. Another says that the goddess Asterea began to cry when she looked upon the earth and saw no stars there. Her tears became the lovely Aster.
Another legend comes from the Cherokee Indian tribe. They believed that two warring tribes destroyed a village, leaving only two sisters as survivors. The two women wore doe skin dresses, one dyed lavender blue with fringe and the other bright yellow. They took refuge with an old herb woman who saw into the future and realized they would be hunted down and killed by their enemies. To help them avoid this fate, she turned them into flowers. The first sister became the blue aster and the second was the yellow goldenrod.
Uses of the Past
Ancient peoples believed that the smell of burning aster leaves would drive away serpents. The French would place them on the graves of fallen soldiers to symbolize the wish that things had turned out differently.
Meanings
The aster means patience, love, daintiness and good-luck. When given as a gift it means admiration and love, and can also mean elegance. It is often seen as a talisman of love, and in China they are a symbol of fidelity.
The aster is a magnificent flower with a rich history and a beautiful mythology. It’s the perfect gift for a September birthday, a welcome surprise for your heart’s true love or just because you like to give gorgeous blooms! As always, remember to buy local!
August Newsletter: Keeping It Classy
August 19, 2014 by Leave a Comment
The kids put on their backpacks. Mom and Dad give them a lift or make sure they get on the bus without incident. Teachers stare across their classrooms at a sea of new faces, excited to educate fresh, young minds. What’s missing from these images? Flowers! In a stressful first few weeks, a beautiful bouquet or magnificent arrangement can do wonders, and every person in this scenario is deserving.
So whether you’re a student, a parent, a teacher or just friends with some, give the gift of flowers and keep school classy!
August Flower Spotlight: Gladiolus
August 14, 2014 by Leave a Comment
The Gladiolus is native to sub-Saharan Africa and has over over 260 species. It is a beautiful flower that has found popularity in the states and is almost always available at your local flower shop. But why should you request one be used in your next arrangement?
Flower Meaning
If you’re looking for a flower that really gets to the heart of your relationship, the Gladiolus is perfect. Why? Because the name of this flower comes from the latin word gladioli which means sword. It was so named and is sometimes referred to as the “Sword Lily” due to it’s long flower spikes. It’s meanings include strength and moral integrity, but because of it’s unique sword shape, it is also known for infatuation, letting the recipient know that they’ve pierced the giver’s heart with passion. It’s an excellent flower for all stages of love.
Occasions For Use
It’s also the birth flower for August! If you’re giving away any birthday arrangements, the Gladiolus should be included in your floral mix. And all of you wonderful couples celebrating your 40th wedding anniversary, the Gladiolus is this momentous event’s designated flower as well!
The Gladiolus is a gorgeous flower with gorgeous meaning. Your local florist should have them in stock, but if not, they can be on her next shipment!
July Newsletter: Pick Up Some Summer Sunshine
July 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Summer is a beautiful time of year, and that makes it the perfect time for flowers!
As the temperature heats up and Mother Nature spreads her wings, florist shops are filled to bursting with beautiful summer blooms. It’s the perfect time to stop by and pick up a creative arrangement for your significant other or even for yourself. After all, there’s nothing like fresh cut flowers adorning your breakfast table or sitting by your bedside when you wake. So head on out to your local florist shop and pick up some summer sunshine!
