Women have made great strides since the early 1900’s. This isn’t only in the United States, but all over the world. International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8th, is a global celebration of all the achievements of women. Flowers are often sent to commemorate this day, so why not send a bouquet full of flowers that represent strength, liberty, and admiration? [Read more…]
5 Gorgeous Valentine’s Day Arrangements
Are you looking for some floral inspiration this Valentine’s Day? Check out these five arrangements! You’ll find everything from the traditional, to whimsical. [Read more…]
2016 Color of the Year Flowers
Last month, Pantone announced the color of the year for 2016. For the first time, it was the blending of two shades: Serenity and Rose Quartz. Looking for flowers in the year’s colors? Here is a quick guide so you can head to your local florist for an arrangement in the new year shades.
Serenity and Rose Quartz
Both of these colors give the feeling of peace and gentleness. Perfect for an intimate spring wedding or for a “just because” arrangement for an old friend! This combination of colors make a beautiful bouquet of blooms that will make a loved one smile!
Flowers in 2016 Colors
Here are some flowers you can mention to your florists that are close to this year’s colors:
- Pale Pink Asiatic Lilies
- Pink Spray Roses
- Blue Delphinium
- Misty Blue Limonium
- Blue Lilac
- Blue Hydrangea
Head to your local florist today and have them create a beautiful arrangement in Serenity and Rose Quartz!
Flower Spotlight – Gerbera Daisy
The Gerbera Daisy is the 5th most popular flower in the world. This flower comes in a variety of bright and pastel colors, making it perfect for any occasion.
Origins & Symbolism
The Gerbera Daisy was first discovered by a Scotsman named Robert Jameson near Barberton, South Africa. It was found in 1884, but it wasn’t until 40 years later that this type of daisy was cultivated. The scientific name for this flower is Gerbera Jamesonii, named after the German botanist Traugott Gerber and Robert Jameson. Other names include African Daisy, Barberton Daisy and Transvaal Daisy.
The Gerbera Daisy is a symbol of innocence, purity and cheerfulness. It is a member of the family of daisies, asters and sunflowers. Legend has it that the Gerbera is a symbol for modesty. According to the legend, a nymph, so incredibly beautiful, was never left alone by suitors. She was so tired of being followed that one day the nymph, in order to have peace, decided to turn herself into a Gerbera Daisy.
To Consider
It’s better to plant Gerbera Daisies in areas where it will get full to partial sunlight. Gerberas aren’t affected by high temperatures and can stand harsh sunlight. In cooler months, like November through May, make sure to only water when the soil becomes dry. This will ensure the flower’s growth is successful.
Note: The ASPCA listed Gerbera Daisies as non-toxic. They pose no danger to cats, dogs, or horses.
Availability
Gerbera Daisies come in many different colors. From orange to soft creams or blushes, each color holds a special meaning of beauty. Bright colors radiate positive energy and soft breams whisper innocence. In the United States, California and Florida produce a great amount of Gerbera flowers, but Netherlands and Columbia are the primary distributors of the cut version. These flowers often measure 7 inches across and remain fresh for 7-14 days, making them great for centerpieces and bridal bouquets.
Head to your local florist today and select a beautiful arrangement of Gerbera Daisies. You will be stunned by their beauty! Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more flower spotlights!
Flower Spotlight – Ranunculus
There is beauty in everything coming from nature, but Ranunculus flowers simply go above and beyond expectations. With their incredibly radiant colors, it is true to say that they will brighten anyone’s day!
Origins and Symbolism
Ranunculus are best known as Buttercup Flowers, but some may also know them as Coyote’s Eyes. Legend has it that the Native American mythological figure “Coyote” was throwing his eyes up in the air and catching them every time, when suddenly “Eagle” snatched them. Coyote not being able to see grabbed two buttercups creating a pair of new eyes, allowing him to see the beauty of this world once again.
This isn’t the only legend surrounding this beautiful flower. Another legend tells of a shy, handsome Persian prince who lived longing to declare his love for a nymph. Not being able to do so, he died of heartbreak and turned into a giant Ranunculus flower.
Turban Buttercup is another alternative name for this flower. It derives from a species that originated in the Middle East. The Victorian meaning of Ranunculus is “you are rich in attractions,” making this a very romantic flower choice.
To Consider
Ranunculus use a lot of energy for they produce complex, multi-petal flowers. Make sure to add all purpose fertilizer when you plant them and every two weeks supplement with half strength fertilizer while the plants are growing.
Also note that these flowers are poisonous when eaten fresh by cats, dogs, horses and cows. They contain juices that can irritate or damage their digestive systems. So, make sure to keep you little friends away from these blooms.
Avalability
Ranunculus come in a variety of vibrant colors such as yellow, red, pink, orange, copper, and white with dark or yellow centers. Once cut, these flowers last for a week. This makes them perfect for bridal bouquets or centerpieces. They are most popular in the mild-winter regions of the South and West.
If you want to put your hands on these beautiful flowers, head to your local florist today! Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more tips on flowers!
Photo by iMarly
5 Best Reasons to Send Flowers in August
August is a month of lesser known holidays, and that makes it a great month for flowers. Imagine the look on your friend, sister or favorite senior citizen’s face when you show up at their house with a gorgeous arrangement to honor them on a day they weren’t even aware existed? Priceless! They will be overcome with joy, and really, isn’t that what giving flowers is all about? So get ready to buy some blooms and spread some smiles!
#1 – Friendship Day – August 3rd
What’s this? A day to celebrate all the friends who help us get through life with a smile on our faces and a laugh on our lips? Yes, please! Friendship is a priceless gift and is much deserving of its own holiday. And hey, they even made Winnie the Pooh the Ambassador of Friendship. What’s not to love? Buy a beautiful bouquet or arrangement for your friend(s) and let them know just how much they mean to you!
#2 – Sister’s Day – August 3rd
If you have a sister then you know just how much they deserve this day and these flowers. Sisters put up with a lot, and yet they love you in spite of your sibling shenanigans. (Be honest. You know you engaged in some shenanigans.) And is there anything better than surprising your sister? Sure, in the past it was jumping on her bed to wake her up or putting a lizard in her sock drawer, but for today at least, flowers will better fit the bill. And a lovely arrangement from your local florist will clearly say all the things that might have gotten confused by that whole lizard incident.
#3 – Senior Citizens Day – August 21st
This is the day to honor your favorite senior citizen through support and recognition of their achievements. What better way to do those things than with some heartwarming flowers? Don’t forget those people who supported you throughout your life, give them a smile!
#4 – Back to School
This is an exciting time for students and teachers alike. A new year brings new opportunities, new challenges and new successes. Kick off their epic journey with a lovely arrangement straight from your local florist. After all, nothing says, “Welcome to your first day of school!” like some beautiful blooms.
#5 – August Birthdays
Say, “Happy Birthday” with flowers! When someone’s birthday is in August, they already get to have pool parties and any other outdoor activity they might enjoy, but even though they won the birth-month jackpot, their day can still be made brighter by some gorgeous flowers from your local florist. Help make their big day perfect!
We’ve listed a few good excuses to buy flowers this August, but really, every day is a good day for flowers. Your local florist would welcome your patronage any day of the month, and they’ll make something beautiful you can display or give away. No excuses needed.
Suggest an Article: Hydrating Hydrangeas!
In this edition of Suggest an Article, we have a fantastic tip from Jo Ann Evans of JoAnn’s Flowers and Gifts in Indian Trail, NC. Take it away, Jo Ann!
“To keep Hydrangeas hydrated:
Wet tip of stem and place in alum powder, then put the flower in the water bucket. You can also put a small amount of alum powder in the water bucket itself. This simple application keeps the flower fresh. It really works!!”
Discovering Alum
If you aren’t big into cooking, pickling in particular, you may not be familiar with alum powder. It’s a primary ingredient in the pickling of fruits and vegetables to help maintain freshness. It would stand to reason that if it can keep these items fresh through the pickling process, it could help prolong the life of your freshly cut hydrangeas!
Because alum powder is used in cooking, it can easily be located on the spice aisle of your local grocer. It’s a cheap additive to keep Hydrangeas happy, so there’s no excuse not to use it.
I hope you enjoyed this edition of Suggest an Article, and I can’t wait to see what kinds of ideas we’ll find in our comments section. Remember, your ideas do not have to be limited to flower care tips or marketing techniques. If you think something is happening in your local community deserving of an article by Flower Shop Network, let us know!
Spring Forward With Flowers!
Here is a reminder to set those clocks forward one hour this Sunday.
Daylight saving time begins this year on March 9th, 2014 at 2:00am.
So those blissfully longer days you have been dreaming of all winter will cost you an extra hour of sleep. Unless you happen to live in locations that ignore Daylight Saving Time all together. Then you don’t have to worry about it. Hawaii anyone?
With spring on the way, it is time to shake off the dust of last season. Sure, maybe you’ll get started on all that spring cleaning now, but don’t forget to actively enjoy nature a little more.
Welcome Spring In Right Now!
Here’s how:
- Send a cheery spring arrangement to your spouse or best friend! Flowers bring instant smiles and sunshine into a room.
- Select a healthy new house plant for your home or office. They look beautiful, lift your mood, help purify the air!
- Think outdoors! Check out what great seasonal items are available like potted tulips, garden flags, spring-themed wreaths and more at your local flower shop.
You might be losing a little sleep but with some extra daylight hours, you can enjoy the welcome sight of spring when you give the gift of fresh cut flowers and living plants. It’s a fantastic chance to show someone special that you are thinking about them or a perfect way to treat yourself.
Find your real local florist today and order lovely flowers to spring forward with this season.
Flowers and the Colors of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is coming, and celebrations will be ramping up soon. But the festivities are not merely restricted to New Orleans. People celebrate Mardi Gras with family and friends all over the country. If you’re looking for tips to see you through this Mardi Gras season, let me show you the perfect decoration for any Mardi Gras themed get-together. That’s right, I’m talking about flowers!
The Colors of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras decoration is all about the colors. Look at any picture of Mardi Gras floats and you’ll quickly see the theme. But why those colors? In 1872, the Krewe of Rex was founded. The organization was created to put on a spectacle for visiting Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia and to entice tourists to visit a post-civil war New Orleans.
The krewe designed elaborate floats and quickly became a fixture in the Mardi Gras parade. An individual is chosen annually to represent the krewe as their Rex (the latin word for king) as the self proclaimed “King of Carnival”. The first reigning Rex chose the colors and assigned them meanings. Many of its traditions, not just the colors, were adapted by other krewes and are a traditional part of the Mardi Gras celebration to this day.
The colors and their meanings are as follows:
- Purple – Justice
- Gold – Power
- Green – Faith
A Floral Tradition
Flowers are a long-standing tradition in Mardi Gras decoration. Almost every float has some variation of floral accent. And for those who can’t make it to New Orleans this year, flowers mark one of the easiest and most attractive ways to decorate for your party. The colors of Mardi Gras could not have been more perfectly chosen. Purples, greens and golds are prevalent in the floral world, and some of the most popular flowers come in those hues.
So don’t let Mardi Gras pass unremarked, contact your local florist and get ready for a PARTY!