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Silk Wedding Flowers. 6 Good Reasons to Use Silk Flowers Instead of Real Flowers at Your Wedding

Posted by admin | Posted in Special Occasion Flowers, flower guide | Posted on 03-12-2008

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http://www.mydreamwedding.ca/uploads/Image/Kyla/8111.jpg

Wedding flowers are one of the essential parts of a wedding, and silk wedding flowers are a great way to make sure you have great flowers at your wedding without breaking your budget. Why would you buy silk wedding flowers instead of real ones?

Of course the head always says real flowers. It’s traditional, it’s real, real flowers are the only wedding flowers that will do it. Silk wedding flowers are, well, artificial.

However when the head stops ruling and reality starts to be heard, there are some very good reasons to use silk wedding flowers.

Why would you choose to buy silk wedding flowers rather than traditional real flowers? Here’s 6 reasons why.

1. Lets get one thing straight. Silk wedding flowers look just as good as real flowers. There is an impression that silk flowers look a little tacky, just a little bit cheap and poor quality.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Modern silk flowers look exactly like the real thing. A viewer cannot tell the difference between silk flowers and real ones when looking at them unless they either feel them or subject them to serious scrutiny.

2. Unlike real flowers, silk wedding flowers don’t wilt. They don’t have petals falling off from time to time and they don’t sag. Silk flowers look as good at the end of the wedding as they do at the start of the wedding. You can’t say that for real flowers.

3. And whilst real flowers are pretty much finished a few days after the wedding, a bride can keep her silk wedding flowers for years if she wishes to preserve the memory of her wedding day.

4. Real wedding flowers are very expensive. If you haven’t shopped for flowers yet just have a look at the price of real wedding flowers and you’ll be surprised at how expensive they can be. Silk flowers, on the other hand, can be extremely cost competitive. Particularly if you buy them in the right place.

Because unlike real wedding flowers you can buy silk wedding flowers online. Yes, you can ORDER real flowers online, but if they come from too far away they won’t be looking so great after delivery. With silk flowers, on the other hand, you can order online and get your silk flowers extremely cheaply, and they won’t come to you all damaged and wilting.

5. It’s possible to have the exact flowers you want, in the right colors, regardless of the season. With real flowers you’re a little dictated to by the season. If the flower you want isn’t in season, or the color isn’t in season, you’re stuck. But with silk flowers you’ve got a complete choice of flowers regardless of the season.

6. Silk flowers retain value. Now of course you may want to keep them as I’ve suggested, however many don’t. If you don’t want to keep your flowers you throw them out, if they’re real ones. They’ve usually had it. But silk flowers keep indefinitely, and can be resold.

Convinced? Silk wedding flowers are the way of the future.

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How to Make Dried Flowers Yourself?

Posted by admin | Posted in About Flowers | Posted on 03-12-2008

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Want to make your garden’s summer flowers last all year? Ok, the easiest way to bring your garden flowers indoor and dry them.

Pictures from: http://www.made-in-china.com/products-search/hot-china-products/Dried_Flowers.html

First: Harvesting Flowers

It is best to cut your flowers in the morning hours after the dew has evaporated from the plants. Once cut, group stems into bunches using rubber bands (pure rubber rubber bands work best) and remove them from the sunlight as soon as possible.

There are definite developmental times which are best for cutting flowers for drying. This can be very specific for different plants or even different cultivators of the same plant. In general, it is best to pick immature flowers (ones that are not completely open) since flowers continue to open during the drying process. If you pick a flower at the time that it looks perfect, it will continue to open while drying, leaving you with a flower past that ‘perfect stage’. Most people pick flowers too late. For example, have you ever seen a pretty dried rose? If you really look at it, the flower is still fairly closed. Avoid harvesting flowers too mature in development. Such flowers will generally shed upon drying and will not hold up well in arrangements.

We offer specific picking and growing recommendations for each flower we grow. Just click on any dried flower name on any of our lists to obtain a wealth of specific information including pictures!

Second: Preserving Flowers

With only a few exceptions, we air dry all our flowers. We simple hang flower bunches upside down on wire (over two miles of it is stretched in our circa 1860 barns). The barns offer ideal conditions: 1) darkness; 2) very good airflow; 3) cool updrafts; 4) perfect (usually) humidity levels. Once you have cut your flowers, it is important to remove them from the sunlight as soon as possible. This, along with drying in the dark, is the most important factor in maintaining good color.

Note:

1)How to Hang Flower Bunches

Suspend a 1/2-inch-diameter horizontal pole or pipe from the ceiling. If fastening hooks into your ceiling or walls is not an option, use tripods or two high-backed chairs to support the pole. A bent paper clip makes a perfect hanger for your bunches. Put newspaper or a drop cloth on the floor under the hanging bunches to catch fallen leaves, seeds, and petals. Hang bunches far enough apart to allow good air circulation.

2)How Long to Hang Flowers to Dry

The drying process takes from 10 to 20 days, depending on the plant. When dried, the stems should snap. You must test the flowers for dryness. Dissect one or two, and make sure the flowers” insides are thoroughly dry.

Some flowers, such as delphiniums, keep their color better if dried quickly near sources of warm air such as a heater. Large, many-flowered blooms such as dill, fluffy grasses, and Queen Anne’’s lace, should be dried upright, not hanging upside down.

3) How to Dry Flowers with Silica?

Silica-gel drying is done in shallow, airtight, plastic (or glass) containers or trays. I dry many flowers at once using a 10- by 18-inch airtight plastic container. Yours need not be that big, but make sure that the flowers aren’t crowded. Spread the flowers out, face up, on a 1-inch (minimum depth) bed of crystals. Carefully spoon or sprinkle more silica on top until you’ve completely covered the flowers with at least another inch of crystals. Drying flowers with single-petal structures, such as daisies, facedown is another technique, but my results have been identical using both approaches. To dry flowers facedown, create a small mound for the flower head, place the flower head facedown on it, and add silica over the flower until it is covered. Flowers can be almost touching, and because similar kinds of flowers dry at the same rate, you may wish to group similar blooms in the same container. Seal the container, and don’t disturb it for three to four days.

Remove delicate blossoms very carefully. Shake or brush off the crystals lightly with a soft artist’s paintbrush. Leaving flowers in desiccant too long makes them very fragile, so remove flowers right away once you’ve determined that they’re dry enough.

4) How to Use Sand to Dry your Flowers?

Sand must be very fine, clean, dry, and preferably salt free. Sifting is recommended to remove coarse grains and foreign particles. Rinsing the sand in water several times to remove any soil is also recommended. Damp sand can be dried in an oven by placing in shallow pans and baking at 250 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes. Be sure to use only flowers in their prime and process them quickly to prevent wilting.

To dry with sand, place an inch or two of sand in a container; scoop away a small amount of sand to form a depression on the surface; place the flower head upright in this depression and press the sand in and around the outside of the flower to support it. Next, scoop a little sand into your hand and allow it to trickle in a fine stream around each petal. Start with the outer petals and work inward row by row, allowing the sand to build up equally on all sides of each petal so its position and shape are not altered. Flowers dried with sand are fragile so be very careful when removing them from the sand. Notice that flowers must be stored in a strong carton to protect the petals from breaking.

5) Using a Microwave Oven to Dry Flowers

The latest and fastest method to dry flowers is to use a combination of silica gel and a microwave oven.

With the use of a microwave, you can now dry your flowers very quickly. Flowers should be gathered at their peak or else they will turn brown. Use any of the drying agents (silica gel, sand, borax) in a container deep enough to cover the bloom. Leave a 1/2 inch stem on the flower, and place it face up on a 1/2 inch layer of drying agent. Carefully sprinkle enough agent to cover the flower, and place it in the microwave along with a small bowl of water. Do not remove the flowers from the agent immediately, but set them aside for several hours. Listed below are some times for drying flowers in a microwave.

By using air drying and other methods also, many flowers can be preserved for year-round enjoyment. Plan now to include some flowers in your garden for drying, and check nearby fields and road sides throughout the summer and fall for more dried plant materials.

Third: Care of Dried Flowers

Routine dusting can be accomplished using a real feather duster or hair blow dryer on it’s lowest setting.

Last: Storing and Enjoying Dried Flowers

We recommend wrapping the flowers in newspaper and placing them in a cardboard box. Do not store the box containing the dried flowers where it is unusually damp (some basements) or very dry (some attics). Also, a lot of people think you should never store dried flowers outside (it would be way to cold). This is simply not true. Temperatures are not important. In fact, a garage can be an ideal place for storing dried flowers. Actually, if your home is heated by forced air, the preferred place to store dried flowers would be in a outside building away from the dry heat.

In general, dried flowers should remain out of direct sunlight while you enjoy them in their final state. This will minimize fading over time. We also suggest not to place dried flowers in the path of forced air heat registers. This extremely dry air is very hard on dried flower structure (causes shattering).

Suggestion for use of dried flowers would include wreaths, swags, sheaths, bouquets, and sprays. Simply hanging dried flowers in a room can be very appealing. Also, placing clusters of bunches in a basket, as though you just came in from a garden, is most attractive.
Caution: if you do store your dried flowers outside, make sure you protect them from small rodents and insects (a few mothballs will work).

Finally, I should to say that drying flowers can be addictive! Before long, wreaths will adorn all your doors, and swags will hang from every wall. And they’ll all have come from your own garden. Talk about an extended season! You’ll soon see why dried flowers are often called “everlastings”.

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There are Which Types and Features of Flower Arrangement?

Posted by admin | Posted in About Flowers, flower guide | Posted on 03-12-2008

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Flower arrangement with basket is one of a expression form of flower arranging art, with important function of formal flower arrangement, it has strong practicability and commercial value, also portable. As using a support of basket, it could create various unique art styles different from other kinds of flower arrangement; it possess creative features of itself as same as according with common rules of art creation.

There are many kinds of flower baskets, there are wicker, bamboo, grass, plastic and metal material baskets; Basket forms have turned to air and wall type included from floor and tabletop type, therefor flower baksets also include hanging baskets and wall hanging baskets. At present, there are high body basket, round flower basket, square wineglass shape basket, line shape basket, smooth mouth basket and broken mouth basket, handle basket or handleless basket, boat shape basket and crescent hanging basket, suspension single basket and ringer flower basket with several flower baskets infolded. In a word, the diversity of the flower basket provides most advantageous conditions for flower basket enriches people’s life and beautifies the enviroments. But we should admit, different flower baskets have different styles and various uses, such as wicker baskets, have rigid quality, heavy color, uninhibited bold style and usually have large engraved patterns in body; Bamboo baskets,

with fresh color and modest shine, are the most useful flower baskets presently; Grass baskets have soft quality, gentle colors and natural shines, embodied with bright colors and exaggerated figures, if them could matched with the enviroments well in the modern rooms.

The above three kind of flower baskets, all are flower baskets weaved by hand and are pure natural material basket commonly, thus comtain strong emotion elements. At this point, plastic baskets and metal baskets are inferior to natural material flower baskets.

With harmony colors and rich layers, flower arrangement with basket is natural and lively, can display flower arranging’s line beauty and a kind of rhythm sense. Regular flower arrangings with basket used on etiquettes, need shapely flowers, regular flower branches and full patterns; Lyric flower baskets used to decorate scenery and mood, should choose flowers with flexible branches and picturesque flowers, this kind of flower arranging could use your imagination freely, ramantic and changeble.

The adornments of the flower basket are very important, usually ribbons and greeting cards are familiar. Also we could choose different adornments for different celebration occasions, as we could choose ballons, toys and candies for childrens, and choose cakes, candles or greeting cards for birthday greeting.

Along with the stand levels of people’s material and cultural life improving, the flower basket will welcomed by more and more people, it will play a more and more important pole in people’s life beautification.

Flower Arrangement with Cylinder

Flower Arrangement with Cylinder is a kind of flower work which use cylinder and tubular flower vessel. There are metal, glass, ceramic, plastic and bamboo materials cylinder receptacles, but during the history of flower arrangement in our country, the using of bamboo canister for flower arranging are more popular. In Japan’s flower arrangement ikebana, flower arrangement with cylinder has taken a very important place. It is said that the flower arrangement with cylinder was introduced into Japan from China in 8th century to 11th century.

The flower arrangement with layered cylinder can adopt a two-layer bamboo cylinder with a hole upside and a window downside, which having unique features and natural flavors. Also the flowers could be arranged in a “downing” shape upside and a “uping” shape downside, smaller upside and larger downside, it called “two-layer flowers”. So it could not only display the dynamic balance beauty between the flowers’ size and wave of up and down, also show the features of the flower vessel. In order to match the height of the bamboo cylinder’s up and down layer, hanging shape flowers and vine shape flowers are used commonly, but it’s unnecessarily to use two or more kind of flower materials with flowers on.

It’s should be noticed that the flower branches upside layer and downside layer should sprayes out to the right and left side separately, also attentions should be paid on the control of flower materials’ quantity, length and directions, as to achieve a balance between up and down, thus make the whole work brisk and interesting, also balanced.

Except for the flower arrangement with layered cylinder, there are single-cylinder, combined cylinder(also called high-low cylinder or vertical-across cylinder), hanging pattern and boat pattern flower arrangement.

Potted Cut Flower

Potted flower arrangement refers to assemble potted plants and flowers with branches art and make them as a harminious whole, it’s a larger type of plant artwork decorated in yards and gardens, it could be placed on the two side of the garden aisles, or putted on the balcony, wall corner and sidewall, it’s natural and beautiful. For example it’s very suitable to deck our indoor halls with a cut flower setted with a small foliage potted plant.

For one hand, potted cut flower could saving the time of scissoring branches and leaves through the using of the various plants planted in garden, afterwards matched and interspersed some flowers based on the composed picture, so as to make it into a finished whole; Second, the viewing time could be extended much as long as to replace few fresh flowers; Thirdly, based on seasonal, holiday and guests welcoming demands, new works could be recreated by the recombination or partly adjustment on the original potted flower, in this way materials and time could be saved, also could break the singularity of flower varity in family, and creat surprised episodes constantly.

When we plan to arrange a small potted flower, we usually put the small potted plant in a untransparent container, aside from a beauty exterior, the container should contains water and have large mouth thus an amount of flower branches could be arranged in. If a larger potted plant adopted, pls notice that there should have a shelting piece for the flower pot, thus make the whole work natural and attractive.

The picture above named “My Beloved Hometown”, the golden pachystachys flowers in which is a potted cut flower.

Source: articlebase

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Tips On Sending The Perfect Bouquet Of Flowers

Posted by admin | Posted in Flower Articles, Flower Bouquets, flower guide | Posted on 24-10-2008

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Flowers are a way to let someone know you care, so it is no wonder that sending flowers is such a popular way to commemorate events, from the birth of a new baby to Valentine’s Day. In fact, flowers are also the top choice for letting someone know you’re sorry. However, not all flower bouquets are as nice as the rest. Before you send someone flowers, you may want to do a bit of research. 

Before you do anything else, take some time to think about the type of flowers that this person enjoys. While most people love red roses, there are a few who prefer colorful wildflower bouquets or exuberant sunflowers instead. 

Next, take a look at the different arrangements available. Some come in beautiful vases or include collectibles as part of the arrangement. Others come in simple vases that let the flowers shine. 

After you choose the flowers you want, it is time to send them to that special someone, right? Well, while you may be ordering from a reputable florist, that florist may not be the person actually choosing, arranging, and delivering the flowers. Instead, when flowers are being delivered to someone some distance away, the florist passes the task of filling the order onto a local florist. Ask who will be doing the actual delivery and find out if that florist has a good reputation. 

Once you send the flowers to the recipient, don’t be afraid to follow up. Many times, a disappointing bouquet is delivered, but the person who received it may be afraid to offend the giver, and doesn’t say anything. If you mention that you want to be sure the arrangement looks fresh and that it contains the proper number of flowers, the recipient will probably be much more forthcoming about the condition of the bouquet. If it sounds like there is a problem, follow up with the florist where you placed your order and the florist who filled it. After all, the person getting your bouquet should get what you paid for. 

Finally, you may want to consider sending a very different type of flower, a living plant. This way, your gift will continue to remind that lucky someone of the event the flowers were sent to commemorate long after a fresh bouquet would be a distant memory. If you are sending flowers to someone with a black thumb, you may want to try sending a dried floral arrangement instead.

Source: by: Gray Rollin

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Caring For Fresh Flowers

Posted by admin | Posted in About Flowers, Flower Tips, flower guide | Posted on 18-08-2008

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Fresh flowers will only look good for so long, but here are a few tips to make sure that’s for as long as possible!

1. Flowers love fresh water. Make sure your vase is clean and replace the water every few days. This stops bacteria from blocking the water vessels.

2. Cut the stems. As soon as a cut stem is exposed to the air it starts to close.

3. Cut stems under water if you can. If not, get them into water as soon as you snip them. Use a sharp knife rather scissors (scissors can squash the water vessels) and cut stems on an angle in order to create as much surface area for the stem to suck up the water. Repeat every few days.

4. Strip all leaves on the stem below the waterline. Wet leaves breed bugs, as well as releasing phenols, chemicals that clog the stem, slow budding and wither the blooms. They also tend to go mushy and smell!

5. Spray flowers with a cool mist. The beads of moisture look pretty too.

6. Give your flowers some fresh air. Flowers are sensitive to a natural chemical called ethylene. Keep them away from fruit, fungus and rubbish and give them good air circulation (not drafts).

7. Add extra life for your flowers in your water. Common ways to help flowers last longer include adding a sprinkle of sugar, a brass coin and a drop of lemonade to the water.

8. Keep poisonous sap separated. The sap of daffodils and narcissi is poisonous to other flowers. Either display them separately or keep them in water on their own for at least 12 hours before mixing with other flowers.

9. Remove pollen that stains. Avoid getting pollen stains on your clothes or furniture by cutting out pollen stamens in flowers such as lilies.

10. Talk to your flowers. Well, they say that talking to plants helps their growth! If nothing else, it’s relaxing.

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FlowersToCN: China florists & China flowers, Flowerstocn.com Send flowers to China.

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Meanings Of Most Flowers

Posted by admin | Posted in About Flowers | Posted on 04-08-2008

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As every flower lover knows, flowers have a language of their own. Every sentiment is expressed in one form or another by these delicate blooms. Of course, even the experts disagree on the “true meaning” of many flowers and most have different meanings to different people. So, while all flowers convey thoughtfulness and love, here are some of the more traditional flower meanings, according to one source. See, if you agree. And, remember, a gift of flowers for a special someone will always create its own personal meaning, too.

ACACIA - Concealed Love, Beauty in Retirement, Chaste Love
AMBROSIA - Your Love is Reciprocated
AMARYLLIS - Pride, Pastoral Poetry
ANEMONE - Forsaken
ARBUTUS - Thee Only Do I Love
ASTER - Symbol of Love, Daintiness
AZALEA - Take Care of Yourself for Me, Temperance, Fragile Passion, Chinese Symbol of Womanhood
BACHELOR BUTTON - Single Blessedness
BEGONIA - Beware
BELLS OF IRELAND - Good Luck
BITTERSWEET - Truth
BLUEBELL - Humility
CACTUS - Endurance
CAMELLIA (PINK) - Longing for you
CAMELLIA (RED) - You’re a Flame in My Heart
CAMELLIA (WHITE) - You’re Adorable
CARNATION (GENERAL) - Fascination, Woman Love
CARNATION (PINK) - I’ll Never Forget You
CARNATION (RED) - My Heart Aches For You, Admiration
CARNATION (PURPLE) - Capriciousness
CARNATION (SOLID COLOR) - Yes
CARNATION (STRIPED) - No, Refusal, Sorry I Can’t Be With You, Wish I Could Be With You
CARNATION (WHITE) - Sweet and Lovely, Innocence, Pure Love, Woman’s Good Luck Gift
CARNATION (YELLOW) - You Have Disappointed Me, Rejection
CATTAIL - Peace, Prosperity
CHRYSANTHEMUM (GENERAL) - You’re a Wonderful Friend, Cheerfulness and Rest.
CHRYSANTHEMUM (WHITE) - Truth
CHRYSANTHEMUM (YELLOW) - Slighted Love
CROCUS - Cheerfulness
CYCLAMEN - Resignation and Good-bye
DAFFODIL - Regard, Unrequited Love, You’re the Only One, The Sun is Always Shining when I’m with You
DAISY - Innocence, Loyal Love, I’ll Never Tell, Purity
DANDELION - Faithfulness, Happiness
FERN - Magic, Fascination, Confidence and Shelter
FIR - Time
FLAX - Domestic Symbol
FORGET-ME-NOT - True Love, Memories
FORSYTHIA - Anticipation
GARDENIA - You’re Lovely, Secret Love
GERANIUM - Stupidity, Folly
GLADIOLI - Give Me a Break, I’m Really Sincere, Flower of the Gladiators
GLOXINIA - Love at First Sight
HEATHER (LAVENDER) - Admiration, Solitude
HEATHER (WHITE) - Protection, Wishes Will Come True
HOLLY - Defense, Domestic Happiness
HYACINTH (GENERAL) - Games and Sports, Rashness, Flower Dedicated to Apollo
HYACINTH (BLUE) - Constancy
HYACINTH (PURPLE) - I am Sorry, Please Forgive Me, Sorrow
HYACINTH (RED OR PINK) - Play
HYACINTH (WHITE) - Loveliness, I’ll Pray for You
HYACINTH (YELLOW) - Jealousy
HYDRANGEA - Thank You for Understanding, Frigidity, Heartlessness
IRIS - Fleur-de-lis, Emblem of France, Your Friendship Means so Much to Me, Faith, Hope, Wisdom and Valor, My Compliments
IVY - Wedded Love, Fidelity, Friendship, Affection
JONQUIL - Love Me, Affection Returned, Desire, Sympathy, Desire for Affection Returned
LARKSPUR (PINK) - Fickleness
LILY (WHITE) - Virginity, Purity, Majesty, It’s Heavenly to be with You
LILY (YELLOW) - I’m Walking on Air, False and Gay
LILY (CALLA) - Beauty
LILY (DAY) - Coquetry, Chinese Emblem for Mother
LILY (EUCHARIS) - Maiden Charms
LILY (TIGER) - Wealth, Pride
LILY OF THE VALLEY - Sweetness, Tears of the Virgin Mary, Return to Happiness, Humility, You’ve Made My Life Complete
MAGNOLIA - Nobility
MARIGOLD - Cruelty, Grief, Jealousy
MISTLETOE - Kiss me, Affection, To Surmount Difficulties, Sacred Plant of India
MONKSHOOD - Beware, A Deadly Foe is Near
MOSS - Maternal Love, Charity
MYRTLE - Love, Hebrew Emblem of Marriage
NARCISSUS - Egotism, Formality, Stay as Sweet as You Are
NASTURTIUM - Conquest, Victory in Battle
OLEANDER - Caution
ORANGE BLOSSOM - Innocence, Eternal Love, Marriage and Fruitfulness
ORANGE MOCK - Deceit
ORCHID - Love, Beauty, Refinement, Beautiful Lady, Chinese Symbol for Many Children
ORCHID (CATTLEYA) - Mature Charm
PALM LEAVES - Victory and Success
PEONY - Shame, Happy Life, Happy Marriage
PETUNIA - Resentment, Anger, Your Presence Sooths Me
PINE - Hope, Pity
POPPY (GENERAL) - Eternal Sleep, Oblivion, Imagination
POPPY (RED) - Pleasure
POPPY (WHITE) - Consolation
POPPY (YELLOW) - Wealth, Success
PRIMROSE - I Can’t Live Without You
PRIMROSE (EVENING) - Inconstancy
ROSE (BRIDAL) - Happy Love
ROSE (DARK CRIMSON) - Mourning
ROSE (HIBISCUS) - Delicate Beauty
ROSE (LEAF) - You May Hope
ROSE (PINK) - Perfect Happiness, Please Believe Me
ROSE (RED) - Love, I Love You
ROSE (TEA) - I’ll Remember Always
ROSE (THORNLESS) - Love at First Sight
ROSE (WHITE) - Innocence and Purity, I am Worthy of You, You’re Heavenly, Secrecy and Silence
ROSE (WHITE AND RED MIXED) - Unity, Flower Emblem of England
ROSE (WHITE-DRIED) - Death is Preferable to Loss of Virtue
ROSE (YELLOW) - Decrease of Love, Jealousy, Try to Care
ROSEBUD - Beauty and Youth, A Heart Innocent of Love
ROSEBUD (RED) - Pure and Lovely
ROSEBUD (WHITE) - Girlhood
ROSEBUD (MOSS) - Confessions of Love
ROSES (Bouquet of Mature Blooms) - Gratitude
ROSES (Single Full Bloom) - I Love You, I Still Love You
SMILAX - Loveliness
SNAPDRAGON - Deception, Gracious Lady
SPIDER FLOWER - Elope with Me
STEPHANOTIS - Happiness in Marriage, Desire to Travel
STOCK - Bonds of Affection, Promptness, You’ll Always Be Beautiful to Me
SWEETPEA - Good-bye, Departure, Blissful Pleasure, Thank You for a Lovely Time
TULIP (GENERAL) - Perfect Lover, Frame, Flower Emblem of Holland
TULIP (RED) - Believe Me, Declaration of Love
TULIP (VARIEGATED) - Beautiful Eyes
TULIP (YELLOW) - There’s Sunshine in Your Smile
VIOLET - Modesty
VIOLET (BLUE) - Watchfulness, Faithfulness, I’ll Always Be True
VIOLET (WHITE) - Let’s Take a Chance
ZINNIA (MAGENTA) - Lasting Affection
ZINNIA (MIXED) - Thinking (or In Memory) of an Absent Friend
ZINNIA (SCARLET) - Constancy
ZINNIA (WHITE) - Goodness
ZINNIA (YELLOW) - Daily Remembrance

Source: Flowerstocn

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Flower Care Tips 1~ 35

Posted by admin | Posted in Flower Tips, flower guide | Posted on 04-08-2008

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Tip # 1. Always cut stems at a sharp angle. This increases the surface area of the stem and allows water to be better absorbed through the stem.

Tip # 2. Stems cut at an angle will not rest flush against the bottom of the container; thus they allow the water to penetrate the stem.

Tip # 3. After the end of the stem is cut, place it directly into the water. It only takes a minute for the stem to begin to dry and seal up.

Tip # 4. Thick stems and thin branches should be cut at an angle, and then cut up the center for better water absorption through the fibrous stems.

Tip # 5. Thick stems and thin branches should be cut at an angle, and then cut up the center for better water absorption through the fibrous stems.

Tip # 6. Remove the extra bark around the shat­tered part of the stem to prevent contami­nating the water. This will prolong the vase life of the flowers.

Tip # 7. Pull or trim all leaves and thorns that will be below the water level in the container. Allowing such materials to decompose in water will allow harmful bacteria to shorten the life of the flowers.

Tip # 8. Scrape all of the small debris on the stem such as small thorns, branching stems, etc. with a sharp, curved knife to thoroughly clean the stem before it is placed in the water.

Tip # 9. Clean stems should be placed in the deepest water possible to promote vase life. Water can be absorbed from the out­side part of the stem as well as the base, A nick or crack in the stem left exposed above the water level can create an air pocket and block water flow to the flower. The deeper the water, the less likely this is to occur.

Tip # 10. In conditioning flowers, the water temperature should be comfortably warm. Submerge your hand to test the water. Cold water is not as readily absorbed by the flower. Hot water will penetrate the stem, but will almost shock the flower.

Tip # 11. Once flowers are placed in water, they begin to decompose or break down by releasing gases and forming bacteria. The cleaner the stems and the less debris in the water, the less decomposition occurs, and the longer the flowers will last.

Tip # 12. All the same kind of flower in a vase or container will last longer than a mix of different types. Certain flowers have a different makeup and decompose by different means. This mixed reaction can shorten the life of all the flowers. The same kind of flower will break down by the same reaction, Actually, a single flower in a vase will last longer than several of the same kind.

Tip # 13. Cloudy or discolored water is an indication of decomposition and bacterial growth. Change the water in the container at least every couple of days, using new, warm water. This will open the stems to allow water to flow to the flower.

Tip # 14. Fresh, clean water is best for the vase life of flowers. Some commercial floral foods can lengthen the vase life as well, but be very careful in measuring the amount. Using too much can actually be harmful. Homemade versions or substitutions, such as lemon lime soda, are not a good idea, because sugar promotes bacterial growth in the water.


Tip # 15. Stems will develop a film and become discolored from stagnating in the water; this blocks water flow to the flower. Recut the stems each time the water is changed to allow water to penetrate the stem.

Tip # 16. Mixed arrangements are sometimes hard to disassemble to change the water and to recut the stems. Flushing the container with fresh water will help somewhat to prolong the life of the bouquet. Use the tap or the spray nozzle on your sink full force for a few minutes with warm water to flush the container completely.

Tip # 17a. Use a piece of heavy twine to tie your arrangement at the top of the container. Once the flowers are tied snugly, pull them from the vase. Recut all the stems at an angle.

Tip # 17b. Clean the vase, and change the water. Hold the tied bouquet upside down.

Tip # 17c. Place back into the container and cut the twine. Your bouquet should fall back into place.

Tip # 18a. Many flowers will open in the light. This does not mean they are not fresh. It is the nature of that type of flower, which will close again in the dark. Temperature will also cause the same effect.

Tip # 18b. Warmer temperatures will cause the flower to open, and cooler temperatures will cause it to close.

Tip # 19. Flowers last best in temperatures around 45 degrees. Misting flowers with cold water a few times a day will cool them and create this environment temporarily. Flowers can also absorb this extra moisture through their petals.

Tip # 20. Keep flowers out of direct light. Flowers will last longer in a place of low to indirect light. Light creates heat and speeds up the life cycle of the flower. However, flowers with a green tinge owing to early cutting, or tightly budded flowers and branches, will need a strong light source to develop. Once the flowers show full color, put them in a place with less light so they will last.

Tip # 21. Most flowers are accustomed to the outdoors, so air circulation is important for their vase life. Keep them in a place with good airflow. Cigarette smoking is harmful to flowers.

Tip # 22. Many believe that placing flowers in the refrigerator at night helps them last longer. However, many foods may cause a negative reaction in the flowers from the gases they release in the breakdown process. Placing your flowers next to a window or in a cool room at night is a good idea.

Tip # 23. Purchased cut flowers will usually be wrapped in paper or cellophane to protect them. It is a good idea to leave them wrapped and hydrating in deep water for about an hour when they are brought home before conditioning or arranging them. This ensure the flowers will be upright.

Tip # 24. Pinching or trimming off spent blossoms and leaves encourages other blossoms to open and makes the flower last longer. The spent blossoms take some of the energy the flower has to stay alive. Trimming these away allows the flower to channel the energy to the healthy parts.

Tip # 25. Some flowers, such as carnations and dahlias, have separations or nodes along their stems.The stem is thicker and more fibrous at these parts. Cut the stem between the nodes to allow water to penetrate the stem.

Tip # 26. Branching or spray flowers will last longer if the stems are separated at their base. This allows for water to be directly absorbed by each blossom.

Tip # 27a. Some flowers secrete sap or latex when cut. Singeing the ends will keep this fluid contained in the stem. The fluid is what the flower needs to last.

Tip # 27b. Some believe that placing the end in boiling water will seal the stem. This works, but the hot steam is not good for the flower itself; burning the end works the best. Try using a gas flame on a stove, or a candle with an extra-thick wick. Singe about one-half to one inch of the base of the stem.

Tip # 28. Poisonous flowers are best used alone in their own container. These flowers secrete latex that is harmful to other flowers. Condition by standing them in deep water with a drop of bleach for 24 hours before mixing with other flowers.

Tip # 29. Tall or heavy flowers, such as lilies and hybrid delphiniums, may bend or break before they are completely hydrated.Tie the tip of the flower and the middle part of the stem to a branch or stick loosely with twine to support the flower for proper hydration.

Tip # 30a. Flowers with hollow stems, such as amaryllis, are designed to draw water up through the outer layers of the stem. Some believe that filling the stem with water and plugging the end will help the flower last longer,This may help, but it is unnecessary because of the way the flower is designed.

Tip # 30b. Hollow stems will crack and break more easily than solid stems. Support them by slowly inserting a stick into the end of the flower. A clean branch or bamboo works well. Covering the stick with a soft, water-absorbent material will protect the inside of the stem and provide extra moisture as well.

Tip # 31a. Bent or cracked stems and flowers that bend owing to their heavy heads can be salvaged with floral wire. Insert the wire partway into the strong area above the bend or break, or under the flower head. Also see arranging tip 18.

Tip # 31b. Support the stem with the wire and straighten it to the upright position.

Tip # 31c. Gently wrap the wire around the rest of the stem.

Tip # 31d. Wrap the stem or the point of incision with floral tape to keep air from blocking water to the stem.

Tip # 32. If flowers wilt or droop prematurely, cutting them short and placing them in slightly warmer water should revive them. Both the cutting and water temperature help the blossom absorb water more quickly.

Tip # 33. Some flowers bend or droop because their flower heads become too heavy for their stems. The stems become water­logged and stop conveying water to the blossom. A tiny prick just below the head of the flower will release air, thus increasing the water flow.

Tip # 34. Wilted flowers can also be revived by completely submerging them in cool water. Do this by filling a deep bucket or tub with cool water. Place the flowers lying down in the water and weigh them down with a weight of some kind, like a brick. Let the flowers stay submerged for a few hours.

Tip # 35a. Some flowers bend or droop owing to light, temperature changes, or just because it is the nature of that flower.

Tip # 35b. Gently roll the paper around the flowers, forming a cone shape.

Tip # 35c. Secure the paper with twine or with staples so that the paper braces the flowers.

Tip # 35d. Mist the flowers and paper to keep them damp. Place the cone of flowers in deep water for several hours.

Tip # 35e. Unwrap the flowers and they will be upright again.

Source: FlowerstoCN

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FLOWER OF LIFE

Posted by admin | Posted in Flower Articles | Posted on 04-08-2008

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FLOWER OF LIFE

A Poem by Eileen Finch Cain

F eel the goodness in all forms of life
L ove all things; let go of strife
O pen your petals; let love flow in
W iden the gap; let love grow within
E rase the scars of the past
R est in the assurance that only love lasts

O wn your self-worth in spite of what others may say
F ind again the peace in your day

L ive your potential; let the world know
I nto yourself let a new energy flow
F ind out you have so much to give
E mbrace love; laugh and life

Be joyous and free
Be all that you are and ever could be!

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Types of Flowers

Posted by admin | Posted in Types of Flowers | Posted on 30-07-2008

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Flower Bouquet

Flower Bouquet

Hundreds of flowers to choose from. Florists often use a wide variety of flowers when creating an arrangement.

There are various things considered before classifying flowers. The classification of flowers is done on the anatomical arrangement which is known as morphology of flower.

Classification of flowers according to the Morphology

According to Corolla
1. Sympetalous – Flowers coming under this group come with their petals joined, partially or fully.
2. Polypetalous – The petals of these flowers coming under this group are not joined.
3. Actinomorphic – The flowers coming under this group are having characteristic radial symmetry. The flower can be divided into two identical parts along any imaginary axis through centre. These are further classified as funnel shaped, tubular shaped and campanulate (narrower than tubular, a bell like shape). Poppy family, cruciform and rose family are few notable examples of actinomorphic morphology.
4. Zygomorphic – The flowers display bilateral symmetry. Only two symmetrical parts are possible along a single axis passing through centre. Bilabiate flowers, display irregular corolla with upper lip made by joining two petals, and lower lip by joining three. In Papilionaceous flowers, corolla is made up of five petals. One at the most superior position, known as standard; two side ones, called wings and the keel, two joined ones present below.

Classification Based on the position
1. Terminal – In this group, flowers or clusters of flowers arise on the ends of the axis or branches, like Magnolia grandiflora (southern magnolia) and Nerium oleander

2. Axillary – flowers or clusters of flowers are carried at the junction of the stem or axis and the leaf, like Catharanthus roseus (periwinkle), Callicarpa mericana (beautyberry), and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hibiscus)

Classification based on Flower Branches, Clusters, and Inflorences
1. Single Flower – In this group, single flower present at the tip of peduncle, an elongated stalk or branch of the main axis of the plant. The examples are tulip and Magnolia grandiflora (southern magnolia).

2. Cluster - In this, three or more flowers gathered in close formation together in simple or branched manner to enhance their conspicuousness. The examples are Ligustrum japonicum (ligustrum), Pentas spp. (pentas), Mangifera indica (mango), Pyracantha coccinea (firethorn), and Dianthus barbatus (sweet William).

3. Inflorescence – Inflorescence is the general term used for the arrangement of flowers or groups of flowers.. There is great assortment in this display among different types of flowers, but few characteristics remain same for a specific type and they are useful in their identification of species. They are further classified into the racemose type and the cymose type.

a. Racemose Inflorescences - the axis of the inflorescence continues to grow and the flowers blossom in the axes of the reduced leaves or bracts, with the oldest flower is borne at the base and the newest flowers near the growing tip.

b. Cymose Inflorescences - The development of a terminal flower stops the upward growth of the floral axis. The oldest flower is borne at the tip; with younger ones appearing lower down on the axis. The floral axis stops to elongate once the first flower opens, and so called a determinate inflorescence.

Classification Based on Blossom
1. Annual flowers – They offer a better option for a longer blooming time. Annuals come in different varieties like‘ Tender’ annuals and Stronger annuals. Some annuals can endure frost or stand up to the elements
Perennials produce brilliant flowers over a number of years. Most popular in perennial is the rose, grown in thorny bushes
2. Biennial flowers – They don’t blossom at all the first growing season and die after the second.

Flowers come in different colors, some of those colors are common but some are rare and this rarity adds their beauty and makes them even more exotic. The popularity of flowers depends on their exclusive aroma, exquisiteness or both. Some times, popularity depends on some cultural traits peculiar to that geographical region.

Rose is the most popular flower type in the world followed by other flowers such as Chrysanthemums, Tulips, Lilies, Carnations, Poinsettias, Gerberas, and Narcissus etc. Some flower types may not be very popular around the globe, but could be the most popular in their respective regions.

It is time to do some study and dig up some dirt on the many, many types of beautiful flowers you can choose from. Whether you take time to sneak through the tulips, run with wildflowers, watch the daisies grow, laze around in the glory of morning flowers or unwind in the paradise of tropical blooms, the alluring, fragrant, and never-ending range of different types of flowers is sure to keep you invigorated and smelling like a rose for seasons to come!

Source: Buzzle

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A Complete Flower Guide!!

Posted by admin | Posted in flower guide | Posted on 28-07-2008

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Hi Friends!!
This is Rajat Agarwal, providing a complete site with full fledged information on flowers. You will find a complete information on different types of flowers, names of flowers, meaning of flowers, list of flower names, where to buy flowers, what flowers you should present at what occassion and many more for you to keep hooked!!

So keep yourself hooked here!!!

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