2009-Nov-23 - Falling for your local florist
The Favorites: Hybrid Teas
The development of the first hybrid tea rose in the mid-19th Century, a result of crossing the almost continuously blooming but fragile tea rose with the full-blossomed and vigorous hybrid perpetual, marked the beginning of a succession of notable triumphs in rose breeding. Over the last 50 years, the beautifully shaped, regularly blossoming flowers of the hybrid teas have come to dominate the rose gardens and nearly every Baptist Mills flower shop. Today thousands of varieties are grown, and new ones are added every year. Their colors, shapes and sizes vary enormously, but all share a heritage of superlative beauty.
A hint of lavender in the pinkness of the hybrid tea rose Simone marks a step in the attempt of rose breeders to introduce new shades (including gray and beige) into the colors of hybrid teas. The goal of more than one breeder is a blue rose.
The exquisite Tiffany rose possesses the traits of an ideal hybrid tea: a memorable color (a blending of light pink and pale gold); long, pointed buds that open into large, high-centered flowers; and long stems suited for cutting and display.
Pink Rose Myth
It is said in Greek mythology that after unfairly attaining the right to be the protector of women, Rhoanthe was turned into a pink rose by the God Apollo. In view of this circumstance, pink roses were said to have symbolized pain, extreme suffering and even death. However, as time goes on, the meaning behind pink roses has evolved significantly.
Modern meaning
Today, pink roses no longer have negative connotations to them. The pink rose is now a symbol of a new romance that has yet to bloom into full passion. Pink roses can also be used to signify joy and sweet affection, as well as wishing luck upon others. Graceful and elegant, pink roses can be divided into two categories – light pink roses and dark pink roses.
It is said that light pink roses symbolizes gentleness and admiration and they can also be used to express sympathy. This is why they are a very common choice for funeral arrangements according to a professional we use to get our flowers delivered
Beckenham that we spoke to recently. Dark pink roses however are the very symbols of gratitude and appreciation. It is said that by tradition, dark pink roses were sent as an expression of thanks. Europe leads the way
In the UK, we each spend, on average, £28 on cut flowers a year. This is far below the European average, but it still means that billions of flowers are grown, cut, wrapped and transported - 85% from abroad - each year for UK consumers, with the traditional peak periods of Valentine's Day and Mother's Day leading to 20-fold spikes in demand. Come on everyone, dig deep and place some orders with your friendly florist and let's match our European cousins for the number of flowers delivered Martin each year!
Flowers of the world - Gypsophila paniculata (baby’s breath)
Characteristics: Baby's breath is tiny white clouds of flowers on strong branching stems. The plant adds an airy effect to both the summer garden and winter dried arrangements. The flowers appear in midsummer and continue to bloom until early fall. Try growing the large double-flowered variety 'Bristol Fairy'. 'Early Snowball' is an early blooming variety with small, double flowers. Gypsophila is also available from Possilpark florists in the annual form G. elegans, which has lance-shaped foliage and pink to white flowers. Another annual, 'Covent Garden White', has clusters of large white flowers. Both of these annuals can be easily air-dried and used in arrangements. The flowers tend to darken into an off-white color after drying. This antique white color is preferred for certain projects.
Cultural Information: Gypsophila does best in well-drained, alkaline soil in full sunlight. A generous handful of lime sprinkled yearly in a circle around the base of the plant should keep the soil alkaline. The roots of baby's breath are deep and need a lighter soil through which they can penetrate. Propagate by sowing seed in early spring, or taking cuttings in late spring. Plant baby's breath 36 inches apart. Like most perennials, it requires division after three years. Annual Gypsophila, G. elegans, is best propagated by direct sowing seeds in early spring. One of my favourite flowers - Alcea rosea (hollyhock)
Characteristics: Hollyhocks are an old-fashioned favorite. They are available in a wide range of colors and you can have the flowers delivered Didsbury in forms: single, double, ruffled and fluted. My favorite is still the original single form, but for drying purposes, the double forms are best. The large flowers, up to 4 inches across, are thickly massed on long stems. Allow them to self-sow about your garden to ensure a continuous supply. Because hollyhocks are tall, they are perfect at the back of the garden, or against a fence or building.
Harvesting/Drying: Pick the flowers at their peak when the color is still strong and the flowers are fresh. Both double and regular varieties can be air-dried, but they will lose some of their natural color and the flowers will tighten up slightly. Air-dried hollyhocks resemble colorful crepe-paper flowers. If you would like to achieve a more perfect flower shape and color, dry in silica gel. Store in an airtight container after drying. Rose Festivals
Of the scores of rose shows held each year, a few have become full-fledged festivals, complete with parades, queens and attendant hoopla. The largest of these is the 10-day Rose Festival staged every June in Portland, Oregon, a major commercial growing center that calls itself the "Rose City." Others are the September Festival of Roses in Wasco, heart of the central California rose industry, and the Texas Rose Festival, an October fixture in Tyler, Texas. The best-known event of all, Pasadena's Tournament of Roses, where the winners often send flowers Panorama City to people worldwide, provides fewer opportunities for the serious rose enthusiast, but is probably unmatched for its sheer display of blossoms, which cover the dozens of floats that wend their way through Pasadena streets on New Year's Day, prior to the Rose Bowl football game.
Valentine’s Day accessories
Wholesalers offer florists a wide range of accessories to add a personal touch to Valentine designs. Cellophane wrap is used throughout the year, but for Valentine’s Day you can make an arrangement even more special by using cellophane wrap with hearts and motifs on.
There is also a wide selection of picks and motifs, ranging from plastic cupids and hearts to dainty pottery, glass figures and delicate lace accessories. This includes plastic and pottery containers at prices to suit all pockets. Order these to arrive the same time as when you have your flowers delivered Palo Alto so you don't forget.
It is vital to be well-prepared for any peak selling period. Arrangements of fabric flowers can be organized well in advance and stored ready for the great day. A window display will require no maintenance if made with fabric flowers
A pretty flower - Tanacetum (tansy)
Characteristics: Tansy is an attractive addition to your garden. Native to Europe, it has naturalized in North America and is often seen growing along roadsides. The pungent, fernlike leaves were once used as stewing herb, but are now used as an insect repellent. This reliable plant grows about 2 to 4 feet tall with an equal spread. It should be planted at the back of the border and staked to prevent wind damage. The attractive blooms are clusters of button-shaped, yellow flowers that bloom in mid- to late summer. Isolate tansy because its aggressive creeping roots can become invasive.
Cultural Information: Tansy will grow in any garden soil, but prefers moist, loamy soil. Sow seeds in early spring or late fall, or propagate new plants by root division in early spring. Space the plants 12 to 24 inches apart.
Harvesting/Drying: Pick flowers Midway South at the peak of their color, before they have fully opened. Remove foliage and hang to air-dry. The flowers will fade a bit but they still make a sunny addition to dried arrangements.
What to send?
Women will certainly appreciate just about any flower arrangment that you send them, but each woman usually has a particular favourite. Whatever you decide, always remember to be spontaneous - this is the key. Receiving flowers for no reason at all is a sure way to brighten up the day of the people you care about. Not only will you score brownie points for surprising her, you will also have made her very happy.
As with certain other things, size isn't that important guys. If you can't afford a huge $100 bouquet then just go for a cheaper alternative. Do not be fooled into thinking that a bigger bouquet gets a bigger reaction. A small, tasteful bouquet can make as much of a statement as a larger sized one; the trick is to pick the appropriate size for the occasion that truly expresses your sentiments. Flowers delivered East New York do not have to cost the earth, but it can be worth it's weight in gold.
Additional information
If you love flowers as much as we do you may also enjoy Flower Paradise. Another blog dedicated to bringing you the very best florist information on the internet.
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