Affiliate florists are human too
Topic: Flower Facts

My Favourite Flowers - Achillea
The gold-coloured flat heads and the stiff stems with attractive fern-like leaves make a splendid long-lasting show in the perennial border and provide excellent material for the flower arranger. Achillea ‘Moonshine’ is perhaps my favourite. The pale creamy-yellow heads are so much more useful for mixing with a greater number of colours, and it dries beautifully. Bressingham Nurseries have a fascinating range of new colours coming out, with a range from apricot to reds, that will be worth looking out for.
Cultivation
Plant from October to March in any good well-drained garden soil. Achilleas like full sun. Cut the stems down to ground level in the general autumn clearing up.
Conditioning and preserving
The flowers Mullaloo last well with no special treatment. Though the stalks can be hung upside down to dry, I prefer to stand them in a jug in a little warm water, making sure the heads are not touching. They dry quickly like this and keep their shape. Covering the heads with borax gives a little better colour, but you may think, as I do, that it is hardly worth the extra trouble.
Arranging
Though I use these heads freshly cut, for me achillea is invaluable when dried and used in winter as it keeps such a good colour. It is effective with yellow mixed flowers in summer and looks well in the centre of a mixed foliage arrangement. The flat heads should always be placed so that they face you as they make a marvellous focal point in any display. They last superbly — a joy in summer when so many flowers shed their petals. They can be used on short stems of 5 cm (2 in), or full length up to 1.2 m (4 ft).

Visual balance
As well as being actually balanced, the arrangement or bouquet should also be visually balanced. This is far more difficult to achieve. To be visually balanced, a design should have the following:

• A focal point or point of origin from which all stems appear to radiate;
• Darker colours to the centre of the design. and paler colours at the outer edges;
• Finer materials, such as spike ferns, used at the outer edges, and larger, more solid forms in the centre;
• Some materials recessed to give weight to the centre of the design.

Good use of colour is also important in achieving visual balance, and is an essential component of a flower delivery Tasman design. More depth of colour is used in the centre of the design, again to give it visual weight, and the paler lighter colours are taken to the outer edges of the design.

 

Harmony and disharmony
In many designs we see how harmony can be achieved. Some designs have no harmony of parts, having four different flowers and not even foliage to unite them. The design is as busy as the background and the ribbon almost, but not quite, matches, therefore jarring slightly. With a fabric as patterned as this, it can be advantageous to ask about accessories that are to be carried or worn. It may be possible to put flowers on a plainer background.
The flowers Edgbaston and foliage in the main design contrast yet harmonize, both within the design itself and in relation to the outfit and accessories. The colour of the corsage is sufficiently strong to stand out against the strong pattern, and is a little more subtle than the bright yellow rose.

Garlands
Flowering vines and garlands offer more creative opportunities. Available in 3’-9’ lengths, they include coordinating varieties of flowers Crumpsall, leaves, twigs, pine or fir sprigs. Because the floral materials are spaced evenly along the length of the garland, they can be added to most bases, creating a wonderful background for additional materials. To add materials to a garland, dip the stems into glue and insert them among the garland sprigs, making sure they attach to the main stem.
Pine or fir garlands are usually found in 9’ lengths and are extremely versatile holiday decorations. Materials can be added to the plain garland, creating a full and rich look. A garland can also be cut into shorter lengths and wired to other bases such as baskets or wreaths. Spread the individual sprigs apart and cut through the heavy binding wires; twist the cut wire ends together to secure the end sprigs. If matching pine stems are needed, but none are available, cut sprig sections from a pine garland and wire each to a long wood pick.

Found a good florist? - keep them!
Flowers are a great gift for any occasion. Nobody wants to pay more for a flower product that has been over-valued. If you find a good flower shop online or even a flower delivery Vista del Oro professional, make sure you continue to use them. Flower delivery online really can be useful in saving time and money, but if you have not found the right online florist that you can work with, and be happy with, then the internet is not delivering all it could for you. Take the time to shop around until you find a florist whose style and prices appeal to you.

Christmas Display
Christmas is a magical time, and as florists we must capture that magic in our displays. Garlands, swags and door wreaths are still top of the Christmas shopping list. Why not update garlands with tartan bows, and swags with paper ribbons? Add fruit, nuts and gourds to door wreaths. Use exciting golds, greens, silver and blues as well as the traditional red.
Shop displays are often disappointing, reflecting an unplanned presentation of goods. Time is given to more demanding areas of work, resulting in what should be an advertisement, working 24 hours a day for the business, doing exactly the opposite. Display is an art form in three dimensions, with ideas used to attract customers to enter and buy or place a flower delivery Townhead order. Window displays have to be composed like a picture and, it is advisable to confine the objects displayed within a narrower space than the window frame itself. Novelty always stops people in their tracks, so why not use an accessory, such as a fireplace to attract attention?
The majority of goods need to be at eye level or below, as it is easier to look down than up. Good lighting is also important but it has to be discreet as the public should see the well-lit display not the lights.

Picking the right flower for the occasion

Lilies, roses and orchids are great romantic gift ideas, but there are many others out there that can also add that special spark. A daisy is a simple statement for love. They come in white or yellow and have a yellow center. A gardenia is a white flower with dark green leaves. Lilacs are great flowers to send someone. They have stalks with many white or lavender flowers.

No matter which flower delivery Knotty Ash you ultimately decide to send, you’re bound to leave a lasting impression and get into those good books. Flowers are a common symbol for love and can express the deepest emotions of your relationship. Hopefully, by sending a special flower bouquet, your love will stand the test of time!

For the new baby
The arrival of a new baby is a special occasion that needs a carefully thought out design.
The choice of flowers and foliage is important, with colour being the main design principle. The traditional pastel colours are most appropriate when having flowers delivered Creigiau, with soft pinks and white being associated with girls and pale blues and white for boys.
It also makes a nice touch to incorporate a small gift in the arrangement, such as a rattle or pair of booties.

The Flowers That Bloom Year After Year
Among the most rewarding traits of perennials is the fact that they come up unprompted year after year to offer the garden masses and highlights of color in uninterrupted but ever-changing patterns from April to November. Perennials flower abundantly and multiply without being coaxed. Most of them are easy to grow. Some require spadework occasionally from a florist Fieldston, but many will tolerate considerable neglect. In fact, I have seen long-abandoned farms in New England where gaping cellar holes and tumbled walls of old houses were adorned with great clumps of day lilies, thriving and spreading.

Call of the wild flowers
Topic: Flower Facts

Helpful tips for cut flower care
A little extra care can make a big difference for any size or type of flower arrangement or fresh flower bouquet. We recommend that you use the following as a guide to maximise the life of your flower delivery Dalby.

• Make sure vases are very clean.
• Use fresh lukewarm water with commercial cut flower food added.
• Strip all leaves below the water level.
• Take at least 3cm (1") off all stems, making a slanted cut with a sharp knife or very sharp scissors.
• Avoid direct sunlight, heat, or draughts which can shorten flowers' lives.
• Keep flowers away from fruit and remove faded flowers as they occur.
• Top up the water regularly and add flower food in proportion.

 

Exotic flowers
Strange and unusual shapes, strong vibrant colours and interesting names characterize exotic flowers. Many of these are now imported from such diverse countries as New Guinea, the West Indies, Singapore, South Africa and Hawaii. In general, exotic flowers have a long vase life, a crucial factor when you consider the huge distances that some of them must cover in order to reach their destinations.
The use of air freight, efficient packaging and increasingly skilful and scientific post- harvest techniques means that these flowers and other plant materials are transported much faster than they used to be, and will therefore last even longer. The art of flower delivery Takapuna certainly has come on leaps and bounds in the last five to ten years.

Constructing a Structured Bouquet
Structured bouquets are constructed in a similar way to those in the traditional style, but the design is different, and the bouquet sits on top of the hand rather than being held facing forwards in the hand. Space, and the texture and groupings of flowers are important. Foliage has an integral role, and berries, cones and even stems play a part in these designs, which look attractive from all angles, with special cut flowers and foliage at the back of the design for the bride to enjoy. Guests can admire the bride’s wedding ring, as the bouquet allows the hand to be seen.
The structured bouquet is not only seen at weddings, but is also a suitable design for presentations at any time of the day or evening, on the many occasions where fresh flowers Escalon can complete a special event.

Picks
Floral picks, short stems of clustered items, are often used in floral designing. Christmas picks are the most common; they may include berries, cones, silk leaves, packages, ornaments, and pine sprigs. Short (4”-7” tall) stems of flowers or greenery are also known as picks and can be inexpensive. Flower picks generally include 1-3 blossoms with several leaves per stem. More expensive hand-wrapped latex picks often contain a large flower, leaves, a cone or pod and twigs. These are approximately 12”-14” tall and, like hand-wrapped florals, add quality to Fulham flower delivery arrangements. While picks can be effective when inserted as stems, they can also be cut into individual components. Attach each piece to a wood pick or stem wire, then insert it into the design.

Which way to turn for wedding flowers?
When it comes to ordering flowers for your wedding, where do you begin? You can go from florist to florist scheduling consultations, or you can shop online for silk wedding flower packages that will cover all of your needs. Just turn on your laptop in the comfort of your living room or at a coffee shop with WIFI connection and you'll be on your way to planning the floral wedding of your dreams!
Silk wedding flowers are not only beautiful, but they're also practical. With silk flowers there isn't any worrying about whether or not the wedding bouquets will hold up in the heat or freeze in the cold. There are more colors and hues available than with fresh flowers and the bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres are more durable than their fresh counterparts. If a silk bridal bouquet is dropped, it can easily be prepared if a bloom falls off or a stem gets bent. That's certainly not the case with fresh floral arrangements.
There isn't a better choice for the sentimental bride either. While you can preserve your fresh bridal bouquet, it's not going to look as good as your beautiful silk wedding bouquet ten or twenty years from now. You certainly can't pass your fresh bouquet on to your daughter for her wedding like you can your silk bridal bouquet.
Depending on the age of your flower girl, you may want to consider having a silk flower girl basket, no matter what. Children can be careless at times and you wouldn't want the flower arrangement that she's carrying to end up dropped and ruined.
If allergies are a problem with anyone in the wedding party, silk wedding flowers delivered Easton are the answer. There are many different silk wedding flower packages available online. Take the time to check them out before meeting with a local florist. You may be surprised at how much money you will save going with a silk wedding flower set.

Trimming your cut flowers

When cutting, cut at an angle, as that makes greater surface area for the  water to enter the stem. Cut off any leaves that will be under water, as left on   the stems, they will begin to rot and promote bacterial growth. Keep your   flowers out of direct sunlight and heat, and change the water often. These initial steps will ensure a healthy bouquet. 
 
For those seeking natural means of protecting and caring for flowers, the   only thing to avoid from the above-mentioned description of flower care will be   the plant food and anti-bacterial preservative to keep the plants healthy. There   are many natural formulas for those preferring to avoid the chemicals found in   plant food. Water is the essential element for all of life to survive. So, ensuring that your plant gets the best water for it will ensure a longer life whenever you receive flowers Wombourne.

Creating harmony with colour
Colour, although we may not always acknowledge this, plays an important part in our lives, but whereas we may spend a considerable time coordinating the colours in our living rooms and bedrooms, we tend to think that all flowers will go together.
The effect of colour can he noted by florists, as flowers are often used to help to create an atmosphere or mood. Red is an exciting and warm colour; it can also be aggressive. Blue is almost the opposite, being cool and quiet. Violet is rich and somber in some surroundings, while yellow is cheerful and warm. Orange is also warm and hospitable; green can be refreshing, and dark green is relaxing. Green, in any case, is the natural accompaniment to most flowers.
Colours are never seen in isolation in normal life; there are always surrounding colours, and they react with each other, for lighter or darker, for louder or quieter, for better or worse.
The way in which artificial light affects flower colours is important to florists. White fluorescent light makes blue look brighter, while ordinary light bulbs turn it to a rather depressing purplish grey. White, pink and orange look reasonably good in artificial light. Each time you decorate a marquee, take notes on the effect of diffused light on the flowers, as it is difficult to remember such details in the mind’s eye. Create your flower delivery Butetown with these points in mind for the best results.
When designing, use flowers with strong hues and bright colours towards the centre, and paler tints and tones at the outer edges. This will give visual stability as well as impact. A gentle gradation of colour is a subtle way of leading the eye into and through the design.
A colour wheel is a good aid to heighten your awareness of colour. If you have only thought about colour in general terms, a wheel will increase your confidence in using colour. Successful colour harmonies give assurance, and can lead to more complex and challenging ways of using colour in flower designs.

Bulbs: Bold Beauties
Bulbs have an important place in an all-season garden. Bulb-type plants include not only daffodils and other spring bloomers that brighten the end of winter but also those that appear in summer and fall, the lilies, irises, dahlias, and many more that add so much to the joy of gardening. Like perennials, bulb clumps increase in size each year, and you can divide them every few years to expand your planting or give to friends. When the first snowdrops (Galanthus) peep through the snow in late winter or early spring, we’re elated. Later, the daffodils, crocus, tulips, and hyacinths provide bright spots of early color even when the lawn appears dead. Throughout the summer, bulbous plants such as crocosmias, lilies, lily-of-the-valley, ornamental onions (Allium), oxalis, Persian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus), and spider lilies (Lycoris) add interesting blooms and foliage textures. We have obtained such an astounding collection by having the many different types of flowers delivered Seaforth.

Floral Corporation Mergers
In a few sections there has been a merging of sales by corporations. Notable examples are the Hill Floral Products Company of Richmond, Indiana, and the United States Floral Products Company of Elmira, New York. These large concerns dispose of the products of many small growers in the locality, designating to some extent what each florist Kemah shall produce, so as to avoid market gluts of some types of flowers and a scarcity of others. Competition and consequent cutting of prices by the growers have been obviated to the mutual advantage of all concerned and the florist business as a whole.

Take a break this weekend from the florist life
Topic: Flower Facts

Surefire way to a girl's heart

If you really want to earn the brownie points and reap the benefit of all the comments and accolades given to your lady, send her flowers at work. Very few women get flowers at work and the ones that don’t get them will make a huge fuss over them. Don’t wait for a special occasion, sending flowers randomly means so much more. Think of how it will make her feel when they ask, “Is it your birthday or anniversary or something?” and she replies,” No - he just loves me.”

Women remember this kind of gesture for a very long time, and you're sure to be in the good books for quite some time after sending flowers to her work. If you want to impress her with your romantic nature, then you can't go wrong sending some beautiful flowers. Contact your local Stokes Croft Florist and get the ball rolling guys!

The Florist’s Year
The florist’s year is busy but productive. The hours are often long and arduous, but the pleasures are many. A glittering arrangement, complete with champagne, balloons and novelty hats, ushers in the New Year. Special events around the year give many reasons to celebrate with romantic red roses for Valentine’s Day, pretty posies and handtied bunches for Mother’s Day, and then the joyful abundance of Easter flowers after Lenten austerities.
Christmas, with its traditional holly, mistletoe, pine, spruce, ivy, candles and glitter, plus a whole host of other possibilities for the more adventurous, is the peak of the year for any florist Wandsworth. In between these events is a constant stream of weddings, large and small, christenings, birthdays and special anniversaries toasted with champagne.
The hours may be long and the work strenuous, but the look of pleasure on the face of a bride or a new mum, makes all the effort worthwhile.

Making buttonholes
If you have a large number of buttonholes to make, set up a mini production line rather than making each one individually. The method is the same for each, so you can save a lot of time this way ensuring flowers delivered Alawa on time.
Start by collecting together all the items required — carnations, Asparagus setaceus, wires, tape and pins. For each buttonhole, trim a carnation, leaving just a short length of stem; insert a 0.71mm (22 gauge) stub wire up the stem of the carnation, and make a closed hook, then pull the wire down until it is completely hidden in the base of the carnation flower.
Select three fronds of fern from the main shoot and mount them, using 0.32mm (30 gauge) silver stub wire. If the fern has stems of a reasonable length, it is not always necessary to mount them, and this can save much time.
After wiring, tape all the materials. Once the cut materials have all been prepared, they can then quickly be assembled into the buttonhole.
For assembly, add the fronds to the carnation, piece by piece. The largest frond is placed at the back, with a smaller frond at each side. The mounted fronds are flexible, and can be bevelled outwards at a becoming angle. Finally, add a pin.

Creating New Roses
Sooner or later almost every gardener who starts propagating his own plants is tempted to take the next step: rose breeding. For what rose lover does not carry within his heart a secret desire to cre­ate a new and better variety, one more lovely than any other ever grown? Perhaps he dreams of fame and fortune and even goes so far as to pick a name for his unknown beauty. The chance of his achieving this goal is very slim, for the most gifted of professional plant breeders rarely finds one rose out of ten thousand seedlings that is worth introducing into commerce.
However, the amateur should not be discouraged by the odds against commercial success. The techniques are simple, and even if the flowers Tradeston he creates are never grown outside of his own garden, he is still likely to enjoy them more than the loveliest varieties hy­bridized by other men. The professionals themselves are the first to say that rose breeding is a fascinating game of chance.

My Favourite Flowers - Alnus
Hardy deciduous trees, water-loving and usually found growing near streams or rivers, alders are beautiful all the year round. As soon as they lose their leaves, catkins start developing, and with some of the previous year’s cones still on the branches, they remain attractive until May or June. A. incana ‘Aurea’ is one of the most attractive, with pink-tinged catkins in January.
Cultivation
Plant in any good soil, but not shallow chalky soils; excellent in cold wet places, the alder is exceptionally hardy. Plant October to March. No pruning is usually required.
Conditioning
Hammer the ends of the stems well, and put in warm water for several hours. Ordering a flower delivery Wythenshawe may be easier, but it's a lot cheaper to do it yourself.
Arranging
Branches of fresh young catkins, with small clusters of black cones, provide one of the best outline shapes and can be used for weeks, as the catkins continue to develop in water. It makes an excellent background for a vase of spring flowers in moss, or for daffodils, and is a mainstay in many oriental-type arrangements. I often keep the best branches to use in dried groups in the winter.

Drying in a Microwave Oven
The newest way to dry flowers is in the microwave oven. Some flowers can be dried by simply placing them between several layers of microwaveable paper towels and heating for three to five minutes. If your microwave has a setting of 2 to 10, use 4. If it has a range of defrost to high, use the defrost setting. Allow the microwaved flowers to stand for 10 minutes, and then check for dryness. Most flowers, however, will need to be covered by silica gel before being placed in the microwave. The heat of the microwave speeds the absorption of mois­ture by the silica gel. Almost any flower that can be air-dried can be successfully dried in a microwave oven. It is also the best way to dry extra stems. Real stems give your arrange­ments a more natural look than stems made from Sierra Vista florists wire wrapped in tape.

Keep your blooms cool

Never place your flowers from a San Dimas Florist in bright or overheated areas in your home. This breeds bacteria and causes an excess water loss. Use a vase that is in proportion to the size and amount of flowers that you have ordered. This could create even more water loss that you are not aware of.

Preparing an Open Posy
With the materials and container ready and prepared, start by using a sharp knife to cut foliage stems to points, then insert the foliage securely into the foam to form a circular outline around the rim of the container.
Add pieces of foliage to the top of the foam to create a domed profile. Next, add a curving line of focal flowers, the main flower being the tallest, and positioned at the centre. Fill in the outline shape with the bud materials. Insert open flowers and pieces of foliage at varying levels to fill in the centre of the design and to strengthen the elevated profile.
Recess some flowers and foliage to hide the foam and give visual depth. Look at the posy from all angles to check that it is complete and that no foam has been left visible. Ask your assistant florist Aspermont to spray lightly and store in the chiller.

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 Roxbury each year!

Your floral fix for today
Mood:  cheeky
Topic: Flower Facts

Relaxed summer days
In a way, summer itself is a special occasion because it’s punctuated by lots of mini-celebrations — picnics in the park, barbecues and long, lingering meals with family and friends. Summer’s the season, too, for indulging in all that’s fresh: fresh air, fresh produce and, of course, fresh flowers, which are at their most abundant at this time of year. If it’s hot, no one wants to go to too much trouble to create an elaborate table setting. Five minutes is about the maximum length of time most of us are willing to dedicate to setting the table and throwing together some flowers that will enhance the effect we’re after. To simplify the process, keep a collection of pretty containers at hand (or include them in your flower delivery Armadale), and a pair of scissors, and you’re sure to be ready for anything!

Flower containers
With so many containers and vases to choose from, it is hard to avoid being carried away when restocking in a florist’s shop. From plastic to finest china — the range is simply enormous. Containers can be practical, pretty, or both; the difficulty is choosing a versatile range which will appeal to customers and enhance the flowers.
One rule of thumb is to avoid matching a ‘showy’ container with a busy flower arrangement. A container with clear lines and unfussy patterns can make lovely flowers look even more special, so over-decorative containers will tend to sit on the shelves for a long time.
Containers can match, contrast or harmonize with flowers and foliage, or with the furnishings and decor, but one thing they must do — unless they are to be used for dried or fabric flowers — is to hold water. Baskets, unglazed pottery and terracotta require either plastic liners or inexpensive plastic bowls that can be placed inside them. Many florists are including containers along with the flowers delivered Oriental Bay as part of the service.

Design Principles
Composition is the organization of the elements within a design to achieve unification. Form, color and repetition contribute to the composition of the design.
Unity is created when the elements in a floral design relate to each other. The individual materials then blend together to produce a unified whole. This is achieved through color harmony as well as material selection.
Proportion refers to the correct relationship of the design elements; they should be of comparable size. The container or base determines the size of the items; a small wreath should not be overwhelmed with overly large flowers. Focal points should be similar sizes, whole fillers should be smaller. In addition, the scale of a design in relation to its surroundings must be considered. A tiny basket will look out of place on a long, formal dining table. For this reason it is often necessary to have an idea of your recipient’s home décor if you choose to send flowers Atherstone as a gift.
Balance results in visual and, often, physical stability. Placing smaller flowers of lighter colors at the top of a design with larger, darker flowers at the base provides visual stability. For symmetrical balance, place the elements in the design with equal visual weight on each side of a vertical line. By placing the items unequally on each side of the imaginary vertical line (heavier on one side), asymmetrical balance is established.

Be careful sending flowers online

I'm sure everyone is aware that you can send flowers many different ways on the internet? With lots of different options for delivery and ordering flowers online, you must be aware of security and safety of your personal information. Not only that, but you could be left with disappointing flowers if you choose the wrong Denton florist. Many florists online have created websites that lead consumers to believe that they are "local florists." Although you believe they are located in your area, many of them work in call centers far away from you or your flower recipient. With the following tips to sending your flowers online, you can be sure your flowers will get to your destination from a reliable and real professional florist.

 

Bourbon, Noisette and China Roses
The three classes of roses known as Bourbon, Noi­sette and China (the last sometimes called Bengal be­cause it was first shipped to Europe from Bengal in the late 18th Century) are descended from common ancestors that grew in the subtropics of China and thus share several traits: They are not very hardy flowers Century City, especially the Noisettes, which should be grown only in the mild climates of certain areas without winter pro­tection. Almost all flower repeatedly; all have thick leaves, smooth hips and large, often curved thorns; and all usually bear their blossoms in clusters. Bourbons and Chinas come in white, pink, red and purple (some Bourbon varieties are striped); Noi­settes come in all of these colors plus yellow.
In other ways the classes are dissimilar. Bourbons grow in compact shrubs usually 5 to 6 feet high, al­though some can reach a height of 12 feet. Noisettes are climbers that generally reach heights of 10 to 15 feet but may become straggly if unsupported. The Chi­nas range from low-growing varieties, ideal for borders because they rarely exceed 3 feet in height, to 6-foot-­tall hybrids. Most Chinas have a bananalike fragrance, but Bourbons have an apple scent, and Noisettes give off the odor of tea roses, from which they are descend­ed. The color of Bourbon foliage ranges from light to dark green and is often tinted with copper, red or pur­ple when the plant is young; its texture is frequently leathery. China roses may also have red-tinged stems, but their foliage is glossy. Noisettes have smooth, oval leaves of light to medium green. The number of pet­als, depending on variety, ranges from five to 50 in Bourbons and Chinas and five to 80 in Noisettes.

Achillea (yarrow)
Flat-topped flower clusters grown above green or gray-green fernlike foliage. Long-lasting when cut, the flowers also dry and ship well if you are having the flowers delivered Priesthill to a distant area.
Selected species and varieties: A filipendulina (fern leaf yarrow)-yellow flower clusters up to 5 inches across; 'Gold Plate', 6-inch yellow flower heads on 4 ½ -foot stems. A 'Coronation Gold', a hybrid with 3-inch deep yellow flower clusters on 3-foot stems. A. x lewisii 'King Edward' -small yellow flowers on 4-inch stalks. A millefolium (common yarrow) - 2-inch white flowers with cultivars in shades from pink to red; 'Red Beauty" has broad crimson flower clusters.
Growing conditions and maintenance: Plant taller species 2 feet apart, dwarfs 1 foot apart. Propagate by division every 2 to 4 years in spring or fall or from midsummer stem cuttings.

Bulbs Stand Together
A planting does not have to be big or expensive to be beautiful, just big enough for its setting. A clump of a dozen or two large-flowered tulips basking at the foot of a wall or backed by the rich, darker hues of evergreens is unforgettable. And I shall always remember a garden of spring bulbs surrounding a tiny cabin that sat near the base of a knoll covered with old birches and cedars­. Beneath the trees floated great drifts of daffodils that had undoubt­edly been smaller clumps when they started. Whatever bulbs you plant and wherever you plant them, do not set just a few here and a few there: the effect would prove spotty. For the same reason it is better not to mix two or more kinds of bulbs; for example, tulips and daffodils, in a single group. Set bulbs of a kind together in large enough numbers to dazzle the eye; and remember that the smaller the blossoms, the more you will need for a dramatic display. If you choose to send flowers County to someone, you will probably want a more formal arrangement. However, where you want an informal look, plant to conform to the topography. Plantings look natural if they follow the land, flowing down the slopes of depressions.

Moss
Moss is often used to cover the mechanics of an arrangement, such as foam, wire or glue. The moss in a design is chosen for its color or texture and is secured with U-shaped floral pins, wire or glue. Spanish moss is naturally gray; if a soft neutral look is desired in a design, it is the best choice. Gray excelsior resembles Spanish moss and is an easy substitute. Sphagnum moss, also known as green sheet moss, is used when a green “growing” look is needed. It comes packaged in layers or sheets to be peeled apart as needed. Other more unusual mosses and lichens are available in a Maindy flower shop to use in floral design, including forest coral, reindeer moss, dwarf’s beard and shag moss. All have unique properties and appearances, yet if one is unavailable, any moss or lichen of similar color and texture can be used as a substitute. All enhance the natural look and feeling of a design, giving each a “back-to-nature” appearance.

A beautiful flower - Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed)
Characteristics: Butterfly weed (so called because it attracts butterflies) is distinguished by coral buds that open to brilliant clusters of tiny rose-orange flowers. The flowers bloom in profusion from mid- to late sum­mer and are an excellent choice for Sea Gate flower delivery to accompany others in fine arrangements. This heat- and drought-tolerant plant requires little at­tention, which is why it deco­rates roadsides and open woods so luxuriantly. The beauty of butterfly weed is that, unlike some other roadside plants, it is well behaved in the home garden. It produces showy seedpods in late summer. Col­lect these pods to use in dried arrangements.
Cultural Information: Butterfly weed prefers well-drained, sandy, or gravelly soils. Established plants can withstand drought due to their long taproot. It is this taproot, however, that makes butterfly weed difficult to transplant; it is best left un­disturbed. Since these plants sprout late in the spring, mark where you plant them. The markers will remind you to not disturb the area. Seed germi­nate in 28 to 42 days, prefer­ring temperatures of 70° to 75°F. Seedlings can be started in­doors for bloom the first year, or direct sown outdoors to bloom the following year.
Harvesting/Drying: Harvest seed heads in late autumn. If har­vested late in the season, the seed heads will have turned a warm beige. They make hand­some additions to natural autumn arrangements. Simply hang small bunches in a warm, dry spot.

Florists need a vacation too you know . .
Mood:  d'oh
Topic: Flower Facts

My Favourite Flowers - Aichemilla mollis
Aichemilla, a perennial, is a ‘must’ for every garden, with its lime-green or sulphury-yellow feathery sprays of flower, which I use continuously from June to August. The flower stems branch from compact umbels of cup-like leaves which, because of their silky hairs, retain rain drops to glitter like quicksilver after showers. My florist Rosslyn Park now stocks these just for me.
Cultivation
Plant from October to March in any good well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade, Twiggy sticks may be needed to support the plants if they are growing strongly. Cut almost to ground level in the autumn. A moisture- lover, it does not do well in hot and dry areas.
Conditioning and drying
It really needs no special treatment, but it is best to remove a few of the leaves, as these tend to die long before the flower, and then give the stems a long drink in deep water. Remove all foliage.
The flower dries well, though loses some colour. Drying is best done by allowing stems to dry off in the vase in which they are arranged.
Arranging
Because of the delicate form and wonderful blending colour of the flowers, I am tempted to use alchemilla in almost all my arrangements. It lasts so well, and adds such a soft touch that I look forward to it flowering, and it is a joy to find a piece that has blossomed in late autumn. The colour mixes well with pinks, reds, blues, yellows and any all-green arrangement.

Use silk and save
By using silk flowers you can cut your floral costs by between $100 and $800, depending on how many flowers, and what kinds of flowers, you were planning to use. Opt to do the table arrangements of your flowers, keeping them simple, and you can cut your flower related wedding costs by another $100 to $300. Some people save as much as $1,000 or more just by going with the fake flowers and doing most of the arrangements themselves. Silk wedding flowers often look as good as the real thing. It is impossible to tell the difference from far away, and even up close, a good fake flower looks very nice. You can also arrange to have your flowers delivered Christchurch before the big day as the flowers will not wilt.Going for fake flowers has many benefits, and it is no wonder that more and more people are now opting for this style for their wedding blooms.

Latex and Non woven Flowers
Latex flowers are another form of permanent florals. The flowers and leaves are constructed of silk or parchment, and then dipped into latex, leaving them with a cool, rubbery texture. Most stemmed artificial fruit, vegetables and nuts are latex-coated for a more realistic appearance; in fact, many look good enough to eat! The finished arrangements must be kept from high heat as the latex can soften and become sticky; store them in a cool, dry place.
Non woven fabric flowers or high-density fabric flowers have an upscale look and ship very well when you send flowers Patterson to someone that lives far away. The fabric is cut and shaped into petals with realistic veins and ridges pressed into them.

Display guidelines
Forward planning is important; a good display should he planned with these questions in mind:
Why — Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day
Where — shop windows, island stands
What — fresh flowers, containers or sundries
Balance is an important factor. There should he a visual framework to attract the eye and make the display look pleasing. Presentation is equally important. Price tickets and display cards should be written neatly and clearly. Window display can become time- consuming, so keep it simple. The colour theme and accessories can be chosen well in advance, and fresh plants and flowers added at the last minute.
The essential ingredient is imagination — make your display vibrant, colourful and exciting, and it will sell your flowers Kensington. People automatically respond to colour, especially in the world of flowers, so use colour themes to give impact to your displays and to stimulate ideas and interest.

Flower Food
Food, provided in the form of sugars and starches, enables a flower to attain full maturity. When flowers and foliages are cut, photosynthesis — the process whereby plants generate their food — is interrupted. The energy reserves contained in the stems and foliage are not sufficient to mature flowers and open buds. To maximize flower life, therefore, nutrients must be added, compensating for the loss of the flowers’ own food- making capacity. Although there are many home-made and semi-professional recipes and formulas, the thoroughly researched, scientifically proven pre-treatment and flower foods are by far the most dependable, and give the best results to the florist.
Pre-treatments are used when flowers are cut at the nursery, and nutrients are again supplied when they are conditioned by the florist. This chain continues when the purchaser uses flower food at home. There are many excellent brands of proprietary flower food that can be added to your flower delivery Sea Mills at little extra cost. Customers should also be encouraged to use these products as it has been proved that this continued care increases vase life.

Substituting Floral Materials
It’s an easy task to substitute flowers for the ones listed in a project. If colors need to be changed to match your décor, determine the dominant colors in the project design. Select the same number and type of flowers listed using your desired colors. Repeat through the list, substituting your chosen colors for the ones listed. When you’ve gathered all the flowers, hold them together in a bunch to see how the new colors blend or contrast with each other.
If one flower in a design is unavailable from a florist Kingshurst, look around to find one similar to it. Check to make sure it’s approximately the same size and that there are as many blossoms as needed. If you’re substituting a different type of flower, make sure it’s the same shape: a 3” wide rose or carnation might be substituted for a 3” wide peony. The texture will be a little different, but the design shouldn’t suffer for it.

Woody or hollow stemmed flowers
Woody-stemmed materials can prove difficult to condition. Use warm water and flower food or if necessary, the boiling-water method, to encourage water uptake.
Flowers with hollow stems, such as delpinium hybrids, can be inverted and filled with water from a watering can. Plug the end with cotton wool and place the stem in a bucket of tepid water. The cotton wool acts as a wick, and the water in the stem will keep the whole flower turgid. This is usually a process carried out by the florist and the flower delivery St Mellons for the customer will already be done.

Gloxinia and Smithiantha Bulbs
In the fourth category of bulbs are two of the most beautiful and popular varieties selected for Ford flower delivery, the gloxinia and the smithiantha, or temple bells. Since these are of tropical origin, they are grown as house plants the year round everywhere in the United States. The gloxinia, happily, can be brought into bloom at virtually any time of the year and is ideal for winter culture. The process takes from two to four months from potting to flowering, since the period of dormancy of one bulb is not always the same as another. So, to be sure of having Christmas color, plant gloxinia bulbs in late summer. The smithiantha starts flowering in summer but continues to bloom well into winter. Growing instructions are simple and are given in flower encyclopedias.

Wedding Reception Flowers

Floral arrangements are a great way to carry a consistent theme throughout your Australian wedding experience, which is very important when planning your big day. There is nothing more beautiful (bride excepted of course) than a reception venue decorated in the same theme as your bridal bouquets. You can't of course, trust this important job to just any old florist. We strongly recommend you use a flower delivery Bridge City-Orangefield expert with many years of experience in providing fresh flowers to Australia. Flowers, whether you're sending them online, or purchasing for your wedding day send such an important message, that you just have to get it right. There is no second chance if the flowers arrive on your wedding day not as you had expected. Communication between yourself and your florist is vital to ensure that everyone is happy on the big day.