Plastic and Metal containers
People are often fooled by plastic containers, picking up what they imagine to be a heavy ceramic pot, only to find they are holding a light-weight plastic, for these days the latter can have all the advantages of plastic with the good looks of china. Plastic containers of this type are not inexpensive, but they are likely to last much longer than their more breakable counterparts, and they come in a rainbow range of colours, and in many shapes, sizes and designs. Any good florist Seville East will stock an array of these containers.
Metals
Copper cache-pots and brass containers from goblets to coal buckets, make lovely containers for flowers. The differing textures of the flowers and the shiny containers contrast and act as a foil for each other. Most pedestal stands designed for use .n churches, hotels or marquees are made from wrought iron, and containers of this type are both adaptable and functional.
Whatever your needs, there is a wealth of containers to enhance the beauty of flower and foliage materials.

Sympathy & Memorial
Memorial designs are often taken to the graveside at Christmas and other times of the year to express love and respect, and to offer comfort to the bereaved. The use of evergreens for Christmas decorations is a traditional practice that dates back to ancient times, and from the florists Mt Wellington viewpoint, holly wreaths and crosses offer a practical alternative to cut flowers placed1in cemetery vases, with the advantage that, at a time of year when the elements can quickly damage flowers, evergreens will withstand wind and cold — even frost and snow — and remain attractive for a long time. Cones and clusters of bright red berries are lasting alternatives to the carnations used here.

Finishing touches to a Chaplet
When the foliage basing is complete, give the leaves a coating of leaf shine for a lovely glossy finish. Other foliage can be used in this type of design — the golden-leaved and the silver-leaved varieties of eleagnus are effective, as are camellia leaves and the larger varieties of hedera.
The foliage base requires a bold cluster of flowers to complement it, as any good florist East Birmingham will tell you. The exotic foliage of Joseph’s coat, Codiaeum pictum, harmonizes with the gerberas and the lime-green Singapore orchids to give an exotic feel to the cluster on the chaplet.

Dahlia and Gladiolus Planting
Dahlias are generally planted outdoors as soon as the ground has warmed up and there is no further danger of frost. Gladioluses may be planted in series, a week to 10 days apart, continuing until mid-July. As a more general rule, they may be planted until 60 days before the first expected frost; the gladiolus becomes virtually a year-round plant in frost-free areas, making it a very popular selection for Whalley Range flower delivery. Successive plantings greatly extend the flowering season, since gladioluses of a single variety that are planted in series will bloom in the order in which they were planted. But some called "early blooming" take less time to flower than do those designated "mid season" or "late", so three different varieties planted the same day may bloom weeks apart. By planting in sequence and using different varieties, the shrewd gardener can keep a supply of gladioluses available for cutting all summer long.

My dearest flower series - Lilium
A few years ago, only wild species of lilies were grown in gardens. This is no longer true; a revolution in lily culture has produced hybrids that are more vigorous and colorful, adapt to a greater variety of growing conditions and are freer of disease than their forebears. As a result, gardeners can have a succession of fragrant, blooming lilies from late spring until early fall. Except for a few tried and true species, the new hybrids are the only ones to be recommended.
Lilies can be used anywhere their striking beauty is desired to create a focal point in the garden. They are most effective in small groups, along a hedge or fence or against a dark background of evergreens. Plant at least three bulbs in each group. Colonies of bulbs can be left undisturbed for years, but the bulbs should be lifted and divided when the plants become overcrowded. Easter lilies bought as house plants from a florist Country Club Park can be planted outdoors to flower during summer in following years. Certain Asiatic Hybrids can also be grown as house plants.

Preserving the Beauty of Nature
At the end of the winter I look forward to the awakening of the garden. I de­light in the first signs of spring and the sight of each and every bulb, tree, shrub and flower. I eagerly anticipate the gathering of the first of many floral bouquets so that I may send flowers Craigton to those I hold dear. However, this yearly ritual brings mixed feelings because in the best of circumstances, the cut flowers will last only a few days in water. If only they could last longer! Since the beginning of time, people have wished to preserve the beauty of nature throughout the long winter months.
In my quest to learn more about preserving flowers, I have met many people who have taken on the hobby of flower drying and who treat it as an art, sometimes devoting their full time to it. Most of the enthusiasts plant, grow, nurture, harvest and dry their own flowers and ultimately create wonderful displays.
It is estimated that 80 percent of flowers can be successfully dried and preserved. This was a surprise to me because I had always thought of dried flowers as everlastings. The term ever­lasting brings to mind an arrangement of life­less flowers in a limited range of beige, yellow and orange colors. But I have learned that the term is misleading.

Retail flower-stores
Small growers are still numerous in the United States, but economy of flower-production is limited many times by the size of the output. Large business enterprises, therefore, are common. A few chain flower-stores are in operation, but as a rule they have not proved entirely successful. This seems to be due largely to the fact that the management of a Orrell Park flower shop demands much detailed and personal attention, and the products sold are of such a perishable character that firms find it difficult to manage chain-stores. The syndicate plan of management so strongly advocated recently has not developed as was expected.
Retail flower-stores have become important centers of distribution. In some of the large cities, their location on principal thoroughfares requires high rentals, and the elegance of the interiors is striking. In other sections, the tendency is towards the disposal of large quantities of cut-flowers and potted plants at lower prices. In such stores the so-called "overhead" is comparatively low.

Using wire to support flowers
Long stemmed flowers may be wired to give support and control. Select a wire that gives support, but not rigidity, and where possible conceal wires internally. All support wires must finish at the stem end.
There are three basic forms of support wiring that a florist Coryton may choose to use, the choice depending on the stem structure: internal wiring, for hollow stems; semi-internal, for soft stems, and external for woody/hard stems.
External method
Insert the wire (either taped or coated) into the flower base and twist it around the stem at regular intervals.
Semi-internal
Insert the (taped or coated) wire into the stem, 4-5cm (l’ii-2in) below the flower and push it up into the base. The protruding wire is twisted around the stem, avoiding the foliage.
Internal wiring
Make a small hook at one end of the wire. With the flower in your left hand (reverse if left-handed), insert the wire through the flower and down the stem, hiding the hook in the flower. The long-stemmed flower is now ready to be used.

Ribbon Edging a tribute
Ribbon edging is a versatile addition for both formal and informal tributes. Ribbon can complement both based and open designs, and it can harmonize or provide contrast and add texture to funeral designs. There are two types of pleating — box pleats and overlapping pleats. Box pleats are made by folding the ribbon first one way and then in the opposite direction. For overlapping pleats, the ribbon is folded in the same direction throughout. Whichever method is chosen, the folds must be orderly and equal.
A hand stapler is used to fasten the ribbon, and either German pins or the glue gun to fix the ribbon to the tribute. Be careful not to damage any of the flowers Peter Cooper Village during this process. Corners are mitred to give a very neat finish to tributes such as the cushion, heart and cross. Ribbon used for the edging can be employed in the tribute, in the form of loops and trails, to create a sense of complete unity.

Can't get enough aye?
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Be inspired when arranging flowers
There are a variety of books, paintings, pictures and calendars available which will give you lots of inspiration when it comes to arranging flowers in your home. Study these carefully; decide if the arrangement is suitable for the location you have in mind; check whether the material will be readily available or if you can adapt the arrangement to suit the flowers and foliage in your garden.
The character of your house and the particular room where you want to put flowers will dictate the style of arrangement you are looking for. Consider the type of furnishings you have, the colours in the room and where the flowers will be placed.
Generally, people aim for one or two fairly large arrangements in a room. However, do not overlook smaller arrangements grouped together or placed on a table in conjunction with other complimentary items perhaps of a similar colour grouping.
Dining table arrangements do not have to be restricted to one formal piece in the centre of the table. Individual nosegays placed in front of each guest work well. Herbs offer another range of decorative options with the addition of an attractive scent. They can be used in bunches, on their own or mixed with flowers.
Arranging flowers is a creative art. No two arrangements will turn out to be exactly the same, which is part of the fun of this particular craft. Experiment with different types of flowers Launching Place and foliage and different sized arrangements until you develop your own individual style.
Often people tend to have one particular place in a room where they always put their flowers. Try breaking this habit and experiment with different locations.

Flower Growing and Retailing
Within recent years flowers have been more and more in demand and this has given rise, not alone to the development of large centers of flower production, but also to artistic flower-stores and other means of Invercargill flower delivery. The growing of flowers is essentially an agricultural industry. The work can be carried on successfully only by men adapted for this specialized field. On the other hand, the selling of flowers demands a man with an artistic temperament as well as a keen business mind. The two types of men are so radically different that whenever possible the growing of flowers should be kept separate from the retailing.
Recently the business of flower-growing has changed in a marked degree. Certain lines of production have gone into the hands of a comparatively few persons. As an illustration, most of the roses are grown under glass for cut-flower purposes by a few firms. The grower of miscellaneous florist crops has found that he cannot raise roses economically on a small scale and in competition with the rose specialist; therefore he devotes his activities to other lines of production, and buys from the specialist such roses as he needs to supply his retail trade.

Perennials: Powerful Partners
From studying the new garden catalogs in mid-January to tucking mulch in among the plants just before the winter snows arrive, gardening is full of delightful surprises and never monotonous. As soon as the snow melts in the spring, we hurry out to discover which perennials are peeping through the wet earth after their winter hibernation. With the first spring shower, many that had seemed dead on first inspection suddenly sprout green buds, and we know that more delights will appear each day until the cycle of seasons bring gardening to a close once again. It is this quality of metamorphosis that attracts us to herbaceous perennials. They are fascinating because most bloom for only short periods and seldom looks the same two days in a row, or two years in succession. Our early morning walks reward us with a changing display of blossoms and an endless variation of plant textures, heights, and fragrances. We wait expectantly to see if the new hybrid iris we splurged on last fall from a Sutter Creek flower shop will be as spectacular as the catalog description promised, or if the blooms of the peony that were disappointingly small last summer will improve this year. Each season is a new adventure.

Assembly of a prayer book spray
Collect all the materials together and, working on a sheet of paper, prepare the ribbons (if required), and then the foliage and the flowers. This elongated style of corsage will require longer-than-usual units of flowers and foliage.
Florists Finsbury will assemble the corsage by binding units together under the focal flower. Use finer materials to create the outline, and position the main flowers in a curving line to establish the profile. Add the trailing units of flowers and foliage. Next, bind in single leaves and flowers on various levels and recess some materials. Now trim out excess wires; tape the stem end, and firmly wire the spray onto a ‘figure-of-eight’ wire foundation.
Check that the book is the correct way up, then position the spray on the centre, bending the wire frame over the top and bottom edges of the book and clamping it firmly onto the inside cover.
Place the ribbon streamers where they can act as a page marker during the ceremony. Check the design; adjust the materials; carefully and lightly mist the spray; protect the book with paper, and store it in a cool place until it is required.

When would you send men flowers?

Pretty much the same occasions as for women. Think back to the times when you would love to receive flowers: on your birthday, on special anniversaries, during down times, after a job promotion, the list goes on. Any of these would also be a good time to send flowers to the man in your life. A word of warning though, most men would not like to receive flowers sent to their place of work. A sense of embarrassment in front of their work colleagues is the reason for this. Always send flowers Bower Ashton to a place where he feels comfortable receiving them, and never to a place where he may be placed in an akward position.

Flower care 101

Keep your flowers in a cool area, 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your flowers out of direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, and direct drafts from the sides or above. Don’t place your flowers on anything that gives off heat such as TV’s or heating radiators. Avoid leaving your flowers in the car otherwise your Sydney flower delivery Edgbaston could wilt badly.

When your flowers arrive in wet Oasis foam…
Keep the floral foam soaked with water containing floral food. The floral shop should provide and extra packet with your arrangement. Be sure to follow the instructions on the floral food packet.

Which Colour?
When choosing flowers to include in a flower delivery Culverhouse Cross, customers often ask for the recipient’s favourite colour, but if they do not know this they may ask the florist for advice. If the flowers are to celebrate the birth of a boy or girl, this is easy, as it is normal to send pink for a girl and either blue or yellow for a boy. Blue flowers are sometimes difficult to acquire, and blue ribbon is used as a substitute. Yellow and orange flowers always look bright and cheerful, while red makes the room look warm. White, cream and blue flowers are restful, and a good choice for someone who is very ill. It is also helpful to find out for whom the flowers are being bought; men seem to prefer bright strong colours, such as reds, burgundy and rusts, whereas older ladies like mauves, lilacs and pastel colours. Children seem to prefer bright colours.

The cluster
The cluster generally has a definite outline — for example, round, diamond, crescent or, as in the pictured design, a teardrop. Foliage creates the initial outline of the cluster. Pernettya shrub, eucalyptus, and the larger leaves of Hedera canariensis are used to give depth and unity.
The roses, as focal flowers, define the profile. Carnation sprays are added by florists Ford to strengthen the focal flowers and provide further texture. Lily buds offer a contrast both in form and in texture, and a strong grouping of muscari and individual hyacinth pips, together with the finishing touch of a ribbon bow, help to complete the cluster.
This design features a single placement of flowers, but secondary placements can also be effective, especially if linked to the principal placement by foliage or ribbon.

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 Manvel, 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.

How about this?
Whilst we aim to provide you with a never ending supply of flower facts, you may like to check out Florist Gold if you want even more! You can never have too many tips and facts when you love flowers, or wish to have a career in the floral industry.

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 St Andrews 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.

Winter Arrangements
Flowers associated with winter include hellebores which, although not generally available as a cut flower, can be purchased as pot plants. This is also true of the poinsettia, which will last much longer if the roots can be retained. Poinsettias are now available in pinks and creamy whites as well as scarlet, and combine beautifully with red carnations and carnation sprays.
The early spring flowers Hendon can be teamed with some of the flowering winter branches, such as witch hazel or Viburnum x bodnantense. The first narcissi and tulips appear in winter and these and other spring flowers help to brighten the dark winter days. The spicy scent of hyacinths makes them a favourite, and the delicate beauty of snowdrops is a very special pleasure.

Line and Form
Line is the visual path established by the floral materials through the arrangement. A static line remains inside the form of the design following the width, length or depth without providing any unusual movement within the design. A dynamic line provides continuous movement within a design; it is active and displays an unusual element, such as a curving line within a triangular arrangement.
Form is established by the appearance of a design of flowers Hampton . The visible width, height and depth define the form. A “closed form,” such as a wreath, is a solid, compact design. An “open form” has spreading and radiating parts with air or empty space among the materials.

Famous Hybrid Perpetuals
The blossoms of hybrid perpetuals are large (up to 7 inches across) ­and most are fully doubled, with as many as 100 petals. A limited color range runs from white to deep maroon but includes no yellow. As compensation, Frau Karl Druschki, a lushly growing hybrid perpetual, is considered to be one of the finest of the white roses, and it is still widely grown.
The plants are rather tall, most varieties averaging 4 to 5 feet and some reaching twice that height. The leaves and thorns display the same wide range of shapes, colors and sizes as the hybrid teas. Best known of all the hybrid perpetuals is the famous American Beauty Rose. In the good old days, when a young man could still afford a dozen red roses, it was a dozen American Beauties that he held behind his back when he had the flowers delivered Polmadie and rang the doorbell of his best girl.

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 Denton, 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.

Catnip
Your perennial garden is a great source of wonderful dried flowers. A perennial is any plant that dies down every winter and returns the following season. Many perennials are both easy to grow and easy to dry. Some of the best perenni­als for drying are also frequent components of perennial gar­den designs. Flowers such as yarrow (Achillea millefolium), pearly everlasting (Anaphalis), wormwood (Artemisia), golden­rod (Solidago canadensis) and feverfew (Chrysanthemum par­thenium) dry easily and are common enough that you may already be growing them. Cat­nip (Nepeta), the friend of the feline, is also the friend of the dried-flower enthusiast and almost every florist Windsor Square has some on hand. It is a sturdy perennial with attrac­tive, long-blooming blue flow­ers on gracefully arched stems. Air-drying retains its fresh, minty fragrance. Catnip com­bines with coralbells for a striking combination of color and texture.

Instant Oasis
Some flowers are easy to combine informally in a bouquet by simply placing them in a container and arranging them loosely, one by one, until you get the effect you want. In other cases, you may desire a more formal arrangement and need to use devices you can purchase from a Benicia flower shop: Instant Oasis, a block of light, porous material, which is reusable; a pinholder (needlepoint holder); and floral clay or tape. Oasis is invaluable in arrangements because it holds the stems wherever you want them. Never let one flower depend on another to hold it upright. It won't work for long. Cut the Oasis slightly smaller than the container and push it onto a needlepoint holder that you've covered with a small piece of nylon panty hose. (The nylon makes it easier to cleanly remove the Oasis.) If the holder doesn't stay in place, fasten it to the bottom of the container with floral tape or clay. Soak the Oasis in lukewarm water for a minute or two before you set any flowers in it. The container you choose should be clean so the flowers will stay fresh, and the flowers should relate well to it. Neutral-colored containers show off blooms to best advantage, but use your imagination to create unusual combinations. Hide plain jars and cans in bas­kets, an antique kettle, or other receptacle, for example.

What flowers can I dry?
Tropical cut flowers, such as the members of the Proteaceae family, can successfully and easily be dried. Australian honeysuckle (Banksia), king and queen proteas and pincushion proteas can ‘double up’ by being used in fresh arrangements before being dried. Foliage such as eucalyptus can be air dried and the many and varied species do keep a little of their fragrance for some time.
Kangaroo paw (Ariigozantbos sp. hybrid), another native of Australia, adds an unusual form to arrangements, and also dries well.
Latest Trends
The latest materials to be air dried are slices of fruit — apples, oranges and lemons can be successfully air dried in a warm airing cupboard, if you are lucky enough to have one in your florist McQueeney shop. Encourage customers to bring their arrangements back regularly for cleaning, freshening up and maybe even sell them another lovely design.

A Handtied Posy
Handtied bunches are a delightful way of giving flowers. The stems are clear of leaves and the flowers are arranged. All the recipient has to do is to re-cut the stem ends and place the flowers in a vase of water. Handtied bunches have always been part of the European florist’s repertoire; nearly every assistant in a florist’s shop will arrange flowers in the hand as they are bought, the stems having already been stripped of their leaves before they were placed on display.
Starting with one good strong stem, the other materials are added as the bunch is turned in the hand. This distributes the flowers evenly around the main stem, and forms a good all-round shape. The top of the design may be flat or domed, depending on the personal preference of the Rosedale florist making the design. There is no correct method -- just different styles, chosen as appropriate.

Further reading
Thanks for reading the post, we hope you enjoyed these great flower facts and tips. If you're a florist, or looking to become one, you may also enjoy Flower Land which has even more information for you.

My dearest flower series - Hyacinthus
Hyacinths have a sweet, haunting fragrance that gardeners everywhere associate with spring. The most familiar species is the large-flowered hyacinth, H. orientalis, which grows 8 to 12 inches tall and bears 6- to l0-inch pompon-like clusters of single or double flowers Kingston. Notable varieties are Amsterdam (salmon pink), Bismarck (pale blue), City of Haarlem (primrose yellow), L'Innocence (pure white), King of the Blues (rich indigo blue) and Pink Pearl (deep pink). H. orientalis albulus varieties have slender 6- to 8-inch stalks of graceful, widely spaced blue, pink or white flowers. Bulb catalogues usually list three additional species as hyacinths. H. amethystinus has 4- to 10-inch stalks of tiny pale blue or white bell-shaped flowers that appear after other hyacinths have faded; H. azureus has 4- to 8-inch stalks lined with tiny dark blue flowers and looks much like the grape hyacinth (Muscari); H. romanus has 6- to 12-inch stalks and ¼-inch blue or white flowers. All three are excellent bulbs for rock gardens or for naturalizing in rough grass.

So many Orchids

The orchid is a perennial plant that usually has three petals. There are about 30,000 different species of orchids growing wildly worldwide. There are three basic types of orchid: epiphytic, terrestrial, and saprophytic. The first of the types of different orchids, the epiphytic orchid, grows mostly in tropic and subtopic regions. The epiphytic types of orchid are the most popular for growing indoors. The terrestrial orchid is the second of the major types of orchid and can be used to send flowers Levin as a beautiful floral gift.

Designing your event decor

Many people agree that flowers are one of the most important elements in your design. From big parties to small get-togethers, flowers can bring that added touch to any setting. If you are planning to appoint a florist for your event, discuss what you want to achieve with your flowers Perton. Many people do not know what they require and will be left with disappointing flowers. Lots of hosts or organizers hire florists that can turn out to be a disappointing investment. If you follow theright advice you will invest in a good florist that knows exactly what you like and can use flowers to reinforce the mood you must create.

He's done it again
OK ladies, so the man in your life has been less than thoughtful lately and you've been giving him a hard time over it. Like all men, he turns to the floral solution and sends you the most beautiful bunch of flowers from a Didsbury florist. Great, it worked! So now you're probably thinking about how to make their firm petals and vibrant colors last for as long as possible. Well, you can make your gorgeous flowers last much longer if you follow the advice and tips contained within this blog. Most advice is just common sense, but there are always those little nuggets of golden information that will assist you in caring for your beautiful flowers.

The Roses of an Ancient World
The rose was an ancient flower long before the first men appeared on earth. Fossil specimens indicate that the flowers bloomed in what is now the American West mil­lions of years before the oldest known picture of a rose was painted on a Cretan wall during the Bronze Age 36 centuries ago.
In ancient Greek literature, the rose ac­quired a powerful mystique. Homer wrote in the Iliad that roses decorated the shield of Achilles and the helmet of Hector when they fought their mortal duel during the Trojan War. King Midas of Phrygia, legendary possessor of the golden touch, is said to have grown magnificent 60-petaled specimens in his gardens and would send flowers Elysian Heights to many of his followers. It is believed that many islands of the Mediterranean were once covered with wild roses, including several varieties of Rosa gal­lica, the oldest identifiable rose and the basic ancestor of all modern roses. The name of one island, Rhodes, in fact comes from rhodon, the Greek word for "rose." Early in their history, the seafaring Rhodians adopted the rose as their symbol, and stamped it on many of their coins, which were widely circulated and used as currency throughout the length and breadth of the Mediterranean.

Bouquet Appearance
When you enter a flower show, rules restrict your choices, but for home use you need only consider a few tips. Before you begin, consider where the arrange­ment will go so you can design it to fit in the intended space. Will it be seen from one side only, perhaps on a mantel, or from all sides, as a table centerpiece? For a professional appearance, arrange the height of the bouquet in proportion to the height of the con­tainer. If the vase is too tall, the flower heads will barely peek out over the top. Ideally, the container should be no more than one-third the height of the arrange­ment. Before you begin, decide on the shape of your arrangement: triangular, circular, or perhaps linear. Cover the Oasis with greenery so it will be invisible. Recut the stems as you place them in the Oasis, using the heavier flowers (those that are larger or darker in color) in the center, and the lighter, smaller ones near the perimeter. Express yourself and enjoy the colors and shapes of the beautiful flowers Temple you have grown.

Purchasing Tips
Check the water
Any flower you buy at any retail outlet should be in water. Check the cleanliness of the water and the container. Is the water clear? Is the container clean? If not don't buy the flowers. The only exception to this would be tulips in muddy water - this does not kill these flowers. In every other case, dirty water and dirty containers will reduce the flowers' life.
Check the leaves
In many types of cut flowers the leaves start to die before the flower. Check the leaves for signs of yellowing or blotching - if you see these signs don't buy. This is especially useful when buying lilies or chrysanthemums. If you are buying roses, don't buy bunches with dried leaves.
Check the flowers
Last, have a good look at the flowers and buds. Many flower buds, like roses or lilies open well in the vase (with proper care) so choose the bunch with the fewest open flowers. Other flowers, like gerbera, need to be bought fully open. Check to find out if the flower delivery Kirkdale you want to order opens in the vase or not.

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 Riverside), and a pair of scissors, and you’re sure to be ready for anything!

Unusual flowers - Echinacea (coneflower)
Characteristics: Coneflower is a wonderful addition to any garden. It is a sturdy plant with showy flower heads 3 to 4 inches across. The flowers Pomonok re­semble black-eyed Susan, but have reflexed petals, and bloom in pink and white. The foliage, 3 to 4 inches long, is dark green and coarse in texture. Echinacea is an American native and is lovely when grown in an informal or woodland garden setting.
Cultural Information: Echinacea will grow in an ordinary soil but prefers soil enriched with compost to help it tolerate heat and drought. Grow individual plants from seed. Prevent overcrowding by dividing every three years. Space plants 18 inches apart and enrich the soil before replanting.
Harvesting/Drying: For dried arrangements allow the flower heads to dry naturally on the plant before harvesting. Seed heads are also interesting in dried arrangements.

How about this?
Whilst we aim to provide you with a never ending supply of flower facts, you may like to check out A Million and One Flower Facts if you want even more! You can never have too many tips and facts when you love flowers, or wish to have a career in the floral industry.

Flower Growing and Retailing
Within recent years flowers have been more and more in demand and this has given rise, not alone to the development of large centers of flower production, but also to artistic flower-stores and other means of Kingswood flower delivery. The growing of flowers is essentially an agricultural industry. The work can be carried on successfully only by men adapted for this specialized field. On the other hand, the selling of flowers demands a man with an artistic temperament as well as a keen business mind. The two types of men are so radically different that whenever possible the growing of flowers should be kept separate from the retailing.
Recently the business of flower-growing has changed in a marked degree. Certain lines of production have gone into the hands of a comparatively few persons. As an illustration, most of the roses are grown under glass for cut-flower purposes by a few firms. The grower of miscellaneous florist crops has found that he cannot raise roses economically on a small scale and in competition with the rose specialist; therefore he devotes his activities to other lines of production, and buys from the specialist such roses as he needs to supply his retail trade.

Cake and Table Decorations
Delicate fresh flower and foliage, with pretty ribbons, daintily arranged, make a charming cake-top decoration for various occasions, including anniversaries and engagements and, of course, weddings.
The wedding cake is an important feature of the reception, but if placed in front of the bride and groom it can hide them from their guests. Suggest that the cake has a place of honour on a separate table, to be decorated by you. This will create interest and provide a centrepiece for the cutting of the cake.
Always ask the bride for details of the cake, as today’s cakes are very individual, and there are innumerable styles and sizes. Some cakes may take the form of initials or hearts, but traditional cakes are either round or square, with one, two, three or more tiers, supported on pillars. The current trend is for perspex or steel stands, which suspend the cakes on various levels. Knowing the cake's details will ensure your flower delivery Tasman goes without a hitch.
The traditional container was a silver vase, though sometimes a wine glass was used instead, but hiding the foam used to be a problem. Now the foam can simply be surrounded with crumpled strips of cellophane which, when filled with flowers, looks like crushed ice. Specially-designed foam bump on a plastic base provides an excellent foundation, making assembly quick and easy.

Bacteria woes
As well as from air pockets, stems can become blocked by bacteria. The growth of these micro-organisms in the water and inside the stems can cause serious problems to sensitive flowers such as gerberas and roses. A clean wound surface is essential, as the damaged cells rot faster, and the end result is decay and the spread of bacteria that will pollute the water.
Unpleasant smells can develop as the cells in the foliage below the waterline collapse. As the bacteria continues to grow, the stem ends (particularly if damaged) become slimy and disagreeable to handle. This in turn leads to premature wilting of flowers Beaumont and foliage.

Using wire to support flowers
Long stemmed flowers may be wired to give support and control. Select a wire that gives support, but not rigidity, and where possible conceal wires internally. All support wires must finish at the stem end.
There are three basic forms of support wiring that a florist Acton may choose to use, the choice depending on the stem structure: internal wiring, for hollow stems; semi-internal, for soft stems, and external for woody/hard stems.
External method
Insert the wire (either taped or coated) into the flower base and twist it around the stem at regular intervals.
Semi-internal
Insert the (taped or coated) wire into the stem, 4-5cm (l’ii-2in) below the flower and push it up into the base. The protruding wire is twisted around the stem, avoiding the foliage.
Internal wiring
Make a small hook at one end of the wire. With the flower in your left hand (reverse if left-handed), insert the wire through the flower and down the stem, hiding the hook in the flower. The long-stemmed flower is now ready to be used.

Sheave Construction
The spiralling of the stems is vital to the construction, giving the design profile. All stems running from left to right re placed on top of the main stem, and those running from right to left are added behind it; in this way, the spiral is built up.
The design must have a flat back so that it does not rock when laid down, and the best way to achieve this is to use a strong flat piece of foliage, such as Abies grandis. To complete the sheaf, it must be firmly tied, and a large bow of an appropriate colour added. The stems are then trimmed to shape, roughly one-third of the length of the design before the flower delivery Speedwell. Some quick advice there on creating sheaves - hope you found it useful.

A beautiful flower - Aquilegia (colu­mbine)
Characteristics: Columbines are graceful, multicolored flowers adorned with long spurs. They nod upright above lacy, light green foliage. Each flower is made up of five petal-like se­pals, set over five petals, which may be the same or a different color. Columbines are short­-lived perennials, lasting about three years in the garden, but they freely self-sow when they like their home. These early summer perennials grace the garden in May and early June. After petals have dropped, they form attractive seed heads. These tiny crownlike green pods are held upright. There are several columbine varieties available including 'Harlequin' (an earlier blooming variety with large flowers) and 'McKa­na's Giant' (with large flowers in bright colors and bicolors). A more recent introduction, 'Nora Barlow', is an unusual, fully double flowering variety with blooms of red, pink and green that can now be found in a Leamington Spa flower shop.
Cultural Information: Colum­bines are best grown in moist, well-drained soil. They will self-sow in favorable conditions. To propagate, sow seed in a protected area outdoors in midsummer or early fall. Cover new plants with a layer of win­ter mulch. Relocate to their permanent spot in the garden after danger of frost in spring. Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart.

Check out this flower - Tritonia
The arching flower spikes of tritonias provide brilliant summer color in rock gardens and borders and make long-lasting cut flowers as gifts when you have the flowers delivered Culverhouse Cross to someone. The 2-inch cup like blossoms come in pink, salmon, yellow, apricot, orange, red, purple and white. Tritonias grow from corms, but are not to be confused with other cormous plants in the genus Crocosmia, with which they share the common name montbretia. The saffron tritonia, which grows 1 to 2 feet tall and bears orange-yellow flowers, is the most widely grown species; outstanding varieties include the bright red T. crocata miniata, the coppery orange Orange Delight, and the deep orange Princess Beatrix. Another fine species, T. hyalina, has pinkish orange flowers and grows about a foot tall.

Tulip Mania
For all the lovely innocence that bulbs display in bloom, they have been involved in some strange goings-on during the course of his­tory. Undoubtedly the most bizarre of these was the "tulip mania," a tidal wave of speculation in which tulips were traded for profit in the manner of corporate stocks, commodity futures or real estate. Tulip mania engulfed Western Europe early in the 17th Century, peaked in Holland between 1634 and 1637 and had such a sorry outcome that thereafter a professor of botany at Leiden, one Ev­rard Forstius, used to beat tulips to death with his walking stick whenever he encountered any. Before the wave crested, an other­wise sensible brewer had swapped an entire brewery for one bulb, a miller his mill for another. At its height the frantic trading in tu­lips made the Florida land boom and Wall Street speculations of the 1920s look almost colorless by comparison. It’s hard to believe such mania existed, where nowadays tulips can be found in virtually every Yew Tree flower shop.

The colour of summer
The colours available in summer flowers are as profuse as the varieties. Sweet peas come in a range of blues, whites, purples, red and pinks, from the softest shell pink to deepest crimson. The fiery oranges and rich yellows of the marigolds contrast with the soft cool green of lady’s mantle, and on the hottest of summer days there are plenty of flowers to choose for a refreshing design in blues and white.
The shapes and textures of cut materials (flowers and foliage) are also diverse, including tiny lavender spikes, the large spears of the red hot poker, rounded hydrangea heads, and lilies, with their pointed petals. At this time of year, there is a selection for every type of design, and numerous possible containers from which to choose, always bearing in mind that the latter need to be sufficiently large to hold a good-sized reservoir of water for thirsty summer flowers. All good florists Universal City should be able to provide you with an abundant array of colourful summer blooms to brighten any occasion.

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