Teleflora's Flower Blog - March 2008

March 25, 2008 | out and about

Guys buying flowers for other guys: What do you think?

Last week, I was talking with some other floral aficionados and we wondered aloud whether it’s OK for a man to give to flowers to another man (without sending a romantic message).

My first thought was why not? Men buy each other food and drinks all the time. And a plant, say a bird of paradise, is a great addition to any home or garden.

If a woman got a bouquet from a galpal, she wouldn’t think anything of it. Clearly, a double standard exists …

Yellow Flowers

I think the key is what kind of flowers. A dozen red roses or pink lilies? Not so much. But, like I said, a plant or greenery, especially for a guy with a green thumb, is no biggie.

At the office, standard gift-giving rules apply, that is, giving an elaborate present to your boss or, if you’re the boss, singling out one subordinate to receive a special gift is a no-no.

That said, there’s nothing wrong with the boss buying a bouquet for the whole team to enjoy. Or if you are friendly with a co-worker, some cheerful blooms (daisies or sunflowers, say) can be a definite day brightener.

I confirmed that advice with image, etiquette and communication expert Gloria Starr gloriastarr.com. Btw, Gloria also worked as a floral designer for 25 years!

As for a guy sending flowers to another fella at the workplace, she says: “It might raise so many eyebrows that it could work to your disadvantage. It’s so unusual it could present a challenge. Today, people are looking for solutions, not challenges.”

Got an opinion? Write in and share it with Flower Blog. I look forward to hearing from you.

Flower Fact of the Day: Be sure to check out our gorgeous floral wallpaper for your desktop. It's brand new, really pretty and best of all free! See it at: teleflora.com/walllpapers.asp.

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March 24, 2008 | floral calendar

Pittsburgh conservatory says hello to spring

by Jacqueline

Hot Pink Garden Flower

A showcase of color and containers at Phipps Conservatory's Spring Flower Show.

When: Through April 13
Where: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh
Price: $10 (discounts available)
Contact: phipps.conservatory.com, 412-622-6914

Flower Fact of the Day No. 3: If you're a fan of English gardens and are planning a trip, here's a helpful book to consult: British Bed & Breakfast for Garden Lovers sawdays.co.uk. Now, if only the dollar were in better shape ...

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March 24, 2008 | floral calendar

Boise offers expertise on bonsai and bamboo

by Jacqueline

Boise Flower & Garden Show has more than 150 booths and displays, includes exotic orchids, container gardens, tree auction, workshops and seminars.

When: March 28-30
Where: Boise Centre on The Grove, downtown Boise
Price: $7 (discounts available)
Contact: gardenshowboise.com, 503-335-3336

Flower Fact of the Day No. 2: Witch hazel shrubs bloom weeks before the stars of spring – daffs, tulips and forsythia – providing a welcome shot of color and fragrance in many winter gardens. For more info, see freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080325/FEATURES04/803250317.

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March 24, 2008 | floral calendar

Epcot flower fest features 30 million blooms

by Jacqueline

15th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival includes themed weekends, seminars, 70 topiaries, celebrity speakers, concert series, Mother’s Day brunch.

Pink Lily

When: Through June 1
Where: Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FLA.
Price: Festival events are included in Epcot general admission of $71 plus tax; $60 plus tax ages 3-9; free ages 2 and under.
Contact: disneyworld.com/flower, 404-420-5539

Flower Fact of the Day No. 1: The Hong Kong Flower Show at Victoria Park attracted more than 548,000 visitors. The Olympics-themed event ran from March 14 to 24.

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March 21, 2008 | out and about

Which flower has an inferiority complex? Some mums

by Jacqueline

Admittedly, they’re not “it” flowers.

Chrysanthemums are not what you’d call sexy or even romantic. They’re not at the top of the list of elegant wedding flowers. Some would even peg them as dull.

But ya gotta love mums for trying! They’ve been around long enough, that’s for sure – these troopers date back to 15th century B.C. And the stalwart blooms don’t let their reputations get them down. Just the opposite: Mums are symbols of optimism and joy.

Salinas, Calif. recently picked the chrysanthemum as the city’s official flower. (Yes, there were several other candidates.) The mum was already the official flower of Chicago. In Japan, there’s an annual festival of happiness that celebrates mums.

So there.
Pink Mum

I like them because they’re low-maintenance and long lasting. I’ve had some on my desk that last for more than a week. And they come in a million colors.

Some of my florist friends tell me that newer varieties – spider mums (shown above) and button mums – are very popular with 20 and 30somethings right now.

And a single petal at the bottom of a wine glass is said to augur a long life. What’s not to like? On that note and b/c it’s Friday, let’s make a toast to this bloom – true blue and always there for you.

Mums rock!

Are mums friends or frumps? Drop me a line and give me your take.

Flower Fact of the Day: Remove mums’ foliage if it begins to droop or turn yellow. It’s not uncommon for the foliage to fade faster than the flowers.