flower blog

Whether your Fourth of July plans include BBQs, fireworks and parades or just some R&R, remember that flowers are quick and convenient way to spruce up any room, patio or porch. And if travel is first on the agenda, remember that sending flowers ahead of time as a host/hostess gift means one less thing to pack and take through security.

If you're at home, try mixing it up a bit. Blend some bamboo or branches in with your flower arrangements or use seashells as vases for single flowers.

Roses are typically cheaper in the summertime so why not experiment with some new looks? For instance: place a few hot-colored roses in square skinny vases, anchored with dark stones or glass pieces on the bottom of the vase. Trim the roses so they are just a half-inch above the rim of the vase. This looks chic and sculptural. When the roses start to droop, lose the stems completely and float them in a bowl of water.

Whatever you do, have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Flowers, and particularly roses, have a pretty extensive vocabulary.

For instance, a bouquet of rosebuds tells the recipient “you’re youthful and beautiful.”

A rose without thorns says “love at first sight.” 

A tea rose conveys the sentiment that “you'll be remembered forever.”

A dozen roses is flowerspeak for "Be mine." And orange represents desire and enthusiasm.

And there's more. The number of roses you choose also communicates feelings. Just do the math:

* A grouping of three roses is traditional gift for a one-month anniversary.

* Reward a loyal pal with 13 roses. That means you want to be friends for life.

* Ooops! Mistakes happen and if you're tired of saying sorry again and again, the floral way to go is to send 15 roses.

* A bouquet of 20 roses = sincerity. Really & truly.

* Smitten with your sweetie? Then 36 roses will make your case. (Guess you didn't really need me to tell you that 3 dozen roses will get you noticed!)

* To express limitless love, 50 roses will do the trick and create a lifelong memory.

To read more, visit http://www.teleflora.com/rose_numbers.asp?topnav=Flower%20Guides.

That's because it's National Rose Month! Perhaps the most recognized of all flowers, the rose is the official floral symbol of the United States and of England. George Washington himself was said to be a fan. It's also the official state flower of New York, North Dakota, Georgia, Iowa and the District of Columbia.

Other claims to fame: The rose is the 15th wedding anniversary flower and the June birth flower.

With 40,000 varieties around the world, we're spoiled for choice in terms of color, shape, size and fragrance.

Adoration for these lovely blooms dates back to Greek and Roman times. Love goddesses Aphrodite and Venus were honored with roses and, in Rome, a rose on a door was the equivalent of a "Do Not Enter" sign.

White roses lend a clean, elegant feeling to any room or gathering.

A quick guide to rose color is:
red roses = romantic love
yellow roses = friendship
pink roses = admiration
orange roses = desire
white roses = innocence and fresh starts
purple roses = love at first sight

For information about growing roses or to become a member of the American Rose Society, visit ars.org.

Additionally, the number of roses you send can convey a message. Tune in tomorrow for more on that and in the meantime if you need a birthday gift this month, look no further! :)

Cymbidium orchids are the star of this bouquet by Teleflora.

Q How do I care for orchid plants at home? Is it possible to make them bloom in captivity?
A Actually, the idea of orchids being dainty and delicate isn’t true. They may look that way but in fact they are robust and don’t require kid-glove treatment. Tip No. 1 is to make sure that you are following the right care guidelines for your particular variety of orchid. Meanwhile, some general rules of thumb are:

*Give your orchid good ventilation with partial shade. Keep it away from radiators, AC and drafts.

*Find a way to keep the soil drained. Try setting the planter in a tray of pebbles and water so that the pot sits out of the water. This allows the moisture to circulate and should prevent the roots from rotting. Orchids get their water from humidity in the atmosphere, rather than from the soil.

*Orchids need a dormant period in the winter to bloom again in the spring, so let it rest in a sunny spot and don't water it. Then cross your fingers and hope for the best! ;)

For more info, visit:

The American Orchid Society's web site: http://www.aos.org/

http://www.teleflora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/Myth-busting-101-Orchids-really-aren't-that-hard-to-grow.aspx  

http://www.teleflora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/A-reader-offers-2-tricks-for-growing-orchids.aspx