The Meanings of Flower

Archive for May, 2009

different type of flowers

What do these lexis have in frequent: flower, florist, flower store? Apart from all containing the search of the word ‘flower’, there is much more that they should disclose. Naturally, coupled by the being intensity of the florist, the plants and the flower store are intricately linked. Beyond eloquent that they’re related, it’s important to discover that the connection is a good one that you, as a client, will want to engross manually in. What to look for will be a combination of the three. Make assured that on top of providing the flora you darling, the flora are also of top eminence. The florist should be an eager accomplice in ensuring that you get just what you ask for, exceeding your own expectations. The flower stored is necessary to exceed the expectations. If the flower store is , you will not only get a scenic spray, but it will enter really crisp and on time. Be definite the florist you decide workings mutually well with both the flora and the flower store. This will guarantee a blissful buyer with a product that is better than imagined. Flowers, which have been and remain to be the mark of expected beauty throughout the ages, are one realm of vogue that has not dramatically evolved. This speaks keenly in advance of plants, indicating their timelessness and perfection that wishes no improvement.

Thus, when ordering plants, what you should to respect is not the style of flora, but the preference of the receiver. Once you have firm winning the brand of flower, you must find a flower store that provides your beloved strain at optimal trait. A flower’s quality depends very much on the mind the florist gives, but past the florist’s heed, it is optimal that the flora come level from the growers or from a flower sale. This ensures their flavor, as the time useless in travel is diminished when flora make fewer trips to spread their flower store destination. Flowers are known to positively weight the being mind, so be sure to go all the way with this definite pressure by retail the freshest flora you can find on the promote. Knowing of this explicit cause of flora on people, you should presume your florist to be an optimistic and open persona – in sharp, the convinced outcome of the plants should not be mystified in the doubts of their job. A talented florist is not only skilled of creating a lovely arrangement, but also disposed and interested in making arrangements with you to guarantee the arrival of the spray you predict. While the florist is an artist, who must use creativity as a tool of the job, the florist has many more roles to complete. One of the most important of these additional roles is the sensitivity of the florist: the florist is not only putting plants together, but understanding what affair you indigence the plants for, what mode of character the flora are directed to – the florist must have the facility to understand and sympathize with the difficulties and joys in life of every incident, demonstrating this post in the end upshot: the flower arrangement.

If the florist deals speedily with the farmer, each at the farmer’s position or through a flower sale, this is a good indicator of the florist, viewing superstar who cuts the hound frankly to the resource, lowering prices for himself and his client, by being more focus. The florist, as aforementioned, is a persona who creates the connection between flowers and flower store, between grower and consumer. A character of central importance, the florist is a person who is impressive and establishes a good bond with you, his client. The flower store is the last, but not the slightest important, of our floral trinity. The flower shop completes the picture. The flower shop is the unit which makes the talent and efficiency of the florist impending; it is the florist’s workshop and tool bench, if you will, while also plateful to keep the flowers in moist and good order. It is the flower shop that ensures approach of flowers to their closing destination not purely as a superb bouquet, but as moist, green, and promising living creations – as breathing as a rainforest. In addition, the flower shop acting a function in influencing the consumer and shaping his ruling as regards the entire wrap of the shop. Online photographs of vacant bouquets do more than imply the variety of flowers and ability of the florist. The photographs, as well as the total website, are indicators of the organization and professionalism of the party. The person-expression of a company speaks noisily. Reading testimonials on websites is also an indicator of the combination of the flowers, the florist, and the flower shop. It takes a fanatical performance from each of the participants to make a client delighted.

Flowers are, lacking query, a classic, and yet beautiful gift. Unique and living, they are different from all other gifts, and manage to convey emotions at the same time as they are plateful a position as a existing. Thus, to optimize and attain this potential of emotion that flowers can induce, it is important that you buy your flowers from a flower shop that is professional and sincere, with a operate of florists who love their work and respect their flowers as alive as we are, and finally, with flowers that are as crisp and expressive as you are, to disclose precisely your belief through their understated and bright beauty.

Different Type Of Flowers

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“Earth laughs in flowers.”-Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes

Gifting Flowers to your near ones is a special experience which can not be expressed in words.  It is all about a rich feeling which springs from the heart.  It is a source of pleasure which can be compared with none.  Flowers are one of the best gifts for any occasion.  Nothing can convey your emotions better than flowers.  A single rose expresses the inner most feelings of the heart in a beautiful manner.  Assortments of flowers are even better!  They are about enriched feelings and sensations.  A colourful assortment of flowers is one of the best gifts that one can offer to their loved ones.

The origin of the process of gifting flowers is obscured in history.  It is a widely prevalent process cutting across cultures.Flowers were revered in ancient Greece as property of the Gods.  In the other ancient cultures flowers were given to near ones as gifts.  Flowers had a special importance in the Victorian times.  They were used to convey eternal love.  Lovers used to write a whole letter with flower petals to express their inner feelings.  The form of expressing love changed with time and it gained momentum with the passage of every century to invade the space of almost each and every occasion.

In modern times, flowers are not only sent to women but it is gifted to men as well.  A nice flower bouquet can be an exclusive gift for the man of your dreams.  Even children nowadays get in to the act of wishing their dear ones with flowers. They present roses, gerberas or other vibrant flowers to their friends, class mates or their class teachers.

While gifting flowers, the occasion for which it is being given is to be kept in mind.  Roses can be gifted in a number of events.  Red roses are taken to be the most romantic gift during Valentine’s Day, Wedding Ceremony and Anniversaries.  The colour red stands for “love” and “passion”.  Pink Roses can be sent to a lover on Valentine’s Day because it signifies “romance”.  Yellow Roses can always be gifted to a special friend.  White roses and other white flowers are apt for a funeral ceremony.  Lilies, Gerberas, Carnations and Orchids in bouquets, baskets and other arrangements can just light up different occasions.  During events like Raksha Bandhan, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Durga Puja, Diwali and Mother’s Day flowers of different colours are prized gifts.

Different Types of Flower Arrangement

Assorted Flowers

A rich assortment of flowers are  always special.  They are associated with multiple emotions.  Imagine the love which is linked with a heart shaped floral arrangement!  They just speak your heart.  Consisting of exotic, elegant and wildly beautiful variants Assorted Flowers light up moods.

Carnations
Carnations are wonderful flowers which are associated with love and fascination.  A beautiful arrangement of carnations make life appear bright.  Carnations as gift bring difference to life with a newfound freshness.

Flower Bouquets
A bouquet of flowers are all about love and care.  Flower Bouquets appear in exclusive shapes.  There are heart shaped bouquets, flowers wrapped in attractive foils and other fascinating variants to express your heart.  Flowers Bouquets are big sized arrangements for those with a big heart.

Flower Baskets

It appears really nice when you gift your loved ones in India flower baskets .  Different flowers in attractive cane basketsof beautiful shape and design add a different and refreshing dimension to occasions.  They are baskets filled with love.

Flowers in a Vase
Imagine the beauty of a room where there is a vase filled with bright flowers!  They define the decor and convey a senseof goodness.  Flowers in fashionable vases are gifts to enrich the life of those you love.

Gerberas
Gerberas , one of the most colourful flowers, have the advantage of being kept in a vase for a long time.  They don’t wither away easily.  Having  beauty of their own, gerberas only fascinate.

Orchids
There is a lot attributed to the charm of orchids .  They can be presented all the year round.  Having amazing shapes andcolours, orchids are gifts to  win a persons heart.

Roses
The king of flowers are roses .  Red, pink, yellow or white, roses are a class apart.  A nice looking arrangement of roses can be sent to India for expressing love, friendship or condolences.  Roses are exceptional gifts for different occasions.  They communicate a lot in very short time.

Flowers are all about higher emotions.  They bring smile to faces and spread a sense of happiness which stays for a long time.  Celebrating occasions like birthdays and anniversaries with flowers is fun!  Flowers are always there as trusted friends when love blooms between two individuals.  In times of condolence flowers help in expressing sympathy.  Flowers have even a greater role to play; they help in mending bridges in relationships when differences occur.  They have innumerable roles to play in life, roles which are divine.  Flowers speak a thousand words which are prized and straight from the heart.  A heart which beats all the time for ones who are special.

Women love flowers.You can say I love you through flowers.You can say I am sorry through flowers.Thus, if your woman loves receiving flowers as most women do, then you surely want to find cheap flowers.You can find cheap flowers in many ways.Read on to find out some of them.

Find cheap flowers online :-

Flower deliveries online is a huge business. This is because of the fact that women love to receive flowers. Even special events needs flowers and thus, if you search online, it is possible to find cheap flowers for any and all occasions.

The trick however if you want to buy cheap flowers online is to purchase them way in advance. One month ahead of the actual event or occasions, you can find special deals that will make the price of the flower seem cheap.

Another trick online is to find an online flower shop that links to local flower shops in your area. They will surely provide you with discounts because delivery cost for the flower shop maybe avoided.

Final trick if you want to buy flowers online is to find coupons where you can find deals such as free delivery, 10% to 15% discount or dollar discount. This is the best way to find cheap merchandise online. Find coupon that will give discounts to your purchases.

You may find discount codes, coupon codes or downloadable coupons to buy your flowers online. Couponing will make your purchase practical and thus your flowers will end up to be cheap flowers.

Find cheap flowers in flower districts :-

Some states have flower districts where you can purchase your flowers at bulk prices. You may need to drive at a distance but the discount you get from buying in a flower shop as compared to a flower district may seem worthy enough.

Another trick if you want to find cheap flowers is to buy it way in advance. Buy it a month before Valentines Day but schedule a pick up of course on the day of Valentines Day or the night before will still be practical.

Some flower shops even in flower districts provide the flowers at as discount if purchased way in advance because demand is still low and they want to be sure that the flower they will purchase for Valentines Day will have sure buyers.

Buying Flowers for Weddings or special occasions :-

Valentines Day is one event that flowers are very important. Thus, on that very day, the flowers are more expensive as compared with other dates before that.

If you have an event or wedding few days after this occasion, then you can surely buy your flower requirements cheaply.

The demand that was on its peak on Valentines Day will make the flowers the day after offered at half the price.

Of course, if your event or wedding is not the day before, it may not be good to buy the day after Valentines Day. In this, you have to research and move around to purchase your flower requirements. It may not be cheap but shopping around will provide you a way to find cheap flowers.

Flowers are important especially for women, and thus you have to learn how to find cheap flowers if you want to please your woman.

To summarize, please do not fret if you want to find cheap flowers because it is possible you will find cheap flower for your woman. You just need to do a little research and comparing prices. It is then when you will find what you seek.

Flower arrangement with basket is one of an expression form of flower arranging art, with important gathering of starched flower arrangement, it has sharp practicability and commercial merit, also portable. As using a base of basket, it could make different exclusive art styles different from other kinds of flower arrangement; it possess creative skin of itself as same as according with mutual rules of art life.

There are many kinds of flower baskets, there are rattan, cane, lawn, forced and metal notes baskets; Basket forms have twisted to air and barricade kind included from bewilder and tabletop typeface, therefor flower baksets also contain killing baskets and mass lynching baskets. At current, there are high body basket, spherical flower basket, accord tumbler contour basket, line nature basket, glossy opening basket and defeated cheek basket, supervise basket or handleless basket, boat structure basket and falcate lynching basket, suspension free basket and ringer flower basket with numerous flower baskets infolded. , the diversity of the flower basket provides most advantageous conditions for flower basket enriches people’s life and beautifies the enviroments. But we should admit, different flower baskets have different styles and different uses, such as wicker baskets, have rigid feature, onerous redden, uninhibited bold design and mostly have large imprinted patterns in body; Bamboo baskets,

with clear affect and modest shine, are the most nifty flower baskets presently; Grass baskets have muted property, gentle flag and true shines, alive with cheerful insignia and exaggerated figures, if them could matched with the enviroments well in the current rooms.

The above three kind of flower baskets, all are flower baskets weaved by hand and are unsullied sincere stuff basket generally, therefore comtain burly emotion rudiments. At this purpose, forced baskets and metal baskets are poorer to relaxed notes flower baskets.

With harmony colors and unhealthy layers, flower arrangement with basket is open and lively, can parade flower arranging’s line beauty and a kind of rhythm perceive. Regular flower arrangings with basket worn on etiquettes, should shapely flora, habitual flower brushwood and satiated patterns; Lyric flower baskets worn to paint scenery and mood, should decide flora with bendable twigs and picturesque flora, this kind of flower arranging could use your imagination freely, ramantic and changeble.

The adornments of the flower basket are very important, commonly flags and welcoming cards are forward. Also we could prefer different adornments for different celebration occasions, as we could desire ballons, toys and candies for childrens, and take cakes, candles or welcome cards for birthday welcoming.

Along with the opinion levels of people’s pertinent and cultural life improving, the flower basket will welcomed by more and more people, it will play a more and more important extreme in people’s life beautification.

Flower Arrangement with Cylinder

Flower Arrangement with Cylinder is a kind of flower work which use cylinder and tubular flower vessel. There are metal, flute, stoneware, fake and wicker equipment cylinder receptacles, but during the history of flower arrangement in our country, the using of rattan cylinder for flower arranging are more prevalent. In Japan’s flower arrangement ikebana, flower arrangement with cylinder has full a very important place. It is said that the flower arrangement with cylinder was introduced into Japan from China in 8th century to 11th century.

The flower arrangement with encrusted cylinder can adopt a two-layer wicker cylinder with a fleapit upside and a view downside, which having unique skin and pure flavors. Also the plants could be approved in a “downing” character upside and a “uping” influence downside, slighter upside and bigger downside, it called “two-layer plants”. So it could not only parade the dynamic square beauty between the flowers’ volume and wave of up and down, also show the skin of the flower vessel. In order to bout the height of the rattan cylinder’s up and down layer, killing form flowers and bury smooth flowers are worn usually, but it’s unnecessarily to use two or more kind of flower materials with flowers on.

It’s should be noticed that the flower branches upside layer and downside layer should sprayes out to the right and left trait separately, also attentions should be rewarded on the oppress of flower materials’ mass, duration and directions, as to achieve a stability between up and down, therefore make the intact work quick and interesting, also balanced.

Except for the flower arrangement with layered cylinder, there are sole-cylinder, combined cylinder(also called high-low cylinder or vertical-across cylinder), lynching plan and boat plan flower arrangement.

Potted Cut Flower

Potted flower arrangement refers to assemble conserved plants and flowers with branches art and make them as a harminious entire, it’s a better type of place artwork festooned in yards and gardens, it could be sited on the two plane of the plot aisles, or putted on the balcony, envelop angle and sidewall, it’s physical and beautiful. For example it’s very right to deck our indoor halls with a cut flower setted with a small shrubbery conserved works.

For one hand, preserved cut flower could cutback the time of scissoring branches and leaves through the using of the various plants planted in plot, afterwards matched and interspersed some flowers based on the serene picture, so as to make it into a polished unbroken; Second, the viewing time could be unlimited much as long as to switch few fresh flowers; Thirdly, based on recurring, holiday and guests welcoming burden, new workings could be recreated by the recombination or fairly adjustment on the primary sealed flower, in this way materials and time could be saved, also could crush the singularity of flower varity in family, and creat astounded episodes constantly.

When we plan to place a small conserved flower, we usually put the small preserved works in a untransparent container, departure from a beauty outside, the container should contains water and have large boasting therefore an quantity of flower branches could be approved in. If a superior preserved plant adopted, pls note that there should have a shelting slice for the flower pot, thus make the entire work genuine and attractive.

wilting cut roses

The goal of caring for your flowers is to  provide the hydration and nutrition necessary to allow your flowers to look beautiful and last long.

START WITH:

Water Quality:   In general tap water is just fine, but avoid very hard or salt softened water

Clean Vases: Bacteria is the enemy of flowers, always start with impeccably clean vases. Use bleach to clean vases between uses.

Strip those stems: Leaves breed bacteria, remove all leaves that will be under water before placing flowers in a vase

More Water: Use large vases that hold lots of water. If you stuff many stems in a small quantity of water it will be very hard to keep the water clean and the flowers will not last as long. In our tests a single flower in a vase always out lasts the big mixed bouquet stuffed tightly in a vase

Keep them Cool:  Keep your flowers in a cool part of the house.

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Flowers love the sun in the field, but once in a vase direct sunlight is very hard on them.

Flower Food? Most flowers last perfectly well in plain water, but some need some extra sugar to allow them to thrive. We recommend flower food be added to the vase water for Zinnias and Dahlias. (By the way, flower food is mostly sugar with some citric acid to lower water PH and a powdered bleach to prevent bacterial growth in the sugar rich water)

FINISH WITH:

Change the Water: If you wouldn’t drink the water, your flowers won’t either! Some flowers are ‘clean’ (lisianthus, anemone) and will not require many water changes and others (sunflowers, zinnias) are ‘dirty’ and may require daily water changes to keep the water clear.

Re-cut the Stems: After several days it may be hard to keep your vase water clean because the bottom of the flower stems are starting to get soft. Simply cut off the bottom inch or two of stem to get to ‘new’ stem and change the vase water.

Orchids belong to the most diverse family of plants known to man. There are over 880 genera, 28,000 species and well over 300,000 registered cultivars currently documented. These numbers only begin to tell the true story behind the evolutionary success of modern day orchids. Orchids are the most rapidly (genetically) changing group of plants on earth and more new species have been discovered over the last few thousand years than any other plant group known.

Orchids are also one of the most adaptable plant groups on earth. Some Australian orchids grow entirely underground, and many tropical jungle orchids grow in the upper branches of trees. Tundra, rainforest, mountain, grassy plain, desert and swamp environments contain numerous orchid species.

Orchids produce seed pods with literally hundreds of thousands of seed that are released and scattered by the wind. Orchid seeds must establish a symbiotic relationship with a special fungus to survive its first year of life. The fungi gathers water and minerals for itself and the seedling, and the seedling shares its sugars from photosynthesis with the fungus. Only one or two orchid seeds will ever germinate and survive on that perfect crevice or depression that is both moist and has the fungus present. Even then, its chances to survive in the wild long enough to bloom are slim.

To avoid this problem, greenhouse growers sow orchid seeds on moist, sugar-rich, sterile agar, or they cut out growing clumps of orchid cells and place them on the agar. These techniques allow many hundreds of orchid plants to survive to maturity. New and improved hybrids can be mass produced rapidly. This is important as orchids are very slow growing. Many orchids take five to seven years to mature to flowering. You can see why breeding three or four orchid generations could span a person’s lifetime just to get one new hybrid propagated sufficiently for sale.

Classification

All orchids belong to the Orchid Family, Orchidaceae (or-Kid-ACE-ee-ee). Orchids are divided into two basic growth types: monopodial and sympodial. Monopodial orchids have a central stem which grows continuously from the tip. Flowers are produced from the stem between the leaves, usually alternately from side to side. Phalaenopsis orchids are a good example. Sympodial orchids, such as cattleyas, laelias and paphiopedilums, possess a rhizome which sends out a shoot. This develops into a stem and leaves and eventually produces flowers. In time, from the base of this growth, a new shoot develops and so on in a continuous cycle. The buds are often, though not always, protected by a sheath.

The mid section of stems of sympodial orchids are often expanded into water-storage organs called pseudobulbs. These vary greatly in size and shape, ranging from tall and pencil-thin to bulbous and onion-like. The leaves vary too, some being soft and folded like a fan, others thick and leathery. The roots of epiphytic orchids have an outer layer or corky cells called velamen, which protects the thin, living cortex within. These adaptations allow orchids to absorb water and nutrients rapidly from raindrops, but protect roots, stems and leaves from water loss during dry periods. Most orchids are adapted to conserve water and should be cared for as such.

Orchid Cultural Requirements

Growing Medium

There are many different types of orchid potting medium used in orchid culture. The overall consideration is to provide structural support for the orchid roots, but also to provide lots of air spaces between medium particles. Many orchid plants are grown in osmunda fiber. This fiber comes from the roots of the Osmunda fern that is native to Australia and the Pacific. The tough, wiry fibers break down very slowly and is an ideal potting medium. Fresh pine bark is also a popular medium but is usually mixed with other amendments before use. Both materials are sometimes mixed with peat and perlite or vermiculite. Some orchids are even grown in pebbles mixed with bark. Most orchid roots are adapted to being exposed to air and harsh conditions, but cannot tolerate being wet for more than a day or two.

Orchids grow slowly compared to houseplants. However, most orchids need to be repotted about once every two years. To pot an orchid, the pot is filled about two-thirds with orchid potting medium, then the plant is set in the pot with its roots spread out. The growing tip either centered (monopodials) or placed two fingers from the pot rim (sympodial). Then additional media is packed tightly around the plant to hold it in place. You should be able to turn the pot upside down without the orchid or medium falling out. Practice will insure successful repotting. When the plant outgrows the pot by extending the new shoots over the edge, usually about every two years, it is time to repot.

Light

The ideal place in the home for growing orchids is a bright window, free from drafts, where your plants receive indirect sunlight both morning and afternoon. (A south window is best.) In winter, give orchids all the light possible. Light intensity should be between 1500 and 2000 foot candles the equivalent to a bright south-facing window. With extra large windows or especially intense sunlight, the light may be adjusted downward by moving plants 18 to 36 inches from the window. Plants in the home require a greater light intensity because they receive light from only one direction, while in a greenhouse they receive light from many sides.

Many orchids can be grown in a greenhouse or outdoors. All will require partial shade. Therefore, it is best to shade the section of the greenhouse you intend using or else grow them in an area that you have already shaded for foliage plants or African violets. Dendrobium Oncidium and Vanda will grow best in 20-30% of normal outdoor light, whereas Phalaenopsis-type orchids require only 10- 15 % of normal light.

Artificial Light

If you have neither a greenhouse nor the proper windowsill conditions, fluorescent lighting provides good results. You can grow and flower many types of orchids in the darkest basement or shadiest apartment with the addition of just one shop light. Most orchid hobbyists find having at least four 36″ or 48″ fluorescent tubes provides excellent light levels. Each group of orchids (primarily those with low to medium light requirements) will need a minimum of two forty-watt fluorescent light tubes hung six inches above the plants.

Keep lights on for a minimum of 12 hours per day in order to provide the minimal amount of light necessary for proper growth and flowering. If you are able to place your fluorescent light setup near a sunny window, your orchid flowering chances will increase. The best type of fluorescent tubes seem to be those designed specifically for plants.

Humidity

Potted orchid plants may be set on decorative pebbles in a water-filled tray, saucer, or other container. Evaporation of water from pebbles provides humidity. Pebbles also make the growing area more attractive, while assuring good drainage. Mist your plants with distilled water because tap water can lead to salt deposits on the leaves. A plant which is kept soaking wet invites attack by bacteria and fungal diseases. If you are able to enclose an area like a greenhouse, you will find it easier to maintain a proper humidity.

Temperature

Orchids are not as delicate and temperature sensitive plants as most people think. Most will adapt readily to conditions offered by any home or greenhouse. For growing purposes, we group orchids into three temperature classes:

The medium temperature class is represented by many Cattleyas, Epidendrums, Oncidiums, and Laelias, and most other commercially available orchids. The ideal minimum temperature is 60 degrees F nights and high 70s during the days. An occasional deviation will have no harmful effect. This group will do very well with the air, temperature, and light facilities found in the average home.

The cool class includes Cymbidiums, Cypripediums, Odontoglossums and Miltonias, and should be grown 5 degrees to 10 degrees F cooler than the medium class. These plants also require high light, so imagine cool, sunny October mornings as an example of the light and temperature that this class needs.

Warm class orchids are represented by Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilums, Vandas, Rhynchostylus and Dendrohiums. These plants should be grown 5 degrees F warmer than those in the Medium Class. They do well in high humidity and can be grown outdoors in Georgia from late spring to early fall if shaded and protected from rain. Never expose orchids of this class to less than 45 degrees F.

During cold, freezing night temperatures, all orchid plants should be moved away from the window to provide a protective airspace against freezing. Air temperature can be 15 to 20 degrees F cooler near the windows than the room temperature.

Watering

Watering is the most important factor in orchid culture. A good rule of thumb is to water whenever the medium (osmunda fiber or bark mix) is dry. If you grow the plants in pots suspended in the air, they will dry out more rapidly than bench grown plants and will need watering more frequently. Orchids potted in bark require more frequent waterings than those in most other potting media, just as plants in clay pots require more frequent watering than those in plastic pots. Orchids may be grouped into three categories according to their moisture requirements.

Low Water Use. Cattleyas, Laeliocattleyas, Brassolaeliocattleyas, Oncidiums, Miltonias, and Odontoglossums are ephiphytes or “air rooted” orchids, with built-in “water tanks” or pseudobulbs. They should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings so air can circulate between the epiphytic roots. Water every five days or so. In the heat of mid-summer, water may be needed every three or four days. During the short, cool days of winter, increase the time between waterings to 10 to 14 days. If you do err in watering, make sure it is on the dry side.

Moderate Water Use. Phalaenopsis, while also epiphytic are monopodial and do not have built-in tanks for water storage, but store some water in their leaves. They require watering similiar to ordinary house plants, but more frequent waterings than orchids with pseudobulbs. Water enough to keep the potting medium from becoming dry for more than a day or two.

High Water Use. Paphiopedilums and Haemeria orchids are semi-terrestrials or terrestrials (meaning “earth-rooted”). Unlike the preceding groups, they do not mind “wet feet.” They like an abundance of moisture and the soil can remain damp for many days without any negative effects. Many terrestrial orchids are potted in peat based media which will naturally hold more water than the bark mixes.

Outdoor Conditions. Cymhidiums and many other orchids, such as cattleyas, can be grown outdoors during frost-free months in Georgia. They also like an abundance of moisture – but with good drainage and plentiful root aeration. However, do not plant tropical /greenhouse orchids outdoors in your garden soil. The soils are too dense to allow the roots to survive.

Fertilization

For best results, fertilize orchids with soluble plant food. When fertilizing plants growing in osmunda, bark or peat/bark mixes, use a complete liquid fertilizer with a 20-20-20 analysis, or a 30-10-10 orchid-special fertilizer. Don’t fertilize more than once a month. Apply the fertilizer in place of a normal water application. It is always best to use fertilizer at 1/2 the recommended rate. Orchids are adapted to environments where nutritional levels of the soil or bark are very low. More orchids are killed because of over-fertilization and over-watering than by any other cause.

Ventilation

In greenhouses, a small fan should be run continuously to circulate the air. A window left ajar in all but the coldest of weather may also be adequate to provide proper ventilation indoors. Airconditioning may harm orchids because the air is much too cold coming out of the unit. Keep orchid plants out of cold drafts and away from heating vents.

Orchid Pests and Diseases

Orchids have few insect pests or diseases if properly cared for. It is important to have a problem identified before attempting control. Take a sample to your county Extension agent and follow recommended treatments suggested. Many disease prevention tips are provided in an orchid disease guide published by the American Orchid Society. Wiping leaves with a warm, soapy, wet cloth is sufficient to eradicate insects like mealy bugs if you have but a few plants in the house. Be careful because many insecticides can damage your orchids. Read the label to see if the pesticide can be safely used on orchids specifically. If you have questions, ask your county Extension agent.

Orchids for Hobby Growers

One of the most frequently asked Questions from the hobby grower is, “What type or variety of orchid should I grow?” Usually when you mention the word “orchid” most people immediately think of the purple-flowered Cattleyas, and rightly so as they have long been the most popular in the trade. However, the genus Cattleya contains a mere 50 species of the 28,000 known. Many, many other orchids do wonderfully in the home.

Hobby growers should try growing hybrids of Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, Oncidium, Vanda and Epidendrum. Phalaenopsis orchids are excellent for beginners. They may produce up to 15 or more flowers per spike. The flowers measure up to four inches across. Flowers may remain open for six weeks or longer. Frequently when a spike is cut, a secondary spike will develop on the old stalk below the original flower head, thus extending the blooming season. Phalaenopsis plants are very easy to grow.

Dendrobium hybrids are some of the better corsage type orchids. Lavender or white flowers are borne in profusion on a well-grown plant and are long lasting. They are a prolific group in that offset plantlets are frequently produced on the cane. When each offiet has produced several aerial roots, it can be cut from the parent plant and will frequently flower after one year of growth.

Oncidiums, commonly, referred to as dancing girls, are also easy to grow. These dainty yellow and brown or white and brown flowers are suitable if used alone or in combination with other orchids. Large flowered Oncidium sdhacelatum – with their yellow and brown color combination can be made into a corsage. These hardy plants flower well even under adverse growing conditions.

Vandas are becoming popular among orchid growers. The wide range of colors which includes some fairly good blues and browns and long lived flowers has added greatly to their popularity. Vandas may grow to be very large plants, sometimes 10 to 12 feet high, but they grow very slowly. A plant two feet tall may be seven or eight years old. Vandas are often grown outdoors in hanging baskets during the summer months.

A tough group of orchids is the Epidendrums. Epidendrum hybrids are becoming popular plants.

These are undoubtedly one of the easiest orchids to grow and one of the most prolific groups. The tall, thin, reed-like growths constantly put forth new plantlets. It is relatively simple to take tip cuttings having a few aerial roots. Although the flowers are small, about one inch in size, they are produced in great profusion.

Paphiopedilums are one of the best orchid groups to grow under artificial lighting. There are many spectacular hybrids available, and quite a number of species. They are not fragrant, but have very interesting and colorful “lady slipper” shaped flowers. Due to import regulations and conservation considerations, we recommend you grow only orchid hybrids so as not to promote the collecting of species from the wild.

For more information on orchid plant care and disease control, contact the American Orchid Society, Membership Services Department, 6000 South Olive Ave, West Palm Beach, Fl. 33405-9974.

Edible Flowers

Many people call my office and ask about what flowers are edible if you have never heard of such a thing, well, yes it certainly is possible.  Edible flowers – growing flowers that are beautiful, as well as edible and non-edible flowers it s a popular trend these days to add some colourful petals to a salad or simply place a flower or two on a dish as a decoration.  Edible flowers edible flowers aren’t a new phenomenon, but garnishes of fresh flowers tend to intimidate diners no one is really sure if the flowers are there for decoration or to be eaten.  Edible flowers poisonious flowers and asian herbs recipes from asia educational programs of the kentucky cooperative extension service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.  Edible flowers cheap flowers fast company sky-bolt enterprises this article by ginny stibolt is from the series, adventures of a transplanted gardener www.transplantedgardener.com.

Edible flowers edible mother’s day gifts, edible flowers mother’s day is coming up in a few months, and you’re off to get your mother another memorable gift for this year well, there is the. Edible flowers fireworks splice html edible flower is an organic farm located in the portland oregon area we seasonally grow a variety of organic produce.  Edible flowers an overview of edible flowers – teleflora.com edible flowers can be a boon for innovative cooks flowers delight our senses in so many ways sight, smell, touch it s not surprising that some flowers can be treats for our. Sky-bolt enterprises article: edible flowers decorate with fresh edible flowers on desserts or in salads ask your florist for some that haven’t been sprayed with pesticides (or gather some from your yard).

With their natural beauty and unique flavours, edible flowers are an elegant addition to any celebration.  Using them in your daily meals adds nutritious appeal to even the simplest menu.  Incorporating edible flowers into your recipes is an easy and exquisite way to ensure the dishes you serve are enjoyed and admired by all.

edible flowers

Before you begin to experiment with edible flowers, please take note of the following:

• Start slowly when you begin incorporating edible flowers into your diet to avoid possible allergic reactions.
• You should exercise the same care you take in choosing the vegetables you eat when choosing edible flowers.  If you do not grow your own flowers, look for organically grown varieties at your florist or local market.
• DO NOT consume flowers bought from retail outlets unless you are certain they have been grown without chemicals.  Your best bet is to grow them yourself.
• Eat only those parts of the flower or plant that you have confirmed to be safe for human consumption.
• Know what you are eating and if you are unsure of the toxicity of a flower or plant ask a qualified professional before you consume it.

Once you have taken the proper precautions, you are ready to begin enjoy the unique flavours of edible flowers.

Did You Know…

…the pollen contained in many flowers is rich in vitamins and minerals?
…roses and rosehips are loaded with vitamin C?
…dandelion blossoms are high in vitamin A and C?
…dandelion leaves are high in iron, calcium, phosphorous and vitamins A and C?
…marigolds and nasturtium contain vitamin C?
…most blossoms are very low in calories?
…artichokes and broccoli are actually flower buds?

Menu Ideas

• When making ice cubes, drop a few edible flowers in each tray compartment then freeze.  “Flower cubes” make an elegant addition to punch bowls, cocktails or other cold beverages.
• Alternate layers of rose or geranium petals or lemon balm with layers of regular sugar in small jars, seal and allow two weeks for the scent to permeate the sugar.  These colourful, aromatic sugars can be used on the table or in cooking to add a delicate taste to foods and beverages.
• You can also use scented geranium petals to scent jelly, ice creams and cakes.
• Day lily buds can be frozen for later use in Oriental soups or stirfries.
• Spicy nasturtium flowers and leaves add flavour and vibrant colour to salads.
• Pansies can be candied, used as a garnish or tossed into salads for colour.
• Sweet-smelling rose petals add a delicate flavour to sweets.  Remember to remove the bitter white base of the petal before eating!
• Chrysanthemum petal tips complement ginger in meat dishes.
• Dianthus’ clove-like flavour makes a pleasant addition to salads and seafood.
• Try using homegrown hibiscus to make a delicious, fragrant tea.

Easy Edible Candied Pansies
Candied flowers are an easy and elegant garnish to make.  They are especially exquisite when used for wedding cake decorations.  Pansy blossoms are ideal for this project because their simple shape and strong structure holds up well under the sugar’s weight.

1. 1. Rinse and thoroughly dry pesticide-free pansies.
   2. Using a small paintbrush, thinly coat the petals with lightly beaten egg whites.
   3. Set pansies on a plate covered with superfine sugar.
   4. Sprinkle the blossoms with more superfine sugar. Gently shake to remove the excess.
   5. Place on waxed paper and allow to dry for several hours.

Some Common Edibles
The following is a brief list and description of some popular edible flowers and plants. Explore books and the Internet or talk to your florist or produce manager for more recipe ideas and edible varieties!

Apple Blosom, Malus spp. – pale pink blossom has a delicate floral flavour.

Carnation, Dianthus spp. – pink, red, mauve flowers add a spicy, clove-like flavour

Day Lily, Hemerocallis spp. – yellow, orange, red buds have a sweet taste and crunchy texture.

Lilac, Syringa vulgaris – lavender blossoms have a pungent floral and lemony flavour.

Pansy, Viola X Wittrockiana – purple, white, yellow and multi-coloured blooms have a sweet to tart flavour.

Violet, Viola odorata – white and purple blossoms have a sweet, nectar-like taste.

Additional Edible Flowers

African Violet
Aster
Bee Balm, Bergamot
Begonia
Chives
Christmas Cactus
Chrysanthemum petal tips
Citrus (orange, lemon, lime) blossoms
Dandelion
Day Lily
Sweet William or Pinks
Fruit blossoms (apple, peach, pear, apricot)
Fuschia
Gardenia
Ginger
Gladiolus blossoms
Hibiscus blossoms
Hollyhock blossoms
Iceland poppy
Lavender flowers
Lilac
Passion flower
Peony
Rose Petals
Safflower
Squash, Zucchini & Pumpkin flowers
Strawberry
Yucca (petals only), Spanish bayonet

Non-Toxic House Plants

Boston fern
Peperomia
Jade Plant
Lipstick Plant
Rubber Plant
Sanseveria
Umbrella Plant
Wandering Jew
Weeping Fig

Suggestions for Using Edible Flowers

• Do not consume flowers bought from retail outlets unless you can confirm they have been grown without chemicals.
• Grow them yourself or buy from a certified organic grower.
• Start with small quantities to avoid possible allergic reaction.
• Although flowers may be edible, they may not be palatable.
• Eat only the parts known to be safe.  The other parts of several plants are poisonous.
• Wash as thoroughly as possible.
• Do not eat flowers picked from roadsides due to poisonous car exhaust emissions.
• Flowers grown by most florists, greenhouses and nurseries have been treated with fertilizers and pesticides and should not be consumed.
• Do not eat any flower you do not know for sure is edible. Consult a specialist.
• Remove pistils and stamens – eat only petals in most cases.

flower-varities

The first time we cured our home, and encountered the directive to “buy flowers,” we procrastinated: we were between jobs; we needed the money for other things; we were never home enough to enjoy them. But, one week, we added a bouquet to our groceries and saw how it made a difference in how we perceived our home. Now we’re addicted; we watch for new flowers along with the changing seasons. Available everywhere from supermarkets to high end florists, here’s a rundown of some of our favorites and how to care for them…

Sometimes sitting on the porch, summer breeze wafting through, lazy sunshine bringing blessed sleep, the scent of perfume finds me. And often times with eyes still shut, I play a game of guessing–whose fragrance might this be? The lacecap, the rose, the summer magnolia? Sometimes I guess correctly, sometimes I don’t, sometimes I just drift back to sleep.

The warmest days of the year are here, bringing a wealth of blooms. As gardeners, we capitalize on this weather, growing vegetables, cut flowers, roses, perennial beds, blooming trees and shrubs. It’s also the time of the year when we appreciate a day without chores. And there are certain annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees that seem to complement our lazy days. This is, of course, the summer garden.

Here are some old-time favorites that truly represent the warmest days of the year. Take a look–you may find several you grew up with. And if you’re not growing these summer favorites today, why wait? The time to enjoy the summer is now!

* ANNUALS

Impatiens and cleomes are two longtime favorites of the summer garden. Both are easy to grow and found as transplants or seeds in nearby garden centers. Impatiens have the reputation of being America’s #1 choice for shady to semi-shady sites. And with little wonder–transplants are available in color choices from white to pink, red to purple and shades of orange.

Cleomes, known as old-fashioned spiderflower, are elegant country plants that can be directly sowed into the ground in the spring. Reaching between three to four feet, the foliage is deeply veined beneath enormous sprays of airy blossoms, available in pink, white and violet. Cleomes love the sun and look spectacular within the summer border.

Zinnias have always been a hot weather flower, but recent additions, such as `Zinnia Profusion,’ are making it one of the best choices to directly start from seed. Look for `Cherry’ or `Orange Profusion,’ winners of the 1999 All-American Selections Gold Medal Flower Awards. These small, bushy plants literally bloom nonstop with an extraordinary abundance of petite flowers. Great for the borders of your beds or within potted arrangements, this summertime annual takes heat, sun and humidity.

Lately I’ve noticed a generous selection of coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) available in garden centers and being incorporated into public garden desigus. And why not? These annuals are beautiful foliage plants becoming fashionable again. Use in shaded to semi-shaded sites and in well-watered sunlit areas. The foliage ranges from unusual variegation to intense red to a favorite chartreuse-green that can liven up and complement so many garden settings.

* PERENNIALS

There’s a legion of favorites here, but limited space permits me to name only a few. I will start with a darling that simply must be included–the lily. From Asiatic to Oriental lilies, from the tiger to the Easter lily, these stately, often perfumed flowers look best planted in abundance and mingled into the garden beds. I always buy the bulbs in bulk and immediately set into the ground during the spring or fall. Choose both early to late blooming varieties, and come summer, these old-timers will bring a lasting elegance to the garden.

Three long-blooming summer perennials–the shasta daisy, purple coneflower and yarrow–are reliable favorites that bring country charm to any setting. Mixed into beds that flow around the borders of the yard, the flat-topped flowers of each species attract butterflies and birds.

The perennial Dianthus (also sold in annual and biennial species) includes a wide army of easily-found choices. Ideal for borders and sunny gardens, these petite flowers ring in the early summer and last until frost. In my own gardens the rosy, spice-scented blooms are planted nearly everywhere, and I was particularly delighted the second year when its blooms presented a rainbow of color tumbling through the large rock garden.

And don’t forget to add Liatris, though it’s not often found in modern gardens–which is reason to include it. The stalks and flowers are strictly upright, which brings diversity among all the floppy summer flowers. The blooms of Liatris, either an intense purple-pink or glowing white, first open from the top and work their way down for long-lasting interest.

SHRUBS AND TREES

Nothing advertises summer like flowering shrubs and trees. My personal favorites are the many varied hydrangeas, and, of course, the silk tree (Albizia Julibrissin). Hydrangeas are attractive shrubs, with an expanse of foliage. Given good, well-drained soil and regular watering, hydrangeas grow rapidly and can be exposed to sun or shade, depending on the heat index of your zone. The flowers are often big, showy and perfectly summertime. H. macrophylla, maybe the most well-known variety, can sport green or variegated foliage with white, blush, cherry, blue or purple flowers. Nearly all of us can remember a conversation in which these flowering shrubs’ color is determined by the chemistry of the soil–acid soil produces the blues, while neutral to alkaline brings the pinks.

Two other worthy hydrangeas, H. paniculata `PeeGee’ and H. quercifolia `Oakleaf’ belong in the summer garden. The `PeeGee’ overflows with flower clusters, opening in a lime-white, aging to pinkish-purple and finally taming bronze by late summer. The `Oakleaf’ hydrangea is simply elegant in shady sites with its elongated pinnacles of white flowers set against deeply-lobed foliage resembling the oaks.

The silk tree, also called Mimosa, loves the summer heat. In my landscape there’s not one, but four silk trees. Affectionately dubbed the “umbrella tree,” the limbs fan out like huge feathers on a hot day. Walk beneath its graceful, airy limbs and fluffy pink flowers, and you’ll probably agree the temps sway a bit to the cooler side. Very easy to grow (water it well in the hottest weather and watch it go), the silk tree ultimately reaches a height of about 40 feet and can be sized into a variety of landscape plans.

The common butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is a summer treat. A sunny day often finds me on the front screen porch overlooking the cottage garden watching throngs of butterflies, moths. bees and the occasional hummingbird sipping nectar from the bright purple flower of these upright, arching shrubs. Towards evening, I’ll catch a visiting bird hopping among the inner branches slip towards the birdbaths below. Look for named butterfly bushes, such as `Royal Red,’ `Black Knight’ and `Nanho Purple.’

The southern magnolia, with its intoxicating perfume and stately blossoms, is a staple of the summer landscape. Seedlings, however, can take up to ten years to mature and bloom. Opt for newer varieties that offer smaller size, faster growth and flowering within four years. Some favorites include `Edith Bogue,’ which is extremely hardy; `Majestic Beauty,’ with especially large leaves; and `Little Gem,’ which can be trained to a shrub or small tree.

* VINES

I would be amiss if I failed to include a category for these warm weather lovers. Tumbling vines romance the summer garden and make it a playful ground. While perennial vines return for yet another year, annual vines often win us over with lush, late summer blooms.

Of the perennial vines, one of the prettiest in my gardens is the silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii), known in olden days as the mile-a-day vine. That’s because once established this perennial vine literally sprints off. Its foliage is divine–tiny spirals of pearly blossoms with a heavenly scent. And don’t omit a perennial choice from the clematis variety. I particular like `Jackamanni,’ often seen trailing up mail-boxes nearly all summer with its rich purple blooms.

When it comes to annual vines, there is one sure favorite that I reseed every year. The hyacinth bean vine (Dolichos) is a true wonder. The seeds are large and can be pushed directly into the soil. Expect the hottest days to send this vine upward, but watch out–it loves to literally cover a trellis, a fence or an arbor! When the jewel pea-blossoms of lilac and purple arrive to change over to royal pods, you’ll particularly enjoy the ongoing combination of its purple-vein foliage, flowers and seedpods.