How To Buy Flowers

2007-06-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

The Pros and Cons of Online Florists

Tip! With the availability of various kinds of flowers in flower shops, many customers are finding more freedom to express themselves in a variety of unique ways. Florists have become consultants, too, for the confused and for those who are uninitiated in the world of flowers.

The whole of the world today is moving at a rapid pace, and the credit goes to all the developments and inventions added to existing technologies. The internet is a well-suited example of this. Thanks to the internet our various things we do have been simplified; such as shopping and communication.

Online shopping offers convenience, but we need to remain extra cautious. Among various other products and services, now you can purchase flower bouquets online. Since you are spending money, make sure that the quality of the flowers is up to your standards.

For this purpose, it is worth the effort to throw some light on online florists. It is possible to have a good perspective about the quality of an online florist. There are steps that must be taken before buying online, to ensure that the florist is of a high quality. Once you have made sure that it is safe to purchase from online florists, only then will you be able to understand the benefits and simplification that online florists provide.

Before you make any final decision, it is essential that you are aware of both the pros and cons related to online florists. While purchasing something that is so personal like flowers, you will love to have human touch attached to it. Actually, most of the reputed online florists have their proper physical address, and they are a florist in actual terms even if they are providing services online.

Their working procedure is very much like an actual florist. Undoubtedly, your flowers are not virtual, but real. So when you select the kind of bouquet you wish to have, it is then ordered from the wholesalers by the florists. After this, the flowers are sent in proper conditions; i.e. at the right temperature and with sufficient moisture. Extreme care is taken while sending them to the location of the florist, from all over the world. They are then delivered to you, or to the person you requested they be delivered to.

Tip! Online florists offer many services. They can arrange the flowers according to your specifications, suggest many designs, and offer consultative services on the right kind of flowers to choose for each occasion.

Purchasing flowers online is comfortable, but it is still important for every online shopper to check the authenticity of the online shop. Generally, the physical address can be found in the "About us" section of the webpage. In the case of it being a local address, then you can go and check it out yourself. This way you will be able to make future purchases confidently from there. Testimonials also prove helpful in letting you know about the type of customers who shop from there.

Once you get at ease with the idea of buying flowers online, you can enjoy other various benefits of shopping online. Usually online flower shopping proves less expensive compared to buying them directly from the florists.

Apart from that, there is a direct link between the producer and the buyer. There are no commissions for intermediaries. Generally the flowers available to online florists are in a better condition than a real florists' shop.

Buying online is similar to buying directly from a real florist. The same choices and varieties are available online. So surely it is the best way to bring joy to your near and dear ones by getting flowers delivered to their doorstep.

Tip! A few key features of FTD flowers are that their delivery is on the same day of ordering, and the quality of your product is never compromised. Most FTD florists use the latest technology available in the industry, which makes their service supreme.

Article by Stefan Rockhaus. For further info on online florists visit Online Florist Guide - You may reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and this resource box is left intact.

2007-06-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

Best Florists Online

Tip! With faster transportation, improved logistical infrastructures for importing and exporting goods, and the growing diversity of tastes and preferences of those who populate cities, more exotic and hard-to-come-by flowers are being made available in most retail florists. Competition among these florists has also encouraged each one to offer specializations and expertise.

We all want the best and flowers are no exception. There are so many virtual flower shops on the Internet; it can become a very daunting task to find a florist that best meets our needs. Also, while most flower companies online are reputable, some may not be. Moreover, their selections, quality and pricing may vary considerably.

A majority of online florists are genuine florist shops who have agreements with a third party website to open up companies with multiple national and international delivery facilities. They generally the have years of experience and know a lot about flowers and the infrastructure needed to handle hundreds of online orders everyday. They will link up with a professional florist in the recipient's locale and have your request (as close as they can possibly get) hand delivered on the same day. This is the most popular distribution system throughout Northern America.

When choosing a florist, it may be a good idea to ask around. A good florist will have a rock solid reputation of satisfied customers simply by word of mouth. They will also most likely be linked with to a florist that offers FTD or TELEFLORA. These two entities are actually referral systems, or one-stop shops for anyone in the country to buy flowers for delivery. The umbrella company will forward your order on to a member florist in your locale.

You should take a look at the florists' rankings too. Other tips to keep in mind are the company should have a secure online server for placing orders, testimonials by satisfied customers and promised delivery times.

Tip! Many FTD florists stock a large variety of flowers including exotic plants, artificial flowers and other gift items. Some even boast of in-house designers catering to individual demands.

Online Florists provides detailed information on Online Florists, Online FTD Florists, Best Florists Online, Cheap Online Florists and more. Online Florists is affiliated with Florist Delivery.

Flowers An Annual Event

2005-10-16T01:31:00.000-07:00

Flowers, An Annual Event by: Frederic Madore
Are you a natural when it comes to gardening? Do you simply wish your rose bush to bloom, and presto, roses appear? Well, if you are a green thumb, congratulations. As for me, it is an effort of biblical proportion, to get even the grass to grow. I would hazard a guess, and estimate that the remaining 90% of the general population share this problem. If flowers were so easy, we wouldn’t need florists and landscapers.
Flowers are without a doubt a gift from the gods. They surround us with beauty, remind us that some color in our lives can bring happiness to our drab surroundings, and often are a subtle reminder of that special moment we don’t want to forget. What about the basics of flowers? Do we really know that much about the science of flowers, what makes them so appealing, so colorful, and so sweet smelling?
Flowers are the reproductive organs for the plants that support them. The flower itself can be composed of male and female parts, only male or only female parts, or in some cases a combination of male and female parts. Some plants need pollination, and some are parthenocarpic (big word that only means “virgin fruit) and make fruit without pollination!
The color of the flower and the scent of the flower are meant to act as attractants for the pollination process; as you can smell and see, it is an effective tool. The many colors of the rainbow can also be found in the many colors of the flower garden, also. Different colors attract different insects, as do different smells.
There are also different types of flowers. Some are perennials, some are biennials, and some are annuals. The perennials will return year after year, wherever they have been planted, but do not offer the greatest array of color or scent. The biennials will complete their entire life cycle in two growing seasons, or generally two years. Annuals are plants whose life cycle lasts only one growing season, or one year. The annual plants are some of the most brilliant and offer the greatest variety, color and scent. They are also among the most adaptable garden plants and don’t require much more than water and sunlight.
I personally prefer the perennials to any of the other types, simply because once I plant them, they are there to stay. Unless of course I manage to bring them to an early demise! Examples of perennials are azaleas, lilies, and of course, roses. Biennials are composed of forget-me-nots, foxgloves, and pansies. The annuals, are as I stated earlier some of the most brilliant in color and scent and are composed of marigolds, zinnias and snapdragons. Often annuals will drop enough seeds so that actually “appear” to be perennial flowers.
As you can see, there should be flowers for every type of grower. A special color or scent for every special occasion. Flowers are like the voice of song for the plant world. When we “humans” sing, it lifts our spirits and we soar on the wings of our dreams. This is also what the beauty and fragrance of the flower brings to the garden.

http://flowers-information-center.info

Using flowers to heal harm

2005-10-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

Hi all

Here is another example of the power of the flower. It never ceases to amaze me just how much good a few flowers can do to make some one feel better, special, loved, and it takes so little.

When I found this article, I thought WOW!! here is another way to use flowers to heal.

If you want to find out more about how flowers can work for you, then read my book "How To Buy Flowers"
or you can pick up a free chapter here

Using flowers to heal harm: "A flower garden sprouting at the state prison in Tucson is billed as a crime-fighting tool that helps put Arizona at the forefront of 'restorative justice.'

It's part of a rehabilitation philosophy that has been credited with keeping some offenders from committing more crimes after they've been released.

The garden outside the visitation room at the Santa Rita Unit at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Tucson, 10000 S. Wilmot Road, is just getting started - as are state efforts to turn criminals around by focusing on victims."

Continue reading the article here

Flowers for 'Breast Cancer Awareness'

2005-10-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

This is a great idea, the more awareness the better.

The florists have done it for years with the Daffodil for cancer research.

Flowers just somehow say it all.

Let's all do our bit.

Regards

Carmel

Flowers for 'Breast Cancer Awareness': "Flowers for 'Breast Cancer Awareness'

The floral industry has once again provided an easy way to give to a good cause and share a bouquet with someone near and dear.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and participating florists are offering the 'Hope and Love' bouquet during the month. For each $29.99 bouquet purchased, $10 will go to the University Breast Health Center to help area women who need mammograms or other related care.

Local florists have suggested the 'Hope and Love' bouquets are appropriate for families who have lost a loved one to breast cancer, women battling breast cancer or as a reminder to someone to schedule her annual mammogram.

In North Augusta you can purchase the bouquet at Jim Bush Florist, 501-B W. Martintown Road.

Call 278-4580 for more information or to order a bouquet."

All You Need is Flowers!

2005-10-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

All You Need is Flowers!
by: Nadia Mikkelsen

A way to a woman’s heart is through flowers. Yes men, it can be that simple. Flowers can represent so many different emotions and it will make your special someone so very happy. It says I love you without having to say it.

Not only are emotions such as sight and smell affected, but it also shows you have a caring side, a softer side.

If you want to show your romantic side, ask your special someone what are her favorite colors, favorite flowers, and favorite plants. And most important, be sure to ask if she has allergies to any type of plant or flower.

A floral arrangement can be made special for your loved one. Visit your local florist for ideas and suggestions. A beautiful floral arrangement can be made with her favorite colors, flowers, and plants. The arrangement can be wrapped in beautiful paper, or arranged in a special vase.

Most large grocery stores are in the floral business. When shopping for that romantic dinner, stop by the floral department. You will find so many different floral arrangements. If you cannot find the perfect arrangement, you can ask the department florist to create something unique for the occasion.

Flowers can also be ordered by the click of a button. Today most people own a computer and have access to the internet. You can shop for ideas and tips before making your final selection. You can shop from the comfort of your own home or office. In fact most flower sales are made on the internet. www.sendflowersfordelivery.com is a good place to find flower shops.

You will find arrangements for all sorts of occasions and price budgets. You will have pictures to choose from along with the price range.

Flowers are not only for romance, but also for making others feel good when it is needed. They can help to raise a person’s spirits when they are down. It has been proven that flowers can help the sick feel well. The colors and smell will heighten emotions in all of us.

Flowers can also make the perfect gift for any holiday. For those that have everything, it can be difficult to find the right gift. Flowers will make any holiday special.

Be sure to ask your florist how to properly care for your arrangement. Flower food is usually included in your arrangement or can be purchased separately. With the proper care, your flowers can look just as beautiful two days later as the day they were purchased.

Today it is becoming more popular for flowers to be purchased for men as well. So men do not be so surprised when you receive flowers from your special someone or even an admirer. It shows that women can be just as romantic as men if not more.

Flowers can also be used to brighten the home or office. Flowers offer so many different fragrances to make your home and office smell and feel fresh. When planning a special party, your florist can create the mood you wish to express to your guests.

In fact it is safe to say that flowers just maybe the world’s most perfect gift.

About The Author

Nadia Mikkelsen is the owner of http://www.sendflowersfordelivery.com

Ever Used a “Frog” (a.k.a. Kenzan)? Then Check this out....

2005-10-06T17:39:00.000-07:00

Ever Used a “Frog” (a.k.a. Kenzan)?: "No, not that kind of frog! I’m talking about a circular metal disk with many small sharp points coming out of it. It’s also known as a “kenzan” (to you Ikebana enthusiast) and they are a very fun tool to use for creating simple and seeming gravity defying floral arrangements. They especially come in handy if you are trying to create a more minimalist look, or if you have only a few flowers to design with (good for those on a budget). They are also fun because they enable you to break away from the typical vased arrangements to create new looks.

So how do they work? Frogs are secured into a vase or"

Want to finish reading this article, just click here

There are heaps of great ideas around to make your home or workplace more pleasant with the use of flowers. You don't have to spend a fortune either.

Something as simple as a daisy in a jelly jar or tiny glasses in a row with a little flower in each one.

Doesn't have to be a big bunch or arrangement, single flowers can be very effective.

Be an creative, look around you, what's that unused ashtray doing? You don't want any smokers in your home/workplace, fillit with short head flowers. No one well even think of using it then, and much nicer to have a flower perfume too.

Okay, a few ideas, more in the article.

Take care

Carmel

You can get a free chapter of my book here

Flowers Fresh and Feng Shui

2005-10-02T15:22:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I like to find good articles for you, this one is on Feng Shui and fresh flowers, another reason to have fresh flowers in your home, works in the office too.

Hope you enjoy it and maybe learn a thing or two to help with your Feng Shui

Best regards
Carmel

PS You can get a free chapter from my book "How To Buy Flowers" by clicking on this link

To incorporate feng shui elements into homes, Tossapol suggests using colours and flowers as remedies to effectively create a harmonious living space.

Aside from their natural beauty, flowers can enhance positive energy and improve a person's health and state of mind, he says.

``Colour is a powerful feng shui tool that can directly affect your mood as well as your emotional and physical well-being. There are various types, shapes and colours of flowers out there for you to choose from,'' he suggests.

``It's important to examine whether the flowers and colours contribute to your sense of well-being or not.''">Bangkok Post Sunday 02 October 2005 - THE FIVE ELEMENTS: "To incorporate feng shui elements into homes, Tossapol suggests using colours and flowers as remedies to effectively create a harmonious living space.

Aside from their natural beauty, flowers can enhance positive energy and improve a person's health and state of mind, he says.

``Colour is a powerful feng shui tool that can directly affect your mood as well as your emotional and physical well-being. There are various types, shapes and colours of flowers out there for you to choose from,'' he suggests.

``It's important to examine whether the flowers and colours contribute to your sense of well-being or not.''"

Read the whole article here

Buying Flowers Online

2005-09-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

A Good Deal of Buying Flowers Online by: Mark Dietzel
Ever wondered what you will give your mom for her birthday? Having a hard time thinking of what would be the best anniversary gift for your girl? Cheer up! You definitely can buy flowers online! Fresh flowers and arrangements can probably be treated as the most popular gifts in the whole world. Basically, nothing brings a smile on someone’s face that you specially care about than the sight and smell of fresh, colorful, and wonderfully arranged flowers. Flowers connect every human being with nature. It spells an outdoor ambience as well. Flowers also have long been non-verbal ways of expressing one’s emotions whether it be a simple “hi” or “hello”, “congratulations”, “condolence”, or “I love you”.
In a variety of purposes, flowers apply. And it is in this connection that adamant availability of buying flowers online has become possible. Buying flowers online is an easy to access market which anyone can get through any time of the day and any day of the week. Flowers do mark every significant event in a person’s life. Flowers are present in weddings, births, funerals, anniversaries, graduations, and the likes. For flowers always give off a positive impact on a person’s emotions, they give delight due to their fragile beauty, and spell out a powerful symbol of enduring affection and optimism towards life.
So you do want to express your emotions through flowers but you are too busy to drop by a flower shop, you are currently on a trip away from the city, or the person you are to give flowers to is far from you. Then the best possible solution is to send flowers online! Online florists carefully assist you with your every floral need. Wonderful bouquets and arrangements of various kinds of flowers suited for every occasion and for every person are readily available for purchase. Amiable as the staff members are, they are just too willing to help you pick out the right choice which you deem will aptly fit your purpose of giving out flowers. Better yet, try buying flowers online.
You better know the “language of flowers”. Flowers express and symbolize different things. Certainly online florists are aware of these. So you must catch up to them and let them give you a hand. Buying flowers online successfully proves a point. Thousands and thousands of buying flowers online options are around the world. Florists will likely give you suggestions which they deem to be perfect for you and the recipient. Designing flower arrangements is an art so better take note of who to deal with. Some online flower shops offer personalized ambience and quality with their services and products. You may be too trendy as you may need a florist who has a creative flair or too classy that you may want a conservative design. Well, you definitely can try buying flowers online as these things are catered to by them.
Buying flowers online give you the opportunity to know flowers well. In whatever occasion, buying flowers online can be an option. You can also ask questions about rare flowers, how they can be ordered and delivered. Respectable floral shops are out in the internet world. Some online florist services deliver on national basis, international basis, or both. Flowers can say it for you! No need to be thinking of romantic words or terms to say to her. Express it with flowers as they may speak louder than your words. They may mean a lot to the recipient. Flowers are truly a gift to us. They are not only beautiful but they are fascinating proofs of how powerful the effect nature has to humans. Save yourself the worry of driving from one flower shop to another. You can buy flowers online!

www.to-send-flowers.com

markd624@hotmail.com

A Day In A Flower Shop

2005-09-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

A Day In A Flower Shop

By
CTBaird

Owning and working in a flower shop is, as everyone thinks, a lovely job.

There are times when it is a ‘yukky’ job too. More on that later.

When you open your shop in the early morning, there is always a wonderful smell, even though the flowers don’t have the strong perfume they once had, all together they smell wonderful.

I think the perfume permeates all around. Even when there aren’t many flowers out in the shop.

The previous afternoon’s flower delivery is put in the cool room overnight with the arrangements to be sent out on the first run delivery.

There is always plenty to do. The day starts early and the flowers purchased that morning are to be put away, the day’s orders sorted out and put in order of delivery times. The courier to be notified of what deliveries they will be needed for.

Then the inspiration takes over. The colors of the flowers will often inspire certain styles of arrangements.

What makes the florist’s job so interesting is, flowers are never the same, the color combinations, the textures, the filler flowers, the greenery, leaves, grasses, twigs. Bamboo, moss, pebbles, containers, these all add to what will inspire and delight the florist to what can be created.

When the orders are looked into, the type of person they are going to will always be taken into account.

A romantic will have the pretty pastels, delicate filler flowers and soft greenery.

A male will have an arrangement made up in maybe a timber box, strong colors, bold flowers, wonderful leaves and grasses.

There maybe a wedding to be prepared. Flowers for a wedding need special attention. They have to be fed and watered and opened, all so they will be perfect for the bride on her big day.

Sometimes wedding flowers arrive at the flower shop five days before they have to be assembled. The florist will tend to them daily to make sure they are just right.

The phone calls start coming in with orders for that day and later days. The customers walk in to the shop and like to see arrangements and bouquet already made.

Maybe they want to pick up something quickly and go, or maybe they want to see what styles are available to collect or send later.

Whatever they want or need, the florist will give them the utmost attention and make sure they are confident that what they order will be right flowers for the right occasion.

All this is the lovely pretty and pleasant part of working in the flower shop.

The not so nice side of things, the “yukky” side comes at the end of the day.

Flowers and the containers used to keep them in, have to be kept clean.

So at the end of the day comes the bucket cleaning time.
Mostly all buckets of flowers and greenery have the water changed every day. The flowers and greenery are put into clean containers with clean water, and then the used buckets are cleaned. There are also the buckets from the shop front, when flowers have been purchased off the display.

These are scrubbed with a brush or scourer, rinsed with a mild solution of bleach and water and rinsed again, ready for the next day.

Occasionally a greenery bucket can get missed and it maybe two days before it gets changes, now that is one not nice bucket, greenery left a day can get very smelly, not the nicest of smells.

The afternoon flower order comes in and the flowers are cut and watered and made ready for the early morning orders. The very early orders are prepared, special flowers for the next day’s orders are taken note of for the early morning trip to the markets and it is time to close up and go home.

The fringe benefit, I’ll call it that, for want of a better name, is the wonderful people you get to know, and each and every day there is at least one of these special people who will come into the shop, mostly to say Hi and have a chat.

Yes working in a flower shop is a specially wonderful way to earn a living.

CTBaird has owned and operated flower shops for 15 years, and is author of
How To Buy Flowers

America's Flower Man

2005-09-24T04:06:00.000-07:00

There is an article in the Boston Globe, 22nd September 2005, by Linda Matchan, about America’s Flower Man. Dale Rohman.
You can read it here

He is 67 years old and an advocate for flowers for every one, every day, not just the special days or special times.

I agree with him totally. Flowers have such a wonderful affect on us all. To have a vase of fresh flowers near you, to be able so look at the beauty of flowers, will pick up your spirits like nothing else.

Flowers don’t have to be expensive. You can pick up a bunch to take home, they only need to have the stems cut and put into water. You don’t even have to have a vase, look around your home, jugs look great with flowers in, even a wind cooler, without the wine of course.

If you are sending flowers as a gift, yes, you do have to pay delivery, but when you consider, same day delivery, door to door, sometime only an hour or so after you ordering them, they are on their way to your someone special. The delivery cost for this service is minimal compared with other courier type services.

Specialist flower couriers who know how to look after them deliver flowers. So when they arrive at your special person’s place they look as good as when they left the flower shop.

If there is no one home to receive the arrangement, then the flower delivery person has certain guidelines to follow.

The flowers are always treated with the utmost care so your gift of flowers will arrive in perfect condition.

Next time you pass the flower barrow, or corner store with the market bunches of flowers outside, whatever catches your eye first, buy them, take then home and just enjoy their beauty.

You will find they give your home something special.

My best to you,

Carmel

PS Enjoy flowers today

Tips for Giving flowers

2005-09-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Tips for Giving Flowers
By CTBaird

Flowers give an added touch to any decor and even though the trend today in the modern home is a above, not everyone lives in a modern home. So the home can dictate the style to give.
Birthdays
Flowers can be an excellent choice for birthdays, either on their own or to accompany a gift. The sky is the limit with birthday flowers, a good guide is the Flowers and Personalities section in My Flower Book
Get Well
Very often flowers are the choice of gift for someone in the hospital or convalescing at home Unless you know the recipient is able to look after a cut flower bouquet, it is best to send an arrangement in a container so there is no fussing for them. These need to be bright happy flowers, the cheer up happy kind
New babies
Pink for girls and blue for boys still applies when giving flowers after the new baby arrives. Even though clothes wise not so many new babies are dressed in the traditional colors anymore, the traditional colors still apply to flowers. Add a soft and cuddly toy, still the most popular toy is a teddy bear.
There are also some beautiful ceramic keepsakes for the flowers to be arranged in and an arrangement is best, not cut flowers as most new mothers do not have the time nor inclination to take care of cut flowers.
Sympathy
Most of us turn to flowers when we hear someone has passed away, we send flowers to the family left behind and a tribute to the actual funeral.
When you send flowers for a bereavement it is best to have an arrangement made if they are going to the family, cut flowers often get left somewhere as to take care of them is just too much at the time. So they may be found later and looking very sad. Not what anyone wants at a time like this.
Some people prefer bright, others feel a more traditional middle of the road style is more suitable. Wreaths and sheafs are for the funeral and not the home.
Often after the funeral the arrangements are given to the family and they may take them home or give them to a hospital or rest home or to friends who have helped them through the sad time
When giving flowers as a gift, consider a few things first
What the person receiving them likes.
For example

What colors do they like/dislike.

Do they have a favorite flower.

What kind of message do you want to send (if you are just friends then red roses may not be appropriate)

Where are the flowers being sent, to a home or workplace.

What the person like to do, like their hobbies et

If you tell your florist these things, she will be able to create just the right floral gift for you.

How To Buy Flowers

Hope this will help next time you think of sending flowers to someone.

My best to you
CarmelTips For Giving Flowers

Reminds me of the day I found my Prince in the coldroom

2005-09-21T00:24:00.000-07:00

BBC NEWS | UK | England | Shropshire | Stowaway frog hops into flowers: "A man who tried to surprise his girlfriend with a bunch of flowers got a shock himself when a stowaway tropical frog appeared in the blooms.

Kerry Swinton, from Telford, Shropshire, was in a car admiring the petals when she said she noticed a pair of eyes looking back at her."

Read about it here

This reminds me of the time I found a little green frog amongst the camellia leaves in my coldroom, Thought my Prince had come.

I got in touch with the wildlife people to take him to the frog man who would know what area he came from and check him out to make sure he was healthy and then return him to his natural environment.

I was rather sad to see him go.

Bye for now,

Carmel

From Corn To Flowers and Loving It...

2005-09-18T23:45:00.000-07:00

StandardNET/Standard-Examiner: "FARR WEST -- At least 100 wreaths hang on the walls at Lyle Dabb's produce stand, ready for the taking.

But the wreath that folks want to buy today is the one still taking shape on Dabb's worktable.

It's an autumn-looking concoction of golden corn tassel, orange safflower and yellow statice. As Dabb assembles one for a customer, others step up to ask for one just like it.

That's the way it is -- whatever he's working on is the most popular item, says Dabb, piecing clumps of plants together with his tanned and dirt-soiled hands.

'As long as we've got the wreath of the day going, we might as well make it,' the Farr West farmer says, starting in on another.

Of course, if you'd rather have something else, just look around. Dozens and dozens of wreaths of all descriptions -- flowery or plain, sleek or bushy, frilly or bare -- cover nearby sheds and chicken coops and dangle from tree branches."

This is a great article and one florists like me love to read, farmers growing flowers, we need them all especially when they have a love of it.

Read the rest of the article here

Want a complimentary chapter of my book, "How To grow Flowers" just click here, it's waiting for you, learn what the different flowers mean.

Take care
Carmel

CTBaird

How About A Rose Bush Instead of a Rose Bunch

2005-09-14T05:53:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Ever think about, instead of buying roses, why not give a rose bush instead. They can even be grown in pots on a balcony. Your friendly florist can arrange this for you, so why send one rose, when you can send the whole bush.
Choose one of the beautiful colors available. Below is an article on how to take care of them, easier than you think.
Giving a plant will make sure you are thought of over and over again, every time the roses bloom.
Neat eh!!

Growing garden roses that will be the talk of your neighborhood. Find out how to do it in this article

Many people have the idea that roses are a real specialty, undertaken by only the most serious gardeners. Actually, roses can be low maintenance, although they do have their preferences. Once you learn what these are, you to will be able to delight your neighbors with the sight and smell of wonderful roses.
The most important first step in planting your roses is to decide where you will plant them. Roses bloom best in an area where they get at least six hours of sun every day. Morning sun is preferable, as this dries the dew quickly, making them less susceptible to fungus problems. If you are going to plant more than one rose, leave plenty of room in between each rose, as good air circulation also promotes good health. Once you have picked out your spot, you are ready to go buy your roses. Hybrid tea roses are the type that most people think of when they think of roses. They have long elegant stems with one flower on each stem. You can also choose floribunda roses which have smaller flowers, with multiple flowers per stem, and climbing roses which must have some sort of support system, such as a fence or trellis.
Once you have picked out your roses, it is time to prepare the soil to plant. Begin by digging a hole one and one half as deep and wide as the roots on the rose. Mix some compost or organic matter into the hole, and heap a pile of dirt into a cone shape in the bottom of the hole. Carefully spread the roots over the cone of soil and then fill the rest of the hole with soil, tamping down lightly. Be sure that the rose is planted at the same depth as it was in the nursery, and then water thoroughly. Mulch the area around the roses with shredded bark or compost to retain moisture and discourage the growth of weeds.
To maintain your roses you should trim off spent blossoms and prune any stems that look black or weak. At the first sign of insect or disease, spray the plant with a fruit and tree spray, available from your local garden center. If any leaves shrivel, get black spots or turn yellow, pick them off gently and burn them or throw them in the trash (do not add them to your compost). Fertilize your roses in the spring and late summer, and, if you live in a cooler climate, cut them back and mulch over them in the late fall, and you will have gorgeous roses for many years to come.

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So there you are, now you know how to look after the roses, you can give first hand information to the one you send them to.

Take care

Carmel

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Secrets of the flower farmers

2005-09-12T14:28:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

I just found this article, lets you see the other side of fresh flowers, the growers side. in today's world of everything being available whenever we want, this article gives an insight into what a grower goes through to get those beautiful flowers into the flower shops for you to take your pick.

Sunset: Secrets of the flower farmers; western growers reveal their tips for cut-flower success - flower gardening: "Professional growers who supply cut flowers to farmers' markets face the same constraints home gardeners do--not enough time, not enough space. But cut-flower pros have another challenge: They need to turn a profit. They can't afford to cultivate flowers that are hard to germinate, susceptible to diseases, or meager producers. They need reliable, trouble-free, long-blooming flowers; through experience, they've learned which plants meet those criteria.

With that in mind, we asked growers from California to Colorado to name their top-performing plants. To our surprise, they favored many of the same flowers; their top picks are listed on page 53. The growers also provided their strategies and tips for coaxing as many blossoms as possible out of every bed."

Read the full article here

Find out the tips and secrets to how to buy flowers for youself or for a gift, here's the link, click here

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Therapy Of Flowers Revealed

2005-09-10T17:53:00.000-07:00

Articles: "Researchers from Rutgers University determined that the flower recipients in the study experienced an elevation in mood that lasted for days. And Chinese healers - who've long believed in 'flower power' - say that it doesn't stop there. They say you can utilize flowers to summon whatever power or emotion you'd like - and that the secret is in the flower's color. Each color creates a different frequency of light waves, they believe, which travel through the retina and down the optic nerve, setting off a chain reaction of responses in the body. Neurotransmitters are then released, inducing the production of calming hormones like melotonin, stimulating hormones like adrenaline, and mood-boosting hormones like serotonin. "

Read the full article here

You know how pets can help people who are ill or elderly, flowers have theraputic powers too.

We all get that "feel good" feeling when we receive a beautiful bouquet or even a little bunch, doesn't matter, a single flowers will do the trick.

If you haven't experienced this wonderful feeling, don't wait for someone else to give you flowers, go get your own and you will find out first hand how they can lift your spirits.

Even if you are feeling good they can make you feel so much better.

Buy a flower today, pick a flower from your garden, just enjoy flowers today and every day.

Learn how to do it right.....take this link here and find out.

A Friendly Flower Idea from Canada

2005-09-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

CNW Group: "TORONTO, Sept. 6 /CNW/ - On Wednesday, September 7th, 2005 residents of Toronto will have the unique opportunity to meet each other and develop new friendships when Canadiana Flowers hosts their 3rd annual FTD(R) Good Neighbour Day(R) event. Beginning 9:00am, Canadiana will give away 15,000 roses in bunches of a dozen, absolutely FREE to anyone who visits the Eglinton Square Shopping Centre location (located at the corner of Victoria Park Avenue & Eglinton Ave E), while supplies last. There is one catch, however - Stephen & Chris Mangos, the owners of Canadiana Flowers hope the goodwill is exactly that - 'catching'. Anyone who picks up a dozen free flowers will be asked to sign a promise to keep one of the flowers for themselves and give the others away to 11 different people - spreading goodwill and friendship in the community. Canadiana Flowers is also asking for a small donation to be given to help support Habitat for Humanity. A cheque presentation will be made to Habitat opening day of the Fall Home Show, at the Automotive Building, Exhibition Place on Thursday, September 29th, 2005"

The full report is here

Hey there in Toronto, get into this, sounds like a great way to keep things friendly.

When you want to buy flowers, find out how to do it right.....click here

This is Beautiful and something we should all remember

2005-08-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

"Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes.'
By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
'Wake up, little one, wake up,' I said.
'Are these the flowers you picked for me?'
He smiled, 'I found 'em, out by the tree.
I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue.'
I said, 'Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way.'
He said, 'Oh, Mom, that's okay.
I love you anyway.'
I said, 'Son, I love you too,
and I do like the flowers, especially the blue.' "

You can read the whole poem here

Would you like to know how to bring a smile to her face every time guaranteed, find out here

Flowers Add Inspiration For Fall Home Decorating

2005-08-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

House and Home - Flowers Add Inspiration For Fall Home Decorating: "Fall is a time of year when color is all around us. Leaves are turning yellow, orange, red and crimson; the grass is fading from brilliant green to varying shades of yellow, orange and brown; and bright orange pumpkins and cornucopias abound. Let nature's palate serve as an inspiration for your fall home decorating by bringing a taste of the outdoors in."

Read on here

"One Stop at the Florist and You'll Sweep Her Off Her Feet -- Every Time, Guaranteed!"

Conditioning of Cut Flowers

2005-08-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

Lincoln Journal Star Online: "To condition flowers, immediately immerse flowers in tepid water containing floral preservative almost up to the flower heads. Fuzzy foliaged plants such as dusty miller should not have their foliage submerged during conditioning. Remove the lower third of the foliage and immerse only to foliage level. "

Read the article here

Flower buying a problem? Try this click here

Choosing Dinner Party Flowers For Your Table Centerpiece – Three Key Secrets

2005-08-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

Choosing Dinner Party Flowers For Your Table Centerpiece – Three Key Secrets: "Are you planning a dinner party? Do you need to choose the right flowers for your floral table centerpiece?

Choosing the right flowers can be frustrating and expensive – or it can be simple and economical. Knowing three key secrets makes it simple for you to choose the right flowers to create a simple but beautiful floral centerpiece.

The key is to have a plan and stick with it."

Read the full article here

Find out how to say the right thing, click here

Study shows that flowers bring smiles

2005-08-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

Study shows that flowers bring smiles: "Flowers always seem to lift flagging spirits. When someone is sick, hurting or grieving, friends and family send a bouquet of fresh flowers to cheer them up. When someone says or does something they regret, a handful of flowers affirm the ensuing apology. And fresh flowers accompany holidays, birthdays and weddings.

Flowers also easily can become a part of life everyday."

Read the article here

Anthiriums...Beautiful and Exotic in the Flower world

2005-08-07T23:37:00.000-07:00

The Hindu News Update Service: "New Delhi, Aug. 7 (PTI): Farmers in Mizoram have seen good times and also weathered tough years, but a floriculture experiment they undertook three years ago promises to change their lives for the better, forever.

'The cultivation of Anthurium flower varieties is proving to be a success in Mizoram,' Horticulture Commissioner M L Choudhary, told PTI.

The Central Government under exclusive technology mission on horticulture provided the saplings of the ornamental flower to small farmers in that state in 2002 and it has helped them secure a regular income, said Choudhary.

Samuel Rosanglura, the Director of Mizoram Horticulture Department, said Anthurium flower cultivation fetches anything between Rs 6,000-10,000 per month to a farmer depending on the size of the nursery.

Currently, the State has three-lakh Anthurium saplings.

Anthurium is a special flower grown throughout the year in cold temperature, while flowering takes place at a slow pace during winter season.

At present, 33 exotic varieties of Anthurium are being produced in the picturesque northeastern state."

Read the ret of the story here

How To Buy Flowers for any Occasion with Confidence

A Feel Good Story about Flowers

2005-08-06T22:37:00.000-07:00

Lifestyle - Great Falls Tribune - www.greatfallstribune.com: "For more than 40 years, Dan Simon nipped, watered and weeded his garden, producing award-winning flowers at the Montana State Fair.

This year, the Great Falls man's colorful creations almost didn't make it to the fair — until a helpul neighbor stepped in.

The result was more prizes for Simon, including one of the biggest floral prizes for a tall flower, a gladiolus.

'It was pretty exciting when he won the champion spike,' said Connie Smith, superintendent of the Floriculture Department at the Montana State Fair.

Simon, who won with a gladiolus, was unable to see the exhibits in person. But he wasn't surprised to win the champion spike.

'I've won 11 or 12 of 'em,' he said Friday.

The year has been a difficult one for the veteran flower grower."

Continue reading here

How To Buy Flowers for Any Occasion with Confidence