Archive | May 2008

Care And Handling Of Flowers

You’ll be happily surprised at how much longer your flowers last following these steps:

1. When you buy flowers make sure that they are at the optimum condition.Look for flowers where the bud shows some color.

2. Flowers should be carefully packed when they are taken home, as this prevents damage to flowers or stems.

3. Make sure the vase is clean.

4. The flowers will last longer if you use cut flower food. Make sure you use the correct amount. If you are not sure, then ask your florist.

5. Before arranging the flowers in a vase, cut off approximately an inch from each stem at an angle. If you have roses, cut them with the stems underwater.

6. Stems should never be broken off or flattened – not even “woody stems. Scraping off the bark will also shorten the flower life.

7. Remove all leaves on the lower portion of the stems. Leaves should never be covered with water as this will decrease the longevity of the flowers.

8. Regularly top up the vase with clean water.

9. Keep out of direct sunlight, keep away from heat and breezes. Keep away from fruit.

10. At night, flowers prefer to be kept cool and benefit from a lower thermostat setting.

11. Daffodils can be deadly to other flowers because they secrete a poison in the water. After trimming, leave them on their own for a whole day and do not cut again before combining them with other flowers. However, a special cut flower food is available for daffodils and this enables them to be mixed with other cut flowers immediately (ask your florist for this).

12. If your flowers start to droop, cut off at least an inch underwater, to prolong their life. Remember, flowers are thirsty!

Be sure and stop by Eden Florist to pick out next bouquet!

Memorial Day Flower Trivia

May24

Memorial Day Flower Trivia

Our cheer goes back to them, the valiant dead!
Laurels and roses on their graves to-day,
Lilies and laurels over them we lay,
And violets o’er each unforgotten head.
~Richard Hovey

What is the nationally recognized flower of Memorial Day? Red Poppies are recognized as the Memorial Day flower. These small red flowers were first worn back in 1915 to honor fallen soldiers. Here’s the story:

In 1915, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” Moina Michael replied with her own poem:

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

Ms. Michael then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms.Michael and when she returned to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women.

This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children’s League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans’ organization to nationally sell poppies.

Two years later their “Buddy” Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it.

If you’d like to order a patriotic centerpiece, visit Eden Florist Today!

The Frugal Florist by John Klingel

May22

Recently my good friend John Klingel sent me a copy of his lovely book, “The Frugal Florist.”

I was so excited to get this book, I instantly delved into the beautiful pages of this step-by-step do-it-yourself floral bouquets. When I was finished with the book, I had to write to John and tell him how much I loved the book. In fact, I decided to write a testimonial about it and wanted to share that with you. Here’s what I wrote:

“Thank you so much for writing The Frugal Florist – a long overdue book that is sure to raise awareness of the intrinsic value of adding flowers to our lives. Flowers bring such joy and comfort to us and The Frugal Florist shows consumers how to work with flowers and add them to their environment on a regular basis. Your book helps people explore their creativity and fulfill their desire to express themselves on a deeper level. It is like walking through a garden and picking the perfect arrangement to express our emotions. I highly recommend “The Frugal Florist ~ Do it Yourself Flowers on a Budget” as a great starting point for anyone who would like to learn the art of floral design!” Heidi Richards, Chief Goddess ~ Eden Florist & Gift Baskets www.EdenFlorist.com

To get your own copy of The Frugal Florist: Do-it-yourself flowers on a budget, visit: http://www.amazon.com/Frugal-Florist-Do-Yourself-Flowers/dp/1434308375

If you’d like to get a “glimpse” into the Frugal Florist, check out one of John’s videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–E885v6vTQ

Florascope – Gemini

May21

Gemini – May 21-June 21

You are drawn to the sound of applause – never explain your secrets of all the adulation. You are quite the charmer.

The Lily will make you feel like a true celebrity.

Need to order flowers for the Gemini in your life? Visit EDEN FLORIST

A story told in flowers

May17

Here’s a love story that first appeared in the 1928 edition of Modern Priscilla Magazine. Each colored word corresponds to a flower . Enjoy the story !

Yellow was especially becoming to little Black-eyed Susan and so when Sweet William, that dashing Rambler invited her to a party at Four o’clock she gratefully accepted this proof of the Lad’s love and put on her yellow dress and yellow Lady’s slippers in honor of the occasion. First, she carefully arranged her Ladies tresses and then tiptoed softely out of the house so as not to Wake robin, her little brother. The mirror in the hall showed her that she was a Spring beauty, and that if her name has only been Marguerite she would have been a real English daisy.
Her escort’s London pride leaped high as he saw her, though, not to be outdone, he had with careful Thrift polished his own Bachelor’s buttons until they shone like a Goldenrod.
“Not one of the Fair maids of France can equal your appearance!” he exclaimed proudly. “England forever!” A tinge of Maiden pink showed on her face as he spoke with such Honesty, for behind it she read aright his Bleeding heart. But she only answered him demurely, “I hope I shall not be a Wallflower.” “Far from it,” he answered warmly. “I would scale Jacob’s ladder itself for a dance from you.” By that time they were at the party. “Johnny jump up exclaimed her escort to a boy at the door, ” and give her your seat!”
“Never,” answered the young Cockscomb disagreeably, and when pressed, he gave her lover such a blow that he saw his Love-in-a-mist. But when he saw the Bishop’s hat approaching he ran away. “Oh, Billy, are you hurt?” she sobbed wildly. He opened his Eyebright with love and answered feebly, “Will you be mine?” “Ask Poppy,” she answered shyly; while a Blush rose to her cheek. His Tulips answered in the old, old way and all we can do is wish them Speedwell.

Answer to yesterdays flower trivia

May15

The daisy flower opens its petals during the day and at night the petals shut. When you look at the petals they resemble an eye’s lashes. So they were called day’s eyes which over time was corrupted to daisy.

Want to send Daisies to someone special? Visit www.EdenFlorist.com or call 800-966-3336 today!