Interesting Tips and Facts
Flower Care Tips, Flowers of the Month, Flowers of the Zodiac, The Meaning of Roses and Other Flowers, Wedding Anniversary Gifts, Gemstones Of The Month, Funeral Floral Customs
Flower Care Tips
-When you buy flowers make sure that they are at the optimum condition. Look for flowers where the bud shows some color.
-Flowers should be carefully packed when they are taken home, as this prevents damage to flowers or stems.
-Place the flowers, still in their wrappings in fresh water to allow them to drink.
-Make sure the flowers are put into a clean vase.
-The flowers will last longer if you use cut flower food. Make sure you use the correct amount.
-Before arranging the flowers in a vase, cut off approximately an inch from each stem – preferably at an angle.
-Stems should never be broken off or flattened – not even “woody stems”. Scraping off the bark will also shorten the flower life.
-Leaves should never be covered with water as they will decay and this will decrease the longevity of the flowers.
-Regularly top up the vase or container with clean water.
-At night, flowers prefer to be kept cool and they will benefit from a lower thermostat setting.
-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.
-Flowers do not like direct sunlight of draughts. Also keep them away from fruit, as it lets off a gas called ethylene which accelerates the aging process of flowers.
Flowers of the Months
January -Carnation, Botanical Name: Dianthus,Symbolic Meaning: Capriciousness, Truth, and Coronation
February-Violet,Botanical Name: Viola, Symbolic Meaning: Faithfulness and virtue
March -Daffodil, Botanical Name: Narcissus/Pseudo-narcissus, Symbolic Meaning: Regard, Desire and Affection
April -Sweet Pea, Botanical Name: Lathyrus Odoratus, Symbolic Meaning: I Think of Thee, Thought of Another
May -Lily of the Valley, Botanical Name: Convallaria Majalis, Symbolic Meaning: Humility, Purity
June -Rose, Botanical Name: Rosa, Symbolic Meaning: Love, I Am Worthy Of You
July -Larkspur, Botanical Name: Delphinium Ajacis, Symbolic Meaning: Ardent Attachment, Appreciation, and Lightness
August -Gladiolus, Botanical Name: Gladiolus, Symbolic Meaning: Strength
September -Aster, Botanical Name: Callistephus Chinensis, Symbolic Meaning: Daintiness, Elegance, Also – Morning Glory, Symbolic Meaning: Life’s Elusive Loveliness
October -Calendula, Botanical Name: Calendula (English Marigold), Symbolic Meaning: Grief, Jealousy, Envied Beauty
November -Chrysanthemum, Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum Morifolium, Symbolic Meaning: Optimism, cheerfulness
December -Narcissus, Botanical Name: Narcissus, Symbolic Meaning: Conceit, Self-Love, and Sense of Self
Flowers of the Zodiac
Aquarius- January 20 – February 18 Daffodil, Ivy and Primrose
Pisces- February 19 – March 20 Freesia, Cineraria and Fern
Aries- March 21 – April 20 Tulips, Calceolaria and Monstera
Taurus- April 21- may 20 Iris, Hydrangea and Croton
Gemini- May21 – June 20 Geranium, Alstromeria and Dracaena
Cancer- June 21 – July 20 Gloxinia, Rose and Dieffenbachia
Leo- July 21 – August 21 Carnation, Begonia and Peperomia
Virgo- Virgo… August 22 – September 22 Gladiolus, Chrysanthemum and Philodendron
Livra- September 23 – October 22 Dahlia, Cyclamen and Rhoicissus
Scorpio- October 23 – November 21 African Violet, Gerbera and Maranta
Sagittarius-November 22 – December 20 Azalea, Anemone and Ficus
Capricorn- December 21- January 19 Poinsettia, Chrysanthemum
The Meaning of Roses and Other Flowers
Roses
Red: I love you; the quintessential expression of love and respect.
Red & White together: Unity
Yellow: Friendship; joy and happiness; decrease of love; jealousy; try to care.
Coral: Desire.
Pale Peach: Modesty.
Lavender: Enchantment.
Dark Pink Rose: Thank you.
White: Innocence and Purity; I am worthy of you; secrecy.
Pink: Perfect happiness; you’re gentle and graceful.
Light Pink: Admiration.
Orange – Fascination
Other Flowers
Aster: Elegance.
Anemone:Love.
Baby’s breath:Devotion and innocence.
Calla lily:Magnificent beauty.
Carnation:Red: Admiration.
Carnation:White: Pure and ardent love.
Chrysanthemum, white: Truth.
Daffodil:Regard, chivalry.
Daisiy:Innocence, gentleness.
Delphinium:Big-hearted fun.
Forget-Me-Not:True love.
Freesia:Thoughtfulness.
Larkspur:An open heart.
Monkshood:Danger.
Orchid:Long life, love and beauty.
Pansy:Thoughtful recollection.
Primrose:Young love.
Ranunculus:Radiant charm.
Sunflower:Hautiness, adoration.
Sweet pea: Departure, blissful pleasure.
Tuberose:Dangerous pleasure.
Tulip:You are the perfect lover.
Tulip:variegated: Beautiful eyes.
Violet:Modesty and simplicity.
Zinnia:Thoughts of absent friends.
Wedding Anniversary Gift
Fresh Flowers are Always the Best Choice for any Anniversary, However we are occasionally asked what else could be purchased for a particular anniversary to accentuate our beautiful fresh floral bouquets.
Gemstones Of The Month
January: Garnet – Constancy; and Truth
February: Amethyst – Humility and Sincerity
March: Aquamarine – Courage and Energy
April: Diamond – Innocence, Success, and Unshakable Faith
May: Emerald – Lucky in Love, Tranquility
June: Pearl – Beautiful Bride, but signifies tears
July: Ruby – Freedom fro Care, Chastity, Glory
August: Peridot – Kind to Husband
September: Sapphire – chastity and Hope
October: Opal – Reflects Every Mood
November: Topaz – Cure For Sleeplessness, Fidelity
December: Turquoise – Love and Riches
Funeral Floral Customs
Chinese: Wreaths are placed at the head of a coffin. Do not use red or pink as they signify happiness. Use white, blue, & yellow. No flowers with thorns, no roses. White and yellow mums are most popular.
Jewish: Flowers are not part of the Jewish mourning practice. If flowers are sent, share them with the living by sending them to the home, or giving them to senior’s homes, hospitals, or other institutions where they could give some joy to others.
Buddhists (Chinese): A wreath of yellow flowers is placed on top of the coffin – pots of ferns and orchids line the sides of the coffin – no red.
Buddhists (Japanese): All white or white and yellow flowers – traditionally mums – no flowers with thorns. Fruit baskets are acceptable.
Ireland: Lilies and red and white flowers are traditionally used.
Spain: Dahlias are popular.
Muslim: No flowers. Fruit baskets may be sent to the home.
France: Odd numbers of flowers are considered unlucky.
Austria, Finland, Germany, Italy, and Spain: Give odd number of flowers.
Germany: Carnations and Calla Lilies are considered funeral flowers.
Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Spain: Chrysanthemums are considered funeral flowers.
Flower Care Tips
-When you buy flowers make sure that they are at the optimum condition. Look for flowers where the bud shows some color.
-Flowers should be carefully packed when they are taken home, as this prevents damage to flowers or stems.
-Place the flowers, still in their wrappings in fresh water to allow them to drink.
-Make sure the flowers are put into a clean vase.
-The flowers will last longer if you use cut flower food. Make sure you use the correct amount.
-Before arranging the flowers in a vase, cut off approximately an inch from each stem – preferably at an angle.
-Stems should never be broken off or flattened – not even “woody stems”. Scraping off the bark will also shorten the flower life.
-Leaves should never be covered with water as they will decay and this will decrease the longevity of the flowers.
-Regularly top up the vase or container with clean water.
-At night, flowers prefer to be kept cool and they will benefit from a lower thermostat setting.
-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.
-Flowers do not like direct sunlight of draughts. Also keep them away from fruit, as it lets off a gas called ethylene which accelerates the aging process of flowers.
Flowers of the Months
January -Carnation, Botanical Name: Dianthus,Symbolic Meaning: Capriciousness, Truth, and Coronation
February-Violet,Botanical Name: Viola, Symbolic Meaning: Faithfulness and virtue
March -Daffodil, Botanical Name: Narcissus/Pseudo-narcissus, Symbolic Meaning: Regard, Desire and Affection
April -Sweet Pea, Botanical Name: Lathyrus Odoratus, Symbolic Meaning: I Think of Thee, Thought of Another
May -Lily of the Valley, Botanical Name: Convallaria Majalis, Symbolic Meaning: Humility, Purity
June -Rose, Botanical Name: Rosa, Symbolic Meaning: Love, I Am Worthy Of You
July -Larkspur, Botanical Name: Delphinium Ajacis, Symbolic Meaning: Ardent Attachment, Appreciation, and Lightness
August -Gladiolus, Botanical Name: Gladiolus, Symbolic Meaning: Strength
September -Aster, Botanical Name: Callistephus Chinensis, Symbolic Meaning: Daintiness, Elegance, Also – Morning Glory, Symbolic Meaning: Life’s Elusive Loveliness
October -Calendula, Botanical Name: Calendula (English Marigold), Symbolic Meaning: Grief, Jealousy, Envied Beauty
November -Chrysanthemum, Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum Morifolium, Symbolic Meaning: Optimism, cheerfulness
December -Narcissus, Botanical Name: Narcissus, Symbolic Meaning: Conceit, Self-Love, and Sense of Self
Flowers of the Zodiac
Aquarius- January 20 – February 18 Daffodil, Ivy and Primrose
Pisces- February 19 – March 20 Freesia, Cineraria and Fern
Aries- March 21 – April 20 Tulips, Calceolaria and Monstera
Taurus- April 21- may 20 Iris, Hydrangea and Croton
Gemini- May21 – June 20 Geranium, Alstromeria and Dracaena
Cancer- June 21 – July 20 Gloxinia, Rose and Dieffenbachia
Leo- July 21 – August 21 Carnation, Begonia and Peperomia
Virgo- Virgo… August 22 – September 22 Gladiolus, Chrysanthemum and Philodendron
Livra- September 23 – October 22 Dahlia, Cyclamen and Rhoicissus
Scorpio- October 23 – November 21 African Violet, Gerbera and Maranta
Sagittarius-November 22 – December 20 Azalea, Anemone and Ficus
Capricorn- December 21- January 19 Poinsettia, Chrysanthemum
The Meaning of Roses and Other Flowers
Roses
Red: I love you; the quintessential expression of love and respect.
Red & White together: Unity
Yellow: Friendship; joy and happiness; decrease of love; jealousy; try to care.
Coral: Desire.
Pale Peach: Modesty.
Lavender: Enchantment.
Dark Pink Rose: Thank you.
White: Innocence and Purity; I am worthy of you; secrecy.
Pink: Perfect happiness; you’re gentle and graceful.
Light Pink: Admiration.
Orange – Fascination
Other Flowers
Aster: Elegance.
Anemone:Love.
Baby’s breath:Devotion and innocence.
Calla lily:Magnificent beauty.
Carnation:Red: Admiration.
Carnation:White: Pure and ardent love.
Chrysanthemum, white: Truth.
Daffodil:Regard, chivalry.
Daisiy:Innocence, gentleness.
Delphinium:Big-hearted fun.
Forget-Me-Not:True love.
Freesia:Thoughtfulness.
Larkspur:An open heart.
Monkshood:Danger.
Orchid:Long life, love and beauty.
Pansy:Thoughtful recollection.
Primrose:Young love.
Ranunculus:Radiant charm.
Sunflower:Hautiness, adoration.
Sweet pea: Departure, blissful pleasure.
Tuberose:Dangerous pleasure.
Tulip:You are the perfect lover.
Tulip:variegated: Beautiful eyes.
Violet:Modesty and simplicity.
Zinnia:Thoughts of absent friends.
Wedding Anniversary Gift
Fresh Flowers are Always the Best Choice for any Anniversary, However we are occasionally asked what else could be purchased for a particular anniversary to accentuate our beautiful fresh floral bouquets.
| Anniversary | Traditional | Modern | 1st | Paper | Clocks | 2nd | Cotton | China | 3rd | Leather | Crystal/Glass | 4th | Fruit/Flowers | Appliances | 5th | Wood | Silverware | 6th | Candy/Iron | Wood | 7th | Wool/Copperr | Desk Sets, Linen Chest | 8th | Bronze/Pottery | Linen/Lace | 9th | Pottery/Willow | Leather | 10th | Tin/Aluminum | Damond Jewelry | 11th | Steel | Fashion Jewelry | 12th | Silk/Linen | Pearls | 13th | Lace | Textile/Furs | 14th | Ivory | Gold Jewelry | 15th | Crystal | Watches | 20th | China | Platinum | 25th | Silver | Silver | 30th | Pearl | Pearls | 35th | Coral | Jade | 40th | Ruby | Ruby | 45th | Sapphire | Sapphire | 50th | Gold | Gold | 55th | Emerald | Emerald | 60th | Diamond | Diamond | 75th | Diamond | Diamond |
Gemstones Of The Month
January: Garnet – Constancy; and Truth
February: Amethyst – Humility and Sincerity
March: Aquamarine – Courage and Energy
April: Diamond – Innocence, Success, and Unshakable Faith
May: Emerald – Lucky in Love, Tranquility
June: Pearl – Beautiful Bride, but signifies tears
July: Ruby – Freedom fro Care, Chastity, Glory
August: Peridot – Kind to Husband
September: Sapphire – chastity and Hope
October: Opal – Reflects Every Mood
November: Topaz – Cure For Sleeplessness, Fidelity
December: Turquoise – Love and Riches
Funeral Floral Customs
Chinese: Wreaths are placed at the head of a coffin. Do not use red or pink as they signify happiness. Use white, blue, & yellow. No flowers with thorns, no roses. White and yellow mums are most popular.
Jewish: Flowers are not part of the Jewish mourning practice. If flowers are sent, share them with the living by sending them to the home, or giving them to senior’s homes, hospitals, or other institutions where they could give some joy to others.
Buddhists (Chinese): A wreath of yellow flowers is placed on top of the coffin – pots of ferns and orchids line the sides of the coffin – no red.
Buddhists (Japanese): All white or white and yellow flowers – traditionally mums – no flowers with thorns. Fruit baskets are acceptable.
Ireland: Lilies and red and white flowers are traditionally used.
Spain: Dahlias are popular.
Muslim: No flowers. Fruit baskets may be sent to the home.
France: Odd numbers of flowers are considered unlucky.
Austria, Finland, Germany, Italy, and Spain: Give odd number of flowers.
Germany: Carnations and Calla Lilies are considered funeral flowers.
Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Spain: Chrysanthemums are considered funeral flowers.