Flower Astrology: Aquarius Horoscope Jan 21- Feb 19

Zodiac sign: Don’t be fooled by the Aquarian’s love for independence – underneath this zodiac sign’s penchant for autonomy lies a thriving romantic streak as well. An air sign with an honest, loyal, spiritual and intuitive nature, Aquarians are exceptionally committed and faithful to the people they love. And because they can usually be counted on to see the positive side of any situation, the people they love, love to be around them.

Birth Sign Flower: With its quiet beauty, artful form and inherent grace, orchids are a perfect complement to the Aquarian’s spiritual and intuitive characteristics. And with symbolism tied to love, beauty and strength, orchids will resonate with this birth sign’s sense of loyalty. Choose pink orchids, representing pure affection, to fuel their romantic streak or surprise them with cattleya orchids to convey mature charm.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)

Aquarians are progressive, entertaining, and independent. Their individuality can sometimes make them rebellious or standoffish, but it also imbues them with unusual and exotic tastes.Thus, their floral favorites include orchids, birds of paradise, and gladiolus. As Aquarians are aligned with the color blue, iris bouquets are also a wonderful fit. And during late spring, birds of paradise, with their vibrant hues, are the perfect thing to send to as they can help jumpstart your Aquarian’s positive energies as the exciting summer months near.

Aquarius

Orchid Flowers

Eryngium (sea holly), arum lily (Zantedeschia), bird of paradise (Strelitzia), pitcher plant (Sarracenia), banksia, protea, yucca, aloe flowers

Natural Elements for your wedding

This gallery contains 25 photos.

The Reason for “Guard Petals” on Roses

One of the great myths about roses when a customer receives them is that the petals on the outer edge are wilted or dying. However, these petals, called guard petals, actually serve a purpose, and it is to protect the rose bud as it is harvested. The guard petals often differ in appearance with charred and wrinkled edges and can be removed. Also, the freshness of a rose can be determined by peeling off the guard petals. If the rose is fresh, the petal can be easily peeled off, and the removal is accompanied by a crisp sound. Roses with that are not as fresh have guard petals that are softer and do not make any sound when they are removed. Just be careful not to peel off the real petals!

 

 

TLC for Tough Carnations

Carnations are always a top seller in the floral industry, expressing love, fascination, and distinction. They are also one of the most durable flowers with a great life longevity. However, make sure they stay away from ethylene, which can significantly decrease their vase life as the flowers will wilt prematurely. The Society of American Florists recommends to cut stems above the stem node, to keep the flowers hydrated in flower food, and avoid any exposure to ethylene to maintain those carnations in tip top shape!

 

Bi-Annual Recycle Week starts today

Start off the new year with a little spring cleaning to get your organization resolution off to a good start. You can always recycle your vases and floral containers at Dandelions Flowers but during Recycle Week we give out a bonus for doing so.

5-10 vases = $5 Gift Certificate

11-20 vases= $10 Gift Certificate

21+ vases= $15 Gift Certificate

This is a win-win! Please no chipped or cracked vases. One gift certificate per person for the week.

Come in Monday-Saturday 8:30-5:30

Flower Astrology: Capricorn Horoscope Dec 22 – Jan 20

Zodiac Sign: The responsible, reliable Capricorn is one of the most stable and serious of the zodiac signs, so it’s not surprising that they’re an earth sign – deeply rooted and happiest when the ground around them is secure and steady. Although practicality and self-discipline are such an integral part of their nature, like the rest of us, Capricorns appreciate a little indulgence and beauty – which is why it’s so much fun to surprise them with it.

Birth Sign Flower: The Capricorn’s responsible, dependable personality makes them ideal caretakers for a long-lasting plant – and African violets, with their bright colorful flowers and soft, velvety petals – deliver an added indulgence. Symbolizing faithfulness – a trait in keeping with the Capricorn’s stable nature – with just a hint of luxuriousness and sensuality, the African violet may just be the Capricorn’s perfect match.

 

Christmas Centerpiece Workshop

Our sample centerpiece

Centerpiece ClassOn November 30th, we held a DIY Holiday Centerpiece class at the store, and boy what a great success it was! We had so much fun sharing our passion of designing floral arrangements and are so impressed with all of talented DIY designers! They were all so creative, filled with ribbons, ornaments, snow covered pine cones and more. It was truly a night of holiday cheer! For some Christmas centerpiece inspiration visit my other posts on  traditional centerpieces or modern centerpieces.

Here are some tips from our expert instructors Julianne and Jodie:

- get all of your supplies set out before you start (this goes for any project…it just makes it so much easier)

You can easily see here how the floral foam sits well above the lip of the container

- make sure your floral foam sits at least 1″ above the lip of your container

- Remove foliage from your stems where it will be inserted into foam (about 2″ since stems need deep insertions to ensure they draw up water and stay secure)

- Recut your stems before insertion

- Use your longest greenery stems at the ends of your centerpiece to create your base. Then make sure none of your other stems are longer than these base pieces.

- Create texture and depth to your centerpiece by alternating the angle of your insertions

- Keep your sides narrow. It’s easy to make centerpieces too full- long and narrow is often best for the size we demonstrated. Other styles of centerpeices are round but you don’t want greenery draping onto your guests’ plates!

One of the participants did a great job with their centerpiece keeping the sides narrow- and beautifully decorated

- Once your greenery is in, have fun with your decorations: ribbons, christmas balls, ornaments, pinecones or whatever suits your interest. We like to use wood picks to help secure items like Christmas balls & pinecones (glue onto pinecones or twist wire onto Christmas ball/ornament tops)

Adding artificial snow to greener can help add texture and a fun, wintery feel

Faux cardinals can be obtained at craft stores

Artificial or fresh berries stems are a great addition

Here is some video that we took during the class. This shows some of the wonderful centerpieces being made. This is not an instructional video but gives you a feel for the class.

More modern Christmas centerpieces

Although I am a big fan of traditional Christmas decorations, as a florist I love being able to showcase the artistic ability of flowers. You don’t have to be ultra modern yourself to use a Christmas centerpiece that has a little bit more interest & personality than the old standby. These centerpieces below would work in a variety of settings and would be a great conversation starter at the table.

Photo by Avante Gardens

Arrangement and photo by Big Apple Florist

Cream roses add dimension to a centerpiece of white candles and orchids

Using votive candles elevates the eye and creates interest

Tropical protea and green roses make up this non-traditional centerpiece

Bright green apples are unexpected but make this arrangement pop

A ring of roses is treated with beaded wire for an unusual but cool table decoration

Arrangement and photo by Ovando

A wonderful wreath of flowers makes a fun decoration

Far from ordinary, this combination of tree shapes and flowers would make a great arrangement for your entrance

One of my favorite styles, pave, makes a modern centerpiece that doesn't block anyone's view across the table: Arrangement & Photo by Ovando

White roses and orchids spill out of a mirrored container with lots of candles: Arrangement & Photo by Ovando

 

Caring for your holiday Poinsettia

A beautiful poinsettia plant is a wonderful addition to the home to decorate for Christmas. Whether you purchased one for yourself or have received one as a gift, questions often arise about how to best care for it. Poinsettias come primarily in red but are also available in white, pink and peppermint.      

Here are some tips for keeping your poinsettia in top shape throughout the season:

Water: Check the soil daily and water if the soil is dry to the touch. If your poinsettia has been placed in a decorative pot or basket take the plant (still in its plastic container) and water over the sink allowing the water to drain out of the holes in the bottom. Then place the plant back in its pot or basket making sure the plant doesn’t sit in water.

Light: Lots of light are ideal for these tropical plants. South, west or east facing windows are preferable over a north facing window. Don’t let the poinsettia actually touch the window, however, as the cold pane will damage the plant.

Temperature: Poinsettias enjoy a consistent temperature of 65-70 degrees during daylight hours. Avoid placing the plant in areas that are exposed to hot or cool drafts (near a heater or door). At night, move the plant to a cooler location but not below 60 degrees.

 

 

Problems:

Wilting: A poinsettia without enough water will begin to droop. Give the plant a good soak and allow the water to fully drain out the bottom.

Leaf Drop: Although this is a natural process of the plant, premature leaf drop can be a sign that the plant is exposed to hot or cool drafts. Check its location and the temperature where it is placed.

Traditional Christmas Centerpieces

There are lots of different options when it comes to decorating your table for the holidays. I’ll talk about modern and unique holiday centerpieces in a future blog but these centerpieces are great traditional choices. The wonderful thing about winter greens is that they last a very long time (remember to keep them away from heat, though). After your flowers fade, you can remove them and continue to enjoy a festive table decoration.

A centerpiece without flowers can last up to 1 month

A pillar candle centerpiece is very traditional (many have 2 pillars of different heights)

White oriental lilies are fragrant and add a pop of pure white to brighten the table

This is our best selling centerpiece- it is elegant and minimal flowers means it is long lasting

No candle? No problem. This centerpiece is elongated for large table

Using large silver balls adds interest and brightness to a holiday piece

Although not truly traditional, I love the color combo of this holiday centerpiece

A double candle centerpiece appropriate for a table of 6-8

The rich colors of this glass cylinder centerpiece warm up any room