Friday, September 30, 2011

Wedding Flowers By Season

Beautiful flowers are a necessary part of any wedding. They will make wedding more colorful and increase romantic atmosphere. So choosing your wedding flowers carefully.
With the development of modern transport and technology, you can choose the flowers whatever you like. For example, you can buy tulip in winter, although it blossoms out in summer actually. But in this case, you may spend much more money on flowers than are anticipated. The best way is that to select the local flowers which blossom in your wedding season.
Here is a list of a few of the many flowers that are in each season.
Spring: Blossoms (cherry, pear, apple) Sweet Pea, Lilac, Roses, Tulips, Magnolia, Hydrangea, winter jasmine
Summer: Rose, Lily, Cornflower, Forget-me-Not, Daisy, Sunflower, Rose Mallow, Peony, Orchid, Calla
Autumn: Aster, Chrysanthemum, Pot marigold, Narcissus, Dahlias
Witer: Freesia, Holly, Ivy, Amaryllis, Roses, Evergreens, Poinsettias, Mistletoe
Depending on the flowers you choose, building ceremony and wedding reception decorations based on your flowers can also be cheaper than finding other ways to decorate. Flowers automatically look dressed up and a single stem can be placed in a vase with a ribbon for an easy elegant look at little cost. Choosing seasonal flowers can really make the decoration savings add up.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Spring Has Finally Sprung

  Spring has sprung! Which means that Easter, and Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Dig a little deeper, and what that really means is that once again, flowers are making a comeback! Beautiful, fragrant & vibrant; they will cheer you up and thaw those winter blues away. So which will be the first to bloom? Which spring flowers can we expect to start seeing around town? Well I’m glad you asked because I’m about to tell you!
Daffodils
Pretty little, delicate yellow and white Daffodils. Fun fact, while Daffodil is the common and generally accepted name, their actual genus name is Narcissus, after the Greek God by the same name. Mythology explains that Narcissus was so in love with himself that he sat by a lake starring at his own reflection in the water; he was drawn closer and closer until finally he fell in, and drowned. It’s said that the first Daffodils sprung from that very spot.

File:Narcisy ve váze.jpg
 
Some varieties of Daffodils such as Tete-a-Tete, which are best when planted in partial sun during the fall, are one of the first spring flowers to bloom. It’s actually recommended you plant Daffodil bulbs about 4 weeks before the ground freezes. This gives them time to develop roots and prepare for winter and allows them to be one of the first flowers to bud in the spring.
Iris
The Iris also gets its name from Greece as the word Iris is Greek for rainbow. The Iris was aptly named as it comes in a variety of colors, you could even say they come in a rainbow of colors, including each letter of ROY G BIV. The most popular colors though would be BIV: blue, indigo and violet. Of all Irises, the early spring bloomers are the purple and blue flowered Reticulata Iris which bloom in March and early April. Other more common types of Iris including the Bulbous Irises bloom more towards mid-spring early summer.

File:Siberian Iris Iris sibirica Flowers 3008px.jpg
 
Scilla (Hyacinth)
Scillia, which is in the Hyacinth family, is another great flower that gardeners love not only because it is an early spring bloomer, but also because of its gorgeous blue and purple hues; though it can also be found in pink and white. Like most all flowers in the Hyacinth family, Scillia are extremely fragrant and their pleasant scent can easily permeate an entire garden. Because they are among the first to bloom in early spring, the leaves will began to wither and die and the plant will become dormant by early to mid summer.

File:Scilla peruviana 'Peruvian scilla' (Hyacinthaceae) flowers.JPG

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Craft projects that can turn your bouquet into a masterpiece

Flowers are always an ideal choice for an anniversary or birthday for that special someone in your life, but when you order flowers, you will want to do something a bit extra to make your gift stand out. There are a variety of small craft projects that any man can teach himself how to do that will communicate just how much you care about your sweetheart and you may even surprise yourself with your ingenuity. Keep a few of these crafts in mind the next time you surprise your wife or girlfriend with floral arrangements.
1. Paper flowers. Origami is an art that requires a lot of trial and error, but with the wide world of the internet at your disposal, you can teach yourself how to fold the perfect paper flower to accompany her gift. One way to increase the dramatic effect of your present is to surprise your loved one with the bouquet in a vase at home and then leave a few of the small paper flowers scattered all around it. Make sure that you pick the perfect color of construction paper to match the look of her flowers.
2. A photo cube. With a whole hard drive full of digital photos of you and your sweetheart, you already have plenty of tools at your disposal to craft a memorable accent to accompany your flowers. There are many online templates that will allow you to copy and paste these pictures into the appropriate slots and then you can simply fold it up to create a delightful present that can adorn her desk at work or around the house.
3. Commission a portrait. While this may be cheating on your end, choosing a treasured photo of the two of your together and having it reproduced by an artist is a fabulous way to tug at your wife or girlfriend's heart strings. With a bouquet of red roses and a gorgeous painting of the two of you together, her birthday or your anniversary will be one of the most unforgettable days of her life.
Flowers are a wonderful gesture for any occasion, but going the extra mile for the one you love is sure to leave a lasting impression with her. By teaching yourself some new crafts and finding innovative ways of reinventing the standard present, you are sure to put a smile on her face.

Monday, September 26, 2011

wedding flowers

Beautiful flowers are a necessary part of any wedding. They will make wedding more colorful and increase romantic atmosphere. So choosing your wedding flowers carefully.
With the development of modern transport and technology, you can choose the flowers whatever you like. For example, you can buy tulip in winter, although it blossoms out in summer actually. But in this case, you may spend much more money on flowers than are anticipated. The best way is that to select the local flowers which blossom in your wedding season.
Here is a list of a few of the many flowers that are in each season.
Spring: Blossoms (cherry, pear, apple) Sweet Pea, Lilac, Roses, Tulips, Magnolia, Hydrangea, winter jasmine
Summer: Rose, Lily, Cornflower, Forget-me-Not, Daisy, Sunflower, Rose Mallow, Peony, Orchid, Calla
Autumn: Aster, Chrysanthemum, Pot marigold, Narcissus, Dahlias
Witer: Freesia, Holly, Ivy, Amaryllis, Roses, Evergreens, Poinsettias, Mistletoe
Depending on the flowers you choose, building ceremony and wedding reception decorations based on your flowers can also be cheaper than finding other ways to decorate. Flowers automatically look dressed up and a single stem can be placed in a vase with a ribbon for an easy elegant look at little cost. Choosing seasonal flowers can really make the decoration savings add up.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

flowers to fan the flames

Going on a first or second date is always a little nerve-wracking - from coming up with the perfect outfit to deciding what to order at the restaurant, you want everything to be perfect. Of course, dates aren't limited to new couples! Even married folks who have been together for years can enjoy spending an intimate evening together, and what better way to make your partner feel loved than with a beautiful bouquet of flowers? As with anything, you're probably going to be thinking a lot about what blooms you want to be giving, so here's a quick primer on some of the many choices available to you and what they might signify.
Though you may want to simply bring a dozen roses and be done with it, don't you think that idea is a little tired? Use your imagination! There are so many different flowers out there that can help you bring something unique to the table.
1. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are one of the most pleasant sites to behold, if only because they hearken to vast expanses of green grass, bright rays of sunshine and endless fields of yellow blooms. These will look great on their own, but if you really want to go for the gusto, try pairing them with some purple flowers for an extra burst of color!
2. Tulips
There's something about these modest little flowers that absolutely captures the child heartfelt imagination. They make a great gift, if only for the fact that they practically explode out of the vase. You can fit dozens of tulips into one container, and they come in a wide variety of colors, so you can create a veritable rainbow of flowers without much effort at all!
3. Irises
A properly-arranged bouquet of irises is sure to capture anyone's heart the moment they lay eyes on the flowers golden center against exotic blue. They're absolutely gorgeous and sit in a vase in a way no other flower is able. The deep coloring and lazy droop of the petals creates a truly unique visual effect that you're simply not going to find anywhere else. If you'd like to bring something new to the table, the iris may be right up your alley.
Of course, presenting the flowers is a whole different story. You can choose to either start the evening off with them or finish up dinner with a romantic flower bouquet. Whatever you decide, make sure it's a surprise!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Give the gift of sunflowers

Whether you're looking for a fun and festive birthday present, a centerpiece for an outdoor party or a charming anniversary gift, you simply can't go wrong with sunflowers during the summer. Not only are these summer flowers aesthetically brilliant, but they have an uncanny ability to combine with other floral varieties to create some thing truly special. Sunflowers can bring cheer to any setting and they can be a wonderful choice for any occasion this season.
For the person that can't seem to get enough of sunflowers, the Deluxe Sunflower Radiance bouquet is a wonderful option that includes 10 bright and colorful sunflowers that are handpicked, budding and ready to ship to your loved one. The flowers will arrive in a specially designed gift box and are placed with some lush greenery to give it the greatest aesthetic impact. When you combine this bouquet with a brilliant garden green glass vase, you will have the perfect mix of warm summer hues and bright summer vibes.
If you'd like to put a romantic spin on your sunflower bouquet, the Sunshine and Roses floral arrangement is just the thing you'll need to wow that special someone. The bouquet features seven yellow sunflowers, five pink rice flowers, seven pink roses and three ruscus for a bountiful mix of summer flowers and cheery pink flowers. A blush pink glass vase is a wonderful choice for this arrangement, and it will frame the flowers perfectly to allow the larger sunflowers to shine through.
Purple flowers have a chic way of combining with just about anything, and that's certainly the case with the Deluxe Purple Petals arrangement. This gorgeous collection features six sunflowers, six purple carnations, four lavender lisianthus, and a whole selection of colorful stock flowers and greenery to create a jaw-dropping display. An amethyst trumpet vase is the ideal option for this floral arrangement, and it will provide a chic backdrop that she can use again and again with future gifts.
Sunflowers are charming gift options for any occasion, and your significant other will be astounded at just how beautiful they can be when added to other summer flowers. Give your loved one a last reminder of summer with your wonderfully bright and cheerful gift that will fill her home with bountiful color.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

A wedding flower showdown

  As anyone who has been through the process before can tell you, planning a wedding is anything but a piece of cake! You've got invitations to mail out, seating charts to come up with and a band to hire. Of course, one vital aspect of most weddings is the flowers! They're practically everywhere, from centerpieces on the table to the bride's arms as she walks down the aisle. If you're trying to figure out which flowers to get for your own nuptials, three of the most popular options are roses, orchids and lilies. Which bloom is for you? Continue on as we put them through the ultimate wedding flower showdown!

1. Orchids
Orchids come in a wide variety of colors, so you'll be sure to find one that suits your wedding's overall color scheme. These flowers are great for brides who want something a little more unassuming than roses or lilies - after all, you're probably not going to see a humongous bouquet of orchids. They thrive as individuals, and a single bloom is more than able to stand up on its own. You can even incorporate into the flower girls outfit as seen to the right. Orchids can be a bit pricier than the others, though, so if you're trying to keep yourself on a budget, you may want to look elsewhere for your wedding flowers.

2. Lilies
Lilies, on the other hand, do incredibly well in large numbers. If you're looking to go for the gusto, these blooms may be exactly what you're looking for. Not only are they practically bursting with color, but they're generally cheaper than other options available to you. Lilies are a great way to mix and match your favorite hues to come up with something that is truly unique to your ceremony and reception.
3. Roses
Ah, roses. They are the ultimate symbol of love and devotion - what better way to capture your feelings for one another than with these perennial favorites? A classic wedding should not be without its share of roses, even if it's just a single flower presented to the bride at the reception. They'll look great in a vase at your guests' tables, and rose petals also make for delightful boutonnieres!
Whatever you decide, try to stick with flowers that you think most accurately reflect on you as a person. If you aren't interested in the lavish explosions of color that lilies offer, then stick with orchids! However, if you want to keep it classic, roses might just be the way to go.
What flowers would you want to have on your wedding day?

Your Home Or Office Need Zen Plants


For those who are looking to work within an Asian aesthetic or simply looking to instill a sense of calm in their homes, there's nothing that zen plants can't do to infuse an air of tranquility into your home or office. A touch of greenery has an uncanny ability to make a place seem lived in and functional, and with the wide variety of potted plants on the market, you can find the perfect bit of green to perk up the look of your space. Keep a few of these ideas in mind when you're shopping for a new addition to your updated décor.
1. A bonsai plant. Bonsai cultivation is hundreds of years old and finds its origins in the Far East. While these humble little plants require plenty of tender loving care to flourish, it could become one of your favorite hobbies! There are countless bonsai plants out there, whether you'd like a flowering azalea or gardenia, or a beautifully cool and composed jade plant. Bonsai cultivation is all about pruning and building the tree to your liking, so crafting a plant the way you'd like is a fabulous way to decorate any space.
2. Bamboo. For those who are looking to craft an Asian design aesthetic in their homes and are looking for a bit of inspiration, no room is complete without a bamboo plant. These are very different than bonsai plants as they need very little attention to grow and don't require much maintenance. They will also look spectacular when placed in a glass vase with small rocks that can conform to nearly any interior design scheme. Whether placed on a window sill or a shelf, these humble plants will be a hit.
3. Orchids. These exotic flowers are a beautiful addition to your living room or office, and they look absolutely spectacular when they're in bloom. They're a wholly unique variety that come in a number of fabulous colors and would look spectacular in a small ornate vase. While they do require a bit of effort to keep in tip-top shape, you'll be proud of your hard work when they fill your space with their enchanting scents and striking blooms.
Zen plants are welcome additions to any design scheme, and they can create the serenity that you'll love to come home to.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Autumnal Flowers

  As autumn begins its approach, our thoughts turn to the colors marking the occasion - deep reds and oranges, striking yellows and maybe a dash of purple here and there. There are few pleasures greater than heading out and enjoying the beautiful foliage. But who says you have to leave your home to enjoy the colors of fall? With the right floral arrangements, you can bask in the warm glow of autumnal hues any time you like. If you're not sure what blooms would be best for this purpose, here are a few of the flowers that could work well.

An arrangement of deep blue irises, with orange tulips and lilies, creates a beautiful contrast that will immediately capture the attention of anyone who sees it. With proper care, they'll last a fair amount of time, which is great if you'd like to bring a lasting visual flair into your home. These flowers are modest but elegant, and would look great on some unused counter space or in the middle of your dinner table.

A bouquet of Peruvian lilies will have a similar effect, though you can fit many more into a single vase. Some people have been known to squeeze as many as 100 of these into a container, creating a dramatic visual centerpiece that you'll be proud to call your own. You can mix up colors with these, too, forging a veritable explosion of the autumn aesthetic.

Even roses can work in this instance. These days, we're able to make them practically any color we'd like, so there's no reason you can't put a dozen blooms of various hues into a vase. They expand outward and look stunning no matter where you decide to put them.

Autumn is a season filled with vitality. Though winter looms in the distance, it's a time when we can enjoy cooler temperatures and some of the most dazzling visual displays Mother Nature can throw at us. Getting outside and exploring the fall foliage is always a treat, but sometimes we can't find the time to do so. At these moments, having a delightful bouquet of flowers in our homes can remind us of how beautiful it can be out there.

What's your favorite season? Are there any trees in your neighborhood that seem to appear more spectacular in autumn than others?

Monday, September 19, 2011

A rose by any other name

  There's a certain intangible quality about roses that can make a huge impression on an individual when given as a gift. Whether you're deeply in love with that person or you're congratulating her on a significant accomplishment, rose plants are a fantastic present that will adorn the recipient's home for years to come. The next time you order flowers, consider rose plants as a way of filling your loved one's home with bountiful color and enchanting scents that will remind her of you every day. Here are three occasions where giving a rose plant could be the perfect gesture.

1. Housewarming gifts. Moving into a new house or apartment is an exciting time for any young person, so if you're looking to commemorate a good friend's fresh start, potted plants could provide an instant aesthetic upgrade. Be sure to keep in mind the right style of décor when choosing a vase - if the recipient has a rustic style, a basket would be ideal, or if she is a bit more contemporary, a copper urn can go with just about any interior design.
2. A birthday present. Sometimes when you're out shopping for a birthday present, the items that are in the store just don't speak to you in the way that flowers do. Giving your friend or significant other rose plants for her birthday is a fabulous gesture that will be one of the most unique gifts at the entire party. With the wide variety of colors and styles available, you can find the ideal plant that exudes your recipient's personality.
3. Romance. If you've been looking for a way to wow that new flame or surprise your sweetheart with a just because gift, rose plants are fabulous options that are sure to put a smile on her face. Red roses are the ideal option for the one you love, and you can improve the visual appeal of your present by placing it in a matching red vase. You can also include some chocolate covered strawberries along with your gift to indulge her sweet tooth as well!
Roses are fabulous gifts for many occasions, but potted plants will have the staying power that will have your loved ones thinking of you fondly every time they lay their eyes on them.

Flowers as Ayurvedic Home Remedies

Ayurveda uses flowers to cure certain diseases. Flowers play an important role in our lives. Flowers of various hues and colours soothe your mood and relax your mind. The fragrance of certain flowers cools you down. Certain flowers can cure diseases when eaten. Following are some flowers used for treating diseases.


Rose
Even though many colours of roses are available the original roses are the best ones suited medicinally. This alone has the enchanting fragrance. Rosewater prepared from rose flowers is used as eyedrops to keep away all eye related infections. Kulkund made from rose cures ulcers of the stomach. The powder of dried rose petals acts as excellent laxatives.

Jasmine
Jasmine falls under the category of herbs which cure diseases just by inhaling them. For example, most of the mental disorders decrease in severity on inhaling jasmine flowers. It calms your mind.

Sunflower
Oil obtained from the seeds of sunflower can be applied on acne. This promotes healing without suppuration. When applied on swollen joints it is found to reduce inflammation. Sunflower oil is used in preparing various dishes.

Shoe flower
The red five petaled shoe flower has excellent medicinal value.

5-10 petals of the shoe flower are chewed. Drink a glass of water. This is found to cure ulcers of stomach. Also white discharge or leukorrhea can be treated this way.

The petals of 4-5 flowers are ground into a paste and mixed in buttermilk. Drinking this buttermilk cleanses your blood. It also strengthens your heart.

For hair fall, premature graying, and baldness etc a preparation made of shoe flower has proved to be beneficial. This is how you prepare it. Put petals of 50 shoe flowers in linseed oil and put this oil in a bottle. Wrap it with a thin white cloth and place it in sunlight for 10 days. Stir the oil once morning and evening. Filter the shoe flower out from linseed oil and mix coconut oil of equal quantity. This should be applied everyday on the scalp to prevent hair fall.

Plantain flower

Known for its excellent diuretic property dishes made of plantain flower are good in curing most of the stomach problems. They are also good at curing hemorrhoids.

Neem flower
Gather neem flowers during the flowering season, clean and dry them. Powder the flowers and store them. This powder can be used in preparing rasam etc, to cure pitha and vadha related diseases. It also protects the liver.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Flower Meanings



Alstroemeria: This hardy flower got its name from its discoverer, Baron Klas Van Alstoemer, who found its seeds in 1753. This flower is generally linked to symbol of friendship. Send bouquets containing alstroemeria to show the strength of your bond with another.
Amaryllis: The amaryllis bulb is famous for its capability to produce flowers for up to 75 years. Amaryllis flowers represent radiant beauty. Order beautiful amaryllis for someone who is beautiful form inside and outside.
Anemone: This colorful flower belongs to the family of buttercup. The anemone is said to have sprung from the blood of the Roman god Adonis. These flowers generally represent anticipation. Help soothe someone’s nerves with this tranquil, lovely flower.
Anthurium: This flower got its origin in Hawaii, these exotic flowers are the most popular and long-lasting of the all available tropical flowers. Anthuriums is the symbol for hospitality. Whenever you turn yourself as guest in someone’s home, make sure to present some anthuriums to your host.
Aster: In ancient times, it was believed that if aster leaves were burned, the perfume would drive away evil serpents. In present century, asters are used to symbolize the element of patience. Running behind on a client’s project? Send some asters to show that you appreciate them bearing with you.
Bird of Paradise: This strange and wonderful flower belongs to the native to South Africa and represents the feeling of joyfulness. The Bird of Paradise is an excellent flower choice to send for any celebratory occasion.
Bouvardia: These flowers got their name from Charles Bouvard, a Parisian doctor. This flower is native to Mexico and was introduced in the UK in 1854. Bouvardia represents the sense of enthusiasm. Reward a hard-working employee with a bouquet made from the bouvardia.
Carnation: Carnations, originally belong to the East; have been cultivated for the last 2,000 years. These hardy, fragrant flowers represent the feeling of pride and beauty. Send a bouquet of carnations to let someone know you are proud of them.
Chrysanthemum: These flowers got their origin from the Chinese gardens for over 2,000 years. Today, the chrysanthemum is acknowledged as a symbol representing sun. Chrysanthemums represent essence of fidelity. Make sure to send them to your spouse in honor of your wedding anniversary. Daffodil: Generally it is a belief that when daffodils arise from the ground, it is considered a sign that winter is coming to an end and warmer weather is approaching. Daffodils represent the essence of chivalry. Present a bouquet of daffodils to handsome man at work who always holds the elevator for you.
Delphinium: Delphinium got its meaning from Greek word meaning Dolphin. Delphinium symbolizes the essence and feeling of heavenly qualities. Give some to your mother for her saintliness in having put up with you during your more trying periods.
Freesia: This wonderful flower is named after the German physician Friedrich Heinrich Theodor Freese. Freesia represents the essence of innocence and makes the perfect gift choice for the proud parents of a newborn baby.
Gladiolus: This amazing flower got its meaning from the Latin word that means sword, gladiolus represented Roman gladiators. Gladiolus symbolizes strength of character. Send a bouquet of gladiolus as a token of respect to a person whose character you admire.
Heather: This flower in history is widely used as roofing material, bedding, a form of fuel, in basket and rope making and as a dye. In a more esthetic realm, heather represents the element of admiration. Present a bouquet of this amazing flower to someone whose friendship you value most in life.
Hyacinth: As per the Greek lore, this wonderful flower was named after a boy, Hyacinth, who was killed after being hit in the head with a discus. A flower sprouted from the wound as the god Apollo held the boy. Hyacinths, originally belongs to the land of Turkey, represent constancy. Make sure to present a bouquet of hyacinths to someone special to express the constancy of your love.
Hydrangea: This flower got its origin in Japan; this flower was introduced to the UK in the year 1788. Hydrangeas represent feeling that is initiated by anything that is sincerely heartfelt. Send these flowers to thank someone for a special kindness or to offer an apology.
Iris: Irises are different from others in the fact that it opens in the spring and can remain open for several days. Traditionally, this graceful flower has been chosen to convey they essence of “my compliments”. Compliment someone today by sending them a bouquet of irises.
Larkspur: Larkspur belongs to the family of the buttercup, symbolizes levity. Send a bouquet of larkspur to help someone see the humor in a situation.
Lilac: Lilacs have their origin roots in Southeastern Europe and were introduced in the U.S. in the 1700s. They represent the element of youthful innocence. Send a bouquet of lilacs to celebrate a recent graduate.
Lily: The majestic white lily symbolizes the elements of chastity and virtue. Tiger lilies represent wealth and pride. Make sure to send a floral bouquet of tiger lilies to wish someone happiness and prosperity in all shades of life.
Lisianthus: This amazing flower got its origin in Texas and Mexico, the long-lasting lisianthus symbolizes the essence of an outgoing nature. Brighten your company events with lisianthus arrangements.
Orchid: This exotic and amazing flower is meant to leave a long lasting impression, make sure to send an exotic orchid flower bouquet to someone who has captured your eye.
Peony: This flower got its origin in the land known to world as China, peonies were used widely throughout all phases of history as a medicine, as well as source of impressive decoration. Today, this lush, lovely flower is chosen to say "I love you," for the person who feels too shy to utter the words.
Protea, King: Protea flowers, this flower is considered as the oldest flower present on the earth belongs to oldest families of flowers on earth, dating back 300 million years. This flower has its early roots of origin to both Australia and South Africa, they symbolize the element of courage. Show your mettle by sending an arrangement of protea.
Queen Anne’s Lace: This delicate flower got its name from Queen Anne, the wife of King James I. Her friends challenged her to create lace as beautiful as the flower, which she did. Queen Anne’s Lace represents sanctuary. Decorate with bouquets of Queen Anne’s Lace to make a house to generate memorable feeling of being like a home.
Ranunculus: This stunning flower is got roots of origin in Asia and was celebrated for its medicinal properties as well as its beauty. Present your prom date with a bouquet of ranunculus to tell her she looks radiant. Feeling of radiant generates with this amazing flower.
Rose: Roses represents the never ending feeling of love and passion. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, presented a rose to Eros, the god of love. Roses can convey various sentiments, according to number and color. This flower rules the world of beautiful flowers with diversified effective usage in different situations of life.
Snapdragon: The land and place of origin for snapdragon is unknown. Children throughout history have been known to squeeze the sides of the flower to make it appear to talk. Send a floral gift of snapdragons to the object of your desire.
Statice: This wonderful flower creates the feeling of remembrance; statice is generally used in dried flower arrangements. It is also considered an herb and called "sea lavender." To show someone you miss them, never forget to include statice in your flower bouquet.
Statice: This wonderful flower creates the feeling of remembrance; statice is generally used in dried flower arrangements. It is also considered an herb and called "sea lavender." To show someone you miss them, never forget to include statice in your flower bouquet.
Sunflower: This wonderful flower with great looks symbolizes longevity in China, these cheerful flowers, which always face the sun, initiates the feeling of pure thoughts. Present them as a token of your pure love.
Sweet Pea: This amazing flower got its origin in Italy, sweet pea is known for its sweet fragrance. This flower is a lovely complement to any bouquet. One must include this flower for its amazing diversified properties.
Tulip: This amazing flower got its origin in Persia; tulips were at one time as expensive as a house because of their rarity. Express your love lavishly with tulips.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Marigold


Marigolds are hardy, annual plants and are great plants for cheering up any garden. Broadly, there are two genuses which are referred to by the common name, Marigolds viz., Tagetes and Celandula. Tagetes includes African Marigolds and French Marigolds. Celandula includes Pot Marigolds.
Kingdom
       Plantae
Division
       Magnoliophyta
Class
       Magnoliopsida
Order
       Asterales
Family
       Asteraceae
Genus
       Tagetes, Calendula
Marigolds come in different colors, yellow and orange being the most common. Most of the marigolds have strong, pungent odor and have has great value in cosmetic treatment. There are many varieties of Marigolds available today. Some of the major Marigold varieties are listed below:
African or American Marigolds (Tagetes erecta): These marigolds are tall, erect-growing plants up to three feet in height. The flowers are globe-shaped and large. Flowers may measure up to 5 inches across. African Marigolds are very good bedding plants. These flowers are yellow to orange and do not include red colored Marigolds. The Africans take longer to reach flowering stage than the French type.
French Marigolds (Tagetes patula): Marigold cultivars in this group grow 5 inches to 18 inches high. Flower colors are red, orange and yellow. Red and orange bicolor patterns are also found. Flowers are smaller, (2 inches across). French Marigolds are ideal for edging flowerbeds and in mass plantings. They also do well in containers and window boxes.
Signet Marigolds (T. signata 'pumila'): The signet Marigolds produce compact plants with finely divided, lacy foliage and clusters of small, single flowers. They have yellow to orange colored, edible flowers.The flowers of signet marigolds have a spicy tarragon flavor. The foliage has a pleasant lemon fragrance. Signet Marigolds are excellent plants for edging beds and in window boxes.
Mule Marigolds: These marigolds are the sterile hybrids of tall African and dwarf French marigolds, hence known as mule Marigolds. Most triploid cultivars grow from 12 to 18 inches high. Though they have the combined qualities of their parents, their rate of germination is low.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Iris

  Irises are wonderful garden plants. The word Iris means rainbow. Irises come many colors: blue and purple, white and yellow, pink and orange, brown and red, and even black.
The genus Iris has about 200 species and is native of North Temperate regions of the world. The habitat of iris also varies a lot. Some irises grow in deserts, some in swamps, some in the cold far north, and many in temperate climates. Bearded Iris and Siberian Iris are two of the most common types of iris grown.
  •   Kingdom
        Plantae
  •   Division
        Magnoliophyta
  •   Class
        Liliopsida
  •   Order
        Asparagales
  •   Family
        Iridaceae
  •   Genus
        Iris
Since Iris is the Greek goddess for the Messenger of Love, her sacred flower is considered the symbol of communication and messages. Therefore the flower iris in the language of flowers symbolizes eloquence. Based on their color, iris conveys varied messages. Purple iris is symbolic of wisdom and compliments. Blue iris symbolizes faith and hope. Yellow iris symbolizes passion while white iris symbolizes purity. A gift of iris can be used to convey many emotions.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Carnations

Carnations are perhaps one of the most popular flowers in the world. Due to the fact that carnations last long even when cut, carnations are very popular as boutonnieres, in corsages, bouquets, and in a wide range of floral arrangements.



Of the several kinds of Carnations, the three most common are annual carnations, border carnations and perpetual-flowering carnations.

Carnations are also commonly referred to by their scientific name, "Dianthus", the name given by the Greek botanist Theopharastus. Carnations got the name Dianthus from two Greek Words - "dios", referring to the god Zeus, and "anthos", meaning flower. Carnations are thus "The Flowers of God".

Kingdom

     Plantae

Division

    Magnoliophyta

Class

    Magnoliopsida

Order

    Caryophyllales

Family

    Caryophyllaceae

Genus

    Dianthus

Carnations - Meanings

Another reason why carnations have become popular is because they come in numerous colors and each color of carnation has a different meaning. Some of these meanings are listed below.

Jasmine

Jasmine flower and the essential oil extracted from the flower are being used extensively in cosmetics and perfumery, and as a calmative (relaxing properties, sedative) and aphrodisiac (intensifies sexual desire).

Jasmine is a very popular flower around the world, especially in tropics because of its unique fragrance. The Jasmine is native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the old world.
Jasmine flowers are white in most species, with some species being yellow flowered. Jasmine is believed to have originated in the Himalayas in western China.
Kingdom
     Plantae
Division
     Magnoliophyta
Class
     Magnoliopsida
Order
      Lamiales
Family
     Oleaceae
Genus
     Jasminum
Unlike most genera in the Oleceae family, which have four corolla lobes petals, Jasmines often have five or six lobes. Jasmines are often strongly and sweetly scented. Jasmine is widely cultivated for its shining leaves and beautiful clusters of fragrant flowers.
Flowering in Jasmines takes place in summer or spring, usally six months after planting. The Jasmine flower releases its fragrance at night after the sun has set and especially when the moon is waxing towards fullness. Jasmine flower buds are more fragrant than the flowers.
There exists a true Jasmine and a false Jasmine, and the two are commonly mistaken for each other because of the fragrance the plants release. The true Jasmine belongs to the family Oleaceae, is primarily a bushy shrub or climbing vine, and is non-poisonous.
True Jasmine has oval, shiny leaves and tubular, waxy-white flowers. The false Jasmine, on the other hand, is in a completely different genus, Gelsemium, and family, Loganiaceae, is considered too poisonous for human consumption.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Lilies

Lilies of different kinds are commonly found all across the globe. Lilies come in different shapes, sizes and colors.
Lilies are really excellent plants for beds and borders. Lilies are suitable for use in a shrub border, as accent plants, a formal or naturalized pool planting. Even some of the small species would fit perfectly in an alpine rock garden. 
 
Kingdom
Plantae
Division
Magnoliophyta
Class
Liliopsida
Order
Liliales
Family
Liliaceae
Genus
Lilium 
The Lily flower symbolizes purity and refined beauty. Based on the colour or type, the Lily flower can convey different meanings.
White  lilymodesty and virginity
orange  lilypassion
yellow  lilygaiety
Lily of the valleysweetness and purity of heart
Easter lilysymbol of Virgin Mary
Due to its regal beauty and the variety in color and type that can symbolise a variety of meanings, Lilies are also popular flowers for gifting purposes. Among the flower bouquets of lilies, stargazer and cassablanca lily bouquets are the most sought after floral bouquets. Besides bouquets, lily bulbs as well as potted lily plants are also popular gifts.
Some Interesting Facts about Lilies
Lilies are one of the most beautiful, and graceful of all summer-blooming flowers.
Lilies belong to the Lilium genus consisting of less than 100 known species, occurring in all parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
Lilium, the genus, is the Latin form of the Greek word 'Lerion' for the Madonna Lily.
Red lily was first described by the famous Swedish botanist Carl von Linne (Linnaeus) in 1753.
Lilies are believed to have been under cultivation longer than any other ornamental flower, having existed in gardens 3,000 years ago.Floral designs, particularly of Lilies, made their appearance and became very popular in the 18th dynasty of Egypt.
Madonna lily (Lilium candidum) is the archetypal flower symbolising purity. The association of Madonna Lily with the Virgin Mary dates back to an early Christian legend, in which her tomb was filled with Lilies after her assumption into heaven.

Hyacinth


Hyacinths are spring-flowering bulbs with long, narrow leaves that are folded lengthwise. Hyacinths are highly fragrant flowers that bloom in dense clusters.
Hyacinth is the common name for approximately 30 perennial flowering plants of the genus Hyacinthus (order Liliales, family Liliaceae) of the Mediterranean region and Africa.
Kingdom
    Plantae
Division
     Magnoliophyta
Class
     Liliopsida
Order
     Asparagales
Family
     Hyacinthaceae
Genus
     Hyacinthus
The common garden Hyacinth, Hyacinth orientalis, originated in Anatolia and was brought to Europe in the 16th century. The Hyacinth bulb produces a dense, compact spike of flowers, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall.
Hyacinth are highly fragrant, bell-shaped flowers with reflexed petals. The waxy, densely-packed florets come in shades of white, peach, orange, salmon, yellow, pink, red, purple, lavender and blue.
The 7-8 leaves are strap shaped, and a fleshy, glossy green. The Hyacinth bulb is a light purple or cream in color and covered with dry, papery, skin-like layers.
Facts About Hyacinths
An ancient Greek legend describes the origin of the Hyacinth. Two of the gods, Apollo and Zephyr, adored a handsome young Greek called Hyakinthos. Apollo was teaching Hyakinthos the art of throwing a discus.
Zephyr, who was the god of the west wind, was overcome with jealousy and he blew the discus back. It struck Hyakinthos on the head and killed him. From his blood grew a flower, which the sun god Apollo named after him.
The word 'Hyacinth' has also surfaced in an ancient language (called 'Thracopelasgian'), which was spoken 4,000 years ago.
The wild Hyacinth is a native of Turkey and the Middle East, along the eastern shores of the Mediterranean. Hyacinths were grown in Europe in the time of the Greeks and Romans. Both Homer and Virgil noted the sweet fragrance.
After this, the Hyacinth faded from history, and did not reappear until the 16th century when it was reintroduced into Western Europe from Turkey and Iran. Leonhardt Rauwolf, (a German doctor) collected some Hyacinths when he visited Turkey in 1573.
Hyacinths have been cultivated commercially since the second half of the 16th century. They became very popular in 18th and early 19th century Europe.
The bulbs are now grown commercially in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. In the Netherlands Hyacinths are also grown as cut flowers.
The common garden Hyacinth is cultivated to a minor extent in the Netherlands for the perfumery trade. However, most Hyacinth perfume sold is synthetic, based primarily upon phenylacetaldehyde. Hence, the Hyacinth is also called the Dutch Hyacinth.
The normal bloom time for Hyacinths is March to April.
March 7th is the World Hyacinth Day.
In the Victorian language of flowers the Hyacinth flower symbolizes sport or play, and the blue Hyacinth signifies sincerity.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Roses

I'd rather have Roses on my table than diamonds on my neck. - Emma Goldman

Roses for the longest time have enjoyed the honor of being the most popular flowers in the world. The reason for popularity of the rose flower may be its wide variety in terms of color, size, fragrance and other attributes.
Kingdom
     Plantae
Division
     Magnoliophyta
Class
     Magnoliopsida
Order
     Rosales
Family
     Rosaceae
Subfamily
     Rosoideae
Genus
     Rosa
The rose has been a symbol of love, beauty, even war and politics from way back in time. The variety, color and even number of Roses carry symbolic meanings. The Rose is most popularly known as the flower of love, particularly Red Rose.
Roses have been the most popular choice of flowers for the purpose of gifting across the world. They also act as a great addition to home and office decor. A bunch of roses or even a single rose works wonders aesthetically and considerably enlivens a place. Besides fresh cut roses, artificial flowers like silk roses in different colors are also widely used as decoration.
Some Interesting Facts About Roses
The birthplace of the cultivated Rose was probably Northern Persia, on the Caspian, or Faristan on the Gulf of Persia.
Historically, the oldest Rose fossils have been found in Colorado, dating back to more than 35 million years ago.
Roses were considered the most sacred flowers in ancient Egypt and were used as offerings for the Goddess Isis. Roses have also been found in Egyptian tombs, where they were formed into funeral wreaths.
Confucius, 551 BC to 479 BC, reported that the Imperial Chinese library had many books on Roses.
Ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia (in the Tigris-Euphrates River Valley) mentioned Roses in a cuneiform tablet (a system of writing) written in approximately 2860 BC.
The English were already cultivating and hybridizing Roses in the 15th Century when the English War of Roses took place. The winner of the war, Tudor Henry VII, created the Rose of England (Tudor Rose) by crossbreeding other Roses.
While no Black Rose yet exists, there are some of such a deep Red color as to suggest Black.
Roses are universal and grown across the world.
The Netherlands is the world's leading exporter of Roses.

Classification of Roses
Broadly, Roses are divided into three classes-
Species Roses
Species Roses are often called Wild Species Roses. Species Roses often have relatively simple, 5-petaled flowers followed by very colorful hips that last well into the winter, providing food for birds and winter color.
The most popular Rose species for sale today is Rosa rugosa owing to its superior hardiness, disease resistance, and extremely easy maintenance. Species roses are widely hybridized. Wild Species Roses include many different varieties. Wild Species Roses usually bloom once in the summer.
Old Garden Roses
Old Garden Roses have a delicate beauty and wonderful perfume, not often found in modern hybrid tea roses. Old Garden Roses are a diverse group from the those with a wonderful fragrance and great winter hardiness to the tender and lovely tea roses, which are best suited for warm climates.
Old Garden Roses comprise a multifaceted group that in general are easy to grow, disease-resistant and winter-hardy. Old Garden Roses grow in several shrub and vine sizes. Although colors do vary, this class of Roses are usually white or pastel in color. These "antique Roses" are generally preferred for lawns and home gardens. Several groupings of Roses classified as Old Garden Roses are China Roses, Tea Roses, Moss Roses, Damask Roses, Bourbon Roses, etc.
Modern Roses
Any Rose identified after 1867, is considered a Modern Rose.
Old Garden Roses are the predecessors of Modern Roses. This group of Roses are very popular. The Modern Rose is the result of crossbreeding the hybrid tea with the polyanthus (a variety of primrose).
The colors of Modern Roses are varied, rich and vibrant. The most popular roses found in the class of Modern Roses are the Hybrid Tea Roses, Floribunda Roses, and Grandiflora Roses. Although Modern Roses are adored by florists and gardeners, they do require proper care, and do not adapt well to colder environments.