flower blog

26th Annual International Cherry Blossom Festival
We celebrate in grand style the magnificent beauty of our 300,000 flowering Yoshino cherry trees in the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.”
When: March 28-April 6, 2008
Where: Macon, GA
Price: Tickets go on sale February, 2008
Contact: cherryblossom.com

National Cherry Blossom Festival
The 96th celebration of the original gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, DC, in 1912.
When: March 29-April 13, 2008
Where: Washington, DC
Price: Free and ticketed events
Contact: nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

7th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Southern California
Celebrating Spring with Cherry Blossoms
When: April 5-6, 2008
Where: Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles
Price: Free
Contact: cherryblossomfestivalsocal.org

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
A celebration of Asian traditions; in 2008, the festival will be celebrating its 41st year.
When: April 12-13, 19-20, 2008
Where: San Francisco, CA
Contact: 415-563-2313, nccbf.org   
   

2008 Chicagoland Flower & Garden Show
The show, now celebrating its 14th year, returns with two new features: a Home Lifestyle Expo and a juried art show.

When: March 8-16, 2008
9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Wednesday; 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Friday
Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL
Price: $12 weekday and $14 weekend (discounts for children)
Contact: 773-435-1250, ext 249 or 274, chicagolandflowerandgarden.com
 

15th Annual Rhode Island Spring Flower & Garden Show
Mother Nature’s magic becomes all the more captivating when combined with some of the best loved fables of all time.

When: Feb. 21-24, 2008
10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Rhode Island Convention Center, One Sabin Street in downtown Providence
Price: $7-$16
Contact: 401-272-0980, flowershow.com
 

Will you be traveling this weekend to be with family for the holidays? Or maybe you’re hosting the clan. Visiting with family and friends is a joy of the season. But as the group gathers, stress can build as well. Old rivalries resurface, your least fave relative gets on your nerves, kids are out of control.

Hey, it happens to everybody. A little advance planning can do a lot to ease tension and help you really enjoy your holiday.

First, a little gift for your hostess (or for yourself and your guests) is always a good idea. And flowers are a smart choice. Why? Because they’re not only pretty, they also can decrease anxiety.

According to recent behavioral research from Nancy Etcoff, PhD, of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, flowers in the home can affect a wide variety of feelings.

Says Etcoff: “One of the effects [of flowers] is they are very calming and they ease tension. We all like to stop and look at something beautiful and refresh ourselves. We feel so much better.

“Flowers are little miracles of nature – they’re such exquisite natural creations.”

Berkeley, Calif.-based relationship expert Elayne Savage, PhD, agrees. “Flowers brighten our lives,” she says.

They may also help keep us grounded. Savage, who is the author of “Don’t Take it Personally: The Art of Dealing with Rejection” and runs www.queenofrejection.com, points out that high expectations for a perfect day often lead to disappointment.

“Revisiting a childhood home, it’s easy to start thinking that it’s going to be the way we always wanted. We have an idea of a Norman Rockwell Christmas … and don’t stay realistic.”

Here are some more tips from Savage for keeping your cool and having fun:

Choose your reaction. Remind yourself that people are who they are and aren’t going to change. But you can control your reaction. Change the subject or say something like: “Thanks for asking. Let’s talk about it another time.” Ignoring negative behavior helps to eliminate it.

Be positive. If you have a difficult relative, try to find one thing to respect about that person, even if it’s superficial, like her skill at board games. If you can find something to admire, that person is more likely to respond to you positively.

Laugh! Challenging as it may be, try to find humor in the situation.

Take a time-out. Something as simple as getting up to get a glass of water can help you keep you cool. Or go smell your flowers again! And don’t forget the power of slow, deep breaths.

Hit the road. If you’re visiting out-of-town relatives, consider renting a car. That way, you can take a day trip or just get out for an hour or two.

Teamwork. If you’re bringing a partner into the mix and anticipate tensions – nosy questions from Aunt Cindy perhaps – give your mate a heads-up beforehand and together prepare how to respond.
The bottom line is not to take anything, even snide comments, personally. Says Savage: “That’s the whole secret. Keep reminding yourself that it’s not about you – it’s more about the other person.”
 

La Grenouille restaurant in New York City la-grenouille.com is famous for its stunning, sumptuous bouquets of flowers.

The New Yorker’s latest Talk of the Town highlights proprietor Charles Masson’s passion for arranging blooms, which he does on a weekly basis.

Says Masson: “This is the most relaxing thing about working here. It’s my favorite part of the week.”

Masson’s father and mother opened La Grenouille 45 years ago and to celebrate the anniversary, Masson is creating arrangements with his father’s favorites, including flowering quince, deciduous holly, red dogwood, hot-pink nerines, and red, white and purple anemones.

(See the full story at: newyorker.com/talk/2007/12/24/071224ta_talk_sheraton.)

If you’re not in NYC or likely to be there in the near future, check out www.amazon.com for Masson’s book “The Flowers of La Grenouille” where he shares his knowledge in flower care and aesthetics.

Speaking of flower books, I’m planning to order “The Flower Shop Christmas: Christmas in a Country Flower Shop,” $34.95, 1-800-841-0873, halffullpress.com. Author Sally Page looks at the 12 days of Christmas from her little corner of the world - a small flower shop in England. Page’s first book “The Flower Shop: A Year in the Life of a Country Flower Shop,” also $34.95, chronicles events and activity at the shop.

Do you use flowers to heighten the atmosphere in your restaurant or store? If so, drop Flower Blog a picture of your latest design.
 

What do stiletto star Manolo Blahnik and celeb chef Emeril Lagasse have in common? Flower power.

Blahnik designed a gorgeous poster for next year’s Chelsea Flower Show, which is run by the Royal Horticultural Society.

On the RHS Web site, Blahnik says: “I grew up in a house surrounded by gardens. They have always been an important part of my life – and my work – so when the Royal Horticultural Society invited me to design the poster for the next Chelsea Flower Show, it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. It is a privilege for me to be working on such an institution of an event, as well as an honour to be taking part in one of the most important dates in the Chelsea calendar.”

See the poster and learn more about the show at rhs.org.uk/news/manolochelsea.asp 



And on hgtv.com chef Emeril Lagasse shares some of his favorite recipes that use flowers as ingredients.

The grand marshal for the 2008 Rose Bowl Parade, Lagasse says he’s happy to spend time in California, with its sun, scenery and flowers.

He writes: “To many people, flowers are just something bright and beautiful found in nature. We bring flowers into our homes and offices and place them on the dinner table in arrangements. But it may surprise you to hear that the table setting is not the only place you'll find flowers in the kitchen – they're excellent to cook with too!”

Lagasse gives recipes for: Lavender Lemonade; Nasturtium Risotto; Persian-Style Jeweled Rice With Oven-Roasted Chicken and Rose Petals; and Crispy Phyllo-California Date Rolls With Orange Flower Water-Orange Blossom Honey Syrup.

Read the full story and check out the recipes at: hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_recipes_other/article/0,1801,HGTV_3186_5766539,00.html 

Maybe this weekend, I’ll whip up one of Emeril’s fragrant dishes. Then, with the money I save from cooking at home, I’ll be able to splurge on a pair of Manolo’s …

Hey, a girl’s gotta dream!
 

Ever heard the song “Young at Heart”?

Well, Sandy Cadle of Macon, Ga., must have the lyrics hard-wired in her head. “I’m 69 years old, but I feel like I’m 39,” she says.

Since opening Unforgettable Flowers in August 2006, her high energy has been key to building a highly successful business. How successful? Revenue for November was up nearly 200% from the same month last year, and December looks set to be a stellar month as well. She also supervises a staff of eight.

The store (shown here with some of Sandy's holiday trimmings) is at 3920 Ridge Ave., 478-405-8132, unforgettableflowers.net.


“I spend on average 10 hours a day, seven days a week working,” says Cadle, with a sigh. “I’m just one of God’s children, running around, trying to do what’s right.”

Working that hard later in life might seem overwhelming, but retirement just wasn’t a good fit for Cadle.

Strong business background
A native of Lawton, Okla., and a Macon resident for 44 years, Cadle is a wife, mother and grandmother who has been both creative and career-minded her whole life. “Even in high school, for the floats, I was always the one who came up with the idea and made it happen.”

Prior to Unforgettable Flowers, she worked in healthcare, building management, real estate and banking, and had owned two other businesses. “My friends ask, ‘Why are you doing this?’ ” she says. “I tried for a year to take life easy, but I’m just one of those people who has to have a challenge.”

Drawn to flowers
Why flowers? Cadle says she loves their beauty and fragrance. Also, she’s always been intrigued by the fact that such gorgeous things grow from the ground.

And she gets to share her passion. “People use flowers for every occasion and usually for celebrations – so you’re bringing joy and pleasure to people’s lives. Flowers bring a smile to everyone’s face and I love happy people. Even if it’s a funeral, flowers provide comfort and beauty.”

Diversify to stay ahead of the curve
Still, Cadle acknowledges that selling flowers has ups and downs. Her strategy: Diversify. She also sells gifts and home accessories, and provides wedding planning and decorating services. Within six months, she plans to open a chocolate and coffee house.

Advice for starting out
If Sandy Cadle has you thinking you might hang a shingle, consider her advice:

1) Think through your plans and be ready to make a 150% commitment. “You have to be serious about what you’re getting ready to do. Don’t do this on a lark,” she says.

2) Get smart. Learn as much as you can from schools, shows and other florists. This is a sure-fire way to build confidence.

3) Ensure that you have financial resources to help you get through the first year, which might be a patchy period.

4) Be comfortable enough with accounting that you can go through the books and know what’s what.

5) It’s also important that your mate and family are supportive. Sandy’s husband never complains about getting his own dinner or enjoying a cocktail by himself while Sandy finishes her day.

And for that, we should all raise our glasses to Mr. Cadle!
 

Today is National Poinsettia Day. Do you know why?

Poinsettias are a woody shrub native to Mexico and were brought to the United States in 1825 by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett died Dec. 12, 1851.

Flower shops around the country are filled with these festive blooms, symbols of the Christmas holiday. More than 60 million poinsettia plants are sold annually.

With proper care, a poinsettia can last through the entire holiday season. Here's how to nurture one:

Light
Place the plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day.

Temperature
Avoid cold drafts or excessive heat. Keep the plant in a warm room with temperatures between 68-70° F. Never place one on a television!

Poinsettias are sensitive to temperatures below 50° F – cold temperatures can cause the bracts to discolor or fall from the plant. (The colorful part of the plant that most people think is the flower is called a “bract” which is really a colorful modified leaf. The flowers of a poinsettia are the yellow cyathias in the center.)

Water
Water a poinsettia when the soil feels dry to the touch. Always remove the plant from decorative pot wrappings or pot covers before watering it in your sink. Allow excess water to drain completely before placing the plant back in its decorative covering.
Health concerns and benefits
Contrary to popular belief, the poinsettia is not poisonous. As with all ornamental plants, poinsettias are not intended for human or animal consumption. Poinsettias, like many indoor plants, are helpful in removing indoor pollutants from the air and producing oxygen for a cleaner environment.
 

The Cincinnati Flower Show 2008: “Explore: Wonders of the World”
Staged on the banks of Lake Como at historic Coney Island, the show celebrates its 19th anniversary.

When: April 19-27, 2008
Where: Cincinnati, OH
Price: $14 (one-day pass for adult)
Contact: 1-800-670-6808, cincyflowershow.com
 

The 21st Annual Southeastern Flower Show: Imagine That!
The show is dedicated to promoting conservation and awareness of the natural environment through education, cultural enrichment, horticultural excellence and artistic expression.

When: Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2008
10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Georgia World Congress Center, Building A, 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard NW, Atlanta, GA
Price: $16 adult/in advance (through Jan. 29). For complete ticket info, see Web site.
Contact: 404-351-1074, flowershow.org
 

I know people who live to decorate. It’s creative, it’s fun and people notice your work. Whether you’re almost done with the mistletoe or have just started thinking about it, here are some fresh ideas on using flowers to make special looks this season.

Smaller flower arrangements are practical and pretty
Many of us will be hosting holiday dinners and want to highlight a pretty table. Rather than one large floral centerpiece, use a collection of smaller flower arrangements.

“Group flowers in smaller containers and scatter them down the center of your table with candles in between,” explains Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer, AIFD, PFCI. “It won’t take up as much room on the table as a big centerpiece does, but you’ll have flowers all along the table.”

This idea also works well for mantelpieces and coffee tables.

As for containers, the possibilities are endless. Try clay pots for a country look, glass cubes for sleek style or classic urns for a more formal feel. Vary the containers’ size, and unify your arrangement by keeping their color or material the same.

If you’re having more than one party, use the same containers and change the color of the flowers and candles.


Don’t forget the cook! And where guests always go …
Additionally, when you’re buying party flowers, don’t forget a bunch for the kitchen. “We spend so much time there,” says Caggiano. “It’s really important to have a small vase of fresh flowers for the person doing the work there.”

(What a great idea! Because you know that at any gathering, people just tend to congregate in the kitchen, no matter how many chairs and sofas you have elsewhere. Someday, I’ll figure that one out.)

Anyway, Caggiano also points out that bud vases with small, fragrant blossoms for guest bathrooms is a lovely touch. These flowers also pair nicely with candles.

A fresh touch, literally
As for Christmas garlands and wreaths, Caggiano has a fun and easy way to give these pieces more pizzazz. Just tuck in some fresh materials to add texture and fragrance.

Choose a low-maintenance fresh component, ie one that won’t need much water. Evergreen, heather or holly come to mind first, but you might also consider magnolia leaves, seeded eucalyptus, lemon leaves, salal, statice or hydrangea (varieties that dry).

“The fresh and the permanent combine easily, and it’s not expensive,” says Caggiano. “And a broad leaf like magnolia is such a wonderful contrast to the needles of the evergreen, cedar and pine.”

Touch any of these items with floral paint (available at craft stores) in gold, copper or silver for extra holiday magic.

Are you decorating with flowers this month? If you like your look, snap a pic and send it in to flower blog!
 

Welcome to the horoscope page, where each month you can read a fun take on the future and see the flower associated with your sign.

   Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet
 
Once again, your hard work has paid off. This will be a month of celebration as you achieve a series of career and financial goals. Reward yourself and savor the moment. Next up? Assess your health and fitness goals. Pick an exercise buddy or decide to get fit as a family. You know you can do it.

   Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid
 
A delicate family issue is front and center. Fret not, your powers of observation will help you come up with a unique solution that works for everyone. After that, your emotional energy will rebound and you’ll have time to count your blessings.

   Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria

Before the end of the year, formulate a strategy for eliminating psychic toxins from your life. It might be as simple as throwing out a photo album of bad memories or as complicated as ending a long-term relationship. It’s not too late to move forward; act now to forever mold your peace.

 

   Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip
 
You might hate hearing this, but patience is a virtue. You will get what you want, but it may not be exactly on your timetable. Don’t be tempted to issue ultimatums or play mind games. Meanwhile, sign up for a yoga class, breathe, and dedicate your practice to patience. 

 

   Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily

Looking for more romance in your life? Then take matters into your own hands and get proactive. If you’re single, attend a speed-dating event and if you’re married, plan a date night. Either way, relax and enjoy the experience. By Dec. 10, you’ll face an interesting challenge on the job.

 

   Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose

It’s time to take that risk. You’ve done the homework, you’ve weighed the pros and cons. Now you must act. You may experience feelings of loss in the short term. But bumps will subside and with change comes growth and fulfillment. Trust me, girl, you are bound to blossom.

 

   Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium

You’ve had a hard few weeks, but tensions will ease, believe it or not. Hang in there! You can’t please everyone (even though you often try) so cultivate the art of compromise and try not to sweat the details. And you just might be in for a very pleasant financial surprise.

 

   Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower

So much to do, so little time. There are never enough hours in the day for a creative soul. But that pie-in-the-sky project needs your attention. Don’t give in to procrastination or self-doubt. Draft a plan to make it happen; perhaps setting aside one hour per week. Onward!

 

   Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy
 
In this hectic holiday season, be sure to make time for yourself – book a massage or pedicure; some fresh flowers will preserve that tranquil spa vibe. At the end of the month, remember that it takes a lot of energy to hold a grudge. Forgive and forget is the best strategy.

 

   Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea

Careerwise, use your natural charm. Attend industry events and understand that networking isn't about asking people for favors. Develop the relationship first, you’ll reap benefits down the road. On the romance front, play it cool. Nothing is more alluring than mystery.

 

   Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony

Choose your battles carefully, at home and at work. Not everyone is blessed with your energy and drive, so be understanding as those around you try to match your pace. Though she may not say it, a close friend needs your support. Ask her directly (but gently) what the problem is.

 

   Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation

Time to chill out, Ms. Sag! You’re gonna need your energy for your next big adventure. This is an excellent time to plan a trip. Fire sign that you are, you’re bound to blaze new trails. Also, an old romantic partner might make a surprise appearance – and being gone would be a good thing.

Christmas shopping rocks when you get a great value. That’s the case with Radko's Christmas Tree by Teleflora (see bottom right) and that’s why this delightful item is close to selling out. The permanent tree is decorated with tiny lights and 15 miniature Christopher Radko ornaments, custom-made for Teleflora.

Radko, called the “Czar of Christmas Present” by the New York Times, has garnered fame for his hugely successful line of hand-crafted ornaments. When you consider that one Radko ornament typically runs about $40, a tree with 15 petite ornaments ($106.95) is a terrific deal. For consumers, it’s too good to pass up.

Teleflora chose from Radko’s most popular designs – true icons of Christmas – so the tree is destined to be a classic that can be enjoyed year after year.

The Radko Tree is a treat and a treasure. Get yours now before they’re gone!