july 2008

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July 31, 2008 | flower facts

A flower that’s a true multi-tasker: Lavender

by Jacqueline


Hydrangeas in a vase

Hydrangeas in a vase
Photos courtesy of Rich Dudley, The Bloomery Florist

Two readers recently wrote to me about how much they love lavender. Just thinking about this flower’s singular scent relaxed and recharged me.

Of course, it also made me pine for the South of France, especially Provence, one of the most magical places in the world, with its seemingly endless purple-daubed fields of this ancient flower.

In case you don’t have a trip planned there (it’s now harvest season for fine lavender) check out the offerings of an entire museum devoted to lavender: thelavendermuseum.com.

Or read more at: usa.loccitane.com/FO/Content/Our_Stories/LavenderHarvest.aspx.

Women appreciate lavender because it’s a true multi-tasker: Naturally, it’s used in fragrance and aromatherapy products. And, in various forms, it can be used as a sleep aid, disinfectant and insect repellant as well as to treat burns, relieve headaches or as an herb in cooking.

Here are a few other trivia tidbits:

• Lavender, along with saffron and cinnamon, appears in the Old Testament's “Song of Solomon” as “nard,” a variation of the Greek name, nardus.

• Lavender belongs to the mint family.

• In the Middle Ages, lavender was thought to fight disease.

• The Roman name comes from the verb lavāre (to wash). Fittingly, it was used in Roman baths to scent the water.

• Around the turn of the century, French washerwomen used it in washtubs.

 

Teleflora's Best of Times
 
A lavender-inspired bouquet from Teleflora

Flower Fact of the Day: The flower-filled landscapes of the Azores Islands are closer than you might realize. About 800 miles west of Portugal, the group of nine islands is just a four-hour flight from Boston. Read about Diane Stoneback’s recent visit at: mcall.com/travel/all-azoreslede.6512815jul27,0,6857117.story.
 

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July 30, 2008 | floral calendar

Flower Show at Berkshire Botanical Garden

by Jacqueline


More than 600 visitors are expected to attend the 39th annual flower show at Berkshire Botanical Garden. Besides the competition, there will be a variety of classes and exhibitions.

"This show is one of the oldest competitions of flowers, fruit and flora in the area," says Berkshire Botanical Garden's Executive Director, John Parker. "It's intended to be fun and educational for novice and experienced gardeners alike."

When: Aug. 2-3
Where: Stockbridge, MA
Contact: 413-298-3926, berkshirebotanical.org  
 

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July 29, 2008 | flower facts

Got flowers? Get ahead

by Jacqueline


Note to self: Flowers are a great gambit for getting to the front of a line. At least it worked for me when I joined the queue for coffee Sunday morning in Laurel Canyon.

The man ahead of me took one look at my lovely bouquet of larkspur with a collar of yellow roses and said, "If you have flowers, you've got to go ahead of me." I brought them to say "Happy Sunday" to my friend Lilly.

And before she even saw them, they were getting me special treatment. Awesome! Because the flowers were a complete surprise, Lilly was really pleased.

It was my second floral discovery of the weekend. On Saturday, I decided to buy flowers and make some simple bouquets. Browsing around my local florist, I saw a terrific flower that I'd heard a lot about but never actually seen.


At first I thought it was a wild rose, but it turned out to be lisianthus. It's a little smaller than a rose, has slightly frilly petals and multiple blooms growing from one stem.

Native to Texas and Mexico, it has a bunch of different names: Texas Bluebell, Prairie Gentian, Lira de San Pedro. In the language of flowers, lisianthus symbolizes both an outgoing nature and appreciation.

No matter what you call it, it's an enchanting flower – classically beautiful and slightly exotic. Lisianthus typically comes in white, pink, lavender and purple.

I blended pink lisianthus with white roses, white stock and some white hydrangea I'd bought earlier in the week, topping it off with some foliage called "pitts" that my florist suggested.

In the store, I noticed an exquisite bouquet with a single pink lisianthus bloom, a mauve orchid and a magenta dahlia, set against layers of Casablanca lilies and calla lilies.

Who knows what next weekend will bring?!

Flower Fact of the Day: Why do we go for gold in the garden? Beth Botts, of the Chicago Tribune's Home & Garden section, recently explored the drive to compete in the realm of junipers, succulents, lilies, dahlias and giant pumpkins, et al. Read up at: chicagotribune.com/features/home/chi-garden-competition-0727jul27,0,3337999.story.
 

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July 28, 2008 | teleflora news

Free flowers: Four days left to enter!

by Jacqueline


Send Sunny Smiles Flower Bouquet

Don't forget to enter Flower Blog's monthly floral bouquet sweepstakes. Make a comment on any post this month and you'll be automatically entered. The winner for July will be picked on or around Aug. 1. To see the official rules, teleflora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/Teleflora-Flower-Blog-Sweepstakes-(July).aspx.

Good luck, flower fans, and enjoy your summer bouquets.
 

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July 28, 2008 | out and about

Curator shares insight on ‘Living Flowers: Ikebana and Contemporary Art’

by Jacqueline


When I found out that LA's Japanese American National Museum was hosting a major exhibition that pairs ikebana (flower arranging) with cutting-edge art, I thought it would be a good chance to learn more about this fascinating Japanese tradition.

Ana Iwataki, a curatorial intern at the museum, was kind enough to oblige and provided the following information.

Says Ana: I emailed a few questions to Karin Higa, adjunct senior curator at the Japanese American National Museum, where "Living Flowers: Ikebana and Contemporary Art" is currently on display. Here’s what she had to say.

Joshua White ikebana photo
                                                               Joshua White photo
Sogetsu Los Angeles Branch. This arrangement of redwood,
heliconias and magnolias is part of the weekly changing
live flower arrangements.


Q What is ikebana, its origins and history?
A
Ikebana emerged nearly 600 years ago in Japan. Its origins are in the Buddhist tradition of offering flowers to the dead, but by the mid-15th century, flower arrangement was formulated into an aesthetic, rather than religious, pursuit. Like poetry, Noh Theater, and tea ceremony, ikebana developed into a complex philosophy or school of thought, called kado, or “the way of flowers.” When someone embarks on the study of ikebana, it is a lifetime pursuit.

Q What are the ideas and principles behind ikebana?
A Although there are many different styles or schools of ikebana, most compositions are fundamentally made up of three components, signifying heaven, earth and man.

An essential part of ikebana is the beauty of the space between its components: empty or negative space. Asymmetry and the choice of vessel or vase are also important parts of the practice. The Japanese characters that form the word “ikebana” literally signify “life” or “living” and “flowers.”

Q How did you come up with the concept for this exhibit?
A
Several years ago I noticed elements in contemporary art that reminded me of ikebana. I wondered what it would be like to exhibit these two different forms of art, with different histories, from two distinct cultures together. The exhibition is not a show of flowers in art, but rather an investigation into the forms of ikebana and contemporary art, their affinities and mutual influences.

If you’re interested in reading more about "Living Flowers: Ikebana and Contemporary Art," I’ve included a few links:

janm.org/django/exhibits/livingflowers/

http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/26/seeing-things-flower-power/

latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/asia/la-ca-flowers6-2008jul06,0,3403486.story

The show runs through Sept. 7 at the Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. First St., Los Angeles, janm.org/exhibits/livingflowers, 213-625-0414.

Flower Fact of the Day: Great gardens require good planning. For ideas on how to pick your plants according to the five senses (sight, taste, hearing, touch and smell) check out this story from Detroit Free Press: freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080727/FEATURES01/807270511/1026/FEATURES01.
 

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July 25, 2008 | flower facts

Flowers and pets: Best bets for furry friends

by Jacqueline


A general rule of thumb when you bring flowers home and your animals immediately want to investigate: Paws off! Or to be more precise, Jaws off!

Being a cat owner, I know it can be a challenge, but don’t let cats and dogs ingest parts (petals, leaves, roots, etc.) of any plant. Making a point to keep your bouquet in a spot that’s not easily accessible by Fluffy and Fido will make life easier for your entire household.

Another tip: Familiarize yourself with which blooms are safe for pets and which could be toxic.

For that info, I consulted several pages of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' web site aspca.org and compiled the lists below.

For a more extensive list of toxic plants, visit: aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_toxicplants.  

The nontoxic plant list appears at: aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_nontoxicplants. And if there is a flower you’re wondering about (ie you don’t see it on either list) check with your vet. Or drop me an e-mail and I will try to find out.

Orchid Elegance
 
Orchids are a great choice if you have pets or are sending a floral bouquet to a pet owner.

Safe flowers for pets
African violet
Asters
Camellia
Canna lilies (Most lilies are toxic but these are not of the Lilium genus.)
Common snapdragon, Garden snapdragon
Cornflower
Hollyhock
Jasmine
Orchids
Pot marigold
Summer hyacinth

Common flowers to avoid
Azalea
Baby’s breath
Chrysanthemum
Cyclamen
Daisies
Lilies, including calla lily
Oleander
Rhododendron
Also: Potted Amaryllis, Tulips and Narcissus/Daffs (The bulbs are the most toxic.)

Flower Fact of the Day: Does your garden lack energy? Find out how to spice it up from master gardener Marty Wingate, writing in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/nwgardens/370997_wingate17.html.  

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July 24, 2008 | flower facts

Favorite summer flowers: Fleur du jour in Victorian England with a link to Princess Diana

by Jacqueline

Stunning Mixed Flowers Mothers Day Bouquet  Royal Radiance
 
What makes a great summer flower? Color and scent are key, as is a blossom that grows easily in the garden and makes a super cut flower. A classic example: Sweet pea. On its own or as an accent piece (as shown in the bouquet), this annual with a talent for climbing conjures the sunshine and good times of the season.

The sweet pea likes full sun and, in cooler climates, it can bloom through fall. For more growing tips, go to: http://gardening.about.com/od/plantprofiles/p/SweetPea.htm.  

Like other pea plants, the flower can self-pollinate, which makes it a logical choice for scientific experimentation, especially in the field of genetics. But unlike its pea relatives, the sweet pea is not edible.

Native to the Mediterranean, the sweet pea’s story begins in 17th century Italy with a Sicilian monk who sent the flower’s seeds to England.

Next chapter: A Scottish nurseryman named Henry Eckford (1823-1905) experimented with the seeds to create a more vivid and fragrant flower. With Eckford’s tweaking, the sweet pea became fleur du jour in Victorian England.

His varieties include pink, lavender and scarlet; today it’s also available in blue and white.

The Countess Spencer sweet pea, popular with exhibitors, was first developed around 1900 by the gardener at Althorp, the estate of Earl Spencer in Northamptonshire, England, and childhood home of Princess Diana. If you’re growing Spencer sweet peas for fragrance, choose the right variety. Lighter colors usually have a stronger scent than darker colors. To read more, visit: plantsmiths.co.uk/home/sweet-peas.  

Flower Fact of the Day: “Toadflax” and “tufted vetch” top the list of native English wildflowers with zany names. :) See the full roster and find out how a former journalist and author has turned her attention to selling English roses she grows in her own garden – to celebrities like Victoria Beckham, no less! Go to The Independent at: independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/blooming-marvellous-how-one-farmer-is-leading-a-revival-of-the-true-english-rose-869595.html.
 

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July 23, 2008 | teleflora news

Delivering flowers, delivering smiles

by Jacqueline


For an office-bound flower lover, ie me, it’s nice to get out in the real world once in a while. Over the weekend, I attended Blogher.com’s conference in San Francisco. Yesterday, I met a fantastic Teleflora florist and helped deliver flowers as part of the company’s Make Someone Smile Week, a program to give our Be Happy bouquets to those in need of a pick-me-up.

My TF colleagues and I headed over to the Veteran’s Hospital in West Los Angeles, where we met up with Liz Seiji, owner of Edelweiss Flower Boutique in Santa Monica, edelweissflower.com, and her team.

Nearly 20 florists helped arrange 300 bouquets; about a half-dozen assisted with delivery. Local wholesalers and growers donated flowers.

Make Someone Smile Week
     One of my Teleflora colleagues gives a bouquet  
     to a patient at the VA Hospital in West LA.


“Typically at a hospital you see an abundance of flowers, but here it’s not uncommon not to see flowers,” said Liz. “Some of the patients feel like they’re forgotten. Delivering these flowers lets the vets know that there are people out there thinking of them. They are appreciated.

“And the majority of them are men so they’re not used to receiving flowers. It lightens their load and it’s very rewarding. I get a lot of satisfaction out of it.”

Liz and her husband Tony also tapped a dozen helpers from local chapters of the Elks, American Legion and Freemasons.

“Vets are No.1,” said Raedean Kiesz of the Santa Monica Elks Lodge #906. “As long as there is a vet there, there’ll be an Elk to help take care of that vet.”

Don Glaza, commander of American Legion Lodge #177, thought the Be Happy bouquets were a natural. “You can see how the flowers cheer everybody up. Flowers put a smile on everybody’s face.”

One of those faces was outpatient and former Marine Manuel Guerrero who said flowers are a reminder that a positive attitude is key to beating his illness. “You have to believe you’re going to get better,” he said.

“Oh, you have to,” agreed hospital volunteer Beverly Moore, who radiated optimism and positive energy as she greeted patients and staff on the delivery rounds. Beverly is also a veteran. “We’re here for each other,” she told me.

Outpatient and former Marine Tom Short also smiled when he saw the mugs of bright blooms. “Flowers are nice. They brighten up the place.”

Make Someone Smile Week runs through Saturday. For more information, please visit teleflora.com/makesomeonesmile.

Flower Fact of the Day: Florists across the U.S. and Canada are participating in Make Someone Smile Week. Read what happened in a Colorado town where flowers cheered those who endured hardships after a tornado in May: coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080723/BUSINESS/807230351.  
 

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July 22, 2008 | floral trends

Why white hydrangeas rule

by Jacqueline


White Hydrangeas and Calla Lilies

I’ve had white hydrangeas on the brain lately. They’re clean, cool and strikingly simple. And, when it comes to flower arranging, they’re mighty efficient.

I like to take just one branch, snip off the leaves, pop it in a tall square vase and put it on my nightstand or bathroom sink. (Naturally, that’s always the exact moment at which my cat springs up and tries to start chomping.)

For a bigger space, I use a larger vase and add a few more branches, leaving the leaves on. If I’m having people over, I might add a few seashells or small stones to the bottom of the vase.

I love the way hydrangeas’ cloverlike petals – floppy and fluffy, yet elegant and dramatic – tumble softly over the edge of the vase. I love that this “white” flower is often a mixture of cream and pale pink, dappled with green or streaked with light blue.

And I prefer hydrangeas’ subtle fragrance to strongly scented white flowers like freesia or gardenia.

The name hydrangea comes from the Greek and, roughly translated, means “water barrel." That's because hydrangeas are thirsty blooms and their petals resemble little cups.

Hydrangeas look stunning at events, too. I worked with Victoria at Rossi & Rovetti Flowers, a top San Francisco florist, rossirovetti.com, to provide flowers for last weekend’s Blogher.com conference of about 1,000 mostly women bloggers.

I chose two big bouquets of white hydrangeas and one bouquet of white calla lilies, surrounded by white hydrangeas. It looked terrific!

Give them a try sometime this summer and let me know what you think.

Flower Fact of the Day: What went wrong with Denver’s plan to grow a new variety of daisy (named in honor of the city) in time for the Democratic National Convention demconvention.com next month? Read the New York Times report at: nytimes.com/2008/07/19/us/19daisies.html?ref=us.  
 

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July 17, 2008 | teleflora news

Free flowers: 14 days left to enter!

by Jacqueline


Send Sunny Smiles Flower Bouquet
I'm in San Francisco for the Blogher.com conference and looking forward to meeting lots of fellow scribes. Meanwhile, don't forget to enter Flower Blog's monthly floral bouquet sweepstakes. Make a comment on any post this month and you'll be automatically entered. The winner for July will be picked on or around Aug. 1. To see the official rules, teleflorist.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/Teleflora-Flower-Blog-Sweepstakes-(July).aspx.

Good luck, flower fans, and enjoy your summer bouquets.
 

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July 17, 2008 | teleflora news

Make Someone Smile Week: By the numbers

by Jacqueline


What’s more magical than a great big smile? At Teleflora, we love seeing the smiles that come from one look at our fresh and cheerful flowers.

Make Someone Smile Week (July 20-26) celebrates the pure exhilaration you get when you give to someone who really needs a smile. Thousands of Teleflora florists work with local wholesalers and growers to secure flower donations for those in need. The sweet and sunny flowers -- daisies and roses to be exact -- arrive in TF’s keepsake Be Happy® Mugs.

Teleflora's Be Happy Bouquet
 
“Each year, I am amazed by the overwhelming response and enthusiasm Make Someone Smile® Week receives from our member florists and residents in local communities who volunteer,” says Teleflora’s Rich Salvaggio.

“A simple bouquet of flowers has a strong emotional impact on those who receive them and this program is Teleflora’s way of bringing smiles to those who need it most.”

Besides the donations, consumers can buy Be Happy® bouquets. I’m really looking forward to next week and to surprising some friends with fresh flowers. No major occasion, no big holiday, just a chance to feel good.

Until then, here are a few facts and figures behind the program.

2000: Year the program started

40,000: Expected recipients –– hospital patients, nursing home residents, children living in foster-care facilities. Talk about making someone’s day!

2,500: Expected bouquets delivered by a single florist team.

$46.95: The price for consumers to buy a Be Happy® Bouquet. Just visit: www.teleflora.com/makesomeonesmile and send a smile to someone you love. Someone with a really pretty smile, no doubt. :)

For more information on Teleflora’s Make Someone Smile® Week, and how you can get involved, please visit teleflora.com/makesomeonesmile or call 310.966.8328.

Flower Fact of the Day: Hydrangeas have inspired a love affair. Well, sort of... Read Mar Jennings of Home & Garden TV on his fondness for the flower: marjennings.com/garden/hydrangea.cfm.
 

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July 16, 2008 | flower facts

Top 5 flowers for hot summer weather

by Jacqueline


Flowers are a true summer delight. It’s a time when you can see a gorgeous blossom almost everywhere you look, no matter where you live. And it’s a special season because it’s the only time all year that we get to see naturally blue flowers – cornflower, delphinium, hydrangea.

That said, summer heat and humidity can wreak havoc with your garden. I hate to say it, but there really is such a thing a delicate flower. Luckily, there are so many to choose from. Here are my choices for the top 5 flowers that can tolerate heat.

Cosmos
Nope, it’s not a cocktail. :) The fragrant cosmos flower graces many a summer garden. Put one in your back yard and you’ll likely attract hummingbirds as well as humans. The plant can grow as high as 5 feet and is available in many colors, even some striped varieties. The name cosmos comes from the Greek word for an ordered universe. Apparently those Greeks were majorly impressed with the flower’s symmetrical petals.

Hibiscus
Hibiscus
This Asian and pacific native is the state flower of Hawaii and the national flower of Malaysia. Relatives are the rose-of-sharon, okra, cotton and hollyhock, among others. There are thousands of colors and the plant can reach 15 feet in height. For more info, see: trop-hibiscus.com/agnlinfo.html.

Marigold
Easy to grow and ever-cheerful, marigolds are another summer favorite. Marigolds like full sun, natch, and bloom into late fall. There are several cool varieties – African, French, Spanish Tarragon, Irish Lace – to name a few. They are also the wedding flower in India.

Sunflower
Native to North and South America, the sunflower turns to follow the sun (smart flowers!). Clearly, the bloom has plenty of vibrant color, but a lesser-known fact is that it has no fragrance. It’s the state flower of Kansas and the 3rd wedding anniversary flower.

Zinnia
One of the reasons I love zinnias is that they come in so many colors, including yellow, white, orange, purple and red. There are about 100 varieties of the flower. Zinnias are popular with gardeners and they’re a hit with butterflies, too. And the name? That’s in honor of 18th century German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn.

Btw, sunflower, zinnia, marigold and cosmos are all in the Asteraceae family as are daisies. For specific information about growing these flowers in your region, check the non-profit National Gardening Association: garden.org.  

Let me know what your favorite summer flowers are and I’ll send you a coupon for 10% off your next Teleflora bouquet.

Flower Fact of the Day: To learn how cosmos inspired an amateur (but extremely talented) gardener, visit livingstondaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080710/NEWS01/807100314.  
 

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July 15, 2008 | florist in the spotlight

40,000 bouquets, boundless joy: Get ready for Make Someone Smile Week

by Jacqueline


It’s not an anniversary.

It’s not An Official Holiday.

There's no b'day cake on the table.

It’s much simpler than that. Teleflora’s Make Someone Smile Week (July 20-26) celebrates just how terrific it is to give someone flowers and see that person smile. Easy, huh?

teleflora's be happy® bouquet, picture
 
And it’s not just one bouquet and one smile. Thousands of Teleflora florists in the United States and Canada participate. They work with their local wholesalers and growers to secure flower donations. Fresh, cheerful flowers arrive in TF’s keepsake Be Happy® Mugs.

About 40,000 recipients most in need of a smile – hospital patients, nursing home residents, children living in foster-care facilities – will get just that. Some of the recipients, who might not even get visitors, let alone flowers, are surprised, sometimes shocked, and they’re always touched by this joyful gesture.

“I’ve been a part of make Someone Smile Week since the project was started (in 2000),” says Bob Lloyd, owner of Washington Square Flower Shop washingtonsquareflowershop.com in Washington, PA, about 25 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. “It makes you feel good to see these people receive flowers for no reason at all. It’s just a fantastic thing.”

Next Wednesday, Bob and his helpers will deliver 140 arrangements to a local nursing home/independent living center. In addition to delivering the bouquets, it’s not uncommon for the Washington Square team to stop and talk with residents. “It’s not like we run in and run out,” says Bob, a 40-year veteran of the flower business.

His own boss for the last 20 years, Bob loves what he does. “We still make people happy. It’s about emotion.”

Bob’s absolutely right: Flowers connect us, whether we’re givers or senders, whether we’re sending a single floral bouquet or a bunch of bunches during Make Someone Smile Week. Who wouldn’t smile at the sight of these cheerful blooms?

Go on, Be Happy!
 

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July 15, 2008 | out and about

Organizing expert shares her secrets

by Jacqueline


Unless you're born with the place-for-everything gene, getting and staying organized can be a challenge. To get on the right track, divide your clear-out tasks into manageable chunks, then treat yourself to a bouquet of simple, stunning flowers. What better way to grace a clean and peaceful space?

I recently chatted with Los Angeles-based professional organizer Carol Keller, OrganizingExpertsla.com, who has a 5-step process for beating clutter. Here, she shares the basics of her approach.

1. Evaluate your situation. Look at your space and ask yourself what’s working, what’s not and what’s driving you nuts. Consider what roles your entire family plays in creating clutter. “Everybody’s situation is different and the reason behind it is very specific to that individual.”

Also, pinpoint whether your organization has faltered because of a life change, like a move or a new baby, or if you are chronically disorganized. If it’s the latter, don’t be hard on yourself. Think about how and why your clutter got out of control and why you have a high tolerance for it.

2. Figure out how you want each room to function. This can be a tough question to answer, especially for multi-function rooms such as a den or family room. But persevere and allow only those things that support the function to stay.



 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Sort and reduce. This is the hardest part, Carol says, because it takes the most time and often leads to feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. On the other hand, it can also be freeing. If you find it difficult, a professional organizer may be just what you need.

Carol recommends working in four-hour blocks of time for maximum efficiency. As she puts it: “Reward yourself at the end and come back the next day for another four hours. Maybe that’s where the flowers come in. Knowing that if you stick with it, in four hours, you’ll have flowers.”

4. Decide where the remaining items will live. Whether it’s clothes, CDs, toys, home-office supplies, old photos or whatever else you discover, the stuff that’s left after sorting has to go somewhere. Remember, you can keep only what you have room for, which may call for some tough decisions.

For items like old letters or nostalgic souvenirs that you won’t use on a daily basis, she suggests finding pretty storage containers, then putting them in spots where you can see and enjoy them, instead of letting boxes pile up in the back of a closet.

5. Maintenance. Once you’ve organized and enjoyed your fresh bouquet of summer flowers, commit to 15 minutes a day (or whatever regular time works for you) to pick up, straighten and stay clutter-free. Says Carol: “Clearing that path can clear your mind as well. You can relax, breathe and think.”

Flower Fact of the DaySpanish sailors once referred to the coast of California as "la tierra del fuego," the land of fire. But the flames they were talking about were from an abundance of bright orange poppies. Read more about the state's flower legacy in Scott LaFee's recent story in the San Diego Union-Tribune: signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080710/news_1c10flowers.html.  
 

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July 14, 2008 | out and about

Life lesson 101: Get organized, get flowers

by Jacqueline


Spring cleaning is a super concept, but it needs to be expanded. Clearing out old stuff (some would say junk) should take place every season, even every week.

And spending a few minutes every day de-cluttering your desk will make being organized much easier than if you let paperwork pile up. Having innate packrat tendencies myself, I know that’s much easier said than done.

But this tip helped me and it may help you: Use fresh flowers as motivation to clean up. Go on, treat yourself! Whether at home or work, who wants to cram a vase of gorgeous sunflowers or elegant, fragrant roses next to random piles of old magazines, crumpled envelopes and coffee-stained business cards?



 

 

 

 

 

No, there has to be space – the more, the better – to show off your lovely blooms. It’s just like exercise – hard to get started, but such a terrific feeling once you do. And just a few simple vases can completely transform a newly clean room into a tranquil haven.

So, pick a space to clear, get a trash bag, crank some music. Then if your energy flags, just keep thinking about how great your fresh flowers will look when you’re done. For more tips, I checked in with Los Angeles-based professional organizer Carol Keller, OrganizingExpertsla.com, who has a 5-step process for beating clutter. Check in tomorrow for her professional secrets.

Flower Fact of the Day: Express your summer style! Check out flower arranging tips from Paul Lowe, as featured recently on http://casasugar.com/1760089.
 

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July 11, 2008 | teleflora news

Make your day by making someone else’s

by Jacqueline


Here’s a tidbit to put you in a good mood for the weekend: A recent study found that happiness around the world is on the rise.

It was a surprising result for lead researcher Ronald Inglehart, a political scientist at the University of Michigan, who attributed the increase to economic growth, democratization and rising social tolerance. Read more at: livescience.com/health/080630-world-happiness.html.  

Personally, I think it’s the little things in life that make you happy – a glass of good wine, dinner at your favorite restaurant, a sunset that glows with the colors of the day, a friend who really gets you. And of course there’s no better feeling than making someone else’s day.

teleflora's be happy® bouquet, picture
 
That’s the whole idea behind Make Someone Smile Week, a Teleflora program running July 20-26. Thousands of Teleflora member florists across the United States and Canada deliver floral arrangements to those most in need of a smile – hospital patients, nursing home residents, children living in foster-care facilities.

Local florists work with their local wholesalers and growers to secure flower donations. Beautiful flowers arrive in the company’s keepsake Be Happy® Mugs.

My colleague Rich Salvaggio recalls delivering at a children’s hospital in LA. He noticed a 5-year-old boy who, despite the cheerful mugs and fresh flowers, wouldn’t smile. The boy explained: “I can’t smile. All my teeth fell out when I got treated for cancer. But I can grin.”

Moments like that make the program incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.

If you need a pick-me-up or know someone who does, take a leaf out of our florists’ book (pun intended!). Be Happy bouquets are a great way to give a boost.

Flower Fact of the Day: Black was back at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show – black plants, black stonework, black wicker chairs and more. Read the full report at: getreading.co.uk/lifestyle/home_and_garden.  

And read the BBC's take on the HCP Flower Show’s futuristic display of underground parking: bbc.co.uk/berkshire/content/articles/2008/07/10/hampton
_court_feature.shtml
.
 

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July 10, 2008 | floral trends

Flowers make Bazaar’s list of what’s in

by Jacqueline


This month’s issue of Harper’s Bazaar featured floral accents as a fashion “in.” Specifically, it suggested feminine petals for a finishing touch and highlighted a gold and floral necklace from Chanel.

Just between us, you can get a lot of floral bouquets for the price of the necklace ($1,565) pretty as it is.

What else made the list of in’s?

Thin belts around long coats/jackets

Embellished dresses featuring appliqués 

* Peasanty boho blouses

Over-the-top shoes with metallic extras

* Extra large bags in fall colors

To learn more and see what made the list of what's out, visit: harpersbazaar.com.  

Flower Fact of the Day: Learning about flowers can be overwhelming. Take it one step at a time with periodic quizzes from Casa Sugar, a stellar site. The latest Name That Flower quiz is at: http://casasugar.com/1763992.  
 

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July 09, 2008 | florist in the spotlight

European flair sets Sacramento florist apart

by Jacqueline


Besides a love of flowers, one thing florists have in common is being busy almost 24/7, even in the summer. Still, I’m on a mission to talk to as many as I can and I always enjoy it when I do.

I recently caught up with Claudia Fitzgerald of Fresh Cut Flowers in Sacramento (freshcutflorist.net, 1-800-488-5497/916-447-2001). Claudia has run this flower store for the last 10 years.

Here, she shares her insider’s insights.

Yellow lily 

Q: How did you become a florist?
A: By accident. I was looking to buy a gift shop and the place I found had extra room – it’s a huge space: 1,488 square feet. So I hired a floral designer who earned her master’s degree in Holland. Her name is Liezet Arnold and 6 ½ years ago she became my business partner.

Q: What distinguishes you from your competition?
A: Having that European sense of style really sets us apart. I attribute our success to having a Dutch master designer as a co-owner. It helps us stay ahead of the curve. It’s interesting – over there, you wouldn’t dream of going to someone’s home without a bouquet of flowers.

Also, the bulk of our flower inventory is out on display, bunched by color, where people can come in and see and smell the flowers.

Q: Who’s a typical customer?
A:
We’re downtown, across from the capitol, so lots of state clients, lobbyists. Also, hotels, restaurants, corporations. We do floral arrangements for the Hyatt Hotel here and we’ve been told that we’re the standard for all the Hyatts.

Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: I like the interaction with people and we have a perfect location.

Q: What surprises you?
A:
Last-minute requests. When people leave flower buying for a big event until the day before.

Q: What’s your favorite flower?
A:
I like almost all flowers but I’ve come to appreciate tuberose. It reminds me of Hawaii and it smells lovely.

Flower Fact of the Day: Two sisters from Louisiana successfully turned their passion for flowers into a business called Les Dames des Fleurs. Read their story and see their YouTube video at: theind.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2781&Itemid=1&ed=1033.  
 

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July 08, 2008 | out and about

Camilla’s carnation at Hampton Court Palace

by Jacqueline


You’ve probably heard of the Philadelphia Flower Show and London's Chelsea Flower Show, but how about the show at King Henry VIII’s former home?

The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show rhs.org.uk/hamptoncourt/2008/index.asp opens today and runs through July 13. More than 160,000 visitors are expected.

A medieval manor near the River Thames, southwest of London, the palace is a glorious setting for appreciating flowers, especially since it’s world famous for its gardens and huge maze (about one-third of an acre).

When Henry VIII died in 1547, he had more than 60 houses, but Hampton Court Palace was his favorite. The king spent more than £62,000 expanding Hampton Court, the equivalent of about £18 million today. Read more at: hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/HenryMagnificent.aspx.

Representing today’s royals, the Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla Parker Bowles) paid a visit to the show to open a marquee dedicated to the conservation of plants and gardens, according to the Daily Telegraph, telegraph.co.uk. Her husband Prince Charles is a longtime flower fan. While there, she received a pink carnation

The Duchess of Cornwall is given a Malmaison carnation at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
Getty Image/Daily Telegraph photo

Nice to see carnations getting their due, I say. They may not be the most glam flowers around, but they are troopers. They last about two weeks, making them a star of blossom longevity. Mind you, they share that title with the lesser known but equally durable blooms anthurium, statice and star of Bethlehem.

Some favorite summer flowers that will last at least a week, maybe two, are: chrysanthemum, Bells of Ireland, gladiolus, heather, liatrus, Asiatic and Oriental lilies, cymbidium and dendrobium orchids, Sweet William and tuberose.

Expect delphinium, gerbera, rose, snapdragon and zinnia – more summer faves – to last about 5-7 days.

Flower Fact of the Day: Tian'anmen Square's annual flower display is gearing up for its biggest year ever. After all, the Olympic Games are just a month away! Get more details at: cctv.com/program/cultureexpress/20080708/101660.shtml.  

And a teenager has discovered a new breed of tropical flower: news24.com/News24/Technology/News/0,,2-13-1443_2352890,00.html.  
 

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July 07, 2008 | flower facts

Bet you didn’t know: 5 fun facts about delphinium, aka larkspur

by Jacqueline


It’s always hard to get back in the groove after a long holiday weekend. If you feel sluggish this week, perk up with flowers. I particularly love delphinium, which is the birth flower for July.

It’s also known as larkspur, lark’s heel, lark’s claw and knight’s spur, but no matter what you call it, this gorgeous blossom will make any bouquet more beautiful. It’s also a favorite with English gardeners.

Delphinium Dreams
 
Here are five quick facts about the flower:

• The name comes from the Greek word “delphis,” meaning dolphin.

• It’s said to symbolize an open heart and ardent attachment.

It’s poisonous and should never be eaten or used in foods.

• Blossoms are typically blue or purple but can also be red, white, and yellow. They are also available in a range of sizes.

• To grow theses classic summer blooms in your garden, they need full sun, well drained soil and protection from high winds. They typically do not like hot dry weather. Get more info at: http://home.howstuffworks.com/delphinium-larkspur.htm. Another resource: garden.org/plantguide/?q=show&id=2046.  

Flower Fact of the Day: Have you seen Teleflora’s “Talking Flowers” TV commercials? Flowers come to life and illustrate the Teleflora difference: our bouquets are hand-arranged, hand-delivered and never shipped in a box. Check it out at: youtube.com/watch?v=ZBfw7OTO6a4&NR=1.
 

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July 03, 2008 | floral trends

8 easy ways to create festive floral looks

by Jacqueline


If it’s your turn to throw a party or host a BBQ, you’re in luck. Summer is the easiest time to entertain because it’s the most casual season.

I checked in with Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer, AIFD, PFCI, and she gave me some fast and fresh ideas for incorporating flowers into the party mix.

“Using flowers seasonally is always a treat,” says Carol. “There’s so much variety available and there are so many textures we don’t get to see the rest of the year.”

Sweet pea, sunflowers, larkspur, lilies, dianthus and delphinium are some of Carol’s favorites. She also points out that roses are typically less expensive in the summer.

Pale pink rose
Photo courtesy of the American Rose Society

Here’s how you can put those gorgeous blooms to use:

1) Herbal remedies. Spice up your flowers and floral arrangements with herbs. How cool! Mint is a great-looking foliage and the fragrance is wonderful. You can also use fresh oregano, basil and rosemary.

2) Vases from your fridge. Use empty beer bottles (rinsed out, of course; soak them to remove labels) to hold your flowers. Green or brown glass can be really pretty on a patio. Not a beer drinker? Not a problem. Just use drinking glasses from your kitchen cabinet “It’s so fun, festive and affordable,” says Carol.

3) Be square. If you’re looking for square vases, try Fiji water bottles, sans labels. Think how cute they’d look filled with colored water and topped with a daisy. Just a few stems will give you a festive look. Or try placing a dozen water bottles in a line down the center of your table.

4) Think outside the vase. Fill sea shells and beach pails with blooms to lend a relaxed vibe to your gathering. Additionally, terra cotta vases are excellent vessels and can be formal or informal, depending on which ones you choose. Because terra cotta is porous, it will need plastic lining. Or fit a glass vase or bottle within the jar.

5) Get your veggies. Carol likes to tap fruits and vegetables as a design element. Use your imagination, she says. And your kitchen knives! For example, hollow out some peppers or artichokes, put in fresh flowers and – ta da! – you have an arrangement. If you’ll be serving fruit salad, slice and scoop out the melon, then save the cantaloupes and honeydews to serve as impromptu flower holders.

6) Have fun with textures. Pick a few of the above-mentioned flowers and then add a summery, yet unexpected, accent. Carol suggests thistles (particularly echinops) and eryngium (think sea holly).

7) Be green. Just as green is the trend with weddings right now, it’s also the latest for parties and corporate events. Try buying locally grown flowers when possible – at farmers’ markets for instance. Many florists have access to locally grown flowers.

8) Tap your Teleflora florist. Your local florist can provide a range of flowers – from single stems to hand-tied bouquets that you can drop into containers to an all-out floral extravaganza. Remember that you can save money by bringing your own vases and containers for the florist to fill.

Thank you, Carol, these are terrific ideas.

Flower Fact of the Day: Lilacs were first sold in North American nurseries around 1800. (They’re native to East Asia and Southeast Europe.) The USDA recently introduced three new cultivars of lilac whose names – Betsy Ross, Old Glory and Declaration – honor their importance in U.S. history. Read the full report at: sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701121842.htm.  

On that note, have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
 

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July 02, 2008 | floral trends

Summertime and the living is easy! So is the entertaining ... when you invite flowers

by Jacqueline


Kids count the days till summer starts because then they’re FREE! You may not get the summer off, but there are still ways to revel in that feeling of liberation.

And that is great news for flower fans. How so? When it’s party time, of course.

“People tend to live more casually in the summer so you can take advantage of that and be more casual and more whimsical in your decorating,” explains Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer, AIFD, PFCI.

Laidback parties with simple fare like hot dogs and burgers served on a patio or porch don’t call for a formal, sophisticated look. “Now is the time to have fun and play around with color, texture and placement,” she says. “You can be simple, even silly – whatever takes your fancy – and still make a great impression on your guests.”

Patriotic Bouquet
People won’t expect you to haul out the fine china, so your silverware, plates, glassware and other decorations can be simple too.

That should be liberating in terms of trying out new color schemes. If you’ll be gathering outside, you can forget your home’s ordinary interior colors and try something new without a big investment.

Carol encourages people to experiment and don’t be afraid. Break out of the mold, people! Even if you don’t think of yourself as a “creative” person, making festive looks with flowers is easier than you think. A single daisy in a Coke can, for example, is a cute touch that takes seconds to put together. Or mix in a new flower that you’ve never used before.

The main thing is to have fun with it. That way, you’re setting the mood for your party before it even starts.

Carol points out that color is also important when it comes to summer flowers. And for Fourth of July, in an election year no less, there’s no better time to break out some red, white and blue florals.

RED, WHITE & BLUE FLOWER IDEAS
Teleflora offers a great selection of patriotic bouquets or you can make your own floral arrangements for your gathering. Bert Ford, owner of Ford Flower Company in Salem, N.H., offers this cool idea.

To spice up a red, white and blue celebration, have your flowers mimic the look of an exploding firecracker. Gather some cardboard tubes (5” or 10” diameter) and cover in red contact paper or paint them red.

Then pop in a small vase of white spider mums, silver mylar, and glitter-coated dried grass. (If you don’t have vases to fit, you can use plastic liner and floral foam.)

Depending on the size of your gathering, make them in a few different sizes and use wherever you need eye-catching accents.

Tomorrow: More ideas from Carol on entertaining with summer flowers.

Do you have a summer-flower decorating tip? Drop us a note and share it. C'mon! You know you want to. ;)

Flower Fact of the Day: Did you know that hostas make super cut flowers? Read all about it at: apartmenttherapy.com/ny/planttherapy/planttherapy-hostas-as-a-cut-flower-054766.
 

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July 02, 2008 | teleflora news

Flower Blog July Sweepstakes: Official Rules

by Jacqueline


Teleflora Flower Blog Sweepstakes (July)

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. SWEEPSTAKES BEGINS 12:00 AM PACIFIC STANDARD TIME (“PST”) ON JULY 2, 2008 AND ENDS AT 11:59 PM PST ON JULY 31, 2008.


1. ELIGIBILITY: Teleflora Flower Blog Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Winners of a sweepstakes by Sponsor within the six (6) months immediately prior to this Sweepstakes are not eligible. Employees of Sponsor and its parent and affiliate companies (collectively, “Promotion Parties”) as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Participation constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to these Official Rules and Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Sweepstakes. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein. Sponsor reserves the right to verify eligibility qualifications of the winners.

2. HOW TO ENTER: Visit the Teleflora Flower Blog located at http://www.teleflora.com/flowerblog/ and post a comment responsive to the Teleflora Flower Blog. Limit 1 entry per person/e-mail address/household for the duration of the Sweepstakes. Entries generated by script, macro or other automated or mechanical means are void. All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. Promotion Parties and all of their respective employees, officers, directors, shareholders and agents (collectively, "Released Parties") assume no responsibility for entries that are processed, reported, or transmitted late or incorrectly or are lost or misdirected for any reason whatsoever nor for any other error, problem or malfunction of any kind, whether computer, network, telephonic, technical, mechanical, human or otherwise, relating to or in connection with this Sweepstakes, including, without limitation, errors which may occur in connection with the administration of the Sweepstakes, processing of entries, notification of winners, announcement of the prize or in any Sweepstakes-related materials, or for the inability to access the website associated with the Sweepstakes.

3. PRIZES: One (1) winner will be randomly selected from among all eligible entries and shall receive a Teleflora Bouquet ARV: $50.00 to $100.00 (the “Prize”). Sponsor shall arrange to deliver the Prize to the winner within seven (7) to ten (10) days of when the winner accepts the Prize. The Prize (or any portion thereof) is non-transferable, non-negotiable and not redeemable for cash, credit or merchandise. No substitutions or cash redemption of the Prize is permitted except that Sponsor retains the right to substitute a prize of comparable or greater retail value. Additional restrictions may apply.

4. DRAWING: The potential winner will be selected in a random drawing held on or about August 1, 2008 from all eligible entries received. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. The potential winner will be notified by e-mail. Potential winner must respond within one week of notification or prize will be forfeited and another name drawn. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission for Sponsor and its designees to use each winner’s name, city, state, likeness, voice and biographical information for purposes of advertising, promotion and publicity in any and all media, now or hereafter devised without limitation and without additional notification or permission or compensation, unless prohibited by law. All information collected will be treated in a manner consistent with Sponsor’s privacy policy and the consent given at time of entry. The Sweepstakes is governed by the laws of the State of California, with venue in Los Angeles, California, and all claims must be resolved in the appropriate state and federal courts of Los Angeles, California.

5. GENERAL CONDITIONS: Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Sweepstakes, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Sweepstakes, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or any other promotion or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

6. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: Released Parties assume no responsibility for any injury or damage to entrants’ or to any other person's computer (including hardware or software) related to or resulting from participation in this Sweepstakes or downloading materials from or use of the website. By entering the Sweepstakes, all entrants agree to release and hold harmless Released Parties from any liability whatsoever for any claims, costs, injuries, liability, losses, actions, or damages of any kind (including, without limitation, related to personal injury, death, damage to property, infringement of proprietary rights, rights of publicity or privacy or defamation) arising out of or in connection with: (1) participation in the Sweepstakes or (2) acceptance, use or misuse of any prize (including any travel or activity related hereto), whether under a theory of contract, warranty, tort, (including negligence, whether active, passive, or imputed) strict liability, product liability, contribution, or any other theory. If for any reason this Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned, Sponsor in its sole discretion, may disqualify any individual, void entries and/or terminate, modify or suspend this Sweepstakes or any portion thereof. In the event the Sweepstakes is terminated, Sponsor may, at its discretion, conduct a random drawing to award the prize for the drawing at issue from among all eligible, non-suspect entries received for such drawing prior to such action. In the event of a dispute as to the identity of an online entrant, entrant will be deemed the "registered subscriber" of the e-mail account at issue and required to comply with these Official Rules.

7. WINNERS LIST: The winner’s name will be posted on the Teleflora Flower Blog.

8. SPONSOR: Teleflora LLC, 11444 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 210, Los Angeles, CA 90064. 
 

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July 02, 2008 | teleflora news

Flower Blog June Sweepstakes update

by Jacqueline


Thank you to all who entered the Flower Blog June Sweepstakes. I have drawn the winner's name at random and will make the announcement as soon as I hear back from the person selected. I wish I could send you all free bouquets – alas there is only one winner.

But don't give up hope: the Flower Blog July Sweepstakes starts today. I will keep running these on a monthly basis, so keep the comments coming. After all, comments are like flowers, you can never get enough! :)
 

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July 01, 2008 | floral horoscopes

Flower horoscopes for July

by Jacqueline


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
African violet
Because you are so talented, more projects could land on your desk. Be diplomatic and do what you can to help, but you may need to set some new boundaries. Call on your boss to back you up. The 6th and 26th will be special days.




   Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid
Orchid 
One of the secrets to being happy is being able to forgive. While it's tempting to hold a grudge, it also saps your energy. Focus on seeing the best in people and being grateful for the good things. When it comes to romance, life's too short to be shy. Go for it!  



   Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria
With vacation season in full swing, you may be drawn to the ocean, water sign that you are. Being a beachcomber will relax and rejuvenate you, perhaps in preparation for a major new creative project that you'll be involved in. You may even be leading the charge.




   Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip
Tulip 
Summer is a great time to get in shape. Keep your goals realistic, be patient and you'll get there. Whatever you do, don't give up. And bouquets of fresh flowers are great calorie-free treats to reward yourself when you're friends with your scale! 




   Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily
Lily 
You may find hear unexpectedly from an out-of-town relative who wants to get back in touch. Do it as long as there's not too much drama involved. Skip the tabloids and pick a classic novel to read this summer. The 19th will be a good day to make a purchase. 



   Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose
Rose 
Bored kids + hot sun = a stress fest! It may sound impossible, but the key to keeping your sanity while school's out is finding a little time for yourself. And don't succumb to the idea that you have to entertain your kids 24/7. Then, pat yourself on the back, you're doing a great job!



   Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium
Delphinium
Romance is all around us so if you want more of it in your life, just create it. How about a single rose by your bathtub or some dahlias on your nightstand? And don't let July go by without a picnic by the beach or under the stars. Meanwhile, a former rival will turn out to be a pal.



   Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower
Sunflower
A person you're close to may try to talk you out of a decision. Consider his/her comments but in the end trust yourself. Single Leos: If you can't be 101% yourself with a guy you've gotten to know, move on. There are lots of other fish in the sea. Married Leos: Choose your battles carefully. 



   Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy
Daisy 
Virgos like order and structure, but this is a good time to mix it up a little, sistah! Take a new route to work, join a meditation class, read a new author, try a cuisine you've never sampled before. If you are due for a checkup or screening this summer, don't put it off. 



   Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea
Hydrangea
That Chicken Little co-worker who drives you crazy? Cut him/her some slack. Work smart so you can get out of the office and enjoy a few summer nights. A mystery may unfold midmonth and you'll be tapping your Nancy Drew vibe to solve it. The 14th will be a lucky day.




  Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony
Peony
Beware of revealing too much personal info poolside or at the water cooler. And if you find yourself giving into jealousy, just say no! There may be some extra cash in your pocket at the end of the month. Listen to what your body is trying to tell you: more rest, perhaps?



   Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation
Carnation 
Make a point of slowing down and, yes, smelling the roses. Invest time and energy in your friendships. Your sense of humor and knack for witty banter will be an asset on the 12th. Pick one fear that you will conquer, starting this month. You can do it!




Flower Fact of the Day: Never one to lag behind fashion trends, Cameron Diaz chose a flower print for a night out in Los Angeles. See for yourself at: http://popsugar.com/1737039