august 2008

August 29, 2008 | out and about

Enjoying the fruits and flowers of your labor

Labor Day signals the end of summer -- good news if you relish crisp weather and autumn colors (be sure to check in next week for an update on fall trends), bad news if you're a summer soul who could live all year on the beach.

But a long weekend is great, no matter what month it is. If you're entertaining, remember that flowers add instant elegance to any gathering. And if you're a guest, flowers are a super way to show your appreciation for your host or hostess's hard work.

I spruced up my place with some yellow teddy sunflowers mixed with purple veronica as well as a simple vase of bright pink snapdragon. I also made a small bouquet of snapdragon and veronica for the bathroom and it's a really nice way to start the day. Maybe I'll put a vase on my nightstand as well to ensure sweet dreams. :)

Flower Facts of the Day: If your flower beds are looking a little tired, try adding some cabbage and kale. Get the details at: www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/lifestyles/1133012,5_5_
WA29_GARDEN_S1.article.

• The Monterey Bay Dahlia Society holds its annual show this weekend. For more info, visit mbdahlias.org.

• Flowers keep showing up as fashion choices of the famous. Sleek and uber-chic, Katie Holmes wore a bloom-inspired blouse on her way to a rehearsal in NYC. See it at: www.fadedyouthblog.com/45946/katies-flower-power.

• And did you know that 5,550 roses were presented to medalists at the Beijing Olympics? That's just one of the many facts highlighted in a post on Flower History on www.canpages.ca/blog/?p=251. The post has super pix so be sure to check it out.

Have a fantastic and flower-filled weekend, and I'll see you in September!

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August 29, 2008 | florist in the spotlight

Meet a growing floral family ...

by Jacqueline

Rich Dudley of The Bloomery Florist in Butler, PA, bloomery.com, recently wrote a smart and thoughtful post about being a florist and being part of the important times in people's lives.

As he put it: "We deliver flowers to celebrate births and birthdays, make a beautiful bride even more radiant, mark anniversaries, and even provide some solace when a loved one departs our world.

"The look on a bride's face when we show up with her bouquet, or the surprise arrival of an unexpected bouquet, makes a lot of hard work very worthwhile."

Bloomery Florist owners and their baby

Rich and his wife Kathy, who have run The Bloomery for 10 years, recently became parents.

At the time I ran his comments, I didn't have their family photo but now that I do, I wanted to share it with you because it's so cute.

To read Rich's earlier post, visit: teleflora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/For-a-florist,-marking-milestones,-sharing-surprises-are-all-in-a-day's-work.aspx.

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August 28, 2008 | flower facts

Flowers, memories and madeleine cookies

by Jacqueline

Not to get all Proustian on you, but it’s an inescapable fact that plants and gardens connect us with our personal histories.

Like the crumbs of a madeleine that inspired Marcel Proust’s masterpiece, “Remembrance of Things Past,” for many people flowers trigger strong memories.

Orchid

Several readers commented recently that summer blooms take them back to their childhoods or remind them of their mothers, grandmothers or other people they felt close to.

For me, there are lots of back-yard blossoms that rewind time: Lily of the valley, tulips, grape hyacinth (muscari) and tiger lilies. Also, Queen Anne’s lace, lilac and milkweed pods.

To explore this little corner of nature and emotion, I checked in with Stuart Fischoff, Ph.D., professor emeritus of psychology at California State University, Los Angeles, and senior editor of the Journal of Media Psychology, mediapsych.net.

Flowers’ fragrance is pivotal to the recall process, especially with intense emotional experiences.

“Our sense of smell is one of the most primitive senses of a human being. It has stronger potential to bring back vivid memories than most other senses," says Fischoff.

“But as human beings have evolved, we’ve discounted or discredited the information that smell provides. We eliminate bad smells and we recoil when animals smell each other.

“So when these memories come back [through scent] they come with a vividness that’s electrifying.”

A sight or smell may take us back to our earliest days. At about age 5, says Fischoff, our verbal memory kicks in; prior to that, memory functions in the visual and non-verbal realm.

Before we acquire language, taste, touch and sight are extremely powerful. But as we age, those sense-based memories are harder to access.

There’s also a distinction between familiar, frequently recalled memories, which we see through the lens of the present, and sudden flashbacks to long ago that startle us with their freshness and clarity.

Chance events can trigger non-conscious recollection (not to be confused with repressed memory a la Freud) as can wafts of a fading summer flower. “Sometimes they’re frightening and sometimes they’re beautiful,” Fischoff says.

In the case of flowers, my money’s on beautiful.

Flower Fact of the Day: If your camellia bushes have pale yellow leaves, they need a dose of fertilizer containing chelated iron. That’s the tip of the week from the National Gardening Association, nationalgarden.org. Another great resource for gardeners is New York Botanical Gardens’ home gardening online guide: nybg.org/hgc_online.

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August 27, 2008 | teleflora news

As election race heats up, bouquets get political

by Jacqueline

Flowers might not be in the spotlight at the Democratic National Convention, which runs through Thursday at Pepsi Center in Denver. But, when you’ve got Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton behind the podium, it’s hard for even the most dazzling blooms to take center stage.

That said, flowers still have a presence as politicians make history in the Mile High City. First, take a look nearly anywhere in the city and you’ll likely see a Denver daisy. There are thousands growing around town.

Mayor John Hickenlooper launched the citywide beautification program to help prepare for the convention, using a cultivated variety of Rudbeckia hirta flowers, native to the region and often called Black-Eyed Susan. For more info, visit: 9news.com/life/garden/article.aspx?storyid=97639.

Meanwhile, Maryland delegates to the DNC tapped the power of nature by holding their Tuesday lunch meeting at the Denver Botanic Gardens, botanicgardens.org. You can read the full story at: delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080826/NEWS01/80826073.

And, whether your party colors are blue or red, you can capture the excitement of the race by treating yourself or fellow supporters to a Teleflora Vote Blue or Vote Red floral bouquet. They’re also a fun gift for your debate-over-dinner partners or people who might need a reminder to vote.

Check them out at: teleflora.com/political-party-flower-bouquets.asp.

Vote Red floral bouquet

Flower Fact of the Day: Night blooming cereus appears only once a year, for about a week. “The tight buds start out small, then grow only to loosen their tentacle-like grip for just a few hours in a midsummer night display of rare beauty,” writes Nicole Barbano, in the Newport News, Va./Daily Press. Read the rest of her story at: dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--night-bloomingflo0827aug27,0,3181652.story.

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August 27, 2008 | teleflora news

Free flowers: Six days left to enter

by Jacqueline

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 August will be picked on or around Sept. 2. To see the official rules, visit teleflora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/Flower-Blog-August-Sweepstakes-Official-Rules.aspx.

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

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August 26, 2008 | out and about

San Francisco offers floral delight this fall

by Jacqueline

Looking for a flower-focused getaway this fall? Try San Francisco, especially if you’re an orchid lover. While the summer months there can be surprisingly chilly, this famed city by the bay warms up in September, October and early November.

The temperate climate means you’ll see flowers all over the place, but be sure to spend some time at the Conservatory of Flowers, conservatoryofflowers.org, which boasts nearly 2,000 plant species from more than 50 countries around the world.

Historical Photo/Courtesy of San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers

A national historic landmark, the conservatory is the oldest wood and glass greenhouse in North America; it was opened in 1879.

This gem of Golden Gate Park also houses the world’s largest public collection of high-altitude orchids (more than 700 of the 1,000 known species) as well as an important collection of endangered plant species.

The park “is a cultural and horticultural destination,” says Conservatory Director Brent Dennis, a landscape architect by training as well as an avid gardener and artist.

Photo by Kevin J. Frest/Courtesy of San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers

“You could easily spend a whole day there if you like museums and gardens,” he says, adding that the Dahlia Garden, Rose Garden, Fuchsia Garden and Shakespeare Garden are among the highlights.

With so many flowers to choose from, can he name a single favorite? “I really do love roses, the fragrance, the color range, the beauty of their shape.”

Runners-up would be flowering shrubs like lilacs, magnolia and dogwood, which he first encountered years ago on his grandparents’ farm.

So, back to that flower-powered itinerary. Brent, a Toledo native and OSU grad, suggests that nature lovers also visit Muir Woods redwood forest while in the SF area.

And further afield? In the US, his favorite gardens include the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, mobot.org; Chicago Botanical Garden, chicago-botanic.org; and Huntington Gardens, near Pasadena, huntington.org. In Europe, he likes the formal estate gardens in Italy as well as the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, kew.org, near London.

Flower Fact of the Day: Did you know that lily of the valley has a special connection to San Francisco? Find out what it is at: humanflowerproject.com/index.php/weblog/comments/lily_of_
the_valley_up_a_tree.

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August 25, 2008 | out and about

Underground in Bloom contest spurs Tubes full of flowers

by Jacqueline

Flowers bring out the best in people, plain and simple. Research shows that blooms improve our moods and help us manage stress. Happy and calm, we become just that little bit nicer to be around. Guess we want to share the beauty and tranquility of the blossoms.

That probably sounds corny, I know. But if you don't believe me, consider the following examples and I'll bet you a bouquet that you'll change your mind.

Flowers in a field

• In London, Underground transport system workers are proving that green thumbs aren't confined to country cottages. Nope, staffers of 45 stations and depots created gardens(!) amid the tunnels and platforms and trains that make up the Tube network. (The world's first underground railway, the system started in 1863.)
They're taking part in the Underground in Bloom competition, which awards a top prize of about $600. Categories include Best Overall Station, Best Hanging Baskets and Best Cultivated Garden; winners will be announced Sept. 9. To read more, visit: enfieldindependent.co.uk/news/localnews/3606904.Flower_power_
rules_on_the_Tube.

• A fellow blogger wrote about seeing Honor Flower Stands while on vacation in Long Island, dominomag.com/daily/blogs/germinatrix/2008/08/honor-flower-st.html. Here's the concept: flower growers fill stands with charming flowers, leave a jar or cashbox and trust that people will pay for what they take. Simple, huh?

• Not long after reading that, I learned from another blog twisstedswisster.com that Honor Flower Stands are common in Switzerland. As SwissMerica puts it: "The Swiss like flowers. Flowers are everywhere. The weekend market, the kiosk ... vending machines."

• Meanwhile, The Open Rose Florist in Santa Rosa, Fla., is giving away bouquets of roses for free! IF, that is, you keep one rose for yourself, and give the other 11 away in honor of Good Neighbor Day, Sept. 3. Get the full story at: srpressgazette.com/news/free_4679___article.html/
shop_nothing.html.

Flower Fact of the Day: Like late bloomers? Then you'll love the bright purple Karvy flower of Mumbai (Bombay), which blossoms only once every 8-10 years. Read more at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7580725.stm.

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August 22, 2008 | floral trends

Top 5 wedding flowers: Roses and ...

by Jacqueline

According to Brides.com, the most popular blooms with brides are:

Roses

Hydrangeas

Peonies

Gardenias

Sweet Peas

Pink rose

Photo courtesy of the American Rose Society

Those are all great flowers, though somehow I'm surprised calla lilies, orchids or amaryllis didn't make the list.

The site also offers a fun quiz to find your flower style, a handy guide of 44 blooms (complete with photos) that you might consider for your bouquet, and a tool that searches flowers by color, style and cost.

Check it out at: brides.com/weddingstyle/decorations/flowerfinder.

It’s a great place to get started, but nothing beats working with a talented florist. He/she can help you select flowers that reflect your personality and taste as a couple as well as the mood of your wedding. That’s often a tall order and online calculators don’t take into consideration the subtle nuances of who you are and what you want. Also, sometimes what you need help with is narrowing down the choices, not broadening them.

And a little snag with the search I mentioned was that several times it gave me: “No flowers matched your search. Select different categories.” My advice: Use those tools to educate yourself, then connect with your local Teleflora florist.

Do you have a favorite wedding flower or a question about choosing flowers for a wedding? If so, write in and I'll get you an answer.

Flower Fact of the Day: Nearly a million begonias as well as dahlias, grass and soil formed a carpet of flowers in Brussels’ Grand Place square last weekend. The event takes places every two years; this year’s pattern was inspired by a 17th century French carpet. To read the full story, go to: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20080815/ap_tr_ge/travel_brief
_belgium_flower_carpet and for visuals, visit: thefirstpost.co.uk/45149,features,brussels-in-bloom.

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August 21, 2008 | teleflora news

Teleflora’s Rich Salvaggio snags two awards in 10 days

by Jacqueline

When a prestigious group wants to surprise one of its members with a major award, it takes a carefully crafted strategy and lots of coordination to pull it off. No slips, no flubs and maybe a few fibs.

That was the case recently for Teleflora's Rich Salvaggio, who last month received the American Institute of Floral Designers' highest award: the AIFD Award of Distinguished Service. This commendation, held in Chicago, makes Rich a fellow and lifetime member. (To read more about the event and other award winners, visit aifd.org.)

But Rich went into the event thinking that, as the AIFD board had recently agreed, there would be no fellow named that year. He did a double-take when at the ceremony it became clear that a fellow would be named. Seven sentences into the introduction, it dawned on Rich that he was being honored.

Tom Simmons and Rich Salvaggio

AIFD outgoing president Tom Simmons (left) awards Rich Salvaggio the Institute's Award of Distinguished Service.

Overcome with emotion, his first thought was: "I have to go up there and say something smart," he laughs. "Of course, later I thought of 700 things I could've said that were brilliant."

Still, he managed to draw on his nearly 40 years in the floral business for some wisdom. "I talked about the importance of education and how important it is that when you go back home, you teach someone else what you learned. That's what makes the learning worthwhile, that you share the knowledge."

Rich is the AIFD's 27th fellow, many of whom joined him on stage. "These are the founding mothers and fathers of the industry and for education. They're floral icons. To think of all those icons and to all of a sudden be one, it's a great honor."

But the surprises weren't quite over. Less than 10 days later, Teleflora president Shawn Weidmann (who'd attended Rich's big night in Chicago) asked Rich to stay over one extra night at a Texas State Florists' Association event. The reason? Teleflora chairman Tom Butler would be receiving an award and a Teleflora representative needed to be on hand.

Rich agreed, suspecting nothing. When it turned out that Rich, in fact, had won organization's Lifetime Achievement Award, his head was spinning, yet again. "All I could think was, twice in 10 days, how could they have duped me a second time?!"

Flower Fact of the Day: The American Institute of Floral Designers was established in 1965 by a group of leading floral designers to promote the art of floral design as a professional career. Today, it is the floral industry's leading non-profit organization, with 1,200 members worldwide.

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August 20, 2008 | out and about

Flower power transforms a school garden

by Jacqueline

I made two terrific floral discoveries and wanted to share them with you.

First, this Chinese proverb: "A garden, where one may enter in and forget the whole world, cannot be made in a week, nor a month, nor a year; it must be planned for, waited for and loved into being."

I found this little nugget of insight on the web site for The Learning Garden at Venice High School in Venice, California: thelearninggarden.org.

Trumpet Vine

The Learning Garden, founded in 2001, is one of the country’s largest and most successful school gardens.

Previously, the 60,000-foot plot of land was filled with trash and weeds, and was a magnet for vandalism. But, thanks to the efforts of students, teachers, community organizations, benefactors and volunteers, today the garden is a magical place.

It boasts a California native plant and cacti garden, a large medicinal plant section, and a pond with a water garden and waterfall. Students grow organic food and take classes like tai chi and natural food cooking. Those who spend time there enjoy the visual beauty, relaxing atmosphere as well as the chance to connect with and learn about nature and the environment.

Julie Mann and David Crow founded the garden. The Garden Master is David King. Diane Pollock teaches the Horticulture Program at Venice High School. Students from Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine played a major role in developing the Chinese medicinal herb garden.

The Agape Spiritual Center helps out with work days and special projects at the garden. The UCLA Horticulture Department teaches its extension program at the Learning Garden. Students from Emperor’s College of Traditional Chinese Medicine contributed the herbal database.

Curious? Visit the garden's web site and take a virtual tour.

Flower Fact of the Day: Black-Eyed Susan is a plant that can take summer's sizzling temperatures. Betsy Jukofsky shares other flowers that can beat the heat at: islandpacket.com/lowcountrylife/story/579477.html.

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August 20, 2008 | teleflora news

Free flowers: 14 days left to enter

by Jacqueline

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August 19, 2008 | floral trends

5 secrets of flower arranging: Floating daisies, fun color, high drama and more

by Jacqueline

If the idea of flower arranging intimidates you or your schedule is packed, just keep it simple.

Here are some tips to get you started. Remember, most florists sell loose-cut flowers in addition to hand-arranged bouquets and, if you stop by your local Teleflora shop, you’ll get a chance to tap your florist's expertise about the blooms you buy.

Complementary colors create floral drama. Above, larkspur and callas share the spotlight.

• Get the proportion of flowers to vase right and the rest is simple. A bubble bowl or chunky cube calls for short-cut flowers, a tall slender vase should hold longer flowers, like gladiola or veronica. Typically, a vase should be about one-third of the floral arrangement’s total height, ie one-third vase and two-thirds flowers. For round/fat vases, though, the ratio should be closer to 50:50.

• Cut! If your flowers don’t sit right, you can always cut them shorter. But take one, hold up to the vase and eyeball a good height before you snip. That is a final decision, after all. :) But if you do make a mistake and end up cutting them too short, don’t worry, just pick a smaller vase. Always cut stems at an angle, change water daily and remove foliage below the water line to aid longevity.

• Here’s a quick way to dress up your place before a party. Cut large, wide flowers like daisies, sunflowers or rhododendron short and fill a low container(s) with water. The containers could be elegant glass bowls, simple Pyrex dishes, tea cups, etc., depending on your mood. Then just float the flowers in the water. Add a few votive candles around the flowers and you’re good to go.

• Choose a few different flowers all in the same color scheme, say cream-colored spray roses (about a dozen) and white stock (half a dozen). Roses go in first. Next, cut the stock stems slightly longer than the roses, and add in, starting from the center and working outward, basically, wherever you need to fill. Because they’re all the same color, you’ll have a terrific impact for not much money and two types of flower will create knock-out texture.

• That said, don’t be afraid to have fun with color, pairing orange and pink perhaps, or yellow and purple. Foliage is an economical way to add interest and texture. And here’s a secret: sometimes floral drama is super easy.

You can great a stunning look by putting a leggy flower like larkspur in a tall vase, then cutting some yellow roses, callas or lisianthus 4-6 inches shorter than the larkspur (so that the flower heads are just above the rim of the vase) and making a collar at the base. This takes 10 minutes, tops.

And the best part? Once you start doing it, you’ll get your own ideas and inspirations, and perhaps a signature floral look!

Flower Fact of the Day: Residents of West London’s Kensington Palace Gardens, aka “Billionaires’ Row,” are recruiting the stars of Chelsea Flower Show to design big-budget custom gardens, according to a recent story in the Daily Telegraph. Read more at: telegraph.co.uk/news/2571683/Billionaires-Row-residents-sign-up-stars-of-Chelsea-Flower-Show.html.

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August 18, 2008 | teleflora news

Working together to begin the end of cancer

by Jacqueline

Remember the saying “united we stand, divided we fall”? That’s especially true in the fight against cancer.

The belief that there will be an end to cancer is the foundation of the new partnership between Teleflora and Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), a new initiative to raise funds for ground-breaking cancer research.

Stand Up To Cancer was established by a group of media, entertainment and philanthropic leaders, including Katie Couric and Sherry Lansing, whose lives have all been affected by cancer.

Thanks to the efforts of SU2C, on September 5, 2008 (8 p.m. EDT and PDT) ABC, CBS and NBC will donate one hour of commercial-free airtime for a fundraising event aimed at rallying the public around this vital goal.

For its part, Teleflora has designated a Stand Up To Cancer bouquet and will donate 20% of the purchase price of every arrangement sold. Citrus-hued roses, alstroemeria, Asiatic lilies, Matsumoto asters, miniature gerberas and button spray chrysanthemums are hand-arranged in a glass cube vase and hand-delivered by a local Teleflora florist. The bouquet is available as standard or deluxe ($49.95 and $59.95, respectively).

If you choose to buy this bouquet, you’ll be giving hope in addition to lovely flowers.

“Through the gift of flowers, we can be part of the movement to help push cancer innovation forward,” said Shawn Weidmann, president, Teleflora. “We are proud to align ourselves with an organization that is bringing together the best and brightest scientific minds in cancer research and investing in their projects.”

Laura Ziskin, producer of the Sept. 5 broadcast and a cancer survivor, shared some sobering statistics. “Cancer claims one person every minute of every day in the United States. Every year in this country, it takes the lives of more than half a million people…worldwide, cancer kills more than six million people annually.

“We want everyone to know that they can make a difference in this fight and I want to thank Teleflora for providing another avenue for people to do so.”

For more information on Teleflora’s partnership with SU2C and how you can get involved, please visit teleflora.com/su2c.asp or call 310-966-8328.

Flower Fact of the Day: "We were that famed species -- summer house guests -- and were desperately seeking an offering to present to our hostess on arrival. What could be nicer than a fresh bouquet of country flowers?" Read all of Linda Brazill's story on a roadside flower stand in Wisconsin at madison.com/tct/entertainment/301164.

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August 15, 2008 | floral calendar

Calling all florists: Register now for the SAF Convention in Palm Beach

by Jacqueline

The Society of American Florists (SAF) holds its 124th annual convention with the opening-day session devoted to sustainability.

Other sessions will cover marketing, financial aspects of running a successful business, keeping digital information secure, packaging a business brand, and tips on business and personal technology.

In hands-on sessions, attendees can bring laptops and learn to set up their own blogs and social networking websites. There will also be a media-interview boot camp and a premier-products showcase.

When: Sept. 17-20
Where: Palm Beach, FLA
Contact: safnow.org/convention2008 or contact Laura Weaver at lweaver@safnow.org or 800-336-4743.

Flower Fact of the Day: Does your garden have the August blahs? Read how to remedy your flowers at canada.com/vancouversun/news/arts/story.html?id=af567daa-9acb-48b5-acdb-dac53ea00d4b.

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August 14, 2008 | floral trends

Flowers reign in Hollywood as Macy’s gets ready to party

by Jacqueline

Access Hollywood

Gearing up for its 150th birthday this October, Macy's has invited some A-list celebrities to help celebrate the big event. Another part of the festivities? Flowers, of course!

I love this flower-power photo of Christina Aguilera, complete with rich floral pattern and texture on her dress, that will appear on oversize ad displays at Macy's stores across the country. It's also a subtle play on one of the retailer's claims to fame: the Macy's Flower Shows in California stores, which date back to 1946.

Christina's image is one of a series shot by Rolling Stone photographer Mark Seliger. Who else posed? Oh, just Donald Trump, Martha Stewart, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. And, reportedly, Jessica Simpson shot a commercial for the store. To read more, go to: http://omg.yahoo.com/news/first-look-christina-aguilera-wishes-macys-happy-birthday/11397.

And, showing that you're never too young to start appreciating flowers, Violet Affleck looked like she was having a great time on a recent visit with mom Jennifer Garner at the Huntington Botanical Gardens near Pasadena, huntington.org. The full story can be found at: http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/08/12/violet-affleck-flower-power.

Flower Fact of the Day: Huntington Botanical Gardens span nearly 120 acres and feature about 15,000 kinds of plants from all over the world. First developed in 1903, the Huntington's theme gardens now include a Children's Garden, a Desert Garden and a Shakespeare Garden, among many others.

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August 14, 2008 | teleflora news

Free flowers for one lucky winner

by Jacqueline

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August 13, 2008 | florist in the spotlight

For a florist, marking milestones, sharing surprises are all in a day’s work

by Jacqueline

If you read my recent post on lavender or, more specifically, enjoyed the pictures, you can thank Rich Dudley of The Bloomery Florist in Butler, PA, bloomery.com, who supplied the crisp, colorful photos. (To read the lavender post, go to: teleflora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/A-flower-that's-a-true-multi-tasker-lavender.aspx.)

Rich and his wife Kathy are co-owners of The Bloomery, and Rich was kind enough to share his views on the diversity of flowers, being a part of the milestones in people's lives, and changes in the floral industry over the last 10 years. Florists almost always have a hectic schedule but, as new parents, Rich and Kathy are particularly busy right now so I really appreciate the input.

Florist Rich Dudley says being part of the important times in people's lives is the best part of his business.

Q. Why did you become a florist? How long have you been in the business?
A. Feb 1, 2008 marked our 10th anniversary in the business. My wife's family had started a flower shop several years before we began dating, so she had a little knowledge of the industry. We were interested in running our own business, and being a florist was appealing because flowers are so appealing. And, we wanted to be in a business that would have significance to people.

Q. What are the best and worst aspects?
A. The best aspect for me is being part of the most important times in people's lives. We deliver flowers to celebrate births and birthdays, make a beautiful bride even more radiant, mark anniversaries, and even provide some solace when a loved one departs our world. The look on a bride's face when we show up with her bouquet, or the surprise arrival of an unexpected bouquet, makes a lot of hard work very worthwhile.

The worst thing is that major family holidays are almost a total loss. Our daughter was born on February 16, so she's probably never going to have a big birthday party. We'll have to celebrate her half birthday in August (which is a better time of year in Pennsylvania, anyway). We're just too worn out by the time the holiday arrives; it's tough to feel festive.

Q.What do you love most about flowers? What's your favorite flower?
A. I love the diversity of colors and shapes. Flowers grow everywhere (except for the polar regions), and have adapted to an amazing variety of living conditions and ways to attract pollinators. Flowers are available in almost every color, in a tremendous variety of sizes. I love the macro lens of my camera which lets me capture fine details very clearly.

My personal favorite flower is the grape hyacinth (muscari), but I'm not really sure why. I'm in a war with some yard creature which keeps eating my bulbs. Dogwoods and lilacs would be close seconds. We didn't have lilacs in the south (where I grew up), so I'm still anxious for ours to bloom every year.

Q. Who was/is your biggest influence?
A. Top notch designers with strong businesses, such as the Rullodas and Avante Gardens, or BJ and Guenther at Bouquets. I'm inspired by their artistic ability as well as their business sense. Oberer's, Smith's of Midland and Royer's are other businesses I look to for examples of how to perform successfully.

Q. What surprises you?
A. Two things. I'm always surprised when someone is ungrateful they received flowers. It doesn't happen often, but always surprises me. Secondly is how significantly the floral industry has changed in 10 years, but how slow the majority of florists have adapted to the changes. I'm not sure how shops without a website and point of sale will stay in business in the next few years. Outstanding design skills aren't enough anymore.

Flower Fact of the Day: Ever curious about the behind-the-scenes work at a flower show? Planning and preparation is afoot for the Standard Fall Flower Show in Montgomery, Ala., an event that's still two months away. Read up at: montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080809/LIFESTYLE/808090349.

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August 12, 2008 | floral trends

Baby showers call for flowers, and not just pink and blue

by Jacqueline

A friend of mine told me yesterday that she’s throwing a baby shower for her brother and his wife, who know they’ll be having a boy this fall.

Naturally, I told her that flowers should be part of the plan. That’s because flowers make any gathering more special. Flowers and copious amounts of cake, of course.

Another party secret: Don’t hold it in a huge room. Why? No one mingles. You’re much better off in a smaller space because people who may not know each other get a better chance to meet, start talking and … well, you know the drill.

So, back to flowers. What to choose and how to display them depends on the theme or mood of the party. For example, if it will be an ultra-casual get-together in your back yard or patio, try filling baskets or little flower pots with blooms. Rather than perfectly matching containers, mix it up by choosing baskets and pots in a variety of sizes.

Hydrangeas in a vase

By sticking to one color, you can make an impact with fewer flowers. Shown above is white hydrangea.

On the other hand, for a more elegant affair, a variety of clear glass vases will do nicely. Again, matchy-matchy is out, so don’t worry if your vases are different shapes and sizes – actually that will look cutting edge and creative.

Shells, stones, lemons or limes at the bottom of the vases are a fresh way to anchor the arrangement.

Instead of pink flowers for a girl and blue blooms for a boy, how about all-purple, all-green, all-yellow or all-white flowers? It’s a great end-of-summer look. And if your budget is limited, by sticking to one color, you can make an impact with fewer flowers.

Personally, I’ll take any excuse to dot some white hydrangea around my place; just a few branches in a vase instantly take you from drab to dazzling.

As for the type of flower to choose, daisies are easy and fun. Spray roses are popular because they’re pretty and petite. Orchids are an excellent choice to lend instant sophistication.

Baby’s breath also springs to mind for a shower. If you want to go that route, don’t use it as a filler flower. You’re better off making it the star and using plenty of it, on its own.

Finally, if the shower will be at your home, don’t forget flowers for the kitchen. Just a few bunches of daisies will make all the difference.

You know people will congregate there and besides, as the hostess, you’ll spend a chunk of time preparing the food, so why not treat yourself to a little floral company? Read more on that front at: aboutflowers.com.

Flower Fact of the Day: The fragrance of Summersweet or Clethra alnifolia can permeate an entire garden. Its lustrous, dark green leaves turn golden yellow in the fall. As author Maggie Oster puts it: How could you not fall in love with a plant called summersweet? Read her entire list of Bloomin’ Summer Favorites at garden.org/regional/report/arch/inmygarden/2855.

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August 11, 2008 | floral calendar

Flower fest weekend in Upper Midwest’s largest public garden

by Jacqueline

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest and a premier northern arboretum, presents the 26th Annual Arboretum Flower and Garden Show, co-sponsored by the Federated Garden Clubs of Minnesota, and the Minneapolis Men’s Garden Club’s Food, Flower and Foto Show.

Amateur gardeners can submit entries in both shows.

The Minnesota Herb Society, the Daffodil Society of Minnesota and the Iris Society of Minnesota will host displays and bulb sales in McQuinn Great Hall, Oswald Visitor Center.

When: 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 16-17
Where: 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska MN (MacMillan Auditorium in Visitor Center)
Price: Free, with gate admission
Contact: 952-443-1400, arboretum.umn.edu/FlowerFest_Weekend.aspx

Flower Fact of the Day: Echinacea, recognized for its cold-fighting prowess, is also known as the "purple cone flower." Echinacea comes from the Greek word for hedgehog, probably referencing the plant's prickly bracts. Read more at: eveningsun.com/ci_10157248.

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August 07, 2008 | poems and quotes

Celebrating flowers in poems and prose

by Jacqueline

Flowers have inspired writers and visual artists for centuries. In honor of that, Flower Blog launches a new feature to celebrate blooms in poems, prose and famous quotations. If you're a flower fan who also loves to read, email me your favorite floral literary references and you'll get a coupon for 10% off your next Teleflora order.

And now, read on!

Bougainvillea

"Song Of The Flower"

By Khalil Gibran
1883-1931

I am a kind word uttered and repeated
By the voice of Nature;
I am a star fallen from the
Blue tent upon the green carpet.
I am the daughter of the elements
With whom Winter conceived;
To whom Spring gave birth; I was
Reared in the lap of Summer and I
Slept in the bed of Autumn.

At dawn I unite with the breeze
To announce the coming of light;
At eventide I join the birds
In bidding the light farewell.

The plains are decorated with
My beautiful colors, and the air
Is scented with my fragrance.

As I embrace Slumber the eyes of
Night watch over me, and as I
Awaken I stare at the sun, which is
The only eye of the day.

I drink dew for wine, and hearken to
The voices of the birds, and dance
To the rhythmic swaying of the grass.

I am the lover's gift; I am the wedding wreath;
I am the memory of a moment of happiness;
I am the last gift of the living to the dead;
I am a part of joy and a part of sorrow.

But I look up high to see only the light,
And never look down to see my shadow.
This is wisdom which man must learn.

Flower Fact of the Day: 1,000 gallons of water are required to keep 250 baskets of petunias looking good in Clinton, Utah. Find out who does the job and more at: http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700248151,00.html.

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August 06, 2008 | florist in the spotlight

Flowers with a difference and the inside scoop on planning wedding bouquets on a budget

by Jacqueline

Did you know that Teleflora flowers are unique in the floral industry? That's because of the Teleflora difference. It's not uncommon for our competitors to ship flowers in a box and leave you to find a vase and arrange them. But every Teleflora bouquet is hand-arranged and hand-delivered in a keepsake vase so all you have to do is enjoy your bouquet.

Teleflora also makes a difference by offering top-notch support for its member florists. I recently came across florist Heidi Richards' account of why she decided to end her relationship with FTD. In her view, FTD competes with local florists and doesn't appreciate her business. To hear it in Heidi's own words, visit: http://tulipstalk.wordpress.com/2008/08/01/one-less-wire-service-to-support.

Flower Fact of the Day: Did you know that an all-rose bridal bouquet tends to be about half the cost of bouquets using most other flowers? Get the tips from a florist on planning your wedding flowers at: http://atlantaflowerbar.blogspot.com/.

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August 05, 2008 | teleflora news

And the Flower Blog July Sweepstakes winner is ...

by Jacqueline

Sherry Hall has won the Flower Blog July Sweepstakes!

Says Sherry: "I never get flowers & absolutely LOVE them. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity to win them!"

Thank you to everyone who entered and I hope you'll enter the Flower Blog August Sweepstakes. (One winner per month is selected in a random drawing. To read the official rules, see: telefora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/Flower-Blog-August-Sweepstakes-Official-Rules.aspx.)

Research shows that flowers lift our moods and help banish stress. Why not surprise someone today with a beautiful floral bouquet?

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August 04, 2008 | teleflora news

Flower Blog August Sweepstakes: Official Rules

by Jacqueline

Teleflora Flower Blog Sweepstakes (August)

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. SWEEPSTAKES BEGINS 12:00 AM PACIFIC STANDARD TIME (“PST”) ON AUG. 4, 2008 AND ENDS AT 11:59 PM PST ON SEPT. 1, 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 Sept. 2, 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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August 04, 2008 | teleflora news

Flower Blog July sweepstakes update

by Jacqueline

Thank you to all who entered the Flower Blog July 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 August 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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August 01, 2008 | floral horoscopes

Flower horoscopes for August

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

Several new people enter your circle this month. There will be one in particular you hit it off with. This person will remind you of what a great sense of humor you have, especially when you share a wave length. An investment you made will start to pay off.

   Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid
Orchid
This will be a month of great ideas. At home, you'll see ways to streamline, at work you'll be a brilliant brainstormer. The key is not to rush into a solution. Instead, take your time and mull over all the options. The 12th and the 17th are good days to make purchases.

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

You may need to clear the air with a neighbor or colleague. Don't second-guess yourself, this isn't the first time you've been annoyed over the same issue. Single Pisces: Put yourself out there (maybe give online dating a try?). Married Pisces: Remember to go dates!

   Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip
Tulip
Don't save your goodies (china, say) just for holidays. Bring it out and put a new twist on your ordinary routine. In other words, it's easy to make every day special. Trust your intuition this month. The logic will become clear later on. Also, your patience with a relative will be rewarded.

   Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily
Lily
You may get an interesting invitation at the end of the month, but think twice before accepting. Don't dismiss a niggling health concern. Check it out and save yourself the stress. Go with the flow and you'll get an unexpected boost to your love life ... rock on, girl!

   Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose
Rose
You may get the chance to spend time with a close friend or relative who moved away. By all means, take it! It could require some effort (ie buying a plane ticket) on your part, but spending time with people who really get you is worth it. The 21st is a lucky day.

   Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium

News flash: It's OK to say no. I know this will shock all the people pleasers out there, but the world won't stop if you decline a request from time to time! Keep your cool if you're pulled into a bit of a drama mid-month. Resist the urge to confide too much in a co-worker.

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

There's something you've been talking about doing for several months, maybe even years. Now is the time for action. If you need help, ask and you will receive. Meanwhile, be sure to savor the rest of summer: outdoor concerts, picking flowers from your garden, a day at the beach.

   Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy
Daisy
Got your eye on a new guy? Why not send him some flowers? Teleflora's Zen line is a hit with men and women. And don't forget to treat yourself to a massage or just to a few hours of doing nothing. On the 8th and 9th you'll be feeling sassy!

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

Walk away from an offer that sounds too good to be true. After all, there's no such thing as a free lunch. A chance encounter will buoy your spirits all month. This is a good time to tap your natural creativity. The last week of August is a good time to hedge your bets.

Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony
Peony
Decide to do your part for the environment by changing one habit per month. For August, maybe it's remembering to bring a re-useable cloth bag to the grocery store and saying no to paper and plastic bags. A friend or relative will ask you to cut him/her some slack. Say OK.

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

Surprise a friend by offering to do a favor. Some babysitting perhaps? Tell your boyfriend/husband/best friend how much fun you have together. Don't let bad drivers or rude strangers get on your nerves. With all that positive energy you're sending out, this is bound to be a super month!

Flower Fact of the Day:There are 650 hectares of flower arrangements all over Moscow as part of the Moscow Flower Festival. This year's theme is family. Read more at: mnweekly.ru/local/20080731/55339926.html.