Teleflora's Flower Blog - September 2008

A few weeks ago, I wrote about bringing flowers to a Friday night dinner party. For that night, I planned ahead, bought and arranged my flowers Thursday night, and delighted my hostess with a bouquet of lilies, celosia and spray mums. I love to arrange flowers!

Last Friday, I went to another dinner party, but didn't have time to buy and arrange ahead of time.

My solution: After the party, I jumped online and sent some fresh flowers, which took about 10 minutes tops. Also meant I didn't need to make an extra stop beforehand at a bakery, cheese store or wine shop, sorting through the plethora of choices, trying to guess what might be a good complement to the meal.

My friend who hosted Friday is a wine writer with impeccable taste so this is no small task. ... And you know that flowers fit in just about anywhere.

Turns out, I'm part of a trend.

"Flowers as hostess gifts are really popular now," says Tim Farrell of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, PA, farrellsflorist.com. "Not so much as a centerpiece but something fresh and fun that the hostess can pop on a kitchen island or elsewhere in the house. It's a great way to say thank you."

Farrell also notes that customers are having fun with citrus-toned accents well into the fall season. So, I kept that in mind when choosing the bouquet.

I'll keep you posted. Flowers are such a terrific surprise, I'm sure my friends will enjoy them.

Flower Fact of the Day: Chrysanthemums, pansies and violas are fall/winter favorite flowers. And the growing season isn't over. Read more at: http://www.ktka.com/news/2008/sep/29/gardening_tip_20_dont_
assume_ flower_growing_season.

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September 26, 2008 | floral trends

From frump to fab: How mums got trendy

Mums are underrated.

Yes, they lack the delicacy of an orchid and the heavenly fragrance of a rose. But with so many varieties to choose from, mums are experiencing a resurgence.

“Like the carnation, it became unpopular,” says Frances Trzuskowski, a botanist for Teleflora. “If it’s out of style, growers slow production. That’s true for any flower. But now mums have some very elegant looks.”

Pink Mum

More variation coming from South American growers means that these new types of mums offer a decidedly modern twist to bouquets. Button mums, for instance, offer bright bursts of color. The blend of sleek and spiky that comes from spider mums is anything but frumpy.

Staff at Edelweiss Flower Boutique in Santa Monica edelweissflower.com told me earlier this year that button mums and spider mums are especially popular among younger customers.

They’re also economically priced, long lasting, and available in almost any color you can imagine. Right now, hot colors are chartreuse and acid green.

Maribel Gonzalez, owner of The Park Florist in Plainfield, N.J., www.theparkflorist.com “most definitely” agrees that choices in the mum category have burgeoned over the last several years.

“They’re pretty funky,” she says of the electric hues. “But it’s more of an accent for us. Most customers stick with the more traditional colors.”

(Maribel’s business was recently profiled at: mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080926/BUSINESS/809260319/1022/rss07.)

Button, cushion, daisy, duet, spider, Fiji …To help you keep the terms straight, I found this terrific list from Yoder Brothers, Inc., a leading breeder of all types of mums: yoder.com/gardeners/chrysanthemum/spraymums/
spraymum_terms.aspx.

So if you’re entertaining this weekend, try adding a few mod mums to the mix to express your floral chic.

Flower Fact of the Day: Australia’s Floriade (Canberra), a flower and entertainment festival, inspired by Keukenhof in the Netherlands, keukenhof.nl/nm/english.html is in full swing. Learn more at: floriadeaustralia.com/floriade21/See.cfm.

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September 26, 2008 | teleflora news

Fall in love with free autumn flowers

Celebrate the season by entering Flower Blog's monthly bouquet sweepstakes. Make a comment on any post this month and you'll be automatically entered. The winner for September will be picked on or around Oct. 2. To see the official rules, visit telefora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/Flower-Blog-September-Sweepstakes-Official-Rules.aspx.

Good luck, flower fans!

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September 25, 2008 | flower facts

5 ways to recycle your flowers

In a tight economy, we’re all looking for ways to save a few pennies and get the most out of what we buy. Fresh flowers dress up any space and instantly make us feel good. (Kind of a no-brainer but research proves they boost our moods and help us deal with stress.)

Pretty and potent as they are, flowers have a practical side too. Here are five ways to get more out of your flowers, once you’ve enjoyed them in a vase.

From bloom to bow. A flower that’s a few days old and still fresh looking is an excellent addition to a gift. Wrap the box, add a ribbon and tie on a blossom, a large daisy or sunflower perhaps. Just one or two will do and it truly perks up a package.

Hydrangeas in a vase

Again and again. Hydrangea is one of many flowers that can be dried, stored and reused. Be sure to cover while in storage to protect from dust. For more details on how to preserve flowers, read Sonia Uyterhoeven, gardener for public education at the New York Botanical Garden: nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=9050082.

Sans stems. Rose petals look beautiful in a basket or bowl or loosely scattered among candles on a tabletop or perfume bottles on a bathroom shelf.

Be an A-lister. A colleague of mine used burgundy pansy petals to adorn her wedding invitations. It was a small wedding, but you could do the same for shower, birthday or anniversary parties.

Note it. Take a photo of your flowers, print it out and paste it in a notebook. Keep notes on what flowers were used, how many and how they worked in the arrangement. The more you design and record it, the more adept you’ll become. This is also a great tip for gardeners. Plan it out before you plant.

Flower Fact of the Day: Amaranth is a flower as well as a grain and weed. Read more about this plant at: http://ethnobotany.suite101.com/article.cfm/amaranth
_is_grain_flower_and_a_weed.

September 24, 2008 | floral trends

Red alert: A great fall neutral for flower fans

Sure, red is the color of roses and Valentines. But it also rocks for autumn arrangements. "Red is a great way to add a dash of bright color, whether it's a wreath or plant for your front porch or a floral arrangement for your table," says Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer AIFD, PFCI.

And if you’re giving a bouquet as a gift, red blends in well with many decors.

You could take the red theme even further, Carol says, recalling a memorable wedding she designed in NYC using red roses and dahlias. The reds were accented with leaves and bittersweet for texture as well as more roses and dahlias in burgundy and orange.

To translate that rich, romantic look to a dinner party at home, Carol suggests thinking of your dining area as a “tablescape” with several vases of loosely arranged flowers (say one of dahlias, two of roses), rather than one large, structured centerpiece.

And now the fun part: Fill in with votive candles, fruit, pumpkins, cabbage, leaves and/or petals loosely scattered (perhaps leaves and orange rose petals) along the table. Closer to the holidays, you could swap pine needles for the leaves.

Because of all the rich color that’s naturally available in the fall, this is a great time to create arrangements. Carol suggests using no more than 3 variations of flowers in the same color family (say orange roses, red callas and yellow lilies) and 2-3 types of foliage or other accent, such as berries, seed pods or wildflowers.

And of course you can never go wrong with different kinds of flower, all one color (burgundy hydrangea and burgundy roses, for example) or one type of flower in a few different colors (yellow, orange and brown mums perhaps).

To sum it up: One color OR one type.

Crunched for time? Your Teleflora florist can help out whatever the occasion. And Carol offers this quick and easy tip using real or artificial apples. Line a 20" by 14" basket with birch branches, cut into 3" pieces. Place the apples inside and sprinkle more birch on top. Voila!

Flower Fact of the Day: The colored part of the calla lily can bruise easily, so be careful when handling. And callas are thirsty so be sure to refresh their water frequently.

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September 23, 2008 | floral calendar

“Bella Italia” is the theme for 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show

About 250,000 are likely to visit the country’s largest flower show next spring. The show is inspired by the landscapes, gardens and culture of Italy or as Flower Show Designer Sam Lemheney puts it: “It’s about the allure of Italy, the artistry and the passion.”

When: March 1-8, 2009
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia
Price: $22 for adults/advance purchase
Contact: 215-988-8899, theflowershow.com

Flower Fact of the Day: Want sweet sleep? Try fresh roses. German researchers found that roses’ fragrance before bedtime led to more pleasant emotions in their research subjects’ dreams. Read more at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7628744.stm.

September 22, 2008 | floral trends

Top 5 fall flowers: Surprise a special guy

Over the weekend, three friends of mine, all men, told me that they’d love to get flowers as a gift. One’s a gardener so that wasn’t a shock. The other said he puts flowers on his desk the first day of starting a work project because the bouquet helps him focus. The third liked the novelty of it.

Whether birthday, anniversary or no reason at all (my favorite reason), you can be sure you’re giving a unique and memorable gift.

With that in mind, I’ve made a list of the top 5 fall flowers (because they’re in peak season, prices should be very reasonable) and checked it against the wedding anniversary list.

If you’ve sent flowers to men, I’d love to hear about the experience. Drop me a note and tell me about it.

Carnation
A classic fall flower that will look good for up to two weeks, carnations are stunning or their own or mixed with other blooms. Carnations are the flower for couples celebrating their 1st anniversary.

Sunflowers
Not ready for fall? Keep the summer vibe going with cheerful yet regal sunflowers. Long-lasting and easy to care for, these blooms symbolize loyalty. Sunflowers are the 3rd anniversary flower.

Hydrangea
I love the full, lush look of hydrangea, especially white. And in the language of flowers, they represent praise and appreciation. Hydrangeas are the 4th anniversary flower.

Callas
Callas are one of this fall’s most popular flowers. Their prices have fallen and they come in cool colors galore. Callas are the 6th anniversary flower.

Chrysanthemums
Long associated with abundance and loveliness, the chrysanthemum is also a symbol for fidelity. Chrysanthemums are the 13th anniversary flower.

Also great for men, but not specific to the fall season are:

Bird of Paradise
Sometimes called the Crane flower, the sleek, striking bloom radiates strength and vigor. BoP is the 9th wedding anniversary flower.

Orchids
Anyone with an eye for beauty will appreciate an orchid. Despite their high-maintenance reputation, orchids are robust and hardy. They’re the 14th anniversary flower.

Rose
The ultimate romance flower, your man will be impressed. After all, they’ve worked for famous couples ever since the days of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. They’re the 15th anniversary flower.

Daisy
Who doesn’t love a daisy? No man or woman I know. Perfect for a friend, boyfriend, husband, uncle, father, grandfather, cousin, boss, colleague … you get the idea. They’re the 5th anniversary flower.

Flower Fact of the Day: The tradition of picking a flower’s petals to determine if “he loves me” (or not) began in Victorian times using daisies.

September 19, 2008 | out and about

Gardens at Getty Villa let you travel back in time: Part Two

At the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, CA., you can get in touch with your inner aristocrat. These lovely surroundings, modeled after a 1st century Roman house, remind us of how a wealthy, well established family of that time would have escaped the hustle and bustle of the city.

Manicured and formal, the gardens were almost like outdoor rooms, echoing the symmetry and elegance of the house, says Professor Frank McDonough, botanical information consultant at the L.A. County Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Arcadia, arboretum.org.

Also key to their design: areas for private, even secretive, conversations. These spots would be walled off or separated from other areas with plants.

Romans loved flowers just as we do, though, of course, much has changed since then. For example, roses were grown not for ornament, but because their petals were used in ceremonies and cooking. And when mixed with water, they provided an early form of deodorant. "

Roses back then were ugly plants," explains McDonough, adding that the flowers were flat, wide open and bloomed infrequently. Still, petals were used so much that huge quantities of roses were imported from Bulgaria and Egypt.

So, if you have the chance, visit the Getty and its gardens. After all, carpe diem!

Getty Villa Gardens

Outer Peristyle
Photo: Richard Ross

The Outer Peristyle is the largest garden at the Getty Villa and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Plants favored by the ancient Romans, such as bay laurel, boxwood, myrtle, ivy and oleander, are planted around a spectacular 220-foot-long reflecting pool.

Note the bronze sculptures and replicas of statues found at the Villa dei Papiri.

Getty Villa Gardens

East Garden
Photo: Ellen Rosenbery

This walled sanctuary, with two sculptural fountains, is shaded by sycamore and laurel trees. Theatrical masks adorn the mosaic-and-shell fountain on the east wall, while sculpted bronze civet heads spout streams from the center fountain.

Peach-leaf bellflower, Serbian bellflower, blue chimney bellflower, bay laurel, mulberry and butcher’s broom grow here.

Flower Fact of the Day: Another must-see is the Getty’s Brentwood campus where renowned artist Robert Irwin created the central garden. The 134,000-square-foot design features a natural ravine, tree-lined walkway, bougainvillea arbors, a waterfall and a pool with a floating maze of azaleas.

September 18, 2008 | out and about

Gardens at Getty Villa let you travel back in time: Part One

Flowers have brief lives, but their history stretches back centuries.

And in Roman times, gardens were a status symbol in a competitive society. “They were there to impress,” says Professor Frank McDonough, botanical information consultant at the L.A. County Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Arcadia, arboretum.org. (Some things never change, right?)

He notes that the Romans used their gardens for exercise, relaxation, contemplation, conversation and learning. “Romans wanted a sense of control over their surroundings and gardens provided that. Once they felt in control, they had a sense of serenity. That’s still true with many gardens today.”

At the Getty Villa getty.edu in Pacific Palisades, CA., you can get an idea of how a patrician Roman might have enjoyed the flowers, trees and herbs of the era.

The Villa, which now serves as an educational center and museum, is a stunning re-creation of a 1st century Roman country house, modeled after the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, Italy.

According to the Getty Web site: “Gardens are integral to the setting of the Getty Villa, as they were in the ancient Roman home. Open spaces around the site feature bronze sculptures, fountains and lush plantings. … About 300 varieties of plant material are used in the landscaping of the Getty Villa.”

I visited the Getty recently and wanted to share the experience with fellow flower lovers. These images are used with special permission from the J. Paul Getty Trust.

Getty Villa Gardens

Inner Peristyle
Photo: Juergen Nogai and Julius Shulman

A peristyle is a covered walkway. Around a narrow reflecting pool sit replicas of finds from the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, including square marble basins and bronze statues.

Plants in this area include acanthus, boxwood, Serbian bellflower, foxglove, hellbore, English ivy, bay laurel and yew.

Getty Villa Gardens

Herb Garden
Photo: Juergen Nogai and Julius Shulman

A small pool of water lilies forms the centerpiece of this quiet spot.

The ancient Romans used plants and flowers in cooking, ceremonies and medicine. What grows here now? Wormwood, calamint, fig, fennel, lavender, apple, peppermint, English mint, horsemint, spearmint, catmint, olive, oregano, marjoram, stone pine, cherry, peach, pomegranate, pear, damask rose, rosemary, feverfew, thyme and grape.

Getty Villa Gardens

A view of the Herb Garden and the southwest facade of the villa.
Photo: Richard Ross

Stop by tomorrow to see more pix!

Flower Fact of the Day: The leaves of the lamb's ear plant are so soft that Romans used them as bandages.

September 17, 2008 | floral trends

What’s new with fall flowers? Fun color, rich texture, clean lines

Hayrides, harvest time, Halloween. Fall is a season that’s full of delight, particularly if you live in an area where the trees are changing color.

The rest of us will have to settle for mixing up the color in our vases and baskets of flowers.

“Customers are being more adventurous about color,” says Tim Farrell of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, PA, farrellsflorist.com. “Whereas the traditional fall palette is heavy on oranges, browns and golds, now people want something a little different. They like unexpected colors, like hot pink or lime green, as accents in fall bouquets.

“We’re also seeing a huge demand for rich hues like burgundy, dark blue and raspberry.”

Flowers in shades of blue and yellow work to transition an arrangement from summer to fall.

Also important, of course, is look and feel. As for the latter, leaves, berries and seed pods as well as wild flowers like solidago (goldenrod) and Queen Anne’s Lace are great ways to add texture to your fall flower decor.

And clean simple lines have come to the fore. As Tim puts it: “We’re moving away from very tight groups of flowers to something that looks more like it was just cut out of a field.”

When it comes to gifts, wreaths and plants are sure-fire ways for both giver and sender to feel festive. Also popular now as a hostess gift is a casual vase of flowers to pop on a kitchen island, rather than a formal centerpiece, as a special treat for the chef.

Mums, sunflowers and carnations are always good bets in autumn, but Tim says orchids and calla lilies are elegant, modern alternatives. And don’t be deceived by an orchid’s delicate look. In fact, it’s a strong and hardy bloom.

As for vases, Tim suggests looking for metal containers with interesting patinas, such as copper with a green patina or galvanized tin. Ceramic and stoneware are also good bets.

Flower Fact of the Day: Not up for buying a vase? Look in your cupboard. Bottles, champagne flutes, cups and bowls are fun, personal ways to display your floral creations.

September 17, 2008 | teleflora news

And the Flower Blog August Sweepstakes winner is ...

Rex Parsons has won the Flower Blog August Sweepstakes!

I'm a little late announcing the winner's name this time because I drew Rex's name after not hearing back from the first person chosen. Remember to check your email. Says Rex: "I'm looking forward to having fresh flowers in my place."

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

Need a great floral gift? Sunflowers are a great flower to transition from summer to fall and are bound to brighten the day.

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September 16, 2008 | florist in the spotlight

Pentagon community continues to heal and flowers are part of the process

by Blogger

This guest post comes courtesy of Paul Brockway, an owner of Conklyn's Florist conklyns.com in Virginia.

Last week marked the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. On that day, Conklyn's Florist in the Pentagon Concourse was open as usual. When sirens filled the air signaling an evacuation of the building, our staff rushed out of the building without any knowledge of the terrorist air attack on the opposite side of the building. General chaos ensued.

Eventually, the physically unscathed occupants of the building returned to work. But even after seven years, the mood of the building is not the same as it was before 9/11 and it may not ever be the same for anyone who was working that day.

Flowers at Pentagon memorial

It is now seven years later and the first of three national memorials pentagonmemorial.org is complete. Dedicated by President George W. Bush, the Pentagon memorial honors the 184 people who perished when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building.

When we volunteered to provide flowers for the ceremony, the initial response was that they could use a few small designs in front of a single podium on one side of the stage.

Frankly, I think the event planners were so overwhelmed with the details of this huge event that flowers were not on the radar. But big ceremonies, especially memorial ceremonies, need flowers as part of the healing process.

With a donation of flowers from Teleflora and hours of work by Conklyn's staff, we arrived at the memorial site with blooms to decorate the entire stage: impressive arrangements of white lilies, roses and carnations.

Flowers at Pentagon memorial

Working through the night, we gave the stage the beauty and comfort that only flowers can provide. As a final touch, we put a white rose bouquet just below the ceremonial bell used during the reading of the names of those who died.

The ceremony was broadcast around the world and featured speeches by President Bush, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

It was an honor and a pleasure to be able to contribute to this moving ceremony. As part of the Pentagon community, participating is part of the healing process for us too.

September 15, 2008 | floral calendar

Whether they’re exhibitors or campers, flower fans are a social bunch

2008 Flower Exhibition in Akron, Ohio

When: Sept. 19-20
Where: Cuyahoga Falls Library, 2015 Third St., Akron.
Contact: For more info, call 330-467-4788.

And Virginia-area flower lovers will want to consider Flower Camp, a 50-acre site on the James River, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Owners Nancy and John Hugo give weekend workshops on topics such as arranging flowers and keeping a nature journal.

The camp's in Howardsville, about 30 miles southwest of Charlottesville, Va. For more info, call 804-798-6364 or 804-339-2338 or visit flowercamp.org. To read about a recent weekend there, go to: projo.com/garden/content/lh_flowercamp_09-14-08_SRBCMJL_v12.4f984a3.html.

Flower Fact of the Day: Tree peonies can be a lovely and fragrant addition to your garden. Read more at http://scented-flower-gardens.suite101.com.

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September 12, 2008 | out and about

Flowers and food: A natural bond

Tonight I'm attending a dinner party so of course I'm bringing flowers for the hostess. There are so many fun fall shades to choose from. I've got rusty-orange lilies, yellow celosia and yellow-gold spray mums, accented with bright green leaves, sort of like the one below.

I don't know what the menu will be, but it got me thinking about flowers we can eat.

For centuries, cultures around the world have brightened their recipes by adding flowers. In Roman times, for example, roses were used for cooking and flavoring food. (Rose water was also put in fountains and baths to help people freshen up.)

Edible flowers include citrus blossom, clover, daisies, dandelions, hibiscus, honeysuckle, lavender, lilac, mums, nasturtium, pansies, roses, sunflowers and violets, among others.

That said, it is important to proceed with caution because several flowers, such as azaleas, buttercups, daffodils, delphinium and wisteria, just to name a few, are poisonous. Always check to make sure a flower is edible and, when in doubt, don’t eat it!

Follow recipes carefully or, if you are improvising, introduce these petals to your diet in small amounts so that you can gauge your body’s reaction. If you have allergies, you should proceed with extra caution; you may want to check with your doctor first. (Also, when dining out, don’t be afraid to ask if a flower used as a garnish is edible.)

A great place to start is with flowers from your own garden. That’s because you know how they have been grown and you can be confident that they are entirely free of pesticides and chemicals. Do not eat flowers unless you are sure that they have been grown without the use of these substances.

Pick your flowers at a cool time of day; morning is often best. Remove the pistils and stamen, and be sure to wash petals carefully. Also make sure there are no insects stuck inside your flowers.

For more information and recipes, visit Linda Stradley’s site: http://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFlowers/EdibleFlowersMain.htm.

Flower Fact of the Day: "It soothes headaches and aids sleep - now lavender has been shown to help cope with a trip to the dentist." Learn more at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7611862.stm.

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September 12, 2008 | teleflora news

Free flowers to welcome fall

September 11, 2008 | teleflora news

Salvaggio wins yet another industry honor

Teleflora's Rich Salvaggio, AIFD, AAF, recently won the Southern Retail Florist Association’s most prestigious award, the Harold Mills Distinguished Service Award.

Rich received the award Aug. 23 at SRFA’s 59th annual convention in Concord, NC. This was the third important honor Rich won in about six weeks.

In July, Rich received the American Institute of Floral Designers' highest award: the AIFD Award of Distinguished Service, which made Rich a fellow and lifetime member. (For the full report on that award, click on telefora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/Teleflora's-Salvaggio-snags-two-awards-in-10-days.aspx. To read more about the event and other award winners, visit aifd.org.)

Additionally, Rich won the Texas State Florists' Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Rich has worked untiringly on behalf of Southern Retail and exudes the same sincere dedication to our industry as the awards namesake, Harold Mills,” said Michael Gaddie, AIFD, president of Southern Retail.

The group recognized the contributions that Rich made not only to Southern Retail but also the entire floral industry.

AIFD outgoing president Tom Simmons, who gave Rich the Institute's award in July, agreed. "He has done so much for education and not just in the floral industry. What he brings to the table is a methodical way of thinking and a hands-on approach. He involves you in the learning process. You do your best and think for yourself so you get the most out of the training.

"It couldn't go to a better person."

Flower Fact of the Day: This month's RHS London Flower Show is moving east, from Westminster to the gardens at Inner Temple, which was the original venue for the Great Spring Show around the turn of the century. Read more at timesonline.co.uk.

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September 10, 2008 | floral trends

Don’t forget dahlias when it comes to fall flowers

The dahlia, a flower with blooming stamina, bridges the gap from summer to autumn. “Dahlias have been huge in early fall,” says Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer AIFD, PFCI. “They’re available in oranges, maroons, burgundies, reddish-golds.”

Larger dahlias are terrific in floral arrangements because they have a little heft and they’re not flat. So, you can make a great impact with just one or two, balanced by hydrangea, perhaps, just above the lip of the vase; with taller blooms like roses or lilies in the center of the bouquet.

That said, remember that a larger dahlia’s petals won’t be quite as precise as the smaller varieties. After all, there are more than 50,000 varieties, with great variation in size.

Photo courtesy of the American Dahlia Society

To keep them looking their best, put dahlias in a clean vase with lots of water.

If you put water and food in the vase, change it every two days. With just water, change it every day.

Dahlias usually last about five days.

Flower Fact of the Day: You know how I’m always talking about flowers pairing well with food? Well, you’ll see that principle in action on the Food Network tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Chef Michael Symon has his work cut out for him as he hosts Dinner: Impossible. In the Mother's Day Madness episode, Michael’s challenge is to create a picnic-style meal for 150 mothers and their families, about 500 people total.

The venue is the International Mother's Day Shrine in Grafton, West Virginia. Teleflora hosted the event to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Mother’s Day. Marie Ackerman, who runs Teleflora's Education Center in Oklahoma City, was on hand to help out.

If you miss it tonight, it airs again Sept. 20 and 21. For times, visit: foodnetwork.com/food/show_ie/episode/0,3151,FOOD_
28496_59321,00.html.

September 09, 2008 | floral trends

Berries and branches and leaves: Oh my!

One of top fall flower trends is finding unusual ways to incorporate texture into flower arrangements.

To do so, "berries, branches and leaves are at the top of the list," says Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer AIFD, PFCI. "In some areas, like New England, the color and climate change. In other areas, like the Southwest, the weather doesn't change as much so it's more about creating a feeling of fall with rich color and texture."

What's so cool about texturing your floral arrangements is that it's so easy. Carol likes using ilex or hypericum berries, bark, curly willow, birch, mosses, bamboo, lotus pods, dried okra, dried poppy pods, lamb's ear or "whatever is lying around."

She points out that natural gray makes a wonderful, and unexpected, neutral in bouquets. Super-soft lamb's ear lends a slivery gray to your color palette. Dried poppy pods are also a great source for interesting gray tones.

Another little-known option: Magnolia leaves are a rich, shiny green on the front; the back resembles textured brown suede, which gives them high marks for versatility.

And best of all, berries and branches and leaves easily lend themselves to cutting-edge floral design: more loosely structured bouquets and arrangements as opposed to the tightly packed look.

These are just a few of Carol's many terrific ideas and I look forward to sharing more in the next several days.

Flower Fact of the Day: Ever thought of using baby pineapple as a cut flower? Well, the creative folks at Apartment Therapy did. They combined this fruit that grows, flowerlike, from the ground with salmon-colored lisianthus and yellow freesia. Voila! Check it out at: apartmenttherapy.com/ny/planttherapy/planttherapy-baby-pineapple-as-a-cut-flower-061088.

September 08, 2008 | teleflora news

SU2C raises $100 million to fight cancer

When it comes to giving back, gifts come in many forms. Just ask the entertainers who donated their time and talent to a ground-breaking TV fundraising event Friday night on ABC, NBC and CBS. Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), a new group seeking to stop all forms of cancer, raised $100 million.

About 100 celebrities participated in the one-hour special, including cancer survivors Christina Applegate, Patrick Swayze, Sheryl Crowe and cyclist Lance Armstrong. Many other performers have had family members affected by cancer.

Vocalists included James Taylor, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood and Fergie. Also appearing were Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry, Jack Black and Keanu Reeves as well as news anchors Charles Gibson, Katie Couric and Brian Williams.

As for the political sphere, presidential nominees John McCain and Barack Obama did their part.

When you consider that 6 million people worldwide will die from cancer this year, it's clear that we need to band together and get tough on this disease.

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).

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.

September 05, 2008 | teleflora news

Tune in tonight for ground-breaking TV fundraiser

Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), a new initiative to raise funds for ground-breaking cancer research, takes a big step forward tonight (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.

Cancer kills more than six million people and the folks behind Stand Up To Cancer (media, entertainment and philanthropic leaders, including Katie Couric and Sherry Lansing) decided to do something about it.

Because Teleflora has partnered with SU2C, I am off to Hollywood's Kodak Theatre to see the roster of A-list entertainers who are donating their time and talent.

September 05, 2008 | teleflora news

Flowers capture Fashion Week spotlight

Charlotte Ronson, Nicole Richie, Dinner for Charlotte Ronson, Los Angeles

Charlotte Ronson and Nicole Richie in Los Angeles/ www.instyle.com photo

Spring runways were full of floral prints and the trend looks set to continue this fall, judging from the latest issues of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

But the true test will be fashion week, which started today in New York and runs through Sept. 12.

According to Samantha Critchell of the Associated Press: “A loose, beachy vibe infused the first collections for spring 2009, drawing inspiration from fantasies of far-off places. Tropical prints combined with an easy slouch to evoke less stressful times.” Read her fill report at: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jj12
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Well, research shows that flowers help us de-stress and I was excited to learn that Teleflora is providing flowers at a number of events and to several designers. I’ll be posting pix asap.

First on the list: ANOTHER magazine is holding a dinner party for A-list celebs at a Brooklyn loft this Saturday. Teleflora hand-delivered bouquets to Scarlett Johansson, Bjork and Kirsten Dunst, and is providing 32 floral arrangements for the party.

We’ll also provide 100 pink roses for the VIP gift bags at the Akiko Ogawa show. Akiko worked on top brands like Paul Smith, before launching her own label in 2001.

Additionally, Teleflora will give bouquets to the following designers after their show.

• Australian-born Michael Angel will make his American debut.

• Liz McClean's fluid, flowing lines have earned her scores of admirers, including Keri Russell, Maya Rudolph, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Julie Gilhart.

• Andy & Debb launched in Korea in 1999 to much acclaim and now operate 15 stores.

• DJ and designer Benjamin Cho’s cutting-edge looks have established him as a darling of the New York fashion world.

• Born in London and raised in New York, Charlotte Ronson’s unique creations can be found in NYC's hip Nolita neighborhood.

• Susan Cianciolo is a highly conceptual designer and has graced the pages of The New York Times and Vogue.

• Tony Cohen often looks to fading flowers for color and textural inspiration. He started his line in 2004 and his clothes are sold at high-end retailers like Harvey Nichols, Villa Moda, and Neiman Marcus.

Flower Fact of the Day: Twigs, branches and berries are showing up as accents in fall floral bouquets. Stop by next week when I'll be sharing more details on upcoming trends.

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September 04, 2008 | teleflora news

Planter bouquets: Pretty, practical, pleasing

My grandmother on my father's side was French and the two things I about remember most about her are big hugs and bigger meals. She spent many a Sunday happily cooking away, then serving delicious dinners like chicken fricassee.

This Sunday is Grandparents' Day and what better way to brighten a day than a gorgeous bouquet of flowers? I love Teleflora's Sweet Blossom Bouquet. This sunny assortment of yellow roses, yellow and white chrysanthemums, white and yellow alstroemeria accented with oregonia is bound to please.

But the best part is that the vase, which features hand-painted ceramic flowers inspired by Japanese watercolor, can be used as a planter after the flowers are gone.

That's the kind of prettiness and practicality that makes a perfect gift for Grandma or Grandpa.

Flower Fact of the Day: To the Japanese, the orderly unfolding of the chrysanthemum’s petals symbolizes perfection, and Confucius suggested using the flower, which is also a symbol for the sun, as an object of meditation. Each year, the Japanese hold a “Festival of Happiness” to honor this flower.

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September 04, 2008 | teleflora news

Flower Blog September Sweepstakes: Official Rules

Teleflora Flower Blog Sweepstakes (September)

OFFICIAL RULES

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

Flower Blog August sweepstakes update

Thank you to all who entered the Flower Blog August 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 September 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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September 03, 2008 | floral trends

This fall’s ‘it’ flower: Calla lilies

With their beauty, longevity and versatility, calla lilies are one of autumn's "in" blooms, florists say.

Or as Katharine Hepburn's character so famously uttered in "Stage Door" (1937): "The calla lilies are in bloom again. Such a strange flower, suitable to any occasion. I carried them on my wedding day, and now I place them here in memory of something that has died."

Many fall brides are also carrying them and enjoying their distinctive elegance. But why callas and why now?

"They're a great flower to cross over from one season to the next, from summer to fall to winter, because they're available in such a wide range of colors," says Tom Simmons, president of Three Bunch Palms Productions threebunchpalmsproductions.com in Palm Springs, CA.

Rich new hues like russet, grape and burgundy are particularly appealing for fall. Of course, you'll also see them in the more traditional tones of yellow, orange and cream.

Additionally, callas offer excellent longevity and, says Simmons, their prices have come down.

Tim Farrell of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, PA, farrellsflorist.com, says he too has seen an increase in demand. "Calla lilies are very popular for fall, especially weddings. There's so much to choose from."

The calla lily, also called lily of the Nile, may be popping up on trend alerts, but their classic features mean they transcend fleeting fads. Symbols of rebirth, they have long been a favorite with artists such as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and Georgia O'Keeffe, to name a few.

Meanwhile, for all you trivia buffs: In the comment box below, write the name of Katharine Hepburn's character in "Stage Door" and I'll send you a 10% off coupon for Teleflora flowers.

Flower Fact of the Day: Speaking of cool colors, check out the chocolate cherry sunflower pix on You Grow Girl: yougrowgirl.com.

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September 02, 2008 | floral horoscopes

Flower horoscopes for September