flower blog

Not good at choosing wine? No time to cook? Not patient standing in line?

Sometimes being a guest and picking the perfect hostess gift is easier said than done.

With hours to go before the holiday, flowers can come to your rescue. Both pretty and practical, a bouquet can brighten up any corner of a house. And with a zero calorie count, there's nothing for anyone to feel guilty about.

Etiquette rules say that of you're presenting to the host or hostess, you should have the flowers already in a vase. Why? With so many last-minute tasks to attend to, your host will probably not have to time to find a vase, recut stems and position the blooms.

That's where Teleflora comes in. All of our bouquets are hand-arranged and hand-delivered. So you look good and your host can actually meet and greet. Oh, and enjoy the flowers!

Flower Fact of the Day: Cabbage might not be the sexiest plant in town but it turned a few heads at the Auckland Flower Show where one of the most popular exhibits was a Cleopatra made completely of veggie materials. Check it out at: stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/4773691a22695.html.

Also, did you know that ornamental kale, a form of cabbage and a hallmark of many upscale flower bouquets, is edible? Learn more at: nj.com/homegarden/garden/index.ssf/2008/11/ornamental_kale
_brightens_wint.html.  
 

A few weeks ago I wrote about attending the Women's Conference 2008 in Long Beach, CA, where First Lady of California Maria Shriver gave a speech (about aging, finding real courage and becoming your authentic self) that had everyone on the verge of tears.

She also mentioned that part of her daily routine is to say Saint Theresa’s Prayer, which she'd read at Tim Russert's memorial service in June.

Because tomorrow is a day to give thanks and focus on the gifts that we have, I thought I'd share this with you.

Saint Theresa’s Prayer
May today there be Peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this Presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
 

There’s a lot to love about Thanksgiving.

Counting blessings. Not counting calories. Being with family and friends. The chance to decorate and create a look all your own.

No matter how you celebrate, you might be in need of some easy and elegant ways to use flowers this Thursday and beyond.

With that in mind, I turned to Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer, AIFD, PFCI, for help with creating festive floral decorations that adapt easily from one season to the next.

• If your budget is tight, stick with mums, carnations or stock. If you have a bit more to spend, tulips, amaryllis, orchids or calla lilies are terrific choices.

Whatever you choose, instead of one big centerpiece, cluster several smaller vases of simple flowers down the center of the table.

For Thanksgiving, try orange-tone calla lilies paired with burgundy hydrangea and red hypericum berries, accented with salal (see below). For Christmas or Hanukkah, try white mini callas with hypericum. Red tulips with lavender heather is a fun combination. Or what about hot pink roses and seeded eucalyptus?

• Bowls and baskets are easy ways to transition from fall to winter. Fill these containers with mini-pumpkins or gourds for Thursday. If you don’t want to buy a lot of produce, fill the containers with a base of sticks (no need to buy, just step outside) and place the pumpkins on top. Using the sticks as a bed will make it look like the whole thing is filled.

Then, next week, replace pumpkins with apples and/or pomegranates. Tuck in some evergreen sprays, pinecones or holly. Tie some shiny ribbon around to make it even more festive.

• Decorative birds, butterflies, ornaments and ceramic eggs also can top baskets and bowls. Accent with bud vases of a single flower or votive candles. A tapered square vase is a great way to make an impact because you don’t need a lot of flowers to fill it.

• Running out of space in the kitchen? If it’s above freezing in your garage, store your flowers there until you are ready to arrange them.

• Running out time? Contact your Teleflora florist today. He/she can help you select the perfect flowers to do your turkey proud!

Happy Thanksgiving.

Flower Fact of the Day: Do your outdoor flower boxes need a face-lift for the winter season? The Oregonian newspaper features some great tips at: http://blog.oregonlive.com/homesandgardens/2008/11/perk_up_
outdoor_flower_boxes.html.  
 

Today's post is from guest blogger Cindy Cragg, home stylist for WILLIAMSBURG®, williamsburgmarketplace.com, the lifestyle brand of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.



With Thanksgiving right around the corner, even in times of struggle it is important to acknowledge what we have to be thankful for. For most people in this country ”winterizing” consists of shutting the storm windows, flipping the switch on the central heat or, maybe, chopping wood.

What we do to prepare for the winter and the coming year bears little resemblance to the necessary labor that consumed our 18th century ancestors at the harvest time.

Imagine this. If you lived on a plantation in colonial Virginia your autumn days would have been spent getting your corn, wheat and tobacco fields harvested and plowed to sow next spring. You would have then carted your corn and wheat to town to be sold.

You would then gather peas and beans. Don’t forget to dig your potatoes, carrots, and turnips. You could make cider and brandy and take that to town to sell also. In the orchard you would do the final apple and grape picking and then plant for next year.

Finally, any repairs to be done on livestock shelters and fences would need to be completed before it got too cold. Oh, and did I mention cutting firewood on your free time? Tired yet?


Teleflora's WILLIAMSBURG bouquet www.teleflora.com/williamsburg.asp is a luxury of the modern age.

While things are not perfect in our world, we have made industrial advancements that allow most of us to spend this time of the year enjoying the company of family and friends. The biggest domestic decision many of us will make is whether to make the pie from scratch or pick one up at the market.

Whichever you choose, have a happy and hearty Thanksgiving!
 

Aaah, the holidays: family, friends, festivities, food and flowers. Ask any hostess: a bouquet of fresh, cheerful blooms is a quick and easy way to brighten any room in your house.

You'll get a chance to win free flowers 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 November will be picked in early December. To see the official rules, visit teleflora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/Flower-Blog-November-Sweepstakes-Official-Rules.aspx.  

Good luck.
 

The Las Vegas Chrysanthemum Society holds its annual all-chrysanthemum Flower Show.

When: 1-4 pm Nov. 22 and noon-4 pm Nov. 23
Where: Nevada Garden Club Center, 3333 W. Washington Ave.  
Price: Free; money on the sale of mums supports educational programs and exhibits
Contact: For more info or to enter your flowers, call 702-459-4633

Flower Fact of the Day: Thanks to Linn Mills of the Las Vegas Review Journal for the heads-up on the show. For tips on caring for and growing mums, read his full column at lvrj.com/living/34543399.html.

And to find out why the Japanese have long revered the mum, read Katherine Stephen's recent report in the Christian Science Monitor, http://features.csmonitor.com/gardening/2008/11/13/the-chrysanthemums-star-power.
 

When I checked for Thanksgiving airfares several weeks ago, I was shocked at how expensive they were. So I figured I'd wait until closer to the time and see what I could find. Unfortunately, the prices didn't drop.

But I still want to connect with my family next Thursday, which means the No. 1 item on today's to-do list is ordering a festive bouquet of flowers.

This bouquet has a cheerful charm that seems just right. And it reminds me to be grateful for the bounty of autumn. That and the great deal I got on my Christmas ticket. :)

Flower Fact of the Day: Lilies tend to bruise so handle them gently. Also note that pollen can create stains so be careful where you place your flowers or remove the anthers (the pollen-coated tips) with tissues before you display.
 

Sonnet 16
But wherefore do not you a mightier way
Make war upon this bloody tyrant, Time?
And fortify yourself in your decay
With means more blessed than my barren rhyme?
Now stand you on the top of happy hours,
And many maiden gardens yet unset
With virtuous wish would bear your living flowers,
Much liker than your painted counterfeit:
So should the lines of life that life repair,
Which this, Time's pencil, or my pupil pen,
Neither in inward worth nor outward fair,
Can make you live yourself in eyes of men.
To give away yourself keeps yourself still,
And you must live, drawn by your own sweet skill.


Sonnet 18
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date;
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance or nature's changing course untrimm'd;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade,
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st;
Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st:
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.
 

Yesterday I wrote the first installment of creating a special floral touch at birthday and anniversary parties.

Today I'm sharing some more.

As you read, remember these key tips: 1)Think about the person or people that you’ll be honoring and what theme, colors or mood best reflects their personalities. 2) Party planning may seem overwhelming, but you don’t need to do a lot to make an impact – it’s more important to get creative and have fun.

Yellow roses are one of two traditional flowers for the 50th wedding anniversary. The second flower? Iris.

Here are the rest of my suggestions.

• Use an ice ring with edible flowers for the punch bowl.

• Make a floral cake or cupcakes (made from flowers and floral foam) next to the real desserts.

• Want a groovy vibe for a 50th b’day party? Fill clear glass containers with 1.5 to 2 gallons of red, orange and lime JELL-O. While the mixture is still liquid, insert flower stems, leaving the petals just above the rim. Surround the containers with clear votive candles.

• For a big party: In addition to adorning the buffet area and individual tables, flowers look pretty next to the guest sign-in book and seating-assignment cards, perhaps blended with a collection of photos.

• Once you’ve had a bouquet of roses for a week or so, the petals will fall off easily, just shake the stems. Then you can dry them and fill containers to add a burst of bright color anywhere you desire. This can be done weeks in advance of your event.

• Unless it’s a surprise party, a lovely gesture is for the guest(s) of honor to write each guest a brief note, describing a treasured memory or fun time. Put the notes at the place setting or attach to the slip of paper indicating table number. Of course, this needs to be done in advance!

Flower Fact of the Day: Here's an entertaining tip from event planner and author Rena Sindi, as reported in November's Allure magazine. allure.com. "I mix purple hydrangeas with forest green hydrangeas for my parties." A top spot to hold parties? Swifty's in NYC.
 

As the holidays approach, many of us will relish the opportunity to decorate and make our homes festive. And I look forward to sharing flower décor tips in the upcoming weeks. But first, what about birthday and anniversary parties that call for a special touch?

This is the perfect time of year to make a statement with flowers and plants. Two key tips: 1)Think about the person or people that you’ll be honoring and what theme, colors or mood best reflects their personalities. 2) Party planning may seem overwhelming, but you don’t need to do a lot to make an impact – it’s more important to get creative and have fun.

Orchids are the traditional flower for the 14th wedding anniversary, but these are elegant enough for any occasion.

Here are some suggestions to get you started.

• If you know that the guest(s) of honor has a favorite flower, incorporate it into the invitations, then feature that flower in unexpected ways at the party – say filling martini glasses with individual blossoms.

• Use curly willow to make quick and easy arrangements. Use three or four branches in a low bowl or a cylinder filled halfway with small pieces of frosted glass.

• To add a little glitz, say for a silver or golden wedding anniversary, spray the willow (or other branch) with silver or gold paint and use floral glue to attach small crystals to branches.

• You could also hang crystals from the branches with ribbon. At the opening of the vase, add a “collar” of hydrangea or carnations.

• Or try filling a ceramic pot with curly willow and Algerian or English ivy overflowing at the base. Hang party favors from the branches.

Come back tomorrow for more party tips.

Flower Fact of the Day: Always give your party flowers a water source to keep them looking their best.
 

“It’s a celebration of the rose,” says Darlene Sanders, co-chair of next year’s World Rose Convention, http://www.worldrose-vancouver2009.com/ to be held June 18-24, in Vancouver at the Westin Bayshore Hotel.

It looks set to be a spectacular event.

For one thing, it’s the first time that the public can buy tickets to attend part of the show: the 3-day World Rose Festival http://www.worldrosefestival.com/ on June 19-21 at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre.



I recently spoke with Darlene to get more details about the show.

Q How did the show evolve?
A It evolved after the 1999 World Orchid Show when Dr. Wally Thomas, one of our suppliers, suggested we [Darlene and co-chair Brenda Viney] try the same thing with roses.

So in 2003, at the World Rose Convention in Glasgow we presented a successful bid for the 2009 show. [The convention takes places every three years; the 2006 show was in Osaka, Japan. There are 40 countries that belong to the World Rose Federation.]

Brenda and I both have our own businesses so we’ve hired an event planner to help us. And, primarily it’s a grass-roots thing, run by volunteers, through the Vancouver Rose Society, which is part of the Canadian Rose Society, an umbrella organization in Toronto.

What’s new for 2009 is that it will be open to the public as well as the usual delegates.

Q How many people do you expect?
A So far, about 300 delegates and as for the public, it will be a minimum of 15,000 people.

Q Wow. What can the public expect from the show?
A The public will have a very different idea of rose growing and what it is. And they’ll be floored by the sights, smells and beauty of it. Even the venue – with the setting over the ocean, it will be a very sensual setting.

We’re hoping to transfer our love of roses to the public. It is the world’s favorite flower and this has never been done before in North America.

Q What kinds of things can they look forward to?
A There will be lectures (including international speakers), demos, several major garden displays, an artisan's corner, a judged rose show, a marketplace selling all things roses and gardens. So it’s about entertainment, education and enjoyment.

We’re also promoting Earth-friendly gardening and exploring roses in various contexts and different ways they are used within a landscape – cottage gardens, patio gardens or container gardens as well as mixed displays where roses are growing amongst perennials.

Roses are the star of the show, but there is a supporting cast.

Q Why do you think the rose holds such universal appeal?
A It’s a combination of beauty and fragrance. And they’ve appealed to us for thousands of years – the Romans were bonkers about roses. They have such a long and romantic history. I especially love French roses, with their wonderful, flowing names, many of them named after counts and countesses, in beautiful pinks, mauves and whites. They’re extremely fragrant and very romantic.
 

Teleflora Flower Blog Sweepstakes (November)

Make a comment on any post this month and you'll be entered in a random drawing to win a free bouquet of flowers.

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. SWEEPSTAKES BEGINS 12:00 AM PACIFIC STANDARD TIME (“PST”) ON NOV.  6, 2008 AND ENDS AT 11:59 PM PST ON DEC. 5, 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 Dec. 5, 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. 
 

   Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet

A mystery may unfold mid-month and you'll need all your determination and analytical talent to solve it. Make a point of being grateful and looking for the positive. This will help you ride out any rough patches in a romantic relationship. At work, trust your gut.




   Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid
 
You may need to cut a friend or co-worker some slack. Toying with a funky take on Thanksgiving? You do have that visionary vibe so go ahead and indulge your fresh idea. Don't let the shaky economy stop you from exploring the job market. A friend will make a surprising announcement.




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

You'll be quite the social butterfly this month. Sweet! About that old friend who keeps popping into your thoughts... Reach out and see what she's up to. She may end up helping you in an unexpected way. At work, your creativity will be highlighted. The 10th and 15st will be lucky days.




   Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip
 
As the holiday season approaches and your schedule gets crunched, exercise time might get edged out. So don't drive when you can walk and consider getting up a little earlier for an AM workout. You will gain much clarity about a problem that seemed insurmountable. The 22nd will be full of romance.



   Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily
 
Remember that being extravagant once in a while is a good thing. You will need to rally the troops at work. Give them a pat on the back and they'll surpass your expectations. A lesson learned long ago comes to the fore. A child in your life may need extra attention. 




   Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose
 
This is a stellar month for you. Why? You'll be blessed with extra energy nearly every day and you'll receive a rare chance at the month's end. Take it! Extra money might also be on the horizon. A romantic relationship acquires extra depth and richness. On the 13th, listen to your heart and your head. 




   Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium

Looking to find the new you? It's entirely possible. Map it out on paper to come up with goals and a game plan. Don't doubt your inner power. There is a person in your life who can be particularly demanding. Brainstorm ways to set limits on his/her demands. Be sure to look on the bright side on the 23rd. 



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

One of your brilliant questions just might open a fascinating new door for you. Your love life looks set to take an exciting turn. On the 14th, you'll experience a wave of nostalgia. Curb your tendency to be a people-pleaser. At work, you'll have your hands extra full.




   Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy
 
You will have an overdue heart-to-heart and feel joyous for days afterward. This is a good time to mix up your winter wardrobe. You probably have lots of classic pieces so think about something glam, uber-hip or softly romantic. You might surprise yourself learning that these items can be practical as well as chic.




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

Something that you've been dreading turns out to be a piece of cake. Phew! A bit of flattery will help you handle a sticky situation at a family gathering. Take the lead re: your love life. Mix up your routine a bit by taking a new class (maybe yoga?) or changing your furniture around. Be sure to do your homework on the 18th.



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

If you have a birthday coming up, don't be shy about treating yourself. You'll be busy this month so just do your best and don't sweat the details. Resist the urge to assign blame to a co-worker. You may see an unusual development in your domestic life. Don't take an offhand remark the wrong way. It's meant as a compliment. 




   Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation
 
You might overhear an embarrassing confession. Tempting as it may be to repeat it, be discreet. You'll be glad later. A favor is repaid by midmonth. Keep your sense of humor if traveling for the holiday. Need a gift for an out-of-town hostess? You can't go wrong with flowers. For Thanksgiving deliveries, order by Nov. 20.


Flower Fact of the Day: Bostonians will have to do without a harbinger of spring. After 137 years, the flower show there is folding. Read more at: boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/11/01/after_137_years
_ne_flower_show_folds.