flower blog

Believe it or not, spring is right around the corner. Celebrate the season with free flowers by entering Flower Blog's monthly floral bouquet sweepstakes. Make a comment on any post this month and you'll be automatically entered.

The winner for February will be picked on or around March 6. To see the official rules, visit www.teleflora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/February-is-about-all-flowers%2c-here's-your-chance-to-win-a-bouquet.aspx.  

Good luck, flower fans!  
 

Today's post is from expert florist Tim Farrell of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, PA, www.farrellsflorist.com.  



Want your party to be an event that all of your guests will remember? Just add the right flowers. Your local florist can create beautiful bouquets to elaborate on a theme, complement any décor, or just add a fun-filled sense of creativity and beauty to an evening of fun and friends.

Want to transfer your space into a tropical paradise? Try adding just a few blooms to an carved wood vase. Stems of heliconia or anthurium are bright in color and unusual in form and you only need a few combined with one or two beautifully patterned leaves to create a dynamic arrangement. Pour a bit of sand and a few shells at the base of your design and you are all set for some Jimmy Buffet music!

You can easily create an Arabian Nights theme on your table by scattering multicolored silk scarves across your table and adding in an arrangement of intensely toned flowers. Look for velvety red roses (I personally recommend a variety called “Charlotte”) and pair them with purple lisianthus and orange Mokara orchids. The bold colors lend themselves to a feeling of opulence. Dim the lights and place about a dozen or so candles on the table and you have a setting fit for Rudolph Valentino.

Another fun party could be themed around the four seasons! You can accent one room with an arrangement consisting of sunflowers and lemons. Lay out many pairs of sunglasses and have guests wear them as long as they are in that room. In another room, scatter artificial fall leaves on a table and group different sized pumpkins around vases of orange lilies.

Have your guest sport Halloween masks as long as they are gathered in this place. Feature winter in a third room with vases of all white flowers like larkspur or stock, nestled these vases in mounds of ice cream salt…..it looks just like crushed ice….but no mess. Mittens are a must when you enter this room!

Lastly, group bunches of tulips, iris and daffodils in clay pots throughout your spring room. Fun old-fashioned Easter bonnets could be available for the women, and you can keep the guys happy with an assortment of baseball caps to celebrate the onset of spring training! Whatever your theme……your local florist will most likely be able to come up with a creative suggestion to make your party memorable.

 

Each year, one of the most important decisions at the Oscars is the color scheme for the impressive display of flowers that helps make the ceremony such a grand event. Between 70,000 and 80,000 blooms will be used and florists from all over the country are lending their talents to help pull it off. And this year’s winner is: red and yellow/gold.

Just as film is a visual medium with a universal language so is flower arranging. With that in mind, it’s particularly interesting to consider what those brilliant blooms will say to millions of viewers all over the world.

Red is the classic color for passion, which is a must-have for any filmmaker, actor or tech genius. Red roses especially make us think of drama with a capital D and the creative spirit of love. Remember, it is a red carpet! Additionally, the number of roses in a bouquet can also influence the flowers’ meaning. Oh, and those thorns … hmmm, I think I’ll let you figure that out from the tabloids.

As for yellow, any flower in that color sends a message of joy, friendship, affection and fun. In the Victorian era, a yellow bouquet meant jealousy. Just saying … after all, not everyone can win! And I know I’m jealous of the chance to stroll down that carpet.

 

 
Rich Salvaggio works with more than 20 florists from
around the country to make Oscar flowers picture perfect.

Any bets on which celebs will make flowers part of their ensembles at the Oscars on Sunday? My money's on Best Actress contender Anne Hathaway, who played the sister of a bride and the daughter of a florist in the movie "Rachel Getting Married." (The other nominees are Angelina Jolie, Melissa Leo, Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet.

From the Best Supporting actress list, I predict Amy Adams as the most likely to sport flower power. (She's competing with Penelope Cruz, Viola Davis, Taraji P. Henson and Marisa Tomei.)

Key to the beauty and excitement of the event are flowers. Lots and lots of flowers! Up to 80,000 stems will be on the red carpet, in the arrivals tent, at the artists’ entrance, dressing-room bouquets, VIP arrangements and elsewhere. This year's special blooms include roses, anthurium, ginger, gerbera daisies, Oriental lilies, alstroemeria, carnations and lots of greenery.

"It will have an architectural feeling, strong lines softened with greenery," says floral design expert Rich Salvaggio (shown above preparing for last year's ceremony). Rich coordinates the big event with Charisma Floats and Designs charismafloats.com and more than 20 floral designers from around the country. 

With gray skies and winter rain in LA recently, Rich is prepared to cover and uncover the flowers to allow for pre-shooting on Friday. Check Flower Blog on Friday to find out what color the Oscar flowers will be.

How does Rich keep his cool when juggling all these demands? "I stay 12 hours ahead. That way I'm ready for anything!" 
 

Today's post is from expert florist Tim Farrell of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, PA, http://www.farrellsflorist.com/.  



As we approach the beginning of spring, we begin to see the lineup of fundraisers pop up on the calendar. Usually themed events, socials provide a fun night out for guests, while at the same time raise much needed funds for various charities. The most popular themes in recent years are, hands down, “Red Carpet” events.

It seems like, in today’s casual world, everybody is looking for an excuse to get dressed up and you can really pull out all the stops for an Oscar Party.

Flowers are probably one of the most versatile elements used to lend glamour to any party. Endless combinations of colors and textures can be achieved with skillful and guided choices by your local florist.

If you are after a look reminiscent of old Hollywood, opulent arrays of beautiful orchids and roses in tall vases will fit the bill. Why not make your own red carpet of rose petals across a buffet table? Using rose petals to make a “table runner” is a beautiful addition to any table. And because roses are available in so many stunning shades, any décor can be complemented.

Callas (above) always look lovely at parties and and mini callas make stunning boutonnières.

Another retro trend that would be a fun party idea would be to have trays of beautiful blooms available for your guests to pin on or add into their hair. Gardenias are wonderfully fragrant and elegant to wear. Mini callas and dendrobium orchids make simple but stunning boutonnières. Even gladiola blooms picked off the stems are easily pinned and will certainly last the evening.

Whatever your event, make sure to include flowers as an important part of the planning process. Just the presence of beautiful arrangements at your fundraiser will lend to the success of the evening. There is an old adage which says “to be successful, you must look successful.” And flowers are the perfect place to start!
 

In Victorian days, flowers had an intricate language all their own. Every shade, each type of flower, even the number of stems held special significance and conveyed a specific message from the sender to the giver.

Today, we have less patience for decoding bouquets, but nevertheless you always make a statement when you send flowers, especially on Valentine's Day. And if you are sending one arrangement to your sweetheart, one to your best friend and one to a fave family member, you'll want to make sure that each expresses the perfect sentiment.

Orange roses are an unexpected way to convey desire.

Take roses, for instance. Each color has a different meaning. So if you are still deciding what to send, this info may help you make up your mind.

Red: OK, this one is easy. This is all-time classic color for lovers. When you send red roses, you are declaring some serious love.

White: Not surprisingly, this means innocence and purity.

Yellow: Fresh and breezy, it signifies fond friendship.

Pink: Gratitude, appreciation and admiration. Pink roses are ideal for good buddies.

Orange: A fresh take on red, this represents desire.

Purple: Love at first sight. Ooh la la!
 

Today's post is from expert florist Tim Farrell of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, PA, http://www.farrellsflorist.com/.



Oscar parties seem to be all the rage this time of year. Many of our clients are having their own night of glamour and dreams as they gather to watch the winners of the Academy Awards each year. In keeping with the true Hollywood feeling of opulence and luxury, flowers are becoming more and more important at these parties.

The most popular themes we are seeing are those requesting all white flowers. Some are even more specific: looking for Art Deco-inspired designs. To achieve this, we are coordinating sleek ceramic and metal containers with flowers such as callas, peonies and tuberose.

Other options include combinations of hybrid white lilies in varieties like Siberia or Casa Blanca. There are also some beautiful orchid sprays that also fit in nicely. White Phaleanopsis sprays are breathtaking by themselves in a vase.

More economical orchids include members of the dendrobium family … smaller flowers on stems usually about 12” to 18” in length. My personal favorite at the moment is a variety known as “Liberty”. It is a white bloom with chartreuse-green markings and is very stunning. One more simple but elegant look is that in which bunches of long slender French Tulips are casually placed in a tall vase and allowed to gracefully “fall as they may.”

Quite often, red becomes the dominant color for flowers at Oscar parties. Those choosing to go the red carpet route follow through with blooms in shades ranging from raspberry through burgundy. Red tulips, carnations, roses and alstromeria are the obvious choices.

But why not consider a few less predictable choices and impress your guests with flowers like amaryllis, ranunculus, anemones and gerbers. There are also some tropical flowers in vibrant reds that are quite eye catching. Try pairing red ginger with scarlet-colored anthuriums or ruby-colored heliconia.

One last tip: Why not have a single flower to present to each guest attending the party? Who wouldn’t feel like a star carrying a beautiful rose during the party?

Whatever your theme, make sure flowers play a starring role. Who knows ... you might even be nominated for “Best Host or Hostess.”
 

Teleflora Flower Blog Sweepstakes (February)

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 FEB. 7, 2009 AND ENDS AT 11:59 PM PST ON MARCH 5, 2009.

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 March 6, 2009 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. 
 

Thank you to all who entered the Flower Blog January 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 February 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! :)
 

Welcome back 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

There’s someone new in your life whom you find extremely interesting. Take it slowly and resist the urge to label or define the relationship. Enjoy each other’s company and really get to know each other before moving forward. At work, you may encounter some jealous sniping but don’t let it bother you. Keep your head down and continue to turn out stellar work.  



   Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid
 
You may find yourself thinking that you should’ve tried harder to make something work. Examine your actions and make a decision: Give it a solid second try or move on. What you shouldn’t do is worry and equivocate. Toward the end of the month, a guy friend may need a shoulder to cry on.




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

This month you’ll have an a-ha! moment as you identify a negative pattern in some of your romantic relationships. But this is good news because then you can redirect your energy and choose more placid partners in the future. A sibling or cousin may ask your advice; be conservative in what you offer. In need a special treat? Remember, flowers are proven to boost our moods.




   Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip
 
Are you saving clothes from 1998 or magazines from last summer? Get tough and clear them out. You’ll immediately feel like a burden has lifted. Around the 17th you may experience a significant surge in physical and mental energy. The child of a friend may need to confide in you.




   Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily
 
You may be faced with a situation in which you feel torn two ways. If this causes you angst, realize that it probably has great significance. Your great inner strength can and will guide you. At work, there is a need to forgive and forget. An offbeat experience the week of the 23rd will trigger a long-forgotten memory that brings you much joy.




   Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose
 
If you are a supervisor at work, remember to praise your people in front of the whole team. A fundraising or charity momentum could give you the chance to meet some interesting new people and expand your circle. A friend wants to treat you on the weekend of the 20th. Say yes!




   Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium

Around the 12th, a small breakdown in communications requires you to play peacemaker. Again, you ask? Well, your natural sensitivity and intelligence just happen to be in hot demand. The end of the month is a good time to take a calculated risk. Remember that from solving small problems can come major insight.



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

A chore that you’ve been dreading turns out to be pretty simple. Though you may be feeling burned out, you are poised for major success at work. After that, you may want to consider a short vacation. Like attracts like so make a point of sending out positive vibes, especially midmonth.




   Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy
 
You may need to make a deposit in the favor bank this month. Be generous because next time it may be you who needs to withdraw a favor. A deadline may get tightened so try to get ahead with your work. Like that’s hard for Ms. Organization! Then treat yourself to a massage or pedicure. You’ll be lucky on the 9th and 19th.



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

This is a perfect time for a splurge in the wardrobe department. You may have an especially exciting and romantic Valentine’s Day. Hey, it’s part of a three-day weekend! If you want to get in shape for spring, start now. Oh, and it’s time to give up that grudge you’ve been holding. Good things come to those who wait.



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

Getting your life in balance suddenly seems very do-able. A person with enormous magnetism wants to be your friend. Start slowly and see what happens. Your ability to keep a secret will come in handy, especially if you happen to work in a well, chatty, office. And a friend outside work may need you to help polish his/her resume.



   Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation
 
At work, you may need to strike a balance between impressing your client and being realistic. This is a perfect time to join a gym or start that yoga class you’ve been thinking about. A persistent problem may be solved simply by mapping it out on paper and listing the pros and cons.


Flower Fact of the Day: The Victorians called the language of flowers “floriography.” The Japanese call it Hanakotoba.