flower blog

If you’re a fan of The Wizard of Oz, you’ll want to know about some very cool happenings in honor of the movie’s 70th anniversary.

First, Sept. 29, Warner Home Video will release (on Blu-Ray™ and DVD) the 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition of the film, which has been beautifully re-mastered for today’s viewers.

Teleflora, in partnership with Warner, created a commemorative bouquet to celebrate this special occasion. It’s a great keepsake collectible and makes a terrific gift for any Oz devotee.

The Wizard of Oz bouquet is a hand-painted sculpture of the beloved characters, the Lion, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Dorothy and Toto on the yellow brick road. The arrangement holds a festive array of yellow flowers: chrysanthemums, roses and alstroemeria.

It’s available through a local Teleflora florist or online at teleflora for $64.95.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Entertainment has been celebrating the 70th anniversary The Wizard of Oz for the past year with a slate of festivities, culminating in a spectacular event at Tavern on the Green in New York City on Sept. 24.

I’ll be writing more about this enduring film classic and sharing more details about the festivities next month so be sure to stop by regularly to stay up to date.

Until then, have a great weekend!

Maybe they baked you cookies or read you bedtime stories. Maybe you both have a green thumb or are great with numbers. It’s hard to think of people in your life who are bigger champions of the wonderfulness of you! I’m talking about … grandparents!

Grandparents Day is Sunday, Sept. 13 and it’s a terrific time to let them know how much they mean to you. Of course, there are many ways to express your love and appreciation: a phone call, a card, a letter or a visit. If you’re also looking for a little gift to underscore your affection, consider this special Teleflora keepsake, designed by renowned artist Susan Winget, who draws inspiration from her life on a farm in North Carolina.

Susan Winget’s Songbird Bouquet

As Susan Winget puts it: "My grandparents always held a special place in my heart and it is a privilege to create art that will honor beloved grandparents throughout the world. Celebrating with flowers speaks to the simplest language of beauty and caring."

There are two versions of Susan’s ceramic planter: Susan Winget’s Songbird Bouquet features white roses, spray roses, delphiniums and button-spray mums; the Songbird Planter arrives with a yellow kalanchoe plant and a bird’s nest with eggs.

Susan Winget’s Songbird Planter

Once the flowers are gone, these keepsake containers can hold pens, keys or various plants.

Shawn Weidmann, president of Teleflora, says, "Anyone who recognizes the importance of family bonds will want to send one of Teleflora's new bouquets, reminding grandparents just how important and loved they are."

Stay tuned: Next week I’ll be running a Q&A with Susan about her life on the farm and her artistic inspiration.

... could stay right in your living room, especially if you decide to throw a Top Chef viewing party tonight. "Top Chef: Las Vegas" is tonight on Bravo at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The new chef-testants will take on Sin City to see they have the chops to get to the top! It's a perfect night or a potluck, appetizers and dessert, or, if you have more time, a full-on dinner party for your high-roller friends.

It's easy to add touches of Vegas with a deck of playing cards, dice or sequins dotted around your TV. And if you're the flamboyant type, tap your inner-showgirl and ask guests to come in full-on Vegas gear. For a slew of great ideas, visit: http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/b-hive.

Meanwhile, make your decorating a snap with one of our Top Chef bouquets. Who knows, you might get lucky and win our sweeps. First prize is a wine-and-dine weekend in NYC!  For more information, visit: teleflora.com/top-chef-bouquets/teleflora-bravo-top-chef-flowers-sweepstakes.asp. My favorite is the Kitchen Connoisseur Bouquet (below) but there are three terrific bouquets to choose from. Be sure to tune in tonight and see how the chef-testants fare!

Teleflora's Top Chef Kitchen Connoisseur Bouquet

Whenever I have a free moment, I love to flip through the pretty pages of Sally Page's book, The Flower Shop: A Year in the Life of a Country Flower Shop.

Besides the gorgeous flower pix, she also has a series of flower-shop secrets, which always inspire me to get creative with flowers over the weekend. Here's some that might inspire you:

* Before the summer gets away from us and your garden moves indoors, look for fresh ways to spice up your bouquets. If you're a foodie, try using mint, flowering oregano, bay, rosemary or thyme. Mmm. Or sort herbs into bunches, then wire them onto a light circular metal frame. Add a little ribbon and you've just made a kitchen wreath.

* If you're struggling to decide which flowers to choose for a gift, stick to one kind of flower or choose flowers all the same color. One combination that always looks good is to mix white and cream flowers together with interesting foliage.

Don't be afraid to cut your roses short.

* Roses: As a rule of thumb, the longer the stem, the fatter the head of the rose. So when you pay more or a long-stemmed rose, don't be afraid to cut it down if you want to. You're not wasting money by discarding the stem, your money has also been spent on the larger bloom.

* Standing a hurricane lamp in a wreath of flowers is a simple way to create a centerpiece. It looks good outside and doesn't need masses of flowers.

* Want a fragrant bouquet? Try hyacinths, freesia, stock, lilies or tuberose.

That's right. It's easy: Just post a comment on any blog post for the month of August.

You'll then be entered in a random drawing to win a free bouquet of flowers. You can keep 'em for yourself or surprise and delight someone you love, someone who makes you smile or someone you'd like to get to know better. The choice is yours but first you need to enter. So comment away and keep your fingers crossed. Good luck!

Calling all foodies: If you or someone you know likes food and flowers, we've got some exciting news.

Teleflora has three new bouquets inspired by Bravo's hit show "Top Chef" bravotv.com/top-chef and we're running a terrific sweepstakes! Grand prize is two tickets for a weekend in New York City where the winner and guest will have a gourmet meal prepared by a former Top Chef contestant and receive a signed cookbook, chef's hat and jacket.

There are also 10 first prizes: a gift pack that includes a Top Chef cookbook, apron and T-shirt. There is no purchase necessary to enter and the contest runs through the end of the year. For more information, visit: teleflora.com/top-chef-bouquets/teleflora-bravo-top-chef-flowers-sweepstakes.asp.

And don't forget: the new season of "Top Chef" starts on Wed. Aug. 19 so keep your eye out for these stunning bouquets as they receive their 15 minutes of fame!


Teleflora's Top Chef Kitchen Connoisseur Bouquet

Teleflora's Top Chef Culinary Classic Bouquet

Teleflora's Top Chef Citrus Bouquet

Living in France was a wonderful way for legendary chef Julia Child to indulge her love of food and flowers. With that in mind, I prepared this little quiz on French floral-related history and customs. See how much you know and then have something lovely to eat!

1. Decorating flowers with delicate beads has been popular in France for centuries. But it is thought to have started in another country. Is it:
A. Switzerland
B. Italy
C. Portugal
D. England

2. French tulips are known for their elegance. Why should you be careful when combining them (or any cut flower) with members of the narcissus family, such as daffodils?
A. Daffodils release sap that is harmful to other cut flowers so the daffs need to be “cleansed” by leaving them in water for 24 hours before combining with other blooms.
B. Daffodil pollen can be harmful to tulips.
C. Daffodils need to have water changed only once a week whereas tulips require a daily change.
D. Daffodils require shade and tulips don’t.

3. Paris is known for its flower markets. One of the most famous is in Place de la Madeleine, site of the classically inspired L’église de la Madeleine (Madeleine Church). Which arrondissement is that in?
A. 8th
B. 2nd
C. 9th
D. 10th


White flowers are often seen at French weddings. Is hydrangea a common choice?

4. The fleur-de-lis (a stylized lily) is a symbol of France, particularly French monarchs. With which city is it also associated?
A. Milan
B. Brussels
C. New Orleans
D. Florence

5. The acclaimed and hugely popular 1986 movie “Jean de Florette” (directed by Claude Berri, from the novel by Marcel Pagnol) is set in Provence. The character of Ugolin (Daniel Auteuil) plans to make money by selling which flower at the local market?
A. Roses
B. Daisies
C. Carnations
D. Sunflowers

6. Claude Monet (1840-1926) bought the land for his gardens (a flower garden and the Japanese-style water garden) in Giverny http://giverny.org/gardens in what year?
A. 1883
B. 1890
C. 1917
D. 1925

7. According to the Produce Marketing Association, France is the third-largest market for cut flowers in the European Union, and the fourth-largest EU importer of cut flowers and foliage. True or False?

8. In France, there is a tradition of guests bringing flowers to a wedding. In addition to roses, what is a popular floral choice of French brides?
A. Orchids
B. Hydrangea
C. Water lilies
D. Orange blossoms

ANSWERS

1. B. Italy, specifically Venice. The beads were often made of glass and were used in a variety of floral arrangements.
2. A. And, btw, tulips are thirsty flowers and need a daily water change, but all blooms benefit from having their water changed every 1-2 days.
3. A. The 8th arrondissement (administrative district).
4. D. Florence
5. C. Carnations
6. B. 1890
7. True. Major imports include roses (the most popular cut flower in France), tulips, orchids, chrysanthemums and carnations. The main suppliers are the Netherlands, followed by Italy and Spain.
8. D. Orange blossoms

After seeing all the flowers in the movie “Julie & Julia,” I had a feeling that Julia Child, perhaps the most famous American chef of the 20th century, must have been a flower fan. Turns out, there is a Julia Child rose! Fittingly, its color is a rich buttery yellow. For more info, visit: http://www.rose.org/2006-winner-julia-child.  

I also discovered a fun post about the movie on "Twirl and Taste," a blog by Libby Murphy, http://www.twirlandtaste.com/2009/08/terry-ford-remembers-his-friend-julia.html. She saw the film with a personal friend of Julia Child’s, Terry Ford, whom she describes as “a fascinating epicurean and culinary guru in his own right.” Libby recounts some of his fond memories of Julia that he shared with her over dinner.

And Libby kindly directed to me to a piece in Ladies Home Journal that includes Amy Adams’ and Meryl Streep’s favorite recipes from Child’s book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Amy Adams plumped for the Choux de Bruxelles a la Milanaise (Brussels Sprouts Browned with Cheese) and Meryl Streep picked Poulet Poele a l'Estragon (Casserole-Roasted Chicken with Tarragon). See the full recipes and more at: http://www.lhj.com/recipes/easy/chicken/meryl-streeps-amy-adams-julia-child-recipes. Bon appetit!

I’m currently reading My Life in France, by Child and Alex Prud’homme and remembering how, in Paris, gorgeous flowers seem to be everywhere you look.

So, with that in mind, tomorrow, I’ll post a short quiz on flowers in France.

Until then … au revoir !

So, over the weekend, we saw the hit movie “Julie & Julia” julieandjulia.com by writer/director Nora Ephron, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. Loved it!

Not only did it make us hungry and remind us of the French proverb: “A good meal must begin with hunger,” we couldn’t help but notice flowers, flowers and more flowers. Not that that was surprising. Flowers, like good food and wine, are a part of living well, cherishing simple pleasures and experiencing joie de vivre.

Ephron based the script on blogger Julie Powell’s 2005 book Julie & Julie: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen and My Life in France, by legendary chef Julia Child and Alex Prud’homme. What do a foodie scribe and a world-famous icon of the 20th century have in common? A bunch of recipes. Powell’s book was based on her blog in which she chronicled her progress in cooking every recipe from Child’s classic text, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

Ephron does an exquisite job of telling both women’s stories and highlighting the people who helped them identify and pursue their dreams.

Though some have seen Powell’s efforts as an attempt to piggyback on Child’s fame, the movie gives you the sense that the young novice’s motivation came from admiration for Child and a need for a creative outlet. (Streep plays Julia Child and Adams plays Julie Powell.)

Flowers, such as red roses, co-starred with delightful food in the movie "Julie & Julia."

OK, so back to the flowers. They pop up over and over again, and ranked right up there with the luscious sauces and decadent desserts on the eye-candy measure. For instance:

* the flowers at the market and at the train station in Paris; Julia holding a bouquet to give to her sister

* the white daisies, cream-colored roses and huge canopy of white flowers at Julia’s sister’s wedding; her orchid corsage and husband Paul’s carnation boutonnière

* flowers in every restaurant scene in France, from the lovely, lounging tulips to extravagant mixed bouquets; peach, yellow and orange seemed a common color scheme

* the alstromeria in a pitcher in Julie’s kitchen, the multi-colored (peach, yellow, pink) roses in the scene where Julie and her husband devour a cake, and the peach roses at her 30th b’day party

* red roses at one of Julia’s dinner parties

* the single peach-colored rose Julie uses as a simple centerpiece for one of her dinners; the red and white arrangement she carries up to their rooftop celebration

This is not a comprehensive list, but I think you get the idea. So if you’re at all into food, flowers or feisty women, treat yourself and go see “Julie & Julia.”

OK, time for lunch! ;)

You’ve probably played Charades or Twenty Questions but what about Wink Murder, The Minister’s Cat or Are You There Moriarty?

Theses are all Victorian parlor games. And given that Victorians were huge fans both of flowers and flower symbolism, it’s not surprising that some games had references to flowers. Snapdragon, popular on Christmas Eve, required players to pluck raisins out of brandy that had been set alight.

In The Flower Game, drawing a daisy from a mixed bouquet meant your future sweetheart would be an early riser.

Other games were both figurative and literal. In his book, Women of Flowers: A Tribute to Victorian Women Illustrators, author Jack Kramer shares the rules of The Flower Game.

Have a large bouquet ready; let each person draw from it a flower, and the meaning attached to it will typify the future consort’s character. For example, say your bouquet for spring consists of violets, hyacinths, primroses, daisies, hawthorn, daffodils, then the characters would be:

Violet: Modest
Hyacinth: Playful
Primrose: Simple
Daisy: An Early Riser
Hawthorn: Hopeful
Daffodil: Daring

Of course, the persons who draw the flowers are supposed to be ignorant of their meaning; or they may draw blindfolded.

In winter, this game may be played with painted flower cards; painting a pack would be a pleasant home amusement; or dried flowers gummed on cards would answer perfectly well. The players then draw a card instead of a flower.

From The Language of Flowers, Anonymous, Published by Frederick Warne & Co., Undated

In our 24/7 2.0 wired world it's refreshing to think about simpler, slower-paced times. Today I came across a great book, Women of Flowers: A Tribute to Women Illustrators by Jack Kramer. It tells the story of 30 women artists who contributed to the art and science of botany but were almost completely unrecognized in their time.

The reproduced illustrations are lovingly rendered works of art and the women's stories are highly compelling. For example, one the artists featured is naturalist Susan Fenimore Cooper (1813-1894), daughter of James Fenimore Cooper, author of The Last of the Mohicans.

According to Kramer, Susan traveled with her father and acted as his secretary, copying and arranging his notes. She also kept her own daily diary, which was later turned into a book called Rural Hours by a Lady.

Kramer describes it as "a rambling yet highly observant look at daily life in upstate New York in the 1850s, with long discussions about nature and accomplished drawings of the flowers, plants, and birds indigenous to that area. Unlike many sentimental flower books that were so popular in England at the time, Rural Hours was almost scientific in the descriptive details of the environment. At the same time, it afforded a fascinating look at the everyday life of the country woman in mid-nineteenth-century America."

Asters are a flower that naturalist Susan Fenimore Cooper encountered on her long walks in upstate New York.

He's right. It is a wonderful window into another time. Here's a sample from Rural Hours:

"Friday, 13th -- Delightful Day. Long walk in the woods. Found a few asters and golden-rods, silver-rods, and everlastings, scattered about. The flowers are becoming rare, and chary of their presence; still, so long as the green grass grows, they lie scattered about, one here, another there, it may be in the shady woods, or it may be in the flower-border; reminding one of those precious things which sweeten the field of life -- kindly feelings, holy thoughts, and just deeds -- which may be gleaned by those who earnestly seek them, even in the latest days of great pilgrimage."

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. To learn more about shopping with a zodiac slant, visit Teleflora's astrology section.

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

You may be over-thinking things this month. Instead of analyzing and pondering, just relax and remember that sometimes life should be easy. Once you give your mind a rest, you will have several flashes of brilliant inspiration. At work, you may need to make sure that a co-worker doesn’t feel left out or isolated. Keep your commitment to fitness and make the extra effort to run or do yoga. Romance will find you on the 22nd.



   Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid
 
Carve out some time this month to make sure you are on track to meet savings and retirement goals. Another necessary chore: updating and polishing your resume, regardless of whether you are job hunting. It's smart to have it ship-shape and ready to go. After you’re done, have a friend look it over and make sure you aren’t selling yourself short. If ever there’s a place to toot your own horn, this is it. Treat yourself on the 15th.




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

Take it easy for the first part of the month because you’ll need extra energy later on. That’s right: that once-in-a-lifetime adventure is right around the corner, one that may require a split-second decision to take a plunge. For married Pisces: pick your battles. For singletons: be patient and persevere, Mr./Ms. Right is out there somewhere. And don’t be a wall flower – get out on that dance floor! Be open-minded and non-judgmental the weekend of the 17th.





   Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip
 
This is the month to tap your inner-Joan Crawford (sans the Mommie Dearest part!). The supremely strong star was born March 23. Follow her example of hard work and holding your head high. Then treat yourself to a darling pair of ankle-strap shoes! At work, you’ll be recognized for the problem solver that you are. On the romance front, you will receive extra attention which in turn leads to surplus confidence. Hey, you’re delightful, what can you say?!




   Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily
 
You may experience some separation anxiety this month, a neighbor or roommate who is moving away or perhaps a child who is heading to college. :( Realize that your relationship is growing and evolving; you will get through this eventually and be stronger because of it. Meanwhile, though, you may need to ask your mate or a good friend for a little extra support. Good news on the financial front should come your way by the 12th.  





   Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose
 
You will turn heads this month with a chic new haircut or sassy outfit. A friend wants to help you with something or treat you to a pick-me-up. What are friends for, after all? A project you’ve been working on takes a serendipitous turn. Also this month, you will realize that skills you took for granted are in fact incredibly attractive to potential employers. Not everyone has your creativity and charm. You are in a good place.




   Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium

Life is short; smile at everyone you meet (who cares if they don’t smile back?) and tell your peeps you love ’em. Open your heart and mind to new experiences and you will be richly rewarded. And remember this good advice from Robert F. Kennedy: “You're happiest while you're making the greatest contribution.” That said, don’t forget about fun and romance. The 14th, 20th and 29th are great days to flirt!



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

You may be feeling a bit discouraged or overwhelmed about a work issue. Let your terrific sense of humor keep you grounded. You will be successful, even if takes longer than you’d like. Tension eases with a relative. If you owe someone a favor, there’s no time like the present! And if you need a day-brightener, just pop some flowers in vases. Enjoy summer blooms, like larkspur and gladiolus, in their summer glory.  



   Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy
 
Counting the days until your out-of-town girls’ weekend? Well, it has been a while. The one little snag is that since you’ll be seeing pals from a few different circles, you need to balance your time carefully in order to see everyone. That’s key because you’ll have lots to share about your exciting romantic situation! Oh, and be sure to bring your love interest a souvenir. :) Meanwhile, that creative project you’ve left on the back burner needs your attention. 



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

You may be involved in a high-stakes negotiation. Do your homework, choose your words very carefully, and don’t put anything on the table that you are not truly prepared to do. In other words, if push comes to shove and you say, “I’m outta here unless I get x,” you must be prepared for the worst, ie the other side to say, “OK, goodbye.” Better to remain assertive and outline a fair compromise than to threaten drastic action. The 8th and 18th will be lucky.



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

It’s all about love and romance this month for sexy Scorpio. Ooh la la! The weekend of the 22nd will be days of wine and roses or, for some of you, more wine and more roses! You’ve founded a deep connection with a special sweetie but there is a pesky absence-makes-the heart-grow-fonder vibe that you will eventually want to shake off. Still, there’s no rush to make any big decisions. Flirt, fly and have fun. Meanwhile, you might catch the eye of a rival suitor closer to home … One thing’s for sure: you’ll have that happy glow for days at a time!


   Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation
 
Say it loud, say it proud, this is the month to speak your mind! Be diplomatic and you will be heard. At home, ask for what you need and be sure to tell your loved ones how much you adore them. If you’ve been avoiding a confrontation at work, be aware that delaying action will likely make the situation worse. Choose a Sunday or three to have a lazy day – you deserve some downtime! On the 13th and 24th you will benefit from the power of positive thinking.


Flower Fact of the Day: Glads, the August birth flower and 40th wedding anniversary flower, get their name from “gladius,” the Latin word for sword. The name was inspired by the shape of the leaves. These flowers are not only lovely, they're long lasting.
 

Teleflora Flower Blog Sweepstakes (August)

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 AUG. 4, 2009 AND ENDS AT 11:59 PM PST ON AUG. 31, 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 Aug. 31, 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 July Sweepstakes. I have drawn the winner's name at random and will make the announcement as soon as I hear back from the person selected. I wish I could send you all free bouquets – alas there is only one winner.

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