Acanthus (bear’s-breech)
Broad, deeply lobed,
glossy evergreen leaves as much as 2 feet long make acanthus a stately
foliage plant. Its dense, cylindrical spikes of tubular flowers unfold
atop 3- to 4-foot stalks. Bear’s-breech is a very popular addition to
gift arrangements when people send flowers Hillside to others.
Selected species and varieties: A. mollis (soft-leaved acanthus)-white or purple flowers above lustrous, wavy, heart-shaped leaves; A. mollis 'Latifolius' is hardier and more robust than the species, with larger leaves and mauve to pink flowers. A. spinosus (spiny bear's-breech)-arching, deeply cut, spiky leaves and rose to mauve flowers.
Growing conditions and maintenance: Plant
acanthus 3 feet apart. Propagate from seed or by division every 4 to 5
years. Acanthus is difficult to relocate, as fleshy root pieces
inadvertently left behind quickly produce new plants at the original
site.
What can you do with those faded blooms?
First of all, don’t throw them away. At the very least, cut them up and add them to the compost pile. Semi-fresh or partially faded flowers, depending on how you look at them, also have a second life in crafts and as edible flowers. Just remember, if you’re planning to use them in food, make sure they are truly edible and free of chemicals.
- Dry flowers and petals for use in sachets, wreaths, and aromatherapy projects.
- Bake edible flowers such as roses and calendula in cakes, breads and cookies.
- Press flowers for making personalized note cards.
- Add flowers to herbal vinegars.
- Preserve edible flowers (viola, pansies) in sugar and use them to decorate cakes.
- Use edible flowers as garnishes in salads, casseroles, and soups.
So there are lots of ways to keep your flowers looking fresh, as well as making the most of them when they reach the end of their lifespan. Check out your local St Albans Florist regularly for bargains.
Mother’s Day Flowers
The choice of available flowers has changed dramatically, probably
because these days nearly every variety is available all year round. As
well as the usual carnations, spray carnations, roses, freesias, and
flowers such as muscari, double and single tulips, hyacinths and
daffodils, it is possible to buy larkspur, lilac, lilies and also
exotics, such as anthuriums, ginger and orchids.
Mothers love flowers; they love them in any shape, size and colour.
Florists’ shops are therefore able to send out a huge variety of
arrangements, as well as bunches of cut flowers delivered Cannock
and handtied designs. Included in these would be posy bowls,
traditional symmetrical and asymmetrical arrangements, modern and
European designs, cards, posy pads, baskets, and planted bowls.
Preparing an Open Posy
With the
materials and container ready and prepared, start by using a sharp
knife to cut foliage stems to points, then insert the foliage securely
into the foam to form a circular outline around the rim of the
container.
Add pieces of foliage to the top of the foam to create
a domed profile. Next, add a curving line of focal flowers, the main
flower being the tallest, and positioned at the centre. Fill in the
outline shape with the bud materials. Insert open flowers and pieces of
foliage at varying levels to fill in the centre of the design and to
strengthen the elevated profile.
Recess some flowers and foliage to hide the foam and give visual depth.
Look at the posy from all angles to check that it is complete and that
no foam has been left visible. Ask your assistant florist Levenshulme to spray lightly and store in the chiller.
Malmaison
Malmaison was a show place of many kinds of exotic plants and animals
from all over the world (the menagerie included kangaroos, a chamois,
an ostrich, and a trained orangutan that wore a coat and skirt,
curtsied, and ate at a table), but its roses were Josephine's first
interest. More than 200 varieties grew in its gardens. Watching over
them was a corps of horticulturists and West Toluca florists,
including a consultant from London, nurseryman John Kennedy, who made
regular visits to Malmaison despite the wars between England and
France. He had a special pass to get safely through the lines of the
opposing forces.
The remarkable results these experts achieved
can still be seen, at least in part, for although Josephine's rose
gardens fell into ruins after her death, they have now been largely
restored, and Malmaison has become a public museum. Today an empress'
resources are no longer needed to grow unusually beautiful roses or
even to create wholly new varieties of plants. The techniques developed
at Malmaison have been improved, simplified and added to so that home
gardeners can grow spectacular "show" roses, propagate plants of their
own and even breed totally new varieties.
Daylily Hybrids
Choose two superior plants in the same genus (two daylilies, for
example) for the parents. Just before the buds open, cover a flower
from each plant with a small paper bag. After the flowers pop open,
collect some of the pollen from one of the flowers. (Pollen is the
yellow or brown dust on the stamens, the male parts of the flower.)
Transfer this pollen to the sticky top of the pistil, the female part
of the other flower. The pistil is usually a long green tube with an
enlarged cap at the top end. Use a brush to collect and move the
pollen, or pinch off one of the stamens and brush the pollen directly
onto the pistil. Tag the flower so you can identify the seed later, and
record the names of both parents in a notebook. This step is important,
because if you come up with something special and send flowers Crookston to someone, others will want to know who the ancestors were.
Seasonal Flowers
Flowers most often requested by season:
Summer
Foxgloves, sweet peas, roses, snapdragons, lilies and liatris are among
the flowers that are associated with this time of year. Cool blues and
white are appealing during summer, when the weather is hot and sultry.
Autumn
Russets, warm reds and oranges are the colours that we associate with
the cooler temperatures of autumn, chrysanthemums, dahlias, asters and
nerines being among the seasonal flowers delivered Halewood regularly at this time.
Winter
Snowdrops, winter-flowering jasmine and viburnums are associated with this bleak time of year, along with evergreens.
Special occasions
The very words ‘special occasion’ often elicit a sensation of complete
paralysis. Uttered in a supercilious tone, the phrase conjures up
visions of media-blitz photo opportunities — a society wedding,
perhaps, or a formal dinner party that would put royalty to shame. But
this need not be the case. Special occasions are just that: occasions
made special in ways that surprise and delight. And what better way to
celebrate such an occasion than with a bunch of flowers delivered Trowbridge
to your door? Additional touches, such as a dainty adornment or length
of ribbon, will turn your floral offering into a special gesture.
Because they articulate heartfelt sentiments, certain days of the year
— such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day — have become synonymous
with floral gifts. But any day or occasion can be made special with
flowers: the birth of a new baby, perhaps, or an informal drinks party
for friends. Any time you feel the need to celebrate!
Planting a Potted Rosebush
- To plant a rosebush purchased in a tar-paper or metal pot, dig a hole twice the diameter of the pot and twice as deep as the height of the pot. Then fill the hole with soil mixed with fertilizer and peat moss until the pot, when set in the hole, has its own soil level even with the level of the ground.
- After having watered the plant thoroughly (to make the soil adhere to the roots in one big lump), gently tip a tar-paper pot over far enough so that you can cut and peel away the bottom.
- Place the pot in the hole, then cut the pot down both sides and pull it apart without disturbing the soil around the roots. (If the pot is metal, have it cut apart at the Lighthouse Hill flower shop and bound with twine; lift the plant out and set it in the hole.)
- Fill the hole with soil, pressing it down to make it firm around the roots. Mold a trough about 1 ½ inches deep around the canes, then water until thoroughly soaked. Add 2 inches of coarse peat moss or other mulch to the soil surface around the plant.
Additional information
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Preparing for Christmas
Carefully thought-out and well-organized preparation is essential if you are to meet the needs of this busy selling time.
- Clearing stock rooms creates storage space for the Christmas stock.
- Tidy workrooms, offices, chillers and cellars to gain maximum working and storage space.
- Plan shop window and interior displays so that special props and display stands are made in advance.
- Clean and re-organize the shop to give extra display and serving areas.
- To gain maximum interest, Christmas merchandise can be put on display in late October / early November.
- All stock must be clearly priced; staff must know every product, where it is displayed, and its name, use and price.
The florist Austral
shop must always look attractive and full. Display areas and shelves
must constantly be tidied and restocked to tempt customers to buy.
During November, Christmas designs made with dried and fabric materials
can be prepared, as can bows for gift wrapping. Nearer Christmas,
prepare planted bowls and decorate holly wreaths, crosses and door
garlands.
Serving areas must be stocked with wrapping/packing equipment and order
pads. During the hectic Christmas rush, courteous, friendly and
knowledgeable sales staff in the florist’s shop can make Christmas
shopping a pleasure.
Planting a Potted Rosebush
- To plant a rosebush purchased in a tar-paper or metal pot, dig a hole twice the diameter of the pot and twice as deep as the height of the pot. Then fill the hole with soil mixed with fertilizer and peat moss until the pot, when set in the hole, has its own soil level even with the level of the ground.
- After having watered the plant thoroughly (to make the soil adhere to the roots in one big lump), gently tip a tar-paper pot over far enough so that you can cut and peel away the bottom.
- Place the pot in the hole, then cut the pot down both sides and pull it apart without disturbing the soil around the roots. (If the pot is metal, have it cut apart at the Fendalton flower shop and bound with twine; lift the plant out and set it in the hole.)
- Fill the hole with soil, pressing it down to make it firm around the roots. Mold a trough about 1 ½ inches deep around the canes, then water until thoroughly soaked. Add 2 inches of coarse peat moss or other mulch to the soil surface around the plant.
Purchasing Tips
Check the water
Any flower you buy at any retail outlet should be in water. Check the
cleanliness of the water and the container. Is the water clear? Is the
container clean? If not don't buy the flowers. The only exception to
this would be tulips in muddy water - this does not kill these flowers.
In every other case, dirty water and dirty containers will reduce the
flowers' life.
Check the leaves
In many types of cut flowers the leaves start to die before the flower.
Check the leaves for signs of yellowing or blotching - if you see these
signs don't buy. This is especially useful when buying lilies or
chrysanthemums. If you are buying roses, don't buy bunches with dried
leaves.
Check the flowers
Last, have a good look at the flowers and buds. Many flower buds,
like roses or lilies open well in the vase (with proper care) so choose
the bunch with the fewest open flowers. Other flowers, like gerbera,
need to be bought fully open. Check to find out if the flower delivery Tracy you want to order opens in the vase or not.
A Florist’s Caring Priorities
Flowers arrive
in the flower shop in bunches, boxes, buckets and wraps of cellophane,
and tied up in bundles. What will need your attention first?
Wilted flowers should always be conditioned first. They will need the
longest time to recover, and if you leave their conditioning until last
they may become too poor to sell.
The last flowers to require conditioning are those that have arrived
‘aqua packed’; several types of cut material are now being transported
in this way to reduce the problems inevitably involved in transporting
living, and short-lived, flowers.
Between these categories, there are others that will also require
priority treatment. The delicate and generally expensive flowers such
as orchids, lilies and roses should be conditioned and stored quickly,
to prevent the accidental damage that might occur if they were left
until last. Flowers that are required for customers’ orders should also
be treated promptly, to allow them sufficient time for a good drink of
water and flower food before use. The other category of cut material
requiring speedy treatment consists of those that have been ‘dry
packed’. These will need several hours to recover before being
displayed for sale. Aqua-packed materials, on the other hand, can be
ready for sale in just two to four hours by your Harrow florist.
Once the priorities have been established, the flowers and foliage can
be treated according to the stem structure; whether the materials are
flaccid and wilted, or perhaps the particular requirements of the
individual cut flower or foliage.
Gift Wrapping method
Collect
together all equipment, flowers and foliage, and check that the bench
is clean. Make a bow with streamers, then cut a length of cellophane,
twice as long as the flowers and foliage, plus 30cm (l2in). Lay the
cellophane on your florists Catbrain
workbench, then place the long-stemmed materials and stems of foliage
on the lower half of the cellophane. Add flowers to the right and left,
then place special flowers in the centre, grouping them in lines.
Add short-stemmed flowers near the bottom, ensuring that all flowers
are displayed to their best advantage and will not be crushed. Tie all
stems securely together, and remove any foliage beneath the tying
point. Bring the cellophane over the flowers, making sure that stems
are covered.
At the sides, fold under 2.5cm (un) of cellophane, forming a neat edge,
and staple at intervals. Gather the cellophane at the tying point and
firmly secure a bow over it. Finally, attach a packet of flower food,
together with a care card and envelope.
King-sized Hybrid Perpetuals
Floral relics usually associated with Victorian England, where they
achieved their greatest popularity, the hybrid perpetual roses are
spectacularly large and full; the blooms of one variety, Paul Neyron, measure up to 7 inches in diameter and another, Prince Camille de Rohan,
has blossoms with as many as 100 petals. The hybrid perpetuals (so
named because they bloomed more frequently than earlier types) were the
first of the modern hybrid roses, the result of many crossings and
recrossings of various roses, especially those of the damask and China
types. Although 19th Century rose growers eventually developed more
than 3,000 varieties, the hybrid perpetuals were virtually eclipsed by
the newer, more colorful and more regularly blooming hybrid tea roses
after the turn of the century. But even today their superior cold
resistance makes them a good choice for gardens in cool climates, and
they are always available for Leamington Spa flower delivery.
My dearest flower series - Lilium
A few years
ago, only wild species of lilies were grown in gardens. This is no
longer true; a revolution in lily culture has produced hybrids that are
more vigorous and colorful, adapt to a greater variety of growing
conditions and are freer of disease than their forebears. As a result,
gardeners can have a succession of fragrant, blooming lilies from late
spring until early fall. Except for a few tried and true species, the
new hybrids are the only ones to be recommended.
Lilies can be used anywhere their striking beauty is desired to create
a focal point in the garden. They are most effective in small groups,
along a hedge or fence or against a dark background of evergreens.
Plant at least three bulbs in each group. Colonies of bulbs can be left
undisturbed for years, but the bulbs should be lifted and divided when
the plants become overcrowded. Easter lilies bought as house plants
from a florist Roath
can be planted outdoors to flower during summer in following years.
Certain Asiatic Hybrids can also be grown as house plants.
Visual balance
As well as being
actually balanced, the arrangement or bouquet should also be visually
balanced. This is far more difficult to achieve. To be visually
balanced, a design should have the following:
- A focal point or point of origin from which all stems appear to radiate;
- Darker colours to the centre of the design. and paler colours at the outer edges;
- Finer materials, such as spike ferns, used at the outer edges, and larger, more solid forms in the centre;
- Some materials recessed to give weight to the centre of the design.
Dahlia and Gladiolus Planting
Dahlias are generally planted outdoors as soon as the ground has warmed
up and there is no further danger of frost. Gladioluses may be planted
in series, a week to 10 days apart, continuing until mid-July. As a
more general rule, they may be planted until 60 days before the first
expected frost; the gladiolus becomes virtually a year-round plant in
frost-free areas, making it a very popular selection for Stanton flower delivery.
Successive plantings greatly extend the flowering season, since
gladioluses of a single variety that are planted in series will bloom
in the order in which they were planted. But some called "early
blooming" take less time to flower than do those designated "mid
season" or "late", so three different varieties planted the same day
may bloom weeks apart. By planting in sequence and using different
varieties, the shrewd gardener can keep a supply of gladioluses
available for cutting all summer long.
Need more?
This information is brought to you by the Flower Baron. Another great resource for flower and florist information is The Florist Chronicles.
