Wedding Theme Propositions

By Donald Bradleys

Getting married doesn't mean that you need to stick with the conventional and traditional way. When I say getting married the traditional way is when you get married inside the church and everybody is all dressed up. We can all make our special day one of the most memorable weddings that our guests will ever attend to and it will be the talk of the town.

I think every bride and groom wants to have the best of everything when they get married. That is why there is no reason for couples to get all dressed up in suits, tuxedos, coats and the wedding gown when they can get married in their most comfortable clothes.

1. Getting married by the beach is just one of the most popular wedding motifs that loads of girls tend to be dreaming to have. It does not imply that you can have the beach closed for your wedding. You will be able to have the most beneficial spot of the beach where the shore line is long enough to be your aisle and where the waves do not really crash. You don't want your wedding to get washed out by the giant waves and end up getting a mouth to mouth resuscitation kiss instead.

2. A garden wedding is also one of the best themes that modern couples are having. It's not something new but the approach that's being applied to this kind of theme nowadays makes it more unique and elegant. You'll be walking on flowers and grass lined with dandelions and as you approach the groom, flowers will be showered upon you. This also makes a good venue for the wedding reception as well, following the wedding ceremony. You can serve your favorite salad and pasta and have everyone share the dance floor because it's practically unlimited. Oftentimes, garden weddings are open-air weddings. Thus, checking the weather forecast for your wedding day is one of the most important tasks to do. You don't want rain to ruin this day.

3. Fairytale weddings are usually held in Disneyland. Here, you can easily dress up as Cinderella, Princess Aurora or even Snow White and get married by the ever recognized iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle with your dashing Prince Charming Groom, who is also dressed up as Prince Charming! Certainly, you cannot do anything with park visitors watching your wedding ceremony so you might just have to live with it. It's really a park so there will probably be many folks who will be gate crashing your in wedding.

4. Want a snow wedding? It is unusual and it is fabulous to have bits of snow fall from the sky as you walk down the open-air aisle. This kind of wedding might require a bit more of planning simply because it could involve warmer clothes instead of a designer gown that could get ruined in the snow. However, it's terrific to heat things up just when the surroundings tend to be getting cold. A sleigh pulled by reindeers will likely be you bridal car and if you would like to be a little naughtier, throw snow at the girls as opposed to the bouquet of flowers in the end ceremony. Keep it that way and your wedding will turn into a snowball fight. It may be fun but be careful because you don't want to end up in the hospital. - 32376

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Three Ways To Making The Most Of Your Orchid Flower Arrangements

By John Jay Amarant

Flowers tend to be used as the last touches to a home. The way you arrange your flowers can define the image of your home.

The orchid is a very unique flower, it truly is delicate, elegant and considered extremely tasteful. For these reasons an individual orchid will surely have more effect on a room than a large arrangement of other flowers.

So how should you best decorate a room with orchids?

Below are the three most common methods of display your orchid flower arrangements.

1. Traditional flower arrangements. Until recently these were the commonest ways of displaying flowers. They were either arranged using an oasis to carry every flower in play, or they had been arranged inside a vase having a neck that was tight enough to hold the stems as the arranger required with no slippage. This is a lovely approach to present flowers, other than the orchid can seem somewhat out of place or simply lost within these more elaborate displays.

2. Single stem vases. These have become extremely trendy in recent years. The vases differ in height, so take into account the room as well as the position of the vases prior to you make your mind up which to buy. For everybody who is aiming to stand them on top of a table, you want them tall enough and narrow enough that they don't obstruct the view of the other diners. Just as you do not want them so tall that they're not valued. For anybody who is considering having them lower, in that case it can be worth investing in a vase with a heavy base to make certain that the orchid flower arrangement is steady and not easily knocked over.

3. Pot plants. Should you require to always have orchid flower arrangements then you might be better of selecting orchid plants. With a bit of consideration and attention these will last well. Before setting out and buying the first orchid you catch a glimpse of , consider where you want to leave them. Orchids like the light, however they don't like direct sunlight. Sunlight can burn an orchids petals and they will quickly lose the charm which initially attracted you to them. In view of the fact that orchids do not want much water, the're quite happy in small pots, this means that they can still be a fitting table decoration.

Orchid flower arrangements, due to their beauty, charm and simpleness will at all times add to the warmth of a room.

There is a lot of information available concerning the orchid and after you have determined to decorate your home with orchids you'll soon discover yourself drawn into the wonderful tales surrounding the discoveries of orchids. There are certain species of orchids that are so rare that they only exist in a few regions of the world furthermore the're protected in these areas. To collect specific orchids is a crime. - 32376

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Find out about orchid flower arrangements and if you desire to successfully grow orchids go to http://theorchidwebsite.com

Fall Wedding Bouquets - 3 Sure-Fire Ways to Getting the Best Color Theme on Your Wedding Day

By John Jay Amarant

All seasons have their advantages and disadvantages when organizing a wedding, but Fall has so much to offer. It is a beautiful season and you will still have the glow of a summer sun tan. The rich colors of fall combine wonderfully with the white or ivory of a wedding dress.

Deciding the color theme can be difficult, but remember that you can run the color theme through the whole wedding outfit and include it in any shawls, wraps or even dress accessories.

1. Flower Colors - Although many people associate wedding bouquets with spring, the most romantic colour is red. This is a warm color which is a great base for your fall wedding bouquet. Instead of mixing your red with a pink of spring, consider a deep saffron color. These mixed with rich green leaves will form a spectacular fall wedding bouquet.

2. Colors For Your Ribbons - Hand tied wedding bouquets are very popular, these offer a great opportunity to add an extra color to your wedding color theme. If your bouquet is going to be deep rich colors, you may want to choose a color which will sparkle or lighten the look. This can be achieved with the metallic looking color range, especially a gold color.

3. Continuing Your Color Theme - The colors you use on your wedding day will be crucial to the atmosphere you want to create. It is always a good idea to continue the color theme of your bouquet throughout the wedding. For example, if you have decided to choose a gold ribbon for your bouquet you can have the same color in the brides maids hair, or edging the ring cushion held by the page boy.

There is also the possibility of gold napkins on the tables with red and saffron table flower centre pieces.

There are endless possibilities for a beautiful fall wedding. Use the natural rich colors of fall as a basis for your bouquets and arrangements.

A good place to find striking fall color combinations is in haberdashery shops and also look at photo shoots in magazines - there are plenty of ideas to incorporate. - 32376

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Check out more Hand Tied Wedding Bouquets .... For a great selection of wedding bouquet ideas all year round go to http://www.greatweddingbouquets.com

Florist Shops - Convey It With A Bouquet Of Flowers

By Francine L. Fultz

anniversary flowers

Nothing makes you feel as special as receiving a Bouquet of Flowers at work or at home. To feel that someone put forth effort and money to send you flowers can at once make your day fantastic. Whether it is for your birthday, anniversary, an " I am sorry" or just because, an arrangement of flowers can make the perfect gift for any reason.

Do you wish to say "Happy Birthday" to a friend, but are unsure of what to send them? Flower Bouquets are the perfect gifts! You may even personalize the floral arrangement to your boyfriend spare-time activities to help make it even more customised and fun. Searching for gifts for that favorite someone? To find the best local florists anywhere in the USA simply click here and type your zip code. Great selection of flower gifts for every reason.

Is your jubilee coming soon? Your local florist shop can aid you to come up with the perfect floral arrangement to celebrate your jubilee. You can personalise it to make it look as your wife's floral arrangement that she had as she walked along the aisle or you can simply choose to include your wedding colours in the arrangement.

Is a friend celebrating a new baby or other social event? A customised flower arrangement to the occasion may be the perfect flower delivery gift. If it is celebrating a new job, new condo, or a new baby, you are going to realize that flower bouquets can convey it all with great style and elegance.

Apologies are often hard to make in person, yet with flower bouquets, it is made simple. Flower arrangements can be the ideal manner for you to say " I am sorry" From a colorful floral arrangement to a two dozen roses, you are going to discover that flowers can give you the ideal apology for any situation.

Do you need to prove your love to someone? The ideal way to do that is with flowers. If you opt to express your immortal crush with red roses or other flower bouquet, expression " I love you" is made yet more pleasant with a flower delivery.

Is your girlfriend down in the dumps or having an awful day? Sending flower bouquets " just because" may immediately lift the spirits of that girlfriend or family member and give them a new lease on life. Flower stores can assist you to pick just the correct flower gift for this reason to let you to lighten the day of that special person.

Are you experiencing a hard day or wish a pick me up? You can send flower arrangements to yourself. You really deserve a treat every once in a while. This allows you to select exactly the type of roses that you wish and have them delivered to assist lighten up your business office, your home, and your life.

Flower arrangements can be a superior present for women and men alike. Although the thought is that only women enjoy them, a man will like a bouquet also, especially if it contains few candy or cookies. Your local florist shop ought to be able to help you to pick flower present for your husband with very little trouble.

Whether you opt to purchase plants or flower arrangements, you are going to realise that a flower delivery can say so much to the receiver. A simple card and flower bouquets can speak volumes to that special person that gets them. Regardless what you want to announce, a flower delivery is going to help you to announce it concisely and clearly. - 32376

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Looking for bouquet flowers for that loved person? To find your local cheap florists anywhere in the US simply visit our site and enter your city name. Large variety of bouquet flowers for any celebration.

Growing Orchids Indoors - 3 Crucial Points To Remember

By John Jay Amarant

Orchids are one of the most beautiful plants in the world and it is upsetting if they are not flourishing in your care.

Below are three of the most important areas to monitor when looking after orchids. These will by no means guarantee you a beautiful orchid bloom, but it will keep your plant healthy.

1. Orchids And Water - Orchids need water, but they hate being over watered. The orchid family is very large and different orchids have different requirements. A basic rule is that no orchid should be left more than two weeks without water, but most will not need to be watered more than once every five days.

Your orchid will have different requirements in winter and summer, so respond to your orchids needs and reduce watering during the winter months.

2. Orchids and Sunlight " Light is essential for orchids, but too much will harm them. The two most common signs that your orchid is suffering from too much direct sunlight are dark spots on the leaves or the green of the leaf starts to fade.

The easiest way to avoid the sunlight problem is to remember that orchids like bright sunlight, but they can suffer in direct sunlight, this small difference can be crucial to the health of your orchid.

3. Orchids And Infestations - Seeing your beautiful orchid covered in small insects is upsetting. Although they may seem to have appeared overnight the reality is that they have been around for some time. By taking good daily care of your orchid you should be able to avoid pests.

Dead leaves can be a cause of pests. The pests will breed in the leaves as they start to go damp on the soil. Maintenance of the environment of your orchid is important.

Overall, a happy, healthy orchids needs regular attention and the correct environment to flourish. - 32376

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Learn more about growing orchids indoors Explore the world of orchids visit theorchidguide.com

What Are Some Flowers That Bloom All Year Long Or Last A Long Time?

By Adriana Noton

Flower gardens have always added beauty and life to a property. For the plant enthusiast, having a flower garden is not just a hobby, but it is also a passion. The disappointing part of having a flower garden is when they go out of bloom. Fortunately, there are many flowers that bloom all year long or last a long time, depending on the region and climate. Most gardeners plant perennials because they bloom each year, however, when properly taken care of, they can stay in bloom for a long time. The key to getting your Barrie Flowers to stay in bloom for an extended period of time is to plant hardy plants so they last as late as possible into the fall. Examples of hardy plants include: mums, carnations, wild flowers, daisies, geraniums, marigolds moss roses, and peonies.

The following is a list of flowers that bloom all year long or last a long time:

1. Day Lily - Although the Day Lily lasts only one day when it blooms, it is a very hardy plant that will bloom late in the fall. They are available in a broad range of colors and bloom over and over into the late season.

2. Catmint - The bloom span of the catmint is approximately 2 to 3 months. These plants will bloom throughout the summer. They are very robust and can thrive in drought prone climates. These flowers are blue-lavender in color and have gray foliage. They make a lovely addition to the flower garden.

3. Black-Eyed Susan - This pretty flower grows well in many regions. Their petals look like flat landing pads and they have a bloom span of 3 months. Deadheading will prolong bloom. They grow well in soil that is well drained.

4. Yarrow - This flower can bloom for 3 months or more. It is a hardy flower that can grow in a variety of regions and climates. Gardeners will deadhead the spent flowers for repeat bloom. These flowers prefer drier climates and soil.

5. Bellflower - The species Campanula, or Bellflower, has a bloom span of 2 months or more. They grow best during cooler summers. They should be grown in partial shade. There a number of species of the Bellflower and they are easy to grow and maintain.

6. Pin Cushion Flowers - These Richmond Hill Flowers look like pincushions and the stems are long and lanky looking. The bloom span can be over 3 months if you use deadheading. They require the full sun to thrive. Pin Cushion Flowers are a very interesting looking flower making them a very popular choice.

7. Coneflower - This hardy flower can bloom for 2 - 3 months. They thrive well during periods of drought. They have long stalks and are a very colorful flower. They are popular because they attract a variety butterflies and birds. Deadheading will prolong the bloom period. To thrive, they require good soil drainage and full sun.

Planting long lasting flowers will help you maintain a beautiful blooming garden for a long time. The key point to remember is the woodier and thicker the stem, the hardier the Orangeville Flowers because it can better resist the frost. There are many flower sites that provide essential tips on picking long lasting flowers. As well, you can consult with your local garden centre for advice on picking the best flowers. For those who view flower gardening as an art and passion, knowing the plant's structure, attributes, and bloom period ensures they will extend the bloom time to much later in the fall. - 32376

About the Author:

Trying to find flowers in Newmarket Flowers? Order your flowers and gift arrangements at Barrie Florists, a family owned and operated boutique in Barrie with more than 30 years of floral design experience. Pick from a wide variety of freshness flowers available to make your event memorable!

Sending Flowers To Ukraine - What Steps To Take

By Charles Aniston

Presenting flowers is one of the most admirable ways to depict your desires towards a girl you like. Our heart replies nicely on examining flowers sent to us. It is perceived as a show of lovingness and peace by our mind, one of the some major requisites in lives.

If you have a dear individual in Ukraine, you are fit to cheerily surprise him or her utilizing florists that offer flower delivery in Ukraine. Shops which market this service on cyberspace, are rendering awesome service for people like us.

It is very good to look that it is practicable to send flowers to Ukraine without even venturing out of your house. The florist shops still receive retail orders, but buying online is a lot quicker operation for a delivery boy particularly as there is no need to actually visit the florist and you are able to pick out flowers and send money online.

As a matter of fact, it's nice to buy online for flowers as you may swiftly surf through the lots of classes of flowers, and then finalize something without any type of insistence. Online purchasing makes it viable to choose flowers as per the occasion.

All the significant days like Valentine's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, etc. are the functions when you can offer flowers to your near one. This is only a chance to express to them that you still think of them even when you are away.

The best thing about online flower deliveries is that you are able to expose yourself to a large variety of flowers, discover price gain and fresh flowers are delivered without any delay.

Whichever place in Ukraine that you want your flowers shipped, you can be able to discover prestigious online florist shops that receive orders 24 hours a day. They always get sure you receive the customer support even if you are messaging them at night time in their country. You may speak to them all days.

When you find it challenging to settle what to send to your loved one on a rare social occasion, there is nothing easier than flowers. You may send them and get them received on the same day. Thus it is a immediate and pretty means to convey your thoughts on any kind of social occasion when you are far away from them. - 32376

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Send flowers in Ukraine fast now.

Picking The Best Flowers For Your Garden

By Pat Lowe

Growing a garden for your yard can greatly enhance your appreciation of your surroundings. Some people choose to plant butterfly gardens that attract hummingbirds, dragonflies and butterflies to watch. Others prefer water gardens, where frogs and fish play. You may want a cutting garden off to the side, where you can snip the beautiful buds to bring inside or you might decide upon a year-round display in front of the house for all the neighbors to see. The possibilities are limitless, but the first step is assessing how much space you have to work with. Next, you will need to think about the types of flowers you'd like to plant.

Before you start cultivating a garden, you'll want to understand about the growing zone you reside in. The right place to start is the National Gardening Association's site, which will let you know which hardiness zone you live in, together with which plants are best suited to your particular climate. In the lower left-hand corner, you'll notice an area for "Local Guides," where it is possible to select your state and your city to discover which flowers and veggies you are able grow, about caring for your garden and cooking from your garden. These pointers can make it easier to start considering which kinds of flowers you'd like to plant.

Those with not much gardening knowledge will frequently prefer to transplant annuals that have previously been grown at a garden center. You may also try experimenting with a container garden grown from seeds. Many people garden quite extensively with containers and put them all close to each other, so you see a full garden instead of the individual containers. Make sure you learn which annuals will endure in hot or cold conditions, grow in poor soil, have a brief bloom period, can be planted in the fall and are best for your type of soil.

Some people enjoy growing a garden that will magically come back each year, without replanting. This is called a perennial garden. Backyard Gardener is a great site where you'll learn about perennials for backgrounds, for edging, for hardy environments, for long blooming seasons, for old-fashioned gardens and for semi-shade gardens. Some popular perennials include peonies, bleeding hearts, columbine, daffodils, crocuses, irises, asters, chrysanthemums, daisies, violets and black eyed Susan. You'll need to pay special attention to color, height and bloom period are all equally important when dealing with perennials.

An important part of growing a garden successfully is also growing the right flowers in the right places. There are sun flowers, shade flowers and partial sun/shade flowers to consider. For a shade garden, consider begonias, hellebore, violets, hostas, bleeding hearts, columbine, impatiens, violas and torenias. For full sun, consider perennial salvias, threadleaf coreopsis, cosmos, dahlias, petunias, sweet peas, zinnias, geraniums and daylilies. For part-sun or part-shade, include pansies, sapphire flowers, creeping zinnias, lobelia, browallia, coleus or floss flowers. By understanding garden design, you should be able to put together a wonderful assortment of color and variety. - 32376

About the Author:

Everyone wants their property to look its best and one of the ways to do that is to enhance your landscaping. For some great suggestions on lawns, gardens and even outdoor garden lighting, visit our landscape ideas site.

All You Ever Needed To Know About Flower Arrangements

By Alex Torres

Making wonderful flower arrangements is becoming more popular but it is not just a case of chucking odd flowers here and there into a container. There is an art to this craft and it requires a lot of dedication, skill, patience and artistic flair to make the perfect flower arrangement.

In the first instance, you need to pick the correct type of oasis for your display. The oasis foam that is green is recommended for fresh flower displays whilst the brown foam is ideal for dried flowers or those that are artificial. Your choice of foam should be immersed in a bowl or bucket of water for at least 20 minutes. Do not be tempted to simply place the foam under a faucet. This is likely to result in dry spots that can not be seen by the naked eye. Avoid using the oasis foam on more than one occasion too.

You can now progress onto the stage of shaping your oasis foam. You can begin by shaping the corners of the foam which should be made at an angle. For your arrangement to look its best, the foam should sit at least 1 inch higher than the container in which it is to be placed. You can now opt for one medium hole or several small holes to allow for watering the display everyday.

It is at this point that you can now choose the flowers that you want to use. You should then take the time to plan how you are going to place them in the container. The stems of the chosen flowers should be cut at at least a 45 degree angle before placement in the foam. The flower stem should also remain in contact with the oasis the whole time that it is being inserted. Should you need to remove a flower for any reason, ensure that it makes a fresh hole when being re-inserted. If you place it back in the same hole it may create an air pocket which will cause the flower to wilt.

There are many ways in which you can ensure that your perfected arrangements lasts longer. One way is to make sure that a clean container or vase is always used. Leaves on flowers that will be submerged in water should be removed. These leaves will rot quickly, leaving bacteria in the water.

It is also important that you do not place your display in direct sunlight as this will shorten the life of the arrangement. Try to choose a range of flowers with buds that are closed, about to open or in full bloom. This will make your floral arrangement more interesting to look at.

Making your own flower arrangements is easy once you get the hang of it. Of course, you may prefer to actually purchase ready-made arrangements for functions such as weddings, parties or funerals. A range of displays are available such as table centerpieces, wreaths and bouquets.

If you order flower arrangements it is so easy to do on the internet. You will find many suppliers have websites, particularly with online catalogs to help you decide which display is best for you. Purchasing displays online is generally a much cheaper option, with many suppliers offering delivery to your doorstep within 24 hours of ordering. It is certainly the case that for arrangements for functions or specific life events, ordering online is one of the best methods to employ. - 32376

About the Author:

There is an art to making perfect, breathtaking flower arrangements. It's not simply a case of throwing the flowers together in an attempt to make them appear good. More info on this as well as Online Flower Delivery .

What Flowers Can Grow Well In A Rock Filled Flower Bed?

By Adriana Noton

Rock filled flower beds, or rock flower gardens, have become quite popular in recent years. They make for a lovely decorative feature to the property and they make for a fun hobby. Most plants that do well in a flower rock garden are easy to grow and require very little maintenance. The plants that thrive do so because they tolerate the reflected heat from the rock.

Herbs grow well in rock filled Mississauga flowers beds. Some popular herbs grown in these gardens include: Thyme, Rosemary, and Lavender. They require the soil to be well drained or they can wilt and die. Below is a list of a number of popular flowers that grow well in a rock filled flower bed.

Rock Rose: The Red Rose is one shrub that grows well in rock bed gardens. This plant is a small shrub and the flowers have a saucer shape and are a deep red color. These flowers bloom in the late spring and summer. The leaves are grayish/green and are fairly narrow.

Aster: The Asters, particularly the Alpine Aster are popular rock bed flowers. They bloom in the late summer and fall. The brampton flowers are produced in large clusters and come in a variety of colors that include: pink, red, white, lavender, and purple. They grow as bushy clumps so it is important to create enough space when planting. They can grow in a wide variety of climates. Depending on the temperature, germination can take from 15 to 30 days.

Japanese Barberry: This flower grows well in a rock garden. Small and spiny, it blooms in the spring and has reddish/purple leaves which change to red and orange in the fall. The flowers are a light yellow and then produce small red fruits. These flowers do not do well in really cold climates.

Alpine Columbine: The colors of the flowers of the Alpine Columbine are violet and white and the leaves are bluish-green. As well, these flowers come in a wide variety of hybrid colors and strains. These hardy plants grow well in a variety of climates. They bloom from early May through to June. It is a popular choice for a rock bed garden as they attract hummingbirds.

Primrose: The Primrose blooms early in the spring and comes in a wide variety of colors. They prefer cooler temperatures and do not like the direct sun for long periods of time in the hot summer months. There are a broad variety of Primroses.

Carpet Bugle: The most common color of the Carpet Bugle bloom is bluish-purple, but there also mississauga florists that can be white or rose. It serves as helpful ground cover in a garden. The color of the foliage can range from green to bronze to purple. They bloom from early spring to mid July. It is a great plant to help reduce soil erosion. They survive well during droughts.

Rock filled flower beds are a lovely addition to any home. The key to maintaining a flourishing flower garden is to know what flowers will thrive in the environment and what care is required to keep them healthy and in bloom. - 32376

About the Author:

Wide selection of the freshest Brampton florists, roses, orchids and more are available for flower design arrangements. Make your occasion memorable with this Georgetown florists flowers firm.

Pruning Roses - What You Must Know if You Want Beautiful Roses

By Cindy Robles

Pruning roses is crucial if you want to grow beautiful, lush roses. Over the years, roses have been highly hybridized and cross bred in order to produce beautiful blooms. This has effected their growth habits. Today, keeping the bush size and shape appealing requires some human intervention in the form of pruning.

Pruning roses isn't as complicated as some people make it out to be. In fact, there are only a few basic rules. If you keep these in mind whenever you pick up your pruning shears, you'll be rewarded with beautiful rose bushes that your friends and neighbors will envy.

1) When to Prune

Pruning roses should be done in the spring, just as the leaf buds begin to swell. This is very important - it needs to be done before the season's active growth begins. Young roses should not be pruned at all. They need to reach a strong, mature size (2-3 years) before any pruning is required.

2) How Much to Prune

This is largely up to you. It depends on how large you want the plant to become. Rose height can get out of control without pruning. If you assume a rose bush will grow 3-4 feet over the growing season, you should prune it down enough to allow for that much growth. You don't want to allow the bush to grow so high that you cannot see or enjoy the blooms at the top.

3) What to Prune

Once you've cut the bush down to the desired height, the next thing to do when pruning roses is to remove any dead, decayed, broken or damaged growth. Not only does this keeps your bushes looking good, but it prevents pests and disease.

Make your cuts just above a strong leaf bud. Notice the direction that the leaf bud is growing. That is the direction that the cane will grow, if left intact. When pruning roses, you want to leave leaf buds that are growing in the desired direction.

Spindly canes, smaller than a pencil, will generally not amount to much. Remove these so that the plant's energy can be directed to the larger, stronger canes. Get rid of most of the old remaining leaves. This will allow for new leaf growth and prevent fungus infections from the old ones.

4) Rose Pruning to Maintain Shape

It is a good idea to keep the center of the bush free of canes that are growing horizontally across it. This promotes good air circulation which helps avoid fungus infection. Another reason to avoid having too many canes crossing each other is that they will create a lot of leaves that shade lower branches and discourage blooms on the lower part of the plant. When pruning roses, you want to prevent bushes from growing into large tangled masses with small and inferior blooms.

Climbing roses only need to be pruned to control their overall size or when they are growing in the wrong direction.

Continuing to shape your rose bushes as they grow is a good practice. Changing them from wild and unruly to prim and proper is the goal of pruning roses.

5) Prevent Disease

Always use sharp pruning shears when rose pruning. Clean the shears after each use to remove any disease or fungus spores. After pruning, any major cuts can be painted with a sealer in order to aid in healing and to help keep out insects and diseases. Regular Elmer's glue, diluted a bit, works fine and it is cheap.

Finally, finish pruning roses by cleaning up all the dead stuff you've cut away. You don't want to leave infected canes on the ground to spread disease. You also don't want to be surprised later when you step on an old thorny cane. Pull the weeds from around the rose bush and finish up by placing new mulch around the base of the rose bush.

Correctly pruning roses and controlling their growth habits makes for a lovelier bush and a healthier plant with larger blooms. Proper rose pruning is easy and it is the key to a happy, healthy rose garden. Enjoy your beautiful roses. - 32376

About the Author:

Want to find out more about garden plant care, then visit Cindy Robles's site for the lastest garden design news trends and inspiration.

Uncomplicated Tips For Successful Rose Gardening

By Twyla Ness

If you're thinking of starting your own rose garden, then you'll need to start checking some rose gardening tips to be sure you learn what to do and how to do it properly. There are websites and books all over the place to help you learn what you need to do. You'll start with good soil, and learn how to water properly. And each new tip will teach you things like proper pruning and fertilizing, how to deal with rose diseases, and how to protect your garden during the winter months.

In addition to regular watering and good soil, you'll also need proper fertilizer for whatever types of roses you've got. Start in March or early April, after which you can do one more feeding in May, and one more in June or the beginning of July.

The ratio of nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium will vary. For floribundas, hybrid tea roses, climbers, polyanthas and grandifloras, every bush needs one half cup of nutrient mix using a 10-20-20 ratio for every application. Miniature rose bushes, conversely, call for a somewhat different blend of 1 tablespoon of 10-20-20 scattered the initial time, followed by one cup of a 20-20-20 ratio of soluble fertilizer for the second and third applications. Shrub and old garden roses only require the 20-20-20 mixture in the spring, and perhaps again after the initial blooming. Following this advice can help the bushes to thrive.

Pruning roses is done when the plants are dormant, such as in the spring just before they start to grow again. To encourage lush growth, cut all but the healthiest stalks, leaving no more than five, and cut those remaining stalks to between 12 and 24 inches. One exception is when you first plant a rose bush, as you are encouraged to remove all new flower buds for the first two months, so the energy goes into making the plant strong. For other rose gardening tips, you need to research the different rose types you have in your garden, to find out their particular needs.

You might value a couple of rose gardening tips as well, when it comes to preparing roses for winter. For most, in all but the coldest zones, it's likely enough just to strip all foliage off, tie the canes together, and pile mulch and extra soil around the base. But in colder zones, for container and climbing roses especially, you can dig a trench and lay them on their sides, covering them with soil and a deep blanket of leaves. These methods will keep your roses safe until early spring, when it's time to start the process all over again. - 32376

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Rose gardening is considered to be a little more difficult than some forms of gardening. But roses can transform your garden and you will have fresh flowers whenever they are blooming. Click here for some great rose gardening tips.

Looking After And Growing Orchids

By Abie Cohen

You can keep orchids for a very long period of time. If you are thinking about starting to grow your collection of these plants, it isn't too difficult. As long as you do some background work on how to take care of them, you should be bale to keep them for many years.

When your plants mature, that is when they reach over five years, and then the old bulbs die. Luckily, newer bulbs form and replace them naturally. The plants have a cycle that they follow; they blossom at times and then take a resting period and then blossom again. This cycle usually starts at the beginning of the year during springtime due to the increased amount of sunlight and increase in temperature.

There are so many different varieties to pick from and for a novice it can be too much and very daunting. Some orchid plants are simpler to maintain and those would suit someone who has just ventured into growing plants. The range of most orchid varieties are so wide that it is easy to find something you like.

One of the main types that is easiest to start with for new people is the cymbidiums. They come in little sizes that look very pretty and may be the reason they are so popular. You can put them in your house or in your greenhouse as they do fine in both environments. They stay in bloom for about 8 weeks at a time and can give flowers through the cold season.

The more exotic looking range of orchids is of the odontoglossums variety. These are very popular with people love orchids because of the beautiful flowers they they give. They grow best in cooler temperatures so will ideally be grown in a greenhouse.

The more difficult ones to grow are the dendrobiums. They give very beautiful flowers but like different temperatures depending on the season so you need to be more careful when you grow them. In the summer they should get as much heat as possible and in the winter they like it cool but dry. It is not a good idea for beginners to start with his type of orchid.

Note that pruning is very important in maintaining a healthy plant that blooms regularly. Pruning allows for new growth helps the plant to blossom.

Pruning your plant needs to be timed correctly to get the best results. Let the blossoms die out before starting so most likely pruning will be done in winter for most orchids. Use the correct pruning tools so you don't cause any damage to the plant while cutting it back. - 32376

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The Brief History Of Giving Flowers As A Gift

By Chris Channing

Flowers have long been a gift that an individual gives to someone for special occasions. The way the tradition started is unique and interesting, and has brought us to where we are today.

In the 17th century a European brought flowers back from a far away nation and gave them as a gift. This began the tradition of giving flowers as a present and has since turned into something extremely popular around the world. The art of floral studies is called "Floriography", which discusses the language of flowers.

Each breed or species of flower has a meaning and special "symbolic" definition. Many types of flowers are given for weddings or wedding anniversaries. Other types have their meaning assigned to them based upon the color and type. While yellow flowers usually represent friendship, red ones generally symbolize romance.

In Latvia there are abundant amounts of flowers and plants that flower. The environment here is perfect for plants to grow thick and full without harsh weather conditions. Latvia is a unique little nation that has a rapidly growing economy and strong tourism. Here you can find plenty of daisies as well, which are Latvia's national flower. These are often added to arrangements too boost the meaning and significance of a specific bouquet.

The gift of flowers is one of the most touching gifts. As long as the receiver doesn't have an allergy - they speak without words. They show that you care without being too overbearing or flashy. If someone is sick, a nice bouquet usually shows that you are thinking of them. When you love someone, red roses usually make a simple gift when you don't have a lot of cash. One of the most underrated flowers is the national flower of Latvia - the Daisy. These lovely white flowers are waxy and fragrant, and represent innocence and general happiness. These flowers are loved by Latvians and are an important part of their culture.

Even though the daisy is loved and adored, orchids are an extremely popular species of flower in Latvia. They are rich and colorful, and come in many shapes and sizes. The best thing is that Orchids are generally arranged on a growing post and will not die for many years if they are taken care of! If orchids aren't your thing, there are certainly many other flowers available that grow in Latvia.

Closing Comments

Latvia has some of the loveliest flowers in the world. When ordering bouquets from Latvia you can be sure that they are high quality and colorful - never dull or on the brink of dying. - 32376

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Learn more on flowers delivery Latvia and Latvia florists.

Flower Shops Offer The Best Look And The Freshest Flowers

By Adriana Noton

Flower shops employ some of the most talented individuals in the world. Seriously, knowing which flowers will go well together is not something that comes automatically to most people. This requires that an individual has an understanding of basic design.

Color and texture are both important factors when it comes to aesthetics. Understanding the color wheel will show the best way to create an attractive contrast. For example, choosing only blue, purple, and red flowers for a bouquet will not create very much contrast, and probably not be as appealing to the eye. On the other hand, if blue, red, and white flowers are chosen it will create quite a lovely bouquet, which most individuals will find attractive.

Today flowers can be found in grocery stores, farmers markets, and even being sold on the side of the road. Although all flowers are quite beautiful, the way they are arranged certainly makes a difference. This is what flower shop employees and owners do every day. They are indeed the best at it.

Although people may think that they are saving some money by buying flowers in the local grocery store, this is not the case. Frequently these will be purchased, and within a day or two they begin to wilt. Individuals have no way of knowing how long they have been sitting in the store, or how well they have been cared for. When they are properly grown and handled, they will have a much longer life.

At London flower shops, people will find highly trained individuals who are well-qualified to answer just about any questions. These people will be aware of where their flowers have come from, how long they have been in the store, and how long they should be expected to last. They will also be able to instruct people as to how to best care for their plants and flowers, in order to keep them alive for as long as is possible.

Most shops will have delivery available for those who would like to send flowers or plants for any occasion. For a very reasonable fee, individuals will be able to send what they have chosen, including a card, and usually a free vase if it is needed. Most shops will even include the opportunity for shipments to be made to other states.

Flower shops usually sell quite a bit more than flowers alone. Many live houseplants, and even a variety of small trees are generally available. Well-versed individuals will be able to instruct customers as to the best care for whatever they purchase.

Most shop owners will be pleased to fill special requests, and even obtain exotic plants which are not regularly kept in the shop. Professional, courteous, and personalized treatment can be expected. After all, everyone has their own specific preferences. Private flower shops do not offer a cookie-cutter experience. Rather, each individual will receive a service, which is designed to meet their own personal preference and needs. Flower shops are without a doubt the best place to get great service and top quality plants. - 32376

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Be prepared to celebrate the upcoming holiday by looking for high quality Easter flowers London Ontario today. Planning early is the key to a memorable experience.

Important Tips For Ordering Flower Arrangements Online

By Tim Petrosyan

Purchasing flower arrangements from an web site is actually a great way to send someone flowers. Before the Internet marketplace, you would have to go through a lot to get this done. You would have to call directory assistance to find a florist in a town close to the recipient. Then you would have to call the florist during their regular business hours (taking into account the possible time change) and try to describe the type of arrangement and flowers you wanted! Now you can just go online, browse, click, and you're done!

There is one big challenge to buying flowers online. You need to be careful and make sure the flowers arrive fresh and beautiful! Flowers are very delicate and perishable, and how long they last can be drastically affected by how they're handled prior to delivery. Finding a good company takes a little extra time, but is well worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you.

Check to be sure they offer same-day delivery. Most flower web sites will display this information prominently, but if you do not see it, check around for information on delivery. The less time the flowers spend in transit, the better they will look and the longer they will last. Some companies will offer same-day delivery for all their items, some will only have certain arrangements eligible for this service. Make sure you only get a same-day delivery arrangement.

Check and see who is going to deliver them. A real florist? The grower? A chain delivery company? What you want to know is if the flowers are being shipped a long distance, and if so, who is handling them. For example, flowers delivered by a chain company have a lot of other types of packages to deal with and may not give a box of flowers extra care. They could be left in the heat, put under a stack of heavy items, or driven around in a hot truck all day. If they are going to be shipped, make sure it is by a company that handles flowers only.

If the company advertises local florist deliver or FTD service, do not worry. This is a good thing. All it means is that a florist in the area of the final destination address is making and delivering the arrangement. Florists are trained not only to design arrangements, but also to properly care for the flowers. You do not have any control over which florist they use, but chances are in your favor that it will look great.

Something you should note is that substitutions of flowers is common. What you see online is a close approximation of what the arrangement will look like. If you order a specific flower, like a vase of orange lilies, you should expect that (if you do not get it, call and complain). But for mixed arrangements, do not be upset if some of the flowers are different. The florists often have to work with what is available to them and what looks fresh.

When the person gets the flowers, be sure to follow up! Have them take a photo of them and send it to you. You want to see what you bought and how your money was spent. If the flowers look terrible, you may be able to get your money back if you act right away. At the very least, you will know better than to use that company next time.

Ordering flower arrangements online is easy and affordable, so do not be afraid to try it. Follow the tips above and you should find a good company. Once you do, make sure to tell your friends so they can have a great experience also! - 32376

About the Author:

When it comes to purchasing flowers for your wife, it might be hard to surprise her on days she is expecting something nice. So, you should provide flower arrangements online. You can buy online flower delivery in your local area and surprise your loved one the right way.

Important Tips For Purchasing Flower Arrangements Online

By Tim Petrosyan

Purchasing flower arrangements from an web site is actually a great way to send someone flowers. Before the Internet marketplace, you would have to go through a lot to get this done. You would have to call directory assistance to find a florist in a town close to the recipient. Then you would have to call the florist during their regular business hours (taking into account the possible time change) and try to describe the type of arrangement and flowers you wanted! Now you can just go online, browse, click, and you're done!

There is one big challenge to buying flowers online. You need to be careful and make sure the flowers arrive fresh and beautiful! Flowers are very delicate and perishable, and how long they last can be drastically affected by how they're handled prior to delivery. Finding a good company takes a little extra time, but is well worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you.

Make sure the company offers same-day delivery. The majority of sites will put this on their home page, but if you do not see it, check around the web site for delivery information. If they do offer same-day delivery, make sure it applies to the item you want to order. Sometimes they can guarantee delivery for specific items only. The reason you want them delivered on the same day is that the less time they spend in transit, the longer they will last and the fresher they'll look.

Find out who delivers them. Are they delivered straight from the grower? Are they delivered via a delivery company? Are they arranged and delivered by a local florist? The thing you are trying to discover here is whether or not the flowers are being shipped. Flowers left in a hot warehouse, stacked with many other items, and then driven around town all day will not hold up well in the long run. If they are being shipped, you want them to be handled by a company designed to deal with flowers.

If the company advertises local florist deliver or FTD service, do not worry. This is a good thing. All it means is that a florist in the area of the final destination address is making and delivering the arrangement. Florists are trained not only to design arrangements, but also to properly care for the flowers. You do not have any control over which florist they use, but chances are in your favor that it will look great.

One thing you should know about online flower ordering is that the picture you see is an approximation of what the arrangement will look like. If you order something really specific, say orange lilies, then it is reasonable to expect that flower. But if you ordered a mixed arrangement, just know that substitutions are common. This is because the florist is working with what is available and what looks best. So do not be alarmed if your arrangement is slightly different.

When the flowers arrive, you need to make sure to follow up. Have the recipient take a picture and email it to you. This way you can determine if the company gave you good value for your money. If not, you will have evidence to back up your claim and perhaps get a refund. At minimum, you will know never to use that company again!

Getting flowers through an online retailer is a easy and affordable way to send flower arrangements, so do not hesitate to try it. Just follow the tips above to find a good company. And once you do, be sure to tell all your friends! - 32376

About the Author:

When it comes to buying flowers for your wife, it might be tough to surprise her on days she is expecting something nice. So, you should get flower arrangements online. You can buy online flower delivery in your local area and surprise your loved one the right way.

Try These Tips for Designing a Rose Garden

By Twyla Ness

When you endeavor to learn rose gardening, a vast window is opened to you; not just with the intricacies of fertilization, pruning and growth, but also with the design of rose gardens themselves. Many traditions have been built up around the look of a rose garden. You can follow the great houses in England, France and other countries and create something very formal in geometrically rigid patterns, or you can develop something much more casual, allowing the roses to take some control of their own destiny.

You need to be aware of a few things before starting your rose garden, however. Since it will be created primarily from only one type of plant, any diseases, insects or other problems that affect only one rose bush will likely affect them all. However, some are more disease-resistant than others, so if you mix a few of those with the more delicate hybrid teas, you might lower the maintenance required. Also keep in mind that roses don't tend to look very attractive wrapped up in the winter, so you'll need to be content with enjoying the beauty of the garden in the warmer months.

You might, however, plant your rose garden with a hedge-like border consisting of miniature evergreens, so you will still have some green during the winter. This works well with more formal gardens, where flower beds or boxes are arranged in symmetric, precisely defined patterns. A formal garden utilizes straight lines, frequently with gravel walkways connecting beds, occasionally with a rose garden pool set in the middle. Conversely, you might favor a less formal display with the roses assembled together into one area. In this case, you'd organize them both by color and height, perhaps with rose ground cover along the sides of the bed to hide the bare ground.

In addition to all the types of roses you can choose from, there are many possible accessories for your rose garden as well. People often place a latticed arch along a path, so the roses can weave into and climb over it, and trellises are frequent elements in other places throughout these gardens. You might also set benches along pathways or in front of corner beds, and punctuate the paths with miniature roses in matching pots. With so many rose varieties and design patterns available, you can create a beautiful garden in whatever space you have.

As you set up your rose garden, you should know that there are a number of beautiful examples to follow. You will find books and websites full of pictures of gorgeous gardens, whether they are the less informal, rigidly laid out gardens of noble families in England, or more casual settings designed in someone's back yard. Even in a smaller location, it is possible to go for some degree of formality. As you grow your first rose bushes and choose how to design your area, you will discover all kinds of options open to you. - 32376

About the Author:

Rose gardening can definitely be challenging to those that are not blessed with a green thumb. But growing roses isn't impossible if you have the right tools and choose the right type of roses for their environment. Follow the links for the information you need to get started.

Calling A Ukraine Florist - Learn How To Send Flowers From Anywhere

By Albert Wayne

Presenting anyone with flowers has been an ancient custom amongst individuals across the earth since olden times. It's often conceived as a important means to shock a woman lovable in your lives, or to portray your healthy desires for a person.

If you have a loved one in Ukraine, you are capable to fully shock him or her utilizing flower stores that do flower delivery in Ukraine. Shops who offer this service on the net, are doing great service for men like us.

It is good to find out that it is feasible to send flowers to Ukraine without even going out of your house. The florists still get retail orders, but purchasing online is a lot easier procedure for a delivery boy specially as there is no need to actually visit the florist and you are able to choose flowers and pay money online.

Surfing online has its own advantages compared to visiting the retail shop. If you are delivering flowers to Ukraine, you can visit a florist shop and go through the huge choices of flowers. You may also order tailored bouquets.

For example, online shops offer flowers specially formulated for functions like Valentine day, Birthday, Christmas etc, thus admitting you to scale up the confidence and love in your family relationship.

The greatest thing for online flower deliveries is that you are able to present yourself to a wide variety of flowers, recieve price edge and fresh flowers are delivered without undue delay.

Any urban center in Ukraine that you wish your flowers sent, you can be confident to find out respected online flower stores that take orders all hours a day. They always make sure you have the client support even if you are emailing them at night time in their country. You could speak to them any hour.

A person can't truly undermine the fact that flowers are a superb pick when it occurs to showing our expressions to an individual. They are really an easy choice to choose since they may be offered on almost all social functions you can feel about. Honestly, flowers maintain a great place in our life, and they will retain that unique place for our life. - 32376

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Send flowers in Ukraine fast now.

Speaking of Love - Don't Forget Valentine's Day Flowers

By Anne J. Michaels

Imagine having a conversation with someone. Now imagine trying to have that same conversation without speaking or writing. Suppose it was an intimate conversation with someone you love. Suppose the conversation was with someone you'd like to know better. How would you develop a relationship or even carry on a conversation without speech or writing?

That was the situation in Victorian England for much of the 1800's. Due to the strict social etiquette of the time, extreme discretion was required. Conversations of a romantic nature were strictly off-limits. But emotional expression cannot be denied for long. Symbolism and meaning became attached to everyday objects and gestures, and especially to flowers.

Specific meanings were given to every variety and color of flower. As a result, a bouquet of flowers could become a secret message. In addition, the way the flowers were presented, the way they were accepted also added special meanings. Many of the secret messages were romantic, but some were rejections and some were even insults. Complete conversations could be carried on using only flowers.

Small bouquets of mixed flowers, know as tussie-mussies, became quite popular. Together with the secret language of flowers, they allowed intentions to be declared, and refusals and acceptances to be made. They allowed the expression of wishes, thoughts and emotions that people of the time dared not speak aloud.

As the symbolism grew more complex, many details of the secret codes were written down. Eventually dictionaries and even books were written to clarify the meanings and to help people better create and understand the messages.

The Victorians weren't the first to use flowers to express emotions. Many cultures including the Greeks, the Persians, and the Japanese had a flower language. While the exact meanings of flowers have changed over time to meet the needs of culture, the desire to express thoughts and emotions through flowers has remained to this day.

Lengthy and elaborate courtship rituals were used in many cultures. Gifts of flowers were typically an important part of that process. Those practices led directly to the use of flowers in today's society, not just for courtship but for important holidays such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Easter among others. These holidays wouldn't be the same without the use of plants and flowers.

We still use flowers to express our thoughts and emotions, although not in quite the same way as the Victorians. For Valentine's Day this year, rather than sending your loved one a simple "I love you" with roses, why not try a bouquet of mixed flowers with a hidden message? Search for the "language of flowers" online for ideas. Include a note about the hidden meaning of the flowers in the bouquet. Be sure to order your Valentine's Day flowers in advance to ensure a timely delivery. - 32376

About the Author:

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How To Express Your Feelings With Valentine's Day Flowers

By Adriana Noton

Valentine's Day is the most romantic day of the year. It is a time to express your true feelings for that special person in your life. One of the most romantic ways to express your feelings is by giving the gift of flowers. They are not only a romantic gift, but they make for a decorative addition to the home or office. They are one of the best ways to communicate your heartfelt sentiments and let that special someone know how much he or she really means to you.

There are many romantic ways to express your feelings with Valentine's Day flowers. For instance, you can give them after a special romantic dinner, have them delivered at the office, or bring them home as a romantic surprise. As well, many people will give flowers along with another special gift such as chocolates, jewelry, engagement ring, lingerie, stuffed animal, etc.

Roses are the most well known flowers given on Valentine's Day. Whether as a single rose or in a bouquet, your special love will definitely love the romantic gesture. The wonderful fragrance will make her heart melt. When selecting roses, make sure you know what each color signifies. For instance, purple roses symbolize long lasting love, red roses mean true love, yellow roses signifies friendship, and white roses mean peace. It is important to pick the right color that expresses your true feelings to avoid misunderstandings.

Roses are not the only kind of romantic flower people give on Valentine's Day. There are a number of different types of flowers with varying shades of color and fragrances that will allow you to express exactly how you feel. Lilac and Narcissus are beautiful flowers that emit a wonderful fragrance. White or purple lilac represents sincerity. Orchids are a beautiful choice that symbolizes sensuality. White lilies are a lovely way to express the harmony and purity of your love. A bouquet of daisies or orange-blossom will express your faithfulness to your special love. White carnations or white gardenia represent hidden passion. Multi-colored tulips say your love is sincere and ever-lasting. Yellow jasmine symbolizes passion. You could arrange a beautiful bouquet of different flowers that blend well together and express your true sentiments.

In order to convey your feelings to your special love with a gift of flowers, it is important to know what each flower represents so you know you are sending the right message. There are flowers that convey such feelings as true love, friendship, shyness, faithfulness, passion, virtue, serenity, eternal devotion, and much more. Mixing and matching flowers into a beautiful bouquet will make a positive and romantic long lasting impression.

Now, with the surge of flower delivery services, including online flower delivery businesses, you can send flowers to anyone in almost any place around the world and have them arrive fresh and in the same condition as when they were sent. If you find it difficult sharing your true feelings, you can still make your special valentine smile by giving a gift of romantic flowers. - 32376

About the Author:

Celebrate an anniversary or other special occasion by giving flowers Canada to a special someone. Flowers are a great way to show affection or appreciation, and birthday flowers are always a nice surprise.

Growing Orchids - The Next Level

By David Ray

An orchid hybrid is the combination of characteristics from each of its parents. Hence, a grower first considers what kind of flower he wishes to produce. He may be looking for a certain color or stripes or spots. He may be seeking to combine those features in a plant with small flowers or large ones.

With this in mind, a grower will select orchid varieties that will endow the offspring with the desired characteristics. As an example, an orchid developer may choose to use a golden slipper orchid as one of the base species. This orchid, discovered in 1979in china, is a popular choice. It often passes on the rich yellow-gold color to the hybrid offspring, which often end up as beautiful varieties in the hybrid orchid family.

Once the grower has selected the two parent plants, the existing pollen is removed from the pod parent. This is the plant the will receive the pollen from the other plant. The plant supplying the pollen is referred to as the pollen parent. The grower will remove the pollen from the pollen parent - usually with a toothpick or similar instrument - and smear the pollen on the base of the pod parent's flower column. The plants are labeled with the names of the both parents and the pollination date.

Once fertilization occurs, if successful, the pod parent demonstrates an amazing event. Thread like tubes will extend from the column to the "ovary" of the blossom. This ovary will then swell and form a seedpod. Inside, there can be thousands of tiny seeds forming, with each one connected to an individual pollen tube.

It may take months or more than a year for the seedpod to ripen. At that point,, the grower gathers the seeds from the seedpod. He places them in a sterilized flask with a solution of agar and nutrients. If the seeds germinate, tiny orchids will soon appear like a carpet of green grass.

After several months, the grower will remove the seedlings from their tiny flask, and they will be placed in a community pot. With frequent watering, the seedlings will be carefully watched until maturity. Once they grow large enough, they will be transplanted into individual pots. This is where the patience begins. Once in an individual pot, it may take over a decade before it blooms.

Imagine the joy that comes when a grower finally sees the orchid he or she has worked so hard on to produce. If the hybrid is a new variety, the grower can choose to register is under a name of his choice. Any other hybrids that are developed after that using that species blend will be referred to by the name it was registered under.

At times, a grower finds an ideal combination that creates a sensation among orchid hobbyists. He may receive awards, and his beautiful plants will command high prices. But regardless of the monetary outcome, the pleasure of seeing a blossom on an orchid that he has crossed is a delight. Now you know that it took much time and patience to produce the beautiful orchids that you admire. - 32376

About the Author:

We have a great selection of giant tropical Hibiscus. See our site for Hibiscus flowers, Red Hibiscus flowers.

Valentines Day in History

By Anne J. Michaels

The origin of Valentines Day is shrouded in mystery. There are many legends, stories and probably a few myths thrown in for good measure. Was this tradition based on early Christian saints? Or could it have been poetry from the middle ages? How about ancient Roman festivals? Or was it a combination? You may have to decide for yourself. Here are some interesting tales to think about.

Lupercalia was an ancient festival near the city of Rome. It was originally held by shipyards to honor Lupercus, a fertility god around February 13-15. This festival lasted well into Christian times before it was abolished by Pope Gelasius near the end of the 5th century.

During the reign of Claudius II, Emperor of Rome, several wars were being fought. Many men however failed to join the army. Claudius felt their wives and families were the cause, so he banned both marriages and engagements. At the time, a priest named Valentines married couples in spite of the ban. When Valentine was discovered he was put to death, and afterwards, named a Saint.

The oldest valentine still in existence is housed in the manuscript collection in the British Library in London England. It was written by Charles, the Duke of Orleans to his wife. He had been captured at the Battle of Agincourt and was being held in the Tower of London.

In much of South America, Love and Friendship day is quite popular and celebrated on February 14th. While it's somewhat similar to the U.S. celebration, people also perform acts of appreciation for their friends. In Brazil, however, June 12th is Boyfriends/Girlfriends day. Couples exchange gifts, chocolates, cards and flower bouquets.

Valentine's Day in both Denmark and Norway is celebrated on February 14th and called Valentinsdag. But the traditions are much less commercial. Valentine traditions in these countries center on having a quiet romantic dinner with their partner or sending a card or a rose to a loved one.

Valentine's Day in Iran is still celebrated in spite of some government restrictions. The celebration is called Sepandarmazgan and is celebrated on February 17th. The tradition is becoming more common among younger Iranian girls and boys.

Valentine's Day cards were first mass produced in Worchester, Massachusetts. Esther Howland, daughter of the owner of a book and stationary store was inspired by an English valentine she received. The popularity of St. Valentine's Day increased rapidly shortly thereafter.

In Western culture the Valentine's Day tradition is for lovers to express their love by giving flowers, cards or candy. The practice of giving Valentines Day cards was expanded to all types of gifts during the last 50 years. Gifts such as roses or chocolates are now common. - 32376

About the Author:

Looking for Valentine flower delivery to Tampa? A-Bow-K Florist & Gifts http://www.a-bow-kflorist.com can deliver fresh flowers and gifts to those you care about in Tampa and neighboring communities. Remember to order early.

Some Tips That Can Make Your Bouquets Last

By Claire Silva

Flowers are really popular to send to loved ones on special occasions such as Valentines Day, Mother's Day, weddings, and anniversaries. Places such as homes and offices are more lively and comfortable when flowers are used as decorations. These gifts of nature smell and look fantastic, which makes them so great. They have bright colors, unique shapes, and they have the most wonderful scents only nature can provide.

The only problem? Fresh flowers don't stay fresh for long especially if you don't take care of them right. Not all of us are florists and gardeners, but here are some surefire ways to make flower arrangements you receive last a little longer:

- If you receive flowers that aren't in water, act as fast as possible. Drench them in water, or preferably in floral foam or flower food solution. These can be provided by your florist.

- Remember to always use a clean vase with enough space, and use clear water every day. Once the flower food solution or water becomes cloudy, replace it all right away.

- If flower food is unavailable, you can make your own makeshift flower freshener. Just add a teaspoon of bleach, a tablespoon of sugar, and a gallon of water. Viola! Your homemade flower food. If these ingredients are unavailable, try mixing a 12-ounce can of clear, non-diet soda (like 7-Up or Sprite) with half a gallon of water. The acid in the soda will slow down growth of bacteria in the water, while the sugar will feed the plant.

- Re-cut stems using a cutting tool that will not crush the stems. A sharp knife, pruning shears, or even a good pair of scissors can do. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle, and do this underwater. This allows the stems to draw in water instead of air and the increased surface area from the 45-degree cut allows for improved water/solution absorption.

- Generally, some flowers last longer than others. Once they begin to wilt, remove them from the vase.

- Get rid of leaves that will be below the waterline of the vase, because leaves in water tend to promote bacterial growth.

- Remember to place your flower arrangement in a cool, dry spot, away from heat. About 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is the recommended temperature for flowers, away from heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, on top of televisions or radiators, and away from direct sunlight, to avoid premature dehydration and wilting. - 32376

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Allow Flowers To Say What You Can't

By Christine Jackson

Dating back to ancient times, flowers have been used as a profession of kindness. We usually present them to those we love and care for. We send flowers to show them how special they are, to show admiration, to celebrate an occasion, or even to sympathize. What we don't know is that sending certain types of flowers, and even their colors, actually have meanings of their own.

Floriography: (Language Of Flowers)

During Renaissance and medieval times, flowers were often given moral meanings. This is apparent in art where saints are often portrayed with flowers that symbolize the saints' virtues. "Some of the Christian symbols for Virginity or Chastity are the white rose, the myrtle, a vessel or vase, the lily, and the unicorn," says Liana DeGirolami Cheney in an edition of Sixteenth Century Journal.

Back in the Victorian era, flowers began to create or add emotion. The language of flowers, sometimes called floriography, began being used as a discreet form of communication. In the 18th century, sending coded messages using flowers became popular. Based on Persian Salaam, a Turkish secret language of flowers, a coded flower arrangement was sent to announce feelings of attraction, even love.

Back in 1819, a book entirely about interpretations of flowers called "Le Language des Fleurs," was written by Madame Charlotte de la Tour. A similar book, "Language of Flowers" by Kate Greenaway, was written in 1884 and is still being used today.

Japan also has their version of floriography, called "Hanakotoba." Greeting cards in Japan use the Hanakotoba code, and still use the flower-language in popular culture such as in films and cartoons, like the anime series "Wei Kreuz."

Well-Known Meanings Of Flowers

Buy or borrow a dictionary of flowers to see the different interpretations and meanings of flowers. Some very well-known flowers and their corresponding meanings are listed below:

Buttercup - riches Pink carnations - a woman's love Chrysanthemum - love in general Forget-me-not - true love Lavender - devotion, distrust Purple lilac - first emotion of love White lily - purity Peach blossom- long-life Red rose - true love Sunflower - pure and noble thoughts Yellow tulip - hopeless love - 32376

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Types Of Flowers Suitable For Special Occasions

By Ashley Daniels

When you go to a florist to get a bouquet prepared, and see the wide range of options that he has to offer to you, it is natural to feel bewildered. But the good news is that you can minimise your choices keeping the event in consideration, as different flowers have different meanings associated with them and thus each is suited for a particular event. Once you are conscious of this meaning, you would be able to narrow down your choices to a small group, from which you can without trouble take your pick for your bouquet.

The concept of flowers representing states of mind has been around for many years, with the Victorians upholding it more enthusiastically than the people of other ages. Red roses stand for sincerity in love, and yellow roses symbolize love that is less physical and more like friendship. Colourful carnations and tulips also come under the group of flowers bearing significance and messages for the people who receive them depending on their colour.

Brilliantly coloured flowers are suitable for birthdays. For anniversaries, like 25 years, the most proper are luxurious and formal bouquets with a suitable color scheme. In observance of giving birth, pink flowers are great option for a baby girl, and yellow or orange flowers for a boy. Gerberas are bright and bold flowers, absolutely suited to a happy occasion like a birthday, anniversary or birth.

On the event of marriage, invitees are expected to gift bouquets to the newly wedded couple. The most suitable bouquets for weddings are those that go well with the theme or season in which the wedding is taking place. A nice blend of red and white flowers is ideal for marriages that follow traditional customs, while nothing can be better than a bouquet of spring flowers for a springtime wedding.

For birthdays and anniversaries, anything vibrant and cheerful is generally a good idea, and bouquets made of chrysanthemums, daisies and roses are the hot favourites for such occasion s. For academic successes like graduation, the selection of flowers must be both cheerful and subtle. Colourful lilies serve the objective well, and a combination of two to three colours adds an extra flavour to the assortment.

Birthdays are generally a time for sending bold and brilliantly coloured flowers. For anniversaries, like 25 years, the most proper are luxurious and conventional bouquets with a suitable color scheme. To celebrate a birth, pink flowers are an apparent option for a girl, and orange or yellow flowers for a boy. Gerberas are brilliant and bold flowers, absolutely suited to a happy occasion like a birthday, anniversary or birth.

White flowers, especially sombre ones like white carnations, are generally reserved for funerals or other sorrowful event s. A white wreath or bouquet implies that you as a presenter are wishing that the deceased person's soul may attain eternal peace. However, vibrant flowers like tropical blooms are the best messengers of a get-well-soon message, and hence they are fit for presenting to people who are stuck to their bed due to illness.

You might suddenly feel that selecting the correct bouquet for an occasion is like doing a tightrope walk, but don't forget that a florist can always help you out if you are confused. If you are purchasing flowers from a well-known florist in Singapore, then the people there will happily guide you in making the correct choice for your occasion. - 32376

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Speaking of Love - Don't Forget Flowers for Valentine's Day

By Anne J. Michaels

Imagine having a conversation with someone. Now imagine trying to have that same conversation without speaking or writing. Suppose it was an intimate conversation with someone you love. Suppose the conversation was with someone you'd like to know better. How would you develop a relationship or even carry on a conversation without speech or writing?

That was the situation in Victorian England for much of the 1800's. Due to the strict social etiquette of the time, extreme discretion was required. Conversations of a romantic nature were strictly off-limits. But emotional expression cannot be denied for long. Symbolism and meaning became attached to everyday objects and gestures, and especially to flowers.

The result was "secret" messages hidden in bouquets of flowers. Different meanings were attached to every type and color of flower, how they were presented, and how they were received. Many of the messages were romantic in nature. Some messages were rejections, and even insults. An exchange of flowers became a complete conversation.

Tussie-mussies, small bouquets of flowers, became very popular. Using the language of flowers, Victorians developed secret messages that declared their intentions, issued rejections, and made acceptances. Emotions that were forbidden in speech or writing could now be expressed in flowers.

As the symbolism grew more complex, many details of the secret codes were written down. Eventually dictionaries and even books were written to clarify the meanings and to help people better create and understand the messages.

Over time, many cultures have used flowers to express emotions. The Greeks, Persians and the Japanese, for example, have all created their own flower language. The meanings change to fit the need of the specific culture but the need to express emotions with flowers has continued to this day.

Flowers were an important part of the courtship process in many cultures over the centuries. These elaborate and lengthy rituals would bewilder our modern culture, but led directly to the prominent use of flowers in our modern culture. Flowers are an important part of many holidays such as Easter, Mother's Day and Valentine's Day.

We still use flowers to express our thoughts and emotions, although not in quite the same way as the Victorians. For Valentine's Day this year, rather than sending your loved one a simple "I love you" with roses, why not try a bouquet of mixed flowers with a hidden message? Search for the "language of flowers" online for ideas. Include a note about the hidden meaning of the flowers in the bouquet. Be sure to order your Valentine's Day flowers in advance to ensure a timely delivery. - 32376

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A leading Valentine florist, A-Bow-K http://www.a-bow-kflorist.com has been delivering Valentines flowers to Tampa and the surrounding area for 25 successful years.

Putting a Water Feature in Your Garden.

By Steve Forkham

A water feature is a great way to add relaxation, comfort, and peacefulness to your garden at relatively little expense and virtually no maintenance. Your garden is your haven, especially when you spend hours tending it, so you should treat it like such. A small fountain is all it takes to make spending hours sitting in your garden reading a book all the more pleasant.

Usually, people install fountains for the benefit of the natural ambience it provides. For some reason, being around a gorgeous scene of water gives you a positive energy, especially if you practice Tai Chi or some form of yoga or meditation. The constant drone of the water is exactly what most people need to concentrate on what they are doing.

When you first decide to put in a fountain, you need to put great care into picking out one that will go well with the rest of your garden, especially if you have any other decorations, you want to consider if it goes well with your motif. Does the fountain you're considering stand out in your garden llike a sore thumb, or does it look like it was meant to be there?

Another thing you might want to consider before buying a fountain or other feature is powering it. If your garden is not near your house or other power source, you can find simple solutions, such as an extension cord meant for being underground. A few hours of burying the cord, and you will have a fountain that looks like it was meant to be all along.

There are few better ways to add beauty and class to your garden than by using a fountain, and it can be surprisingly inexpensive. It is low maintenance, and it can add a ton of character to your garden. Having that fountain in your garden can add colour to a bland backyard, and remember, gardens are not just for giving us vegetables! - 32376

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The Difference Between Fake And Real Flowers

By Sarah Johnson

Everyone agrees that decorating with flowers makes venues and places more lively and inviting. Flower baskets look really fantastic, and often make an occasion feel special. The question is, which type of flowers should you take: artificial or fresh flowers?

Part 1: Fresh Flowers

Traditionally speaking, fresh flowers are the way to go. Their shapes, scents, colors and general aesthetics all contribute to creating a great ambiance. There are so many several options, but it all depends on the season.

Still, you should also consider that fresh flowers won't last forever & probably cost more. Fresh flowers need maintenance & constant care. You should speak to your florist which flowers are in season and available locally, because flowers that aren't in season and/or imported tend to be more expensive. This way, you can have high-class, fresh floral arrangements without having to spend a fortune.

Part 2: Artificial Flowers

There are many types of artificial flowers to select from. The most popular at the moment are silk flowers. They are great because they require little maintenance, and are are very affordable & realistic. Aside from requiring only very little cleaning, some people claim they are unable to guess that they're artificial without taking a very close look!

Naturally, fake flowers also have some disadvantages. They do not give out the fresh scents that only fresh flowers have. You can fake it by strategically putting good air fresheners nearby, but it still won't be the same though.

Part 3: Which Is Better?

In selecting and deciding the types of flowers you need, there is no wrong and right answer. Everything will depend on your purpose or occasion. For serious home gardeners and for special occasions, fresh flowers are a fantastic choice. For indoor home and office decorations, good artificial flowers would probably be your best bet. Before investing in flower arrangements, ask yourself which kind is more practical for you and your budget. - 32376

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