As
part of our 125th Anniversary celebration at Stein Your Florist Co.
we are sharing a year of floral education, November 1, 2012 thru October 31,
2013. Each day we will post something new on our Facebook page to share
our knowledge of our favorite things, flowers and plants and we'll be updating
our blog every 5 days or so. No need for pencils and notebooks, just sharing
some simple lessons in floristry.
Day 101 - Legend has it that the amaryllis - the stunning red flower we've
come to associate with the holidays - began as a shy, timid nymph. Amaryllis
fell deeply in love with Alteo, a shepherd with Hercules' strength and Apollo's
beauty, but her affections were unrequited. Hoping that she could win him over
by bestowing upon him the thing he desired most - a flower so unique it had
never existed in the world before - Amaryllis sought advice from the oracle of
Delphi. Following his instructions, Amaryllis dressed in maiden's white and
appeared at Alteo's door for 30 nights, each time piercing her heart with a
golden arrow. When at last Alteo opened his door, there before him was a
striking crimson flower, sprung from the blood of Amaryllis's heart. With this
romantic - albeit tragic - tale as its beginning, it's not surprising that
today the amaryllis has come to symbolize pride, determination and radiant
beauty.
Day 102 - Wax flower gets its name from the tough,
waxy feel of the tiny flowers. It smells pine-y fresh and wonderful, especially
when the stems are broken or the petals are crushed. Wax flower comes in basic
white and pink colors, but it is available in an array of other colors as well,
thanks to floral dyes. With its multiple tiny bowl shaped flowers it is a
beautiful subtle accent for many bouquets.
Day 103 - Native to Ireland, Scotland, Scandinavia, Russia and
North America, heather branches are said to have been used to make baskets,
rope, bedding, as thatch for roofs and even to flavor beer or tea. Today, it’s
the beautiful heather flowers—in colors ranging from white to pink, purple and
red – that draw our attention. Symbolizing admiration and good luck, heather is
also believed have protective powers.
Day 104 - The traditional floral symbol of China, the state
flower of Indiana, and the 12th wedding anniversary flower, peonies are known
as the flower of riches and honor. With their lush, full, rounded bloom,
peonies embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good
fortune and a happy marriage.
Day 105 – The story of lilac, according to Greek mythology, begins with a
beautiful nymph named Syringa (lilac’s botanical name). Captivated by her
beauty, Pan, the god of the forests and fields, chased Syringa through the
forest. Frightened by Pan’s affections, Syringa escaped him by turning herself
into an aromatic bush – the flower we now refer to as lilac.
As
part of our 125th Anniversary celebration at Stein Your Florist Co.
we are sharing a year of floral education, November 1, 2012 thru October 31,
2013. Each day we will post something new on our Facebook page to share
our knowledge of our favorite things, flowers and plants and we'll be updating
our blog every 5 days or so. No need for pencils and notebooks, just sharing
some simple lessons in floristry.
Day 81 - The Monte Casino Flower is also
known as the Heath Aster or the Monte Casino Aster. It is native to the Central
and Eastern part of the United States as well as Canada. It is commonly found
as a small filler flower in arrangements on a year-round basis and is a common
pick among florists. It is found as part of a clump forming bush that grows up
to three feet in height and approximately a foot in width. Colors for the Monte
Casino Flower include star-shaped blossoms in purple, lavender, and white with
a yellow center.
Day 82 - To care for your cut hyacinths simply provide them with
cool clear water. Do not let the flowers fall below the water's surface, as
this could cause extra bacteria production, reducing the longevity of the
blooms. A floral food formulated specifically for bulb plants may also add to
their vase life; however, hyacinths do not show a particular affinity for it.
If the basal plate (the spot at the bottom of the stem that looks as though it
had roots) is present that's great, don't remove it, it will lengthen the life
of your blooms!
Day 83 – Carnations are rich with symbolism, mythology and even
debate, and with a history that dates back more than 2,000 years, it's not
surprising. While some scholars suggest that their name comes from the word
"corone" (flower garlands) or "coronation" because of its
use in Greek ceremonial crowns, others propose that it’s derived from the Latin
"carnis" (flesh) referring to the flower's original pinkish-hued
color or "incarnacyon" (incarnation), referring to the incarnation of
God-made flesh.
Day 84 - Heather’s scientific name, “Calluna vulgaris,” comes
from the Greek “Kallune,” meaning “to clean or brush,” and the Latin
“vulgaris,” meaning “common,” as heather twigs were once used for making
brooms.
Day 85 - It is estimated that bamboo has been a symbol
of good fortune in the Asian culture more than 4,000 years. Lucky bamboo is one
of the plants recommended by Feng Shui masters to improve Feng Shui and create
a space where you feel safe and more energized. Because lucky bamboo is able to thrive in
many areas of the home or workplace where other plants would not, it is valued
as a means to enhance the positive flow of energy or "chi" in these
areas.
