Showing posts with label Rose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rose. Show all posts

Thursday, July 18, 2013

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 166 - 170

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 166 - Hardy cacti and other succulent plants are accustomed to desert conditions and prefer bright, indirect light or direct sun. Water them thoroughly and evenly, allowing them to dry out completely in between waterings. If the soil becomes too hard and causes water to run off, place the pot in water just to cover the soil, and allow it to soak for about 30 minutes.

Day 167 - Reminiscent of Heather, Leptospermum is a genus of about 80-86 species of plants in the myrtle family. Most species are endemic to Australia, with the greatest diversity in the south of the continent; but one species extends to New Zealand and another to Malaysia. They are shrubs or occasionally small trees with dense branching. The leaves are evergreen and the flowers are up to 3 cm diameter, with five white, pink or red petals.

Day 168 - Rose oil is a wonderful oil to use on the skin. Rose has astringent properties which act as a skin tonic and it helps to moisturize and hydrate all skin types especially dry, mature and sensitive skin. It can also help reduce skin redness, fight inflammation and help to fix broken capillaries. Not only does it work will on the skin, but it helps to fight depression, mental tension, irritability and stress. It makes a wonderful massage oil and can be used in a bath. Making your own rose oil is easy and a great way to use roses you may have growing in your own yard. Check out the instructions here: http://www.ehow.com/how_4443509_make-rose-oil.html


Day 169 - Pink roses have a rich history that comes with being one of the longest existing roses known to us - in fact, pink roses have even been depicted in some of the earliest known pieces of art. When roses first began to be cultivated, the majority of them existed in various shades of pink, from the palest pink to the deepest crimson. Prior to that, pink roses were the dominant species among wild roses, and were likely among the earliest roses to evolve.

 
 
Day 170 - With its pristine appearance, the white rose has come to symbolize purity, innocence and secrecy. There are myths and legends from several different cultures relating to the origin of the first rose which is initially white in color and is then miraculously transformed. Oftentimes the pure white rose was depicted as being stained by blood, or made to blush from a kiss. The recurrence of this theme does a great deal to establish the white rose as a symbol for purity.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 161 - 165

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 161 - Intoxicating by their very nature, apple blossoms are symbolic of heady love, peace, sensuality, and fertility. Apple blossoms (and trees) were honored by the ancient Celts as a symbol of love, and they would decorate their bedchambers with these blossoms to entice amorous nights.

Day 162 - A flowering plant's goal is to set seed. If you repeatedly deadhead - trim off the spent flowers - the plant goes into overdrive, putting out more and more flowers in an effort to reproduce. This will make your flowering plant full of beautiful blooms!

 
 
 
 
 
 
Day 163 - Roses are edible flowers. From ancient times they have appeared at feasting tables as bouquets and as food. The flavor of roses is varied as the colors. The sweet, tart or spicy petals are easy to use and popular additions to any kitchen. Light-color roses are more sweet or light in flavor. Darker roses have more aroma and flavor. Taste a rose petal to decide where it belongs on your menu.

Day 164 - Despite their elegant, graceful appearance, orchids aren't difficult to care for, and by following a few simple guidelines, many varieties will bloom for you again next year. Keep your orchid in a well-ventilated spot with partial shade, away from radiators, air conditioning, and strong drafts. To help maintain the right level of humidity, set the planter in a tray of pebbles and water so that the pot sits out of the water. This prevents the roots from rotting, and allows the moisture to circulate. Orchids gain their water from the relative humidity in the atmosphere, they do not absorb water in a traditional way from the roots and soil. For stability, orchids are often potted with the roots in a growing media that should not be overly wet. Orchids require a period of dormancy during the winter in order to bloom again in the spring, so allow it to rest in a sunny spot, and don't water it at all during this time. When its blooms are gone, cut the spike an inch above the foliage, leaving the old canes in place.


Day 165 - The genus Gladiolus comprises 260 species; 10 species are native to Eurasia and 250 species are native to sub-Saharan Africa, mostly South Africa. African Gladioli were imported from South Africa to Europe in large quantities during the 18th century. Most of the more than 10,000 named Gladioli cultivars were probably derived from just 7 species native to South Africa, they were first brought to European gardens in the late 17th century. Every flower color but blue is represented in modern hybrids, the flowers themselves vary immensely.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 151 - 155

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 151 - A mark of purity and grace throughout the ages, the regal white lily is a fitting symbol of the greater meaning of Easter. Gracing millions of homes and churches, the flowers embody joy, hope and life. Whether given as a gift or enjoyed in your own home, the Easter Lily, along with other Easter blooms, serves as a beautiful reminder that Easter is a time for rejoicing and celebrating.

Day 152 - Today begins the month long Cherry Blossom Festival in Philadelphia, a celebration of the beautiful blooms and Japanese culture. Our cherry blossoms are just beginning to open, but will soon bear a bevy of beautiful pink petals. Sakura, the Japanese name for cherry blossoms, serve as a metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life.

Day 153 - Although different tulip colors carry distinct meanings - yellow tulips symbolizing cheerful thoughts, white conveying forgiveness and purple representing royalty - a Turkish legend may be responsible for the red tulip's symbolism. The story goes that a prince named Farhad was love struck by a maiden named Shirin. When Farhad learned that Shirin had been killed, he was so overcome with grief that he killed himself - riding his horse over the edge of a cliff. It's said that a scarlet tulip sprang up from each droplet of his blood, giving the red tulip the meaning "perfect love."

Day 154 - Roses have colorful names such as Be My Baby, Tooth Fairy and Deja Blue. The ones pictured here are called Mount Everest. They have even been named honoring famous people from John F. Kennedy to Queen Victoria, and Ronald Reagan to Dolly Parton. To make the name of a rose official, it must go pass stringent testing by the American Rose Society, the governing organization in the United States for authenticating and registering the names of new rose cultivars. A new hybrid rose breed is a cultivar. In order to have the cultivar officially sanctioned and the name registered with the ARS, the cultivar goes through lengthy examinations conducted by the ARS testing how the rose performs in a variety of garden settings and conditions. The cultivar breeder applies to a governing body, such as the ARS, the Royal Horticulture Society of London or the International Rose Cultivar Registration Authority. The registering organization requires detailed information about the rose's lineage and characteristics. There are extensive guidelines regarding the name. The IRCA requires the cultivar name have no more than 10 syllables and no more than 30 letters or characters. The trial and name registration process with any accredited organization can take 2 years or longer for an application to be approved or denied.

Day 155 - The 11th wedding anniversary flower, it's said that the tulip's velvety black center represents a lover's heart, darkened by the heat of passion. With the power to rival roses in their red variety and the sweet charm to express simple joy when yellow, it's no wonder that in addition to all its other symbolism, in the language of flowers, a tulip bouquet represents elegance and grace.


Sunday, July 14, 2013

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 141 - 145

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 141 - There are many different varieties of roses, including single roses, spray roses and shrub roses. While some rose bushes produce one blossom per branch, others produce several roses per branch. While a spray rosebush won't provide you with long-stemmed roses, depending upon your garden plans or decorative arrangements, spray or individual roses can work for your needs. Spray roses are typically smaller than blossoms grown on other types of rosebushes, but not always. They tend to be lush and have abundant flowers.

Day 142 - Geraniums have been a gardener's favorite for well over a century. The old-fashioned standard for beds, borders, and containers, geranium is still one of the most popular plants today. Traditional bedding types love hot weather and hold up well to dry conditions; many offer colorful foliage. Regal, also called Martha Washington, geraniums are more delicate-looking and do better in the cool conditions of spring and fall. Though most geraniums are grown as annuals, they are perennials in Zones 10-11. Bring them indoors to overwinter, if you like, then replant outdoors in spring. Or they can bloom indoors all year long if they get enough light.

Day 143 – Viburnum is a beautiful flower resembling a small hydrangea that is available as an import from Holland beginning in March and lasting until early April. Domestically it is available from May to early June. Though it is a short window to enjoy these pretty petals as a cut flower they are also a wonderfully versatile garden shrub. When the blooms are immature they are apple green in color and turn white as they mature.

Day 144 - In many Christian churches, Palm Sunday is marked by the distribution of palm leaves (often tied into crosses) to the assembled worshippers. The palm branch is a symbol of victory, triumph, peace and eternal life originating in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean world. The palm (Arecaceae) was sacred in Mesopotamian religions, and in ancient Egypt represented immortality. In Judaism, the palm is associated with the festival of Sukkot. A palm branch was awarded to victorious athletes in ancient Greece, and a palm frond or the tree itself is one of the most common attributes of Victory personified in ancient Rome. In Christianity, the palm branch is associated particularly with Palm Sunday, when according to Christian tradition palm branches were waved at the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It was adopted into Christian iconography to represent the victory of martyrs, or the victory of the spirit over the flesh.

Day 145 - Scabiosa, commonly known as pincushion flower, is a genus in the teasel Family Dipsacaceae of flowering plants. Scabiosa plants have many small flowers of soft lavender blue, lilac or creamy white color borne in a single head on a tall stalk. Scabious flowers are nectar rich and attract a variety of insects including moths and butterflies. The symbolic meaning of scabiosa is unfortunate love.

Friday, June 7, 2013

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 121 - 125

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 121 - If you receive roses with thorns, leave them. Removing the thorns wounds the stem. The more wounds there are, the more likely the flower's life will be shortened. "Barking" the stem ruins the vessels that transport water up the stem to refresh the flower. It also creates an open wound through which bacteria can enter. If you must remove a thorn, it's best to remove just a small piece of the pointy tip. So be careful of those thorns and enjoy the beauty of the rose.

Day 122 – Kalanchoe is a genus of about 125 species of tropical, succulent flowering plants, popular because of their ease of propagation, low water requirements and wide range of available colors. In traditional medicine, Kalanchoe species have been used to treat ailments such as infections, rheumatism and inflammation. Kalanchoe extracts also have immunosuppressive effects. One variety has even been recorded in Trinidad and Tobago as being used as a traditional treatment for hypertension.

Day 123 - Of all the flowers typically seen in an American garden, the marigold never disappoints. From its resilience, outlasting most other annuals well into the fall months and thriving in even the hottest driest weather, to its intense fiery color, the lowly marigold fills in the bare garden spots more efficiently than many other flowers. While the marigold flower, closely associated with the sun's energy, carries positive connotations, it has also been perceived through the ages to possess some darker qualities. It can symbolize jealousy and cruelty and represent sorrow and feelings of unrest during a sad time.

Day 124 – Leaves are the plants’ food factory; producing carbohydrates by the process of photosynthesis. The green pigment absorbs energy in the form of sunlight and uses it to chemically combine carbon dioxide from the air with water absorbed by the roots to make soluble sugar, which can then be converted into insoluble starch and other products and subsequently stored as a potential energy source.





Day 125 - In some countries of Europe, incurve chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are used only for funerals or on graves, while other types carry no such symbolism; similarly, in China, Japan and Korea, white chrysanthemums are symbolic of lamentation and/or grief. In some other countries, they represent honesty. In the United States, the flower is usually regarded as positive and cheerful, with New Orleans as a notable exception.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 86-90


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 86 - Derived from the Greek words “anti,” meaning like, and “rhin,” meaning nose, antirrhinum, the snapdragon’s botanical name, is a fitting description of this snout-shaped flower. It’s said that the common name for this colorful flower comes from the snap it makes when the sides of the “dragon’s mouth” are gently squeezed. While their actual origin is unknown, it’s believed that snapdragons were originally wildflowers in Spain and Italy. Legend has it that concealing a snapdragon makes a person appear fascinating and cordial, and in the language of flowers, snapdragons are said to represent both deception (perhaps tied to the notion of concealment) and graciousness.

Day 87 - The most obvious and well known meaning of the red rose is deep love and affection. In the 18th century, a special rose language evolved as a means of communication between lovers who were forced by society to keep their feelings a secret. And the red rose came to symbolize true love that would stand the test of time. Staunchly promising affection that is forever riding high is what the red rose means. The red rose denotes a true love that is stronger than thorns and can outlive all obstacles.

Day 88 - Through ancient societies, the aster flower has come to be known as a symbol of charm and patience as well as refinement and elegance. The Ancients also believe that, by burning aster leaves, they could drive away serpents with the smell as well as be used as a love charm. Today, the message conveyed by giving asters can be sometimes taken as a lack of trust that a person has remained faithful. The flower offers a unique beauty that has also offered some medicinal properties. It is related to other flowers, such as mums, marigolds, and daisies.

Day 89 - With a recorded history that dates back thousands of years, it’s not surprising that even the mythology surrounding the origin of the peony has multiple versions. One legend has it that the peony is named after Paeon, a physician to the gods, who received the flower on Mount Olympus from the mother of Apollo. And another tells the story of that same physician who was “saved” from the fate of dying as other mortals by being turned into the flower we know today as the peony.

Day 90 - There remains some debate over the hydrangea’s symbolism – with some connecting it to vanity and boastfulness (perhaps reflecting its abundance of petals and lavish, rounded shape) and others suggesting that a bouquet of hydrangea expresses the giver’s gratefulness for the recipient’s understanding. Still others suggest it represents anything that’s sincerely heartfelt. Despite this variation in flower meaning, there appears to be an overwhelming consensus that this 4th wedding anniversary flower possesses enduring grace and beauty.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 76-80

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 76 - The Pink Intuition is a bi-colored rose splashed with artistic streaks of light and hot pink. Imported from Ecuador, they are a hit with florists and rose appreciators alike. The varieties Red Intuition delstriro (a red with red streaks) and Pink Intuition delstripink, were created by Delbard. Delbard is a French company located in the center of France in the region Auvergne, which specializes in the breeding of roses and fruit trees. Delbard has been breeding different varieties for both for more than 70 years.

Day 77 - A symbol of the sun, the Japanese consider the orderly unfolding of the chrysanthemum’s petals to represent perfection, and Confucius once suggested they be used as an object of meditation. It’s said that a single petal of this celebrated flower placed at the bottom of a wine glass will encourage a long and healthy life.

Day 78 - Inventor Thomas Edison experimented with solidego to produce rubber, which it contains naturally. Edison created a fertilization and cultivation process to maximize the rubber content in each plant. His experiments produced a 12-foot-tall plant that yielded as much as 12% rubber. The tires on the Model T given to him by his friend Henry Ford were made from goldenrod.

Day 79 - Ornithogalum umbellatum or Star of Bethlehem flower is a perennial plant with small, delicate flowers. It is also known by other names that include Wonder Flower and Arabian Star Flower. Sometimes it is called the “florist nightmare” as the Star of Bethlehem have a very long shelf life. If growing these beauties in your garden keep them away from livestock and other animals. The bulbs and foliage contain toxic alkaloids. Thus, grow them in areas that won't tempt your dog, cat or other pets to take a sample bite of the leaves. The Star of Bethlehem is the symbol of purity, atonement and reconciliation.

Day 80 – Yarrow was once regarded as a sacred and medicinal herb. Yarrow stems were used by the Druids to divine seasonal weather in Europe and were the original stalks used by the Chinese in consulting the I-ching. It also was strongly used by wise women and healers in Europe and during the Middle Ages, it was used to keep evil spirits away and worn as an amulet to ward against negativity. Yarrow is said to symbolize war. We love its beautiful yellow hue and versatility, it’s wonderful as a fresh or dried flower.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 56-60

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 56 - Lilies can be used as food or for their medicinal qualities. The Chinese use lily buds in cookery to flavor stir fries. They also use it as a medicine for respiratory problems. Native Americans have used lily roots boiled as a tea for stomach problems and as a wash for bruises. They also used it to relieve the pain from insect bites.



Day 57 – Liatris, also known as Blazing star, Gay-feather, and Button snakeroot, are a classic favorite around flower shops. They have a vase life of 6-14 days and work well in many bouquets with their slender, 6-10” tall spikes with needlelike petals. Their stems can grow as long as 32” and though we typically see them in beautiful purple hues, they are also grown in whites, lavenders and pinks.

Day 58 – Unlike pink, red and white roses that originate from Britian, yellow roses derive from the Middle East and were only first noted in the 1700’s. They have since been cross bred to create stunning hybrids, creating stronger and varied shades of yellow, as well as, the beautiful scent that yellow roses are now synonymous with. The variety pictured here is called Gold Strike.

Day 59 - From the Latin "delphis" meaning dolphin, from the shape of the buds, Delphiniums are a genus of around 300 species in the ranunculaceae family. These blossoms traditionally come in bright, creamy white, dainty pink, blue and a marvelous purple blue combination; however, some of the highbred flowers can be seen in shocking reds, oranges and yellows.

Day 60 - Anemone is a genus of approximately 120 species of flowering plants of the ranunculaceae family. The name anemone comes from the Greek word for "windflower." According to Greek mythology, the anemone sprang from Aphrodite's tears as she mourned the death of Adonis. Thought to bring luck and protect against evil, legend has it that when the anemone closes its petals, it's a signal that rain is approaching. Still other mythology connects the anemone to magical fairies, who were believed to sleep under the petals after they closed at sunset. Perhaps it's because of this magical and prophetic tales that today in the language of flowers, anemones represent anticipation.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 31-35

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.


Ficus Tree
Day 31 - Ficus plants are wonderful, but can be a little temperamental while adjusting to a new home (or even a space within your home should you choose to move it). While adjusting it may drop a noticeable amount of leaves. This is normal, and with proper care, it will begin to thrive again in no time. Just pick up the fallen leaves, remove the yellow ones still on the plant, and cut off dead and dry twigs. This will help the light penetrate to the inside foliage and promote new growth. Be careful not to over water your ficus. Feel the soil with your finger tip, and if it feels dry to the touch one inch below the surface, it's time to water it – but if the soil feels moist, hold off for a day or two. Keep in mind that your ficus will need less water during the winter. When your ficus is new, mist it daily as well. To provide proper humidity and prevent the roots from standing in water, place the planter on a plant tray or saucer filled with gravel. Display your ficus in a bright spot with indirect light, away from drafts and large windows that change temperature throughout the day. Use plant fertilizer monthly throughout the growing season, but not during the winter months.

Bromeliad
Day 32 - Native to Central and South America, bromeliads are a large family of plants – all with a similar rosette of stiff leaves and some kind of bright central flower spike or colored leaf area. They're tough, easy-going plants, preferring bright, indirect light or direct sun. Keep their soil moist to dry, and pour the water in the center of the plant where the leaves join together, allowing it to drain into the soil. Avoid letting the plant sit in water. If you live in a hard water area, use rainwater or distilled water whenever possible, as bromeliads are very sensitive to salts, which may cause their leaves to turn brown at the tips.

Dandelions
Day 33 - Dandelions might seem like weeds, but the flowers and leaves are a good source of vitamins A and C, iron, calcium and potassium. One cup of dandelion greens provides 7,000-13,000 I.U. of vitamin A.

Tulip Bulbs







Day 34 - It’s a good thing we are not living in 17th century Holland, as the tulip was considered a true exotic and used as currency during the era known as "tulipomania” (search tulipomania on Wikipedia, it’s an actual time in history, we can’t make this stuff up!). Tulips were worth more than gold! Anyone got change for a tulip?? Today in the 21st century the tulip is still highly valued for its simple, yet elegant beauty.






Double-Flowered Rose
Day 35 - Ornamental roses have been cultivated for millennia, with the earliest known cultivation known to date from at least 500 BC in Mediterranean countries, Persia, and China. Many thousands of rose hybrids and cultivars have been bred and selected for garden use as flowering plants. Most are double-flowered with many or all of the stamens having mutated into additional petals.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 16-20

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.

Reviving Roses



Day 16 – If your roses begin to wilt, you may be able to revive them. Trim off about an inch from the bottom of its stem and then submerge the entire rose under water in a sink or bathtub. Allow the stem to absorb water for about 20-60 minutes before returning them to their vase.






Opening Roses




Day 17 - Roses last longer in a cool area, but if you want their blooms to open quickly, temporarily place them in a warmer spot (Note: not hotter than 80 degrees Fahrenheit). This is great for when you want them looking their most beautiful, perhaps for an evening dinner party ;)






Beware Toxic Flowers and Plants


Day 18 – Households with pets can pose a bit of a challenge when selecting which flowers and plants to keep around. Some pets may be tempted to munch on a few leaves, and while many plants will cause nothing more severe than mild digestive upset should they be ingested by pets, some can cause more serious health issues. Toxic to both cats and dogs are Tulips, Azalea, Bird of Paradise, Aloe, Begonias, Baby's Breath, and Amaryllis. Members of the Lilium genus, including Easter and stargazer lilies, can cause serious kidney problems if ingested by cats. Keep these things in mind when selecting your flora to keep your fauna happy :)







Poinsettia Care
Day 19 - Even though we associate poinsettias with the mid-winter holidays, they're actually a tropical plant and need to be kept away from drafts and cold. Too chilly temperatures can cause their colorful leaves (called bracts) to drop. Keep their soil moist and allow it to dry out only slightly in between waterings. Encourage new blooms by pinching off spent blossoms and adding plant fertilizer when it's actively growing new buds or leaves. Poinsettias can also be cut from the plant and used as cut flowers. When you cut a stem, a milky-white sap flows from the cut end. Place the stem in water immediately to allow it to hydrate before mixing it with other flowers.

Pet Friendly Flowers and Plants
Day 20 - What is a pet friendly bouquet? It is a bouquet consisting of plants and flowers that are not considered to be toxic to pets (primarily cats and dogs). Flowers such as roses, African daisies, and orchids and plants such as bromeliads, African violets and Christmas cactus are non-toxic (although any ingested plant material might occasionally cause mild, self-limited vomiting) and would be suitable as to have in households with pets.