365 Days of Floral Education - Days 301 - 305

As part of our 125^th 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 301 - Do you wake up with dry tired eyes? Try a chrysanthemum tea. Chrysanthemum's help cure imbalances of the liver and kidney's causing the dry eyes. Chrysanthemum tea is a flower-based tisane made from chrysanthemum flowers prepared by steeping the flowers, usually dried in hot water, often with rock sugar added and occasionally also wolfberries. The resulting drink is transparent and ranges from pale to bright yellow in color, with a floral aroma.

Day 302 - Gardenia flowers may be eaten raw, pickled or preserved in honey. And indeed Gardenia blossoms are also used to make Jasmine tea. It seems a little like bait and switch but since the pallet doesn’t know the difference your Jasmine tea may be flavored with Jasmine or Gardenia. Gardenias have a light, sweet flavor.

Day 303 - Also known as the Black-Eyed Susan, the Rudbeckia has fiery yellow petals and a deep brown center—almost like a miniature sunflower. The black-eyed Susan was designated the state flower of Maryland in 1918. The Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, MD has been termed "The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans" because a blanket of chrysanthemums, decorated to look like black-eyed Susans, is traditionally placed around the winner's neck (actual black-eyed Susans are not in season during the Preakness). The black-eyed Susan which means “Justice” makes a very nice cut-flower with a vase life up to 10 days.

 

Day 304 - The roots but not seedheads of Black-Eyed Susans, Rudbeckia hirta can be used much like the related Echinacea. It is an astringent used as in a warm infusion as a wash for sores and swellings. The Native American tribe Ojibwa used it as a poultice for snake bites and to make an infusion for treating colds and worms in children. The plant is diuretic and was used by the Native American tribes Menominee and Potawatomi. Juice from the roots had been used as drops for earaches.

 

Day 305 – Matthiola, or stock flowers, have been used to make a dark blue or purple dyes. They have also been used medically as an infusion and when mixed with wine it has been used as an antidote for poisonous bites.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 156 - 160

As part of our 125^th 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 156 - The azalea is a flower that symbolizes many different concepts. First, it is a symbol of self recognition and caring for yourself. Next it is a symbol of fragile passion. Lastly, the Chinese consider the azalea a symbol of womanhood. Used as a symbol in the poem by Sylvia Plath called Electra on Azalea path. This poem uses this metaphor in the sense of the "womanhood".

Day 157 - The meanings of gerbera daisies stem from those attributed to the general daisy family. These meanings include innocence and purity, and daisies are also a classic symbol of beauty. However, the gerbera variety holds an added meaning of cheerfulness, which stems from the assortment of colors available.

 

 

 

 

Day 158 - Mums are traditionally fall flowers, but they are widely available as cut flowers year round. The history of when these flowers were introduced to America is unknown, but they were grown around the same time after they arrived in Europe in the 19th century. By 1829, there were more than 17 varieties in the United States. Yellow mums symbolize slighted love.

Day 159 - Allium is a genus of flowering plants, informally referred to as the onion genus. The generic name Allium is the Latin word for garlic. The genus, including the various edible onions, garlics, chives, and leeks, has played a pivotal role in cooking worldwide, as the various parts of the plants, either raw or cooked in many ways, produce a large variety of flavors and textures. The allium flower means unity, humility and patience.

 

Day 160 - Wax flowers are often associated with riches and enduring wealth. The long lasting blooms make them a symbol for lasting success. The wax flower may also be used as a sign of lasting love or patience. It’s species name, Chamelaucium unicinatum, is derived from the Latin word uncinatum, which means “hooked”, in reference to the tips of the leaves.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 121 - 125

As part of our 125^th 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.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 76-80

As part of our 125^th 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.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 66-70

As part of our 125^th 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 66 – With a history that dates back to 15th century B.C., chrysanthemum mythology is filled with a multitude of stories and symbolism. Named from the Greek prefix “chrys-” meaning golden (its original color) and “-anthemion,” meaning flower, years of artful cultivation have produced a full range of colors, from white to purple to red. Daisy-like with a typically yellow center and a decorative pompon, chrysanthemums symbolize optimism and joy.

Day 67 – Resembling a miniature lily, alstroemeria, often called the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, was named after its discoverer, Baron Claus von Alstromer, a Swedish baron who collected the seeds on a trip to Spain in 1753. Today, this popular flower can be found in a range of colors – from white to golden yellow, orange to apricot, pink to red, lavender and purple. Symbolizing friendship and devotion, the alstroemeria’s leaves grow upside down, with the leaf twisting as it grows out from the stem, so that the bottom is facing upwards. It symbolizes friendship and devotion.

Day 68 – This is silver Kochia, a cultivar of the Kochia scrophularia of the Negev desert in Israel, which is itself a tumbleweed, that many claim to be the mythical burning bush of Hebrew folk-lore. When in cultivation this invasive weed is quite attractive, turning bright red in the fall, which when viewed with a setting sun illuminating it could easily be a “burning bush”. However, the cultivar we use in the floral industry is a silvery-gray color, with erect stiff stems and felt-like foliage. Kochia is a useful and hardy foliage with good architectural qualities. Leaves and stems should be turgid and gray-white, neither blackening nor yellowing. Stems should be cut cleanly and crisply and placed immediately into water. Any leaves that will be submerged should be removed. Its vase life is 7-10 days.

Day 69 - The most commonly used delphinium variety is the delphinium staphisagria, which is thought to be helpful in curing diseases or irritations of the reproductive system, as well as aiding in mental and acute respiratory ailments. These flowers may also be used to repel pests such as lice, and are thought to have a curative effect on scorpion stings. The delphinium flower is said to represent big-heartedness and the essence of divine qualities. They are also meant to symbolize levity, fun and a general sense of joy.

Day 70 - Dendrobium is a huge genus of orchids established by Olof Swartz in 1799 and today contains about 1,200 species. They are found in diverse habitats throughout much of Asia, including the Philippines, Borneo, Australia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands and New Zealand. Many of the orchids that we import are from Thailand, where there are several major growers of a variety of orchids including dendrobiums, cymbidiums, phalaenopsis, vanda, mokara, oncidium and cattleya.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 36-40

An Annual, Bells of Ireland

As part of our 125^th 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 36 - Flowers for gardening can be divided into two types, annuals and perennials. Annuals (like these Bells of Ireland) are flowers that have to be replanted with new seeds every year. Perennials are flowers that should return every year without replanting. Special attention must be paid to bulbous and tuber flowers, which require extra care. Bulbs and tubers such as tulips and begonias often must be dug up and stored in a warmer environment for winter, then replanted in the spring.



Edible Carnations

Day 37 - Carnations are an edible flower. The petals of carnations have been used since the 1600s to make a French liqueur known as Chartreuse. Today, you can steep carnation petals in wine and use them as candy or as decorations on cakes and desserts. The miniature dianthus petals taste like nutmeg and clove. These can be added to salads to add spice and color.














Egyptian Plant Collectors

Day 38 – The first recorded plant collectors were the soldiers in the army of Thothmes III, Pharoh of Egypt, 3,500 years ago. In the temple of Karnak thses soldiers are depicted bringing back 300 plants as booty from Syria.

Types of Cacti

Day 39 – The cactus family is divided into more than 100 genera. For simplicity North American cacti are placed into five groups:  the prickly pears, the saguaro cactus group, the hedgehog cacti, the barrel cacti and the fishhook pin-cushion cacti.

Chrysanthemum Bonsai

Day 40 – Chrysanthemums are big in the US, but even more so in Japan. Japan has a national chrysanthemum festival every year on September 9th. The flower is also portrayed on their imperial flags and weapons. Feng shui buffs believe that chrysanthemums will bring happiness and laughter to any room and chrysanthemums are one of the few flowers that can be cultivated bonsai style, their bloom can be as small as 1 cm or as large as 25 cm.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 6-10

As part of our 125^th 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.

Flowers to Avoid with Allergies

Day 6 - There are a wide range of flowers that work well with people living with allergies, but there are also just as many flowers and plants these individuals should avoid. WebMD reports flowers with the most pollen production like chamomile, chrysanthemums, daisies, goldenrod and ordinary sunflowers are among the worst.

Spider Plants for Air Purification

Day 7 – Spider plants, named for their flowy, long branches that resemble the legs of spiders (not because spiders like them), are wonderful for cleaning the air in a home or office space. These plants work to eliminate benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene - the latter of which is a solvent used in rubber and leather. They are hearty (you can go away on vacation and still return to a healthy plant) and do not require a lot of sunlight to thrive, so they are great for indoor spaces with limited light.



English Ivy for Air Purification

Day 8 - English ivy, is another great plant to keep around for its air purifying qualities. It works to reduce airborne fecal-matter particles, which is especially helpful for homes with pets (those that have accidents or use litter boxes); however, its leaves are also toxic to pets, so be sure to keep it where your pet cannot reach it. English ivy has also been shown to filter out formaldehyde found in some household cleaning products.







Chrysanthemum

Day 9 - Chrysanthemums are a flower shop staple and November’s birth flower. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and petal formations. Their blossoms may even look exotic and in unusual colors with single or multiple blooms per stem. It’s important to remove the foliage of chrysanthemums if it begins to droop or yellow. The foliage often deteriorates more quickly than the flowers themselves. Recutting the stems often will also increase the uptake of water and increase vase life. Most chrysanthemums will last 7 to 12 days on average.

Amaryllis

Day 10 - Amaryllis are beautiful cut flowers, but they require some extra TLC to thrive and look their best. They may arrive with some of their blooms closed, but with proper care, they will open into large flowers. Their stems are hollow and need to stay filled with water at all times, so when you refresh the water and re-cut the stems, turn them upside down and fill them with water, plugging the bottom of each stem with a cotton ball or your finger until it is back in the vase. Their stems can be brittle and may bend or break when you refresh them, so be extra careful when handling them. As new blooms open, carefully pinch off older, wilting blooms.