365 Days of Floral Education - Days 296 - 300

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 296 – King protea are the largest single bloomed commercially available flower in the world. Proteas are usually shipped closed to protect the blooms, so be sure to hydrate them 3 to 4 days to reveal the massive 15cm to 25cm blooms. You read right, that's 6 to 10 inches! These beauties are not only stunning but also one of the longest lasting flowers on the market today.

Day 297 – Clematis is a genus within the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. Their garden hybrids have been popular among gardeners and their cut flowers look beautiful in fresh flower designs. The genus name is from Ancient Greek clématis, ("a climbing plant"). There are over two hundred and fifty species and cultivars, often named for their originators or particular characteristics. This variety of Clematis is called Dr. Rupple.

Day 298 - The entire genus of Clematis contain essential oils and compounds which are extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membranes and the compounds in clematis cause internal bleeding of the digestive tract if ingested in large amounts. Some varieties are essentially toxic. When pruning them, it's a good idea to wear gloves. Despite its toxicity, Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis as an effective treatment for migraine headaches and nervous disorders. It was also used as an effective treatment of skin infections. Leaf extracts from two Ethiopian are used locally to treat ear disorders and eczema. Phytochemical screening of the extracts from both of these species showed antibacterial and antifungal activity. This variety of Clematis is called Pinky.

Day 299 - Hibiscus flowers can be eaten, but the best way to use hibiscus is to make an infused tea. Just take ten or so flowers and soak them in hot water. Add lime for flavor and enjoy. Drinking it cold is just as delicious as hot, so for a nice summer day, put it on ice!

Day 300 - The millets are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for both human food and fodder. In the US millet varieties are primarily grown as bird food. We begin seeing it at the flower shop late summer and into autumn, using it to add a lovely rustic touch to cut flower bouquets.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 291 - 295

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 291 – Celosia is used as a treatment for intestinal worms (particularly tapeworm), blood diseases, mouth sores, eye problems. The seeds treat chest complaints and the flowers treat diarrhea. The leaves are used as dressings for boils and sores, and the boiled vegetables are said to be slightly diuretic.

 

Day 292 - Orchids have been used in traditional medicine in an effort to treat many diseases and ailments. They have been used as a source of herbal remedies in China since 2800 BC. Gastrodia elata is one of the three orchids listed in the earliest known Chinese Materia Medica. This variety of dendrobium orchid is called Galaxy.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 293 - The underground tubers of some terrestrial orchids are ground to a powder and used for cooking, such as in the hot beverage salep or in the Turkish frozen treat dondurma.  The dried leaves of some orchid varieties are used to flavor rum on Reunion Island. And some orchid species of the group Gastrodia produce potato-like tubers and were consumed as food by native peoples in Australia and can be successfully cultivated. This variety of dendrobium orchid is called Fuji.

Day 294 – Huckleberry grows as a shrub and is part of the heath family of plants. Huckleberries were traditionally an important part of the diet of many Native American tribes of North America, including the Crow tribe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 295 – Lily grass lends itself well to a myriad of floral designs, whether in long blades or twisted and looped into contemporary designs. There are 2 widely used species:  Liriope, which was the name of Narcissus' mother and she was a fountain nymph, and Ophiopogon, which is from the Greek "ophis" (a snake) and "pogon" (a beard).

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 286 - 290

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 286 - Asplenium nidus is an epiphytic species of fern, commonly referred to as bird’s nest fern. An epiphyte is a plant that grows upon another plant (such as a tree) non-parasitically or sometimes upon some other object (such as a building), derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and sometimes from debris accumulating around it. It’s fun and funky leaves lend well to tropical and contemporary designs.

Day 287 – Silky gold asclepias is a yellow form of Milkweed from South America. A garden must for attracting Monarch butterflies; Asclepias is the sole food source for Monarch caterpillars. Three-inch long clusters of golden-yellow summer flowers are displayed against yellow-green lance-shaped leaves. This well-behaved plant needs little attention and mixes beautifully with other tall perennials. Popular as a cut flower.

Day 288 - Heat up your floral arrangements and garden with ornamental peppers! Much like hot peppers you would grow in the veggie garden, ornamental peppers produce colorful little fruits that are round or pointed. But these are so attractive in their own right that they can be grown just for show -- not eating. The peppers are indeed edible, but usually their flavor is lacking compared to peppers grown for the table (we’ve tried them, they still have a kick!). Depending on the variety, the peppers appear in shades of white, green, purple, red, orange, and yellow -- often with multiple colors on the same plant. They like rich, well-drained soil that is evenly moist.

Day 289 - Celosia is a small genus of edible and ornamental plants in the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae. The generic name is derived from the Greek word κηλος (kelos), meaning "burned," and refers to the flame-like flower heads.

Day 290 – Hang eucalyptus in your shower, the steam will release beneficial oils. These oils not only work as an antiseptic, but they help to reduce stress, aid mental clarity, enhance your mood, are good for your respiratory health and are an anti-inflammatory.

Eye Bombed!

We work hard here at Stein Your Florist Co., but we like to have fun too! Yesterday employee Chris left his keys unattended in the shop while he diligently cared for the plants in our greenhouse…

Little did he know a mischievous gerbera daisy got ahold of them and eye bombed his car!

Chris is a good sport, we had a good time, and the “eyes” definitely have it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you ever get the feeling that you’re being watched?

Keep up with all the stuff we’re up to by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter!

 

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 281 - 285

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 281 - If you grew up in the Pacific Northwest you likely know what ferns are good for: treating stinging nettles. One of the world’s oldest plants, there are many varieties of ferns, but if you’re lucky enough to spy the soft, delicate lady fern, grab some and roll it up between your palms into a rough mash. The juices released will quickly ease stinging nettle burns and can also ease minor cuts, stings and burns (fresh salt water also works in a pinch for bee stings). Bracken fern are similar to lady fern and will work, as well. The rougher, glossier, stiff sword fern and deer fern won’t be as effective, though. Lady ferns actually grow all over North America but are common in areas with high rainfall.

Day 282 - Tansy is an old-world aster and remedy, used ornamentally by florists, as well as for flavoring beer and stews as well as repelling insects. Rubbing the leaves on the skin provides an effective bug repellent, but tansy can also be used to treat worms. It is said to be poisonous when extracted, but a few leaves are not harmful if ingested.

Day 283 - Famous for making cats deliriously crazy, catnip has health properties that are great for humans, too. Catnip can relieve cold symptoms (helpful if you’re on a camping trip and don’t have access to Nyquil). It’s useful in breaking a fever as it promotes sweating. Catnip also helps stop excessive bleeding and swelling when applied rather than ingested. This mint plant is also reportedly helpful in treating gas, stomach aches, and migraines. Catnip can stimulate uterine contractions, so it should not be consumed by pregnant women.

Day 284 - Native to Europe and Asia, sweet violet is cultivated around the world and is a pleasant, delicate purple color. When brewed into a syrup the plant is effective as a treatment for colds, flu and coughs or sore throat. However, when made as a tea, it is wonderfully effective for relieving headaches and muscle and body pain.

 

 

Day 285 – These #Jerseyfresh lovelies are Teddy Bear Sunflowers. Teddy Bear’s have lots of short, fluffy petals that are soft to the touch (don’t you just want to pet them?). Golden yellow fully double 6” blooms, well-suited for mild borders, containers and cut flower bouquets. Uniform bush-like plants flower mid-summer on. The ripe heads are attractive to birds. Of course, the most famous representation of sunflowers has to be the Vincent van Gogh series of paintings, some of which include the Teddy Bear variety!

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 276 - 280

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 276 - Carnations, also known as Dianthus caryophyllus, have long been brewed into teas that may help alleviate stress and nervousness. Carnations grown, cultivated and dried into tea brews have also been used to treat minor depression and fatigue. In Europe, folk medicine relied on infusions or teas brewed of carnations to help relieve nervousness and some coronary disorders, as well as for nausea caused by seasickness.

Day 277 - In massage oils, carnations have been used to promote healing of the skin and to increase vitality that not only softens and replenishes the skin, but creates a scent that many find soothing and calming. In ancient China, carnation flower tea was widely used to help the body and spirit relax, and to restore energy in the body.

Day 278 - Carnations contain substances that soothe the nervous system, reduce inflammation and swelling and can help restore natural hormonal balances in women with nervous conditions associated with hormone imbalances, according to Worldwide Health, an alternative medical resource. Carnations have long been used to reduce muscle tension in uterine tissues, reducing the discomfort of menstrual cramps.

Day 279 - Carnations have been used in medicine to help reduce fevers and stomach aches, in addition to enhancing liver, stomach and heart health. In "Pharmacopoeia Londinensis," a 1618 publication of a pharmaceutical book, the carnation was used in tonic cordials or hot drinks to help fight fevers and fight against germs and pestilence.

Day 280 - According to some ancient Aztec homeopathic remedies, carnations were used by this Indian culture as a diuretic when taken in an infusion of carnation flower petals in hot water. The ancient Indian tribe also used carnations for treatment and relief of chest congestion and diseases by taking about 1 tbsp. of the flower petals mixed with sugar and boiled in a syrup every three hours.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 271 - 275

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 271 - The name Pittosporum comes from the Greek words 'pitta' meaning "pitch" and 'spora' meaning "seed" in reference to the sticky seeds of many members of the genus. Pittosporum, a native foliage of New Zealand, also available from Florida, has found its way into the hearts of floral designers for its wide range of colors and textures. An excellent item for use as a filler in arrangements and bouquets, beautifully complementing other flowers. Due to the dramatic appearance of many of the varieties, they are also increasingly being brought to the fore of arrangements as a feature item.

Day 272 - Do not try to get rid of the ants on your peonies. This is a natural and temporary activity. It is believed that peonies produce small amounts of nectar and other ant attractants to encourage ants to help in opening the dense double flower buds found in many peonies. The ants may be found covering certain varieties and avoiding others, this is totally normal. Once the buds have opened the ants will disappear - also normal. Some people think ants are REQUIRED to open the flowers, but this does not to appear to be true. It seems a debatable question whether ants are beneficial or harmful. We think they’re neutral.

Day 273 - Gomphrena globosa, commonly known as Globe Amaranth or Bachelor Button, is an annual plant that grows up to 24 inches in height. The true species has magenta bracts, and cultivars have colors such as purple, red, white, pink, and lilac. Its native range is in Brazil, Panama and Guatemala.

Day 274 - The word Phlox comes from the Greek meaning "flame". Most phlox is native to the US but was brought to Europe in the 1700s where it enjoyed popularity as a cottage garden plant and was bred for many color and form variations. In the language of flowers, phlox means our souls are united or we think alike.

Day 275 - Long-leaved phlox was used medicinally by several Native American tribes. A decoction of pounded roots was rubbed all over the body for colds or aches & given to babies with stomachaches. An infusion of the whole plant was given to anemic children. An infusion of mashed roots was taken for diarrhea. A decoction of the entire plant was taken for stomach disorders, and an infusion of roots was given to children for stomachaches. Externally, a decoction of leaves was put on boils, and an infusion or decoction of roots was used as an eyewash.