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 151 - 155

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 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.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 146 - 150

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 146 - Muscari is a genus of perennial bulbous plants native to Eurasia that produce spikes of dense, most commonly blue, urn-shaped flowers resembling bunches of grapes in the spring. The common name for the genus is Grape Hyacinth. Their scent is said to resemble musk or honey.

Day 147 - The flower symbolism associated with baby's breath is purity of heart, innocence, and the breath of the Holy Spirit. Baby's breath is white with dense, delicate clusters of flowers. They are native to Europe, but have been naturalized throughout the eastern United States. Baby's breath is often used as ornamental garden plants and as filler in bouquets.

Day 148 - The distinctive dried seed heads of the lotus, which resemble the spouts of watering cans, are widely sold throughout the world for decorative purposes and for dried flower arranging. The lotus flowers, seeds, young leaves, and "roots" (rhizomes) are all edible. Dried lotus seeds, from pods or lotus fruit such as these, are sold in packages or in bulk at many Asian markets for consumption, but they must first be soaked in water overnight prior to use due to their hardness and toughness. They can then be added directly to soups and congee, or used in other dishes. Fresh lotus seeds are sold in the seed heads of the plant and eaten by breaking the individual seeds out of cone shaped head. The soft rubbery shell that surrounds each seed should be removed before consuming.

Day 149 - When selecting hyacinths, choose flowers that have some of the bottom florets beginning to open, while the upper blooms are still closed. This will ensure that the entire stalk will bloom properly and that you don't have a bad bulb. The exception to this rule is when you want the maximum effect of the flower right away, say for instance a spring party, then go for full bloom. Also look for stems with dark green foliage that stand firmly upright.

Day 150 - The tulip is a perennial, bulbous plant with showy flowers in the genus Tulipa, of which up to 109 species have been described and which belongs to the family Liliaceae. Originally from Persia and Turkey, tulips were brought to Europe in the 16th century, where they got their common name from the Turkish word for gauze (with which turbans were wrapped) - reflecting the turban-like appearance of a tulip in full bloom.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 141 - 145

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 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.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 136 - 140

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 136 – The globe artichoke is a perennial thistle originating in southern Europe around the Mediterranean. It grows tall, with arching, deeply lobed, silvery-green leaves 20–30” long. The flowers develop in a large head from an edible bud about 3-6” in diameter with numerous triangular scales, with the flower eventually blooming in a lovely shade of purple. The edible portions of the buds consist primarily of the fleshy lower portions of the involucral bracts and the base, known as the "heart"; the mass of immature florets in the center of the bud is called the "choke" or beard. They lend themselves well to many floral designs, especially centerpieces.

Day 137 - The shamrock refers to the young sprigs of clover or trefoil. It is known as a symbol of Ireland, with St. Patrick having used it as a metaphor for the Christian Trinity, according to legend. The name shamrock is derived from Irish seamróg, which is the diminutive version of the Irish word for clover (seamair) meaning simply "little clover" or "young clover". Shamrock is usually considered to refer to either the species Trifolium dubium (lesser clover, Irish: seamair bhuí) or Trifolium repens (white clover, Irish: seamair bhán). However, other three-leaved plants—such as Medicago lupulina, Trifolium pratense, and Oxalis acetosella—are sometimes called shamrocks or clovers. The shamrock was traditionally used for its medicinal properties and was a popular motif in Victorian times.

Day 138 - Velvet Centaurea, is – like some other plants – also known as "dusty miller". It is a small plant in the family Asteraceae and originates from the Island of Capraia in Italy. Dusty miller is a favorite because it looks good with just about everything in a garden or an arrangement. The silvery-white color is great and its fine-textured foliage creates a beautiful contrast against other plants' green foliage. Dusty miller has also earned its place in the garden because it's delightfully easy to grow, withstanding heat and drought like a champion and loving full sun.

Day 139 - According to the International Geranium Society, the flowers America most commonly refer to as "geraniums" are not true geraniums at all, but are actually pelargoniums. Both belong to the Geraniaceae family and both are native to South Africa, having been imported to America in the 1700s. They are similar in appearance but have notable differences. By the late 1800s, arborists realized the differences and wanted to call them by separate names, but Europe had already set the trend and refused to change so America followed suit. To this day, pelargoniums are grown and sold globally under the name of geraniums.

Day 140 - Azaleas are called “the royalty of the garden.” Azaleas have been hybridized for hundreds of years. Over 10,000 different azalea plants have been registered or named, although far fewer are in the trade. This provides a very wide variety of plant habits, sizes, colors and bloom times to meet almost every landscaping need or personal preference. The arrival of spring brings these beautiful blooming plants into our flower shops and our gardens.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 131 - 135

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 131 - Years of careful training is required to master the art of bonsai. Bonsai trees take years to form and train. In many cases the tree’s growth is even deliberately stunted to achieve the desired shape. They are extremely delicate; even the slightest amount of neglect can ruin or even kill a bonsai. Older specimens are priceless, cherished as heirlooms, museum pieces, and collector’s items. The oldest specimens identified are believed to be at least 800 years old. It is impossible to accurately date a tree without damaging it, so the age of most bonsai trees is educated guesswork based on whatever records are available, the kind of tree, and the style of clipping. What’s more, many of the most spectacular specimens are in private Japanese collections and abroad, not accessible to the public. The bonsai pictured here is approximately 75 years old.

. The oldest specimens identified are believed to be at least 800 years old. It is impossible to accurately date a tree without damaging it, so the age of most bonsai trees is educated guesswork based on whatever records are available, the kind of tree, and the style of clipping. What’s more, many of the most spectacular specimens are in private Japanese collections and abroad, not accessible to the public. The bonsai pictured here is approximately 75 years old.

Day 132 - Daffodils were taken out of the "wild" & planted in English gardens in the early 1600s. Long known as the harbingers of Spring, this was the first use of them as a garden flower. Like all bulbs, they must "winter" in order to bloom; they need 3 months of cold in order to flower.

 

 

 

Day 133 - Lilies are stunning, but their pollen can be a mess. As lilies open, stamen begin to pollenate, which can stain hands, clothing, or anything else that may brush against it. To eliminate this possible problem, remove the stamen as the lily begins to open by pulling the not-yet-pollenated stamens by hand, or, if you prefer to leave stamen intact for a more natural look, you may spray plain unscented, extra hold hairspray directly onto the stamen. This will inhibit them from pollenating. This will not damage the lily petals so long as the hairspray is unscented (the fragrance from the hairspray contains alcohol and will burn or damage the lily petals). So control the pollen and enjoy your lilies!

Day 134 - Oxalis plants, the largest genus of the wood sorrel family, are a popular St. Patrick’s Day plant, also being known as a false shamrock. Most of these grow from small bulbs although some have tuberous roots. The distinguishing characteristic is the three rounded or triangular-shaped leaves at the end of delicate stems. Most oxalis plants fold up their leaves at night, hugging them tight to the stems until daylight "wakes them up" again. It is worthy to note that any oxalic acid containing plant is poisonous to humans in some dosage, so don’t eat them!

Day 135 - The anemone is one of the earliest flowers in spring, appearing in late March/April, and continuing through May. They are a great cut flowers and will give you around 9 days of vase life when properly cared for. Recut the stems at an angle, removing one to two inches with a sharp knife to allow for better water intake. Use a clean vase and fresh water, keep them in medium light and in a cool spot to prolong vase life. This flower prefers the cold water and the cold spaces. Anemones will open in light and heat so be sure to keep plan appropriately for blooming purposes. Refresh the water daily; they are heavy drinkers so check their water level frequently when hydrating and arranging. Adding nutrients to the water (cut flower "food”) will also help to extend the freshness of anemone arrangements. Finally, anemones continue to grow after arranging, so leave enough room in bouquets for flowers to open.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 126 - 130

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 126 - Sago Palms (Cycas revoluta), one of the most primitive living seed plants, are very unusual and popular ornamentals. A rugged trunk, topped with whorled feathery leaves has led to the common name "Sago Palm", however it is actually related to conifer and Ginko trees - all cone bearing plants which trace their origins back to the ancient flora of the early Mesozoic era. Often called "living fossils", Cycads have changed very little in the last 200 million years.



Day 127 - Dandelions, often thought of as pesky garden weeds, may be made into a delicious wine! We can hardly wait until spring, when this pretty little yellow flower will be everywhere and ripe for the picking!We found instructions for this intoxicating treat here: http://seekingabundance.net/2011/05/elixar-of-the-gods-dandelion-wine/.

Day 128 - Flora was the Roman Goddess of flowers and her name continues to be used as a collective term for plant life and flowers. The festival of Flora, called the Floralia, was held in the month of April or early May and was marked with flowers. There were two temples dedicated to Flora in Rome, one was near the great Circus Maximus where chariot races were held and the other temple was on the slopes of the Quirinal Hill.

Day 129 - Gardenia is a genus of 142 species of flowering plants in the coffee family. They symbolize a secret and untold love. Gardenia plants are prized for the strong sweet scent of their flowers.

Day 130 - Ginestra is a wonderfully fragrant flowering variety of Cytisus or "broom", of which white is the natural color. It is a nice accent flower that may be used in smaller arrangements or cascade elegant and dramatic bouquets. Ginestra makes a great tinted product and is available from Italy in a wide range of colors.