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.

 

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 266 - 270

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 266 - A number of species of zinnia are popular flowering plants. Their varied habits allow for uses in several parts of a garden, and their tendency to attract butterflies and hummingbirds is seen as desirable. A number of species of zinnia are popular flowering plants. Their varied habits allow for uses in several parts of a garden, and their tendency to attract butterflies and hummingbirds is seen as desirable. Their ability to attract hummingbirds is also seen as useful as a defense against whiteflies, and therefore zinnias are a desirable companion plant, benefiting plants that are intercropped with it. Zinnias are grown in the summer.

Day 267 - There are many kinds of Zinnias and the general meaning of this flower is thoughtfulness and friendship. Magenta zinnias symbolize lasing affection, scarlet represent constancy, white mean goodness, yellow symbolize daily remembrance and a mix of colors mean that one is thinking of an absent friend.

 

 

 

 

Day 268 – Solidego is an attractive source of nectar for bees, flies, wasps, and butterflies. Honey from solidego often is dark and strong due to admixtures of other nectars. However when there is a strong honey flow, a light (often water white), spicy-tasting monofloral honey is produced. While the bees are ripening the honey produced from solidego it has a rank odor and taste, but finished honey is much milder.

Day 269 – Solidego, Solidago virgaurea, is used in a traditional kidney tonic by practitioners of herbal medicine to counter inflammation and irritation caused of bacterial infections or kidney stones. Solidego has also been used as part of a tincture to aid in cleansing of the kidney or bladder during a healing fast, in conjunction with potassium broth and specific juices. Native Americans chewed the leaves to relieve sore throats and chewed the roots to relieve toothaches.

Day 270 - Variegation is the appearance of differently colored zones in the leaves, and sometimes the stems, of plants. This may be due to a number of causes. Some variegation is attractive and ornamental and gardeners tend to preserve these. The term is also sometimes used to refer to color zonation in flowers, minerals, and the skin, fur, feathers or scales of animals.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 261 - 265

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 261 - Following the trench warfare of the 1st World War which took place in the poppy fields of Flanders, red poppies have become a symbol of remembrance of soldiers who have died during wartime.

 

 

 

Day 262 - Poppies can grow to be over 4 feet tall, and 6 inches across. The petals are showy, may be of almost any color and some have markings. The petals are crumpled in the bud and as blooming finishes, the petals often lie flat before falling away. The poppy will become dormant after blooming. Poppies are in full bloom late spring to early summer.

 

Day 263 - Poppies are rich in oil, carbohydrates, calcium, and protein. Poppy oil is often used as cooking oil, salad dressing oil, or in products such as margarine. Poppy oil can also be added to spices for cakes, or breads. Poppy products are also used in different paints, varnishes, and some cosmetics.

Day 264 - Poppies have long been used as a symbol of sleep, peace, and death: sleep because of the opium extracted from them, and death because of the common blood-red color of the red poppy in particular. In Greek and Roman myths, poppies were used as offerings to the dead. Poppies used as emblems on tombstones symbolize eternal sleep. This symbolism was evoked in the children's novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, in which a magical poppy field threatened to make the protagonists sleep forever. A second interpretation of poppies in Classical mythology is that the bright scarlet color signifies a promise of resurrection after death.

Day 265 - Ancient Egyptian doctors would have their patients eat seeds from a poppy to relieve pain. Poppy seeds contain both morphine and codeine, which are pain-relieving drugs that are still used today. Poppy seeds and fixed oils can also be nonnarcotic because when they are harvested, they are after the capsule has lost the opium yielding potential. The morphine practically disappears from the seeds twenty days after the flower has opened.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 256 - 260

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 256 - In 1846 the Caledonia Horticultural Society of Edinburgh, offered a prize of 2,000 pounds to the first person producing a blue dahlia. The color has never been produced. While dahlias produce anthocyanin, an element necessary for color production, to achieve a true blue color in a plant, the anthocyanin delphinidin needs six hydroxyl groups. To date dahlias have only developed five, so the closest that breeders have come to achieving a "blue" specimen are variations of mauve, purples and lilac hues.

Day 257 - Today the dahlia is still considered one of the native ingredients in Oaxacan cuisine; several cultivars are still grown especially for their large, sweet potato-like tubers. Dacopa, an intense mocha-tasting extract from the roasted tubers, is used to flavor beverages throughout Central America.

Day 258 - Kangaroo paw is a common name for a number of species, in two genera of the family Haemodoraceae, that are endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. These perennial plants are noted for their unique bird attracting flowers. The tubular flowers are coated with dense hairs and open at the apex with six claw-like structures: from this paw formation the common name "Kangaroo Paw" is derived.

Day 259 - The word cosmos is derived from Greek and means orderly, beautiful, and balanced. Cosmos blooms reach sizes of up to 2 inches in diameter and have vivid colors and a sweet aroma which emanates from the flower.

Day 260 - The Poppy is an angiosperm or flowering plant of the family Papaveraceae. Ornamental poppies are grown for their colorful flowers; some varieties of poppy are used as food, whilst other varieties produce the powerful medicinal alkaloid opium which has been used since ancient times to create analgesic and narcotic medicinal and recreational drugs.

365 Days of Floral Education - Days 251 - 255

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 251 - The cake remaining after the seeds of a sunflower have been processed for oil is used as a livestock feed. Some recently developed cultivars have drooping heads. These cultivars are less attractive to gardeners growing the flowers as ornamental plants, but appeal to farmers, because they reduce bird damage and losses from some plant diseases. Sunflowers also produce latex, and are the subject of experiments to improve their suitability as an alternative crop for producing nonallergenic rubber. These sunflowers are #Jerseyfresh

Day 252 - The Crown of Thorns is a woody, multi-stemmed, succulent shrub that originated in Madagascar. Dark green, tear shaped leaves appear randomly on each thorn covered branch. When a Crown of Thorns plant becomes stressed due to over watering or under watering, humidity or temperature changes, it may quickly drop all of its leaves. Normally, once the cause of stress is resolved, fresh foliage will quickly return to your plant. Crown of Thorns will produce flowers nearly all year, but especially during the winter months.

Day 253 - Lisianthus have rose-like showy blossoms in grand colors, and with proper care they can last 7-10 days. Many of the unopened buds which show color may open fully. Smaller buds may not open but simply support the larger blossoms and accent the foliage.

Day 254 - Dahlia is a genus of bushy, tuberous, herbaceous perennial plants native mainly in Mexico, but also Central America, and Colombia. A member of the Asteraceae or Compositae, dicotyledonous plants, related species include the sunflower, daisy, chrysanthemum and zinnia. There are at least 36 species of dahlia, with hybrids commonly grown as garden plants.

 

 

 

Day 255 - In Europe and America, prior to the discovery of insulin in 1923, diabetics—as well as consumptives—were often given a substance called Atlantic starch or diabetic sugar, derived from inulin, a naturally occurring form of fruit sugar, extracted from dahlia tubers.  Inulin is still used in clinical tests for kidney functionality.