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 107 - The gerbera daisy was discovered in 1884 near Barberton, South Africa, by Scotsman Robert Jameson. While the flower's scientific name, Gerbera jamesonii, recollects the name of its founder, the meaning of its common name draws from German naturalist Traugott Gerber. Breeding programs that began in England in 1890 enhanced the flower's quality and color variations. The gerbera daisy's popularity soon traveled to growers in the Netherlands which, along with Columbia, is the primary distributor of the flower's cut version today. The gerbera currently ranks as the fifth most popular flower in the world behind the rose, carnations, chrysanthemum, and tulip.
Day 108 - 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 109 - Calla lily plants thrive in
slightly cool, sunny spots, especially after their blooms open. Check their
soil frequently and keep it moist but not soggy. These bulb-like plants grow
from rhizomes, and when they're finished blooming, you can plant them outdoors
in mild climates. They need a winter rest period before reblooming, so allow
them to dry out over the winter.
Day
110 – Among the oldest families of flowers on earth, dating back 300 million
years, Greek legend tells us that protea were named after Proteus, the son of
Poseidon. A sea god who had the power to know all things past, present and
future, Proteus was defiant and preferred to nap on the island of Pharos rather
than prophesize. To deter those seeking his insights, he would change his shape
at will,
and it’s said that the protea flower was named after him, because it too
presents itself in an astounding variety of shapes, sizes, hues and textures to
make up more than 1,400 varieties. With its mythological associations to change
and transform, it’s not surprising that in the language of flowers, protea
symbolizes diversity and courage.
