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.