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.
 |
| African Violet |
Day 21 - A healthy
African violet will bloom for nine months and then rest for three. Despite
their delicate appearance, they are not difficult to care for. Keep their soil
moist to dry and allow it to dry out between waterings to encourage blooming.
Because water can damage their leaves, always water them from the bottom by
placing the container in a tray of water. Allow the plant to absorb the water
for about 30 minutes. Place your African violet in moderate to bright, indirect
light, and avoid exposing them to sudden temperature changes. Pinch off wilted
blossoms and leaves to encourage blooming, and fertilize monthly or when the
plant is actively growing new leaves and buds.
 |
| Areca Palm |
Day 22 - Areca palms are
generally hardy plants and prefer medium to bright light. Keep their soil moist
but not soggy. If you allow the soil to become too dry, areca palms wilt
dramatically, but it's easy to revive them with just a little water (though
some of their fronds may turn yellow). Trim back palm fronds that become
damaged or turn brown.
 |
| Spathiphyllum |
Day 23 - With dark green leaves that can be more than a
foot long, the spathiphyllum plant, commonly known as a peace lily, produces
hood-shaped white blooms, and in some cases, can grow up to 4 feet tall
(although many varieties are developed to be compact). These plants can wilt
easily, so it's important to keep the soil moist, providing good drainage and
emptying excess water from trays or saucers to prevent their roots from
rotting. If your plant does begin to wilt it will typically perk right back up
after being watered. Display them in a spot with bright, indirect light. Low
light slows their blooming cycle, and too much direct sunlight may cause burn
spots on their leaves. Wipe their leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
 |
| Pollen |
Day 24 – What’s up with plant allergies? Allergyware.comreports
one of the main reasons certain plants and flowers effect people with allergies
stems from the plant's gender. Monoecious plants are ones that have separate
male and female flowers living on the same plant, such as a corn plant. Because
the male and female flowers are separated, the males, which contain the pollen,
must send the pollen through the air to fertilize the female flowers, in order
to make more blooms. Although the pollen is meant to be delivered to the
female, some bits get sent out into the air, causing people to have allergies.
Plants that are dioecious, that have either all male or female flowers also
rely on wind travel to pollinate and create more blooms. Allergy sufferers may
want to instead look for what is referred to as "perfect flowers," or
ones that contain both female and male parts, like the rose. This is the best
option as these flowers don't need to use air travel to pollinate.
 |
| Pet Friendly Bachelor's Buttons |
Day 25 - Here is a brief list of common pet friendly flowers and
plants:
· Common
Name| Scientific name
· African
daisy | Arctotis stoechadifolia
· African
violet | Saintpaulia spp.
· Alyssum
| Allysum spp.
· Bachelors
buttons | Centaureaa cyanus
· Begonia
| Begonia spp.
· Celosia
| Celosia spp.
· Common
Snapdragon | Antirrhinum majus
· Easter
Daisy | Townsendia sevicea
· Orchids
| Barbrodia, Sophronitis, etc.
· Peruvian
lily, Brazilian lily | Alstroemeria spp.
· Rose |
Rosa spp.
~Dr.
Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, DVM, PhD, DABVT, DABT
Vice President and Medical Director
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Day 246 -
Wealthy Romans would lie on couches with roses laid on them and would wear
roses tied onto string around their neck. Anything which was said "under
the rose" was considered to be a secret.
Day 248 - In
the Victorian language of flowers, sweet william symbolizes gallantry. At the
wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on April 29, 2011, Catherine
included sweet william in her bouquet, a tribute to her bridegroom.
Day 250 - The
Sweet William plant is widely used in borders, rock gardens and informal
country cottage style gardens. Sweet William is a good candidate for a
naturalistic garden because its nectar attracts birds, bees, and butterflies.
Its flowers are considered edible. These Sweet William are #jerseyfresh !
