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 101 - Legend has it that the amaryllis - the stunning red flower we've
come to associate with the holidays - began as a shy, timid nymph. Amaryllis
fell deeply in love with Alteo, a shepherd with Hercules' strength and Apollo's
beauty, but her affections were unrequited. Hoping that she could win him over
by bestowing upon him the thing he desired most - a flower so unique it had
never existed in the world before - Amaryllis sought advice from the oracle of
Delphi. Following his instructions, Amaryllis dressed in maiden's white and
appeared at Alteo's door for 30 nights, each time piercing her heart with a
golden arrow. When at last Alteo opened his door, there before him was a
striking crimson flower, sprung from the blood of Amaryllis's heart. With this
romantic - albeit tragic - tale as its beginning, it's not surprising that
today the amaryllis has come to symbolize pride, determination and radiant
beauty.
Day 102 - Wax flower gets its name from the tough,
waxy feel of the tiny flowers. It smells pine-y fresh and wonderful, especially
when the stems are broken or the petals are crushed. Wax flower comes in basic
white and pink colors, but it is available in an array of other colors as well,
thanks to floral dyes. With its multiple tiny bowl shaped flowers it is a
beautiful subtle accent for many bouquets.
Day 103 - Native to Ireland, Scotland, Scandinavia, Russia and
North America, heather branches are said to have been used to make baskets,
rope, bedding, as thatch for roofs and even to flavor beer or tea. Today, it’s
the beautiful heather flowers—in colors ranging from white to pink, purple and
red – that draw our attention. Symbolizing admiration and good luck, heather is
also believed have protective powers.
Day 104 - The traditional floral symbol of China, the state
flower of Indiana, and the 12th wedding anniversary flower, peonies are known
as the flower of riches and honor. With their lush, full, rounded bloom,
peonies embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good
fortune and a happy marriage.
Day 105 – The story of lilac, according to Greek mythology, begins with a
beautiful nymph named Syringa (lilac’s botanical name). Captivated by her
beauty, Pan, the god of the forests and fields, chased Syringa through the
forest. Frightened by Pan’s affections, Syringa escaped him by turning herself
into an aromatic bush – the flower we now refer to as lilac.
