Archive for March, 2008
Posted on March 31, 2008 with No Comments
For those who are bored with large tacky flowers, the Cybister amaryllis is a great flower to try planting in the garden. They look very unusual, and add a touch of freshness and originality to any garden.
The inventor of this flower is an American, Fred Meyer who worked on creating new hybrids. This flower was developed about 40 years ago, so it isn’t anything new. In North America they haven’t gained a lot of popularity, and until now they have only been grown to be sold on the European cut-flower market. The reason they haven’t achieved much popularity is perhaps, that they aren’t as eye-catching as other flowers.
This flower grows to a height of about 60 centimeters. It can be very difficult to grow at times, so it may take a few tries to get it to bloom. This year it is too late to buy them because they are not the easiest to find; it is best if they are planted in the fall when they are readily available in stores. They grow best in pots made of clay, and it is a good idea to secure them to a stake.
It may take a bit of work to get this flower to grow, but once in bloom these flowers last for a long time and are a unique addition to any garden.
[Via: TheStar]
Posted on March 29, 2008 with No Comments
When we think of spring and flowers, the first thing that comes to mind are either tulips or daffodils. But, there is a flower which blooms much earlier, sometimes even before the last snow melts. It is the Witch hazel, which is truly the first sign of spring. The reason people don’t really know about this flower, is that it blooms much earlier than when the weather becomes balmy and our thoughts turn to spring.
The flowers of this plant bloom in the cold interval between winter to spring. Sometimes they bloom as early as late January, but if the weather is too cold they curl up their petals and bloom a bit later.
The Witch hazel grows on shrubs, and the flowers are very tiny and they give off a strong scent. The petals of this flower are tiny and thin, and they curl at the ends. It comes in red, yellow, orange and a rusty color. During the summer the bushes of this flower are leafy green, and in the fall the shrub takes on bright fall colors again. This makes it an excellent decoration for the garden all year round.
There are many different sizes of shrubs of shrubs the smallest costing around $30, where larger examples cost anywhere up to $250.
Gardeners who know about this flower love it; because it blooms early and brings with it a preview of the spring that is just around the corner.
Posted on March 27, 2008 with No Comments
Have you ever wondered who could be the person behind the flower arrangements of the stars? Well, one of the most famous and sought after is Preston Bailey. He has done wedding arrangements for celebs like, Michael Douglas, and Matt Lauer. He has been a must-have at major events hosted by; Bill Cosby, Michael Douglas, Oprah Winfrey and Donna Karan. The Oprah Winfrey Show, Entertainment Tonight and The Today Show are only some of the hit television shows, on which he has appeared to give his in-demand advice.
His most exclusive design was done for royalty. In addition to roses the bouquets for this wedding were adorned with diamonds and pearls. Donald Trump’s wedding was his favourite, as only the sky was the limit. Trump’s motto for the ceremony was, “more is better.” His love of extravagance can also be seen in his advice to young brides; the current trend according to Bailey, is the use of colourful and luscious flowers are sentimental importance to the bride.
So, are you wondering about the current trends in flowers according to Preston Bailey? Well, he is currently focused on Easter, the current theme is chickens. He is arranging flowers, by attaching them to Styrofoam bases shaped like little chicks. Furthermore, he is creating baskets packed with vibrantly coloured flowers.
The most important thing to remember, if you want your flower arrangements to look like those of the stars; is not to hold back, and never forget to be extravagant!
Posted on March 27, 2008 with No Comments
Here at Flowers24hours.co.uk we have recently been adding to our portfolio of non-flower gifts. Not every present need be a floral one. Even those who do want to send a bouquet or plant might feel that they also want to add to the celebrations with gourmet baskets, fruit, wine or chocolates. Or perhaps to send a more lasting gift such as a soft toy, or a dressing table set. Soaps and other scented and bathtime pleasures are also available on our website, both in the form of combination gifts with flowers, and as separate items.
Posted on March 20, 2008 with No Comments
Not only should a good potted Narcissus be beautiful but also robust as the unpredictable spring weather can sometimes be quite turbulent. The Narcissus offers both beauty and strength. The assortment of large-flowered potted narcissus consists largely of cut flower strains with attractive long stems. The consequence of this is that stems sometimes weaken when the Narcissus is in full bloom. However, the Narcissus is a real potted plant, it grows solidly, has sturdy stems and ‘hard’ leaves. As a result it can be placed indoors or outdoors, without the risk of wind damage. Neither is a bit of frost any 
kind of problem. Narcissus is tough without compromising on beauty – in fact quite the opposite! You see, the success of the potted Narcissus is increased further by its pleasant scent. The flowering period is up to three weeks. If the stems still have to grow, the lifespan is of course even longer! Potted Narcissus is sold from January to early April
Posted on March 14, 2008 with No Comments
Not just a Spathiphyllum but Office Plant of the Year
Last year the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) was voted the Office Plant of the Year in The Netherlands.
We are not surprised as it is a known fact that plants in the office improve the environment and the well-being of those who work there. And the Peace Lily is the most popular of those plants that help to improve health and well-being at work.
Employers love plants too as they improve creativity, concentration and therefore productivity.
And if you are one of the thousands who sit in front of a computer screen each day, then a plant on your desk will certainly make a difference to your well-being and your productivity! Known for its ability as one of the best air cleaners, it is not surprising that this attractive, easy to care for plant came out on top.
Posted on March 12, 2008 with No Comments
Last Monday afternoon we received a late order for three flower arrangements for a hospitality event at the Cheltenham race event on Tuesday. The flowers were to be in red and white, the corporate colours of one of the race sponsors and the intention was that they should adorn a buffet table.
First thing on Tuesday I picked up a newspaper on my train to work and was horrified to see that a large part of the hospitality area at Cheltenham racecourse had been torn apart by the stormy weather. We do so hope that the beautiful arrangement of calla lilies and gerberas that Kalina created survived. If I hear from our customer I will certainly post the news here.
Posted on March 10, 2008 with No Comments
Flowers have been around as long as language, and people have been talking about them since early days. A whole area of flower meanings, superstitions and customs has grown up in different cultures.
Brides don’t carry a white bouquet in the far east as white flowers are associated with deaths and funerals: not something a wedding party wants reminded of! In most cultures white means peace and also innocence and so is not only popular for funerals, memorials etc but appropriate for a young bride’s flowers.
Red means passion and red roses are the ultimate lover’s gift, whether you send a dozen red roses or a single rose in a box .
Yellow means friendship in some cultures. A floral gift in yellow is cheerful and makes no claims of passion, innocence or even peace. Give a gift of bright yellow sunshine!
Blue flowers are more rare than the other colours in standard florists blooms – its very originality can make blue a splendid gift. Match the colour of her eyes with a bright cornflower blue.
Pink is increasingly popular with girls and women. So much so that many would not send a pink bouquet to a man.
So if you are not entirely decided on one colour or another why not send a lovely mixed bouquet! Leave it up to our florists here at www.flowers24hours.co.uk to choose the best flowers that we have on the day. You can specify colours say pink and purple, or yellowy orangey, and we will make a spectacular creation based on your idea.
Posted on March 8, 2008 with No Comments
I get to meet all sorts of interesting people in my work as delivery driver for www.flowers24hours.co.uk . Today I delivered a beautiful vase of lilies to TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson, soon to become a mum for the fourth time. The occasion was her wedding to her fiance, advertising executive Brian Monet.
Its nice to know that our flowers are appreciated in the best circles
Posted on March 3, 2008 with No Comments
The first International Women’s Day was launched on 8 March 1911 in Copenhagen by Clara Zetkin of the Social Democratic Party in Germany. This followed many years of women’s campaigning in many countries calling for women’s suffrage: New Zealand had already given women the right to vote in 1893 and the WSPU were campaigning in the UK.
Purple, green and white are the official international women’s colours. The colours originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union in 1908. The colours were said to represent:
- white for purity in public as well as private life
- purple for justice, dignity, self-reverence and self-respect (and representing the women’s vote)
- green for hope and new life.
These days International Women’s Day is seen as an opportunity to give flowers to a woman to show that you appreciate her. This is a popular reason for flower-giving in Russia and Poland, where flowers are traditionally given in bouquets containing an odd number of blossoms.
