By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on July 2nd, 2009
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Need a quick and easy idea for a centerpiece? Look no further than your closet – or the re-sale store – or the dollar store. A bouquet of fresh flowers looks just grand in a handbag. What better way to re-purpose and recycle? And, best of all, when the party is over, just grab the bouquet by the handles and off you go.
Hmmm…. Now where to use this grand idea?
Baby Showers
Summertime Teas
Birthday Parties
Bon Voyage
Weddings
Just Because
It’s in the bag – fun, easy and festive – the perfect centerpiece.
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on June 29th, 2009
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Dress up your deserts and salads with fresh flowers. Edible varieties come in a rainbow of colors and flavors.
Yellow and Orange Nasturtiums add a peppery zest.
Sweet violets and pansies suggest old fashioned romance.
Marigolds add a tangy touch of sunshine.
And, who could resist the petals of a rose, the flower of love?
Add a single bloom to your chocolate desert for sophisticated glamor. Sprinkle a few blossoms on a salad for a bright and festive touch. A sprig of mint or lavender is wonderful with a bowl of ice cream.
Once you get started, you won’t want to stop. Edible flowers are fun! Careful though – You need to know what is edible and what is not. Bon Appétit!
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on June 23rd, 2009
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The rose is the flower of the month for June.
If you love roses, this is a wonderful time to be alive. The best known and best loved of all flowers; the record of the human passion for roses is lost in pre-history, yet there is evidence of roses being sold for oil in Turkey as early as 3000BC. Throughout the ages humans have revered the rose, risked their lives, sacrificed fortunes and even worshiped roses.
For centuries roses derived from their wild ancestors were bred and cultivated locally near their sites of origin. The first roses in Europe were introduced by the crusaders returning from the Middle East. In the 17th century plant collectors introduced hundreds of new varieties to rose breeders around the world. In the late 19th century commercial rose breeders began to develop new hybrids resulting in the thousands and thousands of cultivars available in the market. Today roses are grown commercially in nearly every country of the world. Truly the rose is “the flower of the world”.
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on June 19th, 2009
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I love long summer days. The longest day falls on June 21st this year – an exactly equal amount of time in day and night. This calls for a celebration. Think about it; twelve full hours of sunlight to fill with fun. Oh, where to begin… First things first! Fill the house with sunflowers. What better bloom to use as a tribute to the longest day of the year than sunflowers. I remember one summer road trip. We were driving across the plains of Nebraska. There were fields of sunflowers as far as the eye could see. As the sun moved across the sky, their heads followed faithfully. What a sight! It is no wonder the Aztecs referred to the sunflower as the Flower of the Gods.
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on June 17th, 2009
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Father’s Day is just around the corner. It’s time to plan for a wonderful gift for the first man in your life. It is a tough decision since he has everything he needs. What would be the perfect Father’s Day gift?
It’s time for a fresh perspective. Flowers, yes flowers are the perfect token of appreciation and love for the man of today. Show him you love him with an exquisite bouquet or better yet, show the world you love him by sending a magnificent floral arrangement to him at work.
P.S. Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I hope you like your flowers!
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on June 11th, 2009
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Weddings, regardless of culture, are built on valuable traditions which convey important meanings and messages to the married couple, their families and their community. The most enduring wedding tradition is the use of fresh flowers in the wedding ceremony. The use of flowers in weddings predates recorded history and is found in nearly all cultures of the world. Flowers are a powerful symbol of fertility and were used to assure that a newly wedded couple would produce children.
Do you know why a majority of weddings have traditionally been held in June?
It turns out that there is a more practical reason for this ancient tradition. Historically, the labor of women was critical for the autumn harvest and a June wedding would result in a conception early enough that the new bride would not be too full with a child to help with the following year’s harvest.
By
Rajiv Sathe - Flora2000 on June 10th, 2009
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A standing ovation, showing love and appreciation to Father’s all over the world is what we want for Father’s Day.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all and CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of our Blog Contest.
All the entries were heart warming but, through careful deliberation, we have selected 2 winners which poured their hearts out to us and let us know what they would say in less than 15 words to their Dad’s on Father’s Day.
1) Kim Pittman
2) Jennifer Baldwin
Each of you have WON an exquisite Father’s Day arrangement absolutely FREE from us.
Thank You and Congratulations once again. Do keep coming back for more contests, decorating tips and interesting topics covering everything from floral trends to holiday and wedding traditions.
By
Rajiv Sathe - Flora2000 on June 1st, 2009
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Father’s Day is closing in fast and it’s exactly what we all need to celebrate our Father’s. For all the good times and effort Dad has put in, this day would be a great way to show him how much you care and appreciate his unconditional love.
Designs and arrangements of the finest bouquets tailored to make Dad smile is what will get Father’s Day rolling.
Two winners get a stylishly designed Father’s Day arrangement each, from us, absolutely FREE.
Just write one line, in less than 15 words, ‘What would you say to your Dad for Father’s Day.’
The 2 most creative and ’straight from the heart’ entries would be selected as the winners.
Leave your answer in our comments.
Best of Luck to you all.
Entries will be accepted till the 15th of June.
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on May 25th, 2009
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I am very fortunate to have had the chance to have known florists and flower growers who were born in the late 1800’s and who shared stories of growing, selling and designing flowers in the early 1900’s. This was a time when many florists grew their own flowers and in addition to selling flowers through their flower shops, they sold their flowers to consumers and to each other through farmer’s markets.
One might think that flower varieties and design styles were greatly limited a hundred years ago. In fact, there was greater diversity in design and varieties in 1930 than in 1960. Check out the 1934 book “Flower Decoration” by Constance Spry sometime. It was the post-world-war-II “industrialization” of the floral industry that resulted in the inventory of many flower shops being limited to carnations, roses and chrysanthemums.
The farmer’s market is in resurgence throughout the world and a big part of the markets are locally grown flowers. I am discovering small flower growers, local commercial growers and retail florists at the markets. It is thrilling to see the new varieties of flowers, foliage and the design experimentation found in farmer’s markets. It’s just like the “old-days”.
It’s fascinating how history repeats it’s self.
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on May 21st, 2009
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Think of the many ways we use the word “nest” in our language: When we decide to spend a quiet evening at home and alone with our family, we say that we are “nesting”. When our children leave home, we refer to “the empty nest”. When we put money in savings we “feather the nest”. When a full-term expectant mother does an impulsive house cleaning we say the she is “nesting” and will deliver soon.
Yes, a nest design speaks to our basic emotions, which makes it perfect for a centerpiece in the home. The fresh flowers in this featured centerpiece have been tucked into a bit of hidden floral foam. The nest has been secured to a branch which is then laid on the table as a centerpiece. How stylishly wonderful!
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on May 18th, 2009
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Some of the very first Europeans to explore the Great Lakes area of North America were French fur trappers, traders and the “voyageurs”. These were very tough men, capable of traversing the roaring rapids and stormy lakes of the far north in birch bark canoes filled to the gunwales with heavy beaver pelts. Their 18th century exploits, drinking fests, displays of courage and feats of strength are legendary. Yet, on Macanac Island in northern Lake Michigan there are beautiful old Lilac bushes whose dates of planting have been traced back to the late 18th century. They were most likely planted by the missionaries, fur trappers, traders and voyageurs of the time, well before any European women had traveled into the area.
I will always remember my visit to Fort Macanac, lingering in an ancient grove of lilacs. The deep purple color, the heady sweet fragrance and the wonder of those French-Canadian voyageurs who left their homes in France, traveled across the treacherous Atlantic, then hiked and canoed thousands of miles into the uncharted and hostile far north with only the very barest of essentials…… including their most precious lilacs. How they must have loved those flowers.
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on May 14th, 2009
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We are all familiar with the practice of memorializing the death of a loved one with flowers. It seems natural and almost instinctive to do so. Flowers are a part of the funerary practices of almost every culture in every country of the world.
When famed rock and roll star Elvis Presley died in 1977 the lawns of Graceland Mansion were covered with floral tributes. Each year on the anniversary of his death hundreds of floral bouquets are piled on his Gravesite by fans. When Princess Diana of England died in 1997 tens of thousands of floral bouquets were laid outside of Kensington Palace.
But, did you know that the practice of memorial flowers has been proven to be at least 40,000 years old. In 1960 archeologists excavating prehistoric graves in Iraq discovered patterns of pollen in graves indicating the placement of floral garlands.
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on May 12th, 2009
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When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
with a red hat which doesn’t go and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
and satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
and gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
and run my stick along the public railings
and make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
and pick the flowers in other people’s gardens . . .
Jenny Joseph
Yes, purple flowers are very much in style. But, you don’t have to pick flowers from other people’s gardens. Flora2000 has dozens of purple flowers to choose from – roses, iris, carnations, dahlias, freesia, hydrangea and more.
Fill your house with your favorite purple blooms and wear a red hat – I promise, life will be a little more fun.
By
Rajiv Sathe - Flora2000 on May 6th, 2009
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First off, we want to start by thanking everyone who took part in this contest. When we put up the Mother’s Day Contest, we had no idea that we were in for an emotional roller coaster ride. Some of the comments made us laugh and smile while others brought a tear to our eyes. Some made us relive similar moments in our lives but overall, we were carried away by the emotions all of you put across in your posts.
We want to wish all of you and your mothers a very HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY.
Now, the time you all have been waiting for. The 2 winners are -
1) L Bermudez
2) Myla
CONGRATULATIONS – You have won our contest. Do check your email for your prize.
Thank you all once again and keep coming back. We try our best to keep all of you smiling.
By
Rajiv Sathe - Flora2000 on April 27th, 2009
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Mother’s Day is here again but this year, we want to celebrate Mom’s in an extra special way.
This is the time when you start planning and get your Mother’s Day shopping started to make every detail perfect.
Since we want to be a part of this special day in your lives, we bring you a contest which would let you win your Mom flowers and be their champions.
It’s pretty simple, all you have to do is leave your comments on this post. Just tell us about a moment in your life, which made you stop and think - ‘My Mother is the greatest’.
The 2 most interesting comments will win Beautiful Mother’s Day Bouquets for their Mom’s Absolutely Free.
So get thinking, start typing and win your Mom the Flowers she deserves.
We will accept entries till the 5th of May.
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on April 24th, 2009
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Fresh air, clean water, tall trees offering shade, beautiful grasses blowing in the wind and fresh flowers dotting the landscape – what wonderful gifts the earth provides.
As responsible citizens we all need to think about our part in protecting mother earth. Each day, take time to reflect and respect, recycle, conserve and appreciate all that we have been given.
Gift giving should reflect the same sustainable attitudes we use in our every day lives. What better earth conscious gift than fresh flowers? When choosing, think seasonal flower varieties and pick a wonderful, recyclable container. Your florist can help you choose the perfect “green” floral gift.
The arrangement pictured features a paper-pulp container made of recycled paper and is itself recyclable. The wheat grass and flowers are “Organic” and compostable; straight from the farm, to the Florist, and to you, all with love and care for our Mother Earth.
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on April 22nd, 2009
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It’s hard to believe that 2009 is the 50th anniversary of the Wizard of Oz. It seems as though it was only yesterday. What a grand old movie! My favorite part is the transition from traditional black and white to the amazing Technicolor delight of Munchkin land. Wow! Color in all its glory.
Recreate the wonder of the rainbow and the colors glistening in the sunlight with flowers. A scattering of glass cubes filled with colorful foam and coordinating flowers.
“Somewhere over the rainbow way up high
There’s a land that I’ve heard of once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true”
Yellow, orange, green, purple and blue… a floral rainbow, just for you.
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on April 13th, 2009
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“April showers bring May flowers,
That is what they say.
But if all the showers turned to flowers,
We’d have quite a colorful day!
There’d be bluebells and cockleshells,
Tulips red and green,
Daffodils and Chinese squill,
The brightest you’ve ever seen.”
Chinese squill… What is that? It’s nothing more than common grape hyacinth. What an interesting name – Squill. You may know the grape hyacinth as Scilla. Now, you can also dazzle your friends with another name, Chinese Squill.
The lingering April showers have brought many flowers to your Flora2000 florist. Drop by and find Chinese squill, daffodils and lilies (oh, the bright colors) and tulips, too. Spring time brings so many fabulous flowers to the market place. It is hard to choose. All these bright blooms make the rainy days a little brighter!
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on April 7th, 2009
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At last, spring has arrived. The change of seasons brings new delights each and every day. I walk through the neighborhoods and find crocus, daffodils, tiny little snow drops, flowering plum, quince and tulips (just starting to bud). What a grand time of the year to be alive. Listen close and you can almost hear the grass grow. Ok, that may be an exaggeration but be sure to listen to the singing birds. Winter is over and the return migration is underway. Last week I saw my first humming bird – what a surprise that was.
Bring the season indoors with a bright blooming plant from Flora2000. Have your florist add a few pussy willow branches and a springtime bird or two. Listen close and you may hear the bird sing….if not, sing a little song yourself, “Plenty of sunshine coming my way. Me oh my, what a beautiful day”.
By
Leanne Kesler, Floral Design Institute on April 3rd, 2009
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Are you ready for the Easter Parade? Easter means new white patent leather shoes, a flower dress and matching hat. A traditional New York City Easter morning meant a trip to church and then joining the Easter Parade. Made popular by the song written by Irving Berlin, The Easter Parade is a festive Walkabout in New York City, starting at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and meandering down Fifth Avenue.
“In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it,
You’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter Parade.
I’ll be all in clover and when they look you over,
I’ll be the proudest fellow in the Easter Parade.
On the avenue, Fifth Avenue, the photographers will snap us,
And you’ll find that you’re in the rotogravure.
Oh, I could write a sonnet about your Easter bonnet,
And of the girl I’m taking to the Easter Parade.”
Hats of all shapes and sizes are back in style. Look around and find the perfect bonnet for yourself. Add a few fresh blooms and you are ready for your own Easter Parade. For a whimsical touch, add a butterfly accent. Soon, you’ll be singing…. “I’m the grandest lady in the Easter Parade”
