Sweetest Day: Then and Now

As we transition from the lazy days of summer to the carefree autumn months, the earth changes before our very eyes. The landscapes become golden and the sound of rustling leaves fills the air. It is a time of great beauty and the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones close by or remember those far away.

Sweet Sentiments
A simple phone call or handwritten note can mean so much. Often in our busy lives we forget to remember the special people who make our days happy or those who are less fortunate. It was such a circumstance that brought the national holiday of Sweetest Day to light.

Observance of Sweetest Day
Sweetest Day observance originated in Cleveland in 1922. Herbert Birch Kingston, a philanthropist and candy company employee, wanted to bring happiness in to the lives of orphans, shut-ins and others who he believed were forgotten. With the help of friends, he began to distribute candy and small gifts to the underprivileged. On the first celebration of Sweetest Day, movie star Ann Pennington presented 2,200 Cleveland newspaper boys with boxes of candy to express gratitude for their service to the public.

Although the observance of Sweetest Day began in the Cleveland area, over time it has spread throughout the United States. Sweetest Day is always celebrated on the third Saturday in October. The Sweetest Day idea of spreading cheer to the underprivileged was broadened to include everyone from family members to co-workers, sweethearts and acquaintances. Sweetest Day has evolved into a time to express romantic love, and it is also used as a day to recognize anyone you appreciate.

Even though Valentine's Day is thought to be the one day out of the year to send your heartfelt love, we at Calyx & Corolla share the wonderful sentiments of the Sweetest Day holiday and wanted to share its very special background with you.

Flower Fact...
Did you know...in the Middle Ages, when most plants were grown solely for practical or medicinal purposes, the rose was cultivated for its beauty alone. The rose is the national floral emblem of the United States.

Effective Flowers for Home Décor

A lavish outdoor garden alive with rich blossoms can transform a tired piece of land into a gorgeous homestead. And snipping a few stunning stems and bringing them indoors can add refreshing color and light to any room. Truth be told, nothing inanimate quite compares to the living, breathing beauty of fresh flowers, so what better accoutrement to serve as the cornerstone of your home décor.

It's no secret that every room in your home has a personality and purpose all its own, and "if wall could talk," they would surely speak of their uniqueness. When choosing the perfect flowers to accentuate a specific room, you'll certainly succeed if you consider the room's function, furniture, and existing décor.

Living Room
As its name so appropriately connotes, this is the most lived-in room in almost every home, so its floral décor should reflect its lively atmosphere. A gregarious grouping of tulips springing forth from a brightly colored vase will liven up a sleepy coffee table, and nothing begs to be bedecked with a bouquet of radiant red roses quite like a fireplace mantel.

Dining Room
Whether serving as the setting for a family-sized feast or a spot of tea between friends, the dining room is often privy to the best conversations. Place an arrangement of hearty hydrangeas on the sideboard or use a water filled crystal bowl floating with Gerbera daisies as a centerpiece and really give guests something to talk about.

Kitchen
Usually the brightest room in a home, it stands to reason that the kitchen is the place where family, friends, and guests often choose to congregate. Continue to encourage these gatherings by treating a kitchen's abundance of large, flat surfaces and sunny windowsills to welcoming blooms such as cobalt-colored irises or bright white lilies.

Bedroom
Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, so filling it with all of your floral favorites is always a wise choice. Its dimmer lighting and softer surfaces can be wonderfully enlivened with the tropical beauty of anthuriums, and unique offerings like the dendrobium orchid will add character and charm.

Although one should regard a room's form and function when decorating, the most vital of all considerations are personal preference and style. It's your space. Be creative. Be bold. Make fresh flowers a focal point in your décor, and make your house your home.

A Mother's Day Guide to Speaking the Language of Flowers

It probably won't come as a surprise that clovers mean good luck and roses symbolize love, but did you know that a cactus means endurance and a sunflower signifies loyalty? During the Victorian era, The Language of Flowers was utilized to create a language for friends, family, and lovers to replace words. 

This Mother's Day Calyx Flowers can help you express how much mom means to you, with more than just words. Send her wishes of love (roses), prosperity (lilies) and strength (alstroemeria) with the Happy Mother's Day Bouquet. This bouquet is layered with Asiatic Lilies, roses and alstroemeria- - all pink- - and is featured in an exclusive, hand painted, "Happy Mother's Day" vase by Mississippi artist Gail Pitman. 

Express her understanding (hydrangea), saintliness (delphinium), love (rose) and protection (Queen Ann's Lace) with the All About Mom Bouquet. With 27 stems of blooms this bouquet says it all and is shipped complete with a buttery-yellow garden urn featuring a raised trellis design and pedestal base. 

To thank Mom for the faith, hope, wisdom and valor (an Iris means all of these) she has provided, a bouquet of Irises will say it perfectly. Calyx Flower's Iris Illumination Bouquet features ten cobalt blue iris stems coupled with lavender limonium delivered with a ceramic vase creating an eye-popping display guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. 

Can't decide which floral gift says the most about Mom? Send Calyx Flower's Year of Flowers collection and she'll be reminded for an entire year just how much she means to you. Choices include the new and improved Year of Flowers with bigger bouquets than ever offered before or specific floral collections, including the Year of Gerbera Daisies, Orchids, Tropicals, or Roses.

By choosing Calyx Flowers, customers send a message to their Moms that quality is essential when showing that you care. Calyx Flowers has been recognized as the finest name in floral delivery since 1988, with exclusive designs sent directly from the world's premier growers, guaranteeing freshness.

Orders for the Happy Mother's Day, All About Mom, and Iris Illumination bouquets, Year of Flowers or any of the designer collections can be placed by calling 1-800-800-7788 or online at www.CalyxFlowers.com.

Ailing Houseplants

Identifying And Treating Pests of Flowering Plants

Have you noticed lately that your houseplant has been starting to brown or is slow at producing new growth. This might be a sign that your flower bouquet is being attacked by pests. It is very common for what seems to be a healthy flower to fall victim to pests. But before you go and buy flowers online try to treat your floral arrangement. The first step in doing so should be identifing the menace.

Mealybugs:
Mealybugs are easy to identify because of the white wax that their body produces as a protective shield. You can find mealybugs hiding in the crevices and undersides of your flower's stems and leaves. They almost look like little balls of cotton with tiny legs.

Treatment:
If it is a small infestation of mealybugs, it is best to treat your plant with a natural remedy. Dip a q-tip into rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the mealybugs. They will immediately turn brown and die. You can then gently wipe them off of the plant. If there are more than a few mealybugs, it is best to treat your flower with an insecticidal soap. Since mealybugs like to hide in the crevices of the flower, be sure to apply the soap to the entire flower. You can then rinse off the mealybugs with water. If you don't treat your flowers you could always sign up for flower of the month club.

Aphids:
Characteristically, aphids are green and black with two tubes coming out of the ends of their bodies. The are small in size and typically leave behind a trail of sticky residue.

Treatment:
Aphids are best treated with an insecticidal soap. The process might have to be repeated several times before the flower is treated.

Spider Mites:
Spider mites are extremely small in size, about the size of a ballpoint at the end of a pen, therefore, sometimes making them hard to see on the flowers. In order to tell if your flower is being affected by spider mites, gently shake the leaves of the flower over a piece of white paper. If there are spider mites on your flower, you will see small black dots fall onto the white paper.

Treatment:
In order to control spider mites, spraying the flower with a stream of water every couple of days over a period of two weeks should minimize the infestation. If it seems like the mites are coming back, you will have to treat the flower with a horticultural oil.

Whiteflies:
Whiteflies look exactly as their name suggests. Although in their younger stage, whiteflies will attach themselves to the undersides of your flower's leaves, sometimes making them easy to overlook.

Treatment:
To get rid of adult whiteflies, place a sticky fly tape near the flower. If you notice whiteflies are on the undersides of the flower's leaves, you will have to treat the flower with an insecticidal soap.

If you do happen to loose a flower its easy to order flowers online and have the flowers delivered directly to your doorstep.

Remember, the sooner you get rid of pests, the easier it will be to maintain your flower arrangement.

Green Statues

Topiary Sculptures Large And Small

Throughout the world there are gardens full of these giant green sculptures called topiaries. The art of growing and shaping plants into sculptures has been around since Julius Caesar and the Romans. Most homes during this time featured an atrium, or indoor garden, where these sculptures were grown and admired. Because of their elegance and sometimes whimsical nature, topiaries can still be found in public gardens all over the world. You can also add these live green sculptures to your own garden. Most garden centers or nurseries sell pre-groomed topiaries in a variety of shapes and sizes. For those of you that enjoy topiaries but do not have the patience or time to groom the larger ones, you can purchase smaller, indoor topiaries like the ones below:

Grand Gardenia Topiary


Jasmine Heart Topiary


Ivy Heart Topiary


Belladonna Topiary


Any plant that has a long woody stem can be trained as a topiary. Ivy, holly, gardenia, jasmine and rosemary work well indoors and boxwood, yew, and myrtle work well as outdoor topiaries. Most indoor topiaries require bright to medium light and evenly moist soil. You can maintain their shape by trimming any new growth. Be sure to rotate the plant weekly to ensure full, even growth.

If you would like to see some of the larger topiary sculptures, there is a garden in Newport, RI called Green Animals Topiary Garden, that features unicorns, giraffes, elephants and more. Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden in Bishopville, South Carolina features many distinct abstract topiary sculptures. There is always the famous Levens Hall Topiary Garden in England.

Valentine's Day Is Two Days Away!

It's not too late to order flowers for Valentine's Day. Calyx Flowers will be taking orders up until 2pm EST on Tuesday, February 13th. They offer a variety of floral bouquets and luxury gifts that are guaranteed to please any recipient and melt her heart. Whether you send her a bouquet of roses, or a box of chocolates, you can be assured that they will arrive to her satisfaction.

To bring you truly superior blooms, Calyx Flowers partners with growers worldwide - and sends your order straight to the source. Since their blooms don’t lose their glory in a truck or cooler, they last 5 to 10 days longer than most.

Calyx Flowers' specially designed Weather WrapTM surrounds your bouquet in a protective cushion, while temperature packs maintain ideal conditions during transit. Your flowers arrive as exquisite as the moment they were picked.

Calyx Flowers also guarantees your flowers will arrive fresh and perfect on the date you specify. There’s simply no easier or more reliable way to send the very best flowers the world has to offer!

See what their customers are saying:

Calyx & Corolla never disappoints. The flowers are fresh, unique, packaged with care, delivered on time and in peak condition. I have been buying extraordinary floral expressions from Calyx & Corolla for more than 10 years—I no longer look anywhere else when I want to send the best.
- Steve Basil, Austin, TX


I will not shop for flowers anywhere else. This company is the best hands down. The flowers arrive looking just like they do in the picture. I’m a customer for life!
– Christopher S. Fraser, West Hollywood, CA


I love your flowers and have received four different arrangements from your company over the past year. Your vases are beautiful. Your flowers are spectacular! EVERYONE always comments on how lovely they are. Thanks for spreading so much happiness!
– Doug Lee, New York, NY


Calyx and Corolla has most exquisite floral offerings I’ve ever seen!
- Pat Prescott, Los Angeles, CA


Over the years I have always found the floral selections from Calyx & Corolla, whether cut flowers or a potted plant, to be exceptional in quality and presentation. And I love the many compliments that I receive every time I use their service. Always first class!
- Rona Carr, New York, NY


I’ve shopped with you for many years…always a lovely experience. Always lovely flowers that my friends and family truly enjoy.
- Deborah A. Muchmore, Laingsburg, MI


The products are second to none. All of the flowers & gifts are simply elegant.
- Andrea Giroux, Frederick, MD


I have used Calyx and Corolla since 1999 with consistently outstanding results. I never order flowers from anywhere else. Incredible product and outstanding service and long lasting flowers translate into memorable gifts for over 8 years.
- Qanta Ahmed, Charleston, SC


Calyx & Corolla has the most wonderful selection and is always my first choice when sending flowers for any occasion.
- Rachel Maloney, Lawrenceville, GA

Red Roses, Pink Roses, Yellow Roses: The Symbolism of Colors

For as long as there has been the tradition of giving flowers to loved ones, there has been a belief that certain colors of flowers symbolize different meanings. During the Victorian Era, flowers were sent to convey secret messages of desire and admiration. Although modern technologies, like cell phones and computers, provide alternate means of expressing our feelings, sending flowers is still a practiced custom in expressing our emotions. An unexpected phone message saying "I love you," is appreciated and will put a smile on her face, but a beautiful bouquet of roses will warm her heart for days.

So, before you order your flowers for Valentine's Day, be sure that the roses you are sending are conveying the appropriate message:

	Red: Love, passion, romance.
	Dark Pink: Admiration, gratitude.
	Light Pink: Admiration, sympathy, gentleness.
	Burgundy: Unconscious beauty.
	Lavender: Love at first sight, enchantment.
	Orange: Desire, Passion.
	Yellow: Joy, friendship, congratulations.
	White: Unity, new love, innocence, honor.

While color should be taken into consideration when sending Valentine's Day flowers, you should also consider the symbolism associated with the number of stems in the bouquet.

• A single rose says "I love you" and "You are the one."
• Two roses symbolize mutual love.
• Three roses symbolize unity and a new relationship or marriage.
• Six roses say "I want to be yours."
• One dozen roses say "Be mine, and only mine."
• Thirteen roses symbolize a secret admiration.
• Fifteen roses ask for forgiveness.
• Two dozen roses say "I can't stop thinking about you."
• Three dozen roses symbolize your romance towards each other.
• Fifty roses profess your undying love.
• One hundred roses symbolize your everlasting relationship.
• One-hundred-one roses say "Please marry me!"

A Man's Guide To Valentine's Day

Although every day of the year should be used to express your love and appreciation to people who are important to you, Valentine's Day is the one day when we are highly encouraged to express our love through thoughtful gifts of flowers and candy, and plenty of hugs and kisses.

While women greatly appreciate the traditional gifts of roses and chocolates on Valentine's Day, it is always nice to receive a unique and memorable gift on this special day. Rather than just handing your loved one a bouquet of flowers and giving her a kiss on the cheek, surprise her this year with something different, something that she will remember for years. Now is the time to start planning for the special day and here are a few helpful tips and romantic ideas that are sure to take her breath away:

Choosing the Flowers:

Even though Valentine's Day seems like it's still a ways away, it is best to place your flower order now to ensure that the flowers will be in stock and delivered on time.




Color.
Instead of giving her the typical bouquet of one dozen red roses, try something new. Choose a different color or even a mixture of colors. If you are having trouble with picking a color, find out what her favorite color is, or try and match her personality. If she is spontaneous and care free, then choose a brighter color like a hot pink or orange. If she is quiet and gentle, choose a light pink or white. If she is strong and intense, choose a darker color like a deep red or burgundy. If she likes tradition and would prefer red roses, choose a bouquet that has other flowers mixed in, or display them in an elegant vase.

Flower.
Although roses are the number one flower for Valentine's Day, a variety of other flowers fit the occasion. If you are sending flowers to relatives, like a sister or mother, roses might not be appropriate. Instead, choose a less structured flower, like a nice bouquet of orchids or tulips. A mixed bouquet of roses and green leaves are a little less formal and appropriate for relatives and friends. If you are in a new relationship and this is your first Valentine's Day together, then a traditional bouquet of red roses would be appropriate, but if you have celebrated many Valentine's Days together, a break from tradition is a nice surprise. Splurge and show her that she is still the most important person in your life and send a large mixed bouquet, a large luxury bouquet of roses, or send her the same flowers you had at your wedding or the same flowers you gave her on your first date.

Price And Quantity.
It might seem silly to spend so much money on a bouquet of flowers, but remember that your loved one will greatly appreciate the gift. Valentine's Day only comes around once a year. Although it's tempting to cut your cost and just buy a bouquet from your local grocer, in doing so, you are choosing price over quality. The flowers might look okay when you purchase them, but they will quickly deteriorate once they are brought home. Buying flowers from a qualified delivery service will not only provide guaranteed quality, but it will also provide great customer service. If you're having trouble picking out a bouquet to send to your loved one, the qualified associates are always willing to provide answers and input. If price is an issue, there are always other options for less expensive bouquets. If you can't afford to purchase 100 roses, a smaller quantity will do. Remember, presentation is sometimes more important than what you are presenting.

Presentation.
If you want to have the flowers delivered directly to her, surprise her and have them sent to her workplace. Or if they are being sent to her home, don't forget to include a personal note expressing your love and appreciation. If you would really like to impress her, have the flowers sent to you. You can then remove the flowers from their packaging and place them in a nice vase. Show her your crafty side and present the flowers in a playful manner:

• Find two glass vases of similar shape (square or rectangle works best), one larger than the other.
• Place the flowers in the smaller vase with warm water.
• Place the smaller vase with the flowers in it, inside the larger vase.
• Fill in the empty space in the larger vase with some small conversational hearts.
• You now have a unique display for her Valentine flowers.

Additional Ideas:

• Send your loved one a unique valentine through the mail. Loveland, CO provides a unique service every Valentine's Day. If you enclose your pre-stamped, pre-addressed Valentine with return address in a large 1st class envelope to Loveland, they will stamp your envelope with a short poem and a small heart and send it on its way. Send to:

Postmaster
Attn: Valentines
Loveland, CO 80538-9998

• Surprise her in the morning by drawing a heart on top of her coffee with chocolate. Add some whipped cream or steamed milk to the top and squeeze some chocolate syrup in the shape of a heart on top and serve immediately.
• If you'd rather stay in for the night, rent some classic romantic movies, like 'Casablanca', 'Breakfast At Tiffany's' or 'When Harry Met Sally...' , and lay a blanket down on the floor and have a picnic basket filled with wine and cheese, and a small bouquet of flowers.
• If you want to bring her on a romantic date, but want to do something other than dinner and a movie, take her to a wine tasting event.

Please share your ideas by commenting to this post below.

Orchids

Most people are intimidated by the thought of owning and caring for an orchid because of their delicate and intricate appearance. Don't be! Orchids are just like any other houseplant, all they need is water, light and a little TLC.

About Orchids:

Orchids are the largest group of flowering plants with around 30,000 species and 800 genera. Although most varieties of orchids are grown in tropical regions, like Asia, South America and Central America, they do grow in a variety of other regions, like the Arctic Circle and Patagonia as well. Because there are so many different varieties, it is sometimes hard to identify an orchid species, making it even more complicated in differentiating between the species that are endangered, and those that aren't.

Selecting An Orchid:

In selecting an orchid for your home or office, keep in mind the conditions that you are providing for your plant. Different varities of orchids require different levels of light and temperature. If you are a first time orchid buyer, consider the phalaenopsis (or moth) orchid. It requires less light and does well in average household temperatures. Below are some other common orchid varieties to fit a variety of conditions:

• Dendrobium orchids do well in bright light and produce lots of flowers.
• Paphiopedilum (Lady Slipper) orchids do well in moderate light and mild temperatures.
• Miltonia (Pansy) orchids do well in medium light.
• Oncidium (Butterfly) orchids do best in bright light.

Caring For Orchids:

• Place your orchid in the appropriate light as listed above.
• Keep your orchid evenly moist, the roots should never be dry. Water once or twice a week, but be sure that the roots are not soggy. Take the orchid out of basket or cachepot to water and drain.
• Orchids require 40-50% humidity. Misting the leaves or placing a tray filled with rocks and a small amount of water under the orchid will help increase humidity.
• Fertilize once a month with a balanced orchid food at ½ strength.
• If the roots of your orchid look overcrowded in its current pot, or the pot looks too big for the plant, you will need to repot the orchid in an appropriately sized pot. Most garden stores sell specific pots for orchids. Be sure to repot your orchid in orchid-specific potting mix.

Combat Indoor Allergies

While we close up our homes to prepare for the cold winter months, we lock out fresh air, trapping in stale, polluted air. Rather than installing an expensive, and sometimes ineffective, air purifying system, simply place a few plants throughout your home.

Plants produce oxygen, which is essential for humans and animals to survive. They also act as filters in neutralizing indoor air pollutants. The most common pollutant in homes is formaldehyde, used as an adhesive in particle and pressed wood and spray insulation. When high concentrations are inhaled, it can irritate the eyes and throat, and in extreme cases, cause cancer. Other common pollutants include, bacteria, fungi, pollen, dust and mold.

For More Information On Formaldehyde And Other Indoor Toxins:

American Lung Association:


Plants can significantly reduce pollutants throughout the home as well as provide a general sense of well-being. Just be cautious when watering your plants; don't let them stand in a pool of water for an extended amount of time and make sure the soil is dampened, not water-logged. This will reduce the chance of mold and fungi forming on your plants and furniture.

Plants:

Aloe Vera: Good for eliminating most indoor toxins, as well as healing minor cuts and burns on the skin.

English Ivy: Good for eliminating toxins from petroleum-based products.

Fig Trees: Good for eliminating formaldehyde.

Chrysanthemum: Good for eliminating toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene and ammonia.

Spider Plants: Exceptional for eliminating formaldehyde.

Chinese Evergreen, Bamboo Palm and Lilies: Good for eliminating many toxic materials.

Take Care Of The 'Holidays Are Over' Blahs

Now that the holidays are over and the clean-up has begun, your home is probably starting to feel a little stark. The christmas tree and festive decorations brightened the mood, but now that the decorations are back in the box and the tree has been taken down, the brightness and cheer has disappeared. Start new this year and brighten your home with some fresh colors and scents from Calyx & Corolla. Whether you made a resolution to be healthier, stay organized, or maintain your happiness, Calyx & Corolla always has the gift that fits the occasion (or in this case, the resolution).

Resolution One

If last year left you feeling pudgy and sluggish, then you probably made a resolution to eat healthier and integrate more exercise into your daily routine. Sometimes all it takes to be more healthy is cooking fresh meals, rather than ordering take out or popping a frozen, pre-packaged meal in the microwave. Start with something simple, like baking some fresh salmon, known for its high protein and low fat levels and its high Omega-3 fatty acids content, with some balsamic dressing and a few sprigs of rosemary, hand picked fresh from your very own plant.

Resolution Two

Cleaning out? Did you make a resolution to get more organized and stay on top of your cleaning this year? Waking up to, and coming home to a clean and organized home instantly brightens your mood and makes you feel a little more at ease when things begin to feel out of control. Start by cleaning out your closet. Donate any unworn or old clothes and shoes to your local Salvation Army. Start and finish all laundry and neatly hang and fold all your clothes. Tidy up any unnecessary clutter and don't be afraid to throw things out. In order to keep things smelling fresh, hang these lovely lavender pomanders in your newly organized closet.

Resolution Three

If you made a resolution to find happiness and romance in the new year, you can begin by embracing the happiness you already have. Start by sending your loved ones an elegant bouquet. If you have trouble finding the right bouquet, a collection of winter white orchids is both elegant and versatile, and appropriate for any recipient. While you're ordering flowers for your loved ones, don't forget to treat yourself. A bright bouquet of blue hydrangeas will brighten your mood and entice your senses.

Holiday Cleanup Tips:

1. Label, label, label. The holidays always seem to sneak up on us and we never feel prepared. Relieve some of the holiday stress by taking the time now to label and put things in their proper place. Recycled egg cartons are great for storing christmas ornaments. Check out your local department store for other storage options.

2. When you take down your christmas lights, don't just throw them in a box in a tangled mess, gently wrap them around an empty paper towel roll or a flat piece of cardboard. This will make it much easier to string the lights next year and will help to protect your lights from damage to the bulbs and wiring.

3. Removing your christmas tree is made a lot easier by wrapping the tree in the original plastic tree bag, or an old sheet, stand and all and then carrying outside. If the tree is too large or heavy to carry outside, you can cut off some of the branches. The smaller branches can then be used as mulch in your garden. Once the tree has been removed from your home, sweep up as many needles as you can before vacuuming. The needles can damage your vacuum cleaner.

Christmas Flowers & Greens - After the Holidays, Now What?

Now that the holidays are over, here are a couple tips on what to do with those Christmas flowers and your Christmas tree, wreaths, garlands and other evergreen Christmas decorations.

Five Things to Do with Your Christmas Tree, Wreaths and Garlands

1. Sink it in a pond or stream. Submerged Christmas trees make great habitat for fish. If you don’t have a body of water on your property, a local conservation group may pick up the tree and toss it into an appropriate pond or stream for you.
   
   
2. Put it outside on your land. A Christmas tree can provide lodging for all kinds of birds, squirrels and other small animals. Once it starts to decompose, it can become a nursery to insects, fungi, even amphibians and reptiles.
   
   
3. Protect your perennials. Wreaths, garland, and boughs cut from a Christmas tree can be placed over perennial beds to reduce frost damage to plants, as well as frost heaving caused by freezing and thawing. Saw up the trunk to create sturdy, homemade trellises or tomato stakes.
   
   
4. Toss it into the woodstove. Use a few dry evergreen branches as kindling to start your fires.
   
   
5. Mulch it. Many communities have tree recycling programs that turn everyone’s old trees into valuable garden mulch.
   

(Thanks to Mother Earth News)

Making Your Amaryllis Rebloom




You don't need to throw away your amaryllis bulb kit. Amaryllis is a perennial, so If you'd like to see your amaryllis plant bloom again, remove the blooms once they have faded, so the plant's energy will go into the bulb rather than seed production. Continue to grow the amaryllis inside at a south-facing window for about four months (through April, say), until the weather warms enough to put it outside.

Next put your bulb outside, in an area sheltered from rain (or turn its put on its side so it won't collect rainwater). This will trigger dormancy. Snip off the dead leaves and bring the plant inside in the Fall when temperatures fall below 50 degrees. Finally, water the bulb to break the spell of dormancy and initiate new growth, and place the plant in a bright light while continuing to water moderately. Once it starts to bloom, move it to a spot with less light to prolong the bloom time.

Valentine's Flowers

Hanukkah and Christmas are now behind us. Thanks for reading and commenting on my recent posts about holiday flowers, crafts and decorating. I hope everyone enjoyed the very best and most relaxing holiday season.

At Calyx Flowers we've assembled a nice collection of New Year's flowers, plants, preserved floral arrangements and table centerpieces that make festive New Year's party decorations.

The next really big floral occasion is Valentine's Day. Over 180 million stems of roses will be cut and shipped for Valentine's Day delivery. Valentine's Day ranks as the number one holiday in the floral industry, capturing 35% of all holiday transactions. Valentine's Day is also the number one holiday for your local florist, according to the Society of American Florists. The US market for flowers and plants was $19.5 billion in 2004, according to the US Department of Commerce.

As Valentine's Day gift ideas, Calyx Flowers will offer designer bouquets with an emphasis on red rose bouquets, including the lavish 100 Roses Bouquet — over eight dozen red roses delivered in a magnificent Wine Chiller and accompanied by gourmet chocolate truffles!

There's also the 50 Roses Bouquet. Or if you really want to make a powerful and lasting impression on your sweetheart, send Roses for a year — a bouquet of roses every month for a full twelve months!

Orchid & Tropical Grow Lights

A reader recently told us about a line of grow lights designed especially for orchids. These Wonderlite orchid grow lights are wide spectrum bulbs designed for orchids and other tropical plants that tend to perform poorly in standard home or office environments.

According to the manufacturer, its "spectral distribution" balances blue, red and far-red wavelengths in the visible light spectrum (440, 660 and 740 nanometers), providing more than 90% of plants' requirements. The Wonderlite can be used in standard incandescent sockets, and is is available in two wattages: 160 or 300 watt. The 160 watt is usually placed 1-3 feet above plants, depending on the types of orchids being grown. The 300 watt is ideal for high-light demanding plants, like Vanda orchids, or high ceiling installations when the bulb must be placed further distances from plants.

How Flower Food Works

Some visitors to the blog have asked me why flower food keeps cut flowers fresher longer.

This answer comes from Annie Bond, author of the book "Better Basics for the Home" (see link below):

The little packet of flower food are bactericides that kill the bacteria, yeasts, and fungi.

Here are tips of reaching this same goal without the chemicals:

• Copper is a fungicide and acts to preserve the water from too many yeasts and fungi.
  
• Aspirin is an acid and helps to kill bacteria overgrowth.
  
• Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar to 1 quart of water. The idea here is the same as with aspirin, since lemon juice and vinegar are acidic.

That also explains why, when arranging bouquets, we remove all the leaves below the water line — so that submerged leaves don't act as a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria and shorten the life of your blooms.

Flower Food Recipes: How to Make Your own Cut Flower Food

Cut-flower bouquets bought from a flower delivery website or from your local florist will usually have powdered "flower food" to extend the life of your bouquet. But for wildflowers or flowers gathered from your garden, if you don't have store-bought flower food on hand, you can make your own.

Warning: I have NOT tested these recipes, and it's pretty hard to separate the folk-wisdom from the science. I would love to hear from others who have compared the various recipes. And if you have your own "secret recipe" that works, please add it to this blog as a Comment!

Flower Food Recipe (thanks to Kathryn M.)

1 teaspoon bleach
1 teaspoon vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1 quart clean, room-temperature water

Recipe Using Copper Pennies & Aspirin (thanks to Mark M.)

a few copper pennies
a couple aspirin tablets
2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
1 quart clean, room-temperature water

Tips On Ordering Flowers

1. Determine how much you want to spend.

Finding the perfect bouquet does not mean that you have to empty your wallet. Sometimes, it's the simple arrangements that grab the most attention. A small arrangement of tulips is appropriate for any occasion and will add a sweet touch of spring to any room.

If expressing your undying love through flowers, no matter the cost, is important, then a large bouquet of roses will be sure to leave her breathless no matter the occasion.

2. Choose the appropriate flower for the person.

Certain flowers and plants require a little more care and attention than others, and depending on the person who will be receiving the flowers, you might want to gauge their expertise before choosing a flower.

For those with little flower experience, start with something small and simple. Flowers arranged in a small bouquetare always elegant and easy to care for. Just be sure to cut the bottom stems about a 1/2 inch under water. Fill a vase with warm water and place the bouquet in the vase, making sure the stems are submerged. Remember to change the water every couple of days to extend the life of your flowers.

A good florist will send care instructions with your order. Be sure to read the instructions because certain bouquets might require a few extra steps to ensure that they last longer.

3. Choose the appropriate flower for the occasion.

Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, a birthday, a graduation, a birth or a holiday, there is sure to be the perfect flower for the occasion.

Roses are a traditional way to show love and appreciation. Gerbera daisies are a great, versatile flower that can be sent in celebration of a birthday, a new baby, or even just to brighten someone's day. A nice plant makes a great house warming gift.

Keep in mind that some flowers will arrive in bloom and will just need some water, but other flowers or plants will arrive in bud and may take some additional time to bloom. Be sure to inquire which ones will arrive in bloom and which ones arrive in bud when you place your order.

4. Choose a Florist and order on time.

Today most online florists guarantee the freshness and quality of their flowers and plants. If you order from a "direct-from-the-grower" flower service, you cut the amount of time that the flowers spend in a delivery van or truck, which makes for fresher flowers. Or, visit your local florist, where you can personally check the bouquets for freshness.

It's also wise not to wait until the last minute to order your flowers - - especially if you need fresh flowers to arrive on a Monday. For the sake of freshness, most online flower services do not ship flowers over the weekend.

5. Be sure someone will be there to receive the flowers.

Flowers and plants don't stand up well to extreme temperatures. Be sure to send your flowers to an address where someone will be able to receive them and take them inside, remove from the packaging, and rehydrate. Over a year ago, Calyx & Corolla introduced its "Weather Wrap" packaging, an insulating layer of air to protect fresh cut flowers from freezing air in the winter or extreme, or wilting heat in summer. That extend's a bouquet's life considerably, but they still don't want to be sitting on a doorstep for hours!

Plant and Flower Care Tips:

Plant Care

1. Place your plant, orchid or bonsai in a dry area with sunlight and good air circulation.


2. Check your plant daily, keeping it watered and properly drained which is very important.


3. As flowers fade, pinch them off in order to encourage new blossoms.


4. After blooming you may wish to plant or keep your gift outdoors in a sunny area (weather permitting).

Bouquet Care

1. Fill a vase or container with warm water and add flower food as directed. We suggest a warm water temperature, as a flower does not readily absorb cold water. Hot water can shock the flower.


2. Submerging them in fresh, warm water for 5 to 10 minutes can revive wilted flowers.


3. Always cut stems (minimum of ½") diagonally under water, which allows water to flow more readily through the stem. Begin arranging immediately.


4. Most bouquets will fit nicely in a 6"- 8" tall vase. Place flowers in vase or container and keep them out of direct sunlight and away from hot or cold drafts.


5. Be patient. Buds will gradually open from the base of the stem in 2-4 days. Certain flowers bloom quicker than others do. A few upper buds may not open. Trimming blossoms and leaves encourages other blossoms to open and your bouquet will last longer.


6. IMPORTANT! Add fresh water daily and recut stems every other day.


7. To enjoy your flowers for the longest possible time, trim away or discard spent blossoms as your bouquet ages to allow the flowers to channel their energy correctly and rearrange if necessary.

Make Your Own Gifts This Christmas Season

Sometimes it is more satisfying to give a gift that was crafted with your own hands rather than buying a manufactured item and trying to add a personal touch. You can create a few simple gifts that will be sure to impress with just a few supplies and a little of your time. You can even find some of the items suggested in your own home. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Embellished Candles

Embellishing plain pillar candles can make a wonderful personalized gift this Christmas season. Grab a cookie tray and line with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spread a thin layer of glue on the tray. Gently roll the candle in the glue until fully covered. Transfer to another foil-lined cookie sheet or plate and sprinkle glitter over the candle, making sure that all of the glue is hidden. Gently shake off the excess glitter and place the candle upright to dry. Once the glue has dried, you can then adorn the candle with beads, ribbon, evergreen twigs, birch bark or even some pressed poinsettia petals, adhered with glue. Wrap a ribbon around the circumference of the candle and nest in a matching gift box and you are sure to impress your special someone with a beautiful customized gift. You can also keep some of these candles for yourself. Place some poinsettia petals in the bottom of a hurricane glass and set the candle on top, or place some fresh greens on your tabletop and nestle the candle in the middle.

Pressing Flowers and Leaves

Pressed flowers have a delicate and beautiful appearance and can be used for a variety of crafts. All kinds of flowers can be used, as long as they are easy to flatten. Pressed flowers look elegant under glass in a frame, or scattered along a table runner. They also smell wonderful placed in a bowl as potpourri or posted on the bulletin board in your office.

*Make sure the flowers and leaves are dry and free of blemishes.
*Trim the stems close to the base.
*Place the flowers face down in a book.
*Place a rock or other heavy item on the top of the book and leave undisturbed for one week.
*Carefully open the book and gently remove the flower.

Pressed Flower Coasters

Send the gift of a customized set of coasters or keep them for yourself and dazzle your guests when you slip a poinsettia encased in glass under their wine glass. Any pressed flower or leaf works, but for the holiday season, a set of poinsettia coasters will look nice laid out on your coffee table.

Materials:

*Glass squares (2 for each coaster).
*Pressed flowers or leaves of your choice.
*Tweezers.
*Non-water-based clear-drying craft glue.
*Toothpick or small paintbrush.
*Binder clips.
*1/4-inch-wide silvered-copper-foil tape.
*Scissors.
*Pencil or ice pop stick.

Have a glazier cut 1/8-inch-thick glass into 3 1/2-inch squares, and sand the edges. Clean the glass plates and make sure to handle the glass on the edges, so as not to leave smudge marks. Dab a small amount of glue on the flower or leaf with a toothpick or paintbrush and position the flower or leaf on one of the plates of glass using your tweezer. Allow the glue to dry before placing the second plate of glass on top. Place the second plate of glass over the first one, align the two plates and clamp together with a couple binder clips. Place the end of the foil tape along an edge of the glass, and wrap the tape around the entire perimeter of the two glass plates. Overlap the ends slightly, then snip the tape with scissors. For a tight seal, rub the tape thoroughly until the edge is smooth, using the side of a pencil or ice pop stick as a burnishing tool. Never place your coasters in a dishwasher, or submerge in water.

Glitter Branches

Add a little shimmer to your winter bouquets with these sparkling glitter branches. Place just one, or many, depending on the size of your bouquet into your arrangement.

Brush a thin layer of white glue onto a branch found in your backyard or on a fake one purchased from a craft store. Sprinkle glitter until all of the branch is covered and gently shake off the excess. Carefully place on a set of newspapers and let it dry thoroughly.

Fireplace Sachets

Send the scent of Christmas on a journey throughout the house. Fill a 12-inch square piece of brown paper with dried orange peel, cloves, cinnamon, rosemary and pine cones. Tie together with some twine and drop into your fireplace. As the pouch burns, the scents will be released.

Caring For Your Christmas Tree:

History Of The Christmas Tree

The idea of placing a live tree in the home and decorating it has been around for years and practiced by many cultures.

Over 1000 years ago, St. Boniface, a Christian missionary, came across a group of German Pagans worshipping an oak tree, claiming it was their deity. In anger, St. Boniface chopped down the oak tree exclaiming that his God was mightier than theirs. From the roots of the oak sprouted a young fir tree. Saint Boniface took this as a sign from God and began spreading his Christian faith around Germany. It wasn't until the 16th century when fir trees were used for decorative purposes.

In the early 19th century, the custom of the Christmas tree became popular among the nobility and spread to royal courts when Princess Henrietta von Nassau-Weilburg introduced the Christmas tree to Vienna in 1816. Since then, the custom of decorating a Christmas tree spread around the world and traditions have since evolved over the years. Boughs from fir trees are also used for other Christmas decorations including wreaths, garland, centerpieces and kissing balls.

Choosing A Christmas Tree

In picking out a Christmas tree, you should always perform a freshness test. Gently grasp and pull a branch toward you. In doing so, only a few green needles should fall. Next, gently shake the tree. Again, only a few green needles should drop. There should only be a small amount of brown needles, if any. In transporting your tree, make sure it is wrapped in either a plastic sheet or a blanket in order to protect the branches from the wind.

Before you begin decorating your tree, make sure you have a Christmas-tree stand that will hold enough water. There should be room for 1 quart of water for every inch in diameter of the tree's trunk. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut about a 1/4 inch off the bottom of the trunk with your saw.

Within the first 24 hours of placing your tree in its stand, it can absorb up to 1 gallon of water, and 1 quart or more per day afterward. Be sure to keep a constant supply of water in the tree stand because if the tree runs dry, sap will leak out and create a seal over the bottom of the trunk. If you notice your tree has been dry for more than a few hours, you will need to cut the bottom of the trunk again.

Christmas Tree Tips

Remember to keep your tree away from direct heat and drafts. Never leave the lights on your tree plugged in if you have left your house and be sure to check the water daily.

Evergreen Tips

If you have a few cut boughs from your Christmas tree, instead of throwing them away, use them to accent your holiday floral arrangements or to plump up your Christmas wreath. In order to keep your greens fresh, mist daily with a water bottle and keep away from all direct heat sources.

Decorate with Tropical Holiday Flowers

Tropical Holiday Flowers

The temperature is dropping and the snow is falling. While mother nature prepares for winter by coating herself with a warm blanket of snow, we begin preparing our homes for the winter season as well. We stock our porches full of wood to feed the fire, we fill our linen closets with blankets to keep us warm at night, and we put our slippers by our beds and dream of digging our feet into the warm sand on a tropical island. Bring your dreams to life by adding a touch of the tropics to your home. The vibrant reds and greens are sure to liven your senses and lighten your mood. Instead of decorating your home with the traditional holiday flowers, try for something different this year.

Red Ginger

Deck the halls with December's flower of the month, Red Ginger. This native Malaysian plant makes a great accent to any bouquet or looks great alone, with it's brightly colored red bracts. Red Ginger grows in many Central American regions as well as Hawaii, where the flower is extremely popular.

Flower Care:

Immediately remove all flowers and foliage from it's packaging and soak in lukewarm water for about 10-15 minutes. Trim 1/2 - 1 inch off the stems and place in a vase with fresh water. Mist with water daily and keep them from direct breezes or sunlight. Every 2 - 3 days, re-trim the stems and replace the water.

Anthuriums

Anthuriums come in a variety of colors and species, and grow in the most diverse habitats, mostly in the tropical mountainous regions of Central America and South America. They are also cultivated in Hawaii, where cuttings from the plant are used in floral arrangements for all occasions, including weddings. The shiny red flowers make a perfect accent to any home during this holiday season.

Flower Care:

Immediately remove all flowers and foliage from it's packaging and soak in lukewarm water for about 10-15 minutes. Trim 1/2 - 1 inch off the stems and place in a vase with fresh water. Mist with water daily and keep them from direct breezes or sunlight. Every 2 - 3 days, re-trim the stems and replace the water.

Sago Palm Bonsai

The Sago Palm is not a palm, but rather a Cycad, which is a plant that is very primitive in its origins, predating the dinosaurs. Often referred to as “living fossils," Sago Palms have shown little evolution over the millions of years since their origin. In Japan, the Sago Palm is commonly used as a potted plant and is quite popular as a bonsai plant due to the fact that its size can be stunted depending on the size of the container it is grown in. These fascinating plants are relatively easy to care for and provide a small touch of the tropics year-round.

Plant Care:

Place the plant inside near a bright window. During the warmer months let the top 1/2 inch of soil dry out between waterings and in the cooler months, let the soil dry completely between waterings. Try to avoid overhead watering, as this may cause rot and possibly total decay of the plant.

Orchids

Orchids are the largest and most diverse of the flowering plant families with over 25,000 species. The long, elegant stems and delicate, personified flowers provide a simple, yet luxurious accent to any room in the home. Their beauty extends well beyond the holiday season and makes a wonderful christmas gift.


Plant Care:

Place the orchid where it will receive moderate light. This orchid does not like direct sunlight. It will do best with temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees. Keep orchid evenly moist, the roots should never be dry. Water once or twice a week, but be sure that the roots are not soggy. Take orchid out of basket or cachepot to water and drain. These plants like humidity between 40 -50%. Misting will help increase humidity. Fertilize once a month with a balanced orchid food at ½ strength.