Archive for January, 2008
Despite occasional grumblings that it was invented by the greeting card industry, Valentine’s Day actually has a long, rich history. Its earliest origins derive from a pagan festival called Lupercalia, in which Romans called upon the god Lupercus to keep the wolves away. As part of the festivities, Roman girls wrote their names on a slip of paper and placed them in a jar for the boys to draw from. The matches were supposed to be sweethearts until the next Lupercalia.
To read the rest of the History of Valentine’s Day, click here.
To order flowers, visit EDEN FLORIST
January 31st, 2008
The real beauty in roses is the story behind them. For centuries, roses have inspired love and brought beauty to those who have received them. In fact, the rose’s rich heritage dates back thousands of years.
• People have been passionate about roses since the beginning of time. It is said that the floors of Cleopatra’s palace were carpeted with delicate rose petals, and that the wise and knowing Confucius had a 600 book library specifically on how to care for roses.
• Wherefore art thou rose? In the readings of Shakespeare, of course. He refers to roses more than 50 times throughout his writing.
• One thousand years old. That’s the age the world’s oldest living rose bush is thought to be. Today, it continues to flourish on the wall of the Hildesheim Cathedral in Germany.
• Why white roses are so special is no mystery — it’s a myth. Perhaps it started with the Romans, who believed white roses grew where the tears of Venus fell as she mourned the loss of her beloved Adonis. To read more about Roses, click here.
To order Roses, visit EDEN FLORIST
January 30th, 2008
Yesterday’s Question
What flowering plant was used in the late 19th century to treat smallpox?
Answer: The butterfly weed. Now there are various varieties of butterfly weed that are especially suitable for cut flowers.
Thanks to everyone for your comments!
Heidi
January 30th, 2008
Test Your Flower Knowledge…
What flowering plant was used in the late 19th century to treat smallpox?
Answer will be posted tomorrow!
Thanks for stopping by….
Heidi
January 29th, 2008
“Earth laughs in flowers.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Start with a wooden frame. The frame back can be stapled easily to the frame. Metal and plastic frames come equipped with clips allowing the back of the frame to be opened and closed easily.Flowers can be secured on acid free card or on a piece of soft fabric such as velvet. When using fabric, cut the fabric the same size as the glass (otherwise it tends to wrinkle around the edges).
Using tweezers, arrange the flowers and greens on the card or fabric to create your “picture.” Carefully, put a drop of craft glue, using a toothpick, and press the flower down firmly into its final position. Let the glue dry completely before framing the picture. With a calligraphy or metallic pen, write the name of each flower and foliage used and any other notes about the picture, before framing.
Cover with the glass and secure the backboard onto the frame. For long-lasting results it is best to make an air tight seal when framing. Premature fading and deterioration of pressed flowers can occur when air seeps into the picture.
Avoid displaying your new work of art in direct sunlight (also causing fading) and keep out of rooms with high humidity such as bathrooms or kitchens.
For other ideas for making fabulous floral picture frames visit: Maddylane Designs
January 27th, 2008
Broccoli, cauliflower, and artichokes are all flowers. The top portion of broccoli are actually flower buds. Over time the top will burst into a bright yellow flower, hence the name broccoli “florets.” The small yellow flowers have a mild spiciness (mild broccoli flavor), and are perfect for salads and stir-fry (unless of course, you don’t like broccoli).
The spice saffron is the stamen from the crocus flower. Dried Mexican saffron (Safflower) is used as a food colorant in place of the more expensive and pungent Spanish Saffron.
Capers are unopened flower buds to a bush native in the Mediterranean and Asian nations.
Carnation petals are sweet and can be used in wine, candy, or deserts such as cake decorating. Carnation petals are one of “secret ingredients” that has been used to make Chartreuse, a French liqueur, since the 17th century.
Check out the 234 Edible Flowers Suitable for Winemaking for a list of other flowers that can be used in wines.
January 26th, 2008
“Wildflowers blossom best among the rocks with a little water.”
The Sopranos
PRESSING THOSE SPECIAL FLOWERS…
Flower’s and foliage achieve the best results when they are fresh. When all moisture is removed you will achieve the best results for pressing. If you are unable to press them immediately upon purchasing or picking them, I suggest you place them in zip-seal bags filled with air and store in a cool place e.g. the refrigerator.When you’re ready to press, use a soft brush to remove any debris that may be on the petals and leaves. There are two easy ways to press flowers.1. Between books Pages – Place flowers between 2 sheets of paper to protect the pages of the book or place between 2 large books. It will take 1-2 weeks for them to dry thoroughly.
2. Flower Presses – Flower presses are very inexpensive to purchase. You can even make your own using two vice grips and a solid wood about 1/4 to 1/4 inch in thickness.
Layer your flowers in the press by cutting pieces of cardboard and newsprint (or blotting paper) to fit between the boards of the press.Colour retention will be improved if you put the flowers between sheets of paper and change daily or at the very least every couple of days.Note: Flowers turn brown when they don’t dry quick enough and should be discarded.
January 26th, 2008
1. In what religious tradition does the groom arrive at the ceremony on a white horse (often decorated with flowers)?
a) Muslim b) Baptist c) Anglican d) Hindu
2. True or false? Flowers are forbidden at Jewish funerals.
3. Catholic weddings are rarely held during Lent. When they are, the flowers used should be:
a) Purple b) Loose c) Understated d) Inexpensive
4. True or false? In the Islamic tradition, white flowers are especially suitable for funerals.
5. In which houses of worship are flowers not permitted in sacred areas?
a) Jewish b) Mormon c) Buddhist d) Methodist
6. What sort of flowers should never adorn a Buddhist altar?
a) Thorned b) Silk c) Chrysanthemums d) Potted
7. In which religious tradition do congregants construct an “epitapho,” or tomb of Christ, entirely from flowers during the Lenten season?
a) Catholic b) Mennonite c) Episcopal d) Greek Orthodox
8. In the Catholic, Episcopal and Anglican traditions, what color is especially appropriate for flowers used at Pentecost?
a) White b) Red c) Blue d) Multicolored
For the answers visit: EdenFlorist.com
January 24th, 2008
Have no idea which flowers are most accepted in certain cultures and religions? Then you’ve come to the right place. this list will help you choose the perfect tribute to express your sympathy and love. Listed below are the types of flowers which are preferred, which to avoid (if any) and where the final tribute is customarily sent.
African
Religious Affiliation if any: Christian, Muslim, others
Types of flowers preferred are roses, carnations, lilies and tropical exotic bouquets
Color preferences or prohibitions for flowers: none
Where are the flowers customarily sent? To the funeral home for Christian services and to the home for those of Muslim faith.
Arab
Religious Affiliation if any: Christian, Muslim, others
Types of flowers preferred are roses and carnations,
Color preferences or prohibitions for flowers: none
Where are the flowers customarily sent? To the funeral home for Christian services and to the home for those of Muslim faith.
Asian
Religious Affiliation if any: Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, others
Types of flowers preferred are chrysanthemums, lilies, orchids and gladioulas or stalk-like flowers (such as snapdragons and larkspur).
Color preferences or prohibitions for flowers: Chinese avoid red. Koreans prefer white and light yellow
Where are the flowers customarily sent? To the funeral home for Buddhist and Christian services and to the home for those of Muslim faith.
Chaldean
Religious Affiliation if any: Christian (primarily Roman Catholic)
Types of flowers preferred are roses, carnations and lilies
Color preferences or prohibitions for flowers: Red symbolizes love and loss; white flowers are used at children’s funeral services.
Where are the flowers customarily sent? To the funeral home
Jewish
Religious Affiliation if any: Jewish
Types of flowers preferred are roses, snapdragons or gladioulas orchids and tropicals
Color preferences or prohibitions for flowers: none
Where are the flowers customarily sent? To the home.
Hispanic
Religious Affiliation if any: Christian (primarily Roman Catholic) and others
Types of flowers preferred are roses, carnations, snapdragons or gladioulas orchids and tropicals
Color preferences or prohibitions for flowers: none
Where are the flowers customarily sent? To the funeral home.
See also Funeral Flowers and Religion
Find out more at Sympathy Etiquette FAQ’s
January 24th, 2008
If you purchase loose flowers for your own arrangements consider these tips:When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age. When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower openingSource – Society of American Florists
Check out Eden’s Flower of the Month Club!
Here’s the perfect gift for someone who loves flowers – flowers delivered once a month for an entire year! Let us pick the perfect bouquet in a vase or a basket filled with seasonal flowers for every month of the year. Flowers Monthly® makes the perfect holiday, birthday or anniversary gift. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.Flowers will be delivered every 4 weeks from your original delivery date. For your convenience, your credit card will be billed at the time of delivery for the duration of your Flowers Monthly® Program. A gift card is sent to the recipient after the first delivery explaining the program and delivery schedule. We have 3 different price ranges for you to choose.
January 23rd, 2008
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