Archive for January, 2008
Honeysuckle ~ The bonds of love, sweetness of disposition
Botanical Name: Lonicera Family: Caprifoliaceae“Ye have been fresh and green,Ye have been fill’d with flowers;
And ye the walks have been
Where Maids have spent their hours”
- Robert Herrick (1591-1674)
Honeysuckle got its name from the sweet nectar in the center of the flower. Sweetly scented (pungent), it is beloved and admired by poets and writers for its virtues; Shakespeare often called it by the country name of Woodbine. With woody stems that twine clockwise around anything in its path, the honeysuckle is known as a climbing wild flower.
According to 100 Flowers and How They Got Their Names, by Diana Wells, the Honeysuckle is pollinated by the Hawk Moth. A Viennese botanist, Kerner, did an experiment to see how far it would travel to do the job. He placed the moth three hundred yards away from the nearest honeysuckle early in the morning and marked it. When dusk fell, he watched the moth wave its feelers and head straight for the very same blossom.
January 23rd, 2008
Yesterday’s Question - Which kind of flower can contain up to a hundred florets in the center “eye?”
Answer – The ox-eye daisy may look like a single flower. In fact, the real flowers occur as a tight cluster in the center or eye, and are surrounded by the petals.
Thanks to everyone for commenting!
Heidi
January 23rd, 2008
How to Lengthen the Life of Your ArrangementTwo of the top questions most people ask when purchasing flowers are “How do I take care of them?” and “How long will they last?” Whether it’s a single bud, a small bunch or an abundant arrangement, a little extra care can make a big difference.Most floral arrangements last between 6-10 days, depending on the types of flowers used and the type of care they receive.The Society of American Florists suggests these tips for longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers:
For floral arrangements
Keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with water containing a flower food provided by your florist.If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. If possible, recut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife.Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, causing flowers to dehydrate.)
For loose bunches or boxed flowers
If you can’t get your flowers in a flower food solution right away, keep them in a cool place. Fill a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from your florist. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.
Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth.
Recut stems with a sharp knife. Do this underwater — this allows the stems to draw in water instead of air — and place the flowers in the vase solution you’ve prepared.
Source – Society of American Florists
January 22nd, 2008
Flowers like sunshine while they are growing. It helps them mature to the “picked” stage.
However, cut flowers will deteriorate much faster if exposed to heat and direct sunlight.
To keep flowers fresh longer keep them away from sun and drafts.
January 22nd, 2008
Test your flower knowledge….
Question: Which kind of flower can contain up to a hundred florets in the center “eye?”
Answer will be posted tomorrow!
Thanks for stopping by….
Heidi
January 22nd, 2008
You are invited to participate in the Sex Survey 2008 presented by EdenFlorist.com. In this survey, men and women are being asked to complete a survey that covers questions about Initiating Sex. It will take approximately 3 minutes to complete the questionnaire.
For your time (less than 3 minutes to complete) you will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Visa Gift Card. You will also receive a copy of The Art of Seduction for Men and The Art of Seduction for Women eBooks for your participation.
Your survey responses will be stricly confidential and data from this research will be reported only in the aggregate. Your information will be kept confidential. If you have questions at any time about the survey or the procedures, you may contact Eden Florist at 954-981-5519
Thank you very much for your time and support. You may begin the survey now by clicking on the picture above or using this link: www.SexSurvey2008.com.
January 21st, 2008
Did you know?
Are flies or bees bothering you? Spray them with hairspray and they will take a quick dive.
You can spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.
Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.
To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!
Don’t throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.
A one-minute kiss burns 26 calories. The brain is programmed for people to find their partner’s lips in the dark. Studies show kissing relieves headaches. Kissing stimulates the same part of the brain as bungee jumping, parachuting & distance running. Men who kiss their wives goodbye in the morning make more money than those who don’t.
January 21st, 2008
Yarrow ~ Botanical Name: Achillea ~ The Compositae Family If you listen…..
If you listen, Not to the pages or preachers
But to the smallest flower Growing from a crack In’ your heart,
You will hear a great song Moving across a wide ocean
Whose water is the music Connecting all the islands
Of the universe together, And touching all
You will feel it Touching you
Around you…Embracing you With light.”-John Squadra – American Artist and Poet -
The botanical name achillea was chosen to honor Achilles, legendary warrior and hero of the Trojan War. The origin of the common name yarrow appears to have come from gearwe or gierwan of Anglo-Saxon origin. Loosely translated, it means “to be ready” or “to prepare,” suggesting it’s use against various ills (including lovesickness).
According to an English Superstition, if a girl plucked the leaves from a graveyard, she should put them under her pillow and upon wakening, recite the following verse:
Good morning, good morning, good Yarrow
And thrice good morning to thee
Tell me, before this time tomorrow
Who my true love is to be Her dreams the following night were to then reveal her future husband. In years past, illness was thought to come from the stars, the minds the humors. Plants that yielded beauty and medicinal qualities were thought to have mystical powers. In France and Ireland, yarrow was one of the herbs of St. John that were picked while they were still moist from the morning dew and then burned on the eve of St. John’s Day to protect against evil. Yarrow has many uses.
In addition to those mentioned in the section on Floral Recipes, Yarrow has been used for brewing beer and as an astringent solution.
January 21st, 2008
People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us. - Iris Murdoch
Yarrow – For Beautiful Skin Yarrow is a wonderful herb with many uses, and it’s so easy to grow. Just check out your local garden center for the seeds. In this issue you will find some simple skin and hair care products you can make at home from yarrow.
Cleanser For Oily Skin:
Place a tablespoon of yarrow in a bowl and fill the bowl half full with boiling water. Lean over the bowl, and cover your head with a towel so that no steam escapes. You should be 12-18 inches from the water. After steaming, splash your face with cool water and pat dry.
For added benefit, you could add one or more of the following herbs:
Stimulating Herbs: Rosemary, Sage, Mint
Healing Herbs: Comfrey, Thyme
Soothing Herbs: Lavender, Chamomile
Yarrow and Chamomile Compress:
1 teaspoon of dried yarrow flowers
1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers
1 cup of boiling water
Pour the boiling water over the herbs and steep for 20 minutes. Strain out the herbs and discard. Cool the liquid to a comfortable temperature. Dip a tea towel into the liquid and squeeze out the excess.
Rinse your face in lukewarm water. Place the towel over your face and relax for 15-20 minutes. Pat your face dry. If you want to apply a moisturizer afterwards, choose one that doesn’t contain alcohol.
Tip: You can also use this compress to soothe rough, red, or cracked hands. If your hands are dry, coat with almond oil before applying compress.
January 21st, 2008
January 21st is National Hugging Day and we’re sending hugs your way with a little poem and teddy bear.
A HUG
A hug is such fun
And it’s certain to please you,
Just open your arms
And let somebody squeeze you,
If you need cheeringA hug never fails you,
It makes you feel great
And it’s good for what ails you…
A hug is a present
You don’t have to earn,
And oh, what a pleasure
To give……and return!
Hug someone today with a Hug-o-Gram or Hugs and Kisses Bouquet from Eden Florist!
January 21st, 2008
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