Source: http://www.centralsquareflorist.com/blog/2011/03/irish-eyes-are-smiling.php
Thursday, 30 June 2011
A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California
June
The first step in having color in your garden is planning well ahead. This month plan for the mums that will make your garden a joy next October. Divide clumps now and make some cuttings too. If you are limited on space, put a few divisions or cuttings in 4" plastic pots and bring them along for the next six weeks then tuck them in. Keep tops pinched back till first week in August. The rewards are so great that I like to put a very small handful of all purpose organic fertilizer in each hole and also use a small spade and work up the soil for each plant and add some R.S.A. Plants can be obtained at nurseries or aske friends for divisions.
If you have fading foxgloves, you could pull them out and put the mums in. Speaking of foxglove, they are so worthwhile for tall colorful spikes, and have bloomed for almost two months. First, the tall cneter spike, which when faded is cut back, then, six or more small spikes all grouped. Spikes are hard to come by in the garden where most of the forms are rounded, so next fall do buy some foxgloves. Put it on your calendar for October. They take full sun on the coast. Colors white, purple, cream and pinkish. After the early spring bloom of the last few months, actually the best time in our gardens, there are literally garbage cans full of throwaway material. Consider putting this on the compost heap. Even if you have no time to turn a heap, it will eventually become compost.
Delphenium gets cut back when new growth appears at the base.
Early sweet peas are almost gone, you might have a few seeds before throwing them out. When you plant them next September pinch them once when six inches high. You will be happy about what a nice full bush that makes.
Early in June you could buy pony packs of many late summer annuals, put them in a good mix, half garden soil, half potting mix, in 4" plastic pots, then when all these bare spaces occur from pulling calendula, sweet peas, etc. your late summer things will be ready to pop up and flower. This is a great money saver. The nursery does it for you at about ten times the costs. If you plan ahead this way, you save money and make the garden show more color.
Iris should be divided in July if they have become too crowded, but if you have too many you might dig some now and throw away or give away and tuck summer annuals into the empty spaces.
Dwarf Dahlias can be bought in 4" pots in bloom so you can see the color. Tucked in now, they will give months of bloom in summer, and then die down to rise in full glory for years to come. Use systemic granules when you plant them, and every six weeks thereafter, while in bloom. Let the leaves die completely before cutting back.
Zinnias provide some summer color, they want good air circulation or get mildew.
Roses can be cut with long stems now.
Margurites should be kept groomed and thinned and they will bloom all year. Make some cuttings now. Many of the best summer bloomers are perrenials. Statice, lily of Nile, daylilies, roses and others. Plan on getting some in next fall, and your garden will have summer color. Gloriosa daisy could still be planted from 4" pots and give a lot of summer color for years to come. Protect from snails. Select roses now, when you see the colors, but buy in January, bareroot. Botanic gardens usually have them labeled.
In mid-June your fuchsias should be in full bloom. They are fairly expensive at this time but do go to a nursery and get the names of some you like and plan a basket for next year. Red ones are blooming now, in full sun, along the coast. Other colors give six months of color, tucked in semi shade in the garden, and trained as trees or bushes. Much easier than watering baskets all the time. Train them high, remember they look best from below, hence the popularity of fuchsia baskets. Learn to make fuchsia trees from basket types.
I suggest you get your social calendar and make an appointment with yourself on the above suggested dates and go out and do these things.
Keep fertilizing!
~Florence Sullivan
The first step in having color in your garden is planning well ahead. This month plan for the mums that will make your garden a joy next October. Divide clumps now and make some cuttings too. If you are limited on space, put a few divisions or cuttings in 4" plastic pots and bring them along for the next six weeks then tuck them in. Keep tops pinched back till first week in August. The rewards are so great that I like to put a very small handful of all purpose organic fertilizer in each hole and also use a small spade and work up the soil for each plant and add some R.S.A. Plants can be obtained at nurseries or aske friends for divisions.
If you have fading foxgloves, you could pull them out and put the mums in. Speaking of foxglove, they are so worthwhile for tall colorful spikes, and have bloomed for almost two months. First, the tall cneter spike, which when faded is cut back, then, six or more small spikes all grouped. Spikes are hard to come by in the garden where most of the forms are rounded, so next fall do buy some foxgloves. Put it on your calendar for October. They take full sun on the coast. Colors white, purple, cream and pinkish. After the early spring bloom of the last few months, actually the best time in our gardens, there are literally garbage cans full of throwaway material. Consider putting this on the compost heap. Even if you have no time to turn a heap, it will eventually become compost.
Delphenium gets cut back when new growth appears at the base.
Early sweet peas are almost gone, you might have a few seeds before throwing them out. When you plant them next September pinch them once when six inches high. You will be happy about what a nice full bush that makes.
Early in June you could buy pony packs of many late summer annuals, put them in a good mix, half garden soil, half potting mix, in 4" plastic pots, then when all these bare spaces occur from pulling calendula, sweet peas, etc. your late summer things will be ready to pop up and flower. This is a great money saver. The nursery does it for you at about ten times the costs. If you plan ahead this way, you save money and make the garden show more color.
Iris should be divided in July if they have become too crowded, but if you have too many you might dig some now and throw away or give away and tuck summer annuals into the empty spaces.
Dwarf Dahlias can be bought in 4" pots in bloom so you can see the color. Tucked in now, they will give months of bloom in summer, and then die down to rise in full glory for years to come. Use systemic granules when you plant them, and every six weeks thereafter, while in bloom. Let the leaves die completely before cutting back.
Zinnias provide some summer color, they want good air circulation or get mildew.
Roses can be cut with long stems now.
Margurites should be kept groomed and thinned and they will bloom all year. Make some cuttings now. Many of the best summer bloomers are perrenials. Statice, lily of Nile, daylilies, roses and others. Plan on getting some in next fall, and your garden will have summer color. Gloriosa daisy could still be planted from 4" pots and give a lot of summer color for years to come. Protect from snails. Select roses now, when you see the colors, but buy in January, bareroot. Botanic gardens usually have them labeled.
In mid-June your fuchsias should be in full bloom. They are fairly expensive at this time but do go to a nursery and get the names of some you like and plan a basket for next year. Red ones are blooming now, in full sun, along the coast. Other colors give six months of color, tucked in semi shade in the garden, and trained as trees or bushes. Much easier than watering baskets all the time. Train them high, remember they look best from below, hence the popularity of fuchsia baskets. Learn to make fuchsia trees from basket types.
I suggest you get your social calendar and make an appointment with yourself on the above suggested dates and go out and do these things.
Keep fertilizing!
~Florence Sullivan
Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/06/calendar-for-growing-flowers-in-costal.html
Why Gov. Schwarzenegger Should Sign AB 2076
The California Legislature recently passed AB 2076, a bill which prevents out-of-area affiliate marketers – “Absentee Florists” – from using geographic misrepresentation to lead consumers to believe they are dealing with local florists – and the bill will be heading to Gov. Schwarzenegger’s desk in the next day or so for his signature. How the [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RealFloristsBlog/~3/vhn8XsayWVI/
A Good Day
Need to be uplifted today? Then click the title above... you'll be taken to an inspiring video that I just love.
"Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more." Brother David Steindl-Rast.
"Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more." Brother David Steindl-Rast.
Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/04/good-day.html
Mending the Rift on Mother?s Day
Ideally, Mother’s Day should be a time of celebration and a day to that you can devote to that truly important and special woman in your life. But not all family situations are perfect, and there is no need to explain that all kinds of relationships exist between mothers and their children.
Your relationship with your mum might be a bit ...
Your relationship with your mum might be a bit ...
Source: http://www.flowers24hours.co.uk/blog/flowers-online/mending-the-rift-on-mothers-day/
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California
Calendula in Florence's Garden in February
FEBRUARY
Calendula can be in full bloom on Valentine's Day. Do note on your calendar to plant them next September or October. Learn to plant the lovely annuals that will soon be in bloom, in early fall, to get the best and most carefree bloom, we have all year. All of the following bloom best in our early spring: Calendula, Iceland Poppies, Primula, Primroses, Cineria, Stock, Marguerites, Daffodils, Freesia, Statice, Callas - boom in February and March if planted in the fall. Buy them by the dozen then, at very reasonable prices. They will all be available in 4" pots at a higher price now. Another advantage of early spring bloom is the dormancy of many insects.
Roses pruned last month can be fed a good 1 cup of balanced commercial fertilizer now, 10% nitrogen. As soon as all of the the sprouts are out.
Buy cottonseed meal to feed Azaleas next mont - good for other shade plants too.
Prune Poinsettias, Lantana, and semi-hard hibiscus, bougainvillea - about the middle of February. Our last freeze date in this area is February 28. Finish dormant pruning early in February.
In spite of the advice of others, I don't fertilize my lawn much now or it gets too think in March and is very difficult to cut.
Cymbidiums get Hi-nitrogen til July.
Epiphillums get a Hi-bloom fertilizer as soon as blooms appear.
Fuschsias get a second and last feeding of blood meal now. 1T per basket and a heaping T per foot in the ground. Don't work into soil.
Pelagoniums gat a pinching now.
Dahlias and tuberrose go in now.
Try another dozen delphiniums in enriched soil. Bait for snails. Or you can use plastic cherry tomato baskets inverted to protect delphiniums from birds and snails.
Make a mum tree. Put 3 plants close together and pinch out side shoots till correct height is reached, then train it like a tree rose. Pompoms are best.
Calendula, carnations, cinerarias, and dahlias always suffer insect damage. I protect from the time of planting with the granular form of systemic and therefore do no spraying, simply using the granules every six weeks.
Meyer lemons do very well here. They are dwarf and look great in a large container.
Try some Azaleas even if they are difficult here. They don't really like our alkaline water and soil. Work an azalea mix into your soil. I don't like pure peat, once dry it is next to impossible to get it wet again.
~Florence Sullivan
FEBRUARY
Calendula can be in full bloom on Valentine's Day. Do note on your calendar to plant them next September or October. Learn to plant the lovely annuals that will soon be in bloom, in early fall, to get the best and most carefree bloom, we have all year. All of the following bloom best in our early spring: Calendula, Iceland Poppies, Primula, Primroses, Cineria, Stock, Marguerites, Daffodils, Freesia, Statice, Callas - boom in February and March if planted in the fall. Buy them by the dozen then, at very reasonable prices. They will all be available in 4" pots at a higher price now. Another advantage of early spring bloom is the dormancy of many insects.
Roses pruned last month can be fed a good 1 cup of balanced commercial fertilizer now, 10% nitrogen. As soon as all of the the sprouts are out.
Buy cottonseed meal to feed Azaleas next mont - good for other shade plants too.
Prune Poinsettias, Lantana, and semi-hard hibiscus, bougainvillea - about the middle of February. Our last freeze date in this area is February 28. Finish dormant pruning early in February.
In spite of the advice of others, I don't fertilize my lawn much now or it gets too think in March and is very difficult to cut.
Cymbidiums get Hi-nitrogen til July.
Epiphillums get a Hi-bloom fertilizer as soon as blooms appear.
Fuschsias get a second and last feeding of blood meal now. 1T per basket and a heaping T per foot in the ground. Don't work into soil.
Pelagoniums gat a pinching now.
Dahlias and tuberrose go in now.
Try another dozen delphiniums in enriched soil. Bait for snails. Or you can use plastic cherry tomato baskets inverted to protect delphiniums from birds and snails.
Make a mum tree. Put 3 plants close together and pinch out side shoots till correct height is reached, then train it like a tree rose. Pompoms are best.
Calendula, carnations, cinerarias, and dahlias always suffer insect damage. I protect from the time of planting with the granular form of systemic and therefore do no spraying, simply using the granules every six weeks.
Meyer lemons do very well here. They are dwarf and look great in a large container.
Try some Azaleas even if they are difficult here. They don't really like our alkaline water and soil. Work an azalea mix into your soil. I don't like pure peat, once dry it is next to impossible to get it wet again.
~Florence Sullivan
Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/02/calendar-for-growing-flowers-in-costal_14.html
A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California
June
The first step in having color in your garden is planning well ahead. This month plan for the mums that will make your garden a joy next October. Divide clumps now and make some cuttings too. If you are limited on space, put a few divisions or cuttings in 4" plastic pots and bring them along for the next six weeks then tuck them in. Keep tops pinched back till first week in August. The rewards are so great that I like to put a very small handful of all purpose organic fertilizer in each hole and also use a small spade and work up the soil for each plant and add some R.S.A. Plants can be obtained at nurseries or aske friends for divisions.
If you have fading foxgloves, you could pull them out and put the mums in. Speaking of foxglove, they are so worthwhile for tall colorful spikes, and have bloomed for almost two months. First, the tall cneter spike, which when faded is cut back, then, six or more small spikes all grouped. Spikes are hard to come by in the garden where most of the forms are rounded, so next fall do buy some foxgloves. Put it on your calendar for October. They take full sun on the coast. Colors white, purple, cream and pinkish. After the early spring bloom of the last few months, actually the best time in our gardens, there are literally garbage cans full of throwaway material. Consider putting this on the compost heap. Even if you have no time to turn a heap, it will eventually become compost.
Delphenium gets cut back when new growth appears at the base.
Early sweet peas are almost gone, you might have a few seeds before throwing them out. When you plant them next September pinch them once when six inches high. You will be happy about what a nice full bush that makes.
Early in June you could buy pony packs of many late summer annuals, put them in a good mix, half garden soil, half potting mix, in 4" plastic pots, then when all these bare spaces occur from pulling calendula, sweet peas, etc. your late summer things will be ready to pop up and flower. This is a great money saver. The nursery does it for you at about ten times the costs. If you plan ahead this way, you save money and make the garden show more color.
Iris should be divided in July if they have become too crowded, but if you have too many you might dig some now and throw away or give away and tuck summer annuals into the empty spaces.
Dwarf Dahlias can be bought in 4" pots in bloom so you can see the color. Tucked in now, they will give months of bloom in summer, and then die down to rise in full glory for years to come. Use systemic granules when you plant them, and every six weeks thereafter, while in bloom. Let the leaves die completely before cutting back.
Zinnias provide some summer color, they want good air circulation or get mildew.
Roses can be cut with long stems now.
Margurites should be kept groomed and thinned and they will bloom all year. Make some cuttings now. Many of the best summer bloomers are perrenials. Statice, lily of Nile, daylilies, roses and others. Plan on getting some in next fall, and your garden will have summer color. Gloriosa daisy could still be planted from 4" pots and give a lot of summer color for years to come. Protect from snails. Select roses now, when you see the colors, but buy in January, bareroot. Botanic gardens usually have them labeled.
In mid-June your fuchsias should be in full bloom. They are fairly expensive at this time but do go to a nursery and get the names of some you like and plan a basket for next year. Red ones are blooming now, in full sun, along the coast. Other colors give six months of color, tucked in semi shade in the garden, and trained as trees or bushes. Much easier than watering baskets all the time. Train them high, remember they look best from below, hence the popularity of fuchsia baskets. Learn to make fuchsia trees from basket types.
I suggest you get your social calendar and make an appointment with yourself on the above suggested dates and go out and do these things.
Keep fertilizing!
~Florence Sullivan
The first step in having color in your garden is planning well ahead. This month plan for the mums that will make your garden a joy next October. Divide clumps now and make some cuttings too. If you are limited on space, put a few divisions or cuttings in 4" plastic pots and bring them along for the next six weeks then tuck them in. Keep tops pinched back till first week in August. The rewards are so great that I like to put a very small handful of all purpose organic fertilizer in each hole and also use a small spade and work up the soil for each plant and add some R.S.A. Plants can be obtained at nurseries or aske friends for divisions.
If you have fading foxgloves, you could pull them out and put the mums in. Speaking of foxglove, they are so worthwhile for tall colorful spikes, and have bloomed for almost two months. First, the tall cneter spike, which when faded is cut back, then, six or more small spikes all grouped. Spikes are hard to come by in the garden where most of the forms are rounded, so next fall do buy some foxgloves. Put it on your calendar for October. They take full sun on the coast. Colors white, purple, cream and pinkish. After the early spring bloom of the last few months, actually the best time in our gardens, there are literally garbage cans full of throwaway material. Consider putting this on the compost heap. Even if you have no time to turn a heap, it will eventually become compost.
Delphenium gets cut back when new growth appears at the base.
Early sweet peas are almost gone, you might have a few seeds before throwing them out. When you plant them next September pinch them once when six inches high. You will be happy about what a nice full bush that makes.
Early in June you could buy pony packs of many late summer annuals, put them in a good mix, half garden soil, half potting mix, in 4" plastic pots, then when all these bare spaces occur from pulling calendula, sweet peas, etc. your late summer things will be ready to pop up and flower. This is a great money saver. The nursery does it for you at about ten times the costs. If you plan ahead this way, you save money and make the garden show more color.
Iris should be divided in July if they have become too crowded, but if you have too many you might dig some now and throw away or give away and tuck summer annuals into the empty spaces.
Dwarf Dahlias can be bought in 4" pots in bloom so you can see the color. Tucked in now, they will give months of bloom in summer, and then die down to rise in full glory for years to come. Use systemic granules when you plant them, and every six weeks thereafter, while in bloom. Let the leaves die completely before cutting back.
Zinnias provide some summer color, they want good air circulation or get mildew.
Roses can be cut with long stems now.
Margurites should be kept groomed and thinned and they will bloom all year. Make some cuttings now. Many of the best summer bloomers are perrenials. Statice, lily of Nile, daylilies, roses and others. Plan on getting some in next fall, and your garden will have summer color. Gloriosa daisy could still be planted from 4" pots and give a lot of summer color for years to come. Protect from snails. Select roses now, when you see the colors, but buy in January, bareroot. Botanic gardens usually have them labeled.
In mid-June your fuchsias should be in full bloom. They are fairly expensive at this time but do go to a nursery and get the names of some you like and plan a basket for next year. Red ones are blooming now, in full sun, along the coast. Other colors give six months of color, tucked in semi shade in the garden, and trained as trees or bushes. Much easier than watering baskets all the time. Train them high, remember they look best from below, hence the popularity of fuchsia baskets. Learn to make fuchsia trees from basket types.
I suggest you get your social calendar and make an appointment with yourself on the above suggested dates and go out and do these things.
Keep fertilizing!
~Florence Sullivan
Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/06/calendar-for-growing-flowers-in-costal.html
Calling All Brides!
Did you suffer a wedding disaster that put a damper on your big day?
Does your wedding video play like a blooper reel?
Do you wish you could do it all over again and have the wedding you originally dreamed of?
Our friends at WEtv are casting for a wedding do over show. If you have the ultimate [...]
Does your wedding video play like a blooper reel?
Do you wish you could do it all over again and have the wedding you originally dreamed of?
Our friends at WEtv are casting for a wedding do over show. If you have the ultimate [...]
Happy Long Weekend!
With the craziness of Valentine?s Day officially over and a holiday weekend quickly approaching, I thought it might be a great time to do a round up of some of my favorite romantic ideas for those of us who may be celebrating their love for each other this long weekend!�
Have a lovely weekend, and remember: [...]
Have a lovely weekend, and remember: [...]
Why we Love Lilies!
Lilies are one of the most popular when it comes to flowers. It is not difficult to see why, they are beautiful, elegant and a true representative of spring and all the beauties of the season.
Another great aspect of this flower is that it is easy to care for and fairly sturdy. Making it the ideal bloom for weddings and ...
Another great aspect of this flower is that it is easy to care for and fairly sturdy. Making it the ideal bloom for weddings and ...
Source: http://www.flowers24hours.co.uk/blog/mothers-day/why-we-love-lilies/
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Angel Face Rose
This is the first rose to bloom in my garden this Spring. In California, we cut our roses back in January and don't fertilize them for that month. They get a nice rest, and fertilizer in February. Our weather has been good "rose weather." The right amount of rain, sunshine, and cloudy days. All of my roses are about to explode! I'm sure more photos will come soon.
Meanwhile, I ripped out some old roses back in January, and replaced them with bareroot roses. The first time I saw Angel Face, I nearly fainted! This is my favorite rose... a) for it's beauty, and b) for it's fragrance. I planted 5 of these beauties!
I also found a "Sterling Silver Hybrid Tea." It was the last one in the store, and had gimpy roots. I talk to it everyday. It's having a hard time, but I keep sending it positive vibrations. If that one survives, you will definitely see it too!
Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/03/angel-face-rose.html
Townend Florist in Sheffield
Hi so this is my first honest to goodness blog. What to expect, who only knows? What I can promise is a true life blog of the day to day running of my life, work and experiences as an independent florist in Sheffield. So no boring instructional or promoted writing you just get the truth. [...]
Tips for festive holiday centerpieces
Many people are hosting holiday parties, dinners and get-togethers in the coming days. Before the guests arrive, hosts will busily cook, clean and decorate. Festive floral arrangements can really help set the mood of any event, whether it's a sit-down meal or a fun cocktail party.
"There are a lot of different ways to do it, but you want to have something pretty on the table because it's the center of attention," floral designer Mark Held told the Los Angeles Daily News. "If you have nothing on the table, it looks bare. So it's fun to have something there that people can look at and enjoy."
Held added that arrangements should be dictated by the type of event you're hosting. For instance, a formal dinner party should feature a simple, short centerpiece, as guests will want to be able to see over and around it to talk. It's also important to save room for the food!
Teleflora's Winter Glow is an on-trend monochromatic bouquet
When it comes to color and design, many experts are grouping shades of one color together to create stunning arrangements.
Floral arranger Orysia Krywiak tells the Vancouver Sun that rather than stick to a traditional red and green Christmas piece, she combines tones of dark pink, red, burgundy and fuchsia with a touch of orange.
Instead of using greenery, Krywiak suggests grouping similar flowers together and using fruit - like pomegranates and apples - to fill in spaces and add texture.
"I like to use fruit, different flowers, branches and berries," she told the news source.
Her favorite seasonal blooms include red amaryllis, carnations, tulips and tiny orange spray roses, along with dogwood branches and frothy evergreen skimmia.
Besides flowers, items such as simple Christmas balls and pine cones can be added to arrangements as well.
Teleflora's All Is Bright centerpiece gives a soft glow to your table
Décor experts also suggest using candles to enhance the look, like in Teleflora's All is Bright centerpiece. Glass tumblers filled with pillar candles, cranberries, water and tea lights are ideal for Christmas celebrations.
"Candles are important in any celebratory setting and the water-filled glasses magnify the light," Krywiak says. "I like to use a combination of tumblers, wine glasses, anything that I feel is fun and will look good with little tea candles."
Flameless candles are easy to use and safe for party settings, especially if kids will be present. These can also be used to illuminate some of your favorite holiday blossoms. Christmas lights can also add a festive feeling to the décor.
Experts remind hosts and party planners that floral arrangements aren't just for dining tables.
"You can do tablescapes on coffee tables, end tables and entryways, any surface," interior design professor from Mount Mary College, Leona Knobloch-Nelson, told Milwaukee's Journal-Sentinel.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TeleflorasFlowerBlog/~3/t2OutIFV6Oc/post.aspx
Calling All Brides!
Did you suffer a wedding disaster that put a damper on your big day?
Does your wedding video play like a blooper reel?
Do you wish you could do it all over again and have the wedding you originally dreamed of?
Our friends at WEtv are casting for a wedding do over show. If you have the ultimate [...]
Does your wedding video play like a blooper reel?
Do you wish you could do it all over again and have the wedding you originally dreamed of?
Our friends at WEtv are casting for a wedding do over show. If you have the ultimate [...]
Mending the Rift on Mother?s Day
Ideally, Mother’s Day should be a time of celebration and a day to that you can devote to that truly important and special woman in your life. But not all family situations are perfect, and there is no need to explain that all kinds of relationships exist between mothers and their children.
Your relationship with your mum might be a bit ...
Your relationship with your mum might be a bit ...
Source: http://www.flowers24hours.co.uk/blog/flowers-online/mending-the-rift-on-mothers-day/
Congratulations Graduates!
The summer weather is here and that can only mean one thing; graduation time! Whether graduating�kindergarten or college, it is a blissful, bittersweet celebration. This is their day to shine, and what is a better way to make the day even more memorable then giving them a one of a kind wrist corsage that will [...]
African Daisies
These African Daisies had such pretty morning light. My hope is they'll brighten your day! Cheers!
Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/03/african-daisies.html
Monday, 27 June 2011
2011 Lambeth Business Awards
Last night at the awards dinner Lambeth Council chose us as South London’s Best Customer Service Business
Source: http://www.flowers24hours.co.uk/blog/flowers-online/2010-lambeth-business-awards/
Freshen up before Spring
We are all just about as tired as possible of winter and though spring is not far away, we are just hungry for some signs of spring.
If you are looking to treat someone to a special gift like an arrangement of beautiful flower, you might not have to as all-out on colour as you think. Sometimes, all it takes is ...
If you are looking to treat someone to a special gift like an arrangement of beautiful flower, you might not have to as all-out on colour as you think. Sometimes, all it takes is ...
Source: http://www.flowers24hours.co.uk/blog/spring/freshen-up-before-spring/
A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California
Calendula in Florence's Garden in February
FEBRUARY
Calendula can be in full bloom on Valentine's Day. Do note on your calendar to plant them next September or October. Learn to plant the lovely annuals that will soon be in bloom, in early fall, to get the best and most carefree bloom, we have all year. All of the following bloom best in our early spring: Calendula, Iceland Poppies, Primula, Primroses, Cineria, Stock, Marguerites, Daffodils, Freesia, Statice, Callas - boom in February and March if planted in the fall. Buy them by the dozen then, at very reasonable prices. They will all be available in 4" pots at a higher price now. Another advantage of early spring bloom is the dormancy of many insects.
Roses pruned last month can be fed a good 1 cup of balanced commercial fertilizer now, 10% nitrogen. As soon as all of the the sprouts are out.
Buy cottonseed meal to feed Azaleas next mont - good for other shade plants too.
Prune Poinsettias, Lantana, and semi-hard hibiscus, bougainvillea - about the middle of February. Our last freeze date in this area is February 28. Finish dormant pruning early in February.
In spite of the advice of others, I don't fertilize my lawn much now or it gets too think in March and is very difficult to cut.
Cymbidiums get Hi-nitrogen til July.
Epiphillums get a Hi-bloom fertilizer as soon as blooms appear.
Fuschsias get a second and last feeding of blood meal now. 1T per basket and a heaping T per foot in the ground. Don't work into soil.
Pelagoniums gat a pinching now.
Dahlias and tuberrose go in now.
Try another dozen delphiniums in enriched soil. Bait for snails. Or you can use plastic cherry tomato baskets inverted to protect delphiniums from birds and snails.
Make a mum tree. Put 3 plants close together and pinch out side shoots till correct height is reached, then train it like a tree rose. Pompoms are best.
Calendula, carnations, cinerarias, and dahlias always suffer insect damage. I protect from the time of planting with the granular form of systemic and therefore do no spraying, simply using the granules every six weeks.
Meyer lemons do very well here. They are dwarf and look great in a large container.
Try some Azaleas even if they are difficult here. They don't really like our alkaline water and soil. Work an azalea mix into your soil. I don't like pure peat, once dry it is next to impossible to get it wet again.
~Florence Sullivan
FEBRUARY
Calendula can be in full bloom on Valentine's Day. Do note on your calendar to plant them next September or October. Learn to plant the lovely annuals that will soon be in bloom, in early fall, to get the best and most carefree bloom, we have all year. All of the following bloom best in our early spring: Calendula, Iceland Poppies, Primula, Primroses, Cineria, Stock, Marguerites, Daffodils, Freesia, Statice, Callas - boom in February and March if planted in the fall. Buy them by the dozen then, at very reasonable prices. They will all be available in 4" pots at a higher price now. Another advantage of early spring bloom is the dormancy of many insects.
Roses pruned last month can be fed a good 1 cup of balanced commercial fertilizer now, 10% nitrogen. As soon as all of the the sprouts are out.
Buy cottonseed meal to feed Azaleas next mont - good for other shade plants too.
Prune Poinsettias, Lantana, and semi-hard hibiscus, bougainvillea - about the middle of February. Our last freeze date in this area is February 28. Finish dormant pruning early in February.
In spite of the advice of others, I don't fertilize my lawn much now or it gets too think in March and is very difficult to cut.
Cymbidiums get Hi-nitrogen til July.
Epiphillums get a Hi-bloom fertilizer as soon as blooms appear.
Fuschsias get a second and last feeding of blood meal now. 1T per basket and a heaping T per foot in the ground. Don't work into soil.
Pelagoniums gat a pinching now.
Dahlias and tuberrose go in now.
Try another dozen delphiniums in enriched soil. Bait for snails. Or you can use plastic cherry tomato baskets inverted to protect delphiniums from birds and snails.
Make a mum tree. Put 3 plants close together and pinch out side shoots till correct height is reached, then train it like a tree rose. Pompoms are best.
Calendula, carnations, cinerarias, and dahlias always suffer insect damage. I protect from the time of planting with the granular form of systemic and therefore do no spraying, simply using the granules every six weeks.
Meyer lemons do very well here. They are dwarf and look great in a large container.
Try some Azaleas even if they are difficult here. They don't really like our alkaline water and soil. Work an azalea mix into your soil. I don't like pure peat, once dry it is next to impossible to get it wet again.
~Florence Sullivan
Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/02/calendar-for-growing-flowers-in-costal_14.html
Why we Love Lilies!
Lilies are one of the most popular when it comes to flowers. It is not difficult to see why, they are beautiful, elegant and a true representative of spring and all the beauties of the season.
Another great aspect of this flower is that it is easy to care for and fairly sturdy. Making it the ideal bloom for weddings and ...
Another great aspect of this flower is that it is easy to care for and fairly sturdy. Making it the ideal bloom for weddings and ...
Source: http://www.flowers24hours.co.uk/blog/mothers-day/why-we-love-lilies/
FTD and LivingSocial Deal: Let Me Save You a Buck
While more than 100K buyers have� snagged FTD.com?s offer on LivingSocial.com for a “get $35 in flowers for $15? coupon, they could have saved a real buck by simply bypassing the deal and ordering straight from the local flower shop who?ll actually make and deliver their Mother’s Day flowers. The Offer’s Fine Print:� The FTD [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RealFloristsBlog/~3/Dkp0WlR-JDY/
Grandparent's Day is almost here!
Sunday, September 12th is National Grandparent's Day. Each year, Grandparent's Day is celebrated the first Sunday following Labor Day. The idea for celebrating Grandparent's Day was dreamt up by Marian McQuade, according to the official Grandparent's Day website. Marian was a housewife from West Virginia who hoped to bring attention to the elderly population, especially those living in nursing homes or assisted living and not near their families. In the United States, it was officially recognized and celebrated by President Jimmy Carter in 1978.
Grandparent's Day is a great occasion, reminding grandchildren to celebrate the special relationship with their grandparents. It's also a good day to spend some time with a grandparent or adopted grandparent and learn about the world from someone with many years of experience.
If you live far from your grandparents, what better way to reach out for Grandparent's Day than with flowers! Teleflora offers several bouquets that are perfect for Grandfathers and Grandmothers.
Other ways to celebrate Grandparent's Day are suggested by the National Grandparent's Day website:
- Visit your grandparent!
- Use the free download available through the Grandparent's Day website to write your grandparent's life story with them.
- If you can't visit your own grandparents, for some reason, why not adopt one? Adopt-a-Grandparent, an Atlanta-based charity, pairs younger people with elderly friends to help support one another.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TeleflorasFlowerBlog/~3/dNmCu8LL7NE/post.aspx
Grandparent's Day is almost here!
Sunday, September 12th is National Grandparent's Day. Each year, Grandparent's Day is celebrated the first Sunday following Labor Day. The idea for celebrating Grandparent's Day was dreamt up by Marian McQuade, according to the official Grandparent's Day website. Marian was a housewife from West Virginia who hoped to bring attention to the elderly population, especially those living in nursing homes or assisted living and not near their families. In the United States, it was officially recognized and celebrated by President Jimmy Carter in 1978.
Grandparent's Day is a great occasion, reminding grandchildren to celebrate the special relationship with their grandparents. It's also a good day to spend some time with a grandparent or adopted grandparent and learn about the world from someone with many years of experience.
If you live far from your grandparents, what better way to reach out for Grandparent's Day than with flowers! Teleflora offers several bouquets that are perfect for Grandfathers and Grandmothers.
Other ways to celebrate Grandparent's Day are suggested by the National Grandparent's Day website:
- Visit your grandparent!
- Use the free download available through the Grandparent's Day website to write your grandparent's life story with them.
- If you can't visit your own grandparents, for some reason, why not adopt one? Adopt-a-Grandparent, an Atlanta-based charity, pairs younger people with elderly friends to help support one another.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TeleflorasFlowerBlog/~3/dNmCu8LL7NE/post.aspx
Sunday, 26 June 2011
Balboa Island, California (Beach Cottage Gardening)
Hee that is in a towne in May loseth his spring. ~George Herbert, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.
My sister-in-law came for a visit and I suggested we take a quick day trip to Balboa Island, located in Newport Beach, CA.
This adorable cottage town has fun activities for families and children, including a ferry ride, a carousel, and an arcade.
And the endless rows of cottage houses, with the accompanying cottage gardens are stunning.
To add to the charm, the restaurants are casual and inviting.
It's the perfect place for a day trip and if you do go, let me know if you enjoyed yourself. We certainly had fun!
LINK
http://www.balboa-island.net/
Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2010/06/balboa-island-california.html
Warm Hearts this Thanksgiving
It’s the Monday before Thanksgiving, and most people are just starting to plan their holiday feasts. But for the last month, my mom’s been diligently polishing her silver, scouring the web for new recipes, and setting the table. Now she’s ready to welcome family from far and wide this Thanksgiving. I don’t know how she does it. (And somehow she’s managed to get most of the Christmas shopping done, too!)
Because Mom insists on preparing the bulk of the feast herself, the rest of us have to be creative and come up with ways to help out. Even if the founder of your feast seems to have all the bases covered, she’ll never turn down a tray of appetizers, a bottle of wine, or a bouquet of flowers from a loved one.
These gifts all express your gratitude, without interfering with the meal your hostess has carefully planned.
I’m planning on sending Teleflora’s Bountiful Beauty cornucopia this year. I’ve always loved the cornucopia as a centerpiece, and this one will match perfectly with Mom’s maroon table linens.
Some other Thanksgiving centerpieces do double duty, with fresh flowers and candles combined in one bouquet. Teleflora’s Harvest Bowl centerpiece will look great on the table this year, and mom will love using it as a serving dish for many Thanksgivings to come. Since Thanksgiving is the typical kick-off to the holiday season, try a hostess gift that will easily transition into winter. Teleflora’s Pine for Me bouquet, with its pinecone and evergreen motif, will look great as part of her Christmas décor.
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our bounty, but also the perfect time to help those in need. Consider giving a donation to your host’s favorite charity or contributing to a local food drive this holiday season. These are great ways to take the generosity of your Thanksgiving hosts and “pay it forward.” Fire stations and religious organizations are perfect places to look for charity opportunities. Select bouquets from Teleflora’s 2010 Thanksgiving collection benefit Share Our Strength, an organization working to end childhood hunger in the United States. There are so many ways to warm the hearts of those less fortunate.
How will you say thanks and spread gratitude this year? Let us know in the comments!
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TeleflorasFlowerBlog/~3/Y9D-6McUmIg/post.aspx
10 years of Make Someone Smile Week
It began with leftovers. A group of florists wondered why the flowers left after a florist convention were simply disposed of and not enjoyed by someone who could use a little added cheer. That question grew into what is now Make Someone Smile Week - the florist industry's leading benevolent program, celebrated each year in July by Teleflora and thousands of Teleflora member florists.
The goal of each and every Make Someone Smile Week for 10 years has been to deliver smiles, in the form of a bouquet of flowers in Teleflora's happy keepsake Be Happy Mug, to those who need it most. We have delivered to senior citizens living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, to children's hospitals, to women's aid shelters, to recipients of Meals-on-Wheels programs, and so forth. And, to make the program even more special (since we think 10 years is a big deal), 10 regional groups of Teleflora members will be awarded a $1,000 check to be given to the charity of their choice this year.
This year, Teleflora and local Teleflora members across two countries (the US and Canada) celebrate the 10th anniversary of Make Someone Smile Week to deliver more bouquets than ever before - around 50,000 bouquets. That's a lot of flowers, a lot of florists and a lot of smiles!
In the past decade of Make Someone Smile Week celebrations more than 22,000 florists have participated in these joyful deliveries. And more than 200,000 bouquets (and smiles!) have been given to those most in need.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TeleflorasFlowerBlog/~3/fNAH9GPrs_k/post.aspx
?Memory is the greatest of artists, and effaces from your mind what is
?Memory is the greatest of artists, and effaces from your mind what is unnecessary.?, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.
~ Maruice Barning
Happy First Day of Spring! I took my camera and headed down to the beach, where there were lovely blooming wildflowers. Theses lovely yellow flowers are likely in the Asteraceae family. It was rather foggy, but it was perfectly peaceful.
Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/03/memory-is-greatest-of-artists-and.html
?A beautiful thing is never perfect.? ~ Proverb
I went to the flower fields in Carlsbad , CA with another photographer.
If you're visiting Southern California in April or May, this is a wonderful place to explore. They plant the fields in rainbow rows of ranunculus. 
The last section, nearest the entrance blooms last, just in time for Mother's Day.
They are located directly behind the Carlsbad Outlet mall, and adds another fun dimension to your trip there if you want to stay more than one day.
This is their website for more information including their address and phone number.
http://www.theflowerfields.com/
Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2010/06/beautiful-thing-is-never-perfect.html
Flowers and emotion
I found this touching video on youtube.� It’s a commercial for an insurance company in Thailand.� Gosh, it’s so well-made that almost succeeded to make me cry. There is a scene (at 2:01) where the man was giving flowers to the girl.� Nothing gorgeous, just a tiny little flower he probably had just picked somewhere.� [...]
Source: http://flowers-insolita.com/blog/2010/03/24/flowers-and-emotion/
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Loving Florist Life
I have been meaning to mention this new forum site that has just popped up for florists online�called Florist Life, visit www.floristlife.co.uk.
Forum for Professional Florists - Students - Trade and public to post their views..
The site is new so why not stop by and strike up a conversation, anything from views, tips, industry news or [...]
Forum for Professional Florists - Students - Trade and public to post their views..
The site is new so why not stop by and strike up a conversation, anything from views, tips, industry news or [...]
Townend Florist in Sheffield
Hi so this is my first honest to goodness blog. What to expect, who only knows? What I can promise is a true life blog of the day to day running of my life, work and experiences as an independent florist in Sheffield. So no boring instructional or promoted writing you just get the truth. [...]
Wildflower Garden Experiment Update
My wildflowers are in full bloom. This is a macro photo of one of the pretty blooms. 
This is the box of seed, and the flower's baby photos. :-) The box was $6 and yielded an entire wildfower bed beside my driveway, and around my rose garden.
Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/05/wildflower-garden-experiment-update.html
Thanksgiving centerpiece and cornucopia
Our thanksgiving specials are here! Thanksgiving centerpieces with candles Thanksgiving cornucopia Cornucopia fruit-gourmet basket Order early!
Source: http://flowers-insolita.com/blog/2009/11/16/thanksgiving-centerpiece-and-cornucopia/
Happy Long Weekend!
With the craziness of Valentine?s Day officially over and a holiday weekend quickly approaching, I thought it might be a great time to do a round up of some of my favorite romantic ideas for those of us who may be celebrating their love for each other this long weekend!�
Have a lovely weekend, and remember: [...]
Have a lovely weekend, and remember: [...]
Rainbow rose and its knockoff
Stay away from rainbow-rose knockoff.
Source: http://flowers-insolita.com/blog/2009/09/01/rainbow-rose-and-its-knockoff/
Loving Florist Life
I have been meaning to mention this new forum site that has just popped up for florists online�called Florist Life, visit www.floristlife.co.uk.
Forum for Professional Florists - Students - Trade and public to post their views..
The site is new so why not stop by and strike up a conversation, anything from views, tips, industry news or [...]
Forum for Professional Florists - Students - Trade and public to post their views..
The site is new so why not stop by and strike up a conversation, anything from views, tips, industry news or [...]
Friday, 24 June 2011
Cottage Garden Curb Appeal
"Cats never strike a pose that isn't photogenic." ~ Lilian Jackson Braun, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.
Nothing is more relaxing to me than walking my dog through my neighborhood, and studying my neighbors "cottage gardens." 
My home is a small 1950's ranch house, and as my rose and front yard wildflower garden grows and flourishes, it finally occured to me that I want a picket fence, and a coastal cottage curb appeal. Luckily, my neighborhood is filled with this cottage gardening style.
As my ideas for the the landscape design become solidified, I'll post before, during and after photos of my garden updates. I'm currently studying fencing, arches, and cottage garden accessories.
Meanwhile, enjoy the stroll through my neighborhood! 
Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/05/cottage-garden-curb-appeal.html
Farewell to Winter and Jack Frost
We just had to share these shimmering images from the Valerie Easton article in Garden Design magazine Nov/Dec issue of winter frost designing with impeccable results!
Source: http://www.fineflowers.com/2011/03/22/farewell-to-winter-and-jack-frost/
Calling All Brides!
Did you suffer a wedding disaster that put a damper on your big day?
Does your wedding video play like a blooper reel?
Do you wish you could do it all over again and have the wedding you originally dreamed of?
Our friends at WEtv are casting for a wedding do over show. If you have the ultimate [...]
Does your wedding video play like a blooper reel?
Do you wish you could do it all over again and have the wedding you originally dreamed of?
Our friends at WEtv are casting for a wedding do over show. If you have the ultimate [...]
Angel Face Rose
This is the first rose to bloom in my garden this Spring. In California, we cut our roses back in January and don't fertilize them for that month. They get a nice rest, and fertilizer in February. Our weather has been good "rose weather." The right amount of rain, sunshine, and cloudy days. All of my roses are about to explode! I'm sure more photos will come soon.
Meanwhile, I ripped out some old roses back in January, and replaced them with bareroot roses. The first time I saw Angel Face, I nearly fainted! This is my favorite rose... a) for it's beauty, and b) for it's fragrance. I planted 5 of these beauties!
I also found a "Sterling Silver Hybrid Tea." It was the last one in the store, and had gimpy roots. I talk to it everyday. It's having a hard time, but I keep sending it positive vibrations. If that one survives, you will definitely see it too!
Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/03/angel-face-rose.html
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