Home And Family: July 2011

Sunday, 31 July 2011

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 [...]

Source: http://www.floristblog.co.uk/?p=104

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Species Tulips - Hybridized Garden Tulips? Last of it?s kind?

Does anyone know what species�or Hybridized Garden Tulip�this is from?
Apparently this Tulipa�species/hybrid was planted in�my mother and father in laws orchard around 50 years ago, today just this single one pops up most years, I took a picture of it and showed them and they told me the story, they did say that�it was so [...]

Source: http://www.floristblog.co.uk/?p=107

tropical basket plants

Angel Face Rose

Angel Face Rose, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

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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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 ...

Source: http://www.flowers24hours.co.uk/blog/flowers-online/mending-the-rift-on-mothers-day/

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"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." Mark Twain

"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." Mark Twain, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

If you're from an area where seasons are distinct and easily recognizable, visiting Southern California will make you feel as if you're not having seasonal changes at all. But if you look closely, you can find it.
Location: Terrenea Resort - L.A.'s Oceanfront Resort
http://www.terranea.com/

If you visit Terrenea Resort, they grant oceanfront access to all California residents, as well as, a professional Falconer who meets up with his magnificient birds of prey daily. I met this lovely Eurasian Eagle Owl there, on Halloween morning. This to me was certainly a sign of the season, as well as a fortunate event. The falconer keeps them there to detract pigeons and rats from moving into the resort.

Eurasian Eagle Owl --- (thank goodness I had my camera, and it was set to RAW!)

My gardening mentor, Florence Sullivan, told me she was convinced that even the plants are slightly confused and bloom when they shouldn't. In any case, if you're used to extreme weather changes, and predictable patterns in nature, Southern California Fall will certainly make you realize you have to open your mind and awareness, and look for the changes.

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting �and autumn a mosaic of them all." - � Stanley Horowitz

I suggest you carry your camera, and keep your eyes open. Opportunities to spot fall in Southern California are everywhere. One of my favorite places to visit, is Descanso Gardens, in La Canada Flintridge, CA.

http://www.descansogardens.org/

And although every leaf won't be falling or changing color, even the green leaves give hints of Fall.

?Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup!? ~ Lewis Carroll

It is a wonderful time of year here, so do come for a visit, and enjoy the subtle changes.

Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2010/12/should-merely-indicate-where-smiles.html

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A special moment

Source: http://www.centralsquareflorist.com/blog/2011/01/a-special-moment.php

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Saturday, 30 July 2011

The Year Of The Rabbit!

Source: http://www.centralsquareflorist.com/blog/2011/02/the-year-of-the-rabbit.php

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Battle of the Flower Designers ? Poll II

Please vote for your favorite flower arrangement and designer between these two entries: Affairs to Remember, Melrose, MA or Avante Gardens Florist, Anaheim, CA Voting is open from March 11 – 20, 2010 Please also Vote in Battle of the Flower Designers Poll I Battle of the Flower Designers Poll III Battle of the Flower [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RealFloristsBlog/~3/v9Vg46eD7q0/

tropical basket plants

Mending the Rift on Mother?s Day

Source: http://www.flowers24hours.co.uk/blog/flowers-online/mending-the-rift-on-mothers-day/

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Fall - In love with flowers!

Today is the first day of Fall! Or the first day of autumn if you prefer. Though it may not be something you think of right away, fall is actually a great season for many beautiful flowers! Fall brings several holiday, like Halloween and Thanksgiving, which can be celebrated with lovely blooms. Additionally, many beautiful flowers are seasonal to fall.

Orange Crush bouquet by Teleflora

Fall flowers are usually found in 'fall colors' like yellow, orange, red and brown - mimicking all of the beautiful colors that people seek out on fall color tours in wooded areas.

Here's a top list of several flowers available in fall:

Asters
Sunflowers - the sunflower sticks around from summer into fall and makes a great addition to a tablescape as part of a floral centerpiece
Celosia
Dahlia - I was in Seattle the other week and dahlia season was definitely on at the flower stalls in the Pike Place Market! There are a wide variety of dahlias in many different shapes and colors to brighten up your fall decor. Check out this gallery of dahlias on Dahlia.com to see the wide number of varities!
Marigold - While it seems marigolds aren't used as often in floral arrangements anymore, they are a lovely autumn flower and can add a nice yellow/gold color to an arrangement if you want to ask your florist to include them in an arrangement you're sending to friends or family.
Goldenrod
Mums (or chrysanthemums)
Daisies
Alstroemeria (also known as Peruvian Lily)
Lilies

What's your favorite fall flower? Let us know in the comments section!

(*Image credits: Homepage image courtesy hello-julie via Flickr)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TeleflorasFlowerBlog/~3/5Ui9205MaiQ/post.aspx

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Wrap It Up Pretty Little Black Book!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/style_me_pretty/~3/fCzGILIDaFo/

shop shops store

Tips for Perfect Poinsettias

A sure sign of winter, the appearance of poinsettias on storefront windows is a momentary spectacle, readily abandoned along with the holiday decor. Few may know, however, that these Christmas-season icons hail from tropical climes. Giving them a chance to flower through the months following the holiday season can bring unexpected rewards for those willing to make the effort!

Poinsettias are a fairly recent Christmas tradition brought to us from Mexico by U.S. ambassador Joel Poinsett in 1828. Since then, changes in poinsettia breeding have resulted in a whole range of colored plants. The advances have also extended the life of these flowers. What used to be a weeks-long bloom can now last for months--even into May! Despite this potential, many people toss their bouquets in late December like so many useless scraps of gift wrap.

A few tips on extending the life of your poinsettias this year, from Kentucky's KYPost.com:

Poinsettias do best in non-direct, bright sunlight in an area that's kept above 50 degrees with little to no drafts. You can begin to move them outside at night once it gets to be above 55.
Give the plants enough water to keep the soil moist, but take care not to flood them. Consider giving them plant food in the winter.
To really make the most of your poinsettias, cut them back to about 8 inches in March or April to stimulate new growth for the spring.
If they make it through the summer and fall, start to move the plants into an area with no light for 14 hours each day, starting in October, since the plants only bloom when subjected to long nights.

Sound complicated? Even if you don't have a green thumb, recycling your plant is a great green alternative to simly dumping it in the trash. Add the potting soil to your other plants, and tear up the poinsettia leaves to use as compost.

Happy Holidays! Hanukkah begins today!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TeleflorasFlowerBlog/~3/dFG-qQX49Ns/post.aspx

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Central Square Florist is PCI Compliant

Source: http://www.centralsquareflorist.com/blog/2011/01/central-square-florist-is-pci-compliant.php

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Take some time to make Mum?s flowers last

In a few weeks Mums nation-wide will be receiving their tokens of appreciation in the forms of flower bouquets or other gifts. But after the celebration is over, they are sure to want to hold onto the bouquets they receive as long as possible.
In this case take some time to explain to your mum how to care for her flowers. ...

Source: http://www.flowers24hours.co.uk/blog/flowers-online/take-some-time-to-make-mums-flowers-last/

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Friday, 29 July 2011

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 ...

Source: http://www.flowers24hours.co.uk/blog/mothers-day/why-we-love-lilies/

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Halloween floral treats!

Source: http://www.centralsquareflorist.com/blog/2010/10/halloween-floral-treats-1.php

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A Calendar for Growing Flowers in Coastal Southern California

My friend, and gardening mentor Florence Sullivan, passed away recently at the age of 95 1/2. I had previously asked her daughter's permission to share her gardening tips. She wrote a booklet, with the above title, so any tips I share on this blog, with this title are from "Florence Sullivan," with the kind permission of her daughter Holly.

Since it's already February, I'll do this slightly out of order and start with February.

AUTHOR'S NOTE
This booklet contains flower gardening information for a specific area. This area includes Santa Barbara to the Mexican border and from the Pacific, inland to the hotter areas.
To make the best use of this information, may I suggest that you get a thin felt pen with green ink, go to your calendar and turn to the current month. Jot down chores which apply to your garden. Then continue thru the year. Green ink will suggest gardens. Thereafter when you fertilize or spray, make a note on your calendar, in green, to remind you when to do it next. Then you will be organized, and your garden will flourish.
Happy Gardening

Florence Sulivan

Mrs. Sullivan has taught Basic & Container Gardening at the South Coast Botanic Garden and lectured to Garden Clubs. She has gardened in this are for 25 years. (Copyright 1986 - Florence Sullivan)

September 1, 1913 to February 9, 2009

Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/02/calendar-for-growing-flowers-in-costal.html

peony garden rings

"As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death." ~ Leonardo Da Vinci

"As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death." ~ Leonardo Da Vinci
Originally uploaded by Abby Lanes

The dogwood tree brings back the Spring in my childhood memories. I found this tree in my parent's front yard in NC, while we were visiting family for Spring Break. I have long associated dogwoods with Easter. The four petals represent the cross, the marks on the petals, represent the nails into Christ's body. It's a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of Easter, and a gorgeous floral Spring tree.

This is a gorgeous old Southern home in my parents town. I thought the pink dogwood trees framed the home so beautifully!

Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/04/well-spent-day-brings-happy-sleep-so.html

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I've been spending time in nauture lately and feel inspired. This was taken in a garden in Malibu. This song fits this photo perfectly for me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS8NvoMudy8&feature=related

Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2011/07/know-heart-of-life-is-good-john-mayer.html

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Signs of Spring in Southern California

A day before the Groundhog tells the world about the coming of Spring, February first in Southern California shows blossoms everywhere.

Happy Girl, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

It appears that our recent El Nino storms nourished the flowers and helped the insect population.

We hope that, when the insects take over the world, they will remember with gratitude how we took them along on all our picnics. ~Bill Vaughan

This flowering tree was filled with blooms, and quite a swarm of happy bees, which are not picture here.

There will be more Southern California floral photos here. This tree was spectacular, and covered in pink blossoms.

"Oh it's a magical thing, when the sun is shining down on me. And this is such a beautiful place, don't wanna miss a minute of today, it's so magical" ~ Martina McBride

Enjoy an early taste of Spring fever if you live in Southern California. I think were in for a showy floral season with the help of all of this rain.

GARDENING TIP: Now is a good time to use the weed and feed sold at your local nursery. It'll boost your grass and fight back the weeds and crab grass that could take hold if you don't catch it now.

Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2010/02/signs-of-spring-in-southern-california.html

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Thursday, 28 July 2011

Loving Florist Life

Source: http://www.floristblog.co.uk/?p=104

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Central Square Florist New Logo Contest

Source: http://www.centralsquareflorist.com/blog/2011/03/central-square-florist-new-logo-contest.php

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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 flowers

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.

All Is Bright centerpiece
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

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Mother?s Day Flowers from Local Florists

It’s almost Mother’s Day Week and local florists across the US and Canada are getting ready to deliver your fondest wishes to Moms, Grandmas and the women who have been special ‘moms’ in your life. Today we’re highlighting signature floral designs – across a range of styles and budgets – available exclusively from these independent [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RealFloristsBlog/~3/otiS9i9bqxw/

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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: [...]

Source: http://blog.1800flowers.com/julie/?p=973

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Mothers Day April 3rd 2011

Don’t forget to send mum flowers on Mother’s Day, this year Mothering Sunday falls on April 3rd, click here to check out the UK Local Florist Map showing local florists throughout the UK that sell bouquets, arrangements, chocolates, wine, champagne, balloons and vases online.

Source: http://www.floristblog.co.uk/?p=102

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A special moment

Source: http://www.centralsquareflorist.com/blog/2011/01/a-special-moment.php

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Wednesday, 27 July 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.

"When you look at a cupcake, you've got to smile." ~ Anne Byrn

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

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life in la la land

life in la la land, originally uploaded by Abby - going camera shopping today!!!.

There are many ways to enhance a garden. Adding a picket fence is certainly one way to go. Earlier this year, I found ready assembled sections of picket fences at Lowes.

With the help of a good carpernter, and and a few buckets of white paint, my front yard was transformed into a cozy cottage garden.

Welcome to my little slice of paradise.

Source: http://simply-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/11/life-in-la-la-land.html

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African Daisies

Happy Sunshine Sunday, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

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

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Trending: Spring!

This spring there have been many great new styles for florists to take and interpret into their d�cor. My favorite trend by far is the vibrant colors and rainbow collections popping up all over!
The best part about this trend is how easy it is to do-it-youself. Simply choose a bright and vibrant�color, and�incorporate as many [...]

Source: http://blog.1800flowers.com/julie/?p=1005

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Mothers Day April 3rd 2011

Source: http://www.floristblog.co.uk/?p=102

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Wildflower Garden Experiment Update

all i need is a moment, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes (has Spring Fever).

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.