Flower of the Week: Solidago

Common Name: Solidago, Goldenrod

Botanical Name: Solidago

Type of flower: Filler flower
Common Colors: Yellow
Vase Life: 7 to 10 days
Availability: May through October
Why you should love Solidago: It is a wonderful filler flower and a great way to brighten an arrangement. The plant actually has medicinal properties. It is one of my favorite fillers because it looks great with practically everything. Add some life to your arrangement!

(The pictured flowers can be purchased at www.ftd.com)

Flower of the Week: Stephanotis

Common Name: Stephanotis, Madagascar Jasmine

Botanical Name: Stephanotis floribunda
Type of flower: Specialty flower
Common Colors: White
Vase Life: 1 to 4 days
Availability: Year-round
Why you should love Stephanotis: They smell FANTASTIC - similar to the fragrance of Plumeria (found in Hawaii). Although they require a little special care in wiring and use, they work great for boutonnieres, corsages, and wedding designs. They are small flowers, typically pictured with pearls or other gems in the center - a gorgeous choice for adding small white accents and wonderful fragrance to a bouquet.

Flower of the Week: Bells of Ireland

Common Name: Bells of Ireland
Botanical Name: Molucella laevis
Type of flower: Line flower
Common Colors: Green
Why you should love Bells of Ireland: How many green flowers are there? Not tons. This unique flower is a summer-blooming annual that makes for great use in fresh or dried arrangements. The line flower is great for adding height and length in arrangements. But beware: this flower is geotrophic, meaning it bends with response to earth's gravity. A beautiful flower and great to work with. Another warning: when this flower gets older, it develops sharp spikes on it's blooms. Keep careful watch not to get pricked!

Image courtesy of BeyondBlossoms.com

Back to Basics

This blog is meant to more than a place for past or potential clientele to view pricing information, portfolio pieces and pretty pictures. I designed this site to be a reference point for those interested in learning more about flowers as well. But, I have been short on time lately - this little one has been taking most of it.

However, I will begin, again, posting a "flower of the week" for your information and enjoyment. Stay posted. This week's flower will be listed tomorrow.

Flower of the Week: Cymbidium Orchid

Common Name: Cymbidium Orchid
Botanical Name: Cymbidium Orchid
Type of flower: Form/Interest Flower
Common Colors: Lime Green, White (off-white), Pink
Why you should LOVE Cymbidium Orchids: March 21st was the first day of Spring this year, so we decided to pick a very springtime flower. Although Cymbidium orchids are a little more expensive, they are great flowers because they are sturdy, interesting and unique. The flowers are known for their bearded look (the coloring at the top) and are great for bouquets, corsages (as shown above), boutonnieres and any other place you want to put them. They have a bit of a waxy surface and a GREAT subtle fragrance. Below they are shown in a bouquet from California with mini calla lilies, carnations, roses and green hydrangea. Another great option for pastel springtime colors!

pictures courtesy of Studio Stems and Avante Gardens in California

Flower of the Week

Common Name: Carnation
Botanical Name: Dianthus
Type of flower: Mass Flower
Common Varieties: Mini Carns, Carnations, Sweet William
Why you should LOVE Carnations: Carnations are very verstatile flowers. Although people typcially have stigmas against them, Carnations are some of the longest lasting, most durable, and affordable flowers you can buy. They are useful because they can be easily dyed, for use in any color scheme you'd like, they are very hearty, and they can (as many other flowers) be forced open, but with little damage done to the flower. They are great in any variety and depending on the type you pick, can be some of the most beautiful flowers in your arrangements. Just look at them after they've opened! Carnations are also a flower that goes with basically any arrangement style, and can be used in abundance as a filler or mass flower. So, give carnations a second look! Their also great for use in pomanders! They give a very plush effect.
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