Legend of the Poinsettia
How does a plant used by the Aztecs for medicinal purposes and dyes become the quintessential Christmas flower? It began with the legend of the poinsettia. Legend has it that a poor Mexican girl named Pepita had no gift to give at the annual Christmas Eve service. Longing to honor the Virgin Mary and the Christ child, Peptia became distraught as she walked to the service. As tears flow from her face, she was comforted by an angel, her brother or her cousin (depending on the version). At the urging of her comforter, Peptia gathered a handful of common weeds from the roadside. Hesitant to take the unattractive weeds as her gift, Peptia had to be persuaded that giving something perceived as unworthy but from the heart was an admirable gift. Arriving at the church, Peptia sorrowfully placed her weeds as an offering on the alter. Joy overcame her when, as the weeds touch the alter, they burst into stunning red poinsettia blooms. From that day forward the poinsettia was known as Flor de Nochebuena (The Christmas Flower).

Red Christmas Poinsettia in a Wicker Basket

History of the Poinsettia
During the late 1820's, Joel Poinsett was the American Ambassador to Mexico. Although a fine statesman, his passion revolved around botany. During his tenure in Mexico, he scanned the landscape for interesting plants and found the poinsettia. Upon his return to the United States, he introduced the poinsettia to several horticulturists in South Carolina. By the 1900's, the Ecke Family of South California began producing poinsettias as a landscape plant and a cut flower. Many of the cultivars today are a result work by the Paul Ecke Ranch and the reason the poinsettia has become widely used as a Christmas flower.

Hot Pink Poinsettia

The Poinsettia Flower
Not actually flowers, the big red "blooms" of the poinsettia are actually bracts (modified leaves). The true flowers (cyathia) are the small insignificant yellow clusters in the center of the bract. Despite this misconception, the bract is often referred to as the poinsettia flower. This "flower" has been cultivated into colors other than red such as pink, cream, white, and purple. There are bi-color and marbled poinsettias as well.

Selecting a Poinsettia
Dark green foliage and completely colored bracts are a must when selecting a poinsettia. Optimum poinsettia specimens are full and balanced plants; 2 1/2 times taller than the container and attractive from all sides. Always avoid plants that are wilted, but have moist soil, droopy or yellow leaves all of which indicated the plant is under stress. Look for plants in the early stages of flowering. To find a poinsettia with young true flowers look at the base of the bract. Young true flowers will be green and red-tipped. The poinsettia bract will retain its color longer if you select one with young true flowers.

If the outside temperature is below 50 degrees have the store sleeve your plant. However do not leave the poinsettia in the sleeve for a long period of time. Plants held in decorative paper or sleeves will deteriorate quicker than those in a pot with good drainage.

Poinsettia Care
Keeping the soil moist, but not soggy, is essential when caring for poinsettias. This can be accomplished by watering it thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch. Make sure the container has drain holes. It is imperative to remove any excess water from the saucer. Poinsettias do best in high humidity with a temperature range of 60 degrees at night and 72 degrees during the day. Avoid exposing poinsettias to temperature swings from cold drafts, heating vents or doorways. Poinsettias need approximately six hours of indirect light. Do not fertilize when the plant is blooming. Temperature swings, over-watering, under-watering, over exposure and lack of light will cause stress to the poinsettia. Stress of any type will cause the bracts to have a shorter life. Poinsettia care if done properly will keep your plant healthy for a long time.

How To Get Poinsettia To Bloom Again
Although getting a poinsettia to re-bloom the next season is a long and arduous process, it is not impossible. Once the holiday season has passed (late February - early March) cut the stems back leaving 4 to 6 inches to stimulate new growth. Continue with the same watering practice used during the holidays and begin fertilizing. Use a balanced (20-20-20) liquid soluble fertilizer every three to four weeks.

Poinsettias need to be re-potted in the late spring or early summer. Select a pot that is 2-3 inches bigger in diameter and has drain holes. Place in a sunny position and keep moist. Rotate the pot about once a week. Rotating encourages a symmetrically shaped plant. Pinch the growing shoots and the top by 1/4 inch to encourage branching. Fertilization and pinching can be done on the same day about every three weeks

Pink White Marble Poinsettia from Ecke Ranch
Poinsettias can be plant outside once the nighttime temperature is above 50 degrees. Place poinsettia plants in a shady location for about two weeks to acclimate them to the outdoors. Poinsettias can be planted in a sunny but protect area; light shade in the afternoon is acceptable.

In early September move the poinsettia plants indoors and provide six hours of direct light. Poinsettia flowering is "photoperiodcally" induced, meaning flowers begin to appear when the nights are long enough. Hence the poinsettia needs a certain amount of darkness to bloom. From October 1st through mid-December, poinsettias must have 12-14 hours of darkness and 10-12 hours of natural light daily. Complete darkness is imperative to blooming. Once the bract begins to show color the light restrictions are less important and the original poinsettia care begins again.

Purple Poinsettia
Florists know how important poinsettias are to the Christmas holidays. After all without an ornately decorated tree, a wreath and the Christmas flower (poinsettia) to adorn our homes the feeling of Christmas just wouldn't be the same. Whether pink, white, purple or red, the poinsettia is the perfect flower for Christmas. Explore the poinsettia colors at your local florist today.

Send someone a poinsettia today! Call Studio Flowers, your local Charlotte Florist , to send a Poinsettia today! Go to StudioFlowerOnline!

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Tis the season for making merry, and creating a festive holiday environment is a traditional part of preparing for the annual celebration. Your local professional florist has lots of great Christmas decorating ideas, from nostalgic to contemporary, to help you enhance your surroundings for the holidays.

Of course, we're all familiar with the traditional Christmas wreath, which can be designed in nearly any style or color harmony. But if you're bored with wreaths, and alternative Christmas decorating idea might be to hang a graceful swag on your front door. One-half of a standard 9-foot length of artificial pine garland can be used as the base for such a swag, with the upper third doubled over to create a broader top. A colorful ribbon intertwined from top to bottom sets the mood and theme of the design, and the addition of pines cones, berries, or permanent fruits or flowers brings it to life. A fluffy bow at the top completes the swag. It's a beautiful idea for a narrow front door (or pair of doors), under a coach light, between two windows, or indoors on either side of a fireplace.

The remaining half of the artificial garland can be decorated to match the swag, and then used in any of a number of places in the home: across a mantle, along a stair rail, around a lamp post, festooning a doorway, or down the center of a long dining table as a runner. Just for variety, place it in one of these locations this year, and use it in a another the next.

Another Christmas decorating idea which is gaining favor is the "candlescape"; simply an arrangement of various sizes and shapes of candles, placed into a low tray or shallow container, and accented with evergreens, ribbons, small ornaments and the like. Candlescapes are lovely on a coffee table, credenza, or dining table, and they add the element of sparkling light to the holiday environment. Adding reflective materials to the design helps to enhance the value of the candlelight.

One way to extend the use of your permanent holiday decorations is to ask your florist to create a "winter" design for you rather than a Christmas arrangement. Such a design may be more subtle in its composition rather than bold and colorful, making use of branches, pods, foliages, empty bird nests, and other natural elements which are harmonious with the season. A winter wreath will be appropriate on your front door for several weeks past the time when the Christmas decorations have been taken down. It may even be "jazzed up" for Christmas with the temporary addition of a luxurious velvet bow or a translucent fabric ribbon woven with metallic threads.

Consult you Studio Flowers your local Charlotte, NC florist for more Christmas decorating ideas, and have a happy and peaceful, not to mention well-decorated, holiday season!

Tags: Valentines Day Flowers for Charlotte, NC Florist Studio FlowersChristmas Flowers, Christmas Decorating

Power Of Red
Holiday Bouquet

RED FLOWERS. 
Since ancient man first broke the silence of pre-history and left his mark on a cave wall, he has harnessed the power of red to represent his most basic instinct and desire. Red has been splashed across the pages of time in every imaginable way: on rock, wood, scroll, parchment, tapestry, flag. It is the color of innumerable flower varieties, precious stones, consuming fire, spilled blood. 

Red is a color that motivates, that charges the emotions & spurs the carnal appetite. Red bespeaks love and lust, beauty and battle, wealth and debt, power and danger, religious purity and the Devil himself. It is an enigma of opposites, a never-ending source of inspiration and fear. Nature throws red at the human eye from every possible cranny of creation, not the least through vivid crimson blooms that flower across the globe. These red flowers have been variously used as mascots, decorations, and tokens of love. A red flower can have innumerable associations; it is up to the bearer to capture its power for his own.
Red surrounds us, but it never fails to leave an impression. It is most closely associated with blood and thus with emotions that stir the blood: anger, passion, and love. The color red alone has been shown to stimulate a faster heartbeat and breathing. It has been symbolically used in just about every human culture. 

In Asian cultures, it often represents the rich and powerful, good luck, or success. In India it is the color of a bridal dress and is the symbolic color for married women. The Russian words for “red” and “beauty” come from the same root, and are nearly synonymous. Western cultures have used red for the military, for royalty, for emergency and medical personnel, and especially for love. 

Even religion does not allow red to be neutral: Christianity claims it both as a liturgical color representing the fire of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and as the burning evil of Satan. Is it any wonder, then, that red! flowers have captured mankind’s imagination for centuries?

Legend has it that it was red clay into which God dipped His fingers and formed Adam. Other legends speculate that red flowers first appeared when the pure white blooms of Eden looked upon the nakedness of Adam and Eve and blushed. The red flowers of the Garden may have felt shame, but their progeny unabashedly filled the globe with infinite shades and varieties of red flowers. 

Some, like roses, grow on sturdy bushes or climb tall, displaying each red flower in all its glory. Dahlias and gladioluses spike their clusters of brilliant red blooms proudly into the sky. The many red lily varieties spread huge colored blossoms to the admiration of all who behold them. Smaller tulips have red flowers that are no less vivid; they paint fields and hillsides with their dots of bright color. Other flowers, like carnations and gerbera daisies, are content in their simplicity and brighten the corners of gardens and flower arrangements.
With such a wide variety of red flowers, choosing the perfect species for an arrangement can be tricky. Take the size and shape of the blooms into account, but don’t forget to consider the shade of various flowers nor the message they can convey. 

Modern societies associate red flowers with friendship or romance. Generally, the deeper the red the more romantic the sentiment, thus the traditional St. Valentine’s day gift of a dozen deep-red roses. A red rose denotes deepest love and respect and encourages deeper commitment. Carnations and tulips are also traditional envoys of love that can be incorporated into corsages and boutonnieres, or given “live” as a potted plant.

Strength Of Red
In A Single Gerbera

But what if a sweetheart deserves an expression of love that goes beyond the traditional? Pick a red flower for its unique characteristics: scent, texture, appearance, and singularity. Remember that red is the spectral opposite of green, so even a single red blossom will still be striking against a background of green stem and leaves. 

Try a red lily for a fragrant display in the home that can later be planted in the garden and enjoyed for years to come. A gerbera daisy alone or in a small cluster can brighten any room, a red dahlia can add intrigue and mystery to romance, and a protea can add a quirky mid-western twist to a simple gift.
Some red flowers can tantalize the nose and the ears as well as the eyes. Sweet William flowers cluster together and emit a spicy, clove-like scent. They can add height to floral arrangements and are also a splendid addition to the garden: the blooms are edible and their nectar attracts even more colorful fauna to them, such as birds, bees, and butterflies. The Sweet Pea plant lives up to its name, with a sugary scent that is sure to beguile the senses. Children are delighted by the Snapdragon’s red flower; not only do its climbing blooms add height and dimension to a flower arrangement, each blossom “snaps” when pinched, making an entertaining clicking sound!
It can be elegant or simple, classic or modern, stunning or understated, but a well-designed arrangement of red flowers never fails to impress. Think about the message you wish to send with flowers, and feel free to mix-and-match among traditional and unorthodox blooms. Whether seeking to enchant a loved one, cheer a sick bed, or congratulate a success, place a quick call to your local florist. Your florist will know how to expertly arrange just the right red flowers into a breath-taking arrangement that captures your sentiments exactly. Contact Studio Flowers today to harness the power of red for your own.

Tags: Valentines Day Flowers for Charlotte, NC Florist Studio FlowersChristmas, Color, Charlotte Flowers, Local Charlotte Florist for Christmas

From Society of American Florist Article, Sept 07

States Successfully Battle Deceptive Listings

Two states have recently won victories in the battle against deceptive phone book listings:

In North Carolina, the Deceptive Advertising of Business bill (S. 514), was signed into law by Gov. Mike Easley on Aug. 31.

The bill prohibits "businesses that supply perishable products from misrepresenting the geographical locations of their businesses in telephone directories, directory assistance databases, on the Internet, and in print advertisements."

"It's a good thing -- at least all the work finally got something accomplished," says Billy Hardin, AAF, of Hardin's Wholesale in Liberty, N.C., who moderated a panel discussion in November on the subject of deceptive listings. He warns, however, that this legislation "will help, but won't save [florists'] business alone -- they still need to market their product ... and see how they can serve their customers better."

In California, A.B. 128, which bans floral or ornamental products or service companies from misrepresenting their geographic location, passed the state Senate and will be sent to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for signing.

"I am so excited," says Ann Quinn, executive vice president of the California State Floral Association, who encourages industry members in other states to "do whatever it takes to go through the process, because it is worth it. Our florists are worth it." She adds "congratulations to North Carolina on being the 23rd state [to pass deceptive listings legislation]. I am optimistic we will be the 24th."

--Vanessa Machir

Tags: Valentines Day Flowers for Charlotte, NC Florist Studio FlowersCharlotte Florist, NC florist, NC Flower Shops

New Harvard Study Reveals Factors That Impact Employee Well Being, Commitment and Productivity

Expert Shares Keys to Building
Successful Workplace Relationships

Business executives from the C-suite and HR, to QC and R&D are, by nature, focused on the corporate bottom line. A new trend in our dawning age of social sustainability is that many experts believe more attention should be paid to the dotted line - the one signed when a person commits to employment at a company. New Harvard research validates this approach, affirming that trust and purpose play a significant role in building successful, productive workplaces.

The behavioral research, conducted by a team at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, identifies the factors most likely to impact 21st century employee well being, commitment and productivity. The researchers found that commitment is largely influenced by one's sense of purpose, feeling of personal impact and overall trust in the organization. Productivity is largely affected by the quality of human relationships including cooperative, social group moods and interaction.

"The results lead us to conclude that workplaces that provide positive environments that foster interpersonal trust and quality personal relationships create the most committed and productive employees," says Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., the lead researcher on the study.

According to business strategist Courtney Anderson, J.D., M.B.A., "Outstanding leadership today means much more than just doing your job. Success is creating an environment that fosters happy, committed, productive team members."

Anderson explains that reinvigorating workplaces by enhancing trust and employee commitment does not have to be difficult. The biggest challenge, she says, "is making the time to truly change in our overscheduled, instant access competitive work environments. With a little know-how, it can be easy to evolve workplace well being and respond to these compelling research results."

Some of Anderson's answers for fostering corporate purpose and trust can be presented in three categories: environment, management and leadership.

* Provide Environmental Support: Great employers manage their physical environments as much as the workload. For example, studies at Rutgers and Texas A&M universities have proven that something as simple as adding flowers to the environment enhances moods, social interaction and on-the-job creativity and productivity. A previous Harvard study confirmed that flowers have an energizing effect on people at work. Other managers succeed by encouraging rewarding opportunities, such as participating in a local cause marketing program or simply having monthly team lunches or team-building exercises.

* Practice "Uneventful Management": Be ready for crises but, on a daily basis, present yourself to your team and others as prepared, calm and assertive. While there will evidently be unexpected circumstances that require modifications and change, one's leadership abilities can help instill loyalty and trust. Honest, direct communications are both expected and respected, and you should make time to reach out to your team on a regular basis to keep them informed of progress and issues that they may face down the road.

* Exude Leadership: Employees commit to leaders who demonstrate three qualities: confidence, credibility and flexibility. Engage in substantive self-evaluation, acknowledge your weaknesses and improve where necessary.

The new Harvard research also found that employee happiness is positively and significantly affected by trust and identification with one's co-workers. Further, the greater the level of purpose one attributes to his or her work correlates to a greater commitment to the organization. The same is true for the level of trust the employer has cultivated among its employees. Productive employees are a result of a winning combination of trust and support.

"Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with complex, capital-intensive innovations that we miss the solutions right in front of us," says Anderson, who also says that a healthy work environment is a two-way street and encourages employees to turn their cubicles into you-bicles. "Doing little things like adding flowers to your workspace or taking a few extra minutes to get to know your co-workers will make you happier at work."

METHODOLOGY

21st Century Well Being, Commitment and Productivity
Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital
Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D.
Fall/Winter 2006

Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, and her research team investigated the factors most likely to impact 21st century employee well being and commitment. They found that elements including a sense of purpose and trust and quality human relationships were most likely to determine a worker's feelings of well being and productivity.

The research was conducted with cooperation from Cytyc Corporation, a publicly traded company that is a top producer of women's health screening products and services. Self-reported environmental and emotional surveys were completed online by participants before and after the intervention. The surveys covered a wide variety of topics, including perceived creativity, productivity, morale, happiness/emotions, stress levels, team interaction, social interaction and neatness.

Tags: Valentines Day Flowers for Charlotte, NC Florist Studio FlowersFlower trends, hosptial research, enviroments for Flowers, Flower Meanings

Chances are, you know where the flower shop is located in your neighborhood. Perhaps there are several nearby florists for you to choose from. In fact, there are flower shops in practically every city, town, village, and parish, and it's nice to be able to walk in or call and select just the right flowers, plants, or other gifts to send to your friends and loved ones.

What if you want to send flowers to a place where you don't know the local florist? You might open the telephone book to find one that can fill your order. Or you may look on-line and see ads for some of the big names in sending flowers nationally or the so-called "wire services". Easy enough.

But let the buyer beware... these may not be your best options.

Quite often, the largest ad in the phone book isn't even from a real local florist! Instead, the ad may belong to an "order gatherer". Order gatherers masquerade as real florists, making their money by collecting floral orders from consumers, charging hefty service fees, and then sending the orders out to real florists for fulfillment. When you call an order gatherer, you may wind up speaking to a person who has never even been inside a flower shop; a person who surely does not know what the delivering florist has in stock that day, or what looks most fresh and appealing. The same is true of the big "1-800" companies and national wire services, who will charge the sending customer a service fee and then collect a sales commission from the delivering florist at the other end.

You can usually tell whether a florist is truly local if their address appears in their phone book ad. If it doesn't, they are probably an order gatherer operating from somewhere far away, even if they have a local phone number. If you're not sure, and you choose to call them anyway, ask the person who answers the phone where they are located. Incidentally, several states have passed laws which prohibit order gathering through misleading advertising, and others have legislation pending.

So what's the best way to send flowers to someone out of town? Visit or call www.FlowerShopNetwork.com where you will be directed to a florist that's local to the area. With a credit or debit card handy, you can easily search online for a local florist by city, state or zip/postal code. Then, either phone the florist (the majority have toll-free numbers) to place your order during business hours, or, if online ordering is available, enter your order directly on the florist's website, 24 hours a day.

Top Ten Reasons to Order from a "Real" Local Florist

1. Ensure Maximum Value

* Save on extra service fees by cutting out the middleman.

2. Speak Directly To The Charlotte Florist Who Is Filling Your Order

* Find out what flowers and plants are in stock, what looks particularly good, or whether any blooming plants may be planted outdoors later.
* Have a custom design created to your specifications.

3. Communicate Special Requests Directly

* Does the recipient have any favorite flowers? Any dislikes?
* Should the recipient be called prior to Charlotte delivery?
* Is the recipient hard of hearing, or slow answering the door?
* Is one entrance better than another?

4. Select Additional Gift Items

* Many flower shops also carry unique gift lines, such as candy, potpourri, figurines, plush animals or candles, which can be added to your order or sent independently.

5. Get Same-Day Delivery - If Possible

* By phoning the local florist directly, find out if same-day delivery is possible. Calling early improves the chances.

6. Pay Accurate and Appropriate Charlotte Delivery Charges - No More, No Less

* Pay the right local delivery fee without having it deducted from the value of your order.
* A delivery to a location close to the shop may not cost as much as one farther away. Only the local florist knows.
* Some locations, such as gated communities or certain businesses may require an additional charge.

7. Familiarity With Local Charlotte Delivery Regulations

* Hospitals, funeral homes, schools and businesses may have delivery cut-off times or size limitations.
* Hospitals in particular often limit the size, quantity, or types of balloons that can be delivered.

8. Familiarity With Local Charlotte Funeral Customs

* In some areas a standing spray of flowers is customary, while in others a basket of flowers is most appropriate.
* In smaller towns, a local florist may know what has already been ordered or sent to the funeral, and can then help you choose something different.

9. Establish A Relationship With Studio Flowers For Future Orders

* Join a mailing list for email newsletters or seasonal offers.
* Many shops offer a reminder service for sending flowers at special occasions.

Only nine reasons, you ask? The tenth is simple and universal:

10. Everyone Loves To Receive Flowers!

Research conducted by Rutgers University and the Society of American Florists indicates that flowers have an immediate impact on the happiness of the recipient, have a long-term positive effect on people's moods, and increase the connections among family and friends. Not only that, but a study by researchers at Texas A & M University shows that flowers and plants improve productivity, innovation, and creativity in the workplace.

Tags: Valentines Day Flowers for Charlotte, NC Florist Studio FlowersLocal Florist, Charlotte Flower Shop, Local Charlotte Florist

"Belladona: A flower. In Italian, a beautiful lady; in English, a deadly poison". Ambrose Bierce, The Devil’s Dictionary

During a question/answer session in a speech I gave to a college media class last month, a student asked why I’d chosen a flower shop as a backdrop for my mystery series. My quick response was that I liked flowers and I loved flower shops -- the colors, the textures, and ah, those heavenly fragrances... But still, mixing murder with something as vibrant and alive as a flower? Isn’t that as unlikely as chocolate sauce on an omelet? (Yumm . . . Chocolate.) Okay, maybe that was a bad example.

Being the argumentative type, (a genetic trait common to most women) I had to come up with a good rebuttal. So basically it’s this: Who can think of a black orchid without visualizing intrigue -- or the book or movie, The Black Dahlia, without thinking of murder? Who can picture a Venus fly trap without recalling Audrey II, that voracious man-eating plant in the cult favorite, The Little Shop of Horrors? And we haven’t even started to list the poisons that come from various plants, the castor bean plant being one.


Bouquet of Red Roses
Red Roses
Flower Meaning
LOVE

But that got me to thinking about the other side of the coin. Who doesn’t associate red roses with love? Or white flowers of any kind with purity? A google search on the meaning of flowers produced a plethora of pages (5,270,000 to be exact) dedicated to that subject, which got me to wondering where this custom of equating feelings with flowers originated.

According to my research, floriography, or the language of flowers, was an important part of Victorian life, (roughly 1870-1901) allowing expressions of sentiment that could not be otherwise vocalized due to the rigid moral standards of the day. (They must be turning in their graves now.) Flowers were used to adorn hair, clothing, men’s suit coats, home décor and stationery, to name a few.

A young man’s gifts of flowers could either please or displease a lady depending on his choice of blossom. Flowers conveyed love or dislike depending upon the type, size, how they were held, or even how they were grouped. Even the way in which flowers were delivered had a special meaning. A flower in an upright position represented a "positive thought; one presented in the opposite direction had a negative meaning. A flower offered by the right hand could signify a "yes" and one offered by the left hand a "no."


Single Yellow Rose
A Yellow Rose
Choose the Meaning

One can understand why the wily Victorians referred to books such as flower dictionaries and herbals that recorded the virtues of plants as well as their myth and lore, in order to choose just the right blossom. Consider the language of roses alone:


Blue: mystery
Burgundy: beauty
Dark Pink: gratitude
Light Pink: admiration, sympathy
Orange: passion
Pink: grace
Red: love
Yellow: dying love or platonic love or infidelity

Going back even further, literary annuals were being published as early as 1765, in France, and 1770, in Germany, and reached their peak of popularity in Europe and America from about 1820 through mid-century. But, as I discovered, there is much debate about the exact origins of the flower-sentiment associations.

Floriography appears to be based on ancient symbolic correlations taken from Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Greek, and Roman cultures, mythologies, and religions; possibly based on the actual physical description of the plants themselves -- a distinguishing characteristic of the root, stem, leaf, bloom, or seed. One of the most frequently mentioned sources is the Turkish, Oriental, or Persian language of flowers or objects, referred to as the selam, which was in fact a system of memorization. Brent Elliott, Librarian to the Royal Horticultural Society, writes that the Turkish system was "not a language of meanings, but a mnemonic system - the names of the objects rhyme with standard lines of poetry, and are an aid by which the lines can be recalled."

Reprinted by permission Flower Shop Network

Tags: Valentines Day Flowers for Charlotte, NC Florist Studio FlowersFlower Meanings

The date has been set. The gown has been fitted. Cakes have been tasted and invitations ordered. Now it's time to plan the flowers and all the gorgeous, detailed accessories that will make your wedding memorable. It really is true that the beauty lies in the details - all those extra little touches that help personalize the event and make it stand out as your own. And no one is better equipped to help guide you in your selection of wedding accessories than your professional florist - a qualified wedding specialist. From head to toe, your wedding designer can create unique and appealing floral fashion accessories to complement any style of dress and décor eye-catching designs that will captivate your guests and delight the members of wedding party.

For the bride, of course, the most obvious accessory is her bouquet. Today's trends allow for practically any shape or style, but wedding bouquets in general tend to be compact and crowded with flowers that express a sense of richness and opulence. The addition of delicate accessories such as tiny faux jewels or decorative wire dancing over the surface of the bouquet creates movement and sparkle, making a very fashionable statement. The stems of hand-tied bouquets may be wrapped together in a luxurious, six-inch wide ribbon, establishing a tailored look with the addition of a row of pearl-headed corsage pins inserted along the seam. In a mono-botanical (all one type of flower) bouquet, stems of bold flowers such as callas, gerberas or French tulips may be individually wrapped with narrow, dressy ribbon (perhaps one with a metallic weave), becoming a sophisticated accessory to the design that strengthens its appeal.

To read more about wedding bouquet trends, see our previous newsletter, "Wedding Day Wishes"

Beyond the bouquet, many brides are choosing to wear flowers in their hair in lieu of a veil. Depending on the hairstyle, flowers may be assembled into a delicate circlet to enwrap a bun, or they can be glued to barrettes and easily secured into the hair as desired. Naturally, the choice of flowers for these hair accessories should coordinate with the blossoms in the bride's bouquet.

Shoes, as well, are a prime target for floral embellishment, particularly when the wedding dress has a shorter hemline. A single flower or two may be glued to the top front edge of the shoe, or a diminutive and delicate garland may wrap the back. Since the bride's back is to the congregation throughout much of the wedding ceremony, this little accessory can be a delightful surprise for the guests. If the wedding is more formal in tone, the bride may choose to wear gloves, which could have buttons replaced or simply suggested by a row of tiny miniature rosebuds.

Decorative purses are the rage among members of the wedding party this season. Whether they are truly functional as purses or only 'pretend' imitations, little floral handbags are being carried as fashion accessories by bridesmaids, flower girls, and even the mothers of the bridal couples. For example, an inexpensive clutch or small pocketbook can be completely covered in foliage such as galax leaves, leaving the lip or edge of the purse to be embellished with delicate-appearing yet sturdy flowers, such as dendrobium orchid blossoms or miniature cymbidiums. A better quality purse may have only the edge decorated with a removable garland of flowers. An imitation handbag can be fashioned from craft foam and similarly covered in moss, foliage or petals, with a handle made of ribbon or artificial vines. A bit of saturated floral foam or a few water tubes are then used to secure the fresh flowers that appear to be brimming from within. Such a purse is a darling accessory for a flower girl, and can be decorated to coordinate with the small pillow, similarly embellished, to be carried by the ring bearer.

Let's not leave the other guys out of the picture! While there aren't quite so many opportunities to create floral fashion accessories for the male members of the wedding party, the boutonniere has evolved a great deal from the traditional rose bud in the lapel. Today's dapper groomsman may wear a boutonniere that's a work of art, resembling a teeny-tiny bouquet or embellished with flashy rhinestones and decorative beading wire. Or, in a departure from the norm, the boutonniere may be replaced with a pocket square: essentially an index card with small florets or flower petals glued across the short edge. The card is inserted into the jacket pocket with the floral accent showing above the edge. The possibilities are practically limitless with this new kind of stylish accessory.

Fashionable wedding accessories extend beyond the attire of the bridal party. The cake table, for instance, can provide an opportunity for some detailed enhancements. Because the wedding cake is a focal point for the reception, guests are able to see it at close range. Thus, the details of your decorating scheme can be appreciated. Cake knives and serving pieces are easily embellished with a few delicate blossoms and a bit of narrow-width, wired ribbon. The ribbon provides a surface onto which the flowers, foliage and other elements can be directly glued without damaging the utensils or contaminating the food. Toasting glasses may be decorated in a similar manner.

Likewise, the guest book signing area presents another opportunity for wedding accessories. Many couples are choosing to use this area to display framed photographs of themselves, individually as well as coupled, as a way of personalizing the celebration. Another suggestion is to place photographs from the weddings of the bridal couple's parents here as a way to honor the previous generation. It's a nice touch that will mean a lot to so many people.

With years of experience from which to draw upon, your local professional florist will have a lot of other ideas for accessories to personalize your wedding celebration. It is details such as these that both you and your guests will remember the most, and who better to help you create those memories than a skilled wedding specialist. Gather some of your own thoughts together, perhaps looking through bridal magazines and books, and call ahead for an appointment. Your florist will want to be able to devote as much time as is necessary during the initial consultation to understand exactly what is required to make your wedding dreams come true.

Tags: Valentines Day Flowers for Charlotte, NC Florist Studio FlowersCharlotte Wedding Flowers, Charlotte Florist, Charlotte Weddings, Wedding Flowers

Understanding funeral flower etiquette is important when deciding how to express your sympathy. When we think of funerals, we often think of flowers. However, different religions and cultures dictate when and where funeral flowers are appropriate.

Flowers are a part of many funeral services. We can be of assistance when deciding the type of sympathy arrangement to be sent to the funeral home or to the family residence. Preference in flowers, colors and types of arrangements may be different in different regions of the country. When considering religious and cultural funeral customs, the professional florist filling your funeral flower order will help you with an appropriate selection.
Funeral Flowers in Table Arrangement Style
Twilight Serenity
Sympathy Tribute

There are many types of arrangements available when ordering funeral flowers. Selecting the style and design usually falls within these categories:

VASE OR TABLE ARRANGEMENTS are usually funeral flower arrangements sent to the bereaved family’s home or taken home after the service. Choosing this type of arrangement can reflect the deceased’s tastes, style or personality. If uncertain as to the type of funeral flower arrangements to send, a discussion with the florist will help you with your selection.

FUNERAL FLOWERS FOR AN INFANT OR CHILD are usually smaller than regular funeral flower arrangements. The color theme may be that of soft pastels or of bright sunny colors. Funeral flower arrangements, sprays, bouquets, wreaths, angels and crosses are considered appropriate.

FUNERAL FLOWER WREATHS come in a variety of floral or other types of designs. Wreaths bring a special meaning to the service. The circular shape of the wreath is the symbol for eternal life. Crosses are also considered appropriate.

Casket Spray Funeral Arrangement
Half-Length Casket
Arrangement


FUNERAL FLOWER CASKET SPRAYS come in an assortment of sizes. The two most common sizes are either full-length or half-length sizes. The full-length arrangement extends over the full length of the closed casket lid. The half-length arrangement covers the bottom half or the closed portion of the casket during an open casket funeral. The family usually orders funeral flower casket sprays.



FUNERAL FLOWER LID ARRANGEMENTS can be small floral bouquets, corsages or other types of small arrangements. These types of funeral flower arrangements are usually ordered by the family and represent the children or grandchildren of the deceased.

Standing Spray Funeral Flower Arrangement
Standing Spray

FUNERAL FLOWER SPRAYS are delivered to the funeral home. Funeral flower sprays may be ordered from a wide selection of flowers and themes, and are presented on an easel during the service.

LIVE PLANTS are often welcomed as gestures of condolence and sympathy. Live plants can be sent to the funeral home, the residence, or even to the office.

SYMPATHY GIFT BASKETS containing flowers, plants, kosher, gourmet or specialty foods, and gifts are appreciated by family and colleagues. These types of baskets are delivered to the family residence or to the office. These types of baskets are not usually delivered to the funeral home.

SYMPATHY CARD: The Enclosure or Sympathy Card lists who gave or sent the flowers. On the back of the card the florist will list the type of arrangement, along with a description of the flowers, plant or sympathy basket.

FUNERAL FLOWER CULTURES AND CUSTOMS

The etiquette of sending funeral flowers differs by religion and custom. Understanding the type of service will help in your decision of whether or not to send flowers. If you are uncertain about the type of religious service, or the cultural customs of the deceased, then it is advised that you ask the family’s religious leader, the funeral home director or a professional florist.

Military Funerals usually follow these practices: When the flag is draped on the casket, then only standing sprays are used. Funeral flowers arrangements with ribbons in red, white and blue are often requested for a patriotic theme. Military symbols can be used with the funeral flower arrangements.

Japanese Services usually follow these practices: The incorporation of lots of flowers is used in the funeral service. It is considered appropriate to send flowers to the funeral home, such as large standing sprays and floor arrangements.

Cremation Services usually follow these practices: Funeral flower arrangements are generally considered appropriate. It is often recommended that you check with a member of the deceased’s family, the florist or the funeral director as how to best express your sympathy.

Roman Catholic Services usually follow these practices: It is considered appropriate to send flowers to the funeral home such as standing sprays, floor arrangements, standing arrangements, crosses and hearts. Sympathy gift baskets of fruit and food may be sent to the deceased’s residence, but not to the funeral home.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) Services usually follow these practices: It is considered appropriate to send sympathy cards and flowers. Funeral flower arrangements in the shape of a cross should not be sent.

Baptist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and other Protestant Services usually follow these practices: It is considered an appropriate expression of your sympathy to send flowers, cards and charitable donations in memory of the deceased.

Buddhist Ceremonies usually follow these practices: Flowers are considered appropriate; however do not send red flowers. White flowers are considered the symbol of mourning.

Understanding funeral flower etiquette is important. Talking with a professional florist can help answer your questions. The family and friends who have lost a loved one will appreciate your appropriate expression of sympathy.

Tags: Valentines Day Flowers for Charlotte, NC Florist Studio FlowersFuneral Flowers, Charlotte Florist, Charlotte Funeral, Charlotte FLorist Sympaathy, Sympathy Flowers, Charlotte Florist, Charlotte FLower Shop