Exotic Flowers in Boston

From the NFL's pink wristbands, cleats, and gloves to Major League Baseball's pink bats, the Energizer Pink Bunny, mega brands in America have stood in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. This awareness makes a huge effort in helping save lives, this branding reminds everyone how important to be screened regularly.

Floral industry leaders like Teleflora, FTD and 1-800-Flowers have also shown their support as well for creating awareness. Each industry titan has created a product to help increase awareness.

Teleflora has created the Pink Hope and Courage Bouquet. Exotic Flowers in Boston is a Teleflora member and is proud to stand with our partner in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness.

FTD offers both a calla lily plant and an azalea plant to help increase Breat Cancer awareness. Exotic Flowers in Boston is a longstanding member of FTD and is honored that FTD has chosen two items to show their support of breast cancer awareness.

1800flowers really comes through and offer four items to help increase awareness. Two edible items, one floral and one spa kit.  Although Exotic Flowers in Boston is not a members of 1800flowers Bloomnet group. Please know that we are in support of their program and can also send a replica of their pink rose arrangement anywhere in the Boston area to support Breast Cancer Awareness.

  Bands or DJ's...

by Suzie Canale

"A long marriage is two people trying to dance a duet and two solos

at the same time." ~Anne Taylor Flemi

It’s the first dance as a couple and both of you are holding on to each other just knowing that this is the first sway of many. Whether you’ve chosen a band or DJ, music begins to engulf the room in a rhythmic harmony where not a single guest can take their eyes off of the newlyweds. It takes just a few seconds, but as the lyrics begin to tell the distinctive details of how the pair fell in love or the deep connection shared between the two, you begin to see the bond of marriage already taking shape on the dance floor. The delivery and choice of music can tell the humor, character and the rich seeded love, making it of the utmost importance to select a beautiful euphonious presentation that is specifically tailored to reflect their distinctive story.

Bands~ Hiring a live band or orchestra is a wonderful choice of entertainment for several reasons.  For starters, this type of musical arrangement invokes a elegant repetoi0re which partners well with ballroom or estate located events.  Another positive aspect of bands is the personal delivery of music, honoring requests from the wedding party as well as the audience.  Although usually a tad bit higher in fees than other options, live singing tends to create a more appealing atmosphere by creating a setting where listeners are more involved and attentive to the chiming of the instruments and vocals.  Two top wedding bands for Boston bound brides to consider are Kahootz and Men in Black.

DJ's~ For couple's looking for a no fuss option when tackling the task of wedding music, DJ's are a great choice since they are both eclectic in their music composition and are often considerably less expensive than live bands.  Willing to spin whatever requests you may have in mind, this particular type of music delivery has several benefits including easier set ups and break downs and have a wider compatibility with location sites and themes.  DJ's will compliment any function hall site as well as party motif allowing more flexibility and of course creativity when compiling music scores.  If you are looking for Bean Town's hottest DJ's, check out Pure Energy Entertainment in Peabody, Ma or DJ Ken Drew who services all of New England.

@SuzieCanale

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) . . .Hope
Hazel (Corylus) . . . Reconciliation
Heath (Erica) . . . Solitude
Heather (Calluna vulgaris) . . .Protection
Helenium (Helenium) . . . Tears
Heliotrope (Heliotropium) . . . Devoted affection
Hibiscus (Hibiscus) . . . Delicate beauty
Holly (Ilex) . . . Foresight
Hollyhock (Alcea) . . . Ambition
Honesty (Lunaria annua) . . . Honesty
Honeysuckle (Lonicera) . . . Devotion
Hyacinth, blue (Hyacinthus orientalis) . . .Constancy
Hyacinth, purple (Hyacinthus orientalis) . . . Please forgive me
Hyacinth, white (Hyacinthus orientalis) . . . Beauty
Hydrangea (Hydrangea) . . . Dispassion
I
Ice plant (Carpobrotus chilensis) . . . Your looks freeze me
Impatiens (Impatiens) . . . Impatience
Iris (Iris) . . . Message
Ivy (Hedera helix) . . . Fidelity
J
Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium) . . . Come down
Jasmine, Carolina (Gelsemium sempervirens) . . . Separation
Jasmine, Indian (Jasminum multiflorum) . . . Attachment
Jasmine, white (Jasminum officinale) . . .Amiability
Jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla) . . . Desire
L
Laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides) . . .Pensive beauty
Lady’s slipper (Cypripedium) . . .Capricious beauty
Lantana (Lantana) . . . Rigor
Larch (Larix decidua) . . . Audacity
Larkspur (Consolida) . . . Lightness
Laurel (Laurus nobilis) . . . Glory and success

Lavender (Lavandula) . . . Mistrust
Lemon (Citrus limon) . . . Zest
Lemon blossom (Citrus limon) . . .Discretion
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) . . .Coldheartedness
Liatris (Liatris) . . . I will try again
Lichen (Parmelia) . . . Dejection
Lilac (Syringa) . . . First emotions of love
Lily (Lilum) . . . Majesty
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) . . .Return of happiness
Linden tree (Tilia) . . . Conjugal love
Lisianthus (Eustoma) . . . Appreciation
Lobelia (Lobelia) . . . Malevolence
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) . . . Purity
Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) . . .Perplexity
Love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) . . . Hopeless but not helpless
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) . . . You are my life
Lupine (Lupinus) . . . Imagination
M
Magnolia (Magnolia) . . . Dignity
Marigold (Calendula) . . . Grief
Marjoram (Origanum) . . . Blushes
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) . . .Desire for riches
Meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale) . . . My best days are past
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) . . .Uselessness
Michealmas daisy (Aster amellus) . . .Farewell
Mignonette (Reseda odorata) . . . Your qualities surpass your charms
Mimosa (Mimosa) . . . Sensitivity
Mistletoe (Viscum) . . . I surmount all obstacles
Mock orange (Pittosporum undulatum) . . . Counterfeit
Monkshood (Aconitum) . . . Chivalry
Morning glory (Ipomoea) . . . Coquetry
Moss (Bryopsida) . . . Maternal love
Mullein (Verbascum) . . . Take courage
Mustard (Brassica) . . . I am hurt
Myrtle (Myrtus) . . . Love
N
Narcissus (Narcissus) . . . Self-love
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) . . .
Patriotism
Nettle (Urtica) . . . Cruelty

O
Oats (Avena sativa) . . . The witching soul of music
Oleander (Nerium oleander) . . . Beware
Olive (Olea europaea) . . . Peace
Orange (Citrus sinensis) . . . Generosity
Orange blossom (Citrus sinensis) . . .Your purity equals your loveliness
Orchid (Orchidaceae) . . . Refined beauty
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) . . . Joy
P
Pansy (Viola) . . . Think of me
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) . . .Festivity
Passionflower (Passiflora) . . . Faith
Peach (Prunus persica) . . . Your charms are unequaled
Peach blossom (Prunus persica) . . . I am your captive
Pear (Pyrus) . . . Affection
Pear blossom (Pyrus) . . . Comfort
Peony (Paeonia) . . . Anger
Peppermint (Mentha) . . . Warmth of feeling
Periwinkle (Vinca minor) . . . Tender recollections
Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) . . . Bury me amid nature’s beauty
Petunia (Petunia) . . . Your presence soothes me
Phlox (Phlox) . . . Our souls are united
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) . . . You are perfect
Pink (Dianthus) . . . Pure love
Plum (Prunus domestica) . . . Keep your promises
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) . . .Be of good cheer
Polyanthus (Primula) . . . Confidence
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) . . .Foolishness
Pomegranate blossom (Punica granatum) . . . Mature elegance
Poplar, black (Populus nigra) . . .Courage
Poplar, white (Populus alba) . . . Time
Poppy (Papaver) . . . Fantastic extravagance
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) . . .Benevolence
Potato vine (Solanum jasminoides) . . .You are delicious
Primrose (Primula) . . . Childhood
Protea (Protea) . . . Courage
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) . . . Strength and health
Q
Queen Anne’s lace (Ammi majus) . . .Fantasy
Quince (Cydonia oblonga) . . .Temptation
R
Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus) . . .You are radiant with charms
Raspberry (Rubus) . . . Remorse
Redbud (Cercis) . . . Betrayal
Rhododendron (Rhododendron) . . .Beware
Rhubarb (Rheum) . . . Advice
Rose, burgundy (Rosa) . . . Unconscious beauty
Rose, moss (Rosa) . . . Confession of love
Rose, orange (Rosa) . . . Fascination
Rose, pale peach (Rosa) . . . Modesty
Rose, pink (Rosa) . . . Grace
Rose, purple (Rosa) . . . Enchantment
Rose, red (Rosa) . . . Love
Rose, white (Rosa) . . . A heart unacquainted with love
Rose, yellow (Rosa) . . . Infidelity
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) . . .
Remembrance
S
Saffron (Crocus sativus) . . . Beware of excess
Sage (Salvia officinalis) . . . Good health and long life
Saint-John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum) . . . Superstition
Saxifraga (Saxifraga) . . . Affection
Scabiosa (Scabiosa) . . . Unfortunate love
Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) . . .Change
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) . . .Presumption
Snowdrop (Galanthus) . . . Consolation and hope
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) . . . Parental affection
Speedwell (Veronica) . . . Fidelity
Spirea (Spiraea) . . . Victory
Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) . . .Purity
Starwort (Stellaria) . . . Welcome
Stephanotis (Stephanotis floribunda) . . .Happiness in marriage
Stock (Malcolmia maritima) . . . You will always be beautiful to me
Stonecrop (Sedum) . . . Tranquility
Strawberry (Fragaria) . . . Perfection
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) . . . False riches
Sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa) . . .Simplicity
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) . . .Delicate pleasures
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) . . .Gallantry

Tansy (Tanacetum) . . . I declare war against you
Thistle, common (Cirsium) . . .Misanthropy
Thrift (Armeria) . . . Sympathy
Thyme (Thymus) . . . Activity
Trachelium (Trachelium) . . . Neglected beauty
Trillium (Trillium) . . . Modest beauty
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) . . .Fame
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) . . .Dangerous pleasures
Tulip (Tulipa) . . . Declaration of love
Turnip (Brassica rapa) . . . Charity

Verbena (Verbena) . . . Pray for me
Vetch (Vicia) . . . I cling to thee
Violet (Viola) . . . Modest worth
W
Wallflower (Cheiranthus) . . . Fidelity in adversity
Water lily (Nymphaea) . . . Purity of heart
Waxflower (Hoya) . . . Susceptibility
Wheat (Triticum) . . . Prosperity
White Monte Casino (Aster) . . .Patience
Willow herb (Epilobium) . . . Pretension
Winter cherry (Physalis alkekengi) . . .Deception
Wisteria (Wisteria) . . . Welcome
Witch hazel (Hamamelis) . . . A spell
Y
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) . . . Cure for a broken heart
Z
Zinnia (Zinnia) . . . I mourn your absence

 Vanessa Diffenbaugh is the author of "The Language of Flowers,". Her debut novel takes the reader on a journey with floral designer Victoria. Diffenbaugh even garnered much of her floral research in Cambridge at Brattle Square Florist in Cambridge. The protagonist Victoria creates her own floral dictionary that shows flowers and their meanings. This dictionary serves as a great sales for her growing florist business. 

As Boston florists, we often get asked about flowers and their meanings. Below is "Victoria's Dictionary of Flowers," as written by author Vanessa Diffenbaugh.

A
Abutilon (Abutilon) . . . Meditation
Acacia (Acacia) . . . Secret love
Acanthus (Acanthus) . . . Artifice
Agapanthus (Agapanthus) . . . Love
letter
Allium (Allium) . . . Prosperity
Almond blossom (Amygdalus
communis) . . . Indiscretion
Aloe (Aloe vera) . . . Grief
Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria) . . .
Devotion
Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) . . . Worth
beyond beauty
Amaranth (Amaranthus) . . .
Immortality
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) . . . Pride
Anemone (Anemone) . . . Forsaken
Angelica (Angelica pachycarpa) . . .
Inspiration
Apple (Malus domestica) . . . Temptation
Apple blossom (Malus domestica) . . .Preference
Aster (Aster) . . . Patience
Azalea (Rhododendron) . . . Fragile and ephemeral passion
B
Baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata) . . .
Everlasting love
Bachelor’s button (Centaurea cyanus) . . .
Single blessedness
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) . . . Hate
Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) . . . I change but in death
Begonia (Begonia) . . . Caution
Bellflower (Campanula) . . . Gratitude
Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) . . .Good luck

Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) . . .Magnificence

Blackberry (Rubus) . . . Envy

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) . . . Justice

Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) . . .Constancy
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis) . . . Passion
Bouvardia (Bouvardia) . . . Enthusiasm
Broom (Cytisus) . . . Humility
Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) . . .Ingratitude
C
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) . . . Profit
Cactus (Opuntia) . . . Ardent love
Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) . . .Modesty
Camellia (Camellia) . . . My destiny is in your hands
Candytuft (Iberis) . . . Indifference
Canterbury bells (Campanula medium) . . . Gratitude
Carnation, pink (Dianthus caryophyllus) . . . I will never forget you
Carnation, red (Dianthus caryophyllus) . . . My heart breaks
Carnation, striped (Dianthus caryophyllus) . . . I cannot be with you
Carnation, white (Dianthus caryophyllus) . . . Sweet and lovely
Carnation, yellow (Dianthus caryophyllus) . . . Disdain
Celandine (Chelidonium majus) . . . Joys to come
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) . . .Energy in adversity
Cherry blossom (Prunus cerasus) . . .Impermanence
Chervil (Anthriscus) . . . Sincerity
Chestnuts (Castanea sativa) . . . Do me justice
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) . . . Frugality
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum) . . .Truth
Cinquefoil (Potentilla) . . . Beloved daughter
Clematis (Clematis) . . . Poverty
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) . . . I have loved you and you have not known it
Clover, white (Trifolium) . . . Think of me
Cockscomb (Celosia) . . . Affectation
Columbine (Aquilegia) . . . Desertion
Coreopsis (Coreopsis) . . . Always cheerful
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) . . .Hidden worth
Corn (Zea mays) . . . Riches
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) . . . Joy in love and life
Cowslip (Primula veris) . . . Pensiveness
Crab-apple blossom (Malus hupehensis) . . . Ill-tempered 

Cranberry (Vaccinium) . . . Cure for heartache

Crocus (Crocus) . . . Youthful gladness

Currant (Ribes) . . . Thy frown will kill me
Cyclamen (Cyclamen) . . . Timid hope
Cypress (Cupressus) . . . Mourning
D
Daffodil (Narcissus) . . . New beginnings
Dahlia (Dahlia) . . . Dignity
Daisy (Bellis) . . . Innocence
Daisy, Gerber (Gerbera) . . .Cheerfulness
Dandelion (Taraxacum) . . . Rustic oracle
Daphne (Daphne) . . . I would not have you otherwise
Daylily (Hemerocallis) . . . Coquetry
Delphinium (Delphinium) . . . Levity
Dianthus (Dianthus) . . . Make haste
Dittany (Dictamnus albus) . . .Childbirth
Dogwood (Cornus) . . . Love undiminished by adversity
Dragon plant (Dracaena) . . . You are near a snare
E
Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) . . .
Noble courage
Elder (Sambucus) . . . Compassion
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus) . . . Protection
Euphorbia (Euphorbia) . . . Persistence
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) . . .Inconstancy
Everlasting pea (Lathyrus latifolius) . . .Lasting pleasure
F
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) . . . Strength
Fern (Polypodiophyta) . . . Sincerity
Fern, maidenhair (Adiantum capillusveneris) . . . Secrecy
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) . . .Warmth
Fig (Ficus carica) . . . Argument
Flax (Linum usitatissimum) . . . I feel your kindness
Forget-me-not (Myosotis) . . . Forget me not
Forsythia (Forsythia) . . . Anticipation
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) . . .Insincerity
Freesia (Freesia) . . . Lasting friendship
Fuchsia (Fuchsia) . . . Humble love
G
Gardenia (Gardenia) . . . Refinement
Gentian (Gentiana) . . . Intrinsic worth
Geranium, oak-leaf (Pelargonium) . . .True friendship
Geranium, pencil-leaf (Pelargonium) . . .Ingenuity

Geranium, scarlet (Pelargonium) . . .Stupidity
Geranium, wild (Pelargonium) . . .Steadfast piety
Ginger (Zingiber) . . . Strength
Gladiolus (Gladiolus) . . . You pierce my heart
Goldenrod (Solidago) . . . Careful encouragement
Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) . . .Abundance
Grass (Poaceae) . . . Submission

to be continued with H thru Z on another post. Stay tuned.

   The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh was released in August, 2011. Since then, this novel has touched the hearts of florists, flower lovers, romantics and fiction fans. As a florist in Boston, many of my clients, colleagues and vendors have been asking me for months if I have read the novel. I am an avid reader and what better target market for the author than a florist in Boston who enjoys reading.

Upon the book's release, Diffenbaugh was living in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She even credits Cambridge florist, Brattle Square Florist in Harvard Square as being a valuable resource for the creation of the novel. Although the author is not a florist, she creates real life floral characters in Renata and Victoria as florists and Grant as a wholesale florist.

The book which is now in papeback was a New York Times and Boston Globe best seller. The accolades and reviews continue to pour in for the first time author and this novel. What really grabbed me as a reader was the insight into the meanings of flowers. Often times as a florist, we get the question "what does that rose mean,"? The author gives the reader so many floral meanings that your head will spin. 

Victoria Jones, the protagonist, realizes what many other florists come to realize as well. Depending on which book you read, there are many flowers that have multiple meanings. This revelation forces Victoria to create her own floral dictionary. Florists throughout the world will realize that working with their own interpretations of the language of flowers will work best for their clients too. 

Here is a video of Vanessa Diffenbaugh sharing her personal commentary on her debut novel.

"The Language of Flowers" cane be purchases in local bookstores, like The Andover Bookstore.  

- Rick Canale