Exotic Flowers in Boston

It’s a wide misconception that flowers aren’t to be given to men but rather they are the ones to give this gift to women.  Who says a guy can’t enjoy a beautiful bouquet of blooms or appreciate a vase of seasonal sprigs? This is an old wives’ tale that has been believed by many for far too long and I say it’s high time we started changing the stigma.  Isn’t only fair that your favorite fella can peacefully enjoy a healthy relationship with fresh cut flowers? Father’s Day is the perfect place to begin focusing our efforts on maybe switching the tie he gets every year for an orchid plant or a bunch of sunflowers. The possibilities are endless and thankfully- Boston florists are readying their holiday displays for some fantastic options!  So, for this much-anticipated Sunday where we cherish deal old dad, think about presenting some of his favorite flowers that he can enjoy for himself. Stumped on what varieties and styles might work the best? Try this list to satisfy a sensational flowers Father’s Day gift!

Red is a major color associated with sending love to women but it also works nicely for men, too!  Particularly when talking about deeper shades of burgundy and wine, this palette is really attractive when creating more masculine styled pieces.  Take amaryllis for example. Grown in a long, strong and sleek appearance, this bloom is sensational for the “Manly Man” appeal and will fit wonderfully amongst décor that resides for a more masculine taste.

Interestingly enough, the shade, white is another go-to for whipping up attractive centerpieces for the masculine sex.  Clean, unfettered and simplistic varieties will dazzle him way beyond what your first expectations may be. Try varieties such as lilies, ranunculus and gerbera daisies, either mixed together or given as bunches by themselves alone.

Blue is another way to go when searching for the perfect floral gift for dad because let’s face it-the male identity was raised on this hue starting at birth.  To tell you the truth-there’s really nothing wrong with that because now there are several varieties grown in this shade, which are suitable for this holiday. Blue hybrid delphinium, Bachelor Buttons and forget-me-nots make sweet gifts and present a sentimental thought.

Flowers are one of the top five gifts to send for all occasions, being beaten only by Hallmark cards statistically speaking.  Baskets, bouquets, centerpieces and even single stemmed blooms have always been the go-to for making a thoughtful gesture in both good times and bad.  No matter what the events is such as birthdays, holidays, wedding or funerals- local florists are always prepared to extend your thoughtfulness with a gorgeous selection of fresh blossoms.  While designers are always happy to steer you towards the appropriate mix of variety, there is a generalized system for ordering these flowers although customers can definitely bend the rules.  If you don’t know the person’s favorite variety, color or style, here are some tips that may help you navigate these waters. Remember, this is a broad outline for the best flowers to give for each occasion so don’t be afraid to go out on a limb and select the species that appeals to you most!

Birthday: A special birthday present for her is always a beautiful bouquet so you really can’t go wrong when selecting the variety mix.  If you know her favorite blooms, then great but if you don’t, pink roses, purple lilac or green cymbidium orchids will do the trick!

Mother’s Day:  Pink roses are another big hit on Mother’s Day but you can also substitute them for ranunculus, sweet pea or peonies.  Blush and coral work best for this holiday but there’s a wide spectrum of shades to choose from.

Valentine’s Day: You can’t get away with not giving a nod to red roses on Valentine’s Day but mix bouquets of lavender, hot pink and green seem to become more and more popular each year.  Red is clearly the theme tint for V-Day but it’s okay to stray away with some variation.

Funerals: This can be a difficult venue to book flowers for but keep in mind, the family will appreciate your thought no matter what you send.  Staples for funerals usually include white lilies, white callas, white Phalaenopsis and white roses but again, color is not taboo for funeral pieces.  Gifting a basket of bright flowers can sometimes really pick up the mood for those who attend the services such as pink peonies, sunflowers or blue delphinium.

Get Well Soon: “Get Well Soon” bouquets are typically mixes of soothing shades, textures and aromas.  Even though one may believe that bright yellow is cheerful, the tint can actually cause anxiety, particularly for those who are on the mend.  Instead, ask for tones of light blue, peach, blush or coral. If you are set on yellow, go for a lighter shade that won’t attract so much attention.

New Baby: This is an easy one… Blue for boy and pink for girls!  Don’t make it any harder than it has to be…

Graduation: This is an occasion where you want your flowers to stand out so go for jewel tones that “pop” with color.  If this is a high school graduation, do your homework and find out where the student will be attending college.  Look up what the colors for the university are and then design your bouquet accordingly.

When I was a little girl, I remember a special gift my parents gave me for my seventh birthday, a necklace made from rose beads.  Being a lover of flowers starting from a young age (I figure it was in my blood since both mom and dad were florists), I adored anything and everything made from the petals of blossoms.  When I opened the tiny pink box to see the delicate piece of jewelry, I immediately believed that I would cherish them for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, my education in horticulture was only just beginning because I hadn’t yet understood that my trinket was almost 100% organic and would eventually disintegrate.  Nevertheless, I did my best to preserve the pretty bauble in the hopes that I would one day pass it down to my daughter. Thirty-four years later, this is merely a sweet memory of my childhood I carry with me and smile thinking about every time I spot a similar styled necklace in a store window.

Along with a rose beaded necklace being a lovely way to show your affection for flowers, this form of jewelry is actually the outcome of some interesting history dating back to centuries ago.  Before even the 1500’s, rose beads were used as tools for counting, originating in the country of India. Easy to make and a reliable resource, they were made by the bushel and used to teach science and mathematics.  As time continued, they found their way into the religious realm, specifically by the Christians who formed necklaces as a sign of worship. The delicate yet stunning presentation of the strung roses made them a precious commodity-some of which survived to be passed to future family members. Today, they are still used in religion although you probably see them more often as a metallic chain called, “the rosary”.

Get togethers called, “Beading Bees” still exist today and are still quite popular all over the United States.  During these group meetings, friends and family join to make their own rose beads to use as bracelets or necklaces.  If you are interested in trying out a simple and fun recipe to make your own, follow these simple instructions to create them today!

1. De-petal a dozen roses (preferably red) and discard the center core.
2. Boil a pot of distilled water and throw the petals in until they are soft.
3. Drain the water and place in a blender.  Puree until they have a doughy consistency.
4. Add a few drops of rose incense to replace any aroma that has escaped.
5. Let the dough dry until it is easily capable of being formed into balls.
6. Roll small balls to whatever size you would like and push a sewing pin through the center.
7. Let the rose beads dry in the sun and string for decoration!

f you’ve been perusing the nursery scenes lately, you might have seen a cool new way of growing and displaying your favorite blooming flowers.  Unlike other planters and pots filled to the brim with spring and summer blooms, there is an interesting method that clever gardeners have invented to optimize growing power while providing a dynamic presentation.  “Bag-a-Bloom is a funky container system that yes-is made out of plastic bag material. Usually fashioned in black or forest green, these interesting harvesting contraptions allows you to hang wherever there is a spot available.  Depending on the variety used to be planted, long cascades and tendrils can flourish down walls and posts, causing an optimal floral display for all who pass by. I’ve even seen these babies used by restaurants and hotels to create show stopping entryways for an ultimate ambiance splash.  For personal consumption, we can hang them on a hook outside front doors or place on gates, poles and trellis archways. Use your imagination when it comes to Bag-a-Bloom styling and here are some ideas to get those wheels turning!

Coleus

Coleus is an awesome variety of foliage to add in this type of growing vessel because it will appreciate the heat generated within the plastic as well as enable to the roots to firmly situate themselves in the condensed soil.  This variety grows in a variety of colors including green, purple and even pink so the overall arrangement is tremendous no matter what type of coleus plants you choose. Conveniently, these flowering bags are only good for one season and since the coleus is an annual, you can just toss the whole thing out in the fall.  Remember to hang the bag in a brightly lit area with tons of sunlight and water frequently to keep the plant moist and continuously flowering.

Impatiens

Pansies are probably the top choice for bagged flowers because again, they are an annual that can be discarded at the end of the season plus they are a wonderful spreading décor to hang outside.  Impatiens are pretty tough in nature and don’t demand a lot of fussing over if you don’t have the hours to play full time gardener, which keep their demand high with good reasoning. With partial sun to shade flexibility, impatiens bags are a guaranteed winner for gifts or seasonal garnishing.

Tomatoes

Yes-I know.  Tomatoes are not a flower but you’ll love growing your own juicy veggies all summer long with the convenience of no large garden patches to tend to.  Treating yourself to freshly made salads and other tomato based recipes will become a luxury I guarantee you’ll become accustomed to quite quickly! If you really want to see something spectacular, select a species that possesses long vines and watch a hanging garden appear right before your very eyes!

You might be seeing a lot of hype lately over certain seasonal blooms we’re typically accustomed to in the northeast this time of year.  Unlike other plants and flowers that grow during the fall or summer, springtime varieties have a certain magical quality around them that their counterparts just seem to lack.  Maybe it’s because we’ve waited so long to see their arrival or maybe they presume a delicate presence among their soon to be followers like roses and sunflowers. Whatever the reason, when the May bulbs finally decide to poke their heads out of the newly thawed earth, New Englanders tend to swoon over their presence.  What’s not love, really? Spring blossoms are some of the most stunning species to ever sweep over our lawns and gardens, which also make perfect clippings to fill up our floral vases. If you are in need of adding this type of landscaping to your surrounding property, here are my favorite bulbs to plant every fall!

Fritillaria

This is honestly my most anticipated flower to watch out for every May because of its funky shape and cool coloring.  Appearing like an upside-down bell, fritillaria is often purple in color with speckled dots across the petals. Although there are different hues available for purchase, this variety grows traditionally in the Massachusetts area.  One thing to keep in mind though- fritillaria is happier growing in soil than cut for arrangements, which will considerably shorten the bloom’s lifespan.

Peonies

Peonies are pretty standard for New England spring bulbs and luckily for us, they will last a bit longer than its seasonal competitors such as tulips and hyacinth.  This flower will bloom large, fluffy heads on a bush along with green foliage that stretches up and down the stem. Due to their popularity, peonies are the number #1 variety requested by spring Boston brides and continues to be cultivated in more and more colors to satisfy a growing selection.

Bearded Iris

These are probably the most majestic species out of any spring bulb due to its fierce appearance and striking array of color.  The bearded iris only blooms for a short time before the weather turns too hot but boy is it worth planting a few around the house to really make the yard “pop” for those few weeks in May and June.  Bearded Iris grows in shades of purple, pink, red, orange, yellow and even black so there’s a ton of options to choose from!

The salty air is beginning to waft off our coastlines and people everywhere in New England are thrilled to be dreaming of near future visits to our gorgeous beaches.  For some Bostonians, they might even be lucky to own or rent a cottage on the Cape, Maine or Rhode Island in the next few months where they will enjoy the closeness in proximity to the ocean.  New England summers are a treat for us locals so we tend to accentuate the season as much as possible with barbecues, pool parties and evening get togethers on the porch. Foods such as shrimp, lobster and clams are a theme for these events but other areas of party planning are equally qualified for the same sort of inspiration-namely flower arrangements.

photo via aboutflowers.com

While we usually select blooms such as red berries and pine greenery for winter décor, summer time reflects a whole other field of wild blooms of a softer palette.  Mimicking the motif of a beach cottage, these varieties are softer in nature with hues of pale peaches, whites, creams and blues. Top designers around the city try their best to replicate the sensation of the sea and sand within their pieces so customers will take in the “feel” of the beach even if they are remaining within their city dwellings.  For me, this is my favorite time of year when blossoms represent a core attribute of peace and tranquility, especially when displayed near the oceanfront. If you are anticipating a love for summer flowers reminding you of past/present days spent on the seashore, check out these “can’t miss” bouquets that envelope the meaning of beach living in New England.

Stunning flowers to request or replicate on your own which convey a beachy feel are those that are light, airy and whimsical.  This may sound like a strange description but species such as delphinium, lace flower, ranunculus, garden roses and wisteria are perfect examples of what I’m talking about.  If you live by the shore, take special notice of any blooming shrubs such as hydrangea that love the salt air-they make great clipping for inserts in arrangements. Peonies are another excellent variety that goes cuckoo for a seaside habitat, particularly those that produce buds of sweet pink, cream and blush.  I also like a fresh vase of stems that have been gathered from around the yard in hues of deep blues and purples. If you’re planning a summer getaway to the ocean or just enjoy the notion of the idea, treat yourself to a cottage inspired arrangement which will keep you happy throughout the warmer season!

Like many Bostonians, there is a huge rush of energy in the city lately and that’s all due to the opening of our beloved Fenway Park!  Get your peanuts, pretzels and soft drinks ready kids because this year, the Red Sox seem to be planning on having a sensational six months ahead of them!  Last week, just happens to be my first time back to the old ballpark and boy- was it great to be sitting in those familiar red seats waving at Wally again.  Everyone around me seemed to be taking in the smells, sounds and sights that are synonymous with Fenway such as the decadence of sweet sausage and authentic hot dogs, the brightness of the overhead lights and the cheer of the crowd as the first ballplayer took his turn up at bat.  Visiting the park really is an experience in itself that many people keep the memories of long after they’ve left. How do you keep these fond thoughts alive? We can browse through old programs, take a look at snapshots or wear our favorite team member’s jersey you’d do anything to be just like!

If you are a flower lover who happens to share the same adornment with Boston’s favorite baseball team, you can even combine the two notions to make a gorgeous piece of memorabilia!  There’s zillions of ways to make a beautiful Red Sox arrangement to either showcase at your next birthday party or simply keep for yourself. The first step to designing this piece is to keep in mind the obvious:  the colors of the team are red, blue and white. This might seem tricky at first glance but in actuality, there are several varieties of flowers that are grown in these hues. The obvious answer might be to whip up a bubble bowl stuffed with red roses to encircle the vase.  This, no doubt works perfectly with little fuss but if you’re looking for a challenge-here are a few more ideas to mull about.

The weather is finally looking up around here, which means it’s time we filled up our leaf bags, mulch the yard and do a little planning for a spring season of landscaping!  Many people see this process as a chore but for me- I look forward to the task each year and actually become excited with the possibilities of new plantings I’ve been dreaming of all winter long…. There’s nothing better than gazing at your green thumb efforts once the summer appears so right now is the moment to kick up your gardening to-do’s in high gear!  One area that’s a nice place to start is choosing the seeds you would like to feature in your pots, raised beds or lawn props. Might I suggest focusing on the species of blooms you would like to watch blossom up your trellis? Archway trellises are some of the most beautiful places to harvest vine plants that will slowly creep up the sides to make a stunning veil of buds.  I myself, have a couple I can’t wait to see covered in strands of brightly colored flowers. If you are in need of a bit of research before you plant around your trellis, here are some of the best varieties that do particularly well in this area of the garden.

Morning Glories: Morning Glories are pretty much a staple flower when matching a bloom to an archway trellis.  They exist in a variety of cheery hues and can survive with little fuss from the gardener. Just take a pack of seeds and pour near the base of the structure and they’ll do their own thing throughout the entire summer!

photo via http://handydad.tv/diy-trellis-in-a-weekend

Clematis:  These are another great choice and will not disappoint those who want to quickly cover their trellis with wild looking blossoms!  Another species growing in many different colors, clematis will return each year in the spring although it will die once the heat appears in July and August.

Ivy Sweet Pea: This particular variety of sweet pea is capable of growing in a cabled vine that is simply gorgeous when scaling poles, arbors and trellises. They are extremely delicate in appearance but manage to take their curly leaves and tiny buds to great lengths if allowed.  

Wisteria: Wisteria is very popular in the United States and is able to last for generations if grown in temperate areas with shelter from severe ice.  These heads will drop in cone-like shapes and create beautiful overhangs for people to walk underneath as well as provide a pleasant aroma to the air.  

I love a good mystery, don’t you?  I like them even more when there’s a great theme involved-perhaps a storyline that includes a bit of flower and gardening to sweeten the plot?  There’s nothing better than a body found in the tulip bed or a victim poisoned by ingesting belladonna in their cocktail drink! Yes, there are 101 ways to off a person using floral species and tools associated with the blooming biz and it just so happens there’s a slew of multiple episodes on TV dedicated to telling these stories!  Networks are filled with talented writers, actors and producers who have aired several of these shows discussing this topic and are able to put a fun spin on “who-done-its?” just by surrounding characters with flowers! If you are someone who gets addicted to “Murder She Wrote”, “Monk” or a fabulous “Lifetime Mystery” title then check out this list of murderously entertaining programs.

Flower Shop Mystery:  “Mum’s the Word”

Here’s a whole show dedicated to solving crime and who better to do it than a florist?  When Abby decides that her life as a big city lawyer is not for her, she resurrects her career as a local proprietor of a flower shop which just so happens has a curbside view on murderous happenings…  In this episode, Abby witnesses a killer running away from a crime scene and she just can’t shake the experience until she finds some answers. With help from a cute bartender who catches her interest, the two set off on an adventure to catch a killer and solve the case!  If this sounds like its right up your alley, check out more episodes like “Snipped in the Bud” and “Dearly Depotted”.

“Mr. Monk is the Best Man”

Monk is one of my very favorite TV series with main character, Tony Shalhoub who plays the anxious, ex-cop who also happens to be brilliant.  In this episode, his best friend (and lieutenant), asks Monk to be his man at his wedding but an extra crispy corpse puts a damper on the celebrations.  Without an immediate identity, Monk soon figures out that a piece of oasis ties the victim to a flower shop where he is a designer. Now who would want to murder a florist?  Watch the show and find out!

Columbo:  “The Greenhouse Jungle”

Ohhhh…. This is a good one!  Quirky Detective Columbo is on the case when a kidnapping turns ugly and death becomes the reality.  Nothing seems to make sense to anyone until Columbo steps hot on the trail of a man who has a talent for growing orchids.  Is his greenhouse the only masterpiece he’s hiding or is he involved with a deception much deadlier?

Hanging plants have risen in popularity over recent spring and summer holidays which appeal to a large and varying customer base.  We can explain this phenomenon by taking a look at the outdoor arrangement’s beneficial characteristics that are namely but not limited to:

1. Vast color availability
2. Extensive species composition
3. Limited care responsibilities
4. Cost Affordability
5. Ease of transport

Plus….

THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL!

A stunning hanging basket that you can show off to neighbors and friends for months afterwards!  Display options can be from archway trellises, lattices, door hooks or poles with appropriate hardware. As long as you find a sturdy location that will keep the plant secure, you can place your blooming gift where ever you prefer!  There’s nothing like a fresh basket of blossoms swaying outside in the wind to dress up your home for spring cleaning so start browsing local greenhouses and nurseries to find your dreamy  hanging basket!

Gorgeous variety combinations include but are not limited to:

1. Nasturtiums
2. Ivy Geraniums
3. Bleeding Hearts
4. New Guinea Impatiens
5. Lantana
6. Million Bells
7. Lobelia
8. Dipladenia
9. Verbena
10. Petunia