Exotic Flowers in Boston

It’s your child’s big day and you’re in the heat of planning the perfect birthday celebration for twenty to thirty friends without a clue as of how to do it.  Don’t worry- there’s an easy and fun way to create the ideal celebratory extravaganza that will fit your budget as well as put the “Wow” factor on the faces of guests.  How do you start?  Well, contrary to popular belief, not all parties for small children have to have a set theme.  Clifford, Smurfs and My Little Pony topics can be incredibly detail oriented that can become overwhelming and impossible to afford on a tight budget.  Give yourself a break and allow yourself a bit of wiggle room by opting for streamers balloons and lots and lots of flowers!  Whether you have a special birthday girl or boy, use these tips to work with a local florist to create an age appropriate blooming presentation that will set the festivities off with a bang.  Choose to navigate the task by implementing these tips for boys and girls or mix and match the colors any way that you want.  Remember, birthday fun starts with cheery ideas and joyous accessories, so don’t be afraid to use your imagination and go for it.

For Girls

Quite often, we associate the color pink for girls but there’s other options available if you feel limited to this hue.  Lavender, purple, chartreuse, peach, lime green and yellow are also feminine in nature and are stunning when two or more are arranged together.  Ideal varieties may include ranunculus, hybrid delphinium, anemones, calla lilies, gerbera daisies, forsythia and tulips.You can even incorporate a jelly bean filled vase for the festivities.

For Boys

Just because it’s a boy’s birthday party, it doesn’t mean that you should forget the idea of using flowers as part of the décor.  Many blooms can be very masculine such as delphinium, geraniums, calla lilies, orchids, roses and sunflowers.  Colors that work well for this occasion include maroon, white, blue, red, green, bright yellow and orange.  You can either choose one of these shades or blend together a few flavors to brighten up the room where your party is to be held.  If your hesitant about this idea, grab some truck, sports balls or Lego containers (works well for girls, too) and use these as the flower holders.

I know… I know… Winter in New England seems endless but really there is a bright spot of sunshine just around the corner.  For Bostonians, the spring season is a reminder of how beautiful the rebirth of the earth truly is and the importance of celebrating that miracle once the warmer climate arrives again.  For many of us, this time is an opportunity to get outside and plant our own miracles into our freshly thawed gardens with the hopes that very soon, we’ll see flowers rebloom in the months ahead.  The month of March might seem too early to get our trowels out of the shed but there’s no law against making a plan of what varieties may spark our green thumb interests.  As you know, spring species are very different from the hardier varieties that flourish during the summer and because of this, it’s important to think ahead so you’ll be ready for April, May and June crops.  Many gardeners will use catalogs or perhaps stop over at their local nursery to see what will be in stock as others rely solely on the breeds they’ve come to depend on year in and year out.  If you are looking to change things up a bit in your flower beds, here’s a list of both old and new spring blooming species that are already turning heads!

Hyacinth photo via https://shop.floretflowers.com/products/hyacinth-bean-ruby-moon

Ruby Moon: This is a wild take on the traditional hyacinth bulb because it is grown by seed and looks more like a vine than the typical cone shape you often see.  Pretty lavender flowers shoot out from the stem, which appears more branch-like than the thick base you are used to.

Sweet Pea photo credit via https://www.amazon.com/Kings-Seeds-Sweet-Pea-Nimbus/dp/B06Y42PWK4

Nimbus: Sweet Peas have always been one of my favorite spring blooms and I can’t say that I’m partial to any particular color since they are all stunning.  I did find this new variety called “Nimbus” which just might change my mind and there’s good reason… This type of sweet pea is multi-colored with dark purple and white- a variegated dimension of the regular straight purple or white.  You can mix these with any other flowers you have growing or plant a patch to make a striking effect.

Scabiosa

Merlot Red:  Just like the name says; this scabiosa variety is very similar in shading to a glass of dark red wine and boy, is it spectacular!  You don’t often come across a breed like this in New England so if you happen to stumble upon it during your next greenhouse visit, grab them while you can!

Tulips

Copper Image: If you’re into peach, you’re going to love this new double pink variety that resembles closely to a garden rose.  These beauties are trending to be designers top pick in 2018 and there’s no doubt as to why…  Copper Image tulips are not only breathtaking to the eye but are also effective as a filler in sparse areas of your garden.

Calling all ski lovers out there!  I bet you have been enjoying this snowy winter and hitting the slopes as much as possible… Am I right?  From the months of December through March, thousands of New Englanders race to places like Sugar Loaf and Wachusett to pass this chilly time of year with some fun on the peaks.  Exercise, entertainment and beautiful views keep skiing the top hobby for most Bostonians, with new families joining each year to learn the ropes.  If you’re one of these people, you know there’s nothing better than flying down a mountain at warp speed with the wind rushing through your hair as you take that next jump with maybe one exception…  Perhaps some down time in the lodge?

photo credit: via aboutflowers.com

Experts in this industry know that a large percentage of customer satisfaction depends on the client’s comfort when they return from a day out in the snow.  Top architects and interior designers purposefully create areas that are warm and pleasing to the eye with the intention of refueling guests with luxury surroundings.  Crackling fireplaces, soft leather couches and a stained wood interior reflecting the natural beauty of the great outdoors are all a part of the floor plan owners look to present to increase winter vacation experiences.  The overall goal being to send visitors home in a relaxed mindset.

Of course, if we’re talking about how to set the stage for a stunning snow lair, we obviously can’t forget the impertinent role of accessorizing with flowers, right?  If you’ve ever stayed at any one of these ski resorts, I’m sure you’ve noticed there is almost always a floral centerpiece featured inside the lobby which reflects the sentiment of the location.  Often, these pieces utilize varieties mirroring the essence of the mountains such white astilbe, heather and flowering branches.  The idea is to design arrangements that appeal to all the senses while visually being free flowing.  Berries such as privet are great additions to this look as well as hypericum and bittersweet when the season allows.  Often, many assume that these flowers have to be “Christmasy” in color but red, white and green are not the only hues to choose from.   Beautiful mixes include white/gray/green, lavender/green/gray and blush/gray/white are a few color combos to put at the top of the list.  There can always be variations of these pairings but I like these the most when trying to reconstruct the efforts in my own home.  Yes, that’s right-there’s nothing stopping you from making your own mountain lodge ski piece even if you have no plans of hitting the slopes this year.  Just remember these tips and you’ll be able to whip up your own wintery bouquet!

-Select stems that are longer in length as opposed to short.

-Bend branches to make a waterfall-like shape rather than a compact format.  

-Choose varieties customary to mountain regions such as wildflowers, feathery foliage and leafy greenery.

-This is one time when you might want to forget roses and go for something more daisy oriented to create an authentic presentation.

In a day and age where sports have seemingly become the most important thing to watch, talk about and read about with the exception of politics, it’s no wonder why people are starting to forget about some of the finer pieces of literature a library or bookstore can offer patrons.  Too often, the latest ho-hum debut of a baseball biography will take the place of both children and adults reaching out to the finer novels that undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.  Take poetry for instance… Do you know that this means of writing can also enhance a person’s hand eye coordination, problem solving skills and overall intelligence?  What about the notion that prose directly affects a human being’s capability to react and cope with higher emotional control that of a person who denies this genre all together?  It makes you wonder why are we ignoring this ever so important source of learning?  Dylan Thomas once said,

“Poetry is what in a poem makes you laugh, cry, prickle, be silent, makes your toenails twinkle, makes you want to do this or that or nothing, makes you know that you are alone in the unknown world, that your bliss and suffering is forever shared and forever all your own.”

That’s a pretty great reason to brush up on a little Keats or Poe but some of you may be wondering, what does that has to do with flowers?  The answer is EVERYTHING when you make the connection.  Both poetry and flowers are a form of artistic expression which demand a person to search below the surface to understand its meaning.  Whether you have grown a patch of sunflowers in the garden or arranged your favorite spring blooms in a vase, you are penning your own form of communication that doesn’t necessarily require an overt explanation. Much like putting together word on word stanzas, blossoms also have to find a way to dance together in an appealing manner which gives off the appearance of an important statement.  Designers are well aware of that they are not only piecing together a bouquet of cut flowers but making a symphony of feelings and emotions much like poet seeks out to do with his/her writing.  

If you feel like neither of these two areas have been explored lately, maybe it’s time to try your hand at both?  Still not convinced?  Read these wise quotes preached by the experts who claim flowers and poetry or for the true renaissance man.

“Poetry is plucking at the heartstrings, and making music with them.” ― Dennis Gabor

“Pure mathematics is, in a way, the poetry of logical ideas.”  – Albert Einstein

“Perfumes are the feelings of flowers.” ― Heinrich Heine

They say an artist can see beauty in every stroke of color.  They are the creators, the inspirers, the men and women who can transform any thought or idea into a precious moment displayed on canvas.  Painters throughout time have given their onlookers hopes and aspirations as well as a sense of peace while they review their work in the hopes that their messages, whatever they may be will be poetically conveyed to viewers.  The talent to accomplish this runs deep and naturally as if there is a river running through their veins although experts say that some of our favorite geniuses had a second source of enlightenment to give them a bit of help.

For many of these artists, flowers have remained of great importance, beyond only being captured as the subject.  In fact, some heavily relied on the magic of flowers to help encourage their creative juices to flow.  As you may already know, Monet was an enthusiast for gardens and cultivated several, not only to be featured in his work but also to be used as a sanctuary for relaxation and restoration of energy.  Renoir was another example of a real flower fanatic who was said to have a fresh bouquet of blossoms placed in every room of his home.  We can’t forget Van Gogh who spent much of his time memorizing to mind beautiful orchards of sunflowers so that he could record them in his paintings.  Many believe that this connection to flowers is what made them the artists they became which is why several art students attempt to channel their brilliance through placing small containers of blooms in their workspace.  Are you an up and coming artist who is looking for a bit of inspiration?  Read over these quotes and see if it’s time to stop by your local florist for a dose!

“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” – Henri Matisse

“I must have flowers, always, and always.” ― Claude Monet

“When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment.  I want to give that moment to someone else. Most people in the city rush around s, they have no time to look at a flower.  I want them to see it whether they want to or not.”  – Georgia O’Keeffe

“When I am finishing a picture, I hold some God-made object up to it- a rock, a flower, the branch of a tree or my hand- as a final test.  If the [painting stands up beside a thing man cannot make, the painting is authentic.  If there’s a clash between the two, it’s bad art.” – Marc Chagall

If you belong as part of a happy couple, I hope you are all aware that this Wednesday is Valentine’s Day.  You know what that means, right?  It’s time to get ready to celebrate the holiday of love with that special someone and to make sure this year is a memorable one-you’ll need to get crackin’ on those plans!  Why is it important to stay on top of your V-Day game and not breeze on by it like it’s no big deal? Because the sentiment you leave behind on Valentine’s is quite often the lasting impression that follows you for the rest of the year.  If you’re really into your significant other, you don’t want to jinx the relationship, do you?  Of course not!  If you’re not sure how to navigate the tricky waters of romance, here are a few tips that will help you communicate to your girlfriend/boyfriend how much they mean to you.  Make sure you don’t procrastinate any longer and get ready to jump into the warmth and fuzziness of Valentine’s Day!

V-Day Check List:

Don’t assume she/he isn’t looking for any recognition as your special sweetheart.  Everyone wants to feel loved, especially on February 14th.  However simple your gesture may be, it’s an important one to make so if nothing else-gift a card that says, “I Love You”.  If you want to go the extra mile, hand make the card or write a poem.  These are guaranteed to become keepsakes for many years to come.

If they have a sweet tooth, candy makes a great present!  Pick up some hand dipped chocolate strawberries or try picking up a box of Dove, Ferrero Rocher or my favorite- Russell Stover who makes one of the best assorted chocolate mix truffles on the market.  You can even swing for a higher end variety such as GODIVA who also makes a rich and tasty treat!

While some give the thought of jewelry as a token of their love, you may be looking for something a little less expensive and a bit less intense for your relationship (although Valentine’s Day is an excellent time to get engaged).  As said above, handcrafted items are the best gift and you don’t have to be an artist to create them.  Easy-peasy ideas include making a collage of all the special things you feel about that person (include trips, experiences and photos of the two of you), cook a special meal that they love (read on if this sparks your interest) or better yet- make your own jewelry such as a beaded necklace or bracelet they can wear to always remind them of you!

Back to the food part I mentioned earlier…  Restaurants in Boston can get over booked fast and may not be in your budget this month.  If this is the case, then take a good look at a family cookbook where you can dig up a delicious dish just right for the occasion.  They’ll appreciate the effort and the time it took to make your Valentine’s Day special.

Last but certainly not least-don’t forget to order your FLOWERS!  A rose for your rose is a sure fire win every February 14th!

Another February is upon us and florists everywhere are hoping to make this year’s Valentine’s Day a memorable one for all the couples out there celebrating.  February 14th is the largest flower holiday in the industry so designers are working their tails off trying to come up with trendy bouquets and arrangements while still supplying the traditional favorites we annually look forward to.  Boston continues to be one of the leading cities for setting the floral pace around the country and 2018 looks to be yet another year where Boston experts won’t disappoint.  Whether you’re looking for an interesting centerpiece with a nouvelle style or hoping to purchase the good-old-reliable dozens of roses, florists will have you covered with a stunning array of Valentine’s Day flower picks.  Not sure yet what you want to gift your lovey this 14th?  Check out these popular assortments of multi-colored fleurs which are sure to appropriately express the sentiment in your heart.

Say it with PINK!

If you’re not ready yet to go all the way admitting you’ve fallen in love, there’s a second type of selection you might want to try.  Pink is a beautiful shade which not only gives a solid expression of “like” but also mixes well with many different hues of petals.  Pink is the perfect choice for a new interest in your life or for younger couples (perhaps in middle school/high school) who seek a more innocent gesture.  Pink Valentine’s Day flowers are also ideal to express friendships or thoughtfulness towards a family member (a son to a mother for example).  Pretty varieties grown in this shade appropriate for this style would be gerbera daisies, orchids and of course, the infamous rose.

Get Your Exotic On…

Knowing this look isn’t for everyone, I will not deny the segment out there searching for a floral design that expands outside traditional designing.   For some of us, a fresh and funky vibe is exactly what we need to let a special someone understand-we’re not the typical suitor.  If you think this might be you I’m talking about, keep reading… You don’t want to just hand over a bunch of pretty petals to the person who makes your heart beat, “THUMP, THUMP!”  Heck no!  You want to impress them with a piece that’s not your everyday ordinary arrangement.  In this case, try requesting designs with architectural significance such as branches or tall blooming varieties.  French tulips, cherry blossom, calla lilies and mokara orchids are excellent options as well as forsythia and amaryllis.

You’re Traditional and that’s the Way You Want to Keep It-

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to keep things the same way they have always been.  After all, where would we be without the long stem red rose or the perfect red ranunculus?  These are the staples and very basis for floral design on Valentine’s Day and there’s no law being broken with wanting to celebrate that.  Hold it to mind that if this is the way you want to go, wonderful red varieties to add or replace the red rose include anemones, gerberas, james story orchids and “red sox” calla lilies.  If you’re sticking to what works best, have a conversation with your florist about which red rose species they’ll be using.  The specific name can make all the difference in the world.  

Ok, let’s have a raise of hands out there who has ever gifted a special loved one with a fresh bouquet of red roses?  Perhaps for Valentine’s Day, Birthday or other special occasion?  Chances are you’re included in this poll but have you ever wondered exactly what the stems mean that you’re sending?  Sure, obviously the color red means passion and love but to tell you the truth-the blooms extend their symbolism far beyond these two notions.  In reality, the history of these flowers date back decades ago and have quite honestly earned their reputation for becoming the icon for those who are in love.

It all started back in Greek times where we find the Gods and Goddesses of Olympia constantly fighting for their chosen betrothed.  According to lure, the red rose was initially tied to Aphrodite who was said to have run across a field, pricking her ankles as she rushed to her dying lovers side.  Myth reveals that she is responsible for attaching sentiments of “pain” to love, although as we well know, love can also be the most beautiful feeling one can experience.  The “yin” and “yang” factor of falling in love is directly connected to Aphrodite’s broken heart and why red roses became her signature flower.

Centuries later, another important figure used red roses as a symbolic emblem who was none other than the Virgin Mary.  The red of the petals is significant to mean “The Blood of Our Lord” and is clearly a revered symbol since the rosary is one of the most sacred tokens in Christianity.  The original significance stemmed from the idea that a red rose bush grew at the site of Christ’s death.  This is why red roses are also used as a sign of mourning and grief and are used frequently in funeral flowers.

In this day and age, a beautiful gift of crimson flowers is typically known to be primarily and expression of love and adoration.  The variety still remains the #1 species ordered during floral gifting holidays (especially Valentine’s Day) and is now grown in over 200 varieties around the world.  If you are interested in browsing some beauties, check out this list of gorgeous red roses!

Red Roses Varieties

Black Magic Black Baccara Freedom Forever Young

Blaze Montana Darcy Amalia

Eternity Dublin Bay Florentina Chrysler

While roses are now grown in a thousand different shades of color, many people don’t realize that each and everyone means something specific in nature.  As some stand for feelings of romance and love, others represent sentiments associated with encouragement, sympathy or even mystery (see blog about blue roses).  The array of symbolic meanings attached to this flower is one of its best attributes, making roses a favorite species by florists who are sent requests for particular blooms carrying specific tidings.  Red, orange, yellow and pink roses are among the most popular used for an expressive gift but how about the delicate and sometimes understated color peach?  Not many are familiar with the significance of this pretty blush tone that is quickly becoming increasingly highlighted in floral design but what does it really mean?

photo crdit via aboutflowers.com

Peach is directly associated with the expression of modesty, earnestly and innocence.  Although the color has no direct connotation with strong feelings of love or lust, peach does signify a warm feeling of friendship and caring.  Often, businessmen and women will send a gift of peach roses to clients after they have had a successful meeting in order to “bless” the transaction with a good omen.  Closely related is the sentiment of saying, “Thank You” with this particular variety of rose which makes a great gift sent to hosts from a houseguest as a token of gratitude.  Another theme that is tied to the peach bloom is the idea of “civility”, “poise” and “grace”.  An example of this can be seen in films set in the south where many of the homes are filled with peach colored roses or even tulips (although the heat will kill them) which is meant to emulate the thought of elegance.  

If you are interested in presenting someone with peach roses for these symbolic reasons or just fancy the shade that expels an overall delicate beauty, you might want to browse these varieties that are stunning for all occasions!  

Top Favorite Peach Varieties Imported Into the US

1. Free Spirit 6.  Tiffany
2. Chillis 7.  Finesse
3. Peach Avalanche 8.  Versillia
4. Nevado 9.  Juliet
5. Campanella 10. Milva

Orange roses just might be the most underestimated shade of blooms in the floral industry.  Cultivated back in the 20th century by cross-breeding red with yellow species, orange roses have introduced a whole new, fresh and fiery appeal within floral design that flower lovers simply can’t get enough of.  Even though the variety was born from rose hues typically symbolizing “love” or “friendship”, this bright flavor has been deemed to represent sentiments of “creativity” and “fascination”.  Appropriate to be given as a gesture of “friendship” or “intimate interest”, the orange rose has also become a popular gift for painters, writers and others centered in the arts who enjoy the vibrancy and allure of the petals.  “Subtlety” is not in this variety’s description and is instead sought after for the contemporary splash of color that traditional centerpieces lack.  Excitement, pleasure and inspiration are all ideas tied to this pretty stunner that is implemented most frequently by designers during the summer months of the year.  Although Halloween season is another period where you see orders of orange roses spike, it’s no secret that wedding planners are infusing bridal bouquets with hints of orange petals more often than ever before.  If you haven’t noticed, New England wedding magazines are featuring this rose shade as the “up and coming trend” for next fall’s line so if you’re planning to say “I do” next autumn, you might want to browse this list of varieties!

Orange Roses Grown from Ecuador             Orange Roses Grown from Holland

“Manitou” “Pinata”

“Twilight” “Arancio”

“Movie Star” “Carioca”

“Voodoo” “Corvette”

“High Intense” “Contrast”

Orange Roses Grown from California                             Orange Roses Grown Seasonally

in New England

“Abraham Darby” “Roald Dahl”

“Trumpeter” “Lady Emma Hamilton”

“Just Joey” “Lady of Shallot”

“Fragrant Cloud” “Crown Princess Margareta”

“Irish Elegance” “Livin’ Easy”