Exotic Flowers in Boston

Everyone likes a little mystery in their life and that includes flower enthusiasts!  While red is the color of love and pink is the color of friendship, many wonder what to order from their florist when they are trying to implement a theme of intrigue to their gift.  Is it a green orchid or a white calla lily that will reflect this sentiment adequately?  According to professionals in the industry, the blue rose is what you are supposed to be requesting if you are attempting to dazzle a special someone secretly…

The anomaly of the blue dyed rose (yes, it is dyed because although growers are amazing at cultivating new shades,blue roses are not possible yet naturally) has been a big trend in the last ten years which is still increasing exponentially.  This variety’s undoubtable popularity is particularly driven by younger demographics who are usually looking for contemporary options when sending flowers.  The blueness of the petals is feisty, fun and full of interpretive meaning, which is exactly why florists located near college campuses always have bunches loaded in stock.

But what are we really saying when sending a bouquet of blue roses?  There are a few different possibilities to consider before buying…

Mystery

The primary theme of blue roses is the thought of MYSTERY.  This can be transcribed in several ways, either meaning a mysterious admirer or an unknown comradery or partnership with someone.  A bunch of these roses can also mean that there is a mystery in the works and for someone to be on the lookout for clues.  Want a fun birthday idea?  Send this variety in a box along with a scavenger hunt clue tucked in the stems.  They’ll have loads of fun playing this tracking game and also get to enjoy a stunning bouquet as a well!

Inventiveness

Here is a much different meaning from the previous explanation but you can have a lot of fun gifting blue roses, particularly if they are going to someone creative.  Yes, blue roses can also stand for “inventiveness” so if a friend is having an opening at an art gallery, showcasing a new gadget they’ve designed or recently problem solved a tricky situation, you might want to consider these beauties as a present.

Change

A third explanation for the meaning of blue petals is the attachment to the idea of “change”.  Do you have someone close to you who just started a new job or recently decided to partake on a new adventure?  Then these are the perfect petals to say “Good Luck!” and “Well Wishes!”

As you might already know, different floral colors represent an assortment of sentiments ranging all the way from love to sympathy.  Depending on the specific thought you are trying to transfer to the recipient, proper research should be done beforehand to make sure your message is clear.  For example, light pink roses have long been in demand for those wishing to convey forgiveness to someone they have wronged and remain one of the top five shades of roses to be requested when attempting reconciliation with a loved one.  For couples in trouble within their relationship, blush toned petals have become a predominant symbol for “I’m Sorry!” in the flower world.  

Another popular theme attached to light pink roses is “beauty”, “gratitude” and “grace”.  Quite often, a bunch of soft pink rosebuds will be gifted to parents of a newborn baby girl to symbolize the perfection of the new human just brought into their lives.   The “gratitude” angle is often seen when appreciating a person who continues to bring assistance to their life such as a babysitter, close friend or administrative assistant.  Light pink roses are still the #1 variety requested for Secretaries Day by bosses which has held true since the beginning of the holiday tradition.  “Grace” is the third theme held to this particular shade of bloom, which is no surprise because they are the most popular species to give performers such as dancers and ballerinas.

If you are interested in learning more about light pink roses, here is a list of some of the most beautiful types grown around the world…

Light Pink Roses Grown from Ecuador Light Pink Roses Grown from Holland

“Mother of Pearl” “My Girl”

“Grateful” “Picture Perfect”

“Katherina” “Sweet Akito”

“Novia” “Aqua Bella”

Light Pink Roses Grown from California                        Light Pink Roses Grown Seasonally

in New England

“Keira” “Heritage”

“Rosalind” “Spirit of Freedom”

“Augusta Luise” “Quietness”

“Aphrodite” “Gentle Hermione”

There’s nothing like beautiful, yellow roses to brighten up the day, wouldn’t you agree?  This is probably the reason why this shade of rose is typically associated with happiness, cheer and warmth.  Reminding one of the sun, yellow bouquets are often gifted to those we have a closeness of friendship and comradery with.  While red and pinks are commonly associated with a deeper level of love and commitment, yellow is a softer gesture, offering an innocent feeling of kindness between one another.  If you are someone who usually screws up the sentiment of gifts, you might want to keep this species in mind since it’s almost impossible to screw up the meaning in terms of intention.  Yellow roses are also a wonderful arrangement choice to wish someone well after a surgery or illness since the bright hues of the bloom are guaranteed to lift anyone’s spirits.  Associations in this instance may represent “speedy recovery”, “thinking of you” or “you’re in my thoughts”.

Interestingly enough, yellow roses did not originate on European soil but in the Middle East where they grew wild and were used for several festivities and traditional customs.  It wasn’t until they were discovered by adventurers who brought specimens back to France and Holland where the universal love for yellow roses was born.  Today, this particular shade of blossom is celebrated across the globe and sent to people for a variety of different reasons although “friendship” continues to remain the #1 symbolic meaning of the flower.

If you’re interested in learning more about yellow roses, take a look at these stunning varieties grown around the globe.

Yellow Roses Grown from Ecuador             Yellow Roses Grown from Holland

“Sonrisa” “Julia Child”

“Yellow Timeless” “Mida Touch”

“Jupiter” “Charles Darwin”

“Conga” “Shine”

“Skyline” “Marisa”

Yellow Roses Grown from California                             Yellow Roses Grown Seasonally

in New England

“Papillon” “Graham Thomas”

“Suella” “Teasing Georgia”

“Yellow Island” “Yellow Submarine”

“Lindsey” “Sunny Sky”

“Gelosia” “Winter Sun”

Have you ever wanted to visit a tropical Eden such as Hawaii to walk the beaches, take in the sites and breath in the rich scent of coconuts and citrus fruits that infuse the island?  Well, here’s yet another reason to get planning on that trip!  If you enjoy learning about flowers, you’ll love the fact that a stunning species known as “Plumeria” flourishes in many parts of this frequently visited vacation destination.  The appearance of the blossom is pure perfection and sometimes gives the illusion of being too good to be true, often mistaken for a silk replication.   Cultivated from trees instead of flowers grown from plant seed, the pretty heads extend from the ends of branches in shades of white, pink, yellow and orange.  The species requires warm temperatures to reach full maturity at around 28 feet from top to base, which is why places such as Hawaii make it the ideal home for plumeria.  

Photo credit: via instagram.com/glenmorehouse

Since the presence of the flower is already abundant within this region, it’s no wonder why its blooms are frequently used in common cultural and social customs.  Having the stunning properties of rich color and strong aromatic scent, plumeria is a highly demanded variety for local florists who are preparing annual events and festivities.  Leis are one item that is often seen using plumeria, particularly when there is a special occasion such as a wedding or similar celebration.  The blossoms are also utilized as hair pieces for women which can actually tell a person whether or not they are romantically involved with someone.  Worn over the right ear would indicate she is unattached while the left signals she’s already spoken for.   Wouldn’t dating be so much easier if the rest of the world followed this useful tradition?

Like many other flowers, plumeria has a strong meaning of symbolism for those who choose to acknowledge the reason. Among some traits associated with the flower such as beauty, purity and health, other meanings stand for the arrival of springtime and new beginnings.  If you have a friend who is starting a new venture, beginning a new job or moving to another area, you might want to consider gifting them with this token which will wish them luck.  The celebration of life with a newborn baby is another great way to utilize the positive spiritual antics of the plumeria flower.     

It’s not current news that supermarkets have entered the trade of floral pedaling and plan to stay for the long haul.  Almost every Stop and Shop you visit has set up a flower counter where bunches of roses, pom-poms and gerberas are readily available to add quickly to your cart.  For many customers, this is a bonus during their experience of stocking up on Campbell’s soup and toilet paper because on the service it looks like a great deal, but is it?  Are you getting the quality of flowers you deserve and has the product been pre-conditioned before placed into buckets of water?  These are only a couple of questions professional florists have posed to grocery stores who compete to sell the same inventory as retail locations but is it really the same product to begin with?  By taking a look at some facts about the industry, we can get a better answer to the question, “Are you really getting a deal buying super market flowers?”

Well, let’s take a look at the benefits first and start with the obvious; “THEY’RE CHEAP!” In most cases, yes, bouquets bought at these food outlets will typically cost much less than those designed by a reputable florist.  The number #1 explanation is because they are using product of lesser quality so profit can be made at a much lesser price.  In some cases, the product is even being purchased “on spec” meaning whatever isn’t sold at the end of the day is returned and thrown out by the supplier. The other reason is due to the fact that arrangements created by designers working in flower shops have been trained with trade education as opposed to their competitor who might have a person behind the counter who has little to no knowledge about the floral biz.  When this happens, there is likely to be an inferiority regarding the item being sold on the shelves and god forbid you have a question about the blooms or how to care for them when they leave the store.  

So, you see, the benefits aren’t really benefits at all unless you want to focus on the convenience factor.  Yes, it will be easier to grab and go while snatching a carton of milk but don’t be surprised if you have buyers regret.  Statistics show, grocery bought flowers have half the life expectancy as a sample taken from an established florist and can even sometimes be damaged without the customer knowing.  Keep a keen eye on foliage that has been stripped to the head of the bloom which is another clear indicator the product is old.  Also, be weary of bruised and ripped petals that may be located towards the bottom of the stem.  Colored packaging material attempts to camouflage this problem, don’t be fooled!  Ask to always have the blooms you’ve chosen to be wrapped in front of you.  

Okay, it’s time to talk truth about what your florist can deliver which Stop and Shop can’t.  First off, professional florists have superior knowledge about everything having to do with flowers because this is the single area in which they specialize.  Ask them a question and I guarantee they’ll be able to find the answer quickly and efficiently.  Point #2, they want to keep you coming back for more so they’ll do whatever it takes to assure you consistent quality every time you step through their door.  Grocery store clientele tends to change considerably with a huge turnover when compared to flower shops who work hard to please their customer basis for years to come.  The last but not least final clue is that even though you might be spending more, you will notice the clear difference right away in the bundles you bring home which will increase your customer satisfaction in the long run.  The next time you are torn between the mega store cheap buy, think about these factors that will affect the outcome of your experience and choose to support local, small business florists instead.    

Bougainvillea is a stunning flower which is favorite to many who have fallen in love with its cheery appearance and brightly colored petals.  Considered a traditional bloom, New Englanders have long been planting this variety in and around their homes even though the original origin traces back to tropical climates.  Native to the Caribbean Islands, Rio de Janeiro as well as South America, countries such as Brazil and Granada use this bloom as a symbol frequently within their culture, celebrating the beauty and charm of the species.  Grown in shades of red, orange, pink, white and some variegated tri-colors, the soft and delicate “paper-like” petals have made it famous across the world.  In some nations such as Guam and Granada, bougainvillea is so special that it has become the official flower where it is purposefully grown in abundance.  In many of these places, you can see these flowers blooming everywhere from the side of the road to gorgeous cascades drifting across rooftops and down the walls.  

The symbolic meaning of bougainvillea changes from one area of the globe to another but the majority claims it stands for a sign of welcoming visitors and beauty.  Hawaii is a prime example who sometimes exchanges the orchids used in leis with florets of bougainvillea on special occasions.  In other cultures, the plant is considered a symbol of peace and an encourager of free trade between two entities. Others believe that gifting a stem to a loved one will ignite passion within the relationship.  

Talking in terms of floral design, these beauties can really lift up a drab arrangement and fill it with interesting texture and hues.  Although the flowers are not prone to cold winter weather here in New England, on occasion, shipments will be flown into Boston during the warmer months of the year.  There is also the possibility of finding a native supplier who harvests this variety during temperate periods of the calendar.  In this case, invest in buying a bundle of branches which you can take home and showcase in a tall clear vase.  Other ideas on how to use bougainvillea include potting in small ceramic containers for your windowsill or transporting the plant into a hanging basket where the branches can flow freely.  Either way you choose, this stunner is a perfect addition to any flower lovers collection.

Come on… Admit it…

Who out there DOESN’T put on a few pounds during the holiday season?  The cookies, pies, desserts, roasts, casseroles and buttery goodness- who can resist?  The deliciousness that extends across our tables during the yuletide month is a joyous treat to dine on with family and friends but once January rolls around, you’re well aware of the damage it may have caused to your waistlines.  Are those pants feeling a bit snug once the advent calendar has been put away?  Well, have no fear!  A healthier you is just around the corner with a little exercise, low calorie menu and awareness for smaller proportions.  Believe it or not, there’s also a few tips local florists might be able to supply customers with such as a bountiful bouquet of blooms that might actually decrease your yearning to clean out the kitchen cabinets.  Temptation can be a hairy monster to deal with when attempting to pull off a couple of pounds but luckily, there are flowers said to curtail an over brooding appetite and replace it with soothing vibes of happiness and relaxation.  By adding a few stems of flowers with powers to hook your senses with fragrance, eye appeal and texture, you’ll be well on your way to tightening up that bod in time for bikini season!  Try requesting these species from a talented designer and see if these blooming effects work on you!

Red Roses

Red roses aren’t just for Valentine’s Day!  Study shows that people surrounded by the color red while dining are more likely than not to eat less than a person surrounded by blue or white.  Some experts believe the reason lies with a human being’s natural inherency to associate red with danger or harm.  Even poison labels typically use the shades red and black to signify the product is harmful so it’s no wonder why we may shy away from the color while ingesting food.  The scent of the rose helps as well depending on the variety.  The stronger the sweetness of the aroma, the less likely it is for you to go for that second helping of dessert!

photo via finegardening.com

Nicotiana

Before you get all in a tizzy- I don’t mean to imply everyone should start smoking if they want to shave off a couple of notches on the old belt.  What I mean by “Nicotiana” is actually the beautiful plant that produces white blooms and grows pretty, soft green foliage.  The smell of the sepals reminds most of the herb pepper, which is typically labeled an unappetizing scent.  Try placing a few pots of this on your patio and see if the effects of Nicotiana aids in decreasing your spoonsful of pasta next spaghetti night. You’ll also like the fact that this species is relatively cheap in cost unlike a package of cigarettes can run you.

Green Calla Lilies

Green Callas are another great breed of flowers to try adding to your home because they remind one to generally add fruits and veggies to their plates every day.  The shade of green is also a solid choice to purchase for plates as well because “going green” extends to healthy eating habits, specifically food grown from the earth.  The curve of the bloom is another excellent distraction for binge eaters because the shape symbolizes fullness and completeness.

Have you seen the movie “Coco” out in theaters yet?  If you haven’t there are so many reasons why you should grab your ticket stub now and hurry down to the cinema!  Not only is this children’s film filled with sweet sentiment surrounding the importance of family but the writers cleverly added a detail that you know I can’t resist talking about… FLOWERS!

If you aren’t familiar with the plot of the flick- I’ll fill you in on the basics of this deep and moving story.  Miguel is a young boy growing up in Mexico with a family who has shunned music entirely from their homes.  The practice dates back to the his great-great grandfather who abandoned his wife and child to follow his heart to become a world-renowned musician.  Of course, Miguel wants nothing more but to follow in the footsteps of the man believed to be the greatest singer/songwriter/guitarist of all time but will he defy his elders to do it?  The problem comes to a crossroads when his grandmother refuses to give him her blessing to follow his dreams, pushing the boy to take matters into his own hands.  Seeing only one way to fix this problem, Miguel travels to the “other side” in search for his true grandfather on “The Day of the Dead”- the one evening of the year when the deceased can be reunited with their loved ones.  Will Miguel meet the man who changed music forever or will he remain trapped and lose his family forever?

You’ll have to watch to find out what happens but back to the part about the flowers…

What I loved most about the film was the incredible cinematography, particularly the scenes shot with the “Petal Blessings.”  The marigold being the lucky flower chosen to signify the gesture, audiences will be pulled into the screen by the glowing, magical, orange offerings symbolizing hope to trust in yourself.  His grandmother even teaches Miguel the importance of remembering the dead with a shrine of flowers.

While some (like myself) choose to hide underneath layers of wool and fleece during the colder months of the season, others relish in the snowy months doing whatever they can to suspend the colder days of the calendar.  There is skiing, ice skating and snow shoeing to partake in the chilly outdoors while other indoor activities such as sewing, knitting or cooking appease to others.  For many of the creative types wandering around New England, they see yet another way to explore the beauty and enchantment our home as to offer by tapping into to their imaginations and diving in to their love of flowers.  If you find yourself in this category and adore this season’s blissfully, beautiful charm, why not design arrangements that are thematic of the snow and ice we are surrounded by (probably until next spring)? Truthfully, by using specific accents and a certain variety of blooms, you’ll be able to build gorgeous displays of winter inspired presentations.  Here are a few tips to get you going!

Using white flowers may be an obvious step in the process but many times people aren’t aware of the large spectrum of species available to them when designing a piece representative of winter.  White cymbidiums, hyacinth, anemones and peonies are excellent substitutions for more boring options of mums and roses.  Implementing sparks of gray is also a great way to further push the motif like sprigs of lamb’s ear, silver brunia and pussy willow.  If done correctly, a mixture of these two-color tones is simply stunning and makes a perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering.  When selecting a vase, keep in mind the look you are going for such as selecting a metallic container to inspire an “ice” appearance or a frosted bubble bowl to mimic snow.

Here’s another great example of using the natural beauty around us to turn an ordinary flower arrangement into a winterized bouquet.  Think white birch vases that are becoming very popular and can be bought in craft stores such as AC Moore and Michaels.  Adding hints of green can be a remarkable way to transform your piece into a tree-like model and if you really want to impress onlookers, add a few berries and pine to complete the conversion.  Eucalyptus is another great foliage to keep in mind for these arrangements as well as mimosa greenery.

One last piece of advice is to always add flavors of blooms that you prefer over what is seen on the cover of a magazine.  Many times, we get the false impression of what is available when we become sucked in by these professional images and regret not making our own rendition with what we have on hand.  Winter centerpieces can be made in a variety of ways and if you keep the color palette and texture in mind, whatever you come up with is assured to be absolutely stunning.  

Baby, it’s cold outside!  New England winter weather is a season of snow, ice and gusty winds that make us all want to find warm and comforting ways to take solace until the spring returns once again.  Perhaps your method is to light a fire or invest in a nice wool sweater- if you’re from these parts, it’s a guarantee you’re looking for anything to heat your body and mind up! One way to put the sizzle back in your life is by stimulating the senses such as sight and smell.  By surrounding yourself with pleasurable triggers that ignite these sensations, we can encourage inner happiness to fight off the freezing months.  One way to go about this task is to select particular types of flowers that are known to be excellent inducers of warm and fuzzy feelings.  For some it is their shading of petals and for other varieties, the scent is the beneficial element to create this magic spell.  If you’re having trouble with the wintery blues this season, try picking out one or more of these stunning blossoms to pick your spirits up and out of the cold.

For the Aroma

Freesia- Freesia is one of the best blooms to add to your home from December through February because the smell it fills a room with is absolutely unforgettable.  Not too sweet and not too strong, this incredible spring flower will waft you towards your Eden of heated sanctuary.

Hyacinth- Hyacinth is another great example of a bloom that has the magic power to elude you into thoughts of warmth and peace.  Available in a wide range of colors, you won’t have any problem finding these buds in your local flower shop this winter as well as other floral carriers in the area.

Narcissus - Paper Whites are one of my own favorites because you can either use them in arrangements as a cut stem or watch them grow from a single bulb.  The scent is pungent- I’ll warn you but if the smell appeals to your nose, they will probably become a frequent investment for many winters to come.

For the Sight

Charm Peonies- Oooooohhhh, Charm Peonies are an A-Lister in many high-end flower shops and the reason lies in the truth that these remarkable blossoms are stunning enough to be left alone in a vase by themselves. The bushy outer layering of the petals looks like feathers and the deep red shading resonates with many as meaning passionate, intense and alluring behavior.  

Anemones- Anemones are another go-to during this time of year, offering a naturally cheerful vibe to any area where an arrangement is displayed.  Not only are the heads adorable in pretty shades of purple, red and white but the foliage is just as enticing due to its wild appearance.