Exotic Flowers in Boston

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”

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.