Exotic Flowers in Boston

There are all sorts of themes available for Boston’s soon-to-be-brides, which appeal to a large spectrum of different tastes and preferences.  For example, for those who love sand and surf, a beach ceremony might be the right location for you to say your “I do’s” or if you are really into art, a museum would be a lovely option.  If you add a little imagination, you and your wedding planner can design the ideal place to hold this monumental occasion, particularly if you’re into beautiful flowers and gardens.  

Awhile back, I had this friend who dedicated most of her spare time towards harvesting one of the most stunning perennial gardens I’ve ever seen.  She loved her beds so much in fact that when it was time for her to walk down the aisle, she asked if she could walk down the pathways of her garden instead.  The whole family adored her idea and with a bit of help from landscapers and florists, she made her dream come true.   

If you’re getting ready to place a veil on your head and are interested in learning how to create this look in the midst of your own green thumb efforts, here’s what you need to keep in mind…  It’s really important to select a date that’s appropriate for this sort of occasion.  I assume you would want plants in full bloom but this being New England, it can get tricky nailing down an exact pinpoint of when this will happen.  Spring is a fussy season that can bring bad weather like rain, sleet and even snow meaning you should try to lean towards the end of June or the beginning of July.  If your flowers are mostly annuals, head towards August because they’ll need more time in the sun to grow and expand if you’re looking to make a dramatic impact.  

The other thing you need to think ahead about is keeping your garden pruned so it keeps blooming.  Many species will wither away if not regularly kept up and maintained.  Keeping a pair of clipping shears is an excellent way to be reminded of this task.

The benefit of hosting a garden wedding is knowing the floral arrangements have already been taken care of leaving you without the expensive bills to pay later on after the honeymoon.  The simplicity is wonderful because all you have to do to design pretty table pieces is take a few snippings from your favorite blooms and place them delicately inside glass jars.  You can also utilize their ready availability by making them into wistful wildflower bouquets, too.  Delphinium, sunflowers, nasturtiums, sweet pea, hollyhock, zinnias, roses, hydrangea and sedum will all work wonders for your hand-held bundles.  

What flowers are excellent choices if your favorite color is orange?  TONS!  Orange is a very popular color in the flower industry for a few reasons…  First of all, the tint has many cultural ties as well as several symbolic meanings associated with worldly celebrations, holidays and other rites.  The second reason attains to the usefulness designers have with this shade since it contrasts nicely against both bold and light colors.  The third explanation for the high demand of orange blossoms is simply because it makes people HAPPY!  I general, those who are attracted to this color are known to be upbeat, enthusiastic and energetic so having a bouquet in the same color spectrum will only boost you further up!  If you think you’re at a loss of knowledge when it comes to orange flowers then keep reading.  Here are a few examples of blooms that might just be the right match for you!

1. Orange Lilies-Otherwise known as “Tiger Lilies” these star-like flowers can grow just about anywhere as well as be picked for indoor centerpieces.  Due to their adaptable living capability, there are no shortages of this variety, causing purchases to be affordable and accessible.

1. Orange Helenium- I love orange helenium and almost always include at least two planting every year within my garden.  The sweet face is joyful in itself plus the wildflower will regenerate and spread if the temperature and weather conditions are suitable.  A tip to the wise, helenium behaves better outside and will last longer if not used as a cut flower.

1. Orange Marigolds- I have fond memories of my great aunts growing marigolds on their windowsills as a child and remember how the frilly edged blooms brightened up their faces.  Yes, some people might believe these flowers are old fashioned but really, they remain a favorite to many.  Marigolds are also hearty so they will do well in bud vases as well as potted plants.

1. Birds of Paradise- These exotic flowers are a huge hit for those who enjoy tropical plants and flowers because of their unusual structure and cool presence within arrangements.  The head honestly looks like a bird and is perfect for parties and events where you want to make a big impact.

1. Orange Protea- Protea is another favorite for orange flowers and has several properties, which make it desirable to customers.  Typically grown in Africa, they are shipped here, where they are used quite often in dramatic centerpieces essential for upscale events (they aren’t cheap to buy but worth it).  Their longevity also makes them attractive as well as the unusual texture of soft needles extending throughout the entire head.  Want one more reason to pick up a few stems of protea?  These flowers mix well with others or are perfect standing alone.

Flower credit via Flower Factor

Right about now, you’re noticing that things are starting to warm up a bit outside after a very long-too long cold season.  Yes, sadly New Englanders have had to wait well beyond the typical arrival date of spring due to a lingering winter, making us all wonder if we’ll be skipping the outdoor months altogether.  Some may even be a tad bit pessimistic about how long they’ll be able to enjoy their favorite activities, particularly those who are green thumb enthusiasts.  Since the northeastern state’s gardening season is fleeting already, I understand how important it is to get out there digging as soon as you can.  To say that the fifty-degree temperatures we experienced in April, May and June provided a substantial setback is an understatement but believe me when I say there’s still hope.

By doing a little tweaking of your usual planting strategy, you can still harvest a gorgeous garden filled with beautiful flowers and delicious veggies.  Species that have fast germination periods are wonderful choices to rely heavily upon instead of putting all your prayers into slow growing plants.  For vegetables, try picking out seeds such as snap peas, lettuce and green beans- they’ll shoot right up after only a few days of temperate weather plus they usually prefer the cooler weather anyhow.  If you’re a stickler about planting only seeds instead of purchasing ready 6-pack trays from greenhouses, you may want to rethink your philosophy this year.  Even though it’s a lot more fun and cost effective to grow your own, plants like tomatoes and eggplant won't have any shot at all unless you started them indoors around the time of March.

Something else to think about since we are definitely seeing a pattern of later spring arrivals is the possibility of investing in raised beds.  Plants growing in above ground containment will likely have a warmer soil temperature, which will boost their growth earlier than what is planted straight in the ground.  If you’re worried about cost, you can build your own simply by using slats of wood that can be nailed together in either square or rectangular shapes.   Perennials in particular adore this type of growing atmosphere and typically will come back closer to their regular schedule.  

We all have our favorite color.  In many cases, we’ll most likely try to surround ourselves with as much of this particular pigmentation as possible including within our home décor, clothing and even the car we choose to drive.  We even tend to select flowers in the shade we prefer often possessing a love for a particular variety based on our favorite color.  I know it sounds strange but next time you visit your local florist, pay attention to what you’re buying and I bet you’ll see I’m right!  Due to this phenomenon, wouldn’t it be helpful to have a list of blooms that fit into your individual spectrum making it easier for future floral purchases?  Since many professionals are doing just this within their shops, why now browse beforehand to ensure your next experience will be a successful one!  

Photo credit via Jeff Leatham

What to look for if your favorite color is RED.

1. Red Gerbera Daisies- These happy flowers are available almost anywhere and will likely survive for at least one week if purchased by a reputable florist.  Their heads are usually large in size and resemble a daisy having similar shaped petals.  
2. Red Roses- You might think that red roses are boring but the truth is, they still remain the most popular species in the world. A true classic in the flower world, red roses now grow in a multitude of different shades such as a lighter orange/red to deep crimson.  Talk to your designer about what tint you want and I am confident they can point you in the right direction.
3. Red Amaryllis- Typically associated with the Yuletide season, red amaryllis can either be purchased as a cut stem or as a bulb, which you can plant outside in the spring.  The flowering head is formed like a bell and has yellow seeded pollen prongs located in the center.  If you have no patience for quick blooming blossoms, then you’ll love the amaryllis because it’s known for its longevity. 
4. Red Poppies- Now these are some of my favorites both inside and outside of the garden and have a special place in my yard each and every year.  This sexy variety is often associated with romance and passion, probably due to the beautiful silkiness of its petals as well as its funky curving of the stem.  If you’re growing them outside, be sure to sprinkle the seeds inside the pods at the end of the season so they’ll return to you again next year!
5. Red Anthurium- This tropical stunner is another long living specimen, which is predominantly imported from warmer climates such as Africa and Singapore.  The beauty of this flower is in its waxy surface as well as its heart-shaped structure, which makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day or as a plant in your home.

It’s typical this time of year in New England to see several houses for sale in your neighborhood.  During the months of June, July and August, this real estate market is in full swing, selling more homes than any other time of year.  It’s no mystery why since we’re more than likely to be covered in snow during the winter, which is not a great sales pitch for future buyers.  So if you are getting ready to buy a house in the Boston area, besides paying close attention to the condition of the roof and plumbing, make sure to inspect the grounds including lawn care, landscaping and most importantly – THE GARDEN!  

You might think this is a small improvement you’ll have to make down the road, an issue that needs very little concern but I assure you it will save you time and money to investigate beforehand.  Renovating garden beds is a bigger job than you suspect and will absolutely affect the value of your property down the road.  I know… I know… you’d rather replace old furniture with new or perhaps blast out an outdated bathroom before getting your hands dirty in the backyard but the truth is-it’s the perfect place to start.  With a few tips on how to get going, you can whip up your surrounding outdoor area with little headache or worry.  Not a green thumb?  No sweat!  Follow these suggestions closely and you’ll be on your way to having an ideal spring and summer season both in and out of your new home.

Tips for New Homeowners Concerning Gardens, Lawn Care and Landscape:

1. Take a look around and notice if there are a density of pine trees hovering over your lawn.  If there are, it’s likely that you’ll have trouble keeping a nice green patch growing and will need professional care down the road.  The reason is because the needles will drop, affecting the growth of healthy blades beneath so you might want to consider mulch or another attractive ground covering.  

1. Landscaping is a tricky area of renovation because it relies a lot on the past owners taste and whether it is congruent to your own.  If they preferred large shrubs as opposed to flowering bushes like hydrangea, this might be an area where you’re going to have to invest some money.  Also watch out for large rocks that might be difficult to remove if you’re interested in another layout for your yard.  There are companies who will come out to lift and take them away but they are costly.

3.  Now for the area of grand discussion….THE GARDENS.  You’re in good shape if the previous gardeners liked their perennials because lucky for you-they come back every year bigger and better than before.  In this case, you’ll have to do an occasional weeding but for the most part, the hard work has been done for you.  If you’re working with a blank slate, that’s also fortunate since you can design the area with anything you like.  It’s your yard now, so go for it!  If the new property has old framework like rotting raised beds or other accessories you don’t want, get someone who can help you lug the stuff away and start fresh.  Try to salvage anything that might be reused, though because again, this can get costly.  

I don’t know what it is about poppies but they have always remained one of my favorite bloomers from my gardens ever since I was a child.  I supposed we all become a bit enchanted with them after our first viewing of “The Wizard of Oz” but for some reason, this variety stayed long with me after Dorothy returned to Kansas.  The beauty of color and shape coupled with its dramatic personality in any arrangement or centerpiece makes me a loyal fan of this New England perennial.  

Even though the poppy is a short lived blossom during the early spring months of the calendar, I assure you the investment of including a specimen within your collection is well worth the price.  For starters, no matter what you have growing nearby, onlookers attention will consistently be brought to this particular species due to its silky petals contrasting with the poppy’s typical dark center.  Even before the variety opens, you’ll notice the cool casing that protects the head before its ready to appear which is edged with a funky green moss.  I honestly take just as much pride showcasing the bud since it creates an interesting texture compared to other flowers.  

Once the poppy blooms and is ready to return for hibernation, the petals fall off leaving and even better presentation behind called “hens and chickens”.  These flowers are almost always light green in shade and hard on the outer shell.  Sometimes they have nodules surrounding the base but almost always there is a circular pattern much like a star at the top.  You can either leave them be in the garden or take them inside to be used in a cut flower arrangement.  Just remember before the fall arrives to break open the pod and spread the seeds around for a fresh new crop next season!

Fun Facts About Poppies

1. Poppies are so important to Canada that they are put on the backs of currency.

1. Poppies are associated with World War I as a symbol of remembrance and          bloodshed.  

1. Opium is a derivative of the flower, which can cause hallucinations.

Tis’ the season for graduations in Boston and we couldn’t be prouder of all seniors who are moving up and out into the world!  Whether you’re becoming a high school or college grad, there’s bound to be tons of celebrations surrounding your accomplishments in the academic world.  No doubt, family and friends will be gathered to witness the big moment when your name is called and you receive the diploma that will guide you towards the next chapters of your lives!  With all the festivities soon arriving, parties will be in full swing hosting yummy buffet dishes, live entertainment and hopefully a stunning presentation of floral décor.  Haven’t gotten that far yet in your planning yet?  No problem!  Here’s a great list of options and ideas to get the graduation motif wheels turning!  Pay close attention to the difference in styles recommended per age gap as well, since florists have already designed a unique set of creative floral menus specific for each.

School Graduates

High School graduates need a little something different compared to college students because they are just taking their first big leap of living on their own at a college or university.  For this segment, try either incorporating their new school’s mascot colors in flowers placed in bud vases or arrange quick and easy blooms such as wildflowers or garden perennials.  Daisies are one of the most popular species as well as gerberas, zinnias’ and sunflowers to be used for high school graduation parties and bouquets.  Cute accessories like adding a key to a mason job also sends the perfect message for them to go out into the world and find the key to their own success!

If you like to garden, you already know there are several different types to grow, which are made to match our individual style and taste.  Based on your needs, preferences and land availability, there are a variety of selections to fill a space with vegetables/flowers, perennials, annuals, succulents, cacti or possibly a Zen garden.  If you’re a fan of putting fresh flowers in your home, you may even consider planting a “cutting garden” to suit your hobby!  I have been building this type of blooming patch for years and can tell you first hand there’s nothing like growing your own flowers for personal centerpiece arrangements.

So what exactly is a “cutting garden”?  A “cutting garden” is a flowerbed that contains specific species that transfer well from soil to water.  They can be left to grow in the earth or cut to provide the owner with their beauty inside the home. Another property that allows a bloom to become a strong candidate for this type of garden is if the flower grows quickly since you’ll want to plant varieties that can replenish themselves instead of dying out.  A cutting garden isn’t very pretty when it becomes a graveyard of sliced foliage and stems so we need to make sure the plant has a decent rejuvenation system.  

What kinds of flowers do the best in cutting gardens?  The good news is, you have a ton of options available so if you only want pink and blue flowers or wildflowers or blooms with large heads, it’s safe to say you’ll find them.  You can map out your plot anyway you’d like to but there are proven winners you should keep in mind if you’re new to this whole idea.  Fantastic examples suitable for the summer include sunflowers, october weed, delphinium, zinnias, gladiolas, ageratum, sweet pea, alliums, peonies, bachelor buttons, butterfly bush, hollyhocks, lupine, salvia, liatris, black-eyed susans and nasturtiums.  For an earlier spring garden, my advice would be to plant tulips, lily of the valley, hyacinth and fritillaries.  

Happy Gardening!

Yes, kids…. It’s PROM SEASON!  I know so many of you are getting ready to slip on that beautiful sequin dress and snazzy tuxedo to enjoy a night on the town with that special someone.  Prom is a sacred right of passage for high school seniors, an evening that will live on in your memories for decades to come.  Some of us daydream about our experiences decades afterwards, believing it was one of the biggest highlights of our youth.  I know it was one of mine…

There will be photos galore to help capture this exciting time so you’ll want to look your best and plan on every detail to the “T”.

PROM CHECKLIST

1. Gown … check.
2. Tux... check.
3. Shoes… check.
4. Hairstyle… check.
5. Jewelry…. check.
6. Handbag…check.
7. Limousine…check.  
8. Makeup… check.
9. Dinner Reservations… check.
10. Flowers….  Flowers?

So I noticed we hit a snag in our planning and may have forgot to order the corsage and boutonnière from our local florists?  Well, this is just catastrophic!  Who ever heard of not pinning a flower to the lapel of your handsome date or slipping on a stunning wristlet on the girl of your dreams?  It’s just not how things are done, people so let’s make sure step #10 is covered.  

In general, the blooms are bought according to the color palette the pair will be wearing but it doesn’t have to be this way for everyone.  Maybe she likes orchids or her favorite flower is a rose?  Select a variety that will go well with HER instead of panicking over the tint of fabric her dress is made out of.  For HIM, choose something that isn’t going to be too bulky because he’ll lose or damage the head for sure once the dancing gets started.  Think small roses, mini gerberas, mini callas or ranunculus as options and ask your florist what they advise will work well for the both of you.

Have a ball… BE SAFE and Enjoy Your Special Prom Evening!

There’s a lot to love about summer.  The warm weather, beaches, swimming in the ocean and eating out on the back deck may be what comes to mind for you, when thinking about the arrival of the new season.  For me, it’s the time when I can enjoy the fruits of my gardening labors as last year’s blooms resurface once again.  It’s an exciting experience to watch the return of beautiful plants and flowers replenish my raised beds, almost always promising to grow bigger and stronger than the year before.  Since New England encountered a winter of heavy snow, which kept the ground moist during the chillier months, it’s a pretty good sign this summer’s offering will be impressive.  So what are my most favorite perennials I’m most anticipating within May and June?  Here are my top picks and information on how to grow them.

Oriental poppies are one of those species that looks impressive no matter where you plant them.  They arrive early in late April when the feathery foliage begins to unfurl and the stem begins to sprout.  You’re going to have to wait for the temps to warm a bit before you see the silky petals make an appearance but when they do, it’s sure to be quite an inspiring presentation.

Hollyhocks are also one of those varieties I can’t get enough of, and even though I’ve planted more than a few, I can’t help adding additions each and every year.  The puffy blooms are stunning in mixed beds and fun to watch spike to heights sometimes towering over five feet tall!  Hollyhocks love nutritious soil and full sunlight, so be sure to plant them in open areas and remember to feed them occasionally.