Exotic Flowers in Boston

Roses have the ultimate power to capture your attention and love, right? Just watching the lush and colorful roses in flowers is pretty ideal however you should know that it takes more than just planting to have them. In case if you have fallen for the love of roses and want to be rose gardener or just want to try planting a few rose bushes, then selecting roses for your garden is quite important. A rose garden will not only give you an admirable scenario but you can even send roses to your friends and relatives or you can use them in bouquets.

No matter what you use for, here is a simple guide that can give you a clever idea of how to select right rose for your garden.

So, lost in the utter confusion of which roses to plant? Well prior you start searching and begin selecting the roses for your lovely garden you need to comprehend what it takes to have a good selection process. Your wants and likes are not the only determinants to the type of rose that you can plant. The prior thing you need to consider is the climate of the area where you reside and the place where you plan to set up your garden.

There are numerous sort of roses that really find difficult to grow in colder climates. That doesn’t mean that harsh hot climates are perfect for them. To rejuvenate your place with beautiful roses, you should be aware about their basic requirements, for instance, a rose plant requires at least six hours of continuous sunlight every day. A rose plant without sunlight might not bloom or won’t survive at all.  If you are sure that your climate is appropriate for growing roses, you can begin selecting roses for your garden.

Still stuck with the same question, which roses to pick for your garden? To come down to a right answer you need to ask yourself few questions. Like –

• What sort of flowers do you prefer?
• Do you love fragrant roses or you love lush of blooms more?
• What you want to see roses with long stems or roses that grow in clumps?
• What colors do you prefer?
• Do you want your roses to bloom once a year or more often, if possible?

While selecting roses for your garden you should be aware about different sorts of roses you can consider. Hybrid teas are known types of roses as they are pretty similar to the long stemmed roses we all adore. These roses are seen in a stem and the stem reaches around 5 feet in height. Another essential type to consider for your garden is Grandiflora rose which grows in clusters and can reach up to six feet. Florbundas, on the other hand, are shorter as they grow to up to only about three feet but they also grow in clusters.

Again note down that when you select roses for your garden, considering the climate should be your priority. Along with that it is even important to pick your bushes from known and quality nurseries. Moreover if you are looking for better quality you can even order them online. Please do not be uncertain in spending a few more dollars just to get better bushes. They will be worth the amount you pay for. In the event you pick up bushes that are of low quality, then you will pay for rose bushes that won’t grow healthy or beautifully. It always pays to learn more about the best rose types you can grow in your area and also about the best ways to care for them. Moreover, at the end you will be getting flowers that are worth the extra effort.

I think we all agree that gifts made from the heart are the best gifts to receive, especially when they come from our children.  There’s something about unwrapping a present handed to you by your child and watching their little faces light up with pride that makes this type of gesture the most meaningful.  So it’s up to us to encourage crafting for children and to teach the value of this sentiment instead of spending money to show others how we feel.  With Mother’s Day soon approaching, we have the perfect opportunity to open up the window for this type of creativity!  Books and online websites have loads of ideas for both kids and parents to start using their imagination, particularly with crafts thematic after flowers, which are wonderful for the holiday.  Here are a few of my favorites that I’ve found and hope to pass along to your children to make this Mother’s Day!  

photo credit: kansascity.com

Paper Flower Pinwheels

These are so sweet and easy to make by just folding the corners of a piece of colored paper and securing the center front and back with plastic beads.  Have the kids go one step above and write all the things they love most about mom on the petals to let her know how much she really means to them!

photo credit: crafthubs.com

Paper Flower Necklaces

Who needs gold and diamonds when you can make this adorable paper flower necklace?  Cut out desired blossom shapes and glue to a string or paper loop and let mom show off her flashy new bauble!  Felt is also an optional material.

photo credit: funhandprintartblog.com

Painted Handprint Flower Bouquet

It doesn’t get much cuter than this when your child gifts you with their tiny handprints to form a bouquet.  Not only will she love hanging this piece of artwork on the wall but she’ll also be able to remember the days of her children’s early childhood for years to come.

photo credit: goodshomedesign.com

Clothespin Pot

Grab some old clothespins and glue them around an old clay container to make this neat little flowerpot!  Cut out small hearts and clip them to the sides, afterwards adding a little plant to finish the effect!  Mom will love the creativity and the purposeful usefulness, too.  

I really love flowers.

So much so that it’s hard not to want fresh arrangements in every room of my home every day of the year but the problem is, this addiction can sometimes get pricey.   It’s true there are hundreds of affordable options available to people like me that won't break the bank such as spring tulips and bulbs of narcissus that seem to be sold everywhere but what if I’m looking for more?  There’s nothing like looking at a mixed bouquet or a mound of wild flowers to brighten up a dreary day so how can we incorporate blooms into our everyday life without going flat broke?  You’ll be pleased to know that after careful research and years of experimentation, I’ve come up with a set of tips that can lift you out of the flower drought while still staying on budget.  By referring to these guidelines, not only will you be able to enjoy this delightful vice without spending exorbitant amounts of cash but you’ll learn a thing or two about designing on your own!  It’s fun, fast and as easy as 1-2-3, plus your aura and home will glow from the presence of having frequently displayed flowers.

Tips for the Addicted Flower Lover

1.  Tulips sometimes get a bad wrap from flower snobs who consider them to be beneath other exotic varieties but in reality, they are truly stunning when bunched together in a mass and dropped into an attractive container.  

Species such as French Tulips or Parrot Tulips are drop dead gorgeous and are cultivated in a broad spectrum of color leaving the possibilities endless.   They’re also relatively inexpensive if you're attracted to some of the plainer breeds which still have a lifespan of at least a week if not longer.  Dutch tulips are ranked number one in the industry making their lifespan a few days longer than other competitors.  One thing to keep in mind is to make sure that you cut tulip stems a little shorter than desired because they actually stretch in height as they soak up water.

2.  If you have a garden, pull out the clippers and snag a few of the early spring arrivals that might be starting to pop up in your yard.  Plants and flowers such as forsythia, grape hyacinth and daffodils make perfect kitchen and bathroom arrangements and come in cheery tones of bright yellow or lavender/purple.  They won't cost you a thing plus you know that they’ll last being brought straight in from the garden.  I wouldn’t wait too long though since these flowers despise the heat and only last during the cool and wet days of early spring.

3.  Did you know that you can grow flowers from seed all throughout the year?  That’s right!  All you need is a warm and sunny window to harvest your very favorite blooms and it won't matter a bit if there’s still snow on the ground.  Put away some packets from your summer stash and start growing your own whenever you feel like it!  

Mother’s Day is less than two weeks away and florists are preparing fast to amaze their customers with gorgeous bouquetsworthy for mom.  Right about now, new seasonal varieties are being packed and shipped into Boston by the thousands with the hopes that this year’s holiday will be a hit with lush and fragrant flowers.  Whether you are drawn to purple lilac that reflects an English flare or a more exotic appeal of tropical branches and orchids, designers are whipping up an incredible assortment of stunning arrangements.  Don’t wait too long, because Mother’s Day is on May 8th, so you’ll want to get your orders in ASAP to ensure availability and delivery confirmation.  It’s also wise to do your homework previous to picking up the phone and dialing your florist.   One option is to visit the websites of renowned and celebrated local businesses to get a good sense of market prices and product alternatives.  Decide what style and color you wish to purchase and reserve your floral extravaganzas today!

Top 2016 Mother’s day Arrangements

Viburnum is a big hit during this holiday because the season is right and the flower head’s flattering green snowball appearance is hard not love!  You can buy this variety as a mixed bouquet when pared with roses, hydrangea and other yummy spring flowers or simply clump a mass of stems together for this eye-popping effect!

You can’t go wrong with a pretty assortment of mom’s favorites and lucky for us, there’s an incredible palette of color to choose from!  Yellow, pink, green, orange and fuchsia mixes are extremely popular but soft blush tones are also often requested. Show stopping varieties such as peonies, lilac and ranunculus are so beautiful together- how can you go wrong?

While I’m a big fan of garden blooms, I also really enjoy the power of tropical blooms and the presentation they make in my home.  Phaelenopsis orchids are one of my favorites and they come in a spectrum of white all the way to bright pink.  If you really want to knock mom off her feet this year, ask your florists about plant and cut stem options for these beauties.  They’ll be a bit pricier than other cut flower arrangements but the reaction you get will be worth every penny when you give them to her!

When we receive a beautiful arrangement, the vase is usually filled with more than just pretty blooms tossed in an array of color.   For many florists, the display is not complete without finishing it off with a few flecks of greenery such as leather leaf, lemon leaf, ruscus, palms, ivy or tropical foliage in order to fill in holes and create a bountiful presentation. Typically found in New England flower shops, these greens are imported from all around the world and even from some parts of the United States, particularly California where the weather is more formidable for this type of growing.  The sunshine state is a major exporter for this product because there is no need for the crops to be cultivated within expensive greenhouses as well as the fact that many species are a natural part of the west coast landscape.

During a recent trip to Los Angeles, I was off on a morning run and was stunned by the eclectic assortment of greenery popping up from everywhere around me.  Not only did I find clumps of plants such as variegated pit (an expensive floral foliage in Massachusetts) seen in front and back yards but I also spotted them growing wildly in unlikely areas.  I was honestly impressed by the horticulture in the area and the fact that California foliage is so wonderfully different from what we commonly see here.  Below are a few of my favorite species I snapped photos of during my trip which gave me a new appreciation of Los Angeles’ dynamic foliage development.

It’s April here in New England and if you’re into gardening, you’re probably itching to get outside and dig in the dirt like me.  We just can’t wait to begin tilling the soil, planting delicious veggies and designing beautiful beds of flowers everywhere but here’s the problem…  This is Massachusetts.  The sad fact is that it’s still a bit chilly at night and the weather is still fluctuating between winter weariness and summer’s delight.  That’s why we call this time on the calendar “spring” because unfortunately, the days are unpredictable making gardening a bit tricky.  I know the idea of waiting for another month to plant might sound agonizing but putting anything in the earth before Mother Nature gives her “okay” will only lead to expensive trips to the nursery when you have to redo your harvest.  It’s just not worth it but that’s not to say that we can’t accomplish other preparations before then!  

So what are a few of the tasks we can get started on?  There’s plenty!  Here’s a list to keep you well occupied in your backyards until May arrives and remember - a happy gardener is a busy gardener!

April To-Do Gardening List

1. Re-seeding your lawns when the weather hits 60 degrees is a great way to get things rolling in a “greener” direction.  Patch up spots of space that may have been affected by the harsh cold temperatures and fill in places where the grass seems to have become thin.

1. Load up on your favorite seeds like peas, lettuce and zucchini!  Just because you can’t put them in the ground right away doesn’t mean you can’t look at the pretty packages and dream until then.  Stores such as Ocean City Job Lot often run sales at this time so take advantage!

1. Take a trip to Home Depot and gather supplies to correct or insert new raised beds and trellises.  This is an excellent time to get this done because pretty soon you’ll want to fill them up with crops.  Adding soil is another chore you won’t want to wait too for either since hauling heavy bags when the warmth finally arrives might get a little sticky...

1. Drag out the lawn furniture and set up shop for the season!  Hold back on patio umbrellas that might snap with unruly lingering weather but take your tables and chairs out of storage in case there’s a night when you prefer to dine alfresco!

1. The rule is that you have to wait to plant seeds until late spring/ early summer but there are actually some varieties that can take the chill and survive an April sowing.  Peas, herbs and some lettuce species are hearty and will also give you something to take care of outside until the rest of your seeds are ready!

How many of you out there have a special birthday coming up?  I know I do and one of my favorite things to look forward to is a special birthday arrangement from my husband.  Sometimes it’s a vase of a single floral variety and sometimes it’s a select few stems of stunning orchids.  Either way, I know that they’ll always be spectacular with little tidbits of sweet spring blooms or exotic blossoms.

If you have a special someone’s birthday coming up and are unsure of how to order the perfect floral bouquet, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several tricks to assist you with your decision!  Sure, she’ll like what ever you buy her but wouldn’t you rather “wow” her by putting in a little extra effort in deciding which flowers are just right for her?  Florists will tell you that a pretty mix of fresh flowers is always the way to go and its not like this statement is entirely untrue.  All I’m saying is that if you put a little research into your ordering, you might be able to knock her socks off with maybe, the best birthday gift she’s ever received!  If you can achieve this-you might just be the most memorable gift-giver, which plays well on your side in the long run.  So take your time and sift through the many possibilities available to you from the flower world and make this year one she will never forget!

Try these guidelines to help you through the process when speaking with your florist:

1. What is her favorite color?

1. What is her favorite flower?  Even if the variety is not available during the specific time of year, your florist will probably be able to help you select something close in appearance.

1. What aromas appeal to her?  Maybe she prefers sweet as apposed to a musky scent, which you’ll be interested to know is not mutually exclusive to perfume predilection.  

1. Does she rely on things that last or live in the moment?  This might seem like a silly question but it can heavily way on whether you choose a sturdy, long lasting gerbera daisy as apposed to a unique yet fleeting species such as chocolate cosmos which has a shorter life span (If you ask me, I always go for the chocolate cosmos).  

1. Does she prefer a big splash or is she modest within her taste?  If big is always more, hydrangea might be the right ticket but if she loves small and delicate pieces, go for the stunning ranunculus that are both miniature and breathtaking all on their own.  

photo credit via: twitter.com/BSmile

If you go to baseball games as much as I do, you will witness all types of ceremonies at the ballpark. Famous first pitches, tributes to heroes past and present and on occasion the host will incorporate flowers into the festivitives. Flowers at a baseball game goes back more than one hundred years. Author Glenn Stout tells us in Fenway 1912 that Fenway Park had planters filled with flowers to greet fans on the grand opening of Fenway Park.

The photo above shows Babe Ruth alongside a horseshoe of flowers. The floral arch was a symbol of luck and success. While these tributes are not quite as fashionable as before, they can still be made. One step better would be to have a florist design for the times. So many major league parks have an event every night before the first pitch, it's time to bring back flowers back to the diamond.

photo credit twitter.com/BSmile

Above Hall of Famer Phil Rizzuto makes his MLB debut in 1941 underneath a floral horseshoe. Once again flowers at the ballpark marking history and symbolizing luck. 

photo credit: via twitter.com/BSmile

Knowing the Babe's reputation as a playboy, I am not sure if he was gving or receiving this hand tied bouquet.

 AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye

Thankfully, across the Pacific, the Japanese still honor the game and each other by having managers exchange floral bouquets.

What do you get a girl who’s a huge baseball fan and not just any old baseball fan, a Red Sox baseball fan!  Sure you could go crazy buying hats, caps and other Fenway paraphernalia but why not use your noggin and think outside of the batting box for a change?  Get creative with your gift giving and send her something with a little class, and little grandeur!  How about giving her a floral arrangement inspired by the Boston Red Sox where the design reflects her inherent passion for the team? Not fall for the misconception that the bouquet will be confined to merely blue and red toned blossoms - there are hundreds of gorgeous combinations that are sure to knock her off her feet.  So as you begin planning to impress your die-hard Red Sox fan girlfriend/wife, check out these awesome creations whipped up by Bean Town’s most famous florists!

photo credit: lakenurseries.com.au

“Red Sox” Calla Lilies

Yes, really!  These calla lilies are actually named “Red Sox” and are the exact deep shade of red that is associated with the team’s uniform and emblem!  This variety is exquisite alone in a vase or can be easily paired with other softer hues of red to make a jewel tone presentation.  Another interesting fact about this species is that they are known for their longevity just as long as they’re stored somewhere cool and away from extensive heat.

photo credit: theplantexpert.com

“Festiva Maxima” Peonies

Here’s another great option for baseball lovers, which is called the “Festiva Maxima” peony that ironically looks a whole lot like a baseball!  The fine red flicks that mark the petals can be compared to the red stitching of a ball and the shear white color of the blooms themselves are spectacularly round and full.  You don’t need much more added to this stunner but if you must, only combine small stems, which will appropriately accent this peonies’ sophisticated appeal.  

Clear Vase Filled with Baseballs

Sometimes all you need is a little edge.  A tall, clear cylinder vase filled with traditional baseballs can make quite a hit for the person who loves this sport.  Fill with dried flowers of place a bubble bowl on top of the opening and arrange with whatever flowers you like the best.  Perhaps you’ve saved mementos from baseball games you’ve enjoyed together previously?  Here’s a terrific way to display them!  Not only is it a conversational piece, but she’ll be able to keep the contents for years to come!

If you’ve ever received flowers, it’s a pretty safe bet that you’ve noticed a particular icon printed on the sender’s card telling you that the arrangement came from an  FTD florist.  Since a thousands of all floral bouquets move through this communicative network, the picture of the little man with the winged feet is recognizable by many.  Comparable to other industry giants who typically use a bloom as their logo, FTD chose to relate their business environment to an entirely different type of symbol.  

Why is the emblem so unique from other competitors?  The answer is very clever…

Florist’s Transworld Delivery (FTD) decided to reach their client base by promoting their impressive service skill set not their product, which they felt was perfectly exemplified by their selected logo.  In fact, the man with the winged feet is known as the god, “Hermes” who was the messenger to Zeus.  His stories are often associated with speed and essential communication, a craft that left him one of the most infamous characters in Greek mythology.  He is also referred to as the Roman god, “Mercury” who traveled extensively, delivering important mail from one sender to another.  His ability to be swift with his chores became a resonant trait of the mythical idol and to this day is connected with the idea of dependability and trustworthiness.  He is also interestingly enough, tied to the occupation of “business”.

It makes sense, right?