Exotic Flowers in Boston

On Wednesday, July 12th: Arnold 'Sonny' Canale will have been the owner and operator of Lombardi Florist for 60 years. An amazing testament to talent, work ethic and care for clients. As we tell clients every day, he must be doing something right.

In 60 years - he's sold more than five million roses, one million carnations, more than one million deliveries, grown thousands of poinsettias and outdoor plants and has designed a million floral arrangements. He has operated five locations, supported dozens of charities and employed hundreds. Three Best of Boston awards, a World Series florist, a PGA Championship florist, FTD Top 1000, Top 500, Top 250, Top 100 and Top 10. Telelfora Top 50. Floral Management Marketer of the Year, RedBook Circle of Excellence. The numbers are not only staggering but humbling.

Stop by the shop on July 12 and say hi. We'll have treats and surprises.

609 American Legion Hwy, Roslindale, MA 02131

617-247-2000 

Portugal is a beautiful European country bordering Spain on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.  The republic is known for it’s fine wine and dining as well as a culture rich in music and art.  While this warm weather spot is a major tourist destination for visitors worldwide, Portugal’s true hidden gem lies beyond the white powdered beaches…

Due to a climate that benefits from warm temperatures and a wide range of desirable topography, vegetation is abundant across the area growing thousands of beautiful specimens year round.  One location, which is particularly successful within the horticulture industry is Madeira Natural Park that expands more than two thirds across Portugal.  Here you will find rare varieties of orchids as well as trees belonging to the Lauraceae family including laurel, bay and mahogany shrubs and moss.  Depending on which trail that you choose it is possible to explore several different zones where the flora and fauna changes accordingly.  Because the country is mixed between Mediterranean, Atlantic and European environment fluctuations, you never know what you may stumble upon making the adventure all the more worthwhile.

If you’re interested in the types of flowers that are most prevalent in Portugal, you’ll be happy to know there is no shortage of stunning blooms in this neck of the woods.  The number one species representing Portugal as the official flower is “Lavender”, which is also popular in the United States.  The multi-purpose blooms not only grace the tables in vases and bouquets but also serve as medicinal tools and additives within makeup, tea and balms.  The tropical characteristics this country possesses also allows a healthy growth of varieties found in rainforests such as birds of paradise, orchids, proteas and calla lilies.  If you’re a wild flower lover like I am, you’ll also be pleased to know that because of the variations in soils, Portugal can also reap bountiful crops of sunflowers, morning glories and magnolias.  Having such a large assortment to choose from, Portuguese florists are well versed in designing an eclectic menu for customers for all sorts of tastes and preferences.  

My favorite blooms in the whole world are tropical orchids.  The color, structure, florets, foliage and scent are all attributes, which keep this variety of flora and fauna one of the most sought after flowers in the nation.  Unlike other species, orchids have a sort of funky presentation that illuminate a magical and care free spirit.  Many believe that people with out going, creative and imaginative personalities are immediately drawn to them because of their own unique individuality.  Orchids are also available in a hundreds of different flavors and can cost anywhere from a few dollars to thousands depending on the breed.  Over the last three decades, orchid collecting has become a fashionable pastime for botanists all over the world, where additions of rare varieties are said to be valued in the hundreds of thousands.  I figure you have to really like orchids to be willing to spend so much but if you’re looking to start a compilation that starts a little cheaper, why not check out these affordable species sold in greenhouses near you!

Phalaenopsis

This variety is probably very familiar to people because it is sold everywhere including flower shops, nurseries and even grocery stores.  Phalaenopsis come in a wide variety of hues including white, pink and mixed.  If you have a sense of humor, you can even find them dyed in yellow, orange and blue.  Most of the time, you can find a pretty decent one for only $19.99 and you should be able to get at least four weeks of blooms out of it when watered properly.  

Mokara

If you don’t exactly have a green thumb, you might want to invest in the Mokara Orchid since it is easy to care for and forgiving enough that it can withstand a bit of neglect.  Available in cut or plant form; they are easily mixed with other flowers or stunning all by themselves in a vase.  This species also is grown in a spectrum of color such as orange, yellow, pink, purple and red which is majestic in presentation.   

Cymbidiums

Although cymbidiums can be a bit tricky to care for, they’re well worth the effort because these plants are stunning for any home or office to display.  Depending on the breed, cymbidiums can either be very inexpensive or very expensive.

I bet it’s not a total shocker when you hear the fact that New Englanders are the highest rated tourists to tropical islands during the months of December through February.  We’ve all been there when the eerie bleakness of the winter gets to us and we just have to find escape even if it’s just for a few days of fun in the sun.  New Englanders have a lot to battle during this season including expensive heating bills, early nighttime fall and debilitating light deprivation just to name a few… It’s a tough time of year for many of us and it’s only natural we’d seek refuge to someplace warmer.  If you’re thinking about jumping on the bandwagon, you might want to review this list which has the top five most visited tropical islands...by us!  Check out these beautiful destinations and see if one of them just might be the perfect place for your winter getaway!

The Maldives

These incredible low lying islands are home to crystal aqua marine waters, white sand and stunning coral reefs that beckon snorkelers by the thousands.  The huts are their signature calling card where visitors can sleep and fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean.

Bora Bora

This South Pacific Island has long been the fantasy for many travelers seeking warmth and exotic surroundings.  French owned, the colors of the beaches and water reflect an omnificent property and have become home to beautiful animals such as turtles and stingrays.  Many foodies also enjoy it here since Bora Bora has an A Class reputation for delicious cuisine.

Santorini

This one is definitely a place I want to visit because the water is a magnificent electric blue and the beaches are actually carpeted with red sand.  I enjoy learning about history as well making this a perfect match for me since Thira and Akrotiri are also located here to explore.  

Galapagos Islands

Another dream of mine is to experience the beauty of the Galapagos Islands because of the pristine beaches that lay on the islands coast and the wildlife which breeds on the land and water.  Funky species of birds and aquatic life flourish here and are fun to discover and you can even pretend you're Charles Darwin himself!

Palawan

These Philippine islands are a must visit if you’re looking for a wonderland like adventure this winter.  Not only is the ocean infused with breathtaking blues but it also possesses swirls of emerald green that excite photographers from around the world.  If you get bored hanging out on beaches too long, you’ll love that Palawan also is home to a very cool jungle where hiking is a favorite activity.

Passion Flower

Choose who will the wiser part,

I have held her heart to heart;

And have felt her heart-strings stirred,

And her soul's still singing heard

For one golden-haloed hour

Of Love's life the passion-flower.

So the world may roll or rest,

I have tasted of its best;

And shall laugh while I have breath

At thy dart and thee, O Death!

By Victor Daley

Photo credit Christie Brinkley via Instagram

I used to collect Passion Flower samples and hang them from the hooks all around my apartment because I was drawn to their bright purple and chartreuse colored blossoms and their delicate branches that wove tendrils throughout the plant.  The characteristics of its weird and wild head make all the more allure and quite a conversational piece as well.  Also referred to as “Passiflora Caerulea”, this flowering plant actually originates in North America, which is rare for warmer climate loving tropicals.  The deep hues and architectural attributes also make this beauty a highly desirable decorative feature for home décor designers as well as florists who specialize in cultivating orchids.  The affordability factor compared to other similar species is also an attractive element as is their year round accessibility for ordering from high end wholesalers.  

The symbolic relevance of the Passion Flower is almost entirely circumvented around religion, specifically Catholics and Christians.  Travelers settling in the United States from Spain first saw the plant as a sign of the Crucifixion.  Due to the flower's symmetric numerical values and interesting fringed petals and tendrils, onlookers believed that the design of the flower symbolized the ten apostles, crown of thorns and cross to which Jesus was nailed to.  It isn’t really clear whether a sighting of the Passion Flower was a good or a bad omen but the gravity of coming upon one during their travels usually led to a direct visit to church for prayer.  The passion flower also bears large orange and yellow fruits, which contains seeds colored blood red- yet another indication of the weighty religious significance.   

It’s not enough when a beautiful blossom is striking in appearance on its own but when it resembles something else such as a butterfly or flying dove, that’s pretty incredible!  Recently my aunt sent me some stunning pictures of flowers that really look like other people, animals and artifacts that inspired me to share them with you.  While studying the photos, I learned a few important things about visual identifying and the undeniable relevance of certain plantings to living beings.  Not only are they an impressive optical illusion, but these photos also impress the brilliance with which Mother Nature has created within her environment.   I love the “Dancing Girls.  Which are your favorites?

Monkey face orchid

photo credit via boredpanda.com

Dancing Girls Impatiens

 photo credit via strangewonderfulthings.com

Flying Duck Orchids

photo credit via earthporm.com

photo credit via earthporm.com

On Tuesday, July 12th: Arnold 'Sonny' Canale will have been the owner and operator of Lombardi Florist for 59 years. An amazing testament to talent, work ethic and care for clients. As we tell clients every day, he must be doing something right.

In 59 years - he's sold more than five million roses, one million carnations, more than one million deliveries, grown thousands of poinsettias and outdoor plants and has designed a million floral arrangements. He has operated five locations, supported dozens of charities and employed hundreds. Three Best of Boston awards, a World Series florist, a PGA Championship florist, FTD Top 1000, Top 500, Top 250, Top 100 and Top 10. Telelfora Top 50. Floral Management Marketer of the Year, RedBook Circle of Excellence. The numbers are not only staggering but humbling.

Did you know that flowers are considered one of the top ten luxury items bought in the United States?  We usually don’t consider a bouquet of roses to be expensive enough to be deemed “luxurious” but still, according to surveys, flowers continue to remain a popular purchase for dispensable income.  

Interesting isn’t it?

But what if I told you that there are real varieties of plant species that have been recorded as sold in the hundreds and even sometimes thousands?  There are virtually species in existence that are regarded as priceless specimens, which are heavily sought out after to be included in rare flower and orchid collections.  There is proof that on auction, a priceless plant can demand close to a million dollars from bidders. I don’t know about you but the most I think I’ve ever spent is a couple of hundred dollars on ranunculus, hydrangea and chocolate cosmos arrangements.  Never, have I come close to spending anywhere near to the price tags hanging from some of the world’s most expensive blooms.  Have you?

Saffron Crocus

Many of us have some sort of variety of crocus pop up from our gardens during the early spring but if you happen to posses this particular breed, we’re talking big bucks because the average price is around $1300.00 per pound for the nectar!  The precious herb, saffron, is derived from the pretty deep purple flower, which is why it is considered so valuable.  Since it takes several blooms to collect enough saffron to be ground properly, the flower heads are worth even more to owner.

The Juliet Rose

We all know that there are many different varieties of peach and pink roses but have you ever heard of a rose costing five million dollars to create?  Well, in this case, the Juliet Rose is one of a kind and has infamously been named as the most expensive rose in the entire world!  Now commercially cloned this rose was a pioneer in the wedding rose world.

photo credit: higherlearning.com

Rothschild’s Orchid

I’m an orchid lover, through and through but this species, which has a unique green and red striped head with long thin petals extending from the middle, supersedes my budget.  Each plant costs around $5000.00 per unit and sometimes even more depending on the seller.  Because of its beauty and rarity, the plant has come close several times to becoming extinct from thieves and hoarders who didn’t take care of them properly.  Now it grows sparingly in Malaysia.

I bet you didn’t know it but when you choose your favorite flower, you are really saying a lot about yourself!  Whether you fancy daisies or orchids, each variety reveals characteristics, traits and even personality types that are commonly associated with specific blooms.  It’s not science or anything but dating and employment sites are beginning to utilize this factor in order to make successful romantic matches and job placement decisions. The outcome has been quite beneficial urging us to ask the question, “What does my favorite flower say about me?”  I’ve got to admit, I had to find out if this new technique really did hold some truth behind it so this is what I found out…

Favorite Flower: Chocolate Cosmos

Color:  Brown to Burgundy- Rich Color Tone

Special Characteristic(s):  Smells Like Chocolate

Personality Type: Creative, Energetic, Ambitious, Seeks to be Different

photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Yup, I can definitely see the comparison!  

Now it’s your turn!  What does your favorite bloom reveal about you?

Favorite Flower:  Roses                                

Color: Red, Orange, Yellow, White, Pink       

Special Characteristic(s): Lovely Scent, Soft Petals      

Personality Type:  Sweet, Kind, Calm in Tricky Situations, Able to Stop and                                 Smell the Flowers Nonsense Attitude

photo credit: Flower Factor via Lisa Greene, floral designer

Favorite Flower: Sunflowers

Color: Yellow, Red, Brown, Orange

Special Characteristic(s): Popular Flower

Personality Type:  Stubborn, Showy, Social,  Intelligent, Hard Working

In a Wide Range of Crafts

photo credit: Flower Factor

Favorite Flower: Orchids 

Color: Green, White, Pink, Purple, Orange, Yellow, Burgundy

Special Characteristic(s):  Rare, Medicinal Uses 

Personality Type:  Likes to Stand Out, Exotic

Over the weekend, I was fortunate to visit an orchid show in Winchester, Massachusetts and boy was I blown away by the impressive presentation!  So much so that when I returned home, I began researching the exotic plants to learn further about their history and purposes beyond home décor.  I was amazed at what I found!  Not only are there millions upon millions of varieties in existence but orchids are actually used for medicinal purposes as well!  

Emperor Shen Nung was the official “Father of Medicine” who discovered the flower’s healing properties, which include everything from curing sore throats to potentially lessening some of the symptoms commonly experienced by cancer patients.  Holding most of powers within their root systems, tubers and stems, orchids continue to be studied by scientists and herbalists in order to get a better understanding of potential benefits that can be used by the medical industry.  

After surfing a few of the web’s top agricultural websites, I found many examples of the stunning bloom’s incredible attributes beyond their obvious rare beauty.  Take a peek at some of these spectacular species that could quite honestly be life changing for all of us!

Dendrobium

These beautiful plants are some of the most common and affordable in the orchid family.  Along with being used predominantly for making Hawaiian leis and funeral casket sprays, dendrobiums have also been known to assist cancer patients with alleviating radiation side affects such as strengthening the immune system and improving eyesight.  Like several of the species, it’s not the flowers that are used as the main ingredient for elixirs but the stems, which are dried and ground for making tea.  

Orchis Mascula

This is another “orchid wonder” and maybe the most utilized for creating medicine and vitamins in countries around the world.  Orchis Mascula was the plant of choice during the Ottoman Empire where beverages were derived to help cure digestive problems, diarrhea and even gum disease.  Today, the orchid is still used in areas of Saudia Arabia, Syria and Iran.

Calanthe Liukiuensis

This is another find for the medical world and has contributed to making major changes for those who experience hair loss and other low protein associated illnesses.  The orchid is also known to increase skin blood flow by drying and grinding the plant into flour when it can then be transformed into pill format or sold as an ingredient for cooking.