Exotic Flowers in Boston

Have you ever woken up from a strange dream and wondered, “What the heck was that all about?”  Do you dream about climbing the tallest mountain, being diagnosed with a fatal disease or find out that you’re pregnant while fast asleep?  Maybe you dabble in the erotic side of REM relaxation and wake up with a whole story wrapped up in romance just for you?  We’ve all let our imaginations go while safely tucked beneath our covers and often contemplate what the meaning of each voyage means.  There are books upon books describing the different possibilities, which may define our unconscious interpretation of reality versus fantasy.  Personally, I’ve had countless dreams over the years that have left me dumbfounded and even concerned by the ones curetted during the more stressful times in life.

One re-occuring episode I experienced over and over again was dreams about flowers while working in the wholesale floral industry.   It was commonly practiced that I’d imagine bunches of roses and freesia rambling around in my mind, which I guess is normal for people who work with flowers, isn’t it?

Apparently not…

It turns out that those who have images of blossoms swimming around in their heads are dreaming about plants for a particular reason.  If the flowers you’re dreaming about are colorful, it means that you are full of kindness and compassion or you have just completed an act in the same spirit.  This can also mean that you are about to come into a financial gain and it might be wise to close that business deal you’ve been keeping on the fence or splurge on a raffle ticket.  Another meaning can signify perfection and spirituality, which often translates into the person’s actual personality.  In general, a colorful bouquet is a dream you want to hold onto because it can only mean good things are ahead.

If it’s a singular flower on the other hand…

photo via McQueens Flower, London, UK

Flowers that are dreamt about of a particular species can translate into deeper inferences, both good and unfortunately bad.  Take the sunflower for instance which can stand for wealth but also the idea of being wronged blindly by another person.  Bachelor Buttons are another interesting example since this blue stunner can signify a weakness in a lover’s relationship that might need significant nurturing.  If you are not currently attached to someone and have this dream anyways, it can mean you are lonely and wanting to find companionship.  Keep your eyes peeled for a red rose because this is surely an omen that romance is on its way!

You might not believe this but there are actually flowers in existence, which make you smarter just by placing them nearby in your living space.  Whether they are growing in a garden or sitting in a bouquet upon your coffee table, particular floral species have the ability to spike human intelligence along with other essential vital components.  According to research, inherent properties such as smell, color and texture influence our brain’s activity in a positive way.  While each of these characteristics will have different results depending on the person, the inhalation of sweet scents, the visual of a striking color and the touch of softness on your fingertips all encourage higher neuro-wavelengths in the cranium.  

Other benefits from regular exposure to flowers can also determine mood changes, stress levels and the body’s ability to recover from injury.  I bet you don’t think about the impact you’re really having on someone when you send flowers to the hospital but the gesture truly is another form of medicine that you are gifting the patient.   Doctors routinely indicate that a present of fresh cut blossoms boost endorphins, which assist the ill with beneficial energy that is needed to heal.  Another area where we’ve seen an obvious favorable floral outcome is within a person’s mood transformation when exposed to certain flowers.  For those who need enhancers to correct issues of depression, anxiety or temperament, you might want to add a bunch of fresh daisies to their daily lifestyle to improve their outlook.  Yes- it really works!  70% percent of people who experience these symptoms admit a weekly stop at their local florist increases their mood and overall outlook.  

If these benefits sound alluring, you might want to check out this list of varieties that are said to work wonders for the brain.  Including intelligence, creativity, personality and bodily system regulation, these buds are top notch in helping you reach your full potential!

1. Celosia- The appearance of this flower says it all since it closely resembles the image of a human brain.  
2. Sweet Pea- This pretty spring bloomer, which gives off a pleasant aroma, will improve even the darkest mental state.
3. Gerbera Daisies- This flower has long been popular with most people due to it’s happy exterior of a round face surrounded by bright petals.

Georgia O’Keeffe was one of the most famous female painters of all time who found the beauty in almost every bloom she set her eyes upon.  Her extensive list of acclaimed artwork is showcased around the world and celebrated for the dramatic use of color she implements in every piece.  If you’re a fan like I am, you might remember her most popular claims to fame such as “Morning Glories”, “Calla Lily in Tall Grass”, “Petunia” and “Oriental Poppies”. Just by gazing at any one of these works of art, it is really quite easy to see why she is still celebrated for her plethora of talents pertaining to a paintbrush and easel.

Among the many aspects that make O’Keeffe still talked about today is her interesting fixation for the center of flowers.  If you look closely, the mid origin is almost always depicted in every portrait as a primary point, which if you look closely may resemble something familiar... Experts reveal that the Sun Prairie, Wyoming native had an interesting obsession for creating her own version of the bloom’s pistil or to some people, a vulva.

According to her husband, Alfred Stieglitz who was also the first to photograph her paintings, each floral image was an interpretive representation of the female reproductive organs.   The vulva is the most popular belief when viewing her pieces, especially one entitled, “Grey Line with Black Blue and Yellow" which is believed to be the center of a calla lily.  If you take a good look, you can see where the idea comes from but the truth is, that’s not what O’keefe had in mind at all.

According to the artist herself, she had no intention of manipulating blooms or any of her other subjects for that matter through the eyes of a “sexual nature”.  Her deep strokes and fine lines were simply the way she viewed these topics and had zero connection to female genitalia.  This news was disappointing to feminists who hoped O’Keeffe would jump onboard with their mission, using her paintings as symbolic references.  Today, there is still controversy over what exactly was going on inside the artist’s mind – I guess we’ll never know…

They say that scented candles, oysters, exercise and some pretty negligee are the only things you’ll need if you want to spark up your love life.  I don’t know about you but I’ve tried all of these ideas and still- I’m looking for more options to make the romance department even hotter than it was before.  Being married for several years, I bet I’m not alone when it comes to brainstorming for inspiration to help spice things up between you and your mate.  Realizing that everyone has different strokes for different folks, there are a wide variety of tactics one can implement to assist within these matters. You might even find that certain flowers are capable of putting the “pop” back into your relationship magic, according to industry experts.  

Now I’m not just preaching to the choir since I was a florist many years ago.  If you think about it, flowers possess several attributes, which affect essential “sex driven” aspects of our senses.  Smell, sight and touch can all be found within the characteristics of some of Mother Nature’s most impressive beauties, particularly within the rose and orchid families.  I’m sure you have experienced a seductive aroma that’s gotten your tail wagging so why is it so hard to believe that bloom can have the same effect?  Some of the most expensive perfumes in the world are made from flora and fauna, making the real deal even better.  As crazy as it may sound, there are actually scientists who experiment with this very hypothesis and have come to the conclusion that certain varieties of flowers will in fact heat things up in the bedroom if you know what I mean...

Curious what they are?  I thought you might be…

Passion Flower    

Garden Roses

Lavender

Orchids

       Lavender           Oncidium

It’s true, right?  Red roses are the number one flower given to women as a romantic gesture and have long held the symbolic meaning attached to love and passion.  For centuries, this variety has been “Queen Bee” in her realm against other species, trumping over white lilies, orchids and even daisies.  I bet more than once in your lifetime, you’ve received a dozen or more of roses, perhaps from a partner or better yet, an admirer?  Yes, long stem red roses continue to hold a strong demand in the floral business, becoming the number #1 imported product for holidays such as Valentine’s Day.  It’s impressive how these beauties have maintained their popularity over the years, even when new competitors appear in the market.  For some reason, they just never seem to hold a candle to this oldie but goodie… If you’re curious as to why this might be, the answer lies within the properties of the bloom-specifically its ability to affect several of the human body’s senses.  Pretty cool, don’t you think!

When it comes to your sniffer- the nose always knows… The scent of the red rose is one of the most powerful floral aromas, which enhances both mood and sex drive.  In some cultures, red roses are strewn around a honeymooner’s bed with tiny petals spread about in order to encourage a “healthy physical relationship” between the partners as well as an emotional one.  Typically, you’ll find that most varieties have a perfumed, sultry smell that is different from others which can have a sweeter scent that is another sign of erotica.

To touch a rose is like grazing your fingertips against a silky material and is often also compared to a velvet fabric.  The petals can be used multi-purposely by adding them into baths to create a luxurious bathing experience.  Once the blossoms release the oils contained within the petals, you’ll find the water is enhanced to contain these essential elements that in turn will soften the skin.

Red is the color of passion and roses represent this perfectly due to their rich shades that epitomize love, hearts and blood.  Red is another strong attribute when speaking of the senses because most people react to this shade faster over any other including blue, yellow and orange.   

If you are soon expecting a bouncing baby boy or girl, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed about what’s to come…  It is a time for joy but it can also be a little anxiety driven due to big changes soon to come.  For many women, they are well versed on how to take care of this situation during pregnancy and stock up well in advance with things that relieve their discomfort.  For some, lavender infused tea may due the trick and for others a soothing massage could be what gets the kinks out.  Comfort foods, soft clothing, long naps, a relaxing walk and fizzy bubble baths are just a few of the medicines many pregnant women utilize.  

photo credit via http://www.karenscottreflexology.com

If you are a lover of flowers, you might want to consider a simple aromatherapy tactic that doctors and florists swear by.  No, you don’t have to drink elixirs filled with petals or swallow an all-natural pill with remnants of roots or leaves to make you feel better.  The answer is simple when looking to implement blossoms to ease expecting mom’s irritability, soreness and other common maladies related to pregnancy.  It is a proven fact that by selecting certain varieties of flowers to be placed inside the home, you can alleviate a multitude of symptoms just by having them near you.  Based on color and scent, floral designers can actually create perfect arrangements that will help mom feel happier and healthier.  If you are a soon-to-be who is having a difficult time adjusting to Mother Nature’s calling, try these helpful plant ideas to help you find a source of restful peace.

Color

If you are looking to select flowers based on their color, you might want to pick up a bunch or purple iris or yellow daffodils.  Science says that purple and yellow are instant triggers to encourage tranquility and serenity.  While it is commonplace to give pregnant women bouquets of either pink or blue in relation to the baby’s sex, experts insist the other options available might be a better choice.  

Scent

This is a tricky area because many expecting moms suffer from over sensitivity when it comes to their sniffers.  Stay away from strong scented species such as roses and lilies and opt for a softer smelling variety like sweet pea or ranunculus.  The last thing you want to do is make her even more nauseous than she already is so be sure to ask your florist for suggestions.

If you’ve ever visited one of our many impressive hospitals here in Boston, you may have noticed several have an area of the building, which facilitates an aura beyond what we traditionally recognize as “medicine”.   Healing gardens have become a popular asset to health care facilities around the country promoting the idea that green spaces can positively affect the outcome of a patient’s condition.  Typically located on rooftops of buildings, these areas often nourish lush plant life and flowers, offering visitors a chance to heal the body to relieve physical ailments.  These needs can be fostered through the spiritual, social, behavioral and psychological facets of an individual and have been known to be quite successful in boosting the overall positive energy in visitors.  

Mass General Hospital Healing Garden - photo via C7A

Interestingly enough, health agents have gone beyond simply setting up pretty gardens to gaze upon and instead have come up with an entirely new division of alternative therapy, which surrounds itself around the importance of growing.  As defined by the American Horticulture Therapy Association, “Horticulture Therapy is the engagement of a person in gardening and plant-based activities, facilitated by a trained therapist, to achieve specific therapeutic goals.”  This practice may be experienced in a “sensory garden”, an alternative type of plant system that is designed to specifically affect the senses of taste, touch, sound, sight and smell.  Often, water features such as small waterfalls or running riverbeds are added amongst plants specifically chosen for their texture and aroma.  

The Stoneman Healing Garden photo via crja.com

Luckily, Boston is loaded with healing gardens that have been of great assistance to hospital patients for some time now.  Facilities such as the Dana Farber, Mass General Hospital  and the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden in Harvard, Massachusetts are some of the most stunning examples we cherish in our city.  

In this time, many of us are seeking signs of peace and tranquility due to the tumultuous conditions we view our world is in today.  Everyday life has seemed to also become far more stressful and hectic compared to only two decades ago, causing painful anxiety for millions of people.  Technology, inflation, over population and depleting environmental concerns are just a few of the reasons why we struggle to maintain a harmonious balance with others and ourselves.  For some, exercise is their chosen therapy and for others; perhaps meditation or sleep is what works to keep them above the surface of the water.  Whatever means you implement, it is a proven fact that these activities are beneficial for our mental being and is detrimental in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

One facet that is becoming more and more popular as we continue to seek our own Zen avenue, is the accumulation of specific species of plants that are known to effervesce the spirit of “peace”. From around the earth, different ethnicities, cultures and religions have collected these plants for centuries claiming they possess some sort of healing property to induce the feeling of relaxation. It isn’t unheard of to infuse teas with lavender petals or rose hips to encourage a particular sensation so why is it far fetched that just viewing a blossom can also change our mental state?  According to experts, if you place one of these blooms in front of you for at least a half hour to an hour a day, you can actually stimulate positive hormones throughout the human body.  Ideal placement would be on a dining room table, bedroom or a sitting area of the home that you spend a significant time within.  Check out these interesting varieties of flowers and see if you might enjoy the benefits of ocular floral hypnotherapy.

• White Poppies
• Lavender
• Apple Blossoms
• Olive Branches
• Cat Tails

As you might suspect, most florists fulfill orders by sending mixed bouquets and other carefully arranged floral pieces, which have been designed to present a professional appeal.  For the most part, this used to be the preferred way of doing things where artistically constructed flowers were sold in vases as a finished product and ready for presentation as soon as they’re delivered.  Traditionally, this is the way the retail aspect of the industry has operated for centuries although recently, Bostonians have been making a request that is leading florists towards unchartered waters.  Interestingly enough, clientele are asking to arrange their own varieties of bouquets, nosegays and other blooming treats instead of designers doing it for them.  Where most flower shops have always done the mass creating single handedly, more and more people are begging to give floral styling a try for themselves.

While designing your own flowers has made the supermarkets the floral powerhouse they are. Why would you ever gift someone flowers that need assembly. It's like buying the ingredients to a great meal and asking them to cook it themselves.

Of course, if you are gifting yourself and who doesn;t like to treat themselves. Flowers are the perfect treat and arranging them gets your creativity going. 

We recommned tulips, roses, hydangeas, sunflowers, hyacinth, peonies and gerbera daisies as easy to work with while your beautifying your space. 

When you visit your flower shop to pick up a fresh bouquet of blooms, you may have a difficult time making your selection with so many varieties to choose from.  Maybe you’re a rose lover or perhaps delphinium is what catches your eye but whatever your favorites are, you might want to keep in mind the color.  The shade of a bloom can affect your mood in more ways than one and can actually elevate or decrease your present state of mind.  Sound like a bunch of bologna to you?  It is a proven fact that colors are capable of creating emotions just by having visual contact so why wouldn’t this apply to flowers, too?  Here’s a general chart and some suggested options to match the right flower to you!

Red

Red signifies passion, love and heat but it can also trigger emotions of anger and combativeness.  If you’re planning a hot date with your significant other, than load up on red roses.  If on the other hand, you’re having a rough week, you might want to switch to gerbera daisies that will soften your mood and deflate your temper.

Orange

Orange can bring about a playfulness in others as well as adventure and fascination.  This is the perfect tint for flower selection when you are going on an exciting vacation or preparing for a large event.  Cosmos and orange Stars of Bethlehem are excellent examples to use.

photo credit via aboutflowers.com

Yellow

Yellow is typically associated with cheerfulness but it’s also been known to aid in the healing process.  If you know someone who is just getting out of the hospital, a vase of yellow sunflowers or daffodils is a sure fire medicine to cheer them up!

Green

Green is a stimulating color, a color that often represents renewal and rebirth.  In the spring, we see many green flowers such as bells of Ireland, tulips and hellebores, which are fantastic considering the theme during this season.  Green can also encourage financial developments so you might want to grab a nice bunch of Green Goddess callas if you’re about to close a business deal!

Blue

Blue is a soothing hue that’s wonderful if you are feeling anxious or upset over a recent difficulty in life.  Suggested species might be hyacinth, bachelor buttons and delphinium to brighten your spirits!

Purple

Purple denotes an imperial influence divined from royalty and opulence but can also mean wisdom and intelligence.  If you’re studying for a big test, buy a phaelenopsis stem or perhaps alliums and sweet pea to stimulate your brain!