Exotic Flowers in Boston

The Water-Lily and the Moon

in the bosom of the silver waves

grew a single water lily

speckless and spotless

the colour of pure milk

a private bud, it lay unopened

till the night it blossomed

complete, open, a whorl of whiteness!

By

Vijayalakshmi Harish

Water Lilies have always been looked upon with adoration because they’re found in the midst of slow moving bodies of water instead of the soil and are stunning to behold in their orchid-like appearance.  The bloom grows in a unique manner by extending long roots to anchor onto deeper particles contained in their aquatic habitat.  The plant’s majestic submersion in places like ponds and lakes makes these beauties special in a magical sense, which coincides perfectly with the flower’s root word, “Nymphea” or otherwise referred to as “nymph”.  It is common to stumble upon the water lily in fairytales where they are often the home to sprites or possess potions of enchanted nectars.  You can also spot the spectacular imagery of water lilies in several of Claude Monet’s paintings where he featured them quite regularly.

Interestingly, there are three varieties of the species, which are pond lilies, water lilies and the lotus flower.  All vary in coloring where the pond lily is white and the water lily can be seen in shades of blush pink, yellow and even lavender.  The Lotus Lily has its own fascinating properties that include its ability to open and close during the evening.  The Egyptians recognized the extraordinary beauty of the blossom and honored it within art and architecture.  Bangladesh is also a huge fan since the country made the water lily its national flower.

The specific meaning of the forest flower mainly suggests a purity of essence.  Virgins are typically associated with the lily but so isn’t the emotion of “coldness” and “unattainable”.  On the opposite side of the spectrum, it also means “unity” and a continuation of the “cycle of life”.  Several religious cultures maintain the water lily as a sacred symbol for ceremonial rituals, specifically weddings and funerals.

If you are lucky to come across the flower on your walk through the woods, be careful not to pick the heads from the lily pads since they are an endangered species throughout most of America.  

I’m a summer girl at heart and although the heat isn’t a favorite for everyone, I have to admit it’s the time of year I look forward to the most.  A day of high eighties or even ninety is a welcomed atmosphere, causing the seedlings to burst open and vegetables to grow almost full size overnight.  But one thing that may not appreciate the scorching temperatures is the cut flowers sold by local Boston florists.  The overwhelming humidity can be just too much on the delicate petals, no matter how fresh they are or what air conditioned spot they’re going to be placed within.  Something as easy as transporting fragile blooms in warm weather can cause the heads to wilt and the foliage to shrivel up and die.  Just like the chilling temperatures we New Englanders experience during the wintertime, which can irritate floral presentation with issues surrounding freezing, the summer can be equally as tricky due to the opposite conditions.  

So does that mean we have to go without beautiful arrangements until the start of fall?  Heck no!  

phot credit: Lisa Greene via aboutflowers.com

You’ll be pleased to know that there are varieties in existence that can sustain severe increases in the thermometer readings.  By requesting these species from florists, we can continue to enjoy blooms all the way through July and August.  So what are these magical specimens that can fight the blaze of the sun?  Take a look below and see which one of these fabulous floral varieties appeals to you!

Sunflowers

This is the number one species that you should be looking for if your planning on throwing an outdoor party within the next few weeks because they’re a strong fighter against drooping and petal dropping.  Their stalks are extremely durable and for some reason and can withstand long durations outside with minimal water.  If you are expecting to use these as cut flowers in vases, make sure to change the water frequently if the containers are clear because it often gets murky pretty quickly due to the plant’s milky substance.  

photo credit: aboutflowers.com

Zinnias

Zinnias are an excellent option because they are available in a zillion different colors and can also live through long heat waves. They are particularly perfect for July weddings when made as boutonnières, flower girl baskets or even hair accessories for the bride or her bridesmaids.  They’ll add a pop of color and also hold their shape until long after the ceremony ends.

photo credit: aboutflowers.com

Celosia

This heather-like plant is a great additive to outdoor mixed arrangements because their feather appearance exhumes the essence of summer but also will maintain its erect stature no matter how hot the day becomes.  You might find it to be a little pricey but celosia is well worth the investment and promises to not let customers down.

Love is a Carnation

by Lori

Love is a carnation

So lovely, strong and rare

Brings so much bright temptation

To every look or stare…

photo credit: aboutflowers.com

In the flower world, the carnation can seem like an uninteresting specimen when compared to other contemporary species such as orchids but to the general public, they’re noted as being quite special for their meaning.  Although the floral industry now harvests millions of different varieties of flora and fauna for flower lovers to choose from, this traditional blossom still remains a popular option for many different reasons.  Grown especially in Nice, France and the Italian Riviera, carnations make up a whopping 15% of total floral imports into the US even though they seem outdated.  The reason for this phenomenon could be directly related to the traditional symbolism placed on the carnation and the special characteristics it’s believed to hold.  

What does the carnation mean to you?

Interestingly enough, the carnation can symbolize ideas of freedom as well as heartbreak and passion.  When used in the context of patriotism, the original context dates back to the “Carnation Revolution” that took place in Portugal in 1974.  The significance of the flower comes from the fact that because so few people were killed after the war ended, people placed carnations inside soldier’s rifles and laid them on the ground as carpets.  

When the carnation is being used to symbolize love, the shade of the flower will be red and might not necessarily mean happiness but instead, breakup or disconnection.  Passion is a strong attribute for the carnation but depending on what shade is displayed, the meaning can change altogether.   

Carnations are lastly tied to the mythological Gods, particularly Dianthus, which is the second name for the blossom.  Several art pieces depicting the gods often have carnations featured in the paintings because of this.  

There are many different industries that go into supporting a country’s economy.  Based on several factors including but not limited to location, culture, language, technology and transportation accessibility, each country varies with particular types of business that they are dependent on to keep the region’s finances flowing healthily.  For example, China and Norway are leaders in the highest exportation of fish, namely because of their convenient proximity to the ocean.   Without this resource, it is doubtable that they would have been able to become the experts in fisheries that they are today.  There are other reasons that are not situated around the geographic properties as well such as the chocolate phenomenon that is crucial to German commerce.  Funny, its not because they have the climate to host abundant cocoa orchards but instead the answer lies with the fact that Europeans were named the first official  “chocoholics” when the sweet treat was originally introduced.  The demand for chocolate alone was the only factor needed to surge an economic spike for spending, allowing Germany to invent top quality brand names such as the Stollwerck Chocolates Company.  

photo credit: florint.org

So if every country has at least one mega source of income, I had to ask the question, “Who are the leaders of the floral industry?”  With a little research, I found an interesting list of the top 5 places that depend on flowers to keep their economy circumventing.  Here’s what I found-are you surprised?

Top 5 Exporters of Flowers

1.   Netherlands

Tulips remain one of Holland’s most popular flowers for export although the world acclaimed Dutch auction is located right in the city of Aalsmeer, which is their real moneymaker.

2.  Colombia

Roses top the growing charts even though orchids and Birds of Paradise are also sought after for export.

3.  Ecuador 

photo credit: businessinsider.com

Ecuador is a competitor of Colombia because they also harvest millions and millions of roses that are known for their vibrant color and large heads.

4.  Ethiopia

Carnations are a great crop for Ethiopia to sell world wide because they are hearty and comfortable with the country’s naturally warm climate.  

5.  Kenya

Roses and general cut flowers are Kenya’s floral focus, representing around 35% of the Dutch trade in Holland.  Every year, this African country grows in demand for their beautiful product.  

Daisies are a very popular flower in American culture and have held their popularity over time even though some critics often refer to them as weeds.  The lovely wild flower is often seen growing in clumps within fields or easily planted in backyards as part of a planned landscape.  Daisies are also frequently requested by Boston brides to be either used as petals for the flower girl, worn as daisy crowns for bridesmaids, pinned as boutonnières for groomsmen or even arranged to make the wedding bouquet.  Although it’s no secret that more exotic options are available to gardeners and newlywed couples, these soft and subtle flowers still remain in fashionable demand.  What is the strong attraction to daisies?

photo credit: freebigpictures.com

Could the reason perhaps be because of the historical meaning behind the daisy?  

There are several different theories explaining the plausible reasons behind this phenomenon and why this bloom has held such a strong symbolic meaning.  Here are just a few of the largest representations daisies have been known for throughout time.

First and foremost, daisies are interpretive of the signs for purity and innocence.  The explanation is tied into the imagery of children often picking stems in open meadows because of their common availability in these areas.  From this idea, daisy petals transpired into becoming a popular option to fill bridal baskets for flower girls to carry down the aisle.  The sheer white color of the flower stands for the bride and groom “purity of love” as well as the notion of “children” and “childhood”, another prominent theme encouraged for newlyweds.  

The daisy also signifies “preference” which is based on medieval times when knights wore two daisies on their shield for a Lady to choose from.  If there were several knights vying for her affection and she hadn’t quite made up her mind which suitor to select, she would wear a crown of daisies on her head until she was ready to choose.  

Another interesting ritual branded by the daisy is its ability to foresee if a person was loved by their interest or not.  Plucking one petal off and then another while reciting, “he loves me, he loves me not” is another ceremonial practice placed upon the flower although there is no real proof that the daisy will accurately forecast the true answer.  

I LOVE fruit!  I love it for so many reasons, which is why my fridge is constantly stocked to the brim with assorted varieties so that my whole family can pull out a delicious treat whenever the urge arises.  Assortments such as grapes, oranges, apples, mangos, bananas and pears are incredibly good for the body but as a former florist, I can see a whole other world of possibilities that make this food group a desirable topic for designers.  One of the best qualities besides the health benefits of fruit is the color, texture and shape that the juicy flesh grows inside of.  This is an interesting factor for florists to acknowledge because it allows us to get really creative when incorporating blossoms with eye appealing produce.  After all, why should we have to solely depend on a flower’s properties of shading, size and appearance when the work can be shared with a prop having similarly positive attributes of attractiveness?   

Here’s what I mean…

By mixing flowers with fruit or utilizing the fruit as the fixture (vase) for the arrangement, we can create a fantastic conversational piece as well as a display that promotes contemporary style and clever technical skill. This type of designer theme also strongly reverberates the essence of “health” which can be useful for events appropriate for children or even fundraisers sponsored by hospitals, hotels or other service motivated organizations.  They’re also great for wedding buffets and cocktail/dinner centerpieces if the bride and groom wish to focus on a tropical or seasonal appeal (apples are popular with fall ceremonies).  The possibilities are endless so try playing around with these fruit infused floral bouquets for a fun and flirty look for your next occasion!

Fruit for Inside the Vase

Using fruit inside the vase to contrast the blooms you have chosen for the arrangement can spark up a drab composition and increase dynamic and color.  Strawberry stems alone can be put in bud vases or you can drip clumps of red or green grapes throughout a traditional floral structure.  Other great varieties that work well are apples, oranges and raspberry/blackberry branches.

Fruit Used as the Vase

Pineapples are not only yummy but the core of the fruit also makes an excellent vase along with cantaloupes and watermelons.  If you choose to use a clear glass vase, you can fill the inside with whole or halved lemons, limes or other varieties with a rind-like texture.  The color will beam from both the top and bottom of the composition making it an extra stunning arrangement or display.

Math and statistical data formulas are useful tools if you are into flowers because these applications can tell you a lot about the probability of success rates when plantings varieties, how many seeds you’ll need to plant and many other useful situations.  For example, what is you wanted to know the probability of how many bulbs you would need to plant to ensure you had 5 healthy plants bloom in the spring?  Or what if you’re planning your wedding and need to know how many stems of a variety you can afford to stay safely within your budget?  Florists utilize their numerical skills everyday when they make decisions about ordering flowers and providing just the right inventory for their shops.  Careful research needs to be done with forecasting sales so that they not only please their clients but also maintain a healthy bottom line in the accounting books. Trust me… it’s not easy!  If you hold an interest for flowers and data driven facts, you might find these figures fascinating that pertain to the industry of growing, exporting and shipping.  

Do you see any fact or figure that surprises you?

• 80% of all flowers in the United States are imported from other countries around the world.
• The estimated amount of roses bought by suppliers for Valentine’s Day is roughly 300 million stems.
• The flower industry made approximately over 31 billion dollars in 2015, a 5 billion dollar increase from sales in 2011.
• With over 784 growers nationwide, the Gerbera Daisy is one of the most popular flowers in the United States.
• 144, 000, 000 stems of tulips are circulated annually from wholesalers, Holland being the largest market trader.
• Close to 2 billion dollars are spent on flowers each Mother’s Day making it one of the busiest holidays for florists followed by Valentine’s Day.
• Working farms growing flowers only account for about 1% of the US population.
• 30% of the gross income for farming comes primarily from their export business.
• Garden Plants are still the most popular in the US for purchase followed by cut flowers and houseplants.  

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.  

I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, “A picture speaks a thousand words” but have you ever looked inside of the incredible world of floral photography?  Taking photographs of flowers is actually becoming one of the more popular areas within the creative industry and artists are wowing their audiences!  Bright images with delicate accents and soft shading paired with dramatic landscapes are all being sold as top selling pieces in galleries across the world.  The talent is endless which makes this an exciting time for art collectors and critics.  Although premier floral photographs are tricky to get your hands on, it’s a great lesson for those who are interested in broadening their photography skills to include this genre.  All it takes is a keen eye and a camera to catch spectacular shots of the beautiful horticulture surrounding us.  Travel to your favorite scenic location or simply take a stroll through your summer garden to see what might catch your eye.  If you’re looking for a little inspiration, here are a few examples from a few hand picked genius floral photographers who have recently been able to take their craft to an exciting new level.  Who knows?  You might just be the next Georgia O’Keeffe!

  Andy Small, Wild Flower Meadow, RHS Wisley.

 Sue Bishop, http://www.suebishop.co.uk/gallery

 Wendy Kappy, wendykappyphotography.kappyworks.com

Flowers are an enormous tradition associated with the Easter holiday.  For some, it’s because of the religious attributes and for others it’s the seasonal celebration of spring.  Whichever attribute resonates with you most, it is true that more than have the homes in the Boston area will feature a floral arrangement during the next few days of festivities.  As some are purchased in order to brighten up their dining room tables while some are otherwise gifted from a loved one, Easter flowers are the most beautiful presentations that mark the warmer weather of the year!  As the temperatures begin to warm, a brighter and bolder color wheel of options is renewed giving us a breathtaking palette to work from.  With options such as tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, hydrangea and other little bulbed beauties that are finally available, florists are whipping up sensational treats for you to enjoy.