Exotic Flowers in Boston

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. 

The summer is coming to an end and hopefully you’ve enjoyed several fun filled days enjoying the warm activities that this time of year blesses New England with.  My favorite destination spot are the beaches on the north shore that never disappoint with their crystal clear waters and beautiful rocky landscape.  One feature that I particularly love is the stunning blooms that grace the seashore with tranquil color and sweetened fragrance.  Being a gardener myself, I have often tried to replicate this “beachy” scene within my own backyard, trying to use the same if not similar varieties accustomed to the ocean habitat.  Truthfully, it’s not easy because if you’re like me who lives inland with forestry surrounding their home, it can be difficult to succeed within our compromised growing conditions.  For one thing, our soil does not drain as well as sand so it’s imperative to find plants that can adapt to both potting environments.  The second factor is the lack of salt in the atmosphere, which beach flowers typically thrive on.  The third issue can be a lack in sunshine or direct light if your beds are hidden underneath branches or enlarged shrubbery.  Although this seems like a depressing abundance of obstacles, I assure you that there are some species of flowers that will do A-okay if you can tweak your gardening regime just a bit.  After some trial and error, I’ve found this list of successful bloomers that will bring the ocean essence to your backyard no matter where you live.

Photo credit Lisa Greene via Flower Factor

Hydrangea

Hydrangea is one of those flowers that are always associated with the beach, particularly in shades of blue.  Like many of their seafaring friends, they adore the sodium (NaCl), which makes them bloom happily well into the fall season.  If you’ve visited Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard, you’ll no this to be true hydrangeas can also be planted in other areas, too.  As long as the soil is soft and well watered, this bushy flower can flourish in yards or as part of a summer garden.  Hydrangeas also prefer a little bit of shaded area so for those of us whose backyards are overgrown with trees, that’s really no problem for this variety to survive within.

photo credit - Lizzie Borchers via Flower Factor 

Beach Grass

Beach Grass is a fairly prevalent shrub that grows along our coastline with little to no maintenance necessary.  I have planted several of these bushes on my property and with the exception of watering them during dry spells; they really require little effort on my part.  One tip to make them grow larger each year is to cut them at the base when October arrives to ensure a healthy return the next spring.   

Summer Asters

I love these little beauties because they represent a “wildflower” appeal that can be grown not only close to the seashore but also in meadows, forests and almost anywhere else you can think of.  If you have raised beds, then the soil will stay a bit warmer which they’ll thank you for during the colder winter months of the year.

So most Boston gardeners are looking out their windows and getting a little depressed by the visions of six foot snow banks still covering their flower beds.  I know it’s a bit late in the season for us to be seeing this but really, it’s not so bad at all!  Just because the winter precipitation hasn’t said its farewells yet doesn’t mean that we wont have a fabulous summer garden.  In actuality, if you look at things in another light, it means just the opposite!  Sure, our time will be cut a little short being able to prep and plant but a longer snow fall really does help our green thumbs in the long run.  Here’s how…

Snow might seem cold and uncomfortable to us, but to our gardens, a multitude of white snowflakes can act as a warm blanket that works to protecting the root systems from the harsh elements of ice and wind.  Perennials and herbs particularly respond well to an increase of accumulation and often aid the plants to grow larger and healthier when the hibernation season finally ends.

Although the snow falls in flaked form, all it really is in warmer climates is water, which we all know is an asset for gardens.  You might think that it isn’t possible for the snow to hydrate the plants when its frozen but the slow melting effects become its own watering system that benefits the roots that are lying dormant.  Once the snow disappears, gardeners will be thrilled to learn that their gardens have really been watered all throughout the cold season, blooming a better specimen than what you had in the beginning. 

If you’ve planted new trees or shrubs this past fall, you’ll be pleased to know that the record breaking snowfall that was recorded helped nurture your landscape additions by anchoring the base to the ground.  Many times, a winter with less precipitation and more wind can damage the tree so badly that a replanting is needed the following autumn.  Things might look frozen but at least things have stayed intact and well kept together!

The slimy things that crawl beneath the soil are really important to keeping our gardens healthy because they churn the earth and keep things moving with hydration and food.  If there isn’t anything to protect these creepy crawlers, then they die with the rest of the garden once the warmer season is over.  If there is a warm blanket of snow to protect them, then they can keep on doing what they do best year round! 

Suzie Canale, Avid Gardener

Westwood, MA

The snow blitz of 2015 hit New England hard, covering our cars, houses and well, everything in site up to eighty-eight inches of snow in the Boston area.  We survived Juno but if you’re like me, you might need a little pick me up to help shoo away the winter blues.  One way to accomplish this is to fill our living space with as much inspired growth as possible, namely flowers.  I know I use flowers as a natural remedy for most woes but there is no denying the power of beauty and fragrance to boost our lowered moods and dispositions.  Although we are experiencing the bitterness of the cold, there’s a sort of beauty that emanates from the sparkles of white enwrapped around everything we see.  Tiny crystals of light reflected in the sunlight and the impression of blanketed softness expels itself from the perfectly mounded bands of puffed snow.  For me, it’s a tough time of year too (I’m really a summer girl at heart) but even I can’t deny the sheer magnificence of newly fallen flakes.  The way I see it, if I can see impressive color, texture and design outdoors, why can’t I copy that same feeling within designing winter inspired arrangements for my own home?  After a few trial and errors, this was what I found to be the most successful combinations for this theme.

White hydrangea is the perfect variety for this type of floral display because it carries all of the appropriate characteristics to what we see happening outside.  Besides toned in pure shades of white, the soft-pedaled head also comes close in proximately to the way snow impacts itself on the ground.  By tucking in a few stems within a bubble bowl, we really don’t need to add too much more than perhaps a sprig or two of lady’s mantle or octoberweed.  Not only will you love the presentation of simplicity but you’ll also be pleasantly surprised as to how long this piece will last.  Let’s just hope the same doesn’t hold true for all of that white stuff outside our windows!

There’s a new trend rearing its head around Boston flower shops and I’ve actually tried this on my own so I assure you-I’m just as impressed with it as they are.  Bulbs are making a screaming comeback but are being grown and displayed in new ways.  For instance, white daffodils or paper whites can be used indoors by placing them on the tops of narrowed bud vases.  Fill the container with water high enough to reach the bottom of the bulb and watch the roots start to grow before your eyes.  Place in a well-lit area and pretty soon a shoot will begin to extend upwards.  I love using this as a bedside arrangement and adore how inexpensive yet fabulous this method is.  Before you go out and buy bulbs, check your cellars for previously unused packages of grape hyacinth, tulips or any other springtime favorite. Situating the vessel near a warm heater also helps to surge a speedy flower creation.

Suzie Canale, Westwood, MA

Suzie created the above arrangement of bulbs and hyacinth.

Roses may seem to be the major player on Valentine’s Day but the truth is, not everyone likes roses.  I know there are other flowers to choose from such as lilies, tulips, hydrangea and other beautiful blossoms that florists carry for the holiday but in some circumstances, there are women who just don’t enjoy cut flowers as a gift.  It may be the maintenance of changing murky water or the disappointment when petals drop and die too soon but whatever the case, that bouquet just might not impress your lady.  Does this mean nix the call to your florist altogether?  Of course not!  You’ll need their help more than ever in choosing just the right Valentine’s Day presentation that is sure to get her heart pumping.  One suggestion that I know they’ll give is the option of plants instead of flowers.  If you think about it, this is a great idea since there is a variety to pick from with breeds ranging from color, scent, expense, life expectancy and caring instructions.  I’ve broken down a few types of plants to match particular women’s personalities.  Does your sweetheart match any of these?

Busy but Grateful

Look, she appreciates the gesture and all but this girl simply does not have the time to take care of a needy plant.   Honestly, you love this all business attitude of hers and like her independent personality so why send her a different message in the flowers you give her for Valentines Day?  Try ordering a white Phalaenopsis plant, which is both classy and easily taken care of on its own with the exception of occasional watering.  Another great option is a bamboo creation that is both eye pleasing and fuss free.   It will look great in her apartment and also remind her that you support her individuality and determination.

Sweet and Sentimental

You have a few choices if you’re lucky to be gifting a woman who’s not necessarily into cut flowers but adores the romantic act of a sweet and sentimental present.  It’s likely that she feels this way because she hates to see living things die so be mindful of long lasting selections.  Leaning towards flowering plants such as spray roses, hydrangea or heather is just the right fit for this type.  The presentation is warm and loving while still respecting her taste.   Great color choices for this category are pink, red and blush, which perfectly match this theme of romantic and beautiful flowering plants. 

Edgy and Modern

This girl is a challenge because she likes to promote her contemporary yet edgy appeal, the characteristics that got you to fall for her in the first place.  Its not that she’ll kill anything quickly or be saddened if a bouquet dies too fast, it’s more likely that she wants to think she’s beyond the traditional Valentine’s Day greenery.  Try asking for planters of Bromeliad, Calla Lilies or Cyclamens.  They make a stunning presentation and she’ll love your boldness made by this modern move!

 Suzie & Rick Canale, Westwood, MA

Suzie loves plants and repots herbs and orchids during the winter.