Exotic Flowers in Boston

People have many ways of expressing their feelings.  For some, they use words, for others their face changes expression and sometimes a mannerism can even be a strong indicator of an emotional state.  One interesting way to read someone’s feelings is by picking up on their aura.  An aura is defined by the distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person, thing, or place.  Sometimes they are seen as light or actual color shades describing specific types of sentiment that are present at that exact time.  Now there’s a large portion of the population that don’t believe in this science and claim that it’s nothing more than empty fortunetelling.  

I strongly disagree.

Not only do I think that a person’s inner state is readable by light and color but I also believe that its possible to recognized auras based on the plants and blossoms one selects!  Florists might want to pay close attention and be prepared for the changing elements in mood a customer possesses and be prepared to accommodate by utilizing this theory.  Here are a few basics to be on the look out for if you’re a Boston designer!

Yellow Flower Auras

Yellow is a great aura to have since it usually means you’re in a good place both spiritually and mentally.  Positive energy and happiness usually surround this person who is likely to select varieties such as yellow tulips, gerberas, sunflowers, roses or freesia.  This customer will be pretty easy to please so put on your best smile and think bright and sunny.

Red Flower Auras

These guys are extremely physical and have strong senses of touch and smell.  If you witness a customer asking for red blooms of amaryllis, James Story orchids, geraniums or peonies, you’re going to need to aim to please an active and vibrant person who will be very particular about what they want.  Commonly sexy, passionate and adventurous, florists should be prepared to understand that this aura always knows what it wants and usually gets it!

Magenta Flower Auras

For those who are magenta flower lovers, their auras will tell you that they are creative and innovative dreamers.  They’ll be fun to design for, too because usually they are open to new architectural arrangements within centerpiece design.  Top varieties that you should have on hand for them are deep pink calla lilies, stargazers, phalaenopsis and sweet pea.  You’re going to have fun with this customer who promises to add a little adventure of their own within their flower purchases.  

The Kentucky Derby

photo credit: kentuckyderby.com

On the first Sunday of every May, one of the most famous races in the United States history will occur where jockeys strap their legs into the stirrups of some of the most impressive thoroughbreds ever to run the track.    Referred to as, “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”, The Kentucky Derby has long been celebrated as not only a highly anticipated sporting event, but also one of the largest social gatherings in the south.  Taking place in Louisville, millions will stand by to witness who the lucky victor will be, where they will be able to compete in the next two rounds towards the Triple Crown.  The Kentucky Derby officially started on May 17, 1875 where a horse by the name of Aristides took the title as the first official winner.   Yes, right about now, riders, breeders and staff will all be doing their best to prepare for this special day at Churchill Downs. 

So why would a florist be interested in this as a blog topic? 

The flowers of course! 

Along with setting up food vendors, grooming the grounds and organizing ticket sales, floral designers are making their own plans to create beautiful pieces fit for these athletic competitors and their fans.  The most impressive showcase that must be focused on is the blanket of roses to be placed over the first horse to cross the finish line.  Along with a trophy and the pride of the rider and owners, the steed will also be gifted with an intricate woven quilt of flowers that is typically presented in the deep shade of red.  What will this year’s florist have to choose from for possibilities?  Here are a few of the top selections that Boston florists are hoping they will see on the estimated five hundred and fifty four headed blanket of roses.

                  photo credit: kentuckyderby.com

Kentucky Derby

It’s obvious where this rose earned its name.  Yes, this is one the favorite flavors used for the blanket and for good reason since its tight head, vibrant color and stunning shine brings a real presence when arranged with similar varieties.  You can almost count on seeing this stunner amongst the petals of the blanket.

Black Magic

Black Magic rose’s claim to fame is the soft velvet texture, star like formation when fully opened and the beguiling scent that heads give off once fully matured.  This variety is sought ought for it’s deep crimson shade-one the darkest colors in the rose spectrum.  They have a reputation for having a longer lifespan than others as well.

Black Baccara

Another dark shaded beauty, Black Baccara roses are another highly requested bloom for florists but they were originally bred as tea roses, which can easily be grown in gardens.  The sophisticated appeal of this variety makes them a wonderful incorporation to the Derby blanket because of its longevity and dynamic presence when combined with similar blossoms. 

Valentine’s Day brings out the largest played genre of music, love songs of course!  The best crooners of all time are played over the loud speakers, adding to the romanticism of the holiday celebrations.  Music is essential for a successful Valentine’s Day and may be so important in fact, that it may be useful to scout out your preferred selections prior to the big day!  For some, easy listening is the way to go and for others, a soulful ballad is a better fit.  Whatever your tastes may be, keep in mind there are love songs that have stood the test of time and have become classics for Valentine’s Day.  Here are the most played tunes for the month of February:

“Still Into You” by Paramore                          “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles

“Little Things” by One Direction                    “Baby Love” by The Supremes

“A Thousand Years” by Christna Perri          “Love Story” By Taylor Swift

“I See the Light” Tangled Soundtrack           “Part-Time Lover” by Stevie Wonder

“To Make You Feel My Love” by Adele        “Don’t Let Go” by En Vogue

If you’re a florist and looking for a Valentine’s Day/Flower themed love song, check out the lyrics to Jim Reeves’ “One Dozen Roses” that shares a sweet tune about placing his heart within a dozen roses for his sweetheart.  The words are beautiful and directly reflect the sentiment that most florists aim to please when making their Valentine’s Day arrangements for clients.  Check out these lyrics and see if it might be the perfect track to play in your stores this holiday!

Give me one dozen roses
, Put my heart in beside them
, Send them to the one I love.

She'll be glad to receive them, 
And I know she'll believe them
, There's something we've been talking of.

There may be orange blossoms later, 
I think that there will
, She's done something to me, 
And my heart won't keep still.

Give me one dozen roses, 
Put my heart in beside them
, Send them to the one I love.

There may be orange blossoms later, 
I think that there will, 
'Cos she's done something to me
, And my heart just won't keep still.

Give me one dozen roses
, Put my heart in beside them, 
Send them to the one I love
, Send them to the one I
, Send them to the one I love.

Suzie and Rick Canale,Westwood, MA

Although Suzie's husband Rick will be working late on Valentines Day, they will celebrate Valentines Day the following weel at the Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill.

I have always loved flowers from a very young age.  I’m not sure when this affair began, but my first baby pictures were always images of me crawling in my mother’s gardens and there’s one when I’m around 1 ½ years old where I’m playing with yellow daisies that lined my grandparents driveway.  It seems that my connection to the piece of the world that “grows” has been a long-standing relationship, one that seems to have blossomed throughout my entire life.  Because of this adoration, I have utilized this in several areas including three children’s tales I’ve written where all contain themes of flowers.  I also cook with flowers, decorate with flowers and often draw my favorites using charcoal.  They are everywhere around me.  Recently, another opportunity arose to express floral appreciation, one that combined two other preferred hobbies, crafting and books!

If you have kids, you’re going to really get into this art project that was shown to me by a children’s librarian.  Using pages from books that were going to be recycled (which is environmentally responsible), I could actually make roses by following only a few easy steps.  Perfect for tiny fingers, this craft is simple to do because the materials needed are inexpensive and commonly found around the house.  There’s also little mess and teaches fantastic hand-eye coordination skills.  The snowy weather is soon approaching, so read on for this perfect indoor winter art project for kids and adults!

Materials:

1. 3 pages of recycled book pages (try to find ones that have bold writing, titles, numbers and pictures.  It will make your flower more interesting looking.)
2. 1 black/brown pipe cleaner
3. 3 green pipe cleaners

   Directions:

1. Cut out shapes from the book pages that resemble petals.  Make them different sizes, using the smaller ones first for the inner bud. 
2. Take the black/brown pipe cleaner and wrap a petal around it, making sure that it curls completely around the stem.  Add more petals as you pinch the stem and the surrounding petals. Continue until they are all wrapped around forming a rose shaped head. 
3. Use one of the green pipe cleaners to secure the head around the stem by tightly coiling in a circle shape.
4. Form leaves and intertwine the last two green pipe cleaners around the stem to complete the rose.

 Suzie works in the children's department at the Westwood Public Library.