The Language of Flowers

Author: Ing @ Bunches Florapost

Ever wondered why we give flowers as gifts? Or why different flowers symbolise different things? Well, the act of giving flowers dates back to prehistoric times and evidence of flowers having symbolic meanings can be found in Egyptian inscriptions and Chinese writings, as well a Greek and Roman Mythology. The fascinating history behind the language of flowers has developed over hundreds of years.
During the Middle Ages harsh restraints were placed on courtships and this led to the exchange of flowers to grow amongst couples, as the flowers they gave symbolised different messages, allowing couples to express themselves secretly without others seeing or hearing.
Flower meanings progressed through the 1600’s and became so refined that even military messages could be sent in a harmless gift of flowers. As time went on, the context in which flowers were given also began to have meaning. For example flowers handed over in the right hand would mean “yes” to a question, just as flowers handed over in the left hand would mean “no”.
By the Victorian era, great emphasis was placed on flowers and what they represented. Flowers were used to decorate almost everything from hair and clothing to jewellery and people’s homes. However, the same flower found in a different position could have a completely different meaning.
For example wearing a Marigold in the hair expressed mental anguish, while the same flower pinned to the bosom conveyed indifference.
Flowers had taken on so many different meanings and definitions that 1818 saw the very first flower dictionary published by Charlotte de la Tour call Le Language des Fleurs. The handbook was extremely popular and included over 1000 different meanings of flowers, plants and herbs.
By the 19th Century posies and bouquets carried so much meaning as each flower, colour and number held such symbolism. Giving a bouquet then was the equivalent of sending a text message on your mobile phone today!
Flowers and plants still carry different meanings and are used to represent and symbolise many things from cultures and nationalities to emotions and the marking of occasions. For example the red rose has multiple meanings. It is one of England’s national emblems, found on England rugby shirts and sometimes on the England flag.
The story of the red rose representing England dates back to the 15th Century when the War of the Roses took place from 1455-1487. The House of York adopted a white Rose, the House of Lancaster decided to take a red rose. The winner of this war, Tudor Henry VII, merged his Lancastrian Rose with the red Rose of his York bride and therefore created the Tudor Rose, the Rose of England. The red rose is also known worldwide as the symbol of love and romance and is traditionally sent on St. Valentine’s Day. The Language of Flowers is largely forgotten today and not as widely in bouquet choices as it once was. The tradition of communicating through flowers can add an element of fun to the flowers you buy as gifts - that is why we are bringing it back!

About the Author:

IT & Web Assistant @ Bunches.co.uk

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gifts-articles/the-language-of-flowers-762600.html

How Do Florists Create Flower Arrangements?

Many people who are unfamiliar with the art of floristry simply believe that a florist does nothing more than jam a bunch of flowers into a pretty vase and then mark up the price to make a living, this could not be further from the truth. Florists must have excellent coordination, a keen eye for design and a good working knowledge of the plants that they use in order to be even the least bit successful.


A steady Hand and a keen Eye

A good florist knows how to select the healthiest and heartiest forms of the plant they will use in a particular arrangement. They know how to cut and handle each individual flower (or any other piece of foliage that they are using) so that none of the pieces of the arrangement get damaged during the creative process. A broken and bruised flower has no place in a beautiful arrangement, so the utmost care is taken throughout the entire process to ensure that all the flowers remain healthy.

Knowledge of Color and Design

When creating a custom arrangement, a florist must know what colors will work together in the arrangement as well as what will work in particular surroundings. They must also be aware of textures and smell that will work together in a pleasing manner to make the most overall aesthetically appealing arrangement.

Some florists are capable of this entire part of the process by natural instinct, they can just tell what types of plants and flowers will work together and which will not. Other florists will study art and design in an effort to give them a creative edge in this area to produce the best flower arrangements possible.

Theme Arrangements

Creating beautiful flowers isn't just a seasonal thing; all types of occasions and holiday require the florist to put forth their effort in developing new and exciting arrangements. Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, births, deaths and holidays are all occasions that flower arrangements can be provided for.

During some of these more special or thoughtful occasions, florists may go to an extra level to create a particularly beautiful piece. Some florists will create arrangements using a customers favorite flower as the centerpiece upon request - in these arrangements a florist may have to use materials that they are not entirely familiar working with so the creative part of their personality must really come into play.


For other occasions the florist may create an arrangement that looks floral, but doesn't include any flowers. Arrangements may be made from food products or other unusual items to create a truly original and custom arrangement.

For other occasions a florist may be called upon to create floral wreaths, corsages or boutonnieres, which can be even more difficult because these arrangements don't have anything in which to house or contain them.

Floristry is certainly not something that just anyone can do, the how of making a flower arrangement is a difficult task that requires many elements and areas of knowledge to complete as beautifully and perfectly as possible for a special occasion. Flower arrangements are the centerpieces of such forever memorable occasions as weddings and proms and gifts that the memory of will be cherished for years to come.


Flower arrangements can alter the whole mood of an event; a truly beautiful arrangement can be the icing on the cake, so to speak. It's true that anyone can easily pick some flowers and plop them in a vase, but only a well trained and ultra creative florist can create an arrangement that will not only steal the show, but last through it as well.
Author Resource:- Toronto flowers local shop offering arrangements for all occasions, including; anniversary, birthday and wedding flowers. Learn more about us at: Florists Toronto.

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Orchids How To Keep Them Alive

My mother has a new hobby. She recently became interested in orchid care and, being the curious sort of person that I am, I was interested to learn what makes them 'special'. What makes them a plant apart from the normal houseplants grown at home and why do they appear to be a challenge to the green-fingered?


My mum has green fingers and she has always been able to look after plants, both indoors and out. It was no surprise when, having been given her first orchid as a present, she got 'hooked' on how to look after them. I have 'brown fingers' not green ones, so I'm full of admiration of anybody that can keep houseplants alive for more than one season.

I did a bit of research after talking with mum and here are some tips for orchid care:

Orchids How To 1: Natural Habitat

Before you buy an orchid, make sure you can recreate the conditions the plant requires in its natural environment. There are all sorts of varieties, some are hardier than others to care for so look at the label to check.

Orchids How To 2: Water Them Carefully

If you watering them about every 4 - 7 days that should be enough, but it does depend on the season. To check if the plant needs water, push a wooden stick or pencil into the medium, if it comes out darker then the plant probably does not need watering. Orchids can require different amounts of water at different times of the year, so keep checking!

Orchids How To 3: How to Feed

Orchids tend to benefit from a specialist orchid fertilizer that is fed as a weak solution and applied once a week. To do this, use only half the amount mentioned on the packet. The type of fertilizer will depend on what your orchid is growing in, so it is wise to check that first.

Orchids How To 4: Time to Repot

Whether you like it or not, sooner or later, the orchid is going to need repotting. Take the old mix out of the pot, being careful not to damage the roots. Wash the roots and trim off any hollow or mushy ones, as they are considered dead. carefully place the plant into a new pot, orchids appear to like being root-bound, so there should only be about 1" between the roots and the edge of the pot. Add the new mix/medium to the pot and tap the sides to make sure it settles properly. Press gently to settle the plant but not too hard because roots may break. Use a stick to support the plant in the pot so it is secure. If your plant is growing in sphagnum moss, make sure it is damp before wrapping it round the roots and repotting, that way you don't have to worry about pockets of air. After repotting the plant should not be watered for 3 - 5 days to allow it to recover.

Orchids How To 5: When it Has Flowered

Find out whether your orchid flowers only once from the flower spike or whether it will flower repeatedly from the same spike. When the plant has finished flowering the spike needs to be removed at the base with a sharp instrument to lessen damage to the plant itself. If you aren't sure, don't cut it off!

Orchids How To 6: Orchid Care

A very important part of orchid care is looking out for various fungi or parasites. Isolate any plant that has a problem, check it out, find the remedy and start treating as soon as possible.

The Philippines’ Favorite Flowers

In the Philippines, the month of May is about two things – feasts and flowers. All over the country, different places celebrate different kinds of festivals but one event is held everywhere – the Santacruzan procession which is held any time in May.


This festival celebrates the Virgin Mary and young girls who are dressed in white cover the statues of the Virgin with flowers. The whole of the Philippines celebrates Flores de Mayo in honor of the Virgin Mary.

The Kadayawan festival of Davao is usually held on the third week of August. This is mainly a harvest celebration where people dance in merriment for a bountiful harvest of orchids, fruits and flowers. The parade of floats is the main event in the festival.

High in the Cordillera mountain ranges, another flower festival is also held during the start of February. It is a month long celebration for the blossoming of flowers and this festival is aptly named as Panagbenga, an Ilocano term.

Everywhere in the Philippines, the beauty of flowers is highly appreciated – and it’s no wonder why there are so many flower festivals in the country. In a place where hospitality reigns supreme, the atmosphere is of beauty and warmth. Here, sending someone flowers means a lot of things, and it will surely be gratefully received. But before you contact a florist to send flowers to your loved ones in the Philippines, take some time to know about the different favorites of Filipinos. Here are some of them:

1. Ylang Ylang got its name from the Tagalog term for “rare”. It is famous for its fragrant scent which remains unmatched up to this time. Its oils are now used for aromatherapy and are believed to relieve high blood pressure and can normalize sebum secretion for those who have skin problems. The ylang ylang tree is a native of the Philippines and is known to grow in slightly acidic soil. Its flowers are yellow green in color and are shaped like a star fish.

2. Sampaguita is a native of tropical Asia and is the Philippines’ native flower. It’s very petite and is usually made into garlands which are used to welcome dignitaries and honorary symbols. These garlands are sometimes sold in the streets of Manila to adorn vehicles. The flower also has medicinal value and is used as lactifuge, sedative, anaesthetic, and vulnerary.

3. Waling Waling is a rare orchid found in the island of Mindanao, particularly in the foothills of Mount Apo, the tallest mountain in the country. It blossoms seasonally for a two week period, most common during the months of July to December. It is regarded as the “Queen of Philippine Orchids” and is considered as the best orchid variety because of it stunning colors. Because of its captivating traits, it almost became extinct, but was prevented thanks to tissue culture.

4. Dama de Noche is famous for its unusual biorhythm which has become a subject for different myths and legends in the country. Its flowers bloom at night and emit a sweet scent. Unknown to many, Dama de Noche is a native of tropical America.

Article Source: http://www.articleset.com

Dealing With Rose Diseases That May Ruin Your Rose Gardening Pleasure

Many people could not resist a rose's beauty and scent. These flowers are known to be a bit complicated to grow, but anyone could start rose gardening in the comfort of his own backyard.

To make sure that your most prized roses are in the pink or even red of their health, simply follow these tips on dealing with every rose health dilemma:

1. Black Spots on Leaves

This disease is commonly known as black spot. Black spots appear as circular with fringed edges on leaves. They cause the leaves to yellow. The solution is to remove the infected foliage and pick up any fallen leaves around the rose. Artificial sprays may be used to prevent or treat this kind of rose disease.

2. Stunted or malformed young canes

Known as powdery mildew, this is a fungal disease that covers leaves, stems and buds with wind spread white powder. It makes the leaves to curl and turn purple. Spray with Funginex or Benomyl to treat this fungal disease that could ruin your rose garden.

3. Blistered underside of leaves

A disease of roses known as rust, it is characterized with orange-red blisters that turn black in fall. In spring, it attacks new sprouts. This disease can even survive winter. What you can do is to collect and discard leaves that are infected in fall. Benomyl and Funginex spraying every 7-10 days may help.

4. Malformed or stunted leaves and flowers

What could have caused this is the presence of spider mites. They are tiny yellow, red or green spiders on the underside of leaves. They also suck juices from leaves. The application of Orthene or Isotox may help in treating this infestation.

5. Weak and mottled leaves with tiny white webs under them

This might be caused by aphids. They are small soft-bodied insects that usually brown, green or red. Often clustered under leaves and flower buds, they suck plant juices from tender buds. Malathion or diazinon spray may help roses to survive these bugs.

6. Flowers that don't open or are deformed when they open.

Thrips could be the reason behind this deformation and unopened flowers. It is characterized with slender, brown-yellow bugs with fringed wings thriving in flower buds. They also suck juices from flower buds. One should cut and discard the infested flowers. Using Orthene and malathion may also treat this health problem of your roses.

This valuable information regarding the diseases your roses are prone to have will prove to be very helpful in making your rose gardening endeavor more rewarding.

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Advantages of using artificial bouquets

What’s a celebration without flowers? Flowers add a special touch of warmth, beauty and elegance to every occasion. They are a gentle reminder of the beauty and abundance of nature. So, they are a fitting tribute to the grandeur of any occasion, whether it’s a wedding or a birthday.
It’s not just for an occasion, flower bouquets are valued for their beauty too. You can brighten up any room and liven up any drab corner with the right floral display. Such is the beauty of flowers.

If you’re looking for just the right kind of flower bouquet, you have two choices: natural flower bouquets and artificial bouquets.

Many of us often go through a lot of pain to say it with natural flowers, but natural flowers may not always be the best choice. In fact, there may be occasions when natural flowers are a definite no.

So, let us look at some of the advantages of using artificial bouquets.

Artificial bouquets are available throughout the year. Unlike natural flowers, they are not seasonal. Whether you like roses or calla lilies, poinsettia or geraniums, you can get the blossom of your choice on demand. Silk, satin or velvet can really recreate the magic of real flowers.

Color is a vital part of the floral design. They infuse your bouquet with the right personality and add the necessary drama to the arrangement. While selecting a bouquet, you need to consider three things: ? The occasion and the setting ? The person you are sending the bouquet to ? Your own preferences

With natural flowers, there are too many limitations. But, artificial flowers come in just the shades you might want. You do not have to go from florist to florist, looking for the right shade and right size. If half-opened is what you want, that is what you get. If you want a particular shade of peach or a pearly white rose, they are easily available. In fact, many companies even allow you to shop by the color of the season.

Artificial bouquets are timeless. Dust them every day, wash them once in a while and they are as good as new. These days, you even get bouquets spiced up with beads and other beautiful accessories. In fact, the kind of floral arrangements in artificial bouquets is limited only by the creativity of the maker. Even if you are one of those who want the natural look, there is enough to cater to your tastes too. Some of the artificial bouquets and floral arrangements are so natural that it would be hard for you to decide on the basis of their looks alone whether the arrangement is natural or not.

Artificial flowers are less expensive though they last longer and allow you unlimited freedom. They last forever and you do not have to worry about watering them or removing dead flowers. Just buy them and keep them in the desired location. That’s all there is to it!

At 1888flowermall.com, we carry over 20,000 top quality artificial bouquets & wedding flowers including artificial plants, bushes, garlands, wreaths, fruits, vegetables, and more at discount rates.

The Beautiful Bonsai Flower

If you like the look of tiny flora on your bonsai, then wish perfect acme trees to nurture into tiny versions of their species. Here are a few of the best choices for zenith bonsai:
Mt. Fuji Serissa Mt. Fuji Serissa is prominent for its brilliant ashen colorings on the outer edges of its plants. It also blooms an only fair flower in summer.


Proper concern: likes loads of geniality and sun so place in an appropriate pustule. Wait at the soil to dry before watering and take trouble to keep away from iciness.

Okinawa Holly This ranking has tiny pink flora that develop during the pounce and summer. The leaves are glossy, cavernous green with ragged edges. It's rare, tough and simple to nursing for.

Proper anxiety: this bury is tough, but it grows best in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees. Let the soil dry completely between waterings, but take bother not to burn as this will stress the deposit. For maintenance, spray mist everyday from spiral to drop and at slightest double daily during the frost months. Fertilize during early mechanism or mid drop double a month.

Flowering Quince This ranking comes from Asian countries like Japan, China and Korea and has a superb parade of pallid and red plants on bare twigs. One of the world's desired zenith bonsai, the peak quince has great adaptability. The leaves have faint, tiny teeth and flowers grow in stringent clusters. One of the best skin of this factory is that it produces perfumed green and blonde fruits.

Proper attention: it may be tough, but if you want the best trouble, give the flowering quince a lot of sunlight and soil that is well-drained between waterings. Don't place this plant in a clammy environment and use stuffed, well soil. Don't overwater and cut a few of the elder branches yearly to promote unkempt advance.


Lavender Star Flower This is an evergreen hierarchy that grows native to Africa and Australia. There are about 400 species of this tree all over the world. The Lavender Starred Flower is taller than most flowering bonsai and can attain 10 inches in maturity. Its flower is its best star, since the shade is a handsome purple.

Proper worried: this tree needs bags of supervise sunlight, so try to expose it during the early mornings and keep it near the screen where it can saturate up more light. Keep the soil humid but not wet. For best health, mix one part sandpaper and two parts peat moss. Use slightly acidic fertilizer about thrice a year and shake with iron supplement yearly.