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Roses

Flower Spotlight: Roses

It is impossible to mistake roses, with their velvet petals infinitely curled against each other in hypnotizing symmetry, and their stems full of thorns, ready to protect their delicate flowers by pricking any prying fingers.

The British adopted the rose as their national flower, after a civil war lasting three decades, ended with a decisive victory on the battlefield, and the union by the marriage of the two families that had long been rivals. It is not surprising that over its long history, the rose has come to symbolize love, beauty, and courage.

What are the different kinds of roses?

There are over 300 roses, and over 10,000, that is, varieties are grown for specific desirable traits. Broadly they can be classified into three categories:

  • Old Garden Roses: Sometimes referred to as “antique” or “historic” roses for having been around before 1867. Old garden roses bloom only once with intense fragrance. They know for being resistant to pests and adverse weather.
  • Wild Rose: As their name suggests, these roses have undergone little hybridization or cross-breeding. They can easily be identifie by their five-petaled flowers that are usually pink.
  • Modern Garden Roses: These kinds of roses bloom more often, some even continuously during the summer months, and they usually have larger flowers. The only downside is that their scent isn’t as strong, and they are more vulnerable to diseases.

What are the best conditions to grow roses?

Roses have a reputation for being difficult to grow, but that's not always the case. The Modern Garden Rose varieties have been bred to facilitate their cultivation, but it's still a good idea to plant them in their ideal conditions.

Replanting the dormant rose shrub is the most common way of getting them into your garden. Give them a good 2 - 4 ft of space between plants if you’re considering having more than one. They should ideally plant early spring in slightly acidic, fertile, and well-drained soil. Rose need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. If that's not possible, make sure they at least get the first rays of the morning - these will evaporate the dawn dew and protect them from any nasty fungal diseases.

When they bloom in the summer, they can do so in just about any kind of color:

red, pink, white, yellow, orange, even purple, and even mysterious black!

Why are rose grown?

The beautiful, scented foliage of roses makes them a must-have in any garden, but the flower is a lot more versatile than it seems. After the rose flowers have been pollinated, they slowly start to ripen into rose hips, which are eaten raw in many countries for their high vitamin-C content. In the Middle East, rose water and oil frequently use as an ingredient in several desserts;

 and let's not forget that many perfumes and candles use it too.

Order from fresh, beautiful and assorted flowers-
Red Roses Flower Bouquet-12 Red Roses
Premium Roses
Rose Flower Bear -10inch Rose
50 Assorted Roses

Victor Medina Pierluisi

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peonies

Peonies are Forever

Legend has it that Zeus saved Paeon, the Greek goddess of healing, by turning her into a flower, the peony, after her teacher Asclepius, the god of medicine, went on a jealous rampage against her. While the exact origin is difficult to determine, we know for a fact that it has been a regular in gardens of Eurasia since the times of the ancient civilizations, often because it was used in the medicinal traditions of these cultures.

When talking about peonies, it is important to distinguish between the tree and the herbaceous varieties. The latter is the most common and well-known. Herbaceous means that the plant does not develop woody stems above the ground. For the tree varieties, it's the opposite, meaning that they can grow a little taller - up to 6 feet - in ideal conditions. Keep in mind, however, that although tree peony is the common name of the variety, it does not resemble a tree as we usually refer to it. In reality, they look like bright and colorful shrubs.

Within the tree and herbaceous peonies varieties, we can also draw distinctions according to the types of flowers they produce. In all cases, these varieties can bloom in many shades of pink, white, yellow, orange, red, and even purple:

  • Single: one row of broad petals
  • Bomb: a single row of broad petals encircles a dense pompon of narrower inward-facing petals
  • Double: the flower only consists of many broad petals
  • Semi-double: a double row of broad petals intertwines with the stamens
  • Anemone: a double row of broad petals encircles a pompon of thin outward-reaching narrower petals
  • Japanese: a single or double row encircles enlarged staminodes

Peonies are perennial plants, meaning that they can survive for more than two years. The herbaceous variety can propagate by dividing the roots when the plant is about to go into hibernation and replanting these 2 inches below the soil’s surface. Although the flowers only have a short blooming season of a little over a week, it is often said that if planted in an ideal location: in well-drained soil on a spot with at least 6 hours of sunshine per day, peonies can live for more than 100 years with minimum care.

These delicate and fragrant flowers symbolize love, romance, and beauty, possibly even more so than roses. Indeed it is not by mistake that they are by far the most popular flower at weddings.

Some of the beautiful flowers you may order for any occasions and for indoor and outdoor plants-
White Peony Wreath
Mixed Peony Value Bag
Bridal Wedding Bouquet

By Victor Medina Pierluisi

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Anniversary flowers

How to Choose Perfect Flowers for Anniversary?

Anniversary flowers- First wedding anniversaries are always full of excitement and happiness, as you celebrate the whole year of togetherness. For every year there are different kinds of flowers that you can give your spouse to show love and affection. You can also give flowers according to your own liking or has a meaning behind it between you and your spouse. The tiny little details of you remembering, is ,most thoughtful and romantic  gift ever. As per research few of the following flowers are known to be given in different years of marriage.

1st year, Carnation: Anniversary flowers

Because of their full bloom and beautiful colors, Carnations are symbolized as young, passionate love, and they’re perfect for newlyweds! That is why they are known to be given on the first anniversaries.

2nd year, Cosmos: Anniversary flowers

For the second anniversary, couples have a deeper understanding and love so, Cosmos are the perfect choice as for their beautiful color, that perfectly describes the young marriage.

3rd year, Sunflowers: Anniversary flowers

Strong and sturdy, just like the stem of Sunflower. Couples have stronger bond then ever and symbolize loyalty and longevity. Hence, the Sunflowers are ideal to give to your partner.

4th year, Geranium:

 For the fourth anniversary, These flowers are super pretty and delicate and will add something extra unique life to your anniversary bouquet, and they also represent the husband and wife coming together as mind, body and spirit.

5th year, Daisy:

For the fifth anniversary, Daisy looks so pure and elegant to give to your partner as they also represent elegant nature and peace. This beautiful flower may look simple, but it brings happiness to your event and is perfect for your fifth anniversary.

10th year, Daffodil:

These beautiful bright flowers are perfect to celebrate your first decade of marriage, as it is a huge milestone for both husband and wife with so many beautiful memories together. Daffodil has this bright yellow color that is as perfect as your love for each other. And they look absolutely beautiful when arranged together in a bouquet.

15th year, Rose:

For your 15th Anniversary, As it is a huge milestone of your marriage that should be celebrated in style. There is no other flower more passionate and romantic than a red Rose. After 15 years couples have been through all the good and bad, so red roses are the perfect way to show your love is still strong and passionate as it was on your first Anniversary.

20th year, Aster:

Aster is a unique and beautiful colored flower, which was also believed to have some properties that give wisdom and knowledge in ancient times. Adding this flower in your bouquet with other flowers symbolizes how much that  person means to you and

how much you appreciate them and how much you both have learned about each other, in these two decades of marriage.

25th year, Iris:

Iris is a flower known to be given on the 25th anniversary as it shows strength , courage and love of your relationship. As you has come quarter of the century with the love of your life, to celebrate that achievement Iris is a perfect flower to add in your bouquet.

50th year, Yellow Roses & Violets:

5o years of marriage is a huge and amazing accomplishment. You have seen all the good and bad times with your partner and stood strong toghether.To celebrate this, there are two flowers that compliment this occasion and those are yellow roses and violets. You can pair them together as they compliment each other perfectly.

 

References:

https://www.bloomandwild.com/a-guide-to-wedding-anniversary-flower

See and order fresh and beautiful flower bouquet for your dear ones for any occasion.

Yellow Roses Flower Bouquet
Magenta/Lavender Bi-Colored Roses Flower Bouquet
50 Assorted Roses

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Lilies

Flower Spotlight: Lilies

What are lilies?

Lilies are perennial herbaceous plants that can reach heights of up to 6 ft. Lilies produce large fragrant flowers of or more than one color with brushstroke or spot patterns. In the wild, lilies can be found mostly in the temperate woodlands and mountainous regions of Eurasia, with some species adapting to the warmer climates of India, south-east Asia, and the Philippines. Many common flowers include “lilye” in their name even though they are not realities (like the water lily). To consider a “true lilye” it must belong to the genus Lilium. With over 90 different species, there are so many to choose from!

What kinds of lilies exist?

Lilies have been bred throughout history into several hybrids with distinct characteristics:

  • Asiatic hybrids: Produce unscented, outward-facing flowers.
  • Martagon hybrids: The flowers are curved strongly outwards into a shape commonly known as “Turkish-cap”
  • Euro-Caucasian hybrids
  • American hybrids: The plants are generally very tall, and the flowers sometimes bloom in clumps.
  • Longiflorum hybrids: These varieties are grown commercially to be used as flower crops, meaning you will find them in bouquets but not in gardens.
  • Trumpet liliese: The flowers have long petals and they are facing slightly downwards. These produce a strong scent, usually in the evenings.
  • lilies: The plant tends to be tall, with large, fragrant, and upward-facing flowers.

 

How can I grow lilies?

While mostly considered a garden flower, lilies can also be grown indoors. If that is the case, keep in mind that some hybrids of lilie are toxic to cats, producing kidney failure even from the pollen brushing against their fur. Double-check with a local florist or veterinarian if the variety you have chosen is safe for them.

Lilies usually propagate by dividing the while the plant is dormant. In soil with a pH of about 6.5, they should plant in the fall at a depth of 2 to 3 times the size of the bulb. During the growing season, water them frequently, especially if rain has been scarce. Expect them to bloom once a year, between late spring and early summer.

When should I offer?

Because they are naturally present in large parts of the Old World, lilies are important to many cultures. The Easter lilye is particularly special for Christians during the spring. For the French, it is the national flower, after long having been a symbol of the country’s royalty. Signifying purity and innocence, white liliese often offer in funerals, symbolizing the return to innocence of the soul of the deceased.

Choose from the wide collection of beautiful, bright and assorted flowers-

Assorted Peruvian Lilies (With Vase)
12 Stem Assorted Asiatic Lilies
Stargazer Oriental Lilies

By Victor Medina Pierluisi.

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How to Plant Flowers

How to Plant Flowers in a House?

How to Plant Flowers in a House- Many people grow flowers in their garden beds from spring to fall. But when the cold wind of winter comes, it's hard to keep the flowers blooming.

Even though it's winter, you can still enjoy the beauty of flowers. You can do this by making an indoor flower bed. All you need are a few pots or containers, some soil that has been aerated, and some plants that can live inside.

A lot of spring and summer blossoms will start to bloom in your home before you know it.

Finding the Best Flowering Plants for Your Indoor Space

In the same way that it's easy to control the growing environment, you can grow most of your favorite outdoor plants indoors as well.

Some of our favorites are miniature rose bushes, begonias, African violets, Cape primrose, purple shamrock (oxalis), and geraniums. You can also get full-sized rose bushes if you want.

If you want to keep things simple, look for a cactus or bromeliad in bloom. Christmas cactus is beautiful and easy to care for. In the bromeliad family, Guzmania has gorgeous flowers and sends out "pups" that can be used to start new plants.

Choosing the Right Spot

You should make sure your flowering plants are ready to grow in your indoor garden.

Sun-loving plants like geraniums or purple hearts will thrive near a window that faces south and gets a lot of direct sunlight each day. Putting a lot of small pots on the kitchen window sill will make even the gloomiest days brighter.

If you put Oxalis, Impatiens, and African Violets near an east-facing window that gets a lot of light but not too much, they will grow well.

Keep an eye on your plants to make sure they don't grow too far away or abnormally, which is a sign that they aren't getting enough sunlight.

Picking Planters

Then, look for containers that you and your plants will both love.

One of the best things about having plants in your home is choosing the right pot or container for them. It's up to you to make your home look better by using fun vessels or old things to grow your flowers and plants.

It doesn't matter what kind of container you choose for your plant. Make sure it has enough drainage. Most flowering plant species do better when the soil can dry out a little between waterings to grow better. You can drill or punch holes in metal, wood, and most plastic containers if they don't already have them. If they don't, you can make them. If you don't want water damage in your home, put a saucer or catch tray under the pot.

 

Some beautiful flowers you can plants in your house, they are-
Anthurium Flamingo Flower
Lavender
Blue Moon Wisteria Tree Plant

By Elizabeth Aremu

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Outdoor Plants

Outdoor Plants That Like Shade

There is a huge variety of outdoor plants that fall in the category of plants that love being in the shade, or you can also say they don't like being in direct sunlight. Those plants love the warm spots with shades in your garden or your porch. Direct heat can fade the bright green leaves and burn the plant, and turn them brown. Just keeping the soil moist for these plants goes a long way.

WHAT ARE THE PLANTS OUTDOOR THAT LIKE SHADE?

Below are some of the plants that grow well in shade.

1.Hosta

2.Coral Bells

3.Ferns

4.Caladium

5.Ligularia

6.Toad Lily

7.Epimedium

8.Brunnera

9.Oakleaf Hydrangea

10.Heuchera

11.Japanese Forest Grass

12.Viola

13.Brunnerra

CARE FOR PLANTS IN SHADE:

For your shade garden, plants need water to stay hydrated. over watering can rot the roots. As plants in shade get less sunlight so the drying process is slower than the plants in sunlight and they don't need water every day. Always check the soil if it's too dry or too wet before watering.

The one concerning thing is that, shade loving plants attract insects such as spider mites, ants and whiteflies. If you see holes in your plant or white spots, those are the insect damages. You can use a good insect spray on infected plants to kill insects.

 

TIPS FOR GARDENING:

To give your shade garden a beautiful and peaceful look, where you can sit and relax with a warm cup of tea with a beautiful and relaxing view of your self grown plants and flowers. There is a vast variety of plants that need only shade or indirect sunlight that you can grow and some of them are also very low maintenance, like ferns. Never make a clutter with mixing all the type of plants in one spot. It is better to give time in arranging plants and give them their own space to show their beauty.

If you want to plant colorful flowers like Viola or Brunnerra, make sure to bunch it up with some bright green leafy plant or similar plants that have the same needs to give your garden a unique look. 

REFERENCE

https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/gardening/g18665158/shade-loving-plants/

https://www.gardendesign.com/shade/plants.html

You may like and order Outdoor plants -

Milkweed plant
Mandevilla Live Plant
Syringa

By Neha Kamran

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How to Keep Cut Fresh Flowers

How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh at Home

How do you keep them fresh when you cut your flowers, whether from the florist, or market, or as a gift? Many people will plunk a penny into a water container with flowers in it. That does not simply work. We will show you what works and how you can keep your flowers fresh for longer at home.

Cut the Stem

A vascular system in the stems of flowers pulls water and nutrients for the blooms. Air can get into the stems if you don’t cut them. This can make it hard for the water to get in. Use very sharp scissors or pruning shears, and cut at least one-half inch off the bottom of the stems to make sure you’re cutting away any air bubbles that might be there. It’s a good idea to do this if your flowers come in a box or are tied with a rubber band.

Place Them in Water Quickly

Speed things up by cutting the stems under the water to keep air from getting into the stems. It’s also fine to put the flowers in a vase of water right away after you cut them. Put your bouquet together first. Then cut the stems and put them in a bowl of water.

Watch the Water Temperature

Don’t place flowers in hot water. Blooms from bulbs like anemones, daffodils, and tulips, survive if the water is below room temperature because they are winter flowers. Generally, the water should be at room temperature.

Remove Excess Foliage

If there are dead plants or extra leaves and flowers touching the water, remove them entirely from the water or the flower. Otherwise, they will rot quickly and spread bacteria that will make the flowers die off.

Avoid Sunlight

This may seem like a no-brainer, but when they are not in the soil, flowers should be kept in cool environments at all times, away from heating ducts and vents.

Change the Water

Change the water every three days and wash out the vase. That will flush out bacteria. You should also trim another half-inch off the stems while changing the water.

Use Flower Food

If your flowers come with “flower food,” you should feed them. Most flower food has sugar to help the flowers grow, acid to keep the water’s pH level stable, and a little bleach to get rid of bacteria and fungi in the vase water. All three help to keep the flowers alive for a longer time.

These tips will help you keep your flowers fresh for longer. Keep your floral decorations up as long as you want.

Click and order for fresh and beautiful Cut Flowers-
Fresh Cut Tinted Green Roses
Fresh Cut Blue Lollipop Roses
Hibiscus

By Elizabeth Aremu

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grow flower grow

10 Flowers That You Can Grow At Home

Vibrant and colorful flowers make any garden appear beautiful. But caring for flowers can be scary for a new gardener or a busy person at home. Flowering plants don’t need a lot of space. Here are ten flowers that you can grow at home:

Easy to Grow Flowers At Home

1. Hoya Carnosa- Grow Flowers

These plants, also called wax plants, should be at the top of your list if you want plants that look good and can easily grow inside. Do well in many different climates, and they can also be used in low-light situations. The waxy star-shaped buds are a big part of this tropical house plant that people notice.

2. Marigolds- Grow Flowers

Marigolds are an excellent choice for people looking for easy plants to grow at home. Marigold is an annual flower, and it grows all year round. You can enjoy the marigold through all seasons. There are four color varieties: Shades of yellow, red, gold, and mixed hue.Marigolds grow up to a height of 6 inches to 3 feet tall.

Marigold is one of many people’s choices because it grows quickly from seed, and they use it to repel mosquitoes both in the garden and on the window sill. The only thing is that Marigold cannot survive in low light.

3. Gladiolus

Gladioli are great for adding height and romance to floral arrangements because of their bright, long stems. With modern hybrids like Gladiolus “Tango” and “Green Star,” your vase will have a whole new set of colors that are both modern and fresh. There are many options. As soon as the lower two or three florets start to open, cut the gladiolus flowers. But try to leave as many leaves as possible to help the bulb growth for next year.  

4. Jasmine

Jasmine is a perennial flower with a beautiful fragrance. Jasmin plants are best planted between the end of autumn and spring. You can grow from seeds or use a 6-inch long jasmine branch at the beginning of the summer when the flowers begin to bloom and transfer to a balcony or garden. The jasmine thrives in low light.

5. Anthurium

There are a lot of different colors for these heart-shaped plants. They can be red or white, pink or purple, or even red and white. and also easy to grow inside and bloom all year long. They like indirect light, wet weather, and soil that isn’t too dry, so they do well. Parents and pet owners, be careful with these pretty plants because they can be dangerous if they get into your food. 

6. Gloxinia

This plant’s cousin is in the same family as African violets. It has pretty, frilly flowers and leaves that are dark green. Winter is a good time for nurseries, florists, and even some grocery stores to have these things. They like bright, screened sunlight and soil that isn’t too wet. They also don’t like getting their leaves wet. These flowers bloom for about two months. They’re known for being picky about reblooming.

7. Hydrangeas

Bright-leaved plants are great additions to your garden in the spring when they start to bloom independently. Hydrangeas can live for a long time if you keep their soil moist and put them in direct sunlight. The plants will look great in your home if these two things are true.

8. Cyclamen

New blooms keep coming up for months. The flowers come in pink, lilac, red, or white, floating on heart-shaped leaves. They love lots of sunlight but can thrive at room temperature between 60 and 70 degrees. If it’s warmer than that, the leaves start to turn yellow and die off. 

9. Phalaenopsis Orchid

These orchids look fragile, but they aren’t as fragile as they seem. They’ll bloom for a long time and can live for years with very little attention. This flower likes bright, indirect sunlight and plenty of water. 

10. Kalanchoe

This succulent has glossy green leaves and flower clusters that last for weeks. The bright red, yellow, pink, or orange flower clusters are some colors you can have. It thrives in bright indirect sunlight.

You may order some of the beautiful fresh flowers, Bouquet for any occasion.
Beautiful Fresh Flowers 4 Different Colors
Fresh Flowers Gift - Charming Fresh Cut Flowers
Jasmine

By Elizabeth Aremu

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Indoor Flowering Plants

Choosing the Best Indoor Flowering Plants

Best Indoor Flowering Plants- Nothing beats the brilliant color of flowers to bring your yard alive. Your space can be a blank canvas to paint whatever you choose. There are a few things to keep in mind to make sure the flowers you create the sweet beautiful picture you have in mind for your decorations. 

We will discuss some important factors to consider when choosing the best indoor flowering plants. We will also list some of the most popular indoor flowers for an amazing 2022 interior decor.

How to Choose The Best Flowering Plants

There are no bad or good flowers. Flower lovers are keen on the beauty and brilliance flowers give the atmosphere and how they seem to invite the sunshine in on a cloudy day. Before choosing any plant for your house, here are three key things to consider:

#1. Sun & Water

Like all living things, Flowers need water and sunlight to stay healthy. However, like humans, some plants require less or more than others. If you live in a place with little sunlight in the house, you should not choose flowers that need plenty of sunlight. Some flowers prefer to be in the shadow. Before getting too attached to a particular flower, figure out how much sun your room or office gets and choose flowers that will grow in that environment.  

#2. Time or Season

Just like many plants, flowers to are seasonal. Daffodils and tulips, for example, are planted in the fall and emerge as the first blossoms the following spring. When the weather heats up, bulbs burst forth in a burst of color that is a welcome respite from the winter's grey blandness.

As summer approaches, there are many warm-weather flowers like salvia and aster flowers, which bloom many times throughout the summer. Nicotiana flowers are particularly fragrant, especially in the evening. Even without much direct sunlight, fuchsia and begonias thrive in shaded settings. With their broad, glossy leaves and large blooms, majestic canna lilies provide a tropical impression to your yard throughout the hottest days of the year. Although these flowers do not blossom until the summer, planting them in the spring will allow them to thrive and bloom.

Finally, chrysanthemums (mums) bloom in the fall and flourish even when the weather cools.

#3. What is the Decor Plan

Knowing how certain flowers will look when they bloom can help you plan and figure out the best plants to buy and which part of the house. You should think about which colors will go together and look at other parts of your house. That will guide your choice.

Flowers enhance any home's visual beauty, and you can have them around all year round. Here are a few of the most popular flowers:

Most popular flowers in 2022: Indoor Flowering Plants

  1. Flowering maple
  2. African Violets
  3. Streptocarpus
  4. Clivia
  5. Peace lily
  6. Hibiscus
  7. Kalanchoe
  8. Hoya Carnosa
  9. Poinsettia
  10. Hydrangeas

Some prettiest indoor plants you may choose- Indoor Flowering Plants
Assorted Tillandsia Ionantha Air Plants
Ionantha Tillandsia Air Plant
Air Plants


By Elizabeth Aremu

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Sunflowers

Everything You Need to Know About Sunflowers

Originating in the plains of North America, sunflowers were quickly spread to become easily one of the most recognizable flowers, symbolizing loyalty, hope, and admiration. Nobody portrayed them better than Van Gogh, arguably one of the world’s best painters,

Who devoted two entire collections to try to understand this deceptively intricate flower. In both instances, these works were meant as a gesture of kindness to Gaugin, another famous artist who would go down in history. Van Gogh knew his friend loved the sunflower,

so whenever the latter would come to visit, Van Gogh would adorn his guest bedroom with numerous oil paintings of the flower for Gaugin to admire.

About Sunflowers

The sunflower seeds grow best in fertile soils, preferably well-drained and with a generous layer of mulch to maintain its moisture. Make sure to plant the seeds about 1 inch below surface level and when the ground has a temperature of between 70 and 80 degrees. Depending on where you are, that usually coincides with late spring.

The sunflower seeds usually take one to two weeks to germinate, during this time, remember to water them frequently to keep the soil moist. During the growing phase however, 1 inch of water every week is more than plenty. Needless to say, sunflowers require a lot of sunshine,

so be sure to pick a good spot in your garden and space the seeds out so that they have enough room to grow.  Enjoy the bright yellow, orange, or red colors after they blossom during late summer, but joy doesn’t stop there!

Know About

When sunflower heads start to tilt downwards, start checking them for maturity: you will be able to harvest edible seeds by cutting off the flower head and letting it dry. These beautiful flowers are annual, meaning that unless you plant them again the following year, they will not come back.

When assembled into a bouquet, they are usually paired with other summer flowers, usually marigolds, daisies, and nasturgens to produce a colorful, lively mix. Keep in mind that a wide variety of sunflowers exist,

so there should never be a shortage of ideas when designing your bouquets:

Regardless of which variety is your favorite, or whether you choose them for a bouquet or

your garden, sunflowers will stand tall to radiate the sunny positivity and summer vitality that characterizes them.

By V. M. Pierluisi

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Sunflower

Sunflowers

Sunflower

What’s the big deal?

Everyone seems to have a picture of themselves in a sunflower field or holding a bunch of freshly picked sunflowers in their hands.  What’s the big idea with these flowers why are they so popular? These beautiful and vibrant flowers often remind people of the sun and are often associated with happiness and prosperity.  They have also been planted in areas of nuclear disasters as they are well-known hyperaccumulators, which are plants that absorb toxins in their tissues, helping to purify the soil around them.

Where can I find them? Sunflower

These are quite easy to find in local grocery stores or corner stores as a part of a bouquet. You can search around your city for a local U-Pick farm that may have sunflowers along with seasonal fruit.  There you can pick as many sunflowers as you like per the price of the U-Pick. (The bonus?  Here, you can control how long to cut the stem which will lead to longer-lasting sunflowers!)

How do I take care of them?

A lot of people become intimidated by taking care of such a big flower but caring for these beautiful yellow delights is easier than you would think.  Once picked or bought, place them in a tall vase, preferably weighted, to hold up the weight of the head of the flower.  About every 3 days, cut an inch of the stem and change the water in the vase between every 1-3 days depending on how much water your sunflower needs.  This will allow your sunflowers to have the most longevity in your home. 

What do you do if flower petals are dropping? Sunflower

This is an indication that the sunflowers are dying due to dehydration.   You’ll see that the petals along with the middle will start to become dry. These plants require water daily sometimes a little more depending on the size.  A good rule of thumb is to fill the vase about 3/4 way and see how much water disappears by the end of the day and adjust accordingly. 

How much sun does a mini “sun” need?

Unlike other plants, these flowers need full sun.  They average about 6 hours of sunlight for growth, but with sunflowers, always remember, more is better. They need an abundance of sunlight to produce such magnificent blooms throughout the day.  Hopefully, this gave you an insight into the craze behind these magnificent flowers, and you’re ready to bring some home!

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Orchids

Orchids and Placement

What is an orchid?

An orchid is one of the oldest and largest flowering plant families with a vast variety of flowers, spanning about 30,000 species. Native to parts of Asia, these plants are also known as epiphytes, which means that they typically grow on other plants, or a host plant,  without harming it.  With their beautiful hues and different formations, it’s hard not to become mesmerized by these prehistoric flowers.

What type of vase should it be in?

Whichever type of vase you choose to put your orchids in, you must remember to have enough open space towards the bottom to allow the roots to obtain enough air.  Also, this specific plant will benefit greatly from

a vase with a weighted bottom to assist in balancing the orchid as it blooms.   

Where should I place it in my house?

The ideal place to place an orchid would be anywhere that mimics humid conditions in your house.  A South or East facing window is the most ideal split to place it as a window in that area can help control the amount of direct sunlight the plant takes in. The top three spots in your house include the living room,

the dining room, and the bathroom If living in a humid environment such as Florida, you can place this plant outside in the patio and it will do quite well there. 

How to maintain an orchid?

These plants enjoy a lot of indirect sunlight (although some do enjoy direct sunlight).  They thrive in an elevated humidity environment and benefit from a lot of open space where the roots are. They are comfortable in temperatures below 85 degrees. These temperatures and conditions work to create vibrant and healthy blooms for these flowers.  (The easiest of this vast species to maintain is Phalaenopsis as it can tolerate levels of low light and humidity)

Why should you buy an orchid?

While they are one of the oldest flowering plants to exist, they are quite easy to take care of once you understand their needs.  They are quite simple in that, they require a humid environment, enough indirect sunlight,

and a weighted vase with enough space for the roots to gain sufficient air. All these steps contribute to beautiful blooms which are sure to light up your house this year.  This flowering plant, once a very rare commodity can now become part of your home

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