tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88278846995819835612024-03-21T11:59:31.681-07:00Carey's Flowers since 1912Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-77921667145576761642012-04-17T08:39:00.000-07:002012-04-17T08:39:58.906-07:00Loving Lilacs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iScPXcH4PciTa9nQ3aNxsmsy8fULUkTEA9O3qZA8drmpc32CGl9Fq-jvnuK1mzhXPlv4QeG-xZRgD0iDcgqJyerj_rRkp_VnISp8TLPJpbJrLAU22Zi6sZvmXMO4d-VmqgBrtUwSiSA/s1600/lilac+lav.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iScPXcH4PciTa9nQ3aNxsmsy8fULUkTEA9O3qZA8drmpc32CGl9Fq-jvnuK1mzhXPlv4QeG-xZRgD0iDcgqJyerj_rRkp_VnISp8TLPJpbJrLAU22Zi6sZvmXMO4d-VmqgBrtUwSiSA/s1600/lilac+lav.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Who doesn't love lilacs? They have a scent stronger than roses that carries quite a distance. There are more than 1,000 varieties in several colors including white and pink (the most popular colors are lilac and purple), blooming in April and May depending on the variety an d area you live in.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The ideal lilac shrub has about 10 canes and produces flowers at eye-level—all the better to enjoy that sweet, haunting fragrance—and they can live for hundreds of years!</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14Jxtv-D9QdRVr84d5KgyzeutcQrvG_1io4pLnGF0qPH1cZp2BM7nKU3QqHvv3us61kaSffCjtnSUL8cdVBGNagcscVwRDHObhxjEic1Oj28x7DRGO6izKv48zSx03YZd7s7Q-WKCzMQ/s1600/Lilac+wt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14Jxtv-D9QdRVr84d5KgyzeutcQrvG_1io4pLnGF0qPH1cZp2BM7nKU3QqHvv3us61kaSffCjtnSUL8cdVBGNagcscVwRDHObhxjEic1Oj28x7DRGO6izKv48zSx03YZd7s7Q-WKCzMQ/s1600/Lilac+wt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Lilacs, both Syringa vulgaris and S. x persica, the finer, smaller "Persian Lilac," were introduced into European gardens at the end of the 16th century, from Ottoman gardens. Lilacs were brought to the American colonies in the 18th century where they were planted in our first botanical gardens and both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew lilacs in their gardens. New Hampshire recognizes the lilac blossom as the official state flower, because it "is symbolic of that hardy character of the men and women of the Granite State."</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: large;">Grow lilacs in fertile, humus-rich, well drained, neutral to alkaline soil. Select a site where your lilac will get full sun—at least six hours.</span> </span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlbDt6JpkA38PTNOKcTo3w1VSfKi281lrbcW8WepwDUVykwQwoiqMHNQHIqOiVxbhjWwVwMaO32mgo0CsLtbRyLFp1dJ-SBVPW3hCpXWn4mxBxdo0-GFpd8-pwJ45j2eAeP15i8FlmkY/s1600/lilac+pur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlbDt6JpkA38PTNOKcTo3w1VSfKi281lrbcW8WepwDUVykwQwoiqMHNQHIqOiVxbhjWwVwMaO32mgo0CsLtbRyLFp1dJ-SBVPW3hCpXWn4mxBxdo0-GFpd8-pwJ45j2eAeP15i8FlmkY/s1600/lilac+pur.jpg" /></a></div><span style="background-color: black; color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Lilac bushes are prone to powdery mildew disease, so provide good air circulation by keeping their branches pruned. Lilacs bloom on old wood so prune right after blooming is over. In addition to branch pruning, thin out old ‘canes’ and cut the dead flowers off when they're done blooming. Lilacs are a delightful addition to your spring flower garden and with proper sitting and minimal care will reward you with their intoxicating fragrance for years to come … perhaps even hundreds of years!</span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-18300154006517878512011-11-12T07:11:00.000-08:002011-11-12T07:11:22.931-08:00I Love Amaryllis<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The amaryllis is, I think, the most beautiful and dramatic of our flowering bulbs. We are so fortunate to be able to grow these amazing flowering bulbs in garden beds. If we have the know how.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-aKvbmx4Vg470cwIU2FdtqA5f89AOsTQRgX3wcvXUItV7GLZQ6CVjhUNvMtJ0PpzZ9gBRFpS56NIsR5CDGc5Pjgo2rI9pvMl9UUWzsEzV8L1pek4ZL5JkMnb4YzahmhcsuSYopCaP6M/s1600/Amaryllis+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-aKvbmx4Vg470cwIU2FdtqA5f89AOsTQRgX3wcvXUItV7GLZQ6CVjhUNvMtJ0PpzZ9gBRFpS56NIsR5CDGc5Pjgo2rI9pvMl9UUWzsEzV8L1pek4ZL5JkMnb4YzahmhcsuSYopCaP6M/s320/Amaryllis+I.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In colder regions, like lets say New England, amaryllises must be grown in containers, as they would freeze during the winter if planted in the ground.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The amaryllis belongs to the genusHippeastrum, which, oddly enough, translates as "horse star." Those we grow today are mostly hybrids of several species native to South America. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dormant bulbs are readily available now, and they can become a long-lasting part of your landscape. The bulbs that you purchase now, however, must be handled specially during the winter.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>When they are dried and forced into dormancy for shipping purposes, the bulbs are triggered to bloom during the winter, rather than the spring.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you plant bulbs you purchase now outside into the garden, they may send up their flower stalks this winter, this will kill the bulb. What a waste of such a stately flower.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><strong>Growing amaryllis indoors</strong><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Even if you intend to plant them in your garden eventually, amaryllis bulbs purchased now should be planted into pots.<br />
<br />
Use a good-quality potting soil and plant the bulb with the neck that protrudes from the top of the bulb above the soil surface.<br />
<br />
The pot should be large enough so that there is about a 1-inch clearance between the pot rim and the bulb. Clay or plastic pots may be used. Since an amaryllis in bloom can be somewhat top-heavy, clay pots provide a little more stability. You can also buy them pre-planted in pots ready to grow. These bulbs can be of lesser quality if they are not clearly marked as being Dutch bulbs.<br />
<br />
Place the pot indoors in a sunny window (the more sun the better) and keep the soil evenly moist.<br />
<br />
When the flower stalk begins to emerge, rotate the pot about one-half turn every few days so it will grow straight. Otherwise, it will grow toward the window and look awkward.<br />
<br />
If you provide your amaryllis with too little light, the flower stalk will grow excessively tall and may even fall over. Trust me this is heartbreaking.<br />
<br />
This time of year, flowering generally occurs about 7 to 10 weeks after planting. Some large bulbs will produce two flower stalks if you are lucky.<br />
Sometime after the flower stalk has emerged, leaves will grow from the top of the bulb. After the flowers have faded, cut the stalk at the point where it emerges from the bulb, but do not cut any foliage.<br />
<br />
Keep the plant inside, and continue to provide plenty of light, or the leaves will be weak. Water it regularly when the soil begins to feel dry, but it is not really necessary to fertilize your amaryllis during this time.<br />
<br />
When April arrives, or the first complete thaw whichever comes later, it's time to plant your bulbs into the garden. Amaryllis planted in the garden this coming spring will get into their natural cycle and bloom each year in April. Clearly mark where you have planted each bulb as they will have to be dug up each fall.<br />
<br />
<strong>Care in the landscape</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63FPjoiHZ5KuNJ9Tn6gD8qN7ynLa7oZ5cAGmGpaVjlKfmuTTR02VFw3WR0WxxibhATfQK530nEIC_7_vJBTd5MSAzHLtEMcHQ3vfYBAzfEOR_NODtfWE03wvZNYaEtqwGC5F2X6WbA1c/s1600/Amaryllis+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63FPjoiHZ5KuNJ9Tn6gD8qN7ynLa7oZ5cAGmGpaVjlKfmuTTR02VFw3WR0WxxibhATfQK530nEIC_7_vJBTd5MSAzHLtEMcHQ3vfYBAzfEOR_NODtfWE03wvZNYaEtqwGC5F2X6WbA1c/s320/Amaryllis+II.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you are growing amaryllis in your garden now, you know just how carefree they are. They thrive in any reasonably good garden soil, as long as drainage is good.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A spot that receives part sun (about six hours of direct sun and then shade in the afternoon) is the ideal location, but I have seen amaryllis thrive in full sun to part shade.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Amaryllis bulbs are planted with the narrow top of the bulb, or "neck," exposed above the soil surface. Do not plant the bulbs too deep, or flowering will decrease. Bulbs are generally spaced about 8 inches apart and show best in the garden when planted in clumps of three or more. Mulch the bed to provide a place for moisture to be held for the bulbs.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once planted and established, use a light sprinkling of a general-purpose fertilizer in June and early fall and watering during unusually dry weather is all they need.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Beds should be mulched with an inch or two of pine straw, leaves or other similar material to help reduce weeds and conserve moisture. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Although it is necessary to dig and store amaryllis bulbs in the fall each year, this can be a good thing. Clumps of bulbs can become overcrowded, and fall is a good time to divide them. Amaryllis bulbs produce offsets or small bulbs from their base that grow larger each year. Over a number of years, the crowding of the bulbs may cause a decrease in flowering, due to competition.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Dividing amaryllis</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If needed, divide your amaryllis now by lifting the clumps of bulbs carefully, so as not to damage the bulbs in the process. Try to get most of the roots attached to the bulbs. I like to use a garden fork, as it will not cut through the roots.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Separate off the smaller bulbs from the larger bulbs, and put them in two piles. Trim off any yellow or unhealthy foliage, but leave healthy, green foliage attached.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While the bulbs are out of the bed, take the opportunity to turn the soil and then incorporate some compost, rotted manure or peat moss to enrich the soil.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Store all bulbs for the winter in a dry, dark environment with plenty of air flow. I like to make a sinle layer of bulbs at the bottom of a plastic milk crate. Using serveral milk crates if needed. I store mine in the most dry section of an unfinished basement. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The smaller bulbs can later be planted into another area where you want amaryllis, or given to friends. Some may bloom next spring or in the next year or two, depending on their size. This is the most common method of propagating amaryllis.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Purchase amaryllis bulbs now to brighten your home during the holiday season, but don't forget that they can become a wonderful part of your garden as well.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQih5nOnnkWrl9D9yKWiVlm92ez42meuT9ZOEGRHZ-6Eg5IRwgMo6WYZIksaaY-gOe5SlfVcQPEV4BBOqkK1cKwF4Gov-rnrjYLnUxhcTlj_xLM6jSa3_V8vOzWBGs-W0Q8akAc0b-e0/s1600/Amaryllis+III.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQih5nOnnkWrl9D9yKWiVlm92ez42meuT9ZOEGRHZ-6Eg5IRwgMo6WYZIksaaY-gOe5SlfVcQPEV4BBOqkK1cKwF4Gov-rnrjYLnUxhcTlj_xLM6jSa3_V8vOzWBGs-W0Q8akAc0b-e0/s320/Amaryllis+III.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One other point; potted amaryllis bulbs in bud or bloom are popular gifts for the holidays. If you think you might be giving some as gifts, keep this column handy and include a copy with each gift amaryllis you give.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-57199313206310404622011-11-10T07:42:00.000-08:002011-11-10T07:42:56.473-08:00Carey's Flowers Thanksgiving Flowers Cheer Those Left Alone At the Holidays<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Not every Thanksgiving is delightful. For those left alone on Thanksgiving Day, this holiday can be a turkey – and not the kind that's roasted. Fortunately, there's a way to make this festival of gratitude better for “orphans” – namely, by sending them Thanksgiving flowers.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHO8KzGhHompzCUWN3BsEI0H8D5ZIAhEqbllP2VAp-Of2mqwkt-C35V0Za-rCEnbILYUfIKDfUhDTNNdTOq8iSZiHuX-PlYR8XX_GcYD5zIvAApdSJ0AI_s_G9QCAFl0ZvEngoDw7PLdw/s1600/TG+daisy+Arr..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHO8KzGhHompzCUWN3BsEI0H8D5ZIAhEqbllP2VAp-Of2mqwkt-C35V0Za-rCEnbILYUfIKDfUhDTNNdTOq8iSZiHuX-PlYR8XX_GcYD5zIvAApdSJ0AI_s_G9QCAFl0ZvEngoDw7PLdw/s320/TG+daisy+Arr..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Not every Thanksgiving is delightful. For those left alone on Thanksgiving Day, this holiday can be a turkey – and not the kind that's roasted. Fortunately, there's a way to make this festival of gratitude better for “orphans” – namely, by sending them Thanksgiving flowers.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7ZNBGwSzw8TXJ-hDAy3_rEhT3sRE5zHO311o1lnm-tJ9KJhJMvvheTG3AYEob7cYtvZQedQuk-H9KChEfCeN12Jbk7bIyfM6pRmXmFU7u5sJrHX5ltxHZGrr9P-WK_QqPGLaIQRPBRs/s1600/single+rose+bv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7ZNBGwSzw8TXJ-hDAy3_rEhT3sRE5zHO311o1lnm-tJ9KJhJMvvheTG3AYEob7cYtvZQedQuk-H9KChEfCeN12Jbk7bIyfM6pRmXmFU7u5sJrHX5ltxHZGrr9P-WK_QqPGLaIQRPBRs/s1600/single+rose+bv.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">“Thanksgiving is traditionally a family holiday,” explains Seth Carey, COO and President of careysflowers.com. “It can get a bit lonely when you're far from your loved ones. The luckier 'orphans' get invited to friends' celebrations, but that doesn't always happen. For everyone else, we suggest sending Thanksgiving flowers as a way to connect and include them from far away.”</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Traditional Thanksgiving flowers come in golds, bronze and yellows, but any flower arrangement will do the trick. Bright yellows and oranges are good colors for bringing cheer, the primary objective when sending to someone stuck alone on Thanksgiving Day. While Carey's Flowers does offer same-day delivery, that doesn't extend to major holidays. Planning ahead is required.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">“When you surprise someone with Thanksgiving flowers, you're telling them you're there with them in spirit,” says Mr. Carey. “The blues can quickly overtake a person left alone on the holidays. Anything you can do to help the lonely, to keep in touch, is going to be welcome. If you make the gesture and order the flower arrangement, we can take care of the rest.”</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Carey's Flowers has been delivering Thanksgiving flowers as well as taking care of all other flower needs for 99 years now. We can handle whatever it is you need.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-7412191101145578032011-10-22T08:32:00.000-07:002011-10-22T08:32:39.465-07:00Are all orchids hard to grow? ~ Not reallly ! !<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's true that some orchids can challenge the most skillful gardener, but a number of orchids are simple to grow. My favorite in the simple to grow category is the phalaenopsis or moth orchid.</div><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Phalaenopsis flowers are borne on stalks above large waxy leaves. Flowers are about 2 inches across and are shaped like a moth. My phalaenopsis orchids begin blooming about November, and the flowers can last until May. Stalks can hold 15 or more blooms, but seven or eight is more likely. Colors range from pure white through pink and deep lavender.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5oZKSb-PcFulag8PmmXfQ5U_ETO72Dc0Ux9MmCNHmsKY-NlveJvuPPd5a7j8ZAQY25sYMAYC0_l0vrfnr0Nhx_iM_F4rI2Zk2ybx5-EQkMSE_1hm8dy_-rKPJZeKryzLnYDcBZ-ZtJ4/s1600/orchid+phal+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5oZKSb-PcFulag8PmmXfQ5U_ETO72Dc0Ux9MmCNHmsKY-NlveJvuPPd5a7j8ZAQY25sYMAYC0_l0vrfnr0Nhx_iM_F4rI2Zk2ybx5-EQkMSE_1hm8dy_-rKPJZeKryzLnYDcBZ-ZtJ4/s200/orchid+phal+II.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I grow phalaenopsis orchids in a bark medium (chunks of bark), which takes a little getting used to. It makes you want to water frequently, because it is hard to understand how the plants can absorb enough water and nutrients from it. The advantage of bark is that it drains well, so you can hardly over water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnw1rRZ9vprd9B2M7lUwqgIYirccu1sKqdPc-H5T82ZL5kdpizyh5NDYyM7wZUK17dqzEucCeFoj9BvYS7hTZGlZlFJC6ek8U5zBNTKR5x6YrRK9kdMi48I9BmjjOwMqVoT88aMrI5yL0/s1600/orchid+phal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnw1rRZ9vprd9B2M7lUwqgIYirccu1sKqdPc-H5T82ZL5kdpizyh5NDYyM7wZUK17dqzEucCeFoj9BvYS7hTZGlZlFJC6ek8U5zBNTKR5x6YrRK9kdMi48I9BmjjOwMqVoT88aMrI5yL0/s200/orchid+phal.jpg" width="174" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dendrobium, cattleyas and oncidium orchids also are fairly easy to grow. Apply these tips listed below from the Alamo Orchid Society for growing those varieties and phalaenopsis.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Light: Bright light from an east- or south-facing window is ideal. Avoid midday sun. Too much direct sunlight will burn an orchid; too little results in weak, dark green leaves and no flowers.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Temperature: Orchids are comfortable when you are. Perfect temperatures are 55-65 degrees at night and 70-85 degrees during the day.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Water: Water when the growing medium is nearly dry.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Humidity: Many orchids are native to tropical and subtropical areas with high humidity. To simulate those conditions, place the pot on a saucer full of moistened pebbles. Do not allow the bottom of the container to sit in water.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Fertilize: Orchids experts say, "Fertilize weakly weekly." Apply a diluted (¼ strength) balanced fertilizer such as a 20-20-20 after each watering (don't fertilize dry medium). Water without fertilizer once a month to leach accumulated salts.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Grooming: Cut spent flowers at the stem with clean, sharp scissors. Remove flower stems when they've dried up.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Repotting: Orchids grow better when their roots are pot-bound, but repot when plants have obviously outgrown the container. Repot when the growing medium breaks down. Do not repot while plants are in bloom.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA-4V7Tgb1Ff0YFo2JgT6pkTvV9AGD1_VHjYcQHQefY1KDGSkTlyvJadZM3YXCDkKVsQegkLO6Hrux3Io73-X1tCfeqpCpnI1oqaxlkQ6S81Id5OUk8HAIWJ-omFJRwRrgtrBGIK8v3c/s1600/orchid+in+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA-4V7Tgb1Ff0YFo2JgT6pkTvV9AGD1_VHjYcQHQefY1KDGSkTlyvJadZM3YXCDkKVsQegkLO6Hrux3Io73-X1tCfeqpCpnI1oqaxlkQ6S81Id5OUk8HAIWJ-omFJRwRrgtrBGIK8v3c/s200/orchid+in+pot.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-57890211416993435942011-10-20T07:15:00.000-07:002011-10-20T07:15:57.869-07:00Starting early spring gardens nowSpring almost requires that gardeners have a few blooming bulbs in front door flower beds, in outdoor pots and on windowsills.<br />
<br />
Now that cooler weather and soil are settling in, it is a perfect time to get going on bulb projects. In our area we can plant garlic, allium, tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, fritillaria, crocus, squill, snowdrops and others, as long as the ground has not yet frozen.<br />
<br />
The prettiest displays are planted in groups rather than in rows. To plant an entire bed, the bulbs can be tossed and planted where they land so there will be clusters of flowers with spaces in between.<br />
<br />
Plant bulbs twice their length. For example a 1.5-inch tall bulb is planted in a 3-inch deep hole.<br />
<br />
Plant Oriental and Asiatic lilies three times their depth because they root along the stems. Madonna lily is planted with the top of the bulb at the top of the hole.<br />
<br />
Be sure that the fat end of the bulb is actually sitting on soil. A planting hole dug with a trowel or shovel can have an empty place at the bottom. Water can accumulate there and rot the bulb over the winter.<br />
<br />
Interplant bulbs with biennials, perennials or creeping plants that will cover the fading stems after the flowers fade in the late spring.<br />
<br />
Plant bulbs practically touching when you plant layers of them in pots or tubs. Put a few inches of soil in the bottom of the container and top with bulbs. Add 2 inches of soil and more bulbs. If you want the entire pot to bloom at once plant all one bulb type.<br />
<br />
A 6-inch pot will hold six tulips and three hyacinths. Some gardeners plant pansies or grass seed on the top of the pot to hold the soil and add to the spring display.<br />
<br />
Plant bulbs you plan to move in plastic trays or crates buried in the ground. If moles and voles are a problem, plant bulbs in plastic berry baskets, wrap each bulb in plastic mesh or surround the bed with gravel. Entire pots can be sunk into the ground. Moth balls help keep the squirrels away for a few weeks. Scattered pine cones will keep cats out of the beds and pots.<br />
<br />
Bulbs planted this year do not need fertilizer. Try to remember to fertilize them in the spring.<br />
<br />
Gladiolus bloom later than daffodils and tulips but are planted at around the same time. Tall varieties may need support if they are in a windy spot so put stakes in place as you plant.<br />
<br />
Their cut-flower blooming season can be extended if you plant them in groups a few weeks apart.<br />
<br />
Bulbs should be weeded by hand since hoes and cultivators can damage them.<br />
<br />
If you plan to force bulbs such as hyacinths and daffodils in the house, add a piece of horticultural (not barbecue) charcoal to the water to keep the water sweet. The charcoal will help prevent gnats and bulb rot.<br />
<br />
Garlic planted now can be tucked in any flower or vegetable bed where the soil can be kept evenly moist. Buy planting garlic rather than the treated grocery store garlic. Plant the largest cloves to get the largest heads next summer.<br />
<br />
Shade-loving Spanish bluebells grow to a foot tall with an abundance of blue flowers in the spring. Plant bulbs 3 inches deep. They will return for years if they are kept dry enough over the summer.<br />
<br />
Snowdrops, Leucojum aestivum, grow 15 inches tall with a white, bell-shaped flower. This is a favorite in many gardens, as they can survive clay and shade as well as sand and sun.Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-63761926458305979322011-10-17T10:46:00.000-07:002011-10-17T10:46:39.092-07:00How to say it with flowersDuchess Kate Middleton's custom wedding bouquet had symbolic significance to the Royal family, and was in keeping with tradition. <br />
<br />
You may not be royalty, but that should not stop you from emulating the royal family. Go ahead and take the lead from the Victorians who used flowers to express their feelings. Here's a list of different flowers and what they can mean. I say 'can' mean because if you hunt around on the internet you can find a thousand different meanings for the exact same flower. However we continue to get many questions about the meanings of flowers so I blog about it from time to time. <br />
<br />
A quick peek at some flowers:<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: magenta;">Carnation</span></strong> implies affection. It's meant to be given to one's lover or partner.<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: purple;">Chamomile </span></strong>means patience and attracts wealth.<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: blue;">Chrysanthemum</span></strong> means cheerfulness and says that you're a wonderful friend.<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: cyan;">Daffodil</span></strong> means respect.<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: lime;">Daisy</span></strong> is associated with innocence and carefree beauty.<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: yellow;">Forget-me-not</span></strong> stands for true love and lasting memories.<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: orange;">Geranium</span></strong> (scented) implies a degree of preference.<br />
<br />
- The <strong><span style="color: red;">Hibiscus</span></strong> flower signifies delicate and elegant beauty.<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: magenta;">Honeysuckle</span></strong> is all about generous and devoted affection.<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: purple;">Hyacinth</span></strong> is associated with games, sports and rashness. You would be surprised to know that this flower is dedicated to Apollo.<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: blue;">Iris</span></strong> is a flower that signifies faith, hope, wisdom and valor.<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: cyan;">Jasmine</span></strong> is a flower about amiability and it attracts wealth.<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: lime;">Lily</span></strong> is a flower that helps keep unwanted visitors away.<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: yellow;">Marigold</span></strong> is a flower that comforts the heart and gives solace.<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: orange;">Orchid</span></strong> is a symbol of love, beauty and refinement. Ideal to gift to a beautiful lady, it is also the Chinese symbol for many children.<br />
<br />
- <strong><span style="color: red;">Poinsettias</span></strong> symbolize a degree of good cheer and great success Also known as the Christmas Star, it is said that this winter flower's association with Christmas comes from a Mexican legend.<br />
<br />
- <span style="color: magenta;"><strong>Red roses</strong></span> symbolize love So try gifting a bunch of red roses before you say those three words. However, some girls happen to find them boring. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">White roses</span></strong> imply beauty.<br />
<br />
In a nutshell<br />
<br />
- Do not gift red roses to a family member like your cousin Sally<br />
<br />
- Daffodils are the perfect bouquet for your mother,<br />
<br />
- A bunch of daisies are the perfect flowers for your sister. <br />
<br />
- Scented geraniums are ideal for the girl you have a crush on<br />
<br />
- Marigolds are the perfect condolence flowers. Gift them to someone who has recently suffered an accident, illness or tragedy<br />
<br />
- Chrysanthemums are the perfect flowers for a female friend when there are no romantic feelings involved<br />
<br />
- Chamomile, jasmine and poinsettia attract success and wealth <br />
<br />
- Barring the traditional (and cliché) red roses, other flowers that communicate <strong><span style="color: red;">LOVE</span></strong> are carnations, honeysuckle, and orchids.Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-36177168174302240422011-10-15T09:18:00.000-07:002011-10-15T09:18:07.426-07:00A helpful little plantThe French Marigold flower is one of the more amazing ‘beneficial’ garden companions that will help a number of your garden plants to thrive with it’s potent pesticide-producing root system while also offering a rather strong aroma to confuse other pests.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnkqDxZfA_T_dqrpLw2W89TKHUZMhRZhk6PgjTsuM4ltws6mEFyZoYPOzuCK-7-T2hDVTRlKo4WH_gE0LKOXHoZSw9lWjfdrnVxhIcKVGJqwXW2TvVaPYob-TkV8Sd1gaNy21bQkjP6k/s1600/french-marigold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnkqDxZfA_T_dqrpLw2W89TKHUZMhRZhk6PgjTsuM4ltws6mEFyZoYPOzuCK-7-T2hDVTRlKo4WH_gE0LKOXHoZSw9lWjfdrnVxhIcKVGJqwXW2TvVaPYob-TkV8Sd1gaNy21bQkjP6k/s1600/french-marigold.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I believe there may be some confusion out there (I know I was initially confused) about which Marigold to purchase or to grow from seed, in order to be the ‘right’ one to classify as a ‘French Marigold’ so as to be the most effective in the garden for it’s beneficial companion properties to certain plants. First don't look for the words ‘French Marigold’ to be included on the tag along with the name. Once you let that go you will be surprised to discover that there are allot of varieties that are French Marigold’s!<br />
<br />
There are two basic types of Marigold’s, American and French, that make up most of the huge variety that is available out there. The French Marigold varieties are bushier, generally do not grow as tall and do not have really full flowered heads like the American varieties, but they do offer the most potent affect on repelling and eliminating underground nematodes while also confusing and repelling white flies and other insects with their strong odor.<br />
<br />
Plant Marigolds everywhere in your garden. They will flower throughout the Summer and Fall, and maybe later if it doesn’t get too cold. They are particularly helpful to tomatoes, squash, broccoli, potatoes, and peppers. Apparently you should not plant Marigold’s along with beans. Unfortunately the Marigold is an annual, requiring re-seeding each year, although the affect of their root system is said to last for a few years afterward.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
List of French Marigold varieties<br />
<br />
Aurora Series<br />
<br />
Bonanza Series<br />
<br />
Bonita<br />
<br />
Boy O Boy Series<br />
<br />
Brocade Mixed<br />
<br />
Colossus<br />
<br />
Disco Series<br />
<br />
Durango Series<br />
<br />
Dwarf Bonanza Blend<br />
<br />
French Brocade<br />
<br />
Golden Gate Series<br />
<br />
Golden Guardian<br />
<br />
Ground Control<br />
<br />
Gypsy Sunshine<br />
<br />
Harlequin<br />
<br />
Harmony<br />
<br />
Hero Series<br />
<br />
Honeycomb<br />
<br />
Jacket Orange, Yellow<br />
<br />
Janie Series<br />
<br />
Jolly Jester<br />
<br />
La Bamba<br />
<br />
Lemon Drop<br />
<br />
Little Hero Series<br />
<br />
Mars<br />
<br />
Moonlight<br />
<br />
Mr. Majestic<br />
<br />
Naughty Marietta<br />
<br />
Nema-gone<br />
<br />
Pesche’s Gold<br />
<br />
Petite Series<br />
<br />
Queen Sophia<br />
<br />
Red Marietta<br />
<br />
Safari Series<br />
<br />
Scarlet Sophie<br />
<br />
Solan<br />
<br />
Spanish Brocade<br />
<br />
Sparky Mix<br />
<br />
Striped Marvel<br />
<br />
Spice Series<br />
<br />
Troubador<br />
<br />
Yellow Boy<br />
<br />
Happy Marigold-ing!Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-62629186833390624782011-04-18T12:57:00.000-07:002011-04-18T12:57:24.365-07:00Be Careful for Mother's Day - a warningWhen your grandmother wanted to send flowers to a friend, all it took was a brisk walk to the local flower shop or a call on the telephone. The florist would fill her order and if the delivery was in another town, he or she would call a florist there to fill the order. Both the florist and your grandmother were satisfied. <br />
<br />
Poor Grandma. She didn’t have the advantage of ordering flowers from the 'Net' using one of the wire services such as Teleflora, 1-800 flowers, or one of the many others online that are happy to help with flower ordering. <strong>But was she really deprived?</strong><br />
<br />
How would you like it if every time you went to the local grocery store to shop you were met in the parking lot with a person that wanted to charge you almost 30 percent of the grocery cost to wheel a grocery cart into the store for you? I don’t think that person would have any takers. However, this happens <em>every day</em> when someone orders flowers from a wire service on the Internet. The service charges almost <strong>30 percent</strong> of the customer cost to simply “wheel” the order into the flower shop. What’s the solution?<br />
<br />
Simply use the florist’s own website to order from, or even better, call the florist directly (most shops have a 1-800 number). That way you can discuss what flowers are available, what you would like and get more value for your dollar. <br />
<br />
But, isn’t it wonderful that the wire services have hundreds of choices on their websites?<br />
<br />
Not really. No flower shop can afford to keep all the flowers on hand that would be required to make the diverse arrangements shown. Orders are often refused on that basis, or substitutions have to be made. Unfortunately, in the pictures shown on the wire services’ websites, all the flowers are pushed to the front to make the arrangements look larger. <strong><u>Did you ever wonder why every rose in an arrangement of a dozen roses can be seen from one side?</u></strong> Often, customers are disappointed with the arrangements seen on the Internet and as delivered, and the flower shops receive the blame. <em><u>Misleading pictures and the loss of about 30 percent of the cost to the wire services are to blame.</u></em> Caring flower shops often have to add extra flowers in the arrangements to make them look closer to the value the customer expects at their cost. But is there anything else to know about sending flowers?<br />
<br />
Yes. Flowers shops can help you with sending flowers to another city. This can be a nice service if you like someone to do it for you, or don’t want the challenge of doing it yourself. However this service can cost up to a third of the order’s cost between wire service and the sending flower shop costs. If you’re 'Net' savvy, find a shop on the 'Net' and order directly from them.<br />
<br />
If you are expecting flowers delivered (Mother’s Day is coming up) that are ordered from out of town, do your friends a favor and suggest they call a flower shop in town directly. Everyone wins and you will get a nicer arrangement for better value. Or call us at Carey's Flowers and ask us for a phone number of a local brick and mortar shop in that area that we have used and trust.<br />
<br />
Remember! Anytime that a third party gets in between the flower shop and the customer, <strong><span style="color: red;">EVERYONE</span></strong> <strong><span style="color: red;">LOSES</span></strong>.Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-84992132540290161572011-02-24T10:47:00.000-08:002011-02-24T10:47:31.051-08:00WWII Letters to Wilma: 16 December, 1943<a href="http://wwii-letters-to-wilma.blogspot.com/2010/12/16-december-1943.html?spref=bl">WWII Letters to Wilma: 16 December, 1943</a>: "V-MAIL 438th AAA AW BN APO 515 % Postmaster, N.Y. Dec 16, 1943 England Wilma darling – Just for variety’s sake and perhap..."<div><br /></div><div>Our address is 300 Newton St. South Hadley MA 01075, but this is cute as all get out.</div><div><br /></div><div>I got an E-mail from a lovely woman where she explained "My Dad courted my Mom during WWII while she was at Mount Holyoke College. I thought you may find interesting this page of my blog which references his ordering an orchid (of some kind) in October, for delivery on November 23, 1943, since he knew he would ship out before then. I'm guessing it was the current owner's grandfather who sold him the orchid. By the way, my Dad was born in 1912, the year your business opened. Anyway, here's the address of the reference to Carey's:"</div><div><br /></div><div>This stuff just lights up our world!</div>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-25015901055176264002011-02-18T09:04:00.000-08:002011-02-18T09:04:06.814-08:00Funerl Flowers Mean So Much<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We received this letter during our Valentines rush and it just made our collective day/week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked permission to post the letter as it made us so proud. I as the blogger just couldn't resist sharing how much the flowers, you the customer, send to a funeral mean to the people involved. The name of the deceased has been changed. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><br />
<span style="color: lime;">To Whom It May Concern,</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">My name is Mary Hurley and I recently had two sympathy arrangements sent on behalf of my family and a separate one on behalf of my two daughters. (decedent's name= Jane Doe) I requested some purple and white flowers/colors for the "choice option." </span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">It was a MOST INCREDIBLE arrangement I had ever seen. What a most suitable display of design and elegance. I was also astonished that, in the midst of this family's grief, so many of Mrs. Doe's children made a comment on how appropriate and thoughtful it was. It was displayed perfectly at the end of the receiving line. Mrs. Doe's daughter is the student council advisor in which both of my daughters are in her morning class. Mrs. Doe's daughter was moved to tears when she saw the flowers. "They're so beautiful! How precious to know your girls thought of me!!" </span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">Mission accomplished. </span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">The plant arrangement was also gorgeous and, for lack of a better word, "Hearty!" Pleasing to the eye and everlasting.</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">Thank you all very much for fulfilling my intent to send our heartfelt sympathy to the Doe family. You CAN say it with flowers, and your floral designers achieved my wishes above and beyond.</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">I cannot thank you enough!! I am now a Carey's customer for life, the talent and dependability is unsurpassed!!!! </span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">With sincere gratitude,</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">Mary Hurley</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><br />
</span>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-22317448477537645552011-02-16T13:39:00.000-08:002011-02-16T13:39:22.405-08:00<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">February: <u>Flower of the month</u></span></em></strong></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">Iris</span></strong></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsaV7w2qrEh5l3H_zEsZvGpgbmkApgEPkRiI-HCatTANTVVtaHkZLC-n-v96BIZMatSmlTWoJfW9W67ADgfdzvKQQRFHYQl1eXVaHSdnHKGRXUtdhfZBamMBAB_nEiGRovy5Ped9F7Lk/s1600/Iris+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsaV7w2qrEh5l3H_zEsZvGpgbmkApgEPkRiI-HCatTANTVVtaHkZLC-n-v96BIZMatSmlTWoJfW9W67ADgfdzvKQQRFHYQl1eXVaHSdnHKGRXUtdhfZBamMBAB_nEiGRovy5Ped9F7Lk/s200/Iris+white.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Cut Flower Iris</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzPkZI-Vt5jFJ00s0-62krii59xX071-guy_52EDdDCkDeit_Ynrwhosj8szSPCWWb5umCbVdgDkp-NSmh8jy-iXdgRVoBvfrV6__DflOUQXr_beVkZ__ifhTmvt46tExp5VLcR7KLww/s1600/Iris+bearded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzPkZI-Vt5jFJ00s0-62krii59xX071-guy_52EDdDCkDeit_Ynrwhosj8szSPCWWb5umCbVdgDkp-NSmh8jy-iXdgRVoBvfrV6__DflOUQXr_beVkZ__ifhTmvt46tExp5VLcR7KLww/s200/Iris+bearded.jpg" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Bearded Iris</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It should come as no surprise that the iris's three upright petals symbolize faith, valor and wisdom. With its majestic purple hues and soaring slender stem, this dignified and graceful February birth flower dates back to Ancient Greece, when Iris, the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow (the Greek word for Iris), acted as the link between heaven and earth. She was faster than the fastest wind and able to travel from the depths of the underworld, to the sea, and to the dry places we live in. She was known for her color and her ability to be anywhere.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">What better name could have been given the humble plant we call iris today in her honor. A species so varied and colorful no one garden can contain them all. They can be found native in all areas of Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. They can be found in the wettest of places, even fully living in water, to the driest rocky crags. They have found a home in every civilization that knew them--often with high regard and care. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the major varieties of iris available to the modern gardener today.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFngwRtGbamxcxkYY62ZbRjVSPO8g000olGYvCtYYB4TX-R6iV86AeBihCYegFZFS9FvGOVeZmNeaBlKVEStudF5Ejyatwcs3L1AQYZNf75BoiwWsOsCSKGAv8K8UrVzOkPzoSbtAtFfg/s1600/Iris+Juno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFngwRtGbamxcxkYY62ZbRjVSPO8g000olGYvCtYYB4TX-R6iV86AeBihCYegFZFS9FvGOVeZmNeaBlKVEStudF5Ejyatwcs3L1AQYZNf75BoiwWsOsCSKGAv8K8UrVzOkPzoSbtAtFfg/s200/Iris+Juno.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juno</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Juno</strong> – These are some of the easiest and best bulbous Iris to grow. Sadly, they are also one of the rarest iris in modern gardens today. They don’t like wet spots and grow in everything from clay to lose soils. Their plants give a strong resemblance to tiny corn plants. Almost all of them bloom in mid-spring and are crested. They all love full sun. </div></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJg8zpLDaH4H2BTwPGpwMftQEAEWyd418l1VDm8NM_fXZEckWOFcr8BHdfXfDVBIfJqXUXDJjDafTVP0yEDBrDPPi3-UNsvG4IXCdvo1jyFFed3yFDirQlSWWZ1u7tZjdkGQD4bik1Ag/s1600/Iris+Louisiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJg8zpLDaH4H2BTwPGpwMftQEAEWyd418l1VDm8NM_fXZEckWOFcr8BHdfXfDVBIfJqXUXDJjDafTVP0yEDBrDPPi3-UNsvG4IXCdvo1jyFFed3yFDirQlSWWZ1u7tZjdkGQD4bik1Ag/s200/Iris+Louisiana.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Louisiana</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmzw3HKwjQKb_Dh8CKUe0UmL5jvXq0m3nFtLNKpOGGggrdg_wsIPDON02FZ7xSTzK_5d019ZHiaVbQn7GfvxtO1WatUD5HzIdGo9ad9OeR0rCSy4u5O0XIervlr0kC96h4vsrlkfGFV4/s1600/Iris+Louisana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmzw3HKwjQKb_Dh8CKUe0UmL5jvXq0m3nFtLNKpOGGggrdg_wsIPDON02FZ7xSTzK_5d019ZHiaVbQn7GfvxtO1WatUD5HzIdGo9ad9OeR0rCSy4u5O0XIervlr0kC96h4vsrlkfGFV4/s200/Iris+Louisana.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louisiana Iris</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Louisiana</strong> – By far my favorite iris, these lovelies grow in both semi-dry locations and right in the water. They will not bloom when conditions are dry for long periods of time but they can take short periods of dryness. In the right, rich, wet soil these iris take off and will quickly fill out their space. They bloom in mass and are stunning when you see them reflecting off the water. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqTDdMACwL4OZgkuccKU0OFHtqadZcyIj2LRlE8ieyo6FLVEZaEsmNdzxOxZ9FV_aalY3uUKWix0k5xFgHQKaYNm6P721MtmApAh6B7AkuLGiXCXAbZbfgKAyxOO__ddrJ-_QTMMH4R8/s1600/Iris+Aril.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqTDdMACwL4OZgkuccKU0OFHtqadZcyIj2LRlE8ieyo6FLVEZaEsmNdzxOxZ9FV_aalY3uUKWix0k5xFgHQKaYNm6P721MtmApAh6B7AkuLGiXCXAbZbfgKAyxOO__ddrJ-_QTMMH4R8/s1600/Iris+Aril.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aril Iris</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Aril</strong> – These are some of the hardest iris to grow outside of their native range. They are known for their rare beauty and the strange white marking on their seeds. They need fast draining soil and little to no water all summer long. They make their home in Israel and the Middle East. There are no photos of any aril iris in plant files that I could find – challenge anyone?</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuhfZ-EzduAORKuKzofq7M2MZ5Yfm7-7FrGSOtWjDXiaayHirHNwxlREHb8xI1luDstyJ__89z0vdgQexem2fCU6kGBllVzMhvDXXWepnWFrcrH9GNNZvi1CJJg8q1EERrDWoe6uJ9wE/s1600/Iris+Reticulata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuhfZ-EzduAORKuKzofq7M2MZ5Yfm7-7FrGSOtWjDXiaayHirHNwxlREHb8xI1luDstyJ__89z0vdgQexem2fCU6kGBllVzMhvDXXWepnWFrcrH9GNNZvi1CJJg8q1EERrDWoe6uJ9wE/s200/Iris+Reticulata.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reticulata iris</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Reticulata</strong> – These are dwarf iris with big bold purple or blue blooms. They are from Turkey and like it on the dry side but will grow and multiply given half a chance. They are quite noticeable for their squareish flowers. </div><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXzLk4eAdOh3v4zfJF5iltvnMKav-ZEsZ81My8aVIT_4bRTXAcfLA_dUAtX8Vy8aqCeOJaWkcBqBVZ6-471m465iWWXyC1I5f1k9zM8_3mX6Bh6l7pkmK9cUI4aX4d4-_Nu-_Gsp36MI/s1600/Iris+Bearded+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXzLk4eAdOh3v4zfJF5iltvnMKav-ZEsZ81My8aVIT_4bRTXAcfLA_dUAtX8Vy8aqCeOJaWkcBqBVZ6-471m465iWWXyC1I5f1k9zM8_3mX6Bh6l7pkmK9cUI4aX4d4-_Nu-_Gsp36MI/s200/Iris+Bearded+II.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bearded Iris</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Bearded</strong> – The most common and the most colorful of all the iris branches are the bearded. They come in all heights, shapes, and almost all colors. These iris are the backbones of many old fashion American gardens.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_mU_A1SOZ9vhz5gEdLW4SYvPVE8LYORnvfjtlLOBIJDns3I4QA6Y34Zch3Kl_fAgK3e6aRBD8zfUwziu8RaaxvRWW6OJPFiAxeuqRbQxidHzoZqNyrw39f6angks78YP-sxhBR7WtQA/s1600/Iria+Spuria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_mU_A1SOZ9vhz5gEdLW4SYvPVE8LYORnvfjtlLOBIJDns3I4QA6Y34Zch3Kl_fAgK3e6aRBD8zfUwziu8RaaxvRWW6OJPFiAxeuqRbQxidHzoZqNyrw39f6angks78YP-sxhBR7WtQA/s1600/Iria+Spuria.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spuria Iris<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Spuria</strong> – This iris blooms well in most parts of the country. They come from Southern Europe all the way to the mountains of Afghanistan. They have been grown for years in areas as varied as Japan and Rumania. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJMlapYlzOvaVaOudoSgCF0vAITjpHo5mB__qDLhPeC_65ROoMRjte78nhkLzhGpcVkqmDd5cxTs62zGsN1B5r87e1jU6GO41Km2SGFgMackuGYgqWgHbxXQBCntaMKXaaaieO8Y8pkQ/s1600/Iris+Siberian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJMlapYlzOvaVaOudoSgCF0vAITjpHo5mB__qDLhPeC_65ROoMRjte78nhkLzhGpcVkqmDd5cxTs62zGsN1B5r87e1jU6GO41Km2SGFgMackuGYgqWgHbxXQBCntaMKXaaaieO8Y8pkQ/s1600/Iris+Siberian.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siberian Iris</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Siberian</strong> – These are iris better suited to the colder Northern areas of the world. They don’t like heat and they thrive in the coldest of winters. They are common in many gardens and are often given as pass-me-down plants.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziIWNqZv5CAzkmIDcd_4eUfs6UpHnOboP44Ck5wYbiJpp_BBJAiQ4908oaQSP2QNQK0HsI4kSYMvTnK8HqBFmU6hc3HNp48wxkwrbfypPe4nIXrTO5WAHVVu8gL77Ja271PAtkx0vfBQ/s1600/Iris+Evansias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziIWNqZv5CAzkmIDcd_4eUfs6UpHnOboP44Ck5wYbiJpp_BBJAiQ4908oaQSP2QNQK0HsI4kSYMvTnK8HqBFmU6hc3HNp48wxkwrbfypPe4nIXrTO5WAHVVu8gL77Ja271PAtkx0vfBQ/s200/Iris+Evansias.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evansias Iris</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Evansias</strong> – These iris are commonly called crested and look somewhat like orchids in bloom. Their blooms range from very small to almost a foot in size and their leaves are evergreen. They are one of those flowers that you either love or hate; you see orchids or rooster-comb-like, messy flowers.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgMzqZgIovJ0biahfKYzFxoBd524bQwyDf8AUMDrgyWNAN405RTREn4FoyH363Ik4V1AJvT_NeAcw42bD3-znzeJuJMrRrD4D9nlSIXdO2D9cRWDhiHcNq_bp0OkF7N3pocWt-RNRSYA/s1600/Iris+Japanese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgMzqZgIovJ0biahfKYzFxoBd524bQwyDf8AUMDrgyWNAN405RTREn4FoyH363Ik4V1AJvT_NeAcw42bD3-znzeJuJMrRrD4D9nlSIXdO2D9cRWDhiHcNq_bp0OkF7N3pocWt-RNRSYA/s200/Iris+Japanese.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Iris</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Japanese</strong> – These are easy to grow iris if you have the right place. The greatest need is soil a little on the acid side. The soil needs to be moist, but not waterlogged at all times. They need fast drainage, but not too fast. On the whole, if you have a place they love, they will reward you with some of the most stunning flowers in the iris kingdom. </div></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_p9_jAwv56z9B1BW0nPhyphenhyphenfJjB7tUxtUT-5zm68yRnsleyBJ1Tcxref-aOn7v7rFS2nJQPO5p3l98nPTVvcwXt91qgjvQqK2RSXSiA2wKe2eHXDjZamN8FfOP4h-KA7E8Vku192t8sNU/s1600/Iris+Pacific+coast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_p9_jAwv56z9B1BW0nPhyphenhyphenfJjB7tUxtUT-5zm68yRnsleyBJ1Tcxref-aOn7v7rFS2nJQPO5p3l98nPTVvcwXt91qgjvQqK2RSXSiA2wKe2eHXDjZamN8FfOP4h-KA7E8Vku192t8sNU/s200/Iris+Pacific+coast.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Coast</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Pacific Coast</strong> – These are the pickiest iris most gardeners will ever try to grow. They are easy to grow, bloom fast from seed, and are carefree – in the moist and mild areas they call home. However, they cannot take cold, heat, dry, or wet, well at all. They are stunning and can be grown in any area given a lot of prep, protection, and daily care. These iris, like the Aril, are not worth growing for most common gardeners outside of their native zone.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-45536555783560520172011-02-04T12:06:00.000-08:002011-02-04T12:06:22.498-08:00Did we mention that Valentine's day is only 10 days away?<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijt8L_gzgC01hLzAIhqf9TVXeavB0Bry7jjWR6Ij6FRR8S_zWYb8EngXt7p8QQcAlYdStPk41LdOSQ_0k4pzjRB2TxlnYL4EKSPhN_89gINPHJoa6Ne4vCfXMRnuqwk6L_x1Vb_4uaC9M/s1600/roses+1+doz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijt8L_gzgC01hLzAIhqf9TVXeavB0Bry7jjWR6Ij6FRR8S_zWYb8EngXt7p8QQcAlYdStPk41LdOSQ_0k4pzjRB2TxlnYL4EKSPhN_89gINPHJoa6Ne4vCfXMRnuqwk6L_x1Vb_4uaC9M/s200/roses+1+doz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Order <strong><em><span style="color: red;">EARLY</span></em></strong> for Carey's Flowers<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: red;">'Romance Package'</span></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XQ59IEqkS46t40RNdEaDnZIEQm3Z57JQp5pKQaZw-2XUXU3EODpE8_0Vk_TUd5cS64u3KdPYGDjy-uPh4OEiqu0kv2s8CD9GAjP-4wz4KaQ1V1y9Cl2XZvYDDJHEEmyU-auwNMWDH_4/s1600/Roses+1+doz+cylinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XQ59IEqkS46t40RNdEaDnZIEQm3Z57JQp5pKQaZw-2XUXU3EODpE8_0Vk_TUd5cS64u3KdPYGDjy-uPh4OEiqu0kv2s8CD9GAjP-4wz4KaQ1V1y9Cl2XZvYDDJHEEmyU-auwNMWDH_4/s200/Roses+1+doz+cylinder.jpg" width="175" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Dazzle</span></em></strong> the one you love while looking like a superstar yourself! </div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9fLb31M21WgUpPDnbM9Z2XkkQ3R5DwkJHhuhejqdCIibENjd7Phys8ezMM3jmbsRIDFUQgchfdMWBuGEiKgy1576yEhItnQjPyzrAQnO9JM-KLG5Kg5ifBElVNdA-ijiQOxV5iPEW9s/s1600/Roses+1+doz+low.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9fLb31M21WgUpPDnbM9Z2XkkQ3R5DwkJHhuhejqdCIibENjd7Phys8ezMM3jmbsRIDFUQgchfdMWBuGEiKgy1576yEhItnQjPyzrAQnO9JM-KLG5Kg5ifBElVNdA-ijiQOxV5iPEW9s/s200/Roses+1+doz+low.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Order before Wed. Feb. 9th and for $110.00 plus tax and delivery you get:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 dozen long stems ruby red roses, a golden box of assorted chocolates, a Nantucket Rose Kringle Candle 3 oz. jar and a sugar love stuffed animal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea1Uz2Gtv97SVjYzKsjjhC3njbh6_phGzRas8C8wFefhjDhneGRqFWZN2Ju4DpXCcccCJXnJ3AFJ3qKll0E0THM554eZKB-HTbq_K3yM99i7Mh-_EAqtD7446cls37POimVXg6EilpJU/s1600/Nantucket+rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea1Uz2Gtv97SVjYzKsjjhC3njbh6_phGzRas8C8wFefhjDhneGRqFWZN2Ju4DpXCcccCJXnJ3AFJ3qKll0E0THM554eZKB-HTbq_K3yM99i7Mh-_EAqtD7446cls37POimVXg6EilpJU/s200/Nantucket+rose.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
After Wed. Feb. 9th the <span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">'Romance Package'</span> </span>will still be s steal of a deal at only $150.00!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8i4lWRfLp-Z2PAZtJEJJYxgif7pcJGCJMpFIfFJUCeEydFJz-RaTAroPZ4adqNj5irfOZgyz5IisTZk4vuwW7KlSKiBKga45eLBsrN9ezYcDjWjLKeaKDJygNudF2v6mJHofGmiv9B4/s1600/chocolates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8i4lWRfLp-Z2PAZtJEJJYxgif7pcJGCJMpFIfFJUCeEydFJz-RaTAroPZ4adqNj5irfOZgyz5IisTZk4vuwW7KlSKiBKga45eLBsrN9ezYcDjWjLKeaKDJygNudF2v6mJHofGmiv9B4/s200/chocolates.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The early birds also get their choice of which sugar love stuffed animal they would like included in their <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">'Romance Package' </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You will not find the<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: red;">'Romance Package'</span></span> on our website, this is offered exclusively to our <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/careysflowers">Facebook</a></span> and <span style="background-color: white; color: cyan;"><a href="http://twitter.com/CareysFlowers">Twitter</a></span> friends.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We hope you all have a very<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><em><u> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span></u></em></span></strong></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-79130109664994349662011-01-26T07:46:00.000-08:002011-01-26T08:00:57.359-08:00Is buying in the grocery store really cheaper?<div align="center">Do you ever wonder why you seem to be able to buy flowers cheaper in the grocery store?<br /><br />This is because the super stores employ certain marketing tactics that a good honest florist never would.<br /><br />Marketing tactic:<br />"Shrink Rays" is a tactic used by many retailers, grocery stores in particular, which allow them to offset the impact of inflation during a sagging economy.<br /><br />For example: rather than raising the price, a manufacturer will put less chips in the same Chip bag and keep the price the same. The consumer will have no idea that there is less because the packaging remains the same.<br /><br />These "Shrink Rays" are currently strong in force right now.<br /><br />Keeping “Shrink Rays” in mind - when you go out to purchase let’s say a bunch of tulips. There are two types of bunches. The supermarkets will carry bunches of flowers called <em><span style="color:#cc6600;">consumer</span> <span style="color:#cc6600;">bunches</span></em>. In these bunches you will find 7 stems of flowers and you will pay ‘X’ amount of dollars for this bunch of flowers and feel as though you saved money. However if you buy your tulips from a florist you will get a <em><span style="color:#33cc00;">florist bunch</span></em>, which will always contain <strong>10</strong> stems of flowers. The choice as always is yours, the question that remains did you really save money?<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566522941567433474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCU0q9PG-b4-JEs0oRORk-cbcLNwrHN24O5XP5uJofgfzpoCCE-fjaoraQ7AkRd2g14IqGYceZ7sWBKuxhTfE3MKICzZ48nMZ0hGpYFP0dw5T0CUVod6Gtfx7fAa6SjajM2_1zZ1pfLM/s200/Tulips+org.jpg" />And.....Just in case this lights your fire we are currently having a cash and carry <strong>SALE</strong> on Dutch tulips (10 stems to a bunch) 2 bunches for $12.00. That's <strong>20</strong> tulips for less than <em>$15.00</em> in this dreadful winter weather!!!! <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">:)</span></strong> Imagine how much better you would feel stuck in your home with some beautiful tulips to look at. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566522932003593410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm53vsJRJ-XHkmwjbE4XSrw5EcASW0VIVljyv-SVZtEf9IY0KOk_S7IfUa3kRC-DehLW8m_YcQD4t7xW519b0RlUeWw1KFviF5UgbuCFJ9ZjHeNDF-NSBIIawV8KZuLmV2Ei4qa_99fdg/s200/tulip+yel.jpg" />The bunches are single color bunches but you can choose two different colors when you purchase your 2 for $12.00. These are <strong>ONLY</strong> offered as a walk in cash & carry, you walk out with your flowers in hand. You wont find this offered on our website, we don't deliver them, we share the beauty of spring with you and we hope you share the beauty of spring with someone you know that may be totally stuck inside this winter. Believe me when you deliver flowers to a shut in you can't get the image of their smiling face out of your head for the rest of the week, it's a <em><strong>FANTASTIC</strong></em> feeling.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566522936872955842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoh7Xt8x_cHa0takpJYcmmHTBX_99cw1S81EmPFxwWx63rRc6VGSlBeRh5Tv4KW0Z9Y-hPky_oKiTmWuwD1ujxd0gKJfAqiT0hSBB3IDK46_IT3cO0B0EThUlmtB9BGnvxenzsPxzbeU/s200/tulips+giving.jpg" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Carey's Flowers <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">SALE</span></strong> Dutch Tulips <strong>2</strong> Bunches for <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">$12.00</span></strong></span><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span></strong></p>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-11787237667273739772010-12-24T06:47:00.000-08:002010-12-24T07:08:39.596-08:00Christmas Flower and Fauna ~ Peace and Love<div><div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Christmas Wreaths</strong><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 196px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554262136551162498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2rbNIQ5S5n7uQRegRVj2t2cVuqT_IIFrKuV85swg8U_tnks6_tmT-cMR3JIRoNQykSkd-Pytaii4fHHty-lo0tDgqLoefiGiIeDRLQDfQn5-KHxhqzXQjnqTvI9xr9uqL_W6dkVGbR4/s200/wreath+floral+II.jpg" /></span></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">The wreaths have been used as Christmas decorations and represent an unending circle of life and growth. The wreaths made of evergreens in pine branches or holly decorate the doors, mantle, and windows of Christian homes. The wreath in holly branches has thorns, which represent the thorns on Jesus' Crown when he was crucified.<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#6600cc;">Today, beautiful artificial wreaths are also in vogue<br /></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554262159474668258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wC4rKRCFzSiVeSXc-APVOalwbdmJqaD9-OhyuAsmPiFwAWZWgsj-zIwVzdhLPvsOGMkRXfg3_Q_6LQTK7VHbmGQnDD88sG7fK6Jtnqw2XeaG3mDd7tWA5f4OyIHT-1AXLYGlAEVZ24Y/s200/wreath+ornament.jpg" /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">The origin of the Wreaths can be traced to the Pre Christian Germanic People who gathered evergreen lighted wreaths in the dark freezing months of December to welcome the coming spring and renewed light</span>.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554262148757419602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZhRp2iHEOCRgOuWaYI6g5PQNWWFFqhYiHbq0VcmsKYXdIQwzO8GMbqw45z4dNJLzXriGYIG6yVmKU4mBVK1VL0U-dXwrMcpOY-3n5YENEULeze3coyUdWurMqwE6xgrke4687eVhfpw/s200/Wreath+OLD+FASHION.gif" /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">The Christians embraced this tradition and by the 16th century both Catholics and Protestants were using these symbols to celebrate the advent of Jesus. Advent is a time to pray, confess and purge oneself to welcome Jesus with a pure heart. Traditionally, the wreath consisted of four candles.</span> <span style="color:#6666cc;">The three candles were in violet (purple)</span> <span style="color:#ff99ff;">and the fourth one was rose (pink).</span> <span style="color:#009900;">It is said that sometimes four white candles or four violet candles were used in the wreath. These four candles represent 4 weeks of preparation.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 191px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554262131349963746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIwXlBKb0EIzfLG8dqYcL_54zb_jXjudNk2Xz3trKs6_WCOHiNpdrID6Xx19nlCpsU7GA0otQg9cU2-wpazZ07cDSpoEwVjWdNjYCZ_GJjCtyv_4znyr_MpqaqvCdo5FMqE8-GFL7j2Y/s200/wreath+advent.jpg" /></span><br />On the fourth Sunday before Christmas or the first Sunday of the Advent the <span style="color:#6666cc;">first violet candle symbolizing hope</span> is lit and a short prayer is offered to Jesus who is about to take the mortal form. It is followed by lighting a <span style="color:#6666cc;">purple candle that stands for love </span>on the Second Sunday, <span style="color:#ff99ff;">pink candle, which represents joy</span> on the third Sunday and finally the symbol of <span style="color:#6666cc;">peace the purple candle</span> on the fourth Sunday of Advent.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">We as<span style="color:#3333ff;"> Americans</span> leave evergreen wreath's on the graves of fallen soldiers to show our everlasting respect for the lives they bravely gave for our countries safety.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 118px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554263348235534274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaP3cKfjhqmM0tGwxVnN-zH8Lf3OPKCoIVVykUMcBZ5-OZsYiNBnK0khSQ6LtcDUYXSaMcGAMtA290furuJ8pvpIMBiVy7u-UIoecg73PLMGa3_-IxsFIAKEQJ06VbnCI8BGbh0rqlQ8/s200/wreath+soldier.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Christmas wreaths have been around for hundreds of years and have been used for various purposes around the globe, but here in New England, the traditional evergreen wreath is a holiday mainstay.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 183px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554264301392607298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJPH3WMrIiXfqZtmyu3GYULezVuNAyE21ExVjREiZzBuMcUOQJxymFjAVNrUayPazMXZ6YLkTnEzauivtQxIYJJLfbR2FGtkiROuDfmIEbZaKfJsDaxwJvPoIfPYLSOCBgYDRS7SJpZQ/s200/wreath+trad+II.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">And whether adorning a door or a window, area residents seem to be simplifying their wreaths more and more. Twenty or 30 years ago, people used to have their wreaths decorated with pine cones and silver and gold balls.<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#009900;">The trend right now is just to have a plain wreath; there aren’t as many heavily decorated out there these days. About the only exception to the scaled-back rule is the front-door wreath for many folks.<br />On the front door, they’ll have something a little more special because that’s the entrance to their home. They might have plain ones on their windows, but they want the front door punched up a little more. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554262144432759042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGm2BDqJWXE3uD8Z-nrVrsPcYiZ5bMw1rNfWXBlSjWYE3QMcvGUcRZGEamAlRcn1S_AcgT6hWoy0jLOR-2iPVcIBuhBnOXjdohy_rSQSuizcoUYNsNegtvbjAAE2lJaiZEw4BcWTcugFQ/s200/wreath+floral.jpg" /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#330099;"><strong>From all the members of the Carey Family we wish you all Peace, Love, a Very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and A Happy, Healthy New Year!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 136px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554263349415232546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8d3f2Ls3DC90CKW74IPNNwt14iPlkYXrtkI84IDcqQP9qyhd82p0_4JSJjM2eHNMfemtYqCAEgBCLVTm6WcHYCQ4hgm8pah_b0vvZ-5SspHeKHOsugc3VRurg-xEgbWUhhGWcwpTH2-k/s200/wreath+peace.jpg" /></strong></span> </div></div></div>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-86769776682341953982010-12-22T10:07:00.000-08:002010-12-22T10:34:45.705-08:00Christmas Flower/Fauna The Christmas Tree<span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Christmas</span> <span style="color:#009900;">Tree</span> </strong><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553570515492029442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7ZFssG-dbOPObZbg9mBO9tWQnAv9s9mEcP4iYNQ4jlulOmZexWF1Cb_aZJyPxejLeNOY_IdvrbA5BxviRXB6GwIwUh2Tf8d3nX25-wSBAcNetD6tuhaSxZQEMu085ct_QbGd2h432GM/s200/x-mas+tree+plian.jpg" /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">The illuminated Christmas tree is one of the most cherished symbols of the Christmas festivities. Scotch pine, Douglas fir, Noble fir, Fraser fir, Virginia pine, Balsam fir and white pine are the common varieties that are used today. In the past, cherry and hawthorns trees were used.</span><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553573182094999554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUeYe8He8I1yT2JpPRxygqhMI00tSMHMDoZ_fXgB6PJmp7bXyo8i0JtU7CTAxWM1PB6tiZpkjUzHw-R1_Ioa_Ji9I1t57uXj8UEKGlpj62pTpfXuTULkWyP0tml_twjtPs6ZM2PXkf6I/s200/x-mas+tree.jpg" /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">The tradition of decorating the Christmas tree can be traced to the 7 th century AD. A monk went to Thuringia, Germany to preach the gospel and used the triangular shape of the fir Tree to describe the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The people who had embraced the new faith began to respect the Fir Tree as God's Tree. It is said that by 12th century the tree was being hung upside down as a symbol Christianity.<br /></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553570484384668210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmymhaCwxWKtnEuixKL8OkRZwo-5x8JOq3zzVB1SP8sG5w9Lnqcu9oTN1VNUBgkDFA5uwNQHMTT6hagHDPqIQ4D_zkskcJQRNRp7NR-O4r4FOB3MzHr5GKDy0uc-MAuoJg1O9GfRbfJn4/s200/christmas-tree+upside+down.jpg" /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">The city Riga in Latvia, in 1510 is credited with decorating the first Christmas tree. There is also 16 th century record of the visitor in Germany who noted that a tree decorated with wafers and golden sugar-twists (Barleysugar) and paper flowers of all colors. There was also use of tinsel in the decorations of the tree.<br /></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 143px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553570492989626818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRcFQKWQHqufODsbnRm_PGZvacEiIEJsufxVTq3Mfi_7LxURkeuAeT_P3Ckki6EkB_Kb7ZiczbA5kvReeHrny0FN2_X2KSDT8wov-CpECLnmhHMmCN0NGF6kZM5J7Um1aM24HBbicReA/s200/christmas-tree-inside-the-house.jpg" /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">In England, the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree came from Germany. The concept became popular during the time of Queen Victoria. Initially, the decoration was done with small bead decorations, snowflakes, star, sewing little pouches, candles, and silver tinsel however gradually over decoration' became the usual norm. Anything that could possibly go into the tree as ornamentation was placed with much fervor and gaiety. </span></p><p><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;">• The period also saw the popularization of the concept of the themed trees like a color theme ribbons or balls, the Oriental Tree and the Egyptian Tree.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553570506650166994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tPN9-iHKhyphenhyphenEry6rcwuaPTb5iVniHI5cVSG0jIDOt4dUmINnKhGH3JsdhR7OTabCu2_i49bHm0Sgi0MvZmyoEC91H2w03h6qdT154NoHu5wXLWO3NIzc7ZXzScaLFYaB8HAQTBEH9bqI/s200/x-mas+tree+pink.jpg" /></span></p><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">• The German Hessian Soldiers introduced the tree to America. Here, the decoration of the tree here was influenced by the customs of England. </span></div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#009900;">In Catholic Countries, the origin of the Christmas tree is usually traced from the mystery plays', which were popular in the middle ages. One of the plays was the Paradise Play'. The play revolved around the story of Adam and Eve, their sin and eventual banishment from the heaven. The Paradise Tree' laden with <span style="color:#ff0000;">apples</span> was the only prop used in the play. At the appropriate time, the Eve used to bite the fruit and give to Adam. Later the mystery plays were forbidden due to certain immoral practices, which had crept the system.<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">However, the people who had got used to the Paradise Tree started placing the tree in their homes on Dec. 24. According to the Eastern Church Tradition December 24 was the feast day of Adam and Eve. The Paradise tree represented both a tree of sin and a tree of life. The people decorated the tree with apples representing the fruit of sin and homemade wafers that represented the fruit of life. Later, candy and sweets were also used for decorating the tree.<br /></span></div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553570495583768242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP29SWU_wXzxzCHxT5qtIMzoQRYGlKbeS9_waASPfph-VlApwDouh_gFOFeqAJRGjLBJh0bTZf6HQLtRIUO4N5pXxnt6JXg8PkXBnMbmNy-nad69xr2cmo_tUndOaGeG-mzN_i5vPH2W4/s200/x-mas+tree+apples.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">The evergreen Christmas tree has always represented a celebration of the renewal of life at a time of death, darkness and cold at the winter.<br /></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553571585343004386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5vLWM52YHIWNIMgxZ3p-328mvu42yzyYawWMiIJsTjXIlvMCk5GsL_nlDzyDgx103zIlqTAx_cIAIR796zpPwyuvIitqf-bkFQfLtD8WcX3-Fv-4oEB5U-nHO9MYYVFml2ZHltCftpE/s200/x-mas+treee+N.E..jpg" /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Here in New England it's almost a standard memory for people going out to pick out their Christmas tree's with their family.</span><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 174px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553573177761047826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQMje1VHcuN5Ca-UpUJo4kH-oKmDcHnFbhqSmZ6Obssoq-vy6O0yOkRzd6xz2RQnLMjNrY7TRjFkVU_Q2wQq0xZOWWZ2WML05ehdf3cSTqmVo_Y8AMwgInifz-Ns6WWiw4ZlwBBGyng0/s200/x-mas+tree+cut.jpg" /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">The cold air, the BEST tree, the ride home, the hot cocoa mom would make.....and dad under the Christmas tree quietly</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">......swearing ;) <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553573172298958338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsApFdpUn9l7Pjam2erR1UzWDP1yn8g5VPs1C2nlw9I8NYKL_qVHqYEQ-KYHtWcitMRvM5G0rg1753NZ8XWrJjbVUWMklrlK89hsEnSxWuujPEGNJR1_PTVpo1YvWh5_5Cj-1uXBb-a6o/s200/hot+chocolate.jpg" /></span>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-53064604131553697052010-12-21T10:36:00.000-08:002010-12-21T10:58:19.080-08:00<div><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Poinsettia<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553207150159780850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jW8ZYk8feBHUOJBWADykIigsxSDwyvEVMRAYo_E53_F9WHx_btgvUEWYOePD8UIuDpSru0mm4-3ukMN_AXCD0d8O2GJIDEAXNNN3cxCaiJZvSuy5-1O90US6NNb86CgBiD4VX05h4mk/s200/point+multi+color.jpg" /></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Poinsettia is regarded as an important Christmas flower . There are various legends and stories related to the flower , poinsettia. Poinsettias are native to Mexico. They were named after America's first ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett. He brought the plants to America in 1828. The Mexicans in the eighteenth century thought the plants were symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem . Therefore, the Poinsettia became associated with the Christmas season. The actual flower of the poinsettia is small and yellow. But surrounding the flower are large, bright red leaves, often mistaken for petals. Poinsettias are much-loved Christmas flowers in the United States with its stunning red star-shape. It is called the 'Flower of the Holy Night' or the 'Flame Leaf' in Central America. The botanical name, Euphorbia Pulcherrima, was assigned to the poinsettia by the German botanist, Wilenow. Dazzled by its color, he gave it this name meaning 'very beautiful.'<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">The legends associated with the flowers come from Mexico. It tells of a girl named Maria and her little brother Pablo. They were very poor but always looked forward to the Christmas festival. Each year a large manger scene was set up in the village church, and the days before Christmas were filled with parades and parties. The two children loved the festival but were always disappointed because they had no money to buy gifts. They especially wished that they could present something to the church for the Baby Jesus. But they had nothing. One Christmas Eve, Maria and Pablo set out for church to attend the service. Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, they decorated them into a small bouquet and deciding to take them as their Christmas gift to the new born Christ in the manger scene.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553209055216946754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVA0arkyQofjMi4QjaBQ-szqFmmdJhzSAcAnhR0E7CUhadlwJEP9NuR-ZFNBijPHnCtcjinBaLNLsnWW-ItBxNz7KqRiIKTkTLoMSvt8iZeEWZmJMrpwvKAH96p4lTFv9KZhqXLKUuas/s200/girl+crying.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more saddened and embarrassed than ever by the humbleness of her offering. Of course other children teased them when they arrived with their gift, but they said nothing for they knew they had given what they could. Maria and Pablo began placing the green plants around the manger and miraculously, the green top leaves turned into bright red petals, and soon the manger was surrounded by beautiful star-like flowers , all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes. From that day onwards poinsettias are associated with the festival of Christmas and are known of the most beautiful and significant Christmas flowers . </span></div>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-55976733310692967922010-12-20T09:01:00.000-08:002010-12-20T09:12:06.345-08:00<div><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Mistletoe</strong><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 167px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552811191615455794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG0bGTo-HIaIEgunjQINtwiigJlcHNy51dLL13ivieFf9TCuYNwN_pg-UjaVWT4DlQ4bxQOu8iJRvU9ZErbM-24x5Uwj1gN2ufwnPf9e-m22MV5wz9MblLr5RkaxnzaLjNGh5OTDJqIw/s200/mistletoe+smile.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Mistletoe is one such Christmas flower whose origin dates back to the Pagan origin. Druid priests used this Christmas flower two hundred years before the birth of Christ in their winter celebrations. They revered the flower since it had no roots yet remained green during the cold months of winter. The ancient Celtics believed mistletoe to have magical healing powers and used it as an antidote for poison, infertility, and to ward of evil spirits.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 187px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 187px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552811183642557474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMP4W5kJdx_TSS7fd-Or9OOGtdrZHBeH5TuvicPEb6ZenKZLSvPxGz_-XRq29cRpB0kbphKbbnMrnyXH6Jc36AmpvsSU_B5uHYC73Q4cdtXYJKkaNt_N24djOKiw4UABDOJkmfKXV1i1E/s200/mistletoe+ball.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">This Christmas flower plant was also seen as a symbol of peace, and it is said that among Romans, enemies who met under mistletoe would lay down their weapons and embrace. Scandinavians associated the plant with Frigga, their goddess of love, and probably from this belief it may be derived that the custom of kissing under the mistletoe started since it is associated with the goddess of love. It is believed that those who kissed under the mistletoe during Christmas had the promise of happiness and good luck in the following year.</span><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 167px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552811184905787682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpNyZe-Nz_xsL4w_qJ0Ld2q-sKbgOPJQHIiMTPp6DVxpcVdagzM15_J6_JuStij4vvyOg2g63AQ3CYPavEfkqGGuZxJ1aAQWOmTec5R-LhgokGFd_KgrKblp5JP5oFA_P9faGRBKw9-U/s200/mistletoe+kiss.jpg" /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">According to the custom they would gather this evergreen Christmas flower that is parasitic upon other trees and use it to decorate their homes as a part of Christmas decoration. Scandinavians also symbolizes mistletoe as a flower of peace and harmony. The early church banned the use of mistletoe in Christmas celebrations because of its pagan origins. Instead, church fathers suggested the use of holly as an appropriate substitute for Christmas greenery.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 132px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552811188922226642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCZjC6bhyxMzyCErVUOy1JZS6M3s_gcZNWxNSlgKKTBshj3CLPSYC9_aHp6bVgJaOiXM1qp8xTcr0jJT73REUDzP9XikSef-1j1yCkDvAuodce-VXEemya6Uy-BAWiSlcbcZ1-fTg74k/s200/mistletoe+waiting.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">North American Indians used it for toothache, measles and dog bites. Today the plant is still used medicinally, though only in skilled hands...it's a powerful plant.<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Although many sources say that kissing under the mistletoe is purely English custom, there's another more charming explanation for it's origin that extends back into Norse mythology. It's a story of a loving, if overprotective, mother.<br /></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552812914080781650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hltpfcsbU7miD6SyKzbT403Clwm8wo7F0EEgTzHSwNcCGw7lHSIHwX9cPp4VV4DutvucM2RxzaV0QO0ZvspZpUCSTvGGZvPoexvYgvpDHUK1H8HMd_iTniwbk_qF6lJswnxo0Sd3kis/s200/goddess+frigga.jpg" /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">The Norse god Balder was the best loved of all the gods. His mother was Frigga, goddess of love and beauty. She loved her son so much that she wanted to make sure no harm would come to him. So she went through the world, securing promises from everything that sprang from the four elements--fire, water, air, and earth--that they would not harm her beloved Balder.<br />Leave it to Loki, a sly, evil spirit, to find the loophole. The loophole was mistletoe. He made an arrow from its wood. To make the prank even nastier, he took the arrow to Hoder, Balder's brother, who was blind. Guiding Holder's hand, Loki directed the arrow at Balder's heart, and he fell dead.<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Frigga's tears became the mistletoe's white berries. In the version of the story with a happy ending, Balder is restored to life, and Frigga is so grateful that she reverses the reputation of the offending plant--making it a symbol of love and promising to bestow a kiss upon anyone who passes under it. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 124px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552811195439221954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXUHf5lEjdPdwfmRbWLGb1LPXr5e-k1LXAdc5rvK1PRP1Hryg2rk8YUDkCKRo8WGDx2CqfYDlqFM3eOdmDuFqEym5urOcxE5NmqQLGckgAN4kqwzj0wcb-QTZlMOREBe7nanfIQ6X5Eo/s200/mistletoe+white+berry.jpg" /></span></div>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-70131971111980750902010-12-18T09:31:00.000-08:002010-12-18T09:36:27.682-08:00Christmas Flower/Fauna<span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Holly</strong><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552076692585298690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSyI3-v3VCNgxMyz5nnpGnYx717dAzwjeC-OuajapUp9Q1KqdFpDSgYp-2sn2aEIqx1zZnfba3PHKguqzsKVosHwKeyauHuWAAqc_MSEeJ0PTpaxcuJL5V5ZSvDOq1in9Bs9C3FFz5ds/s200/Holly.JPG" /></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Holly is one of the important Christmas Flowers.<br /></span><span style="color:#009900;">This flower is associated not only with Christianity but with Romans and Islam.<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">It is regarded as a symbol of good luck in both Islam and Roman. For centuries, holly has been the subject of myths, legends, and customary observances. This Christmas Flower is usually associated with masculinity and a good luck charm.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552076686460491410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJz_GUsXCEun8rF0KSaskZhqJiDtPdaSPnJoYbfA36sWBDR3DGTznWNWTVtFFd_h3_DfT72RleQqYL8jS7PD2ImKXXch9ntJKTilk27Q0gK-HS6x6QlarhjViqTKQP9BuaEorEOJM4MHg/s200/Holly+decoration.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">It is used in decoration of home during Christmas time, and is regarded as a symbol of delight and enjoyment that brings up thoughts of celebration and good cheer. The Romans used the Christmas flower to decorate their houses, temples, and deities for Saturnalia, the mid-winter feast. They exchanged holly boughs as symbols of kindness and friendship, which acted as a bond of love and togetherness.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552076680372780818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S-FQUz_0dvRRcLAnF7DBHdiL3C_uTq7w6hGfabZRKSk7RdgEnSbMOKFXmeLkGqpCh9WA0qmMkKHLKvJRCUPsw9zVsTZUnskuJy4rwwPmX70ttqMksZYI4BwqXGHB1YcN9RfiZjO0OCs/s200/Holly+Christmas+tree.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">This practice is believed to be the predecessor of holly's use in Christmas celebrations. Later on, in December, while other Romans continued their pagan worship, Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus as the festival of Christmas . As Christians increased in number and their customs prevailed, Holly lost its pagan associations and became a symbol of Christmas and a Christmas Flower.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">The flower Holly has come to stand for tranquility, joy and enjoyment. People often settle disputes under a holly tree. This Christmas Flower is believed to frighten off witches and evil spirits and protect the home from thunder and lightning. In Western England it is believed that twigs of holly around a young girl's bed on Christmas Eve would keep away naughty little goblins. In Germany, a piece that has been used in church decorations is regarded as magic against lightning. The English also mention the "he holly and the she holly" as being the deciding factor in who will dominate the household in the following year, the "he holly" have thorny leaves while a "she holly" have smooth ones. Other beliefs include, putting a sprig of holly on the bedpost would bring sweet dreams and also making a tonic from holly could be a cure for cold it has medicinal properties also.</span><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;"> (btw - I wouldn't try the tonic thing ewww)<br /></span></strong>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-69399266443625602342010-12-17T13:55:00.000-08:002010-12-17T13:58:54.559-08:00Christmas Flower - Ivy<span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Ivy</strong><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#009900;">Ivy</span> is an important <span style="color:#ff0000;">Christmas Flower .</span><br /><br />This flower is symbolic in many ways with the festival of Christmas . It symbolizes three facts, it clings; it thrives in the shade; and it is evergreen. Its clinging has made the ivy a traditional symbol of the, albeit now unpopular, image of the helpless female clinging to her man for protection.(yeah right fela's which one of you believes this one) It also signifies true love, faithfulness, and undying affection - both in marriage and in friendship.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551773529009628114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDSrCnJ1-3j7F0RKOiWkqYljVyfPkNhRvnO01hf-hNhHjo4_WtkMx_MbAreV51z_7u6jmaBQg86KmGHZWMVvVi6YHOxXt7QMQp5o-cba7kQjYwziCI9M8I5CCqPFgRFFh3K54_JlCrvA/s200/ivy+plant.jpg" /><br />Christian symbolists consider the ivy's need to cling to a support emblematic of frail humanity's need for divine support. Like most of the other Christmas Flower , the ivy symbolizes eternity and resurrection. It has been associated with the Egyptian god, Osiris, and the Greco-Roman god, Attis; both of whom were resurrected from the dead.<br /><br />At Christmas time, ivy is used only on the outside of the building, which represents mortality, because Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, the giver of everlasting life and destroyer of death. Greenery was also brought indoors to freshen the air and brighten the mood during the long, dreary winter.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551773527341152882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEhZWO5Ndohave-irqfggALZumz8nPmdVWzwwEYKY5heDzRbQj9vIKA_VUjxGBTG9C6aFPfUC17SmN0qLHMTr0W6l9iU2gSdrC3r7a5Lln1avV7orjk1LPn2rz9MyKx158pm6fT2PbCs/s200/Ivy+english.jpg" /><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">Ivy's everyday meaning ~ Wedded Love, Fidelity, Friendship, Affection. For these beautiful meanings ivy is often tucked into brides bouquets year round.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 118px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551773519674047170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_2_jNX8yPrmPSRvuqnL7zH0oaTl7rguoDOwfngM5mg_UbFM3zr98rnRArFByrDWmzOjwwzpO7M2yDT5D4mXSkMPTWUU_eGgIcRF_tx4ce14OLwsxCtv0G7E7Ic9r6qtXo_UP_A-_5NI/s200/Ivy+bride+bouq.JPG" /></span>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-57001800818571204522010-12-16T09:28:00.000-08:002010-12-16T09:32:16.400-08:00The Christmas Rose<span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>The Christmas Rose</strong><br /></span><br />The association of Christmas flowers with the celebration of Christmas is something, which is permanent. Christmas Rose is a celebrated English plant (this means they have it in England not here) that is regarded as a true Christmas flower . It is sometimes called the Snow or Winter Rose. It blooms during the winter season in the mountains of Central Europe.<br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 153px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551333864304186098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunocH0sy8-AZoaFtzJulEoeQKsC9IrmgVckncXrk2qmZluIsanalLO3e4NFOnhMOofbp42n-cR415EC-l6tsgMWM1ktWuC2-RYL2reefbPiI0o3CR0cuNzaO7-qM4ixQModftijl3vmo/s200/Christmas+rose.jpg" /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">According to legends the Christmas flower is linked with the birth of Christ and a modest shepherd maiden named Madelon. As Madelon tented her sheep one cold and wintry night, wise men and other shepherds passed by the snow-covered field where she was with their gifts for the Christ Child. The wise men carried the rich gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense and the shepherds, fruits, honey and doves. Poor Madelon began to weep at the thought of having nothing to offer, not even a simple flower for the Newborn King, as she was very poor indeed. And as she stood there weeping, an angel passing saw her sorrow, and stooping he brushed aside the snow at her feet revealing a most beautiful white flower tipped with pink - the Christmas rose.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 157px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551333868074248786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsREXtKHLD1utp0YIXAq_38xj5Z0nUXI4rJLo6E5-Lvxi9LnJL0nNNDaZfHKlKPebotkJN3lz7QVA3Nj-kssaHCcNyYCe97g3akx0nAo4tjirPdFX1b4ba0-lm5ELXzSamqAWCieYrv_Y/s200/Jesus+christmas+rose.jpg" /></span><br /></p><p>Also in northern and central Europe it is a tradition to break off a branch of a cherry tree at the beginning of the Advent and keep it in water in a warm room; the flowers should burst into bloom at Christmas time. </p>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-33929635990546219932010-12-15T12:50:00.000-08:002010-12-15T13:17:46.586-08:00Christmas Flowers<span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Christmas Flowers</strong><br /></span><br />Christmas is a winter festival and <span style="color:#009900;">green</span> indicates the hope that spring will return and reign victorious over winter. (Yay green) Green is associated with the tall evergreens, which symbolizes triumph, longevity and immortality. It is the color, which signifies the abundant providence of nature in the woods and in the fields. It brings us joy, love, and tranquility.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551020834907095970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOTwZurPJkje3oIk_7t27TOJjtGktlrbXftWRCYSXP8KSaOF2mh2frNuDE2c0CPx484BErY-yxBQuMvHNqvxgzB9WnNGHnzHnWd5iv-H3BvXWcRvRVRfTDTwY-DjsiUEI0EvHvoZ3Po4/s200/x-mas+tree.jpg" /><br />Green is the season of spring, which brings life, but winter brings death. So during Christmas people welcome this color with the hope that spring will return. Each Christmas flower has a particular significance and a role to play. Each of the flowers signifies peace, love and prosperity. So association of flowers likes Christmas rose , Holly , Ivy and Mistletoe all have a special significance. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551020835909001650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTdenmqVMeq6VPpmVjXbTruwzwoPWnfDnC_KxdczYW6f4nDoSw5Xc1nPsNzkxYEGxo6n5XQxCgLh-uHCbUJ0m4OW0gbTWWkrnL5klDOzxy4895tv5388yJtN6MjuCKjnH3l7-IA8F1vc/s200/evergreen+snow.jpg" /><br /><br />During the Roman winter festival of Saturnalia, Romans decorated with and gave gifts of green plants, such as holly, for good luck. Green is also considered lucky in the Islamic tradition where green gifts may be given on any morning to wish someone a lucky day. Green has also been associated with justice, freedom, kindness, sympathy, charity, gaiety, and peace. The festival of Christmas is all about celebrating life and mankind and the color of green symbolizes that celebration.<br /><br />Each day going forward I am going to post about an important Christmas flower and it's meaning. I hope you stay tuned to find out the significance of your families favorite Christmas flower tradition. Whether you know it or not each family does have a Christmas flower/fauna tradition. This seems especially true to me here in New England where family, home and tradition are still the bedrock of our lives.<br /><br />I would love to invite you to come into our shop and stroll through all of the beauty of Christmas. We are located directly across the street from the South Hadley High School at 300 Newton St. (Rte. 116) <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551020845928289090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VoAdJLIxhJ-YLFk1Hv3LaaJ_2v3qVMFqM2cyDBXlxzW-Gz8927_4pcf2PGwqQgSQY88nn1Bh9DNYflnogp54F7coPiLoBC9kxUJSKW0-N9bYxzX5WM1xdayLh5B2esWuWA5EmirxCUc/s200/2000+shop.jpg" /><br />South Hadley, MA 01075. 413-536-0444 or at www.careysflowers.com but online you do miss the beauty of the shop and all of the happy people that work here and would love to help you pick out that special something for that special someone.<br /><br />Another reason you should stop in....we are our OWN tradition our family has been happily serving your family/families since 1912. Can you do the math? that's 98 years on Jan 1st 2011 we will be in our 99th year of family flowers.Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-76433552519607284732010-12-14T11:35:00.000-08:002010-12-14T11:50:44.547-08:00Mistletoe - Buy the fake stuff<div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Mistletoe - Buy the fake stuff</span></strong> </div><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 132px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550627035037268450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWtiKrsSuS93BXwd32u-hGwTAMELblw39D6Qx2niKMGb-sENRmingxCECtyjx1FslqIuCgxp5QdOnZBsJp_MDSWSaPUHT8MMjnWQfqBN-3lejwN9lW9KJodPC6CQYSQNAkZf-2iLQ3U8/s200/mistletoe+waiting.jpg" /><br />Bet that got your attention! I'm serious, buy the fake stuff wherever you find it. I get alot of questions about mistletoe, they all come very last minute, with concerns about poison (it is poisonous) and with the words "I don't want to spend much money" For all of the above reasons we don't carry fresh mistletoe. However I can tell you about mistletoe so you have the information you need to make an informed decision and go out and buy the fake stuff.<br /><br /><strong><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Mistletoe</span></strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /></span>Mistletoe is especially interesting botanically because it is a partial parasite (a "hemiparasite"). As a parasitic plant, it grows on the branches or trunk of a tree and actually sends out roots that penetrate into the tree and take up nutrients. But mistletoe is also capable for growing on its own; like other plants it can produce its own food by photosynthesis. Mistletoe, however, is more commonly found growing as a parasitic plant. There are two types of mistletoe. The mistletoe that is commonly used as a Christmas decoration (Phoradendron flavescens) is native to North America and grows as a parasite on trees in the west as well as in those growing in a line down the east from New Jersey to Florida. The other type of mistletoe, Viscum album, is of European origin. The European mistletoe is a green shrub with small, yellow flowers and white, sticky berries which are considered <strong>poisonous</strong>. It commonly seen on apple but only rarely on oak trees. The rarer oak mistletoe was greatly venerated by the ancient Celts and Germans and used as a ceremonial plant by early Europeans. The Greeks and earlier peoples thought that it had mystical powers and down through the centuries it became associated with many folklore customs<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 146px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550625539920169826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7V-jIjR65gCMMjbBlerk5k6oKjTj0BLRZzWukt2BgqEQXECE6Wpkw8FcM4AYtpCM7_xUhn7O-Yjr8pZcho_LhcDsuGBwAC3ib9F77jq3w5DfhsnvfPkCqkf0z0Ygwlt18DgTNt03PPU/s200/mistletoe+white+berry.jpg" /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Mistletoe Magic :</span></strong><br />From the earliest times mistletoe has been one of the most magical, mysterious, and sacred plants of European folklore. It was considered to bestow life and fertility; a protection against poison (even thought it is poisonous); and an aphrodisiac. The mistletoe of the sacred oak was especially sacred to the ancient Celtic Druids. On the sixth night of the moon white-robed Druid priests would cut the oak mistletoe with a golden sickle. Two white bulls would be sacrificed amid prayers that the recipients of the mistletoe would prosper. Later, the ritual of cutting the mistletoe from the oak came to symbolize the emasculation of the old King by his successor. Mistletoe was long regarded as both a sexual symbol and the "soul" of the oak. It was gathered at both mid-summer and winter solstices, and the custom of using mistletoe to decorate houses at Christmas is a survival of the Druid and other pre-Christian traditions. The Greeks also thought that it had mystical powers and down through the centuries it became associated with many folklore customs. In the Middle Ages and later, branches of mistletoe were hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits. In Europe they were placed over house and stable doors to prevent the entrance of witches. It was also believed that the oak mistletoe could extinguish fire.(untrue!) This was associated with an earlier belief that the mistletoe itself could come to the tree during a flash of lightning.(untrue!) The traditions which began with the European mistletoe were transferred to the similar American plant with the process of immigration and settlement.<br /><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 187px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 187px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550625514299358898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFPbgYPm5BsG7jHt7Wlw2AP9fzESD-kt1mTzCjOObuTG0XsJZhEF3JhUgIPbe2OuTuy0wACVPExyDo_6pVEnAgWUM3X27dgfiHzDK5lqG9k_7gC5DO7yIS93O6kIHnc8pX1ARJnNImPg/s200/mistletoe+ball.jpg" /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Kissing under the mistletoe :</strong><br /></span>Kissing under the mistletoe is first found associated with the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with primitive marriage rites. They probably originated from two beliefs. One belief was that it has power to bestow fertility. It was also believed that the dung from which the mistletoe would also possess "life-giving" power. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, under which enemies could declare a truce or warring spouses kiss and make-up. Later, the eighteenth-century English credited with a certain magical appeal called a kissing ball. At Christmas time a young lady standing under a ball of mistletoe, brightly trimmed with evergreens, ribbons, and ornaments, cannot refuse to be kissed. Such a kiss could mean deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. If the girl remained unkissed, she can expect not to marry the following year. In some parts of England the Christmas mistletoe is burned on the twelfth night lest all the boys and girls who have kissed under it never marry. Whether we believe it or not, it always makes for fun and frolic at Christmas. Even if the pagan significance has been long forgotten, the custom of exchanging a kiss under the mistletoe can still be found in many European countries as well as in Canada. Thus if a couple in love exchanges a kiss under the mistletoe, it is interpreted as a promise to marry, as well as a prediction of happiness and long life. In France, the custom linked to mistletoe was reserved for New Year's Day: "Au gui l'An neuf" (Mistletoe for the New Year). Today, kisses can be exchanged under the mistletoe any time during the holiday season. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 167px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550625545641111266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6XredwGJIK52kJCMhPerknVocqByJnWFSFJPoaN76JZvTRXbW3TQFBjKsAxgR7-5Q97KFpKVplKoC27VW4WGUqYo4VNUIGIXJu1o-osGsoTXibnvNmi0gjzMibXIF6RNvOQM7a8pcUI/s200/mistletoe+kiss.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>The Legend :</strong><br /></span>For its supposedly mystical power mistletoe has long been at the center of many folklore. One is associated with the Goddess Frigga. </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550627461475413250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5AYYOqDLqFQ8gqFtXujV9xancMVtAEEpZCapmcL5BgCQnC4FydzVZyV-GC7LTVVcudd76M_cBA09pbFVk60MicTJOXp-VGYanZOkhxMXjgn5KW9efkG2tmYw7UdxegjUO1TBZWTokXY/s200/goddess+frigga.jpg" /></div><div>The story goes that Mistletoe was the sacred plant of Frigga, goddess of love and the mother of Balder, the god of the summer sun. Balder had a dream of death which greatly alarmed his mother, for should he die, all life on earth would end. In an attempt to keep this from happening, Frigga went at once to air, fire, water, earth, and every animal and plant seeking a promise that no harm would come to her son. Balder now could not be hurt by anything on earth or under the earth. But Balder had one enemy, Loki, god of evil and he knew of one plant that Frigga had overlooked in her quest to keep her son safe. It grew neither on the earth nor under the earth, but on apple and oak trees. It was lowly mistletoe. So Loki made an arrow tip of the mistletoe, gave to the blind god of winter, Hoder, who shot it , striking Balder dead. The sky paled and all things in earth and heaven wept for the sun god. For three days each element tried to bring Balder back to life. He was finally restored by Frigga, the goddess and his mother. It is said the tears she shed for her son turned into the pearly white berries on the mistletoe plant and in her joy Frigga kissed everyone who passed beneath the tree on which it grew. The story ends with a decree that who should ever stand under the humble mistletoe, no harm should befall them, only a kiss, a token of love. What could be more natural than to translate the spirit of this old myth into a Christian way of thinking and accept the mistletoe as the emblem of that Love which conquers Death? Its medicinal properties, whether real or imaginary, make it a just emblematic of that Tree of Life, the leaves of which are for the healing of the nations thus paralleling it to the Virgin Birth of Christ. </div>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-75539697048794045912010-12-13T11:38:00.000-08:002010-12-13T11:45:20.014-08:00Getting your Christmas cactus to bloom<span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Getting your Christmas cactus to bloom</strong><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><em><strong>Otherwise know as "How do I get this little sucker to bloom at the RIGHT time of year!"</strong></em><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550254705100265522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_A5NvXSCpiJR1LpnNfPGWVJAx_VQ3bjx0pEML1EKq9keDNk5gwhXw9LfAdwST_OqC0Mq_ui2M2X_WgVLkZ_8eihPetf2cyQmPHz54egf2T76McvQgFsMF_beWtFBQafi3DQk2HK_kc_w/s200/Christmas+cactus+in+bloom.jpg" /></span><br />Christmas cactus blooms are triggered by short days and/or cool nights. Buds form in late October or early November when daylight is less than 12 hours. Buds also will set when night temperatures are 55-60 degrees.<br /><br /><em>To make absolutely sure your plants will bloom at Christmas, you should have started your light control in October.</em><br /><br />It's difficult to control night temperatures, but you can provide uninterrupted overnight darkness. Place the plant in an unheated closet for 13 hours a day beginning in October and continue until color appears. The plant will bloom in six to eight weeks. That's traditional advice.<br /><br /><em>However I say,</em><br />Some people do put their plants in a closet every night with no problem. <strong>But</strong> Christmas cacti can be finicky about being moved frequently, and react by shedding their buds. An alternative is to leave your plants in place and cover them with paper bags at night. That's just me though (shrug) <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550254708921580610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhj9rebx6dqaeuyvDezPydERlp6YPrZRy6uKgU0UWvval03qL_L3906kbQbjb35MGsqaDlKYAWlkNKPLc7Ca7eyoX0zENHIPGUrxnCyvSDoqXMyRav9v_YUypB-13Qn8BSVUxjd9Uv_aE/s200/Christmas-Cactus+hanging.jpg" /><br /><br />Regardless, once flower buds do appear, give them bright light, or even a bit of direct sun, and daytime temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees. Keep the soil barely moist and pinch off spent flowers.<br /><br />Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera bridgesii, is a sprawling, jointed Brazilian native that produces 3-inch tubular blooms in pink, red, purple, fuchsia or white. It needs well-drained, porous, organic soil and bright light. Winter sun is OK, but summer rays burn the foliage.<br /><br />Water when the top of the soil is dry. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Flush the soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup. Stop or reduce fertilizing in fall.<br /><br />Prune after it blooms, removing one or two of the flattened stem segments that act as leaves (phylloclades). This encourages branching and future blooms.<br /><br />Bud drop is caused by above-90 temperatures, sudden temperature changes, dry soil or poor light after buds set. Ethylene gas, produced when there's poor ventilation near a heater or fireplace, also causes bud drop. Christmas cactuses survive temperatures from 35 to 100 degrees, but grow best in 65- to 85-degree temperatures. They can live more than 20 years.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>After Blooming</strong><br /><br /></span>Once all the blooms fade, move your Christmas cactus to a cool room to rest. Be sure to protect the plant from frost and freezing temperatures. The cactus may melt away if temperatures drop to the low 30s.<br />Let the soil go dry between waterings. Don’t ever let the soil stay soggy, especially during cooler weather, as root rot can be lethal. But if the fleshy stems show signs of shriveling, water right away.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550254715929968402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMJVQrQ7LiwBe42tKcKWkxt7k8Ap-JdfMckkKnq0Ckk0-gsLz9jL9MXYklXtkQX-tZi9whTSnhoRVVuF4r5jif8hj5Qe4u4QSNLb8Pa1pbKWbZf7r4nfXNpAAhEgFTFJeJB9E27fUj3k/s200/2000+shop.jpg" />Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-53177723736041037102010-12-11T06:39:00.000-08:002010-12-11T06:53:50.216-08:00Propagation of your Christmas cactus<div><div><div><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Propagation of your Christmas cactus</strong><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549436947747698258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrpl3ZDnrhR8OBJepuSZdkHMEFDaWaUxsQpeNN2g_txlLZ3Qgqel46RYVWe7s3xnnez5yLfiic6ioiZPGpwGIdR75x5I_m8mnkAmUfL5h-AULviW7t-J18onMR9vvj9hzpevvapwHAH4/s200/cactus+cat.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>It’s easy to make more Christmas cacti.</em><br /><br /></span>Just gently pinch and twist a stem at its top joint (<span style="color:#009900;">where you see the little 'hairs'</span>), then pull it free. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWgPyhkdm_lonaAK8ePJaJ1og1sLFVKHE_qWqj17z-3Ch3t8biBZHrhuUVhSgh0GDXyCMlqH3cMhgfxkmG2HZIA8LcXfOdq3zp9SSNJdurbTQ3gJoy15rLZ6mGdUWA8pYdqZAKQtXddo/s1600/hair+on+cactus.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549435062323433538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWgPyhkdm_lonaAK8ePJaJ1og1sLFVKHE_qWqj17z-3Ch3t8biBZHrhuUVhSgh0GDXyCMlqH3cMhgfxkmG2HZIA8LcXfOdq3zp9SSNJdurbTQ3gJoy15rLZ6mGdUWA8pYdqZAKQtXddo/s200/hair+on+cactus.jpg" /></a><br />Commercial growers typically take cuttings right after the first of the year, then grow them in greenhouses. But it’s a lot less trouble to wait until the weather warms up in late spring or early summer. Ideal temperatures for rooting are between 70 and 75 degrees.<br /><br />If you’re shaping your plants at the same time, you can pinch off a stem containing up to four segments. Let your cuttings sit a few days in a cool, dry place, then bury about a quarter of the bottom segment of each in a loose, fast-draining medium.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGjBSdlVyUMi2DDWziV5VpVpTPsqsMSlYRJemQlKLskhyphenhyphen8OGgCKymHhvkm5SuF8OiETbfInPKl4RvgDSkAaM5hvtemcaBqV5Vacm2LO4s1I_-Yo1pCvp5uirWLQrMHqPTyLO25gsqP2s/s1600/cactus+segment.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549435051462920242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGjBSdlVyUMi2DDWziV5VpVpTPsqsMSlYRJemQlKLskhyphenhyphen8OGgCKymHhvkm5SuF8OiETbfInPKl4RvgDSkAaM5hvtemcaBqV5Vacm2LO4s1I_-Yo1pCvp5uirWLQrMHqPTyLO25gsqP2s/s200/cactus+segment.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIhIIpw8_IiR5sroOWS5zwzP5FYhlx1K9C0-y76Rdakml4JWAaYUChtoK3g9yyJX93Ct0v4wD_c70hCbesiGKWh7Do3MZQfAK72ShDorHjMLC4zMJSn3qoUgyiOIhBFE1WTfShKgwtPQ/s1600/cactus-fertilizer.jpeg"><img style="WIDTH: 152px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549435057700088002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIhIIpw8_IiR5sroOWS5zwzP5FYhlx1K9C0-y76Rdakml4JWAaYUChtoK3g9yyJX93Ct0v4wD_c70hCbesiGKWh7Do3MZQfAK72ShDorHjMLC4zMJSn3qoUgyiOIhBFE1WTfShKgwtPQ/s200/cactus-fertilizer.jpeg" /></a> </div><br />You can also purchase root tone from your local family owned brick and mortar garden center and go directly from plant to soil. Pinch off, dampen end that will be going into soil, dip into root tone, bury about a quarter of the bottom segment in the soil.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549437612797257266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgHQ3kzeFhIbikNR2gqkXnIYeVVQucmtUL295HyKVjkM8F2OzaR6vtLTDCJJ3vq2rbwmFRHAKydKeBoxq5GtqigoNVXholYWGSJaie-OAepIAyGMaZG3UH8qrh_Ijac217AFIs37jLsg/s200/rooting-hormone.gif" /><br />Because these plants like to be tightly kept in a pot use a small pot and I always place many segments into one small (<span style="color:#ff0000;">tiny</span>) pot. This allows for a fuller plant and if any segment die you can just pluck them out and still have something left. </div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549436952615939522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfd0c7Hrgj-3SxO4714Crt6QnZcNhCRIFelE72TVfagyg2d2gTRUqY7WMUaEoSgKbR3Q0ERGr_jJHKsqGblu5iXF3G5H2etr0hkKuwygbIZtbKt4Zbakd0If57DFvT-1fNiTODtYRUoQ/s200/pot+segment.JPG" /><br />Give the cuttings bright light and even moisture. You should see signs of life within several weeks. Commercial growers expect a new tier of growth every six weeks, but your results may vary. Water your new plants about once a week. As they grow larger, let the top layer go dry, as under-watering is better than over-watering.<br /><br />With proper care you can give a Christmas cactus to every family member next Christmas. Attach a small handmade tag that explains you are starting a family tradition that will last for many, many generation. You will be the hit of the family for starting such a special and long lasting tradition. </div></div>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827884699581983561.post-29078512766272970942010-12-10T09:16:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:05:46.676-08:00How to care for your Christmas cactus<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOo0CBTKgAzcbwyeS5Kgjc0WjjL5RGnEdcN2VeAg1pA0UQx6HEPzeP2Nu9iu6JgP-4SJNtMx52cC8aBniFFEMD6exe0JUskI3DbweqcYdAIwcdn9Lyf9lcyCOIzViEMumZ7TxNSBNrHE/s1600/Christmas+cactus+flower.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 145px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549116270341099442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOo0CBTKgAzcbwyeS5Kgjc0WjjL5RGnEdcN2VeAg1pA0UQx6HEPzeP2Nu9iu6JgP-4SJNtMx52cC8aBniFFEMD6exe0JUskI3DbweqcYdAIwcdn9Lyf9lcyCOIzViEMumZ7TxNSBNrHE/s200/Christmas+cactus+flower.jpg" /></a> <div><div><div><span style="color:#009900;"><em><strong>Care of Christmas Cactus</strong></em><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>Watering</em><br /><br /></span>The soil should be evenly moist for best growth, but they are intolerant to constantly wet soil and poor aeration. If outdoors, an established plant may only need to be watered every two or three days in warm, sunny weather; or every week in cool, cloudy weather. Let the soil go dry between waterings. Don’t ever let the soil stay soggy, especially during cooler weather, as root rot can be lethal. But if the fleshy stems show signs of shriveling, water right away. If you are lucky enough to be able to keep your Christmas cactus under a lattice-covered patio or in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade you can just keep your eye on the weather, and soil condition in the pot, as mother nature will often do all the rest of the work for you as far as water and aeration goes.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Lighting</span></em><br /><br />Christmas cactus will do best in bright indirect light. Long term direct sunlight can burn the leaves and stunt growth. If taken care of properly, a single planting can last for hundreds of years.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>Flowering</em><br /></span><br />Christmas cactus will create flower buds when subjected to cooler temperatures 50-58degrees Fahrenheit/10-14 degrees Celsius for 6-8 weeks.<br /><br />You can use tomato or cactus fertilizer which are easy to purchase from your local brick and mortar family owned garden center and only fertilize with these when the flowerbuds appear. </div><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFegEs47kVWv8YN749998BNggg7XuUGROc9tKpCUOvYvkFbPT7BbL8311hvlEoz9NMTQjH6vemvW4oBy_Zs62tNUqBhvokP3Kq3EVBxlDzZ7WxgFmyPc0TsWIqTTfw1jZjGVWLeFG8UTk/s1600/tomato+fert.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 202px; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549115606116828578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFegEs47kVWv8YN749998BNggg7XuUGROc9tKpCUOvYvkFbPT7BbL8311hvlEoz9NMTQjH6vemvW4oBy_Zs62tNUqBhvokP3Kq3EVBxlDzZ7WxgFmyPc0TsWIqTTfw1jZjGVWLeFG8UTk/s200/tomato+fert.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-FZCezQW0FKMBH1qJD7CMDcKK0JaI9Jekt_X40ErKM-BMet2hoLM8nObTo5gMOnBW6TP1Zq2aDCKn9UeriCYFvPBNAlJio08rGgFVPDtjV5wvgYSwG2ElNosTGXKETJs_Fma_gqL57I/s1600/Cactus+fert+liquid.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 124px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549115836477421090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-FZCezQW0FKMBH1qJD7CMDcKK0JaI9Jekt_X40ErKM-BMet2hoLM8nObTo5gMOnBW6TP1Zq2aDCKn9UeriCYFvPBNAlJio08rGgFVPDtjV5wvgYSwG2ElNosTGXKETJs_Fma_gqL57I/s200/Cactus+fert+liquid.jpg" /></a></p><br /><p align="right"></p>Apply a balanced fertilizer of your choosing during the growing season (summer). Flush the soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup. Salt buildup is easy to spot as it look just like it sounds. You will see flakey white or yellow/white crystals start to appear around the edged of your pot.<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 156px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549114620353695602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhwOHWGdmejG-rCDYh7ka78pAFlqV3fvPwBg47WqkQcqmCPKmV3TiG1mYEjWahsHCXmyw_-laibLxOZKCelj1X7dQZmWbATKh0yUN9fx4xBtWionc5GlM9aA0A9dXjoV8TS3QXwVUDoc/s200/salt+build+up.jpg" /></div><br /><div>You don't need to run to flush the plant the second you start to see a salt buildup. Rather wait, check the condition of the soil and decide when to proceed with a good water flush of the plant. You should not flush the Christmas cactus if the soil is too wet or if you have just fertilized it. Wait for the plant to dry out or give the fertilizer a good week in the soil so the plant can take it in, then flush the plant with cool to tepid water. Use your fingers to abrade off any salt that is stuck to the pot itself. Stop or reduce fertilizing in fall<br /><br />Do not move the plant after the flowerbuds appear, as it does not like to be disturbed and is likely to drop all the flowerbuds. </div></div></div>Carey's Flowers - Seth Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164098260622438295noreply@blogger.com0