Carey's Flowers since 1912

I Love Amaryllis

2011-11-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

When they are dried and forced into dormancy for shipping purposes, the bulbs are triggered to bloom during the winter, rather than the spring.

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.

Growing amaryllis indoors

Even if you intend to plant them in your garden eventually, amaryllis bulbs purchased now should be planted into pots.

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.

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.

Place the pot indoors in a sunny window (the more sun the better) and keep the soil evenly moist.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

Care in the landscape

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.

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.

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.

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.

Beds should be mulched with an inch or two of pine straw, leaves or other similar material to help reduce weeds and conserve moisture.

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.

Dividing amaryllis

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Carey's Flowers Thanksgiving Flowers Cheer Those Left Alone At the Holidays

2011-11-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

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.

Are all orchids hard to grow? ~ Not reallly ! !

2011-10-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Temperature: Orchids are comfortable when you are. Perfect temperatures are 55-65 degrees at night and 70-85 degrees during the day.

Water: Water when the growing medium is nearly dry.

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.

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.

Grooming: Cut spent flowers at the stem with clean, sharp scissors. Remove flower stems when they've dried up.

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.

Starting early spring gardens now

2011-10-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

Spring almost requires that gardeners have a few blooming bulbs in front door flower beds, in outdoor pots and on windowsills.

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.

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.

Plant bulbs twice their length. For example a 1.5-inch tall bulb is planted in a 3-inch deep hole.

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.

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.

Interplant bulbs with biennials, perennials or creeping plants that will cover the fading stems after the flowers fade in the late spring.

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.

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.

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.

Bulbs planted this year do not need fertilizer. Try to remember to fertilize them in the spring.

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.

Their cut-flower blooming season can be extended if you plant them in groups a few weeks apart.

Bulbs should be weeded by hand since hoes and cultivators can damage them.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How to say it with flowers

2011-10-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

Duchess Kate Middleton's custom wedding bouquet had symbolic significance to the Royal family, and was in keeping with tradition.

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.

A quick peek at some flowers:

- Carnation implies affection. It's meant to be given to one's lover or partner.

- Chamomile means patience and attracts wealth.

- Chrysanthemum means cheerfulness and says that you're a wonderful friend.

- Daffodil means respect.

- Daisy is associated with innocence and carefree beauty.

- Forget-me-not stands for true love and lasting memories.

- Geranium (scented) implies a degree of preference.

- The Hibiscus flower signifies delicate and elegant beauty.

- Honeysuckle is all about generous and devoted affection.

- Hyacinth is associated with games, sports and rashness. You would be surprised to know that this flower is dedicated to Apollo.

- Iris is a flower that signifies faith, hope, wisdom and valor.

- Jasmine is a flower about amiability and it attracts wealth.

- Lily is a flower that helps keep unwanted visitors away.

- Marigold is a flower that comforts the heart and gives solace.

- Orchid is a symbol of love, beauty and refinement. Ideal to gift to a beautiful lady, it is also the Chinese symbol for many children.

- Poinsettias 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.

- Red roses symbolize love So try gifting a bunch of red roses before you say those three words. However, some girls happen to find them boring.

White roses imply beauty.

In a nutshell

- Do not gift red roses to a family member like your cousin Sally

- Daffodils are the perfect bouquet for your mother,

- A bunch of daisies are the perfect flowers for your sister.

- Scented geraniums are ideal for the girl you have a crush on

- Marigolds are the perfect condolence flowers. Gift them to someone who has recently suffered an accident, illness or tragedy

- Chrysanthemums are the perfect flowers for a female friend when there are no romantic feelings involved

- Chamomile, jasmine and poinsettia attract success and wealth

- Barring the traditional (and cliché) red roses, other flowers that communicate LOVE are carnations, honeysuckle, and orchids.

A helpful little plant

2011-10-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

The 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.

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!

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.

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.

List of French Marigold varieties

Aurora Series

Bonanza Series

Bonita

Boy O Boy Series

Brocade Mixed

Colossus

Disco Series

Durango Series

Dwarf Bonanza Blend

French Brocade

Golden Gate Series

Golden Guardian

Ground Control

Gypsy Sunshine

Harlequin

Harmony

Hero Series

Honeycomb

Jacket Orange, Yellow

Janie Series

Jolly Jester

La Bamba

Lemon Drop

Little Hero Series

Mars

Moonlight

Mr. Majestic

Naughty Marietta

Nema-gone

Pesche’s Gold

Petite Series

Queen Sophia

Red Marietta

Safari Series

Scarlet Sophie

Solan

Spanish Brocade

Sparky Mix

Striped Marvel

Spice Series

Troubador

Yellow Boy

Happy Marigold-ing!

Be Careful for Mother's Day - a warning

2011-04-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

When 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.

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. But was she really deprived?

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 every day when someone orders flowers from a wire service on the Internet. The service charges almost 30 percent of the customer cost to simply “wheel” the order into the flower shop. What’s the solution?

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.

But, isn’t it wonderful that the wire services have hundreds of choices on their websites?

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. Did you ever wonder why every rose in an arrangement of a dozen roses can be seen from one side? Often, customers are disappointed with the arrangements seen on the Internet and as delivered, and the flower shops receive the blame. Misleading pictures and the loss of about 30 percent of the cost to the wire services are to blame. 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?

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.

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.

Remember! Anytime that a third party gets in between the flower shop and the customer, EVERYONE LOSES.

WWII Letters to Wilma: 16 December, 1943

2011-02-24T10:47:00.000-08:00

WWII Letters to Wilma: 16 December, 1943: "V-MAIL 438th AAA AW BN APO 515 % Postmaster, N.Y. Dec 16, 1943 England Wilma darling – Just for variety’s sake and perhap..."

Our address is 300 Newton St. South Hadley MA 01075, but this is cute as all get out.

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:"

This stuff just lights up our world!

Funerl Flowers Mean So Much

2011-02-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

We received this letter during our Valentines rush and it just made our collective day/week! 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.

To Whom It May Concern,
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."

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!!"

Mission accomplished.

The plant arrangement was also gorgeous and, for lack of a better word, "Hearty!" Pleasing to the eye and everlasting.

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.

I cannot thank you enough!! I am now a Carey's customer for life, the talent and dependability is unsurpassed!!!!

With sincere gratitude,

Mary Hurley

2011-02-16T13:39:00.000-08:00

February: Flower of the month

Iris

White Cut Flower Iris

Wild Bearded Iris

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.

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.

Juno

Juno – 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.

Louisiana

Louisiana Iris

Louisiana – 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.

Aril Iris

Aril – 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?

Reticulata iris

Reticulata – 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.

Bearded Iris

Bearded – 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.

Spuria Iris

Spuria – 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.

Siberian Iris

Siberian – 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.

Evansias Iris

Evansias – 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.

Japanese Iris

Japanese – 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.

Pacific Coast

Pacific Coast – 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.

Did we mention that Valentine's day is only 10 days away?

2011-02-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

Order EARLY for Carey's Flowers 'Romance Package'

Dazzle the one you love while looking like a superstar yourself!

Order before Wed. Feb. 9th and for $110.00 plus tax and delivery you get:

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.

After Wed. Feb. 9th the 'Romance Package' will still be s steal of a deal at only $150.00!

The early birds also get their choice of which sugar love stuffed animal they would like included in their 'Romance Package'

You will not find the 'Romance Package' on our website, this is offered exclusively to our Facebook and Twitter friends.

We hope you all have a very Happy Valentine's Day!

Is buying in the grocery store really cheaper?

2011-01-26T07:46:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder why you seem to be able to buy flowers cheaper in the grocery store?

This is because the super stores employ certain marketing tactics that a good honest florist never would.

Marketing tactic:
"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.

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.

These "Shrink Rays" are currently strong in force right now.

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 consumer bunches. 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 florist bunch, which will always contain 10 stems of flowers. The choice as always is yours, the question that remains did you really save money?

And.....Just in case this lights your fire we are currently having a cash and carry SALE on Dutch tulips (10 stems to a bunch) 2 bunches for $12.00. That's 20 tulips for less than $15.00 in this dreadful winter weather!!!! :) Imagine how much better you would feel stuck in your home with some beautiful tulips to look at. The bunches are single color bunches but you can choose two different colors when you purchase your 2 for $12.00. These are ONLY 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 FANTASTIC feeling.

Carey's Flowers SALE Dutch Tulips 2 Bunches for $12.00

Christmas Flower and Fauna ~ Peace and Love

2010-12-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas Wreaths

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.

Today, beautiful artificial wreaths are also in vogue

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.

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. The three candles were in violet (purple) and the fourth one was rose (pink). 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.

On the fourth Sunday before Christmas or the first Sunday of the Advent the first violet candle symbolizing hope is lit and a short prayer is offered to Jesus who is about to take the mortal form. It is followed by lighting a purple candle that stands for love on the Second Sunday, pink candle, which represents joy on the third Sunday and finally the symbol of peace the purple candle on the fourth Sunday of Advent.

We as Americans 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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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!

Christmas Flower/Fauna The Christmas Tree

2010-12-22T10:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas Tree

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• The German Hessian Soldiers introduced the tree to America. Here, the decoration of the tree here was influenced by the customs of England.

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 apples 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.

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.

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.

Here in New England it's almost a standard memory for people going out to pick out their Christmas tree's with their family.

The cold air, the BEST tree, the ride home, the hot cocoa mom would make.....and dad under the Christmas tree quietly......swearing ;)

2010-12-21T10:36:00.000-08:00

Poinsettia

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.'

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.

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 .

2010-12-20T09:01:00.000-08:00

Mistletoe

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.
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.

Christmas Flower/Fauna

2010-12-18T09:31:00.000-08:00

Holly

Holly is one of the important Christmas Flowers.
This flower is associated not only with Christianity but with Romans and Islam.

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.

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.

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.

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. (btw - I wouldn't try the tonic thing ewww)

Christmas Flower - Ivy

2010-12-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

Ivy

Ivy is an important Christmas Flower .

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.

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.

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.

Ivy's everyday meaning ~ Wedded Love, Fidelity, Friendship, Affection. For these beautiful meanings ivy is often tucked into brides bouquets year round.

The Christmas Rose

2010-12-16T09:28:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Rose

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.

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.

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.

Christmas Flowers

2010-12-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas Flowers

Christmas is a winter festival and green 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.

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.

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.

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.

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)
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.

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.

Mistletoe - Buy the fake stuff

2010-12-14T11:35:00.000-08:00

Mistletoe - Buy the fake stuff

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.

Mistletoe
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 poisonous. 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

The Mistletoe Magic :
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.

Kissing under the mistletoe :
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.

The Legend :
For its supposedly mystical power mistletoe has long been at the center of many folklore. One is associated with the Goddess Frigga.

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.

Getting your Christmas cactus to bloom

2010-12-13T11:38:00.000-08:00

Getting your Christmas cactus to bloom

Otherwise know as "How do I get this little sucker to bloom at the RIGHT time of year!"

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.

To make absolutely sure your plants will bloom at Christmas, you should have started your light control in October.

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.

However I say,
Some people do put their plants in a closet every night with no problem. But 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)

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.

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.

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.

Prune after it blooms, removing one or two of the flattened stem segments that act as leaves (phylloclades). This encourages branching and future blooms.

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.

After Blooming

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.
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.

Propagation of your Christmas cactus

2010-12-11T06:39:00.000-08:00

Propagation of your Christmas cactus

It’s easy to make more Christmas cacti.

Just gently pinch and twist a stem at its top joint (where you see the little 'hairs'), then pull it free.

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.

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.

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.

Because these plants like to be tightly kept in a pot use a small pot and I always place many segments into one small (tiny) pot. This allows for a fuller plant and if any segment die you can just pluck them out and still have something left.

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.

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.

How to care for your Christmas cactus

2010-12-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

Care of Christmas Cactus

Watering

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.

Lighting

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.

Flowering

Christmas cactus will create flower buds when subjected to cooler temperatures 50-58degrees Fahrenheit/10-14 degrees Celsius for 6-8 weeks.

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.

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.

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

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.

Christmas cactus ~ What's in a name

2010-12-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas cactus

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

* Those who split botanical hairs may insist that what we see labeled as Christmas cacti are actually Thanksgiving cacti. These would be your master gardeners or your 'Big ol' green thumbers'

* This line of reasoning holds that the only true Christmas cactus is Schlumbergera x buckleyi, a cross made by William Buckley in England in the late 1840s. That particular cross bears little bumps, rather than points, along the stems. Its flowers dangle, rather than curve outward. And, when given the same treatment, it begins blooming about a month later.

* But to most people, the plants and flowers of all the many offspring of the genus Schlumbergera look nearly the same. The care is the same, too, as well as the general timing of the beautiful blooms. Given the countless crosses and permutations of the various Schlumbergera species, the terms Christmas and Thanksgiving hardly seem to matter.

SEEDS OF WISDOM:

* Don’t toss your Christmas cacti after the holidays. The brilliant plants are definite keepers. Provide bright, indirect light, let the soil dry out between waterings, and your plants may live for generations.

Christmas cactus ~ A Tradition

2010-12-07T06:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas cactus a tradition
Christmas and cactus may seem to be a contradiction of terms.
But Christmas cacti are among the easiest, showiest, holiday houseplants you can grow. And yes, despite their succulent appearance and lack of spines, they are a cactus, and they do bear their sparkly, iridescent flowers during Christmas.
What’s more, they’ll live for years. Certain specimens are said to be 75 to 100 years old.
So start a new family tradition. Instead of exchanging a much-maligned heirloom fruitcake, propagate a Christmas cactus that will last from one generation to the next, spreading throughout your family tree.
Getting Started

Much of the year, Christmas cacti are rather quiet, with their jointed, olive-green stems clumped neatly in a pot. But come November, buds begin to swell at the tips of those stems, then billow out into flowers linked in a series of colorful, glistening tubes. The shimmery shades of pink, purple, coral, red and white are the result of more than 150 years of breeding between several species of the genus Schlumbergera.
Christmas cacti are native to Brazil, where they grow north of Rio de Janeiro in the Organ Mountains. They’re epiphytes, meaning they pull moisture and nutrients out of the air. In nature, they grow in cracks between boulders or in decomposing leaf litter caught between branches of trees.
It’s surprisingly easy to replicate those conditions at home.
For starters, mimic the forest canopy by providing bright light, but little direct sun, especially during summer. A lattice-covered patio or a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade should be just right if you choose to move your potted cactus outdoors for the summer months.
You will want to grow your Christmas cactus in a container filled with a fast-draining blend of soil, peat moss, coarse builders sand, vermiculite, pumice or even Styrofoam beads. Or, use a packaged cactus and succulent mix for growing your Christmas cactus is not likely to survive if you plant it in the ground the is New England after all.

Instead, the plants are often at their best in hanging baskets, where they get plenty of air flow and their stems and flowers can cascade over the sides. A bonus of that portability is that you can easily bring them indoors to enjoy during the holidays.
Some store-bought Christmas cacti are planted in a soil mix composed primarily of peat moss. While peat moss offers quick drainage, it’s difficult to rewet if it dries out. If you see the soil mix shrink away from the inside of the container, that might be the problem. If so, submerge the pot in a tall bowl or saucepan of cool to lukewarm water for half an hour to saturate the peat moss. Then, drain the pot thoroughly in your sink.

You can move your Christmas cactus outside once any danger of frost has passed (this means in summer). The plant may bloom again between March and May if you get lucky. But wait until active, green growth begins in the spring before fertilizing or pinching any errant stems to maintain the overall shape.

The growing season is typically from late May through early September, or when daytime temperatures range between 70 and 80 degrees. You can fertilize with a mild, water-soluble solution once a month during that time.

Finish any pinching back by mid-June. Any snipping after that will be at the expense of flowering at the end of the year.
There’s no need to repot your plants unless they begin to push up and out against the sides of their containers. These plants love to be 'pot bound' and will do their best for you in this condition. If it is time to repot, wait until fall, when the growth slows down. Take care to avoid knocking off any emerging flower buds.

Buds can fall off if the plants are subjected to major shifts in temperature, light or irrigation. If few buds even form, the cause may be too little water, too much cold or too much heat. If your plants look pale or yellow, they may be getting too much sun.

So start a new Christmas tradition this year by stopping into Carey's Flowers and buying a Christmas cactus.

December: Flower of the month

2010-12-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

December: Flower of the month
Poinsettia

The first December birth flower is the Poinsettia which equals celebration, success, reassurance, good cheer and merriment, this December birth flower is a fitting tribute to December’s joyful celebrations.

Also known as the Christmas flower, Mexican flame leaf or Christmas star or Noche Buena, the poinsettia, is a plant known for its striking red displays at Christmas time. Having all of these special names makes this plant seem all the more important and heart warming.

The Poinsettia originated in Mexico before it became popular in American Christmas traditions. Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico and amateur botanist, introduced the Poinsettia to the United States in 1928. The bright red, pink, or white colors of the Poinsettia, which are perceived as the petals of the flower, are really leaves called bracts. The actual flowers are small, yellow clusters of balls in between those brilliant bracts. This plant is sold in pots during the holiday season, yet with special attention, the Poinsettia can grow to enormous sizes. This plant is known as a short day plant because it grows best when the nights are long and the days are short. It was once thought that the Poinsettia is a poisonous threat to pets and small children - this is no longer considered a fact. There is no evidence that the Poinsettia is a hazard. However, eating large amounts of the plant will cause upset in the digestive system. In other words if you sit down and eat all of your poinsettia plants you will be puking.

The Aztec Indians prized poinsettias and considered them a symbol of purity because of their brilliant red color. They made a reddish-purple dye from the colored "flowers", bracts. They also made a medicine against fevers from the latex sap of the plant.

A Mexican legend explains how poinsettias came to be associated with Christmas. Apparently, a child who could not afford a gift to offer to Christ on Christmas Eve picked some weeds from the side of a road. The child was told that a humble gift, if given in love, would be acceptable in God's eyes. When brought into the church, the weeds bloomed into red and green flowers and the congregation felt they had witnessed a Christmas miracle.

This is how the Poinsettia became known as Fleur de Bueno Noche in Mexico, or the Flower of the Holy Night. This flower is also referred to as the Nativity Flower because the altar is often decorated in Poinsettias during the holiday season.

Keeping your Poinsettia - After the holidays

2010-12-04T07:11:00.000-08:00

Keeping your Poinsettia - After the holidays

Many people try to carry their poinsettia plants over and rebloom them the next year. If you have a big ol' green thumb and the incentive you might give this beautiful plant a try.

Poinsettias are perhaps the most difficult flowering potted plants to rebloom in the home. I have never had a personal success story, but I think my mother has, she has a big ol' green thumb, and as her grandchildren are fond of saying Grandma can do anything. If you must try, follow the instructions carefully.

After blooming, gradually withhold water. The leaves will then yellow and fall off. Place the dried-off plant in a cool place with temperatures 50 to 60 degrees until spring. Water only enough to keep the roots from drying out. This means very, very, little water.

In the spring place the plant in a warm room and prune the stems back to about six inches. If there is more than one plant in the pot, divide and repot them at this time.

For repotting use a well-drained soil. Potting soils available at garden shops are satisfactory.

Or even better you may use one part vermiculite, one part peat moss or leaf mold, and one part sand or perlite. See this is where the big 'ol green thumb comes in. If you are scratching your head saying what are those items you are not a serious 'Big ol' green thumber'

After repotting, place the plants in a bright, sunny, south window until frost danger is past. In New England that often means, wait a really long time. Sink the pot outdoors where it gets some wind protection, but where it gets sun most of the day. Light shade in the hottest part of the summer afternoon is desirable. Lift the pot occasionally to keep roots from growing into surrounding soil. A small piece of brown paper bag at the bottom of the hole will also help keep the pot from rooting in the soil.

As new shoots develop, cut them back to allow two nodes or pairs of leaves to remain. This will develop a large, bushy plant by late summer. Stop pinching back after mid-August.

Plants may be started from cuttings, but rooting is fairly difficult (when I say fairly I am being generous) under home conditions. Keep the plant in good growing condition by watering and feeding regularly during the summer. Add a complete liquid fertilizer about once every two weeks. Watch carefully for insect or disease problems and control immediately. Discard diseased plants. Before the weather becomes cool in fall, bring the plant indoors and place it at a bright, sunny, south window. Cool night temperatures will improve flower quality. Day temperatures should be 70 to 75 degrees. Good luck with the listed daytime temps here in New England.

The poinsettia is a short day (long night) plant. Make sure it receives no additional light at night while flowers are forming. The critical period begins about October 1, and continues until colored bracts and flower buds are visible.

Even short periods of dim light can prevent flowering. If the plant is kept in a lighted room, cover it every night at dusk with a light-tight bag or cover. Remove the cover at about 8:00 a.m. each morning. This type of devotion to a single plant usually only comes from a master gardener or ...a 'Big ol' green thumber'

Extra illumination from a street or yard light will have the same effect on a poinsettia growing outdoors as it does on plants growing indoors. If you want them to flower, be careful in selecting the location in the landscape. Place the plant so it will receive no additional light after October 1, until the time the bracts show color if they are to bloom by Christmas. If these procedures are followed carefully, the plants should flower by Thanksgiving. You know Thanksgiving the holiday where some well loved family member will accidentally drop a drink on your poinsettia and ruin all your hard work. This is the time when you have to try really hard to remember how much you love your family. ;)

If placed in a protected area where early fall frosts will not harm them, they will make beautiful plants for the next holiday season. They should be cut back 8 to 10 inches each spring to encourage new growth from the base As new shoots develop, cut them back to allow two pairs of leaves per shoot to remain. Every time a new shoot produces about four or five pairs of leaves prune it again. Do not prune after mid-August or flower buds and colored bracts may not form in time for Christmas. Am I repeating myself? You can never say this stuff too many times.

For best results poinsettias must have a well-drained soil and must be fertilized regularly. While poinsettias will not tolerate a wet, poorly drained soil, they do require plenty of water for optimum growth. They tend to drop their leaves if allowed to become too dry.

Now for Best, best results buy your poinsettias each year at Carey's Flowers, come early when the selection is still vast and enjoy a beautiful, living, blooming addition to your home at Christmas time.

How to choose a Pointsetta

2010-12-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

How to choose a Pointsetta

* First go to your local family owned, brick and mortar florist NOT a big box store. Geesh! Buy local! Do you know that for every $100 spent in a locally owned independent store, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.

* Don't buy Poinsettia plants that have been left standing outside a corner store; they will already be dead or dying. Go figure why corner stores do this. I guess it works for spontaneous sales, but the reality is that Euphorbia pulcherrima (what a poinsettia is) cannot tolerate cold. These plants originate from Mexico h-e-l-l-o!

* Leaves should not be falling off. If the Poinsettia plant looks a little sparse and twiggy, it has probably been in its plastic sleeve too long. Now why would you want a sparse twiggy plant anyway ewww.

* Look for the cluster of yellowy-green flowers in the centre of each cluster of red leaves. These are the Poinsettia's plant's true flowers; the decorative leaves are actually brachts. The flower cluster should be firm and intact. If they are breaking off or if you can't see any, the plant is inferior. However refrain from pointing this out to the plant itself, it is doing it's best.

* Don't buy a Poinsettia plant if it stinks. Sniff the pot. If the roots are rotting from over-watering or poor air circulation, there will be a sweet, musty smell. This is a sign that the plant is already on the decline. Again why would you want a musty plant in your home?

How to get a Poinsettia plant home

* Take your plant home in a warm car immediately after buying it. Don't leave it in a cold car while you load all the wood you bought at a big box store as the car will be freezing even if you are running the heat full blast. Also don't go shopping for a couple of hours or even a couple of minutes after you purchase your plant at your local brick and mortar florist, take that baby home. Try to remember we live in New England folks and this plant is from MEXICO.

* Make sure your Poinsettia plant is well-wrapped, to avoid giving the plant a cold shock. It should come with a sleeve that can be stapled closed over the canopy of leaves.

How to care for it

* Keep your Poinsettia plant in a room where the temperature stays around 68 F to 70 F and where it will get indirect sunlight. Don't place it near a drafty windowsill. Or cook it by placing on a radiator. The latter happens more than you want to even think about.

* Keep it away from heat vents and avoid placing it too close to a fireplace where heat can scorch leaves and dry out the soil, killing the plant quite quickly.

* Don't over-water. This causes root rot. You can water from the bottom by standing the pot in a few inches of water in the sink for no more than 5 minutes, then let drain well before returning to it's spot in your home.
Carey's Flowers preferred watering method is to water under the plant just above the soil right at the pot line with approximately 1 measuring cup of water. Check the plant the next day if the soil is still moist that is plenty of water, if it seems dry add another 1/2 measuring cup of water. The water should not run out of the bottom of the plant and the soil should be just damp not wet or 'muddy' Each home a Poinsettia plant resides in will require a different amount of water due to things like: home temperature, type of home heating, amount of light plant is getting, etc. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.

* Don't leave your plant in its paper protective sleeve for more than 48 hours maximum. The Poinsettia plant produces low levels of ethylene gas. If allowed to build up in the sleeve, this will cause leaves and bracts to droop or drop right off. This has nothing to do with your florist it has to do with the neglect of the plant, it needs to be out of it's protective sleeve once it's home.

Poinsettias are NOT poisonous!

2010-12-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

Hi all! Well, I made it to my second day of posts! I'm on a full on roll now!!

Poinsettia is the traditional Christmas flower, loved for its festive red bracts and dark green foliage. For years poinsettias have been considered poisonous. It was thought that the leaves, stems and milky sap could cause great harm and even death to anyone who ate them. This seemed to apply in a special almost Voodoo like way to cats, as in "OH! that plant will KILL your cat instantaneously while you watch on in horror!" Many people avoid these beautiful plants for this very reason.

The florist trade, in an effort to exonerate the poinsettia, spent thousands of dollars to determine just how toxic the plant was. Extracts of sap, leaf and stem tissue was injected into white mice to determine the levels of toxicity. I'll just throw in here that cats eat mice. The procedure used by the United States Food and Drug Administration was followed with no adverse effect to the mice.

Let me just add that for many, many years we were blessed with a greenhouse cat here at Carey's Flowers named Buster. Each and every year (as Paula Deen would say) she ate herself some poinsettia plants and she went to heaven at the ripe old age of 23.
This means the poinsettia can be removed from the list of poisonous plants.

However the Veterinarians are slow to recognize this fact. I spent the better part of 20 minutes explaining to my Vet, that the facts are the facts and it's time to let the old world thinking and warnings go. I'm pretty sure I convinced her and her staff, but just in case I missed the mark with them, I sent over a bunch of poinsettia plants for the office. Each plant had a note attached that said - ' I am not poisonous to people or animals, I am pet friendly and house beautiful.'
This does not mean I recommend eating the plant, and I would recommend keeping the plant out of the reach of small children, but now you no longer need to worry. Remember some people are allergic (allergic not 'will keel over dead') to the sap. Also eating houseplants is downright yucky if you ask me, and if you have a habit of eating them (houseplants) perhaps you should seek help. :)

Poinsettia - How do you say that?

2010-12-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

Selecting, transporting and caring for a Christmas poinsettia is a garden project because it is not the same as buying a bar of soap. You need to know how to pick a healthy plant and how to get it safely home without subjecting it to damage from the cold, particularly here in New England where the weather so unpredictable.

It's important to know where to place it in your home and how to water it properly and care for it in order to maintain its health and vigor over the festive season.

But before we get to the nitty gritty of all this, there is a more fundamental question on the minds of people (well at least for our customers): What is the proper way to pronounce the word poinsettia? Is it poinsett-ee-ah or poinsett-uh?

Does it help to know that the reason this particular plant has become such an iconic symbol of Christmas is that back in 1825 the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett, fell in love with the plant, which is native to that part of the world, and took it back up north to Carolina? Not many years later, the Ecke Co. in California made a killing by learning how to hybridize and propagate poinsettias in the tens of thousands.

Did that help you work out your pronunciation? No, I thought not.

OK, the Canadian Oxford Dictionary says poinsettia can be pronounced either way: poinsett-ee-ah or poinsett-uh.

Oxford English says no, no, no, it is most definitely poinsett-ee-ah.

Merriam-Webster, the U.S. dictionary, only adds to the confusion by adding an extra "t" and insisting it be pronounced point-sett-uh.

How do we say it here at Carey's Flowers? Poinsett-uh(period). End of story. Let me add we have been here for almost 100 years, so I think you should all respect your elders and say it our way. This subject makes me laugh almost as hard as the Gerbera and Hydrangea mess Miss Martha created. So in the end don't take it too seriously and ....Just order from Carey's Flowers no matter how you say it - we'll get the point (pun intended)

Millions of poinsettias are sold in North America every year. Red is still the color of choice and the No. 1 best-seller. Designer poinsettias (with soft pinks and creamy white bracts) are also popular. Tri-color pots featuring three colors - red, pink and white - are the hottest trend at the moment at the big shows in the big city's, but here in good old New England where tradition is still king - Red is still the color of choice.

Punky poinsettias (with white speckles or crinkly rosette-like leaves) are the least popular, but growers still cultivate them as a novelty item and to give consumers more selection.

"Nothing says Christmas like a red poinsettia,"

Hard to believe, perhaps, but there are as many as 100 varieties of poinsettias in cultivation. Cortez Red, Freedom Red and Sonora Red are three of the most successful varieties. Bestselling whites are Cortez White, Freedom White and Whitestar.

Well my goal was to get at least a post a day out on Holiday topics........I'm already thinking that was too lofty a goal. Wish me well!

It's such a great feeling

2010-11-18T09:03:00.000-08:00

It is such a great feeling to celebrate a special occasion with a special person. To celebrate life and accomplishments, it is customary to give a gift that means something special. Everyone wants to feel special during these times, and one way of making that person feel special is by giving the gift of flowers.

You can go shopping for gifts at any store that you like, but sending flowers are gifts that will turn any room brighter. It will make the whole atmosphere of the occasion burst into smiles on all people. It is hard sometimes to find that perfect gift for that special time, and that is where a florist comes in.

A florist is the expert that you are looking for to make sure you get the right arrangement for all your special needs and occasions. They are the ones who know what you are looking for and will spend the time necessary to meet your gift giving needs. They can arrange all different types of flowers in any way and will do it at a price that is right for you.

The flower specialists in London Ontario are the best at their trade. Their desire is to please you in every aspect of your gift giving needs. They have the experience and expertise to help you buy or send the perfect flower arrangement for that very special time.

The Carey’s Flowers team is dedicated to bringing you the freshest and most unique arrangements for your needs. To our team, sending flowers is a special way to say that you love someone. They understand the needs you have and will make sure that when your gift or arrangement is received, that gift will mean something extra.
They try to make your flower buying experience as special as they can. You can pick up your arrangement soon after it has been finished, or, you can have that delivered. That is sure to be a special surprise.

Anytime is a good time to send this kind of gift. Certain times that you would want to send them would be a milestone anniversary, or a milestone birthday. Those that are in the hospital or who have been very sick for a long period of time enjoy receiving floral arrangements. It brightens their day and lifts their spirits.
For those who have just fallen in love or want to make that first good impression on a special someone, this is the best way to say that you are interested. This is the best way to say that you are special. For that first date, there is no better way make that first good impression than by bringing a bouquet or single rose with you. First impressions are the most important.

If you want to make up after a bad argument, sending flowers will surely soften the tone. It will make the one you have hurt feel more loved and want to be with you again Carey’s Flowers can help you with this.

Flowers and plants are great ways to tell the ones you love how special they are and what they mean to you. Carey’s Flowers can help you with any gift need that you have.
Don’t forget Thanksgiving is just one week away.

2010-10-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

Multiple customer Question/Questions: (This set of questions is often asked and asked by many customers ~ so here is my best advice/suggestions)How should I prune my hydrangea? Is there something that could be added to my hydrangea that would turn the pink flowers blue? Is this a good idea?

Answer: (To the best of my ability) The hydrangea, macrophylla, is widely used in different zones of our state. It comes from Japan, is deciduous, has a symmetrically rounded growth habit, and grows 4-6 feet high and as wide. It does well as a landscape shrub or in a container. The blue and pink colors of the hydrangeas depend on the amount of aluminum in the soil that is absorbed by the roots.
The blue flowers appear on the hydrangea that has a soil pH of 5.5 or less.
In alkaline soil, it is difficult achieve a pH of 5.5 or less.

This normally means we have pink flowers since the aluminum is tied up in an insoluble form that cannot be absorb by the roots.

White cultivars are generally white and are not affected by the soil's pH.

Flowers grown for the florist trade have lime or superphosphate added to the soil mixture, which will tie up the absorption of aluminum resulting in pink to red flowers.

For blue flowers, they add aluminum sulfate (51.0%) to lower the pH in the soil. You can purchase this at your nursery. Depending on the size of the plant, add 1 tablespoon to cup per plant in late fall. Make 2 to 3 more applications in the early spring and again in late spring depending on your existing soil pH. This treatment must be done now and again next spring to change the flower color. A simple test kit for pH is available at your nursery.

The eastern side of the house is the best location in very warm areas or plant in partial shade, to avoid the hot afternoon sun. This plant likes a well-drained, porous soil. The flower buds are formed at the terminal of the stem (apical dominance) of last year's growth. If this flower bud is damaged, other flower buds down the stem will develop. If you cut the tips of the branches before the flowering season you will have more branches and flowers. This could cause too many flowers that are crowded together and will not fully develop on the shady side
The first 1-3 years the plant will not need to be pruned, except for cross or unsightly branches which should be cut to the ground. For the life of the plant, you must keep the center open to the light and air for a healthy bush. To cut flowers for the house or removing dying flowers, cut between the bottom of the flower head and above the first set of leaves. Cutting lower than the first set of leaves could stimulate unwanted growth from the lower buds at the leaf nodes.

Maintenance pruning can be done now by removing the dead, weak, diseased and broken stems on both the new and old wood by cutting to the ground as close as possible. Do not remove more than one-third of the old wood at a time. I like to leave some of the inside wood longer than some of the outside to keep the bush from becoming a "roundy-moundy." Keep the inside open to light. By pruning now, it should give the plant sufficient time for the new growth to harden before freezing weather.

The plant can be pruned just above a node, remembering that next year's flowers will grow on the new growth of the old stems. To get the biggest flower clusters, reduce the number of stems per plant; for numerous medium and smaller clusters, keep more stems.

If you have an overgrown or neglected shrub, I would cut it back to within 12 inches of the ground. Then cut back week or diseased stems followed by old wood stems near the center to the ground. If done now, you may still have a few blossoms next year and many more the following year. Continue the maintenance program next year.

Hydrangeas like soils high in organic matter. Compost worked into the soil before planting and adding peat moss will help to make the soil acid. Wood chips or other mulch material will help the plant throughout the year. A balanced fertilizer, such as 15.15.15 or a slow release fertilizer (Osmocote, Nutricote or Polygon) 4 ounces of 10.10.10 should be placed at the base of the plant and deep watered before the leaves appear. Here is a picture of my fall compost, it's free and you can find it everywhere in New England ;)

Again, white cultivars are not affected by soil pH. However, availability of aluminum may result in a pink or blue eye in the flower, depending on its presence or absence in the soil.

Hydrangeas do very nicely in containers as you can control the soil pH as well as the location of the pot for best blooms.

More on wedding flowers

2010-09-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

Are you a platinum

When you are planning your wedding bouquet, you may find yourself charged a premium for some of the flowers, particularly gardenias and stephanotis.

This is NOT because it's a wedding and florists are trying to rip you off. This pair of classic wedding flowers are a little bit different from most other flowers in the way we have to buy them and work with them and this will add to the cost of whatever they're used in.

This is how gardenias come packed - 3 blooms, no stems, with a foliage collar (which might be either real foliage or fake), packed in one plastic wrapped box.

This is how stephanotis comes packed - 25 blooms, on inch long stems, in a cellophane box.

We don't get any say in how many blossoms we buy - if you want gardenias you have to buy 3 flowers and 25 for the stephanotis. As a bride, you will find yourself paying for all of the flowers whether or not you use them.

So a good florist will tell you that if you want the groom's boutonniere to made out of stephanotis, that you should try to find a way to use the rest of the flowers, either in your bouquet, or perhaps in corsages. The same holds true with the gardenias.

You'll also note, that unlike almost every other flower, these two don't have stems! Or at least not enough stem to be of much use.

These flowers are always wired and taped to create a usable stem. The beauty of wire and tape (which FYI is how all bridal bouquets were made for years and years) is that you now have a stem that can be bent into any position you need.

The downside of wired and taped stems is the additional labor it takes to make a stem for each bloom. You're going to pay extra for that. It adds a lot of time to the construction of a bridal bouquet, and every step that adds time in labor, also adds to the price.

Gardenias and stephanotis are gorgeous, classic wedding flowers!

Only you can decide - are they worth the price?

Send Her Flowers

2010-08-31T10:41:00.000-07:00

I know – you’re rolling your eyes right now. You don’t want a chick telling you to buy flowers for your girlfriend or wife. You know about the flower-thing, right?
Then why aren’t you having flowers sent to us more often?!

Just think about when a woman in the office receives flowers – all the other ladies in the office huddle around her to ask her who they’re from, why they were sent, and to ooh and ahh. What can I say – we love the attention and we love when our fellow women swoon over what a nice guy we have.

My husband didn’t send me flowers until almost nine years after we met – sure, he had spoiled me in other ways, but I had never had flowers delivered to me. For my 27th birthday he had flowers sent to my work, and, in typical girly fashion, the women of the office gathered around to “ahh” as I read them the card. I felt really special... to know after all these years that he wanted to do something like that for me meant a lot. He could have run over my dog that morning and the flowers would have made everything all better. (OK, maybe I shouldn’t oversell the value of sending your girlfriend flowers, but it can fix a lot!)

Maybe you’re avoiding this act of kindness because you have ulterior motives – you don’t want to set a precedence so she starts expecting flowers all the time. Well I say "BAH!" That’s a lame excuse to not do something that I am telling you would make your girlfriend’s day.

Sending a bouquet of flowers costs what, $40-50? It’s not an overly-expensive purchase, and you don’t have to make any difficult decisions – just tell the florist to put together their most beautiful arrangement and name your budget. They can always find something to throw together for your other half. Go with a corny sentiment in the card (“thinking of you” or “you’ve been on my mind”).

If you want to really go the extra mile, order her some of our fantastic chocolate truffles – trust me, you’ll get even MORE bonus points because these go beyond flowers. It’s something she can share with her colleagues (making them love you even more).

So do it... right now. Call Carey’s Flowers 413-536-0444 or go on-line to www.careysflowers.com your local florist and send a bouquet to your girl. Do it for no apparent reason other than “you’re thinking of her” (not because I’m telling you to in this article). Also try it on a Monday – it will start her week off on the right foot, and she’ll be showing her appreciation straight through untill the long weekend.

Stop waiting for some momentous occasion (like forgetting her birthday or actually running over her dog) to send her an arrangement of pretty flowers. Heed my corny advice and send her a bouquet. (Then you can send me some flowers to thank me – I love daisies!)
Good luck boys,
Carey's Flower Chick

Flowering Plants Speed Post-surgery Recovery

2010-06-14T06:47:00.000-07:00

Flowering Plants Speed Post-surgery Recovery

This post was borrowed from friend and fellow real florist Mark Smith, of Smith’s Flowers, Midland MI. I jut loved it and wanted to share it with all my readers as well.

ScienceDaily (Dec. 30, 2008) — Contact with nature has long been suspected to increase positive feelings, reduce stress, and provide distraction from the pain associated with recovery from surgery. Now, research has confirmed the beneficial effects of plants and flowers for patients recovering from abdominal surgery.

A recent study by Seong-Hyun Park and Richard H. Mattson, researchers from the Department of Horticulture, Recreation and Forestry at Kansas State University, provides strong evidence that contact with plants is directly beneficial to a hospital patient’s health. Using various medical and psychological measurements, the study set out to evaluate if plants in hospital rooms have therapeutic influences.
Studies show that when patients have great stress associated with surgery, they typically experience more severe pain and a slower recovery period. Some of these problems are treated through the use of anesthetics and analgesics, but, if not properly administered, the drugs can have side effects ranging from vomiting and headaches to drug dependency or even fatality. It is therefore beneficial to patients and care providers to develop approaches that improve the overall patient experience but don’t rely on pharmaceuticals.
The study, published in the October 2008 issue of HortTechnology, was conducted on 90 patients recovering from an appendectomy. Patients were randomly assigned to hospital rooms with or without plants during their postoperative recovery periods. Data collected for the study included information on the length of hospitalization, administration of drugs for postoperative pain control, vital signs, ratings of pain intensity, distress, fatigue and anxiety, and the patient’s room satisfaction questionnaire.

Patients with plants in their rooms had significantly fewer intakes of pain medication, more positive physiological responses (lower blood pressure and heart rate), less pain, anxiety, and fatigue, and better overall positive and higher satisfaction with their recovery rooms than their counterparts in the control group without plants in their rooms.
An interesting note to this study—the majority of patients who had plants in their rooms reported that the plants were the most positive qualities of their rooms (93%), whereas patients without plants in their rooms said that watching television was the most favorable aspect of their rooms (91%).

The study suggests that potted plants offer the most benefit, as opposed to cut flowers, because of their longevity. Nursing staff reported that as patients recovered, they began to show interaction with the plants, including watering, pruning, and moving them for a better view or light. A number of studies have also shown that indoor plants make air healthier and provide an optimum indoor environment by increasing humidity, and reducing the quantity of mold spores and airborne germs.
This nonpharmacological approach to recovery is good news for patients, doctors, and insurers alike in terms of cost effectiveness and medical benefits. The study provides strong evidence that contact with plants is directly beneficial to patients’ health, providing meaningful therapeutic contact for patients recovering from painful surgery.

Adapted from materials provided by American Society for Horticultural Science, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

2010-02-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while I find something out there that strikes me and I have to share.

I have heard these stories before but always as "Don't tell anyone"stories as someone in these situations is ALWAYS embarrassed. This one I can share it's a doozie.

When DIY wedding flowers are a DIY- Don’t!
by Shannon on February 26, 2010
I have been having some fun by learning to be creative in a different direction- photography. One of my best friends is an amazing wedding photographer and she is mentoring me. The other day I went with her to a wedding to act as her second shooter. As I was done unloading the cameras, she came over to me and whispered, “Don’t tell them you are a florist.” Why? Because there was a major floral disaster happening in the kitchen of the bride’s home and my friend did not want to lose her second shooter if they enlisted me to help fix the problems.
We have all heard about it and in some cases, seen it. The DIY trend come home to roost. In this wedding’s case it was an Aunt that was a retired “florist”. I do not know what her background was, how long she was in the floral business or how long she was out of it, but this lady should have never undertaken the job of wedding day floral designer.
Some of the atrocities committed on this wedding:
Bridal bouquet had gerbera daisies wired down the stem with the wire sticking out of the bottom was snagging her dress. Brown and wilted callas. Phalaenopsis orchids clumsily wired into the bouquet were wilted and dead. Stem of the bridal bouquet was so large it resembled a “trunk”. Ribbon that was supposed to be ivory was yellow.
Bridesmaids bouquets had wire sticking out of the bottom of the stems. The red ribbon used to wrap the bouquets was not color fast and bled red dye all over their hands.
Flower girls’ headbands, had flowers sticking about 7 inches off the tops of their heads. Head band kept flopping off their heads and covering their eyes. The flower girls were given red rose petals to sprinkle down the aisle of the church. The red rose petals were crushed into the beige carpet leaving awful burgundy stains all over the church’s aisle.
Corsages were cymbidium orchids on the stem with a couple of pieces of sword fern just clamped into an elastic wrist-lette. The metal clamp and mechanics were exposed. The orchids broke off (because nothing was holding them in). Boutonnieres were roses with the blunt cut of the rose stem showing wrapped partially in ribbon secured with a pin that painfully stabbed anyone that hugged the guys.
At the reception each table was decorated differently (all 15 of them) with no sense of continuity (ended up looking like a garage sale). Large arrangements right in the guest’s line of sight. The water in vases was murky and cloudy.
Seeing all of this first hand really brought home how it is the little problems that can really add up and use up time on a day that is already short on time and so charged with emotion.
You can buy a book or watch a You Tube video to learn how to arrange flowers. But what about all of the other little things? Things a special event floral designer with years of experience knows how to avoid.
To spite all my advice I can understand why some brides will still go forward thinking they can design their own wedding flowers. Saving money is usually the deciding factor. I often advise budget brides to make their own centerpieces from items that can be put together well in advance of the wedding (Plants or candles are great choices for easy centerpieces) and have a reputable floral designer put together all of the personal flowers.
Are you unswayed or do you agree? Will you be putting together your own wedding flowers?

10 Days of Love

2010-01-27T09:32:00.000-08:00

10 days of love for $40.00

Our target customer is a man, a man who loves his woman. She is the most important thing in the whole of his world and he always wants to make her feel special. He knows there is no greater feeling than receiving flowers with a heartfelt message attached. If the flowers get sent to her workplace, he knows she is going to be blushing in front of all of her friends and deep down she is going to feel so special. All the other girls are gushing and secretly wishing that their loved ones would show this public affection. The flowers get put somewhere in view of the whole office, everyone who comes into the office asks who they belong to and who they were from, making the whole day extra special.

When she goes home she spends time thinking about where they should go, which room are they going to compliment most? She decides the coffee table in the lounge is the perfect spot with perfect conditions. All week when she has house visitors, she is reminded that her man thinks the world of her...

What else can give you that feeling of complete love and thoughtfulness for at least 10 days?? Got you thinking?

Send her flowers........ the feeling of love will last forever...........

...or at least 10 days...

Your local florist can do all of this with a fresh and scrumptious bouquet.

Carey’s Flowers delivers love to: South Hadley, Amherst, Belchertown, Chicopee, Easthampton, Granby, Hadley, Holyoke, Northampton, Springfield, Southampton, West Springfield, Agawam, Feeding Hills, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Westfield,

Edible Flowers Part II

2009-12-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

So the holidays are around the corner again and I am heading back to one of my favorite topics, eating flowers. As a small child I was fascinated with the idea of eating flowers. It seemed so exotic, fancy and down right cool. It was something only adults got to do and I wanted in on it. So as soon as I could convince an adult to let me try eating flowers I announced, “This is the best thing I ever ate!” I may have been exaggerating at the time but I still enjoy the beauty and ultimate coolness of eating flowers, which is why they show up every year on my holiday table.

Some Background: The culinary use of flowers dates back thousands of years. Many different cultures have used flowers in their traditional foods. The Chinese have been using daylilies, lotus & chrysanthemums for centuries. Italian & Hispanic cultures use stuffed squash blossoms. American colonists made violet vinegar & mutton broth with marigolds. Odysseus encountered the lotus-eating Sybarites on his way home from Troy. Dandelions were one of the bitter herbs referred to in the Old Testament of the Bible.

Flowers can be consumed raw, cooked, or infused in sauce. All edible flowers can be used as a decoration to a dish or on a tray. They add a distinctive color and taste to cakes, pastries & salads. Vinegar changes the color of the flowers, so it is best to serve the salad dressing on the side. Flowers add elegance to beverages when floating in a punch bowl or frozen in ice cubes. Edible flowers can also be used in teas.

Tips for Beginners

Do NOT eat flowers if you have hay fever, asthma or allergies.

Do NOT eat flowers obtained from a florist, nursery or garden center. Do NOT eat flowers growing on the side of the road

With the widespread use of pesticides by commercial growers, purchase edible flowers from a supplier who grows them specifically for consumption. Due to their popularity, many grocery stores & gourmet markets now sell edible flowers. It is most ideal to grow them yourself, so you know they are completely pesticide-free.

If you decide to grow your own flowers to eat, be certain you know your flowers since not all are edible. Some are poisonous.

Pick flowers on the day you are planning to use them. It is best to pick them in the morning or late afternoon when the water content is high.

Select flowers that are freshly opened avoid flowers that are not fully open (unless buds are desired) or those starting to wilt. Select flowers free of diseased spots or insect damage. Normally, the petals are the only parts to be eaten.

To maintain maximum freshness, keep flowers cool after harvest. Store your flowers, whole, in a container of water and place them in the refrigerator until you need to use them. Blooms and short-stemmed flowers can be kept fresh by laying them between layers of dampened paper-towel

Before use, wash flowers thoroughly in salt water. Perk them up by dropping them into a bowl of ice water for 30-60 seconds; then drain on paper towels. Remove all the green parts, stems and leaves, and any white 'heels' on petals since these parts can often be bitter

Petals can be stored for a day in a plastic bag in the refrigerator - but, ideally, you should use them within a few hours.

Introduce flowers into your diet one at a time in small quantities

How to Crystallize Flowers to Decorate Cakes & Candies: Combine one extra-large egg white (at room temperature) with a few drops of water and beat lightly until the white shows a few bubbles. Using a small paintbrush, paint a thin layer of egg white onto both sides of a clean, dry petal. Gently place the petal into a shallow bowl of superfine sugar to coat the bottom of the petal; sprinkle sugar on top to cover the top of the petal. Gently shake off any excess sugar. Lay the petal on waxed paper to dry. Let the flowers dry completely; they should be free of any moisture. This could take 8 to 36 hours.

A Partial Listing of Edible Flowers:

Anise Hyssop

Apple Bee Balm tea

Bergamot

Borage

Calendula

Chive

Chrysanthemum

Cornflower

Day Lily

Dianthus

English Daisy

Fuschia

Hollyhock

Johnny Jump-Ups

Lavender

Lilac

Mint

Nasturtium

Pansy

Peach

Plum

Prickly Pear

Rose

Rosemary

Sage

Signet Marigold

Squash Blossom

Violet

Yucca

Hippeastrums are big fat...

2009-11-28T10:11:00.000-08:00

Hippeastrums are the big, fat, trumpet-shaped flowers that most of us (wrongly) still call Amaryllis. If you walk into our store we call them Amaryllis! Don’t worry were all on the same wrong page with beautiful superfluous flowers.

As crocus, daffs and tulips disappear from the shelves of our shop, these huge, beefy bulbs take their place. In flower, they look as though they've wandered off the set of Walt Disney's Fantasia. You can scarcely believe that any flower can be so vast, so stiff, so voluptuously unreal.

Once you get them started, they grow indoors at a phenomenal rate. You can buy them as extra presents for children, but pot them up and get them going before handing them over. From then on, there is enough action to engage children.

There was a time when hippeastrums, like potatoes, only came in two colors: white and a pleasingly shocking shade of red. The red was usually 'Red Lion' and the white 'Apple Blossom', which was actually a very pale pink. But partly because hippeastrums have recently become such popular cut flowers, there's been a very welcome explosion in the number of varieties available at this time of year. You can see why professional florists like hippeastrums so much. They last a long time in water and you don't need many of them to make a dramatic display.

You can experiment by planting the bulbs themselves in tall, thick glass vases. You need to be careful about watering, as there will no holes at the bottom like you would have in a pot, but the final effect is wonderful, very spare and spacey. Add slender twigs of beech, twisty willow or branches if you want a fuller effect. You can stick the twigs straight in the compost that is already there.

Big is not always best, but with hippeastrums, it pays to get top-size bulbs. Kits, containing pot (usually hideous), compost and bulb are not such good value as buying bulbs on their own. Check that each bulb is firm, that its nose is not damaged and that it has plenty of fleshy roots. Soak the roots for 12-24 hours, by balancing the bulb on top of a jar of tepid tap water. Do not get the base itself wet, or it may rot.

Choose 6” pots for smallish bulbs, 7” pots for medium-sized bulbs and 8” pots for big the biggest ones . You do not need to leave much space between the edge of the bulb and the edge of the pot, but the deeper the pot the better. Plastic is easier to manage than terracotta (though does not look as good). The pots must, of course have drainage holes.

The compost you use must be nutritious and free-draining. I have had decent results simply by mixing multipurpose compost with gravel or sand (two parts compost to one part gravel/sand). Add a slow-release fertiliser (such as Osmacote granules) to the mix.

Put a layer of your compost in the bottom of a pot. Hold the bulb in one hand with its roots hanging down and firm more compost round the roots. The nose of the bulb should poke up above the rim of the pot and its shoulders should be above the surface of the compost. Water with tepid water and put the pot in a warm, light, well-ventilated place, free from draftes . A temperature around 70 degrees is ideal.

Let the compost dry out on top before watering. Always water from the top, never from the bottom. Do not wet the nose of the bulb or allow the pot to stand in water for a long period. When the first shoot appears, start feeding by adding a liquid fertiliser when you water. Give the pot a quarter turn each day to keep the stems growing straight. You may need to stake them as they grow. When the buds start to open, move the pot to a cooler place so the flowers last as long as possible. Suppliers suggest that hippeastrums will come into flower six to eight weeks after planting. They have never been that fast for me. ten weeks plus is more realistic maybe it’s a New England thing

Cut Flower Tips

2009-11-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

We at Carey’s Flowers hope that you will always enjoy your flower purchases. You have spent your hard earned money on something of beauty and you will want the flowers to last as long as possible. Your flowers will need your help if they are going to give you their all. Here are some tips for you to help them out.

Flower Arrangements

Many arrangements are sent out in boxes, remove this box as soon as the flowers have reached their final destination.

We advise placing all arrangements on a small tablemat of some sort and not directly on any polished surface.

If your flowers have been arranged in florists foam it is harder to see that the water level may be low. For this reason watering every day is best. Water slowly through the center of the arrangement while inserting the index finger of your free hand down inside of the arrangement to feel the water level, this will help avoid spills.

If your flowers arrive in a vase be careful vases can ‘sweat’ and leave a small puddle on surfaces. Changes in temperature cause vases to sweat, here in New England changes in temperature from indoor to outdoor can be drastic and happen year round. With a glass vase it is easier to see when water levels go down but it has been my experience that people just let the water sit and run out. This severely shortens the life of your flowers I hope you don’t buy a new car and let the gas run out. So watering each day with fresh clean water (from the tap is fine) is the very best thing you can do for your flowers. The water should never dip down below the neck of the vase.

Cut Flowers

Carefully remove all wrapping materials the flowers have come in.

Clean your vase thoroughly using hot water and soap the best practice is to then rinse with water that you have put a tablespoon of bleach into. The bleach kills any bacteria on the inside of the vase and flowers live longer in a bacteria free environment. Then fill the vase ¾ of the way with cool water that has been mixed with the flower food sachet you received with your flowers.

Carefully remove any leaves from the stems that may be below the water line of your vase; these leaves will decompose and contaminate the water and can shorten the life of your flowers. This decomposition also causes what I like to call ‘water funk’ this is when your flowers look fine but there is a funny smell about them. That’s the leaves decomposing and the water getting stale. Why would you want beautiful flowers that stink yuk.

Holding the bouquet up to the vase will help you determine the length you will need to cut the stems to. With a clean knife (cleaned with bleach) cut stems at a 45-degree angle. Place immediately into water in vase.

Once the bouquet has been placed into the vase check that is sits in proportion to the vase. The flowers should not tower over the vase this is the perfect recipe for the vase to tip over and then you have a big mess and no pretty flowers.

When the flowers are in correct proportion fill the vase the rest of the way with your water / flower food mix.

Choosing the right place in your home for your flowers is key. Many people have said to me “I like them on top of the TV so I can see them all the time” BAD choice! The television gives off too much heat for cut flowers. Place flowers in a cool place, away from heating or cooling vents, appliances, direct sunlight (picture window are a no no) or drafts.

Keep cut flowers away form ripening fruit. As fruit ripens it gives off ethylene gas with causes flowers to rot and die quickly.

Add water daily. Add water daily. Add water daily.

General Cautions

Lily pollen can stain. In case of contact dab affected area with tape wrapped sticky side out around your hand, DO NOT rub! Do NOT use water! Follow up with a stain removing pre-treatment before washing any cloth items.

All berries can stain and may NOT be eaten.

Wash your hands thoroughly after arranging your flowers, some flowers have sap which can irritate sensitive skin.

www.careysflower.com

Flowers should not apologize

2009-10-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

I was going to post another wedding themed item today, but I just read this great article bt John DeVore and I could not resist sharing it.

Men should buy women flowers.

Men should buy women flowers. They are colorful. They smell nice. And without them, flora would never get laid. To many, purchasing flowers is cliché or corny or tacky. And to others, it's an outdated ritual in our modern era of gender equality.

Flowers should not apologize; they should symbolize some wonderful thoughts about the woman.
I'd like to address the men reading this (all five of you): buy the broads flowers. Trust me. And now to all the women reading, who outnumber us dudes 100 to 1: allow the dorks in your life to buy you flowers. Trust me.

Flowers are not a romantic punchline, nor are they a symbol of patriarchal dominance. Buying daisies or lilies or chrysanthemums for the woman you love is one of those things a man just regularly does. This is a lesson my old man taught me.

Maybe it hearkens back to a time when men were gorillas in gray suits and women were trophies soaking their hands in bowls of Palmolive liquid soap -- a time when flowers were employed to mend broken promises, to make up for forgotten dinner dates, or to apologize for lipstick-stained shirt collars.

Those days are in the past, of course. Flowers do not resolve conflicts, nor do they anesthetize. Now that I think about it, they never did. But my dad had a different reasoning for surprise roses. He was always buying my mom flowers, chocolates, and trinkets. Her absentminded whispers while leafing through a catalog would be heard and little surprise gifts would appear at the doorstep.

Most of what I know about women I learned from how my dad treated my mother. I'd be a better man if I followed his example more fastidiously, but I haven't, and that's partially why I've spent so many years driving relationships off of cliffs. But some lessons stick out.
Theirs was a love affair that lasted four decades. He would sing to her in public, and she'd blush and beg for him to stop. They never seemed to tire of each others' gentle words. And 45 minutes after he died, on my mother's birthday, FedEx walked into the ICU with her present -- a fancy brand-name bag that escapes me, but that I'm pretty sure is sold in piles on the streets of New York.

While my mother was in a street fight with doctors (and a dependably cruel universe) for every dwindling minute of my dad's life, he had been sitting up in his hospital bed, buying her something he knew she'd love.

My dad knew that buying a gift for that person who'll laugh at your terrible jokes, kiss you with lips and breath, and hold your hand as a needle searches for your vein is just a way of saying "I'm thinking about you when you're not here."

And that's what flowers are, just a simple, easy way of letting someone know they were in your thoughts. That's it. It's not complicated. Flowers announce: out of sight, still in my mind and heart. It is unerringly human to want to know that someone is thinking about you when you are not around.

I think women, especially, worry that all men have short attention spans and for the most part -- Oh hey! When did I buy this can of beans? -- it's not an unfounded anxiety. I know I've forgotten things like birthdays (spring?), anniversaries (Tuesday?) and eye color (mostly white?).

But if a man is in love, he carries that love under his skin like a nerve. Such is the magnificence of man, however, that we're solidly confidant that your every third thought is about us. Right? Right? Oh, sarcasm! Women are the more conscientious gender; men are the more eat-with-our-fingers gender. I think that is fair

I recently bought flowers for a lady I'm a' courting. We were set to meet at the soda jerk for a malt before skipping over for a double-feature monster movie at the picture palace. I had been thinking of her all day, anticipating the date. She's out of my league and that's how it should be. It's never too late to relearn passed-down life lessons. I was nervous, and couldn't shake her freaking beautiful face out from behind my eyelids.

So I did what my dad would have done. What a man does. I stormed into a florist's shop, picked out a bunch of suitably fragrant flowers, paid for them, and marched right back outside. A man with a bouquet of flowers is a real man.

I carried them the way you'd carry a rifle at a firing range with the barrel pointed down. I received multiple dude nods from men I walked past. They were acknowledging that I was on my way to woo a woman, which is our primary programming. I even received an approving nod from a pair of lesbians who also knew I was doing my duty.

I mean, it was just a date. And the vegetation cost me all of ten bucks. The plants would be dead within a week anyway. But at least she would know that for that day, her name barely escaped my lips.

Wedding Terms

2009-09-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

Flowers have a starring role at weddings. A bride traditionally carries a bouquet, and other members of the wedding party may also carry or wear flowers. Before you place your flower order, review your options and understand the differences in floral varieties. Here are some key terms you should know from A to W:

Arm or Crescent: Flowers are nestled over the arm.

Assembled in Foam: Flowers are held in florist’s foam that is placed in a plastic holder. This form of construction is less labor intensive than wiring.

Ballerina: A round bouquet made up of a few flowers arranged with tulle or netting. This bouquet was popular in the early 1940s when the war made flowers scarce.

Biedermeier: A tight, rounded bouquet made up of concentric circles of blossoms. Using different flowers for each circle can give a striped effect.

Boutonniere: Flowers worn on the lapel by the groom and the male members of the family. These are currently also popular for women of honor.

Cascade: A bouquet anchored in a hand-held base. Flowers and greenery hang or “cascade” down the front. These are charging back into style again and I say Whoopee!!

Colonial: Large bouquet of the same shape as a nosegay.

Composite: Individual petals and leaves are wired and put together to create the appearance of a single giant blossom. Given the labor involved, this method results in a rather expensive bouquet, but stunning for the bride daring enough to truly be different.

Corsages: Flowers usually worn by the mothers of the bride, as well as grandmothers, Godmothers, married sisters as well as favored relatives. They can either be pinned to the dress or worn on the wrist. They should not be so large so as to actually cover a great part of the outfit or of a color that would clash with it. Although I would say get ready for the future because today’s teenager likes to purchase huge corsages for proms, so I see this bigger version of a corsage moving to wedding of the future, and again I say Whoopee!! I just love to stir things up.

Hand-Tied: The stems of the flowers are tied together with ribbon or tulle. This style was the focus at the wedding of Caroline Kennedy daughter of Jacqueline and John Kennedy.
Mono-botanical: all one type of flower.

Nosegay: A round, densely packed cluster of blooms, all cut to the same length and then tightly wrapped with ribbon or in a hand-held base.

Pomander: The flowers form a small ball, often carried by a loop of ribbon. Flower girls often carry this bouquet. A word of caution, this looks like it could be a lot of fun to throw to most young children. With a feisty youngster these can look quite mangled in pictures.

Posy: Small-scale nosegay made up of buds.

Presentation or Pageant: a bunch of long-stemmed flowers cradled in the bride’s arms. Think Miss America Style.

Single Stem: one long-stemmed flower, which may have ribbons around the stem is carried, a good complement to a minimalist style gown, or a very tight budget.

Spray: flowers gathered in a triangular-shaped cluster.

Teardrop: a variation on the cascade bouquet; it is rounded on top and comes to a point at the bottom.

Tussy-mussy: a Victorian style of nosegay carried in a silver cone holder.

Wired: The top part of the flower is removed from most of its stem. Wire is threaded through the top of its stem, allowing the flower to be twisted and turned to form the bouquet’s shape

Wristlet: This small flower bouquet worn on the wrist. The bracelet part of this item is now a very stylized item. Again the younger crowd is really changing the look of these going forward.

The Flowers Are Talking!

2009-08-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

Flowers speak…….without saying a word. In fact, sometimes I feel it can be a bit noisy at my shop, with all of the chatter going on; and no one else is actually in the shop. At first I thought it was the voices in my head, but really it was just all of the flowers talking at once. No wonder I am easily distracted.

The orchid plant speaks to me. She is stunning when in bloom. It is like a performance. She has these quiet, not so interesting oval green leaves that just hang out near the bottom of the pot. And then, a simple, leggy stalk springs out with tiny buds, which unfold into bloom, one by one, from the bottom up. Each flower whispers “Hey, check me out, I am so beautiful, come on, just a little closer…” And when you are drawn in, the fragility and perfection of this flower will make you stop to reflect, even if it is just for a moment.

There is a misconception that orchids are hard to grow. Sometimes a translation is needed.I must admit. I thought the same. (I’d always planned on growing orchids when I “retired” and would suddenly have time on my hands.) But, actually, some orchids will bloom for months with very little care.
The easiest beginner orchid is the Phalaenopsis (fay-leh-NOP-siss),Buy this plant in bloom or at least in bud. Place in indirect sun, meaning, a bright, sunny room, but away froma window. Orchids that are in bloom, prefer less direct sun.

Orchids like a daytime temp of 60 to 70 degrees during the dayand 10 degrees cooler at night - most households.

Water your orchid once every 5 to 7 days. Orchids are killed from kindness of over-watering. Really, once a week is all that is needed. In their natural environment, rain gushes on the orchids, but, does not linger. It is important to NEVER let your orchid sit in standing water. The green roots that arches into the air will eventually be covered by a white skin that captures and holds water.
We recommend taking the orchid to the sink, flushing it with tepid water, let it drain in the sink, and return it to its original spot. That’s it! Relax and enjoy these magnificent flowers, which will reward your care with months of bloom when little else is flowering. Orchids do like a bit more humidity than Colorado can provide naturally, but this is easy to fix. Set them on a tray of pebbles or group plants together. Orchids also have the reputation for being expensive. The price depends on its variety, size and presentation. Compared to the price of a dozen long stemmed roses, the Phalaenopsis will bloom for months, while the cut roses will bloom for a week or so. But don’t forget. All flowers have something different to say. Are you listening?

Eating Flowers

2009-07-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share my favorite article of the year. I just love the idea of eating flowers!

Colorful and heaven-scented, flowers delight the eye and nose.
Now how about the taste buds?
Adding flowers to your food - and drink - can be a fast and easy way to up the aesthetics of a dish and bring new flavors to everything from a simple salad to that trusty cookie standard, shortbread.
And there's no better time than the height of summer to let your culinary creativity bloom.
"Flowers add something a little bit different. They add a sense of season, which we're always trying to promote," said Paul Zerkel, executive chef at Roots, 1818 N. Hubbard St., where members of his kitchen crew pluck petals right from an on-site garden.
"They bring a lot of colors to the plate that you aren't able to do otherwise," said Zerkel, who develops specials based on the best of available blooms, such as a rose and rhubarb float featured in late June.
Culinary uses for edible flowers date back thousands of years. The Romans were wild for violets, while ancient Persians put roses in everything from mutton stews to marzipan. Dandelions are mentioned (and munched on) in the Old Testament, and surviving medieval cookbooks list a veritable garden of blossoms to be used in salads.
Sadly, the idea of flowers-as-food has been a tougher sell in a modern world, where fast food and processed packages of non-perishables hold sway. The short shelf life and limited supply of fresh, edible flowers generally restrict their use to restaurants that focus on fresh flavors, such as Roots and Café Manna, 3815 N. Brookfield Road, Brookfield.
they make it look absolutely . . . "We'll use flowers to make the dish pop beautiful," said Joslyn Killey, chef at Café Manna, where edible orchids and peppery, bright nasturtiums often grace both dessert and salad plates.
Killey also loves the flavor that squash blossoms bring to a cream-based soup and "amazing" quesadillas frequently featured as specials on the cafe's vegetarian-friendly menu.
Sunny yellow squash blossoms, in fact, are arguably the most familiar flower food, used in both Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine, and frequently available in summer at Milwaukee's many farmers markets. Finding other edible flowers can be trickier - but just as rewarding.
"If you want to explore cooking with flowers, start with the farmers markets and develop a relationship with the growers," said Janet Gamble, director of the Farm and Food Education Program at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in East Troy.
Gamble manages the institute's Stella Gardens, a subscription garden, and in the past has included edible flowers in a spring mix distributed to customers - although she admits a little education is often needed when introducing someone to the idea of nibbling on nasturtiums.
"People don't have it in their minds (to eat flowers). It's one of those items that's not essential. It's more frivolity than necessity," Gamble said.
"I think people are intimidated to incorporate them into their cooking," Gamble added. "But the beauty element sells them. It's really a lovely thing."
Beautiful and brightly colored, yes - but how do flowers taste?
From sweet to spicy
The intensity of the flavor varies by species. Violets and pansies have a subtle sweetness, while vibrant nasturtiums often are compared with arugula. All three varieties are welcome additions to salads because they won't overpower other ingredients.
Flowers with high essential oil content, such as lavender and rose, however, have a stronger flavor and scent, and typically are paired with other bold ingredients.
Roots' Zerkel, for example, has offered dishes in the past teaming rose with duck breast or steak, and he loves playing with the flower's cultural associations.
"The scent of rose is so ingrained in our senses with holidays and special occasions," Zerkel said.
Gamble admits she's partial to tulip petals, which have a fleshier bottom that can stand up to dips and spreads, as well as chamomile flowers steeped like tea and mixed with fruit juice. And while most gardeners pinch off basil buds to keep the more commonly used leaves from turning bitter, Gamble recommends letting a few of your basil plants bloom and then adding the flowers to a green tea infusion.
Hold the pesticides
A word of caution, however: Not every flower is fit for the table. Only certain varieties are edible, and even they should not be eaten or used as garnish unless you're sure they have been grown specifically for consumption. Do your research (start with our accompanying tips) before grazing floral.
One safe place to start, if your interest in edible flowers is just budding, is with 1-ounce packages of assorted blooms, typically multi-hued pansies, in the packaged fresh herb section of many local grocers. Supply can wax and wane with the season, but expect to pay about $3 per package. Try tossing them atop a spinach salad for added color and a mildly sweet flavor.
Growing Power, the Milwaukee-based nonprofit that promotes fresh food for all, sells squash blossoms and most of its hothouse edible orchids and nasturtiums directly to area restaurants. The center sometimes has a limited supply of the delicate blossoms for sale at its headquarters, 5500 W. Silver Spring Drive, or at area farmers markets, for about $4 per dozen. Growing Power staff recommend calling ahead, (414) 527-1546, to check availability.
While the season for edible, locally grown flowers is fairly short in Wisconsin, using dried flowers and flower-derived products such as rose water can let your kitchen creativity keep blooming year-round.
Dried lavender is available locally for $3.49 per ounce at the Spice House, at 1031 N. Old World Third St. and at the Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St., or online. Try adding it in small doses - a little goes a long way - to cakes, cookies and other baked goods.
Trader Joe's, 5600 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale, regularly stocks dried hibiscus flowers, $1.99 for an 8-ounce package. The deep reddish-pink flowers have a taste and texture similar to dried cranberries and can be used in the same way if chopped, or as an interesting garnish for desserts, salads and even stuffings.
Rose water, one of the world's oldest flavorings, is making a comeback. Once found only in select ethnic grocery stores, the clear liquid is now available in many supermarkets.
Its cousin, the less common iris water, can be found in stores that specialize in South Asian and Middle Eastern ingredients. It makes a delicious sorbet.
The use of flowers has grown far beyond the plate, too, and is now blooming all the way to the bar, thanks to trendy liqueurs such as the elderflower-based St. Germain.
Delicate to handle and store, sometimes expensive and altogether missing from the Food Pyramid, flowers may seem like an extravagance to the home cook. But that's kind of the point.
In a world where everything moves at the speed of Twitter and it seems as if our food, as well as our daily routines, comes pre-packaged, why not take time to stop and smell the roses?
And then eat them.
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Flexibility is the middle name of this easy summer salad, adapted from GHOrganics.com.
Consider the ingredient list as a suggestion, and feel free to mix and match the flowers you include based on availability and personal preference - the purple chive blossoms add a subtle onion flavor, for example, that many people love. For an earthier flavor, try substituting sunflower seeds for the almonds.
Mixed Flower SaladMakes 4 servings
½ cup small arugula leaves
2 cups tender lettuce such as mache (sometimes called lamb's lettuce)
1 cup baby spinach
1 small head of butter lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
2 teaspoons fresh mint, chopped and bruised (rub between your fingers to release fragrance)
½ cup violet flowers
½ cup nasturtium flowers
¼ cup chive blossoms
1 tablespoon honey
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup good-quality neutral-tasting oil
Salt and white pepper taste
2 tablespoons salted smoked almonds, chopped
Carefully wash all the greens, herbs and flowers and let dry on paper towels. Mix gently in a wood or glass bowl.
In separate bowl, mix honey and apple cider vinegar, then whisk in oil. Season to taste with salt and white pepper. Pour dressing over salad, tossing gently to coat all ingredients. Sprinkle with the chopped almonds and serve immediately.
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Chef Joslyn Killey of Café Manna, 3815 N. Brookfield Road, Brookfield, frequently includes these squash blossom quesadillas as a popular special on her menu.
Fast and flavorful, this easy summer dish can be made with tortillas of any size; go big for entrée portions or try smaller, palm-sized tortillas as tasty finger foods.
Although Killey uses a grill and oven to prepare the version served in the restaurant, we've adapted the recipe for use in a home kitchen.
Squash Blossom QuesadillasMakes 2 servings
Olive oil to sauté
1 medium onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 poblano pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded and diced
10 individual fresh squash blossoms (available at specialty food stores)
½ cup vegetable stock
3 sprigs fresh epazote, finely chopped (see note)
Salt and black pepper
4 flour tortillas (about 12-inch), preferably cayenne-flavored
¼ pound white cheddar cheese, grated
Sour cream and fresh salsa for garnish
Heat a large sauté pan with a little oil and sauté the onion, garlic and roasted poblano pepper 5 minutes, until onions have become translucent.
Add squash blossoms and deglaze with vegetable stock. Add epazote and cook another 5 minutes until squash blossoms have wilted. Season with salt and pepper, and set aside to cool.
To make the quesadillas, lay 2 of the tortillas on a flat surface. Distribute cheese equally on both tortillas. Spread squash blossom filling equally between the two tortillas. Cover with remaining tortillas and place in medium-hot nonstick pan. Heat until cheese is "nice and gooey," turning quesadilla over after a few minutes for even cooking. Cut into quarters and serve with sour cream and fresh salsa.
Note: Epazote is traditionally used in Mexican cuisine. It can be found at El Rey (various Milwaukee locations) and other specialty ethnic grocers.
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Working as a pastry chef in Colorado, I made these delicate cookies to serve as after-dinner treats.
Use a fluted pastry wheel (think of a ripply edged pizza cutter) or small, flower-shaped cookie cutters for added visual interest.
The key to working with the dough is keeping it cold. Return to refrigerator if it starts to soften.
Lavender ShortbreadMakes about 3 dozen 1 1/2-inch square pieces
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups pastry flour (see note)
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ tablespoons dried lavender
Granulated sugar for garnish
Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or sturdy hand mixer at medium speed, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. In separate bowl, sift flour and salt. Add lavender. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture and gently mix at low speed until just combined.
Shape dough into a flat disc and wrap tightly in plastic. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place cold dough between two other pieces of parchment, lightly flouring if dough starts to stick, and roll to even 1/8-inch thickness. If dough begins to soften, slide dough (still between parchment) onto a baking sheet or cutting board and place in freezer for a couple minutes until firm again.
When ready to cut, dip fluted pastry wheel or cutters in flour and cut dough into desired shapes, leaving as few scraps as possible. Dough scraps should not be rerolled, which would result in, pardon the expression, some tough cookies. Using a thin spatula to avoid tearing or stretching the dough, transfer pieces to lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar and bake in preheated oven 10 to 12 minutes or until bottoms of cookies are just golden. Do not overbake. Cool completely and store up to 1 week covered in air-tight container at room temperature.
Note: If pastry flour is unavailable, substitute all-purpose.
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In Italian, panna cotta means cooked cream, but in any language it's a silky-smooth, refreshing no-bake dessert. This version has a strong floral aroma and taste that is best balanced by the tartness of fresh berries. You can use silicon molds or serve in a martini or wine glass.
Rose and Elderflower Panna CottaMakes 4 to 6 servings
1 ½ tablespoons rose water
½ teaspoon, slightly rounded, powdered gelatin
1 cup heavy whipping cream
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons St. Germain elderflower liqueur (see note)
¾ cup buttermilk
Candied pistachios to garnish (see recipe)
Fresh berries and no-spray, edible rose petals to garnish
Pour rose water in small bowl, sprinkle with powdered gelatin and reserve.
In small pot, combine cream and sugar. Heat, stirring gently, until sugar is dissolved. Do not boil. Remove from heat. When cooled to about bath water temperature, add gelatin mixture, stirring until melted. Let sit until lukewarm.
While cream mixture is cooling, set silicon molds (if using) on a flat baking sheet. In a bowl, combine liqueur with buttermilk. Add to lukewarm cream mixture, stirring until combined. Mixture will begin to set as it cools, so work quickly and pour into molds. Refrigerate until set, then transfer to freezer.
Once firm, pop frozen panna cotta out of molds and store in freezer, tightly wrapped in plastic, up to one week. An hour before serving, transfer to dessert plates and allow panna cotta to thaw in refrigerator.
(Alternatively, pour room-temperature mixture into martini, wine or shot glasses and refrigerate, covered, at least four hours and up to one day.)
To serve, scatter plate with candied pistachios, petals and berries of your choice. You also can puree a small handful of berries with a splash of liqueur and drizzle the sauce on the plate and panna cotta.
Note: For a non-alcoholic version of both sauce and panna cotta, you can substitute equal amount of white grape juice, but the dessert will not have an elderflower flavor or scent.
Candied pistachiosMakes 1/2 cup
¼ cup water
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup raw pistachios (nutmeats only)
Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
In small pot over medium-high heat, combine water and sugar; cook, stirring gently until it reaches a boil. Cook just until sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in pistachios. Working carefully - sugar syrup will be hot - pour into metal strainer to remove excess syrup from pistachios. Using spatula, spread nuts on baking sheet lined with parchment or nonstick, oven-safe silicon baking mat.
Bake in preheated oven about 15 minutes or until nuts are aromatic and glossy but dry, taking care not to burn them. Cool completely before storing at room temperature in airtight container up to 1 week.

Summer Garden in NEw England

2009-07-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

I can’t recall why I first decided to try growing asparagus peas (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus). Maybe because I’ve always loved asparagus — and these pods do, when young, have a mild asparagus flavor.

They’re also one of the simplest vegetables you can grow — if you have some space. That’s a polite way of saying that this is an aggressive plant that would enjoy taking over it you let it. On the other hand, if you have a spot to let a 10-foot vine with pretty pale blue flowers (and unusual looking pods) do its thing, it’s a great plant.

Like most-edible-podded peas, it can be started a bit before the last frost date in the spring, which is when most gardeners are itching to plant something — anything! — that doesn’t require hot weather.

At least, that’s my experience (and it appears to be the experience of Geri Harrington, author of “Growing Chinese Vegetables in Your Own Backyard, But some places on the Web say it needs warmth and shouldn’t be planted till all chance of frost is past.

The problem with that is that the plant flowers only when daylight is less than 12 hours daily. In USDA zones 8-9, it makes a nice fall crop.

To hasten germination, you may want to soak the seed overnight in water or scarify the seeds.
Among asparagus peas’ advantages: They aren’t fussy about soil, they begin bearing in less than two months after sprouting, and all parts of the plant are edible (leaves, flowers, pods, even the roots). Ms. Harrington says the pods are high in protein.

The frilly pods are best picked when small — less than 4 inches long. In high season, you’ll be harvesting daily.

There is quite a bit of common-name confusion surrounding asparagus peas. There’s also an asparagus bean (yard-long bean) and a different species (Lotus tetragonolobus) that goes by the same common name (it has pretty red flowers instead of blue ones). Other common names are winged peas, goa bean, asparagus bean, princess pea, four-angled bean, short-day asparagus pea, and various Chinese names. Make sure you get Psophocarpus tetragonolobus.

You can serve them as you would snow peas, include pods in stir-fries and Asian dishes, add blanched pods to salads, and used the blossoms for garnish.

I’ve never tried the roots, but Harrington’s excellent book says they can be cooked “any way you’d cook a sweet potato.” Maybe next year.

When you serve them to anyone who’s never seen asparagus peas before (they grow throughout Asia), you’ll gets lots of funny looks — and questions. Unless you’re in an ethnically diverse neighborhood, you’ll probably be the only one growing them. But that’s OK – the others are missing out on something unusual and definitely easier to grow than asparagus

Were back!

2009-07-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

Holland

Well we are back from our flower-buying trip to Holland. It was beautiful!!
Pictured in our blog is an item we tripped on and quite frankly keep tripping on – Rainbow Roses. We have hesitated to buy the Rainbow Rose, as we have been unsure if our customer would appreciate this particular type of rose. So feedback would be greatly appreciated would you but this rose for $7.00 a stem?

Keep us on our toes ! ! ! Tell us what you think, tell us what you want!!

Order from a Real Flower Shop

2009-06-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

I can’t tell you how many times I have become a millionaire or how many lost relatives I have found in other countries in the last several years. In reality I do not have relatives in other countries and I do not wish to funnel money from dead people or lost bank accounts to my own for a fee. The Internet is a good tool to use. Also, a tool used by crooks every day.I guess there are bad apples in every crowd or business and florists have some also.

When you think you are placing an order with a REAL florist, you may be placing your order with someone in the USA or even in another country.There are also florists out there telling you they are in a certain town and actually they are not, so they can just gather your order and transmit it to a real florist to do the work or they will ship it directly through their farms.

Let’s take Pro Flowers for instance. They make you believe what your order comes already pre arranged in the vase for you, but actually they are shipped to you in a box and you have to assemble them yourself. Imagine your ordering from them for a friend’s funeral and you find the arrangement in a box by your friend’s casket! Can you imagine how you would feel?

Many times when they say they are shipped directly through their farms, then the flowers are shipped by courier to the recipient. What will happen to that order if the recipient is not home? They will leave those box flowers by the door in minus 0 weather or really warm weather. How would these flowers look? Dead as a door nail.

That is why only a real florist can send and receive your order and take care of your order the right way. You may be one of the lucky ones who did receive flowers in a box that was all right, but why take the chance on a gift to celebrate a special occasion. Also often many of those people will charge you a service fee of $13.95 or more to take care of your order. They may charge you a special fee for early morning delivery or rush delivery but won’t give the full total (full dollar amount) to a real florist that will do the job.

Why would you want to trust that special arrangement to some guy sitting behind a computer terminal that doesn't know a gerbera from a gigabyte?

Here are a few tips to look for when you place an order online. Start your search at http://www.411/. Type Florist and the name of the town in the business section. Look for a florist name that has a full address for that town. There is a chance that is a real florist. But wait, double-check your information, take the name of that florist and Google it and see if they have a web site. Look under “About us” and see if they advertise a real address. We have tons of information about ouf staff on there. If they do not, they are not a real florist. Also if you where to call the numbers and they answer “Flower Shop” with no true name of said shop (red flag) this is a good indication of an order gatherer rather than a local ‘Real Florist’. They also have multiple web sites to fool you. I can talk about this subject for hours and hours, but it comes down to this, only a real florist will take care of your order.

Thank you for thinking before you buy

Flower Delivery and Same Day FLower Delivery

2009-06-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

Carey’s Flowers takes to the blog when we realize we are hearing the same question many times over. We hit ourselves in the collective head and say “Great Blooming Flowers Batman out customers don’t know this information!!!”

Customer Question: What towns do you deliver to, and how much time do I need to give you in advance?

Towns we deliver to:

South Hadley
Amherst
Belchertown
Chicopee
Easthampton
Florence
Granby
Hadley
Holyoke
Northampton
Springfield
Southampton
West Springfield
Agawam / Feeding Hills
East Longmeadow
Longmeadow
Ludlow
Westfield
Williamansett

How much time do we need? Good question!
When order a designers choice it can often go out sooner as we do not have to go into storage to get a specific container, special order flowers, etc.

When want something very specific we need as much advance notice as you can give us. Although Carey’s Flowers is a full service florist we do not have a magic button that we push to get any flower, in any color of the rainbow instantly. I know now you are all shocked.

When you order something ‘in season’ like a New England spring bouquet in springtime. We can get it out the door the same day for all of the towns listed above if your order is placed by 9:30 am on that same day. So an order placed at 9:00 am Tuesday to go to Chicopee will go to Chicopee on that same day.

Come on in!

2009-06-10T13:46:00.001-07:00

Summit House 22nd Summer
2009 Sunset Concert Series
Sponsored by the Friends of the Mount Holyoke Range
A non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, preservation and promotion of the Skinner and Mount Holyoke Range State Parks.
Thursday evenings in July at 7:30 pm

July 9th Girl Howdy
Classic honky-tonk era spanning the late1940’s to the early 1960’s

July 16th John Sheldon
If you like James Taylor, give John Sheldon a try

July 23rd Pioneer Valley Fiddlers
Providing a variety of foot stomping music including Irish, Scottish, Canadian, and traditions

July 30th Horse Mountain Jazz Band
Enjoy this old time jazz band

Tickets are $5.00 each; all the money goes directly to the Friends of the Mount Holyoke Range

Here at Carey’s Flowers – 300 Newton St. South Hadley MA – Right across the street from South Hadley High School.

Tickets can be purchased on the night of each event after 6:00 pm

2009-06-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

From my friend Clay down at McAdams Floral in Victoria TX comes this sad story of another Proflowers funeral tribute gone wrong.Clay said…”When I was making my usual Sunday funeral home deliveries, I happen to see this opened box in an office area. I thought it was for the service I was delivering for on Sunday, but it turns out it was delivered at 10:30 Friday for a 10am service. The customer was calling the funeral home on Friday morning to ask if they got it….she said it should have been delivered on Thursday for the viewing. I can only guess that she ordered it sometime Wednesday, and she was told it was to be delivered next day. Anyway, the funeral home told the family about it later on Friday and they said that they would come by and pick it up…Sunday and it is still there.”

When will people learn? This poor lady from West Bend WI, paid over $200.00 including shipping and her tribute did not even make it in time for the services. She would have gotten a much better presentation, not to mention better service from a local florist. Proflowers relies on Fed/Ex and UPS for delivery of their products in most cases. Sadly these companies do not understand nor care about the timing issues faced by local florists every day.By the way, the fine print on this item, says “Easel not included”… most funeral homes do NOT have extra easels, and in this case the funeral home did not, even if the items had made it in time for the service. It remains a mystery how the funeral home would have displayed this if it had gotten there in time.

Oh, and if any flowers fall out during shipping, “Just insert them where they make the most sense”… Instruction given to recipient.

I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck

2009-06-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

The month of June is National Rose Month.

The Rose is also the birth month flower for June

The rose is the national flower of the U.S.A. and England.
On September 23, 1986, the House of Representatives passed a joint resolution naming the rose as "the national floral emblem“ of the United States. The Senate had passed the resolution in 1985.The measure then went to President Ronald Reagan who signed the resolution into law on October 7,1986 in a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden. The rose with all its beauty symbolizes life, love and devotion. Any quality flower shop as many varieties and colors of lovely roses every month of the year. A gift of beautiful roses will long be remembered.

JUNE: ROSE

June's birth flower is "ROSE". June must be the month of love, as it has been paired with the flower of passion, the rose. Roses have many significant meanings depending on their color. Often for the recipient of the rose bouquet the number of flowers in the bouquet also brings meaning (number of years married). June birthdays are also known for their passion, making June and the rose a perfect match.

Long a symbol of love and passion, the rose is rich with history and meaning. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, presented a rose to Eros, and Cleopatra lured Mark Antony with a room knee-deep in rose petals. The rose offers a singular message this June birth flower signifies beauty and perfection.

'A rose is a rose is a rose"-Gertrude Stein

"I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck."-Emma Goldman

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."-William Shakespeare

Visit our shop or website or call us soon.
413-536-0444

www.careysflowers.com

Mother's Day

2009-04-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

We thought you might enjoy some Mother's Day Trivia, Folk Customs, Myths and Fun Facts from Around the World .

Rosa Parks was the mother of bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama that launched the Civil Rights Movement.

Chinese family names are often formed (begin) with a sign that means "mother". It's a nice way of honoring their moms long past.

The ancient Greeks celebrated Mother's Day in spring, like we do. They used to honor Rhea, "mother of the gods" with honey-cakes and fine drinks and flowers at dawn. Sounds like the beginnings of the Mother's Day tradition of breakfast in bed!

Mother Shipton was a Prophetess in Britain 500 years ago. She could see the future, and predicted that another Queen Elizabeth would sit on the throne of England. (QE II)

Japan's Imperial family trace their descent from Omikami Amaterasu, the Mother of the World.

Julia Ward Howe wrote the Battle Hymm of the Republic and was a staunch fighter for women's rights. She staged an unusual protest for peace in Boston, by celebrating a special day for mothers. Julia wanted to call attention to the need for peace by pointing out mothers who were left alone in the world without their sons and husbands after the bloody Franco-Prussian War.

Hindu scripture credits the Great Mother, Kali Ma, with the invention of writing through alphabets, pictographs and beautiful sacred images.

George Washington once said, "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her."

The Greek word "meter" and the Sanskrit word "mantra" mean both mother and measurement.
Mother Goose is one of the most popular of all children's entertainers. Her books and stories have been loved for many generations.

Native American Indian women have long been honored with the name, "Life of the Nation" for their gift of motherhood to the tribes.

Ancient Egyptians believed that "Bast" was the mother of all cats on Earth, and that cats were sacred animals.

Rose Kennedy once said, "I looked on child-rearing not only as a work of love and duty, but as a profession that was fully as interesting and challenging as any honorable profession in the world, and one that demanded the best that I could bring it."

Buddha honored mothers when he said, "As a mother, even at the risk of her own life, loves and protects her child, so let a man cultivate love without measure toward the whole world."

Mother's Day is now celebrated in many countries around the world. Australia, Mexico, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Belgium, Russia, China, Thailand, all have special celebrations to honor Mothers, but not in the same way or on the same day as the United States.

In the Bible, Eve is credited with being the "Mother of All the Living."

During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called "Mothering Sunday." Servants would go home to see their families, bringing cakes and sweets to their moms. This custom was called "going a-mothering". Each mother would receive a simnel-cake (Latin for "fine flour) and mother's would give a blessing to their children.

Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia began the campaign that brought about the official observance of Mother's Day in the United states. Her mother died, and Anna wanted all mothers to be remembered. She asked that white carnations be the official mother's day symbol. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed the orders that made Mother's Day a national holiday.
Just nine years later, Anna filed a lawsuit in an effort to stop the over- commercialization of Mother's Day. She lost her fight. Now, cards, letters, candy and dinners out mark Mother's Day for most families. Anna had hoped for a day of reflection and quiet prayer by families, thanking God for all that mothers had done.

Mother Earth is also known as "Terra Firma". That title is a Latin translation of some lines from one of the Greek poet, Homer's, greatest poems.

2009-04-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

How to place a flower order with a Florist
When people place flower orders over the phone or on-line, it’s always a gamble. Normally, the person placing the order never sees the flowers, and few friends or colleagues will call to say, “ Thank you so much for the half-dead, ordinary-looking flower arrangement."When purchasing flowers over the phone, there are a couple of ways to guard against a florist providing substandard flowers. First, know a little bit about flowers and ask if what you like is available at that particular time of year then give the flower shop some room to be creative around what you have chosen. The more knowledgeable you are, the better off you will be. Secondly, remember that you are ordering for someone else not for yourself. We often hear “I hate a particular color” well, you not liking that shade does not mean the recipient also dislikes it. Lastly, if you must call a shop that is out of state know the caliber of florist that you’re calling. Are they up to Carey’s Flowers standards? Has Carey’s Flowers given their name and number to you or have you just picked a needle out of a haystack on-line?
To truly avoid disappointment and the hassle of requesting a refund or replacement, steer clear of ordering flowers on-line from what are known as ‘Order Gatherers’ as their loyalty is to the almighty dollar and certainly not to you. These ‘Order Gatherers’ are often found at the top of search engines but are certainly not the pick of the litter. 1-800-you-knowwho, FTD, Teleflora direct, Just Flowers, and this just points out a few.Even in NYC where the level of sophistication is supposed to be higher than other places, what arrives at someone’s door can vary widely. Have in mind the style and vase size when ordering. The low and lush look is popular in a glass cube or cylindrical vase and does double duty as a centerpiece or on someone’s desk at work. For more impact, expect to pay more; it is impossible to build a Castle with the budget for a mobile home. Call in advance and most florists will bend over backwards to get what you are looking for. However if given 1 day or even less (several hours notice) the florist can not magically make the flowers appear. We do not have the ‘Easy’ button often shown on the Staples commercial. With digital cameras, it’s not uncommon for the recipient to take a photo of the flowers and send a thank you e-mail along with a photo. This is a way for the recipient to let the sender know what the flowers look like, and if they’re substandard, or not fresh. If that is the situation, the sender can request a replacement be sent.If you’re really impressed with a florist’s work, it only takes a few seconds to call and say thank you. Believe me this sends us to the moon and back, running around with crazy smiles pasted to our faces all day!!!Once you find a florist that is consistent with turning out beautiful designs using very fresh flowers, stick with them. As we have stuck with you …..for 97 years now.

Emotional Impact of Flowers Study

2009-04-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

With today's high-tech and fast-paced lifestyle taking its daily toll on our lives, experts advise exercise and other personal lifestyle changes to relieve stress. According to behavioral research conducted at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, nature provides us with a simple way to improve emotional health - flowers. The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.
"What's most exciting about this study is that it challenges established scientific beliefs about how people can manage their day-to-day moods in a healthy and natural way," said Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Rutgers and lead researcher on the study.
Research Findings
A team of researchers explored the link between flowers and life satisfaction in a 10-month study of participants' behavioral and emotional responses to receiving flowers. The results show that flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods.
Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All study participants expressed "true" or "excited" smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring in all age groups.
Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Specifically, study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction.
Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers led to increased contact with family and friends.
"Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy," said Dr. Haviland-Jones. "Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being."
Sharing Space
The study also explored where in their homes people display flowers. The arrangements were placed in areas of the home that are open to visitors - such as foyers, living rooms and dining rooms - suggesting that flowers are a symbol for sharing."Flowers bring about positive emotional feelings in those who enter a room," said Dr. Haviland-Jones. "They make the space more welcoming and create a sharing atmosphere."

Why You Should Send Flowers for Valentine's Day ?

2008-12-26T06:49:00.000-08:00

Why You Should Send Flowers for Valentine's Day ?

Somewhere in your house is a closet hiding scary things. Things which you can't get rid of for fear of insulting someone important to you, but things you would never choose for yourself. And if you're lucky, you can locate the proper thing just before that someone important visits. There are probably some gadgets in somewhere in your house--things that seemed like a good idea at the time (possibly the last minute), but in hindsight, not so much.
This year, avoid banishing more tchotchkes and expensive electronics to that closet. Brighten her day with flowers instead. Not sure exactly what she likes? Don't worry about getting it wrong, they're neither permanent nor expensive, which makes them the perfect gift.

Huh?

Listen, part of the beauty of flowers is their transience. Flowers fade in a vase just like they do in nature, but that doesn't diminish their beauty or their effect upon the recipient. Flowers brighten lives for a short period of time, and then they go away, leaving the recipient wanting more.

And if you're not sure of her favorite flower, send a mixed arrangement and see which flowers she prefers in the arrangement. When you find out, call (or e-mail) your florist--most of us keep notes on customer preferences, and we'll be more than happy to update your information with her likes and dislikes. Next time you order, we'll know what to do!

No expensive monthly fees, no long term commitments to ugly knick-knacks, no stress--call your local florist (early).

We'll take care of all the arrangements!

Holiday Photos here at Carey's Flowers

2008-11-17T12:47:00.001-08:00

Ho Ho Ho and Happy Holidays!

It’s that time of year again! Time to take pictures of your family and little ones and turn them into my favorite kind of holiday card!

Because this is everyone’s favorite kind of card to receive we at Carey’s Flowers would like to offer the front inside area of our store as your backdrop. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a professional decorated background in your photos? Your little ones will look even better with the perfect holiday backdrop.

We would like to ask you all to call ahead to book a time slot. They will be booked in 15-minute increments. If you walk in without an appointment and a person with an appointment shows up you will be bumped for reasons of courtesy.

What do we provide – A smile, a beautiful background, and a time slot - the rest: camera, props, children, is up to you.

What do we expect – That you control all children you bring into the store, even children that will not be in the picture, but that come along just to watch. Also that you be on time and use your best holiday politeness with others, as children can get anxious when holiday pressures build for them.

Fall in New England

2008-11-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

Who among us could honestly say Fall in New England is not the prettiest time of year? In western Mass. we start to see cars driving slowly down roads admiring all of natures beauty. With fall here Thanksgiving is only around the corner, time to be with family and friends and to remember all that we have to be thankful for living in this great country of ours. We at Carey's Flowers see college students who are waiting to see the first snow fall of their lives. The excitement is overwhelming for them and we often see them outside on the sidewalks cell phone in hand calling home to Hawaii or some other warm climate home when the first snow starts to fall. Ahh the beauty and wonder of nature. I am so happy and blessed to be able to work with, near, and around the beauty of fresh flowers everyday.

Carey's Flowers First Post

2008-10-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

I am sure when the Carey Family open the doors to the flower shop in 1912 not one of them could even dream of computers, no less than the internet and blogging. However here we are today starting our first family blog.

We thought that perhaps giving out a family history would be a good place to start. From there we will move on to requested topics as well as ideas that come up along the way. We hope you enjoy Carey's Flowers bolg as much as you enjoy Carey's Flowers!