Here's Why Flowers Are So Great
I’ve spent years collecting information on all things floral. I’ve learned all about edible flowers, flower arranging, travel destinations with a flower focus, the language of flowers, flowers in art, music and literature, and how to care for flowers. But by far, the most important thing I’ve learned is that flowers have a positive impact on our well-being.
I’ve spent years collecting information on all things floral. I’ve learned all about edible flowers, flower arranging, travel destinations with a flower focus, the language of flowers, flowers in art, music and literature, and how to care for flowers. But by far, the most important thing I’ve learned is that flowers have a positive impact on our well-being.
Flowers boost our mood, brighten our environment, improve our sleep, increase our productivity, decrease our anxiety and strengthen our memory. The bottom line - flowers are good for our mental, physical and emotional health.
One of the most amazing things is that flowers work their magic on us without us even realizing it. And it doesn’t require a lot of effort or a big budget to reap the benefits flowers offer. A few stems from the garden, a small arrangement from your local florist or a quick grab-and-go bouquet from the grocery store – all will do the trick.
Having flowers around us is a small step we can take to promote the mental, physical and emotional well-being for ourselves and those around us. Why not give it a go and add some flowers to your life today.
Rest Your Eyes - Flower Therapy
Welcome to my shortest blog post ever! It may be short, but it’s meaningful. Here is my best tip on how to effectively use flowers to decrease anxiety and stress.
Welcome to my shortest blog post ever! It may be short, but it’s meaningful. Here is my best tip on how to effectively use flowers to decrease anxiety and stress.
Most of us have ‘our special spot’ at home where we sit to unwind. Place a floral arrangement within eyesight of where ‘your spot’ is. Then sit down and just rest your eyes on those flowers. No reading, no watching tv, no checking your phone. Just rest your eyes on the flowers.
It’s amazing how quickly you start to feel less stressed and be more at peace.
5 Easy Ways To Use Edible Flowers
Flowers not only brighten an environment, they can also brighten up your culinary creations - and it doesn’t need to be difficult. Here are five easy ways to use edible flowers:
Flowers not only brighten an environment, they can also brighten up your culinary creations - and it doesn’t need to be difficult. Here are five easy ways to use edible flowers:
1 - Decorative ice cubes:
In each compartment of an ice cube tray add a bit of water and a flower and freeze. Then add more water and freeze until solid.
2 - Garnish sweet or savoury dishes:
Choose flowers with colours, shapes and textures that compliment what you’ve made. Either use the whole flower as a garnish at the side of the plate or sprinkle petals over the whole dish.
3 - Steep as tea:
Chamomile, lavender, jasmine, and rose all make delicious floral teas. Use either on their own or mix with black, green, or white tea.
4 - Infuse syrups:
Combine 1 cup of water and 1-2 cups of flower petals to a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let sit for at least an hour. After the syrup is cool, strain and then add to your favourite beverage.
5 - Crystalize:
Dip flowers into egg white and then into fine sugar. Shake off any excess and lay to dry before using to decorate your baking. For more details you can look at my previous blog post ‘Edible Candied Flowers’.
Always make sure the flowers you are using are edible - even if you just mean to use them as a garnish. You can find safety guidelines about edible flowers in my post ‘Top 3 Rules For Using Edible Flowers’.
Meaningful Flowers For July Birthdays
Do you know someone with a birthday in July? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that will create a meaningful message.
With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with a July birthday.
Do you know someone with a birthday in July? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that will create a meaningful message.
With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with a July birthday.
Birth month flower:
Every month has one or two flower/s associated with it - its birth month flower/s.
Flower: Larkspur Meaning: Levity/Lightness
Flower: Water lily Meaning: Purity of heart
Zodiac:
Every zodiac sign has a flower that represents it.
Sign: Cancer Date: June 21 - July 22
Flower: White Rose Meaning: Eternal love/Innocence
Sign: Leo Date: July 23 - August 22
Flower: Sunflower Meaning: Adoration
Colour:
Use June’s birthstone for colour inspiration.
Stone: Ruby Colour: Red
Seasonal Flowers and their meanings:
Choose flowers locally in bloom during the month of July.
Flower: Meaning:
Dahlia Dignity/Elegance
Hydrangea Perseverance
Larkspur Levity/Lightness
Lily Beauty
Top tip:
You don’t need to include all these flowers. Pick what works best for the message you want to send and you’ll have created a unique and meaningful gift for that lucky July birthday person.
7 Flowering Herbs Perfect To Use In Flower Arranging
We’re all familiar with lavender and chamomile as herbs that are edible and can also be popped into a vase to brighten our environment. But there are many more herbs that can be used both ways. This summer why not experiment with the following summer herbs in the kitchen and in flower arranging.
We’re all familiar with lavender and chamomile as herbs that are edible and can also be popped into a vase to brighten our environment. But there are many more herbs that can be used both ways. This summer why not experiment with the following summer herbs in the kitchen and in flower arranging.
Basil: Best wishes
Edible:
Basil flowers have a milder flavour than their leaves. They make a wonderful garnish sprinkled over salads, cheese plates, or pasta.
Flower arranging:
Basil leaves are glossy and fragrant. Their flowering stems add texture and interest to a mixed bouquet.
Oregano: Joy
Edible:
Oregano flowers have a more delicate flavour than their leaves. Sprinkle over a salad or pizza, or use them to infuse oils.
Flower arranging:
Oregano grows small pink, white, or light purple flowers at the top of their stems. They make a very pretty accompaniment to a bunch of lavender.
Rosemary: Remembrance
Edible:
Rosemary flowers have almost the same flavour as their spiky little needles. The blossoms don’t stand up well to heat so use them as a finishing garnish on lamb or pork dishes.
Flower arranging:
Rosemary’s strong stems, and woodsy, nature-y look, make them an excellent addition to bouquets and centrepieces. They are long lasting.
Dill: Good cheer/Good luck
Edible:
Dill flowers are slightly stronger in taste than their leaves. They make a tasty and pretty addition to jars of pickles or sprinkled over salads or bread.
Flower arranging:
The dill flower’s yellow colour adds a bit of sunshine to a summer bouquet.
Chives: Usefulness
Edible:
Chive blossoms can be used as a pretty garnish for cold dishes or added to soups, stews, and sauces. Their light onion flavour is also a wonderful addition to vinegar.
Flower arranging:
The purple, puffy flower at the tip of chive stems adds a pretty pop of colour to any flower bouquet or arrangement.
Fennel: Force/Strength/Worthy of praise
Edible:
Fennel comes as a vegetable or a herb. Both have a licorice flavour and are used in cooking or for medicinal reasons.
Flower arranging:
The bright yellow florets and wispy foliage of the fennel herb bring colour, texture, and fragrance to bouquets and arrangements giving them a fresh, unique look.
Borage: Courage
Edible:
Borage makes a very pretty garnish for summer drinks and salads. It’s flavour and scent is reminiscent of cucumbers.
Flower arranging:
The pretty blue, star-shaped flowers of borage make them a unique addition to a bouquet. Their tangled stems are great for holding other flower stems in place.
While herbs add a natural, seasonal element to a mixed bouquet, why not get creative and make some ‘all herb’ theme bouquets. You could create ‘herbs for pasta’, ‘herbs for bread making’, or ‘herbal tea’ bouquets. What a perfect summertime gift they would make!
7 Cut Flowers That Can Take The Summer Heat
If you’re someone who loves having flowers in your home (which I hope you are), but you’re worried in the summer heat they just won’t last, here are seven suggestions for flowers that stand up to the heat.
If you’re someone who loves having flowers in your home (which I hope you are), but you’re worried in the summer heat they just won’t last, here are seven suggestions for flowers that stand up to the heat.
Lisianthus: (Appreciation/Gratitude)
Lisianthus have a delicate appearance but can last in a vase for two weeks.
Cymbidium Orchid: (Refined beauty)
Cymbidium orchids come in large and mini varieties and have a three week vase life.
Gladiolus: (Strength of character)
Tall stemmed and available in a wide variety of colours, gladiolus can last for two weeks.
Anthurium: (Hospitality)
A classic, tropical flower, your anthuriums can last 4-6 weeks.
Protea: (Courage)
This tropical flower comes in a large variety of shapes and can last a month.
Sunflower: (Adoration)
A true flower of summer, sunflowers can last 2-3 weeks in a vase.
Bird of Paradise: (Magnificence)
A popular tropical flower, bird of paradise has a 3 week vase life.
Top tip:
While these flowers are known for a longer vase life, make sure you still follow the usual guidelines for flower care. You can find that information HERE .
Meaningful Flowers For June Birthdays
Do you know someone with a birthday in June? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that create a meaningful message.
With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with a June birthday.
Do you know someone with a birthday in June? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that create a meaningful message.
With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with a June birthday.
Birth month flower:
Every month has one or two flower/s associated with it - its birth month flower/s. (June has just one.)
Flower: Rose Meaning: Love
Zodiac:
Every zodiac sign has a flower that represents it.
Sign: Gemini Date: May 21 - June 20 Flower: Lavender Meaning: Devotion
Sign: Cancer Date: June 21 - July 22 Flower: White Rose Meaning: Eternal love/Innocence
Colour:
Use June’s birthstone for colour inspiration.
Stone: Pearl Colour: White
Seasonal Flowers and their meanings:
Choose flowers locally in bloom during the month of June.
Flower: Meaning:
Rose Love
Peony Happy life
Sweet peas Thank you for a lovely time
Hydrangea Perseverance
Lavender: Devotion
Lupins Imagination
Cosmos Harmony
Top tip:
You don’t need to include all these flowers. Pick what works best for the message you want to send and you’ll have created a unique and meaningful gift for that lucky June birthday perso
Learn more:
You’ll find more about meaningful birthday flowers in my previous posts:
Meaningful Flowers for February Birthdays
Meaningful Flowers for March Birthdays
Travel Destinations With A Flower Focus
Flower Tourism: Travelling to see flowers around the world.
Rarely do you hear of someone planning a trip with flowers as the focus.
But there are many destinations around the world that boast spectacular displays of wild or cultivated flowers. Here are five places to put on your wish list:
Flower Tourism: Traveling to see flowers around the world.
Rarely do you hear of someone planning a trip with flowers as the focus.
But there are many destinations around the world that boast spectacular displays of wild or cultivated flowers. Here are five places to put on your wish list:
1 - Holland
Flower: Tulips
Meaning: Perfect love
Best time to visit: Mid-April to early May
2 - Provence
Flower: Lavender
Meaning: Devotion
Best time to visit: Early-mid July
3 - England
Flower: Bluebells
Meaning: Kindness
Best time to visit: Mid-April to late May
4 - Azores
Flower: Hydrangeas
Meaning - Perseverance
Best time to visit: Mid-August
5 - California
Flower: Poppies
Meaning: Remembrance/Restful sleep
Best time to visit: Mid March to late May
To note: ‘Best time to visit’ is based on the time of year the flowers have historically been in bloom. However, each year times may vary depending on weather and growing conditions.
Read more about travelling with a flower focus on my previous blog post ‘Time For A Flower-Filled Vacation’.
Say 'No' to Floral Foam - Here's Why
These days all industries - including the floristry industry - are working hard to be more ‘green’.
However, while most florists compost or green bin their natural material waste, many are still using materials harmful to the environment. Flowers are wrapped in cellophane, individual plastic packages of flower food are given out, and floral foam is being used in creating arrangements.
These days all industries - including the floristry industry - are working hard to be more ‘green’.
However, while most florists compost or green bin their natural material waste, many are still using materials harmful to the environment. Flowers are wrapped in cellophane, individual plastic packages of flower food are given out, and floral foam is being used in creating arrangements.
Awareness has begun, changes are happening, but there’s still a ways to go.
When buying flowers (or arranging them yourself) one of the biggest things you can do to help the environment is say ‘No’ to floral foam.
What is floral foam?
Floral foam (often referred to as ‘Oasis’) is the green blocks of material florists use in their arrangements. When dry it feels like styrofoam and when wet it’s like a spongy foam.
Why is floral foam used?
Flower arrangers use floral foam for three main reasons: 1 -to be able to place flower stems exactly where they want in an arrangement; 2 - to create a source of water for the flowers and foliage; 3 - for ease of transport as the arrangements are more stable when created with the floral foam.
What’s wrong with floral foam?
Floral foam is non-biodegradable, non-recyclable, and toxic. It doesn’t dissolve in water or degrade if composted.
Floral foam breaks down into tinier and tinier pieces of plastic that contaminate our lands and waters for years to come.
What can be used as an alternative to floral foam?
Education is happening in the floral industry. Alternatives to floral foam are being used and some florists now do all their designs ‘foam free’. Here are some suggestions for what can be used:
Armatures made of natural materials - sticks, stones, sand, or moss
Chicken wire
New on the market - a biodegradable product has come on the market - Agra-Wool 100% Natural Floral Foam
To keep the floral industry moving in the right direction, make sure to have conversations with your florist. As well as saying ‘no’ to floral foam, request your bouquet be wrapped in brown paper rather than cellophane.
Wise Words
The simple beauty, memorable fragrance, and vibrant colours of flowers make them a rich source of inspiration for creative minds.
Over the years I’ve gathered quite a collection of books, poems, quotes, and song lyrics that reference flowers. Today I’m sharing five of the quotes I’ve collected with you.
The simple beauty, memorable fragrance, and vibrant colours of flowers make them a rich source of inspiration for creative minds.
Over the years I’ve gathered quite a collection of books, poems, quotes, and song lyrics that reference flowers. Today I’m sharing five of the quotes I’ve collected with you.
You’ll see they come from people in different walks of life, from different countries, and different periods of time, yet their words still hold true today.
“Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things towards you.” (Maharishi Mahesh - Yogi, Indian Guru 1918-2008)
“Even if the flower is no more, still, the fragrance can be.” (Jaggi Vasuder - Indian Yogi and Author 1957- )
“The Amen of Nature is always a flower.” (Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr - American Physician and Poet 1809-1894)
“The first wild-flower of the year is like land after sea.” (Thomas Wentworth Higginson - American Abolitionist 1823-1911)
“Are not the flowers the stars of the earth?” (Clara Lucas Balfour - English Lecturer and Authoress 1808-1878)
You can find more flower quotes in my previous blog posts:
Meaningful Flowers for May Birthdays
Have you ever bought a bunch of flowers, taken them home, popped them into a vase and the next day they look sad and wilted? It’s so disappointing. And while no-one expects flowers to be ever-lasting, they should stay looking fresh and healthy for several days - or even weeks.
Do you know someone with a birthday in May? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that will create a meaningful message.
With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with a May birthday.
Birth month flower:
Every month has one or two flowers associated with it - its birth month flower/s.
Flower: Lily of the valley Meaning: Return to happiness; Sweetness
Flower: Hawthorn Meaning: Hope
Zodiac:
Every zodiac sign has a flower that represents it.
Sign: Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Flower: Poppy Meaning: Remembrance
Sign: Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Flower: Lavender Meaning: Devotion
Colour:
I’ve chosen colours for this month that are a reflection of its birthstone and the flowers that are in season during this time of year.
Birthstone: Emerald Colour: Green
Flowers in that colour: Hellebores (tranquillity); Chrysanthemum (cheerfulness); Zinnia (thoughts of absent friends); Gladiolus (strength of character); Bells of Ireland (good luck);
Seasonal colours: Light purple, light pink, light blue
Seasonal Flowers and their meanings:
There’s an abundance of flowers that are available all year long - roses (love), carnations admiration/affection), lilies (beauty), alstroemerias (friendship/devotion), gerberas (cheerfulness), lisianthus (appreciation/gratitude), chrysanthemums (cheerfulness), and snapdragons (graciousness/strength).
Combine these with flowers that are in bloom during the month of May: Astrantia (strength/courage)’ Anemone (anticipation); Freesia (friendship); Forget-me-not (remembrance); Lilac (memories of first love)
Personal touch:
Consider the person you’re giving the flowers to. Try adding into your bouquet flowers in their favourite variety or favourite colour.
Top tip:
You don’t need to include all these options. Pick what works best for the message you want to send and you’ll have created a unique and meaningful gift for that lucky May birthday person.
My Suggestion:
If I were to give flowers to a friend with a birthday in May, my bouquet would include: A mix of greenery representing May’s birthstone; Freesia for friendship; Astrantia to represent the strength of the friendship; Anemone for anticipation of the year ahead, and Hellebores for a sense of tranquillity.
If you would like to know about meaningful flowers for February, March, and April birthdays follow the links below:
Meaningful Flowers for February Birthdays
How To Tell If The Flowers You're Buying Are Fresh
Have you ever bought a bunch of flowers, taken them home, popped them into a vase and the next day they look sad and wilted? It’s so disappointing. And while no-one expects flowers to be ever-lasting, they should stay looking fresh and healthy for several days - or even weeks.
Have you ever bought a bunch of flowers, taken them home, popped them into a vase and the next day they look sad and wilted? It’s so disappointing. And while no-one expects flowers to be ever-lasting, they should stay looking fresh and healthy for several days - or even weeks.
One of the most important things you can do to make sure your flowers have the longest vase life possible is to get in the habit of inspecting flowers before you buy them. You’ll soon learn to choose only those that are the freshest. Here’s what you’re looking for:
Buds:
The buds should be in the beginning stage of opening. (If the buds are tightly closed, it’s possible they’ve been harvested too soon and may never open.)
Gently feel the petals and make sure there is a firmness to them - you don’t want them to be limp.
The colours should be bright - not transparent.
Roses - Check the underside of the bud. If a few petals have been removed, that’s okay. Those were just the guard petals that protected the rose during transport, but if many petals have been removed that indicates someone is trying to hide the fact the flower is old.
Tulips - Most tulips we buy seem to come in a cellophane sleeve. A good indication the tulips are old is if they have grown above the top edge of it.
Leaves:
Check the leaves are bright coloured with no yellowing or browning. The leaves should be firm (not limp) and definitely not falling off the stem as soon as you pick the flowers up.
Stems:
Again colour and firmness are the most important things to look for. If the stem is limp and/or discoloured that flower won’t last much longer.
Fragrance:
Not all flowers are scented, but fragrance is still important to check. An old flower will smell of decay and should definitely be avoided.
Water:
If possible - check the bucket of water the flowers are being stored in. If it’s cloudy, dirty, or has leaves floating in it, skip those flowers. They’re sitting in bacteria and that will shorten their lifespan.
Being an educated shopper is the first step in making sure your flowers will last as long as possible. The second step is correct care once you get them home. Check out these previous blog posts to learn more:
How to Make Your Flowers Last Longer
Secrets Revealed - Top Tips for Making ‘Tricky’ Flowers Last Longer