Choosing your "Right" Wedding Season

Weddings are a time in your life when you want everything to be perfect. You want to choose time of the year to get married that fills all your needs. Wedding seasons can have an impact on any wedding.

Fall Weddings
Fall weddings are filled with color because of the changing of the leaves and it is leading up to Halloween and Thanksgiving. The weather is a bit cooler and outdoor weddings are less common. The beautiful changing colors as a backdrop to a ceremony are just beautiful.

Winter Weddings
Wedding seasons include winter. This is not a popular season for weddings, but some people do like the idea of having a wedding around the holidays. The thing that you have to remember about a winter wedding is that it is going to be cold and you may have to deal with the snow and wet weather.

Summer Weddings
Summer weddings are more popular because you can choose from many different dress styles and you could have the wedding outdoors or indoors. It is possible to have theme weddings such as beach weddings, tropical weddings or even country weddings. When you are thinking about the different wedding seasons, summer is usually the time the first one to come to mind.

Spring Weddings
When you are thinking about the best wedding seasons, spring time always comes to mind because the flowers are in bloom and it is never too hot for fancy dresses and tuxedos. You can easily have a wedding outdoors or indoors in the springtime as well as the summer. This is the time when almost every flower you want for your wedding is in season and you can choose any color you want.

Between the wedding seasons, you have to choose from, spring and summer are the most popular. Many times a winter wedding is planned as a destination wedding to somewhere warmer, while spring, summer and fall weddings can be planned at home. When you are planning your wedding date, you need to consider the weather at that time of the year, if you can get the flowers you want and if it is the best time for your guests to travel. In most cases, brides and grooms will choose spring or summer for their weddings.

"Go Green" with Green Flowers

Green is a natural color of the planet. Green flowers? Leaves are green, yes, and grass is green. But flowers? Yes, there are green flowers, a surprising variety of them, in fact. But why, you might ask, would one want green flowers. Green can be considered a neutral color in a garden, smoothing the transition between color schemes or diluting too strong a hue. Against yellow or reddish foliage, they stand out without clashing. Have I convinced you yet?

List of Green Flowers Typically Available

-Green Hydrangea

-Green Carnation

-Green Rose
-Green Button Mum

-Green Hypericum

-Green Trachellium

-Green Bells of Ireland

-Green Anthurium

-Green Orchids including: Dendrobiums, Cymbidiums, Phalenopsis, lady slipper orchid

-Green Dianthus

-Green Rununculus

-Green Fuji Disbuds

At Florafinos we love green! So lots of green is always available.

"Forcing" Spring into Bloom From your frontyard

An easy way to bring some spring color indoors is to force some branches of a spring blooming shrub. It's really simple, just cut a few branches from your favorite spring blooming shrubs on a day when the temperature is preferably above freezing.

Almost any shrub that blooms in the spring is a candidate to force into a blooming centerpiece for the home. Try experimenting with the types of shrubs planted in your yard. After a couple of weeks, the branches will burst into bloom and this is a sure way to get your spring fever in full swing.

Some Shrub Options:
-Forsythia

-Flowering Quince

-Viburnum

-Lilac

-Azaleas

-Magnolias

-Pussy willow

-Cherry Tree Branches

Make sure you cut each branch all the way to the main stem. You can always shorten the branches later if they are too long for the vase. Bring the freshly cut branches inside and immediately put them in water. Have the decorative vase or container ready for the branches. You will need the pruners, a hammer and cutting board or an appropriate surface to mash the branch ends. You will also need plastic wrap or paper towels and a mister.

It's TULIP Time!

Tulips are a wonderful gift to give for a Birthday, Mothers Day or even just a Thinking of You. Typically a 6 inch Tulip Plant can be cared for and enjoy inside before planting outside for next years bloom. I'm going to tell you how. Tulips are stunning showstoppers that work equally well in a shaded flower bed or for use in a more formal gardens. Though they look as delicate as orchids, Tulips are hardy bulb plants that will return year after year when cared for correctly.

-Once you get your new Tulip home place it in bright indirect light away from heat sources, such as TV's or heat ducts. Heat will speed up the natural flowering process shortening the life span of your plant.

_Temperature should be 65 degrees no more than 70 degrees, so you can enjoy your tulip longer.

-Tulips are usually potted in a sandy soil which provides excellent drainage for your plant.

- Water your plant every couple of days.

-Fertilizing is not necessary.

-Once your Tulip has finished flowering you can plant your bulbs outdoors come spring. Pot forced Tulips will not flower again for two season when planted outdoors.

Love still blooms even when the economy is not at its finest.

This Valentines day is Saturday February 14, 2009.
Celebrate the whole week and send flowers early,
February 9th-13th.


Traditions says that you send a dozen red roses or a vase of lilies, but just know that there are other options to consider such as:


-Vase of colorful Alstromeria lillies.
The meanings of Alstromeria lilies are friendship and devotion. As a symbol of devotion, Alstromeria lilies can say to a companion or loved one that you will always be there for them and that you trust in your lasting bond. The depth of meanings for Altromeria lilies is a compliment to their beauty, and the message that these flowers send is profound in its authentic simplicity.


-Vase of Gerbera Daisies. The Meaning of a gerbera daisy include innocence and purity, and daisies are also a classic symbol of beauty. However, the gerbera variety holds an added meaning of cheerfulness, which stems from the assortment of colors available. An assorted bouquet of gerbera daisies can lift the spirit and sending one is an ideal way to brighten this Valentine's day.



-Vase of Carnations. The meanings of carnations include fascination, distinction, and love. Like many other flowers, different messages can also be expressed with the flower’s different color varieties. Light red carnations, for example, are often used to convey admiration, whereas the dark red version expresses deeper sentiments of love and affection. White carnations are associated with purity and luck, and pink carnations are often given as a sign of gratitude. With all these colors in one bouquet tells her about love, fascination, purity, and gratitude.

With all these different choices, the meaning of flowers simply mean's you care enough to let the person you love know you love them. Happy Valentines Day!

The DO'S and DONT'S of POINSETTIA care

Here are the DO's of poinsettia care
• DO place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. If direct sun can't be avoided, diffuse the light with a shade or sheer curtain.
• DO provide room temperatures between 68 - 70° F. Generally speaking, if you are comfortable, so is your poinsettia.
• DO water your plant when the soil feels dry to the touch.

• DO cover your plant when transporting it from church or your office to home
• DO fertilize your plant AFTER THE BLOOMING SEASON with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.

And here are the DON'Ts of poinsettia care
• DON'T place plants near cold drafts or excessive heat. Avoid placing plants near appliances, fireplaces or ventilating ducts or the top of a television.
• DON'T expose plants to temperatures below 50° F. Poinsettias are sensitive to cold, so avoid placing them outside during the winter months.
• DON'T over water your plant, or allow it to sit in standing water. Always remove a plant from any decorative container before watering, and allow the water to drain completely.
• DON'T expose your plant to chilling winds when transporting it.
• DON'T fertilize your plant when it is in bloom.

Christmas Open House

Florafinos Christmas Open House is on
November 22 4-8PM and November 23 12AM-4PM

We’re excited to bring you a host of new items this year!

Amaryllis Bulbs are IN! Big and Beautiful we have colors from red, white, pink and green. Jumbo Bulbs with 2-3 stalks and 3-4 blooms per stalk! Awsome!

-A new gift line from Transpac International with fun snowman and women to choose from!

-Fun and upscale glassware from Accent Décor to make different or even unusual arrangements that speak of fun and to the inner soul.

-Gourmet goodies including chocolate covered biscottis, tea biscuits and teas, Ghirardelli hot chocolate (to be used in our hot chocolate mug specials), chocolate spoons, sugar stirrers, crackers, cheese, and more. All for use in our many different gift baskets which will be available

-Mouthwatering goodies from the “Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory: Asiago cheese straws, (the original Italian masterpiece) Original Lemon straws, (delightfully tart), and Mud puppies (bite size cookies rich with chocolate chips, flaked oats and pecans!!YUMM

-Health minded products to sooth the aching feet of the holidays and everyday from Smith and Van diver; intense moisturizing shea butter cream, gift packs for the footsies, and fun fizzing cupcakes that dissolve in the bath to sooth the aching body and mind…

- New lines of Quality silk products from 3 different manufacturers, something new for every taste and budget!! Stems, wreaths, swags, arrangements, baubles and bows.

-Our new organic Bamboo pots which are made from bamboo fiber and are 100% natural; no chemicals or artificial components (sounds good enough to eat!), in an array of colors and sizes. Come check them out!!!

-New Root candle line, I love it, in addition to our oldie but goodie line of Swan Creek candles (both made here in good ol” Ohio!!

- Oodles of wonderful Holiday plants including Italian cypress vines, Rosemary cones, Creeping rusica vine, kissing balls, ivy wreaths(yes, ivy formed into wreathes that may be hung on the wall or used as a centerpiece on a table, also the ever popular “Poinsettias” in a multitude of colors and price ranges.

- Annnd “Hammonds”, “authentic candy canes” I think I might be most excited about these, because they bring out the kid in me and all of us! As seen on “Good Eats”, these canes are made the old fashioned way and are hand crooked!

Come check ‘em out!

"Fall" in for Fall

"Mums" the Word

A very popular plant for late season color is Fall mums, sometimes called "Garden mums" or "Hardy mums". Fall garden mums are available in a wide selection of colors, flower types... shapes and sizes. Fall garden mums are a low maintenance easy to grow plant that can be kept in containers or grown in beds. They are drought resistant and generally free of insect and disease pests.

Planting

Most Fall mums are purchased and planted from late August into September. Fall mums prefer to be planted in an area that receives full sun, but most cultivars can get by with a half day of direct sunshine. For ultimate growth, plant your new fall garden mums in fertile well drained soil. Poorly drained soil is the leading cause of winter mortality.

Watering

Fall garden mums should never be allowed to wilt... especially newly transplanted plants. Check your fall garden mums every couple of days for watering until you become familiar with their needs, particularly during dry spells. Be sure to thoroughly water-in your new transplants.

Summer Time is HERE

There are so many blooms out there that are just ripe for the picking and are screaming to be arranged. Flowers reflect the freshness and warmth of summer and it always nice to have a flower arrangement at home. Certain flowers only bloom in the summer and it is best to feature them in your summer flower arrangements.
Here is a list of summer flowers that you can use in flower arrangements:
-Sunflower. Representing the brightness of the summer season, sunflowers are considered the primary summer flowers. These big, eye-catching, and vibrant flowers only bloom completely during the summer. They are great for big and elaborate arrangements.

- Aster. Aster attracts bright and colorful butterflies in the summer. These flowers come in beautiful shades of white, pink, blue, and purple. According to flower myths and traditions, aster signifies patience, variety, and delicacy.

- Sweet Pea. You can add sweet pea to your flower arrangement to give it a nice, sweet scent.

- Daisy. This summer flower denotes innocence, gentleness and purity. Sometimes called "the marker of summer", the daisy is also called the "day's eye" because it opens up and closes along with the sun.

- Lily. The sensitizing effect of lilies will never fail to lighten your mood or bring a smile to your face so add them in your flower arrangement.

- Snapdragons. Snapdragons make beautiful cut flowers. They are great hung from a basket or kept in a tall, slim vase.

Make the best of summer by putting summer arrangments in your house, garden, and office with these summer blooms. They will not only beautify your room, they can lighten up your mood as well.

Mood-boosting Blooms

Improving mood and boosting energy may be as simple as getting flowers. They smell dreamy, flowers increase life satisfaction, certain mixed color arrangements can trigger specific emotions. When you receive flowers there is a quick mood lift, and within a week you can get a rise in compassion and kindness and a drop in sadness and anxiety. Especially in the workplace, where you can feel more enthusiastic and energetic than the others, just with flowers on your desk or in the office. For energy bold tones boost spirits, bright primary colors like red, yellows and blues are beautiful together but when you mix them with purples and greens the unexpected pairing is playful and stimulating. For a calming sense, cool clear colors like light green, misty blue and pale lavenders resemble nature at its best like the sea and sky that give you a sense of constancy that may help reduce stress. Flowers are great to have around in any situation, when your sad bright colors with boost your playfulness, when your stressed cool colors will help you relax, and when your happy anyway a fun colored arrangement with give you more energy.