JUMBO AMARYLLIS

Planting
Plant bulbs in a nutritious potting compost, many are available pre-mixed. Plant the bulb up to its neck in the potting compost, being careful not to damage the roots. Press the soil down firmly to set the bulb securely in place after planting.

Placement and Watering
Plant the bulb, or place the potted bulb in a warm place with direct light since heat is necessary for the development of the stems. The ideal temperature is 68 to 70 degrees F. Water sparingly until the stem appears, then, as the bud and leaves appear, gradually water more. At this point, the stem will grow rapidly and flowers will develop after it has reached full growth.

Flowering Period
Bulbs will flower in 7-10 weeks as a general rule. In winter the flowering time will be longer than in spring. Set up your planting schedule between October and April with this in mind. To achieve continuous bloom, plant at intervals of 2 weeks for stunning color in your home or garden.

After-Bloom Care
After-Flowering. After the amaryllis has stopped flowering, it can be made to flower again. Cut the old flowers from the stem after flowering, and when the stem starts to sag, cut it back to the top of the bulb. Leaf Growth and Development. Continue to water and fertilize as normal all summer, or for at least 5-6 months, allowing the leaves to fully develop and grow. When the leaves begin to yellow, which normally occurs in the early fall, cut the leaves back to about 2 inches from the top of the bulb and remove the bulb from the soil. Bulb Storage. Clean the bulb and place it in a cool (40-50 deg. F), dark place such as the crisper of your refrigerator for a minimum of 6 weeks. Caution: Do not store amaryllis bulbs in a refrigerator that contains apples, this will sterilize the bulbs. Store the bulbs for a minimum of 6 weeks. Plant Again. After 6 weeks you may remove bulbs whenever you would like to plant them. Plant bulbs 8 weeks before you would like them to bloom.

Sweetest Day October 17, 2009

Sweetest Day is celebrated each year on the third Saturday of October. Although often thought of by many as a second Valentine’s Day, Sweetest Day is actually a day meant to celebrate all the people who make your life special. It’s an occasion to make someone happy, a chance to celebrate and give gifts to relatives, friends, and associates. Sweetest Day observance originated in Cleveland in 1922. Herbert Birch Kingston, a philanthropist and candy company employee wanted to bring happiness into the lives of orphans, shut-ins and others who were forgotten. With the help of friends, he began to distribute candy and small gifts to the underprivileged.

Primarily a regional observance celebrated in the Great Lakes region and the Northeast, Sweetest Day is gradually spreading to other areas of the country. People tend to take the Sweetest Day tradition with them when they move. Ohio is the top state for Sweetest Day sales, followed by Michigan and Illinois. Texas, California and Florida are among the top 10 states in sales.

Why Do Leaves Change Colors?

Every autumn we revel in the beauty of the fall colors. The mixture of red, purple, orange and yellow is the result of chemical processes that take place in the tree as the seasons change from summer to winter.

Tree and plant leaves contain pigments that give them their color. Three pigments are involved in fall color:
~Chlorophyll — gives leaves their green color.
~Carotenoids — provide the yellow, orange, and brown colors
~Anthocyanins — give the red and purple colors. In contrast to the other two pigments, anthocyanins are produced in the autumn, in response to bright light and excess plant sugars in the leaf cells.

During the growing season, most tree leaves are green because they are full of chlorophyll. Plants use chlorophyll to capture sunlight for photosynthesis, the process that enables them to manufacture their own food. The amount of chlorophyll is so high during the summer that the green color masks all other pigments present in the leaf. As the days grow shorter in the fall, chlorophyll production slows down and eventually stops. The carotenoids and anthocyanins that are present in the leaf then become visible.

Certain colors of leaves are characteristic of particular species of trees.

~Oaks turn red, brown, or russet;
~Hickories turn golden bronze;
~Dogwood turns purplish red;
~Beech turns light tan;
~Red maple turns brilliant scarlet;
~Sugar maple turns orange-red;
~Black maple turns glowing yellow;
~Sourwood and black tupelo turn crimson;
~Aspen, birch, and yellow-poplar turn golden yellow.

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!