Victoria’s Dictionary

New book out Called The language of flowers. by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.
I’ve always loved the symbolic meanings of flowers. Now you can send your own message. If you are thinking about sending a bouquet with meaning be sure to plan ahead so all of your flower choices will be available. Abutilon (Abutilon) . . . Meditation
Acacia (Acacia) . . . Secret love
Acanthus (Acanthus) . . . Artifice
Agapanthus (Agapanthus) . . . Love
letter
Allium (Allium) . . . Prosperity
Almond blossom (Amygdalus
communis) . . . Indiscretion
Aloe (Aloe vera) . . . Grief
Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria) . . .
Devotion
Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) . . . Worth
beyond beauty
Amaranth (Amaranthus) . . .
Immortality
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) . . . Pride
Anemone (Anemone) . . . Forsaken
Angelica (Angelica pachycarpa) . . .
Inspiration
Apple (Malus domestica) . . . Temptation
Apple blossom (Malus domestica) . . .
Preference
Aster (Aster) . . . Patience
Azalea (Rhododendron) . . . Fragile and
ephemeral passion
B
Baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata) . . .
Everlasting love
Bachelor’s button (Centaurea cyanus) . . .
Single blessedness
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) . . . Hate
Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) . . . I change but
in death
Begonia (Begonia) . . . Caution
Bellflower (Campanula) . . . Gratitude
Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) . . .
Good luck
Victoria’s Dictionary
of Flowers
312 Victoria’s Dictionary of Flowers
Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) . . .
Magnificence
Blackberry (Rubus) . . . Envy
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) . . . Justice
Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) . . .
Constancy
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea
spectabilis) . . . Passion
Bouvardia (Bouvardia) . . . Enthusiasm
Broom (Cytisus) . . . Humility
Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) . . .
Ingratitude
C
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) . . . Profit
Cactus (Opuntia) . . . Ardent love
Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) . . .
Modesty
Camellia (Camellia) . . . My destiny is in
your hands
Candytuft (Iberis) . . . Indifference
Canterbury bells (Campanula
medium) . . . Gratitude
Carnation, pink (Dianthus
caryophyllus) . . . I will never forget
you
Carnation, red (Dianthus
caryophyllus) . . . My heart breaks
Carnation, striped (Dianthus
caryophyllus) . . . I cannot be with
you
Carnation, white (Dianthus
caryophyllus) . . . Sweet and lovely
Carnation, yellow (Dianthus
caryophyllus) . . . Disdain
Celandine (Chelidonium majus) . . . Joys
to come
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) . . .
Energy in adversity
Cherry blossom (Prunus cerasus) . . .
Impermanence
Chervil (Anthriscus) . . . Sincerity
Chestnuts (Castanea sativa) . . . Do me
justice
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) . . . Frugality
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum) . . .
Truth
Cinquefoil (Potentilla) . . . Beloved
daughter
Clematis (Clematis) . . . Poverty
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) . . . I have
loved you and you have not
known it
Clover, white (Trifolium) . . . Think
of me
Cockscomb (Celosia) . . . Affectation
Columbine (Aquilegia) . . . Desertion
Coreopsis (Coreopsis) . . . Always
cheerful
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) . . .
Hidden worth
Corn (Zea mays) . . . Riches
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) . . . Joy in
love and life
Cowslip (Primula veris) . . . Pensiveness
Crab-apple blossom (Malus
hupehensis) . . . Ill-tempered
Victoria’s Dictionary of Flowers 313
Cranberry (Vaccinium) . . . Cure for
heartache
Crocus (Crocus) . . . Youthful gladness
Currant (Ribes) . . . Thy frown will
kill me
Cyclamen (Cyclamen) . . . Timid hope
Cypress (Cupressus) . . . Mourning
D
Daffodil (Narcissus) . . . New beginnings
Dahlia (Dahlia) . . . Dignity
Daisy (Bellis) . . . Innocence
Daisy, Gerber (Gerbera) . . .
Cheerfulness
Dandelion (Taraxacum) . . . Rustic oracle
Daphne (Daphne) . . . I would not have
you otherwise
Daylily (Hemerocallis) . . . Coquetry
Delphinium (Delphinium) . . . Levity
Dianthus (Dianthus) . . . Make haste
Dittany (Dictamnus albus) . . .
Childbirth
Dogwood (Cornus) . . . Love
undiminished by adversity
Dragon plant (Dracaena) . . . You are
near a snare
E
Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) . . .
Noble courage
Elder (Sambucus) . . . Compassion
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus) . . . Protection
Euphorbia (Euphorbia) . . . Persistence
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) . . .
Inconstancy
Everlasting pea (Lathyrus latifolius) . . .
Lasting pleasure
F
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) . . .
Strength
Fern (Polypodiophyta) . . . Sincerity
Fern, maidenhair (Adiantum capillusveneris)
. . . Secrecy
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) . . .
Warmth
Fig (Ficus carica) . . . Argument
Flax (Linum usitatissimum) . . . I feel
your kindness
Forget-me-not (Myosotis) . . . Forget
me not
Forsythia (Forsythia) . . . Anticipation
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) . . .
Insincerity
Freesia (Freesia) . . . Lasting friendship
Fuchsia (Fuchsia) . . . Humble love
G
Gardenia (Gardenia) . . . Refinement
Gentian (Gentiana) . . . Intrinsic worth
Geranium, oak-leaf (Pelargonium) . . .
True friendship
Geranium, pencil-leaf (Pelargonium) . . .
Ingenuity
314 Victoria’s Dictionary of Flowers
Geranium, scarlet (Pelargonium) . . .
Stupidity
Geranium, wild (Pelargonium) . . .
Steadfast piety
Ginger (Zingiber) . . . Strength
Gladiolus (Gladiolus) . . . You pierce my
heart
Goldenrod (Solidago) . . . Careful
encouragement
Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) . . .
Abundance
Grass (Poaceae) . . . Submission
H
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) . . .
Hope
Hazel (Corylus) . . . Reconciliation
Heath (Erica) . . . Solitude
Heather (Calluna vulgaris) . . .
Protection
Helenium (Helenium) . . . Tears
Heliotrope (Heliotropium) . . . Devoted
affection
Hibiscus (Hibiscus) . . . Delicate
beauty
Holly (Ilex) . . . Foresight
Hollyhock (Alcea) . . . Ambition
Honesty (Lunaria annua) . . . Honesty
Honeysuckle (Lonicera) . . . Devotion
Hyacinth, blue (Hyacinthus orientalis) . . .
Constancy
Hyacinth, purple (Hyacinthus
orientalis) . . . Please
forgive me
Hyacinth, white (Hyacinthus
orientalis) . . . Beauty
Hydrangea (Hydrangea) . . . Dispassion
I
Ice plant (Carpobrotus chilensis) . . . Your
looks freeze me
Impatiens (Impatiens) . . . Impatience
Iris (Iris) . . . Message
Ivy (Hedera helix) . . . Fidelity
J
Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium) . . . Come
down
Jasmine, Carolina (Gelsemium
sempervirens) . . . Separation
Jasmine, Indian (Jasminum
multiflorum) . . . Attachment
Jasmine, white (Jasminum officinale) . . .
Amiability
Jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla) . . . Desire
L
Laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides) . . .
Pensive beauty
Lady’s slipper (Cypripedium) . . .
Capricious beauty
Lantana (Lantana) . . . Rigor
Larch (Larix decidua) . . . Audacity
Larkspur (Consolida) . . . Lightness
Laurel (Laurus nobilis) . . . Glory and
success
Victoria’s Dictionary of Flowers 315
Lavender (Lavandula) . . . Mistrust
Lemon (Citrus limon) . . . Zest
Lemon blossom (Citrus limon) . . .
Discretion
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) . . .
Coldheartedness
Liatris (Liatris) . . . I will try again
Lichen (Parmelia) . . . Dejection
Lilac (Syringa) . . . First emotions of love
Lily (Lilum) . . . Majesty
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) . . .
Return of happiness
Linden tree (Tilia) . . . Conjugal love
Lisianthus (Eustoma) . . . Appreciation
Lobelia (Lobelia) . . . Malevolence
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) . . . Purity
Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) . . .
Perplexity
Love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus
caudatus) . . . Hopeless but not
helpless
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) . . . You are my
life
Lupine (Lupinus) . . . Imagination
M
Magnolia (Magnolia) . . . Dignity
Marigold (Calendula) . . . Grief
Marjoram (Origanum) . . . Blushes
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) . . .
Desire for riches
Meadow saffron (Colchicum
autumnale) . . . My best days are
past
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) . . .
Uselessness
Michealmas daisy (Aster amellus) . . .
Farewell
Mignonette (Reseda odorata) . . . Your
qualities surpass your charms
Mimosa (Mimosa) . . . Sensitivity
Mistletoe (Viscum) . . . I surmount all
obstacles
Mock orange (Pittosporum
undulatum) . . . Counterfeit
Monkshood (Aconitum) . . . Chivalry
Morning glory (Ipomoea) . . . Coquetry
Moss (Bryopsida) . . . Maternal love
Mullein (Verbascum) . . . Take courage
Mustard (Brassica) . . . I am hurt
Myrtle (Myrtus) . . . Love
N
Narcissus (Narcissus) . . . Self-love
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) . . .
Patriotism
Nettle (Urtica) . . . Cruelty
O
Oats (Avena sativa) . . . The witching
soul of music
Oleander (Nerium oleander) . . .
Beware
Olive (Olea europaea) . . . Peace
Orange (Citrus sinensis) . . . Generosity
Orange blossom (Citrus sinensis) . . .
Your purity equals your loveliness
316 Victoria’s Dictionary of Flowers
Orchid (Orchidaceae) . . . Refined beauty
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) . . . Joy
P
Pansy (Viola) . . . Think of me
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) . . .
Festivity
Passionflower (Passiflora) . . . Faith
Peach (Prunus persica) . . . Your charms
are unequaled
Peach blossom (Prunus persica) . . . I am
your captive
Pear (Pyrus) . . . Affection
Pear blossom (Pyrus) . . . Comfort
Peony (Paeonia) . . . Anger
Peppermint (Mentha) . . . Warmth of
feeling
Periwinkle (Vinca minor) . . . Tender
recollections
Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) . . . Bury
me amid nature’s beauty
Petunia (Petunia) . . . Your presence
soothes me
Phlox (Phlox) . . . Our souls are united
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) . . . You are
perfect
Pink (Dianthus) . . . Pure love
Plum (Prunus domestica) . . . Keep your
promises
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) . . .
Be of good cheer
Polyanthus (Primula) . . . Confidence
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) . . .
Foolishness
Pomegranate blossom (Punica
granatum) . . . Mature elegance
Poplar, black (Populus nigra) . . .
Courage
Poplar, white (Populus alba) . . . Time
Poppy (Papaver) . . . Fantastic
extravagance
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) . . .
Benevolence
Potato vine (Solanum jasminoides) . . .
You are delicious
Primrose (Primula) . . . Childhood
Protea (Protea) . . . Courage
Purple coneflower (Echinacea
purpurea) . . . Strength and health
Q
Queen Anne’s lace (Ammi majus) . . .
Fantasy
Quince (Cydonia oblonga) . . .
Temptation
R
Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus) . . .
You are radiant with charms
Raspberry (Rubus) . . . Remorse
Redbud (Cercis) . . . Betrayal
Rhododendron (Rhododendron) . . .
Beware
Rhubarb (Rheum) . . . Advice
Rose, burgundy (Rosa) . . . Unconscious
beauty
Rose, moss (Rosa) . . . Confession of love
Victoria’s Dictionary of Flowers 317
Rose, orange (Rosa) . . . Fascination
Rose, pale peach (Rosa) . . . Modesty
Rose, pink (Rosa) . . . Grace
Rose, purple (Rosa) . . . Enchantment
Rose, red (Rosa) . . . Love
Rose, white (Rosa) . . . A heart
unacquainted with love
Rose, yellow (Rosa) . . . Infidelity
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) . . .
Remembrance
S
Saffron (Crocus sativus) . . . Beware of
excess
Sage (Salvia officinalis) . . . Good health
and long life
Saint-John’s-wort (Hypericum
perforatum) . . . Superstition
Saxifraga (Saxifraga) . . . Affection
Scabiosa (Scabiosa) . . . Unfortunate
love
Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) . . .
Change
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) . . .
Presumption
Snowdrop (Galanthus) . . . Consolation
and hope
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) . . . Parental
affection
Speedwell (Veronica) . . . Fidelity
Spirea (Spiraea) . . . Victory
Star-of-Bethlehem
(Ornithogalum umbellatum) . . .
Purity
Starwort (Stellaria) . . . Welcome
Stephanotis (Stephanotis floribunda) . . .
Happiness in marriage
Stock (Malcolmia maritima) . . . You will
always be beautiful to me
Stonecrop (Sedum) . . . Tranquility
Strawberry (Fragaria) . . . Perfection
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) . . . False
riches
Sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa) . . .
Simplicity
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) . . .
Delicate pleasures
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) . . .
Gallantry
T
Tansy (Tanacetum) . . . I declare war
against you
Thistle, common (Cirsium) . . .
Misanthropy
Thrift (Armeria) . . . Sympathy
Thyme (Thymus) . . . Activity
Trachelium (Trachelium) . . . Neglected
beauty
Trillium (Trillium) . . . Modest beauty
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) . . .
Fame
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) . . .
Dangerous pleasures
Tulip (Tulipa) . . . Declaration of love
Turnip (Brassica rapa) . . . Charity
V
Verbena (Verbena) . . . Pray for me
Vetch (Vicia) . . . I cling to thee
Violet (Viola) . . . Modest worth
W
Wallflower (Cheiranthus) . . . Fidelity in
adversity
Water lily (Nymphaea) . . . Purity of
heart
Waxflower (Hoya) . . . Susceptibility
Wheat (Triticum) . . . Prosperity
White Monte Casino (Aster) . . .
Patience
Willow herb (Epilobium) . . . Pretension
Winter cherry (Physalis alkekengi) . . .
Deception
Wisteria (Wisteria) . . . Welcome
Witch hazel (Hamamelis) . . . A spell
Y
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) . . . Cure
for a broken heart
Z
Zinnia (Zinnia) . . . I mourn your
absence
318 Victoria’s Dictionary of Flowers
The Language of Flowers is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places,
and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are
used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales,
or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2011 by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
All rights reserved.
Published in the United States by Ballantine,
an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group,
a division of Random House, Inc., New York.
BALLANTINE and colophon are registered trademarks of
Random House, Inc.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA
Diffenbaugh, Vanessa.
The language of flowers: a novel / Vanessa Diffenbaugh.
p. cm.
Summary: “The story of a woman whose gift for flowers helps her
change the lives of others even as she struggles to overcome her
own past”—Provided by publisher.
ISBN 978-0-345-52554-3 (hardback) — ISBN 978-0-345-52556-7 (eBook)
1. Young women—Fiction. 2. Florists—Fiction. 3. Flower
language—Fiction. 4. San Francisco (Calif.)—Fiction. I. Title.
PS3604.I2255L36 2011
813′.6—dc22 2010051026
Printed in the United States of America
www.ballantinebooks.com
2 4 6 8 9 7 5 3 1
First Edition
Book design

Roses by number…Symbolization of # rose stems.

How many roses do I send?
On a first date, a single rose symbolises love at first sight. it can also be given in years to come to say, “I still love you.” Give someone two roses to represent your mutual love and affection. Representing the couple and their shared love, a bouquet of three roses is
traditional one month anniversary gift. Whether it’s a school crush or a more mature passion, six roses symbolizes infatuation.

To send the message “We’ll be together forever,” send a bouquet of nine roses. Let them know that their love is perfection with a bouquet of ten roses. A perfect dozen shouts “Be mine!” Tell someone that they’ll be your friend forever with a bouquet of thirteen roses.

Need to let someone know that you’re sorry? Send them fifteen roses. Send the message “my feelings for you are truly sincere” with a bouquet of twenty roses. Twenty-one roses say, “I’m dedicated to you/” Two dozen roses shouts “I’m yours!”

Send a message of congratulations with twenty-five roses. Three dozen says “I’m head over heels in love!” Forty roses says, “my love for you is genuine.” To express a love that knows no bounds, send a bouquet that’s equally as limitless – filled with fifty (or more) beautiful luxurious roses.
a few more tidbits of interest

Did you know that roses are not only native to the United States, but they are also our national floral emblem? Or that June is National Rose Month? Or that the rose is the state flower selected by Georgia, Iowa, New York, North Dakota and the District of Columbia?

The beauty of this extraordinary bloom is matched only by its seemingly boundless history and legend. For example, it’s said that Cleopatra once received her beloved Marc Antony in a room knee-deep in rose petals, and that the rose was sacred in ancient times as it represented Aphrodite to the Greeks (and Venus to the Romans), symbolizing beauty and love.

An old legend has it that originally all roses were white. One night, a nightingale saw a rose and fell deeply in love, inspiring him to sing a song. (Before this, nightingales only chirped and croaked.) When his passion overtook him, he pressed himself against the flower, and when the thorns pierced his heart. Ever after, the rose was forever colored red.

The meanings of rose colors – Send a secret message in your bouquet.

Sending a message with flowers dates back to the Victorian era.
Used for hundreds of years to convey messages without words, roses have long been a symbol of confidentiality – the Latin expression sub rosa (literally “under the rose”) means something told in secret.

Regardless of color, their unique beauty and subtle fragrance convey a message guaranteed to elicit delight from the recipient and envy from others.

Shop for roses by color.
Red Rose- Conveys respect and the creative spirit of love. Representing true love stronger than thorns, the red rose is known universally as the lover’s rose. 
White Rose bloomed in autumn, it was seen as a token of early marriage. Also symbolizing truth and reverence, it sends a message of loyalty and says “I am worthy of you.”
Yellow Rose  – Represents friendship, joy and caring. A bouquet of these sun-filled blossoms conveys warmth, gladness and affection.
Orange Rose  – symbolize enthusiasm and desire. If you’re looking for a way to express admiration and attraction – with an underlying message of passion and excitement – then send a bouquet filled with these fiery blooms 
Lavender or purple roses – Thought to be almost mystical in nature, with symbolism tied to enchantment, desire and even proceeding cautiously.  
Pink Roses – Symbolizing gentility, femininity, elegance and refinement, the pink rose also carries additional meanings depending on its hue. A deep pink conveys gratitude and appreciation, while pale shades connote grace and gentleness, admiration and happiness. 
 Multi-colored roses  – In some instances – usually when mixing red with another color rose – you can send additional messages with your choice of bouquet. For example, a combination of red and yellow roses conveys gaiety and happiness, while a mix of red and white roses symbolizes unity.

Onion Soup Recipe

Baked Onion soup -

4 onions thinly sliced, T Butter, 1 T Flour, 1 quart of beef stock or bouillon, 4 thin sliced French bread toasted, 1/2 lbs. Swiss cheese, 1/4 lbs. parmesan cheese grated. 
Sauté the onions in butter until golden brown.  Stirring constantly about 20 minutes. Stir in flour cooking 2 minutes.  Preheat broiler.  Add bouillon to onions and cook

20 minutes, pour into soup crocks.  Top crock with slice of bread, cheese.  Place on cookie sheets under hot broiler.  Serve immediately.

My Employees are good cooks and have great recipes.

Vegetarian Indian rice dish;
2 cups of rice, 4 cups of water, 4 T of corn oil, 4 -5 small pieces of cinnamon sticks, 1/2 bay leaf, 1/2 t of cumin seeds, 1/2 t of fennel seeds, 1 lg onion, cut lenght wise, 1 lg tomato cut in small chunks, 2 green chili peppers, 3 cups of green bell peppers coarse chop, 1/2 t turmeric powder, 1T curry powder, 2 1/2 t of salt, 1 cup cashews halves, 1/4 c margine, 1/4 c chopped onion. sage bread crumbs, 1/4 c fresh coriander,

Cook rice and cool. Heat oil in lg fry pan, over medium heat add Cinnamon, bay leaf, cumin and fennel. Brown a few seconds. Add onion, Tomatoes & Chiles. Stir Fry one minute, Reserve 1/4 cup of raw onion to sprinkle over finished rice. Add Green pepper & turmeric powder mix well. Add tomatoes sauce, blend ingred. Cook over medium heat until bell pepper becomes tender. Stirring occasionally do not over cook. Stir in Curry powder and salt, add cooked rice. Add Cashews and margarine. Sprinkle raw onions, and bread crumbs, garnish with coriander.

Recipe from Collette & Adrianne Dickson.

Memorial Day

I always say that most women will remember every occasion they received flowers. I remember the first flower I was given. In honor of my God Mothers 25 year anniversary. I think I was 6 or 7 years old. A carnation corsage with little red dried flowers and a silver leaf. Every time I smell a carnation. The fresh smell takes me back to that first corsage. What a powerful memory smell is. I remember thinking I was so special to get this flower.

Flowers make you feel better

Rutgers: Flowers Improve Emotional Health
The Emotional Impact of Flowers Study was published in the April 2005 issue of Evolutionary Psychology. Click here for the academic paper (PDF).
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.”

Flowers and wellness

I have known the power of flowers ever since I delivered my first bouquet at my first job. I have found memories of Alice’s flower shop. They gave me my start. A few years ago the Society of American florist hired Rutgers University to do a study on the impact of flowers. No one had to tell me what the study was going say. Whether its a single bloom or an entire bouquet, flowers can lift spirits. The study also reveals that flowers also help in aging, dementia, Alzheimer’s. Saying that when flowers are present they help patients become more communicative and more engaged in their home/community. For more information visit Proflowersnow.org

May 18 2 PM
Quintess Medical Spa  Wellness Event  (Free) Spend time, learn, relax treat yourself to wellness

10606 N Port Washington Rd # 1
Mequon, WI 53092-5013
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Direct ship verses local florist

Heard a commercial from a “direct ship” that insults florist quality flowers. I would like to share the shipping chain of our flowers. I choose a “farm or a brand of flowers” And I choose this farm based on the quality and grade of bloom, & if they are sustainable. “How they treat their employees, care of the land, their eco practices”. After the flowers are cut at the farm they are graded & sorted. (Length of stem, head size, petal count). Once they are sorted they are chilled down in coolers, even the boxes are chilled. Some of the stems are treated with a “pre-treat solution that will enable the flower to take up the most possible amount of water.” The temperature as constant as possible to insure the product is fresh. The next step is temperatured controlled shipping. The packed case is now shipped to our provider. (I choose to use the middle man because if there is a problem, they will take care of me and replacement is only hours away.) This same box is then delivered to me. We prepare (clean disinfected buckets) with special preservative that is “dosed” to the exact amount of water. The exact dosage is important. Too much or not enough has no value to the flowers. My staff cuts the bunch with precision. Proper cutting of the stems is huge. If the stem is cut improperly the flower may not be able to take up water to the flower heads. From here the flowers are placed in our (very clean) cooler. The flowers are now “hardened off”. Over the next few hours the flowers are taking up water and becoming hydrated.

Our flowers are then designed into “a vase of special magic water” they are wrapped and boxed for delivery by our great delivery guys.
I have ordered those direct ship flowers for myself. A dozen long stem roses. They measured 12 inches long. In my book that is short stem rose. They are delivered by UPS. (There is no heat or cooling in the back UPS trucks) Flowers arrive in a box and are left on your doorstep. They will sit on that doorstep till found at which time the recipient must arrange them. All during this process they have received no care or water.

I also support the 350 project. The 350 project is about supporting your local independent retailer. If you spend $100 at a big box, $40 comes back to your community. If you spend $100 on line, $00 comes back to your community, If you spend $100 in a local independent retailer $68 comes back into your community to keep
Your villages and cities strong.

What the direct shippers are saying is misleading. As in most cases there is always more to the story. There are different grades and quality of flowers and different ways to handle flowers which provide the best experience possible. So when I get a call from a customer that the flowers lasted, I know all the extra efforts I do with my flowers is appreciated and noticed.

Royal Wedding

The day all of us florist have been waiting for. The flowers for the royal wedding. I loved the flowers. Soft and delicate. Lilly of the valley. Her bouquet was the perfect accent to her gown. The straight classic lines of her dress with the lace overlay. Very vintage. The lightness of the Lilly of the valley are lace too. Perfect.
Just another detail for brides to consider with their gowns. Not only are they selecting flowers that they love, but will they accent the gown and complete the theme and style of the wedding. It is interesting to me that over the last year I have been seeing the trend to traditional flowers. Gardenias, Stephanotis. 50′s style gowns. Classic, traditional.

The flowers at the Abbey are amazing. All the botanical foliages with accents of white flowers really set off the elegance and magnificent beauty of the altar.  I know that my Brides often say the church is so elaborate and they feel that they do not need flowers.  Certainly decorating the church can impact your budget, however when you have the budget you can see how flowers done right can really enhance even Westminster Abbey. 

What it really comes down to, no matter how over the top or simple your wedding is.  Its two people in love who are planning a life together.  Planning your flowers is one of the steps in marriage.   What are your flowers going to say about you and your wedding?   When I work with my brides I like to get to know them and work their personalty into the over all look and feel of the wedding.   Flowers speak volumes about the Bride.  Look at Princess Kate.  Her gown, her flowers speak of a very simple styled women.  Classic, traditional, not over  stated.   I think as we get to know Kate…this reflection in flowers will prove to be a reflection of who Kate is as a person and how she moves through life.  Well off to work to finish the “3″ royal weddings that I will work on this weekend.