Posted on Feb 26, 2010 under silk flowers | Comments are off
Purchasing silk flowers can sometimes seem more trouble than they are worth. You start out thinking you will just pick up a nice arrangement and avoid the usual problems associated with real plants. Depending upon where you’re looking however, this seemingly simple task can turn into a headache and leave you deciding to forget the whole idea and just put up with the care, cleaning, and cost of real flowers instead.Here I am going to take a stab at giving you a few pointers on what to look for when purchasing an artificial flower arrangement. Hopefully I can keep it simple and concise, and neither of us will have had to empty the aspirin bottle before the end.The first rule is avoid the usual department stores and everything marts. What they have the vast majority of the time is low quality, poorly made, and wouldn’t fool your nearsighted grandmother. You may think you will find a bargain, but what you end up with is a twenty dollar waste of time. Their offerings are cheap, because they ARE cheap.Here are some things to look for in terms of determining quality.A good arrangement will have some common traits no matter what style it is. The first thing to look for is stem quality. Can you easily see the joints where blooms meet the stem? Are the edges of the leaves or blooms frayed, or showing loose threads? Is there a lot of, or large pieces of, “casting flash” on any of the plastic parts? If so, pass them by. These traits mean little concern was given to quality materials, and probably even less to quality construction. Whenever I see these, I get a mental picture of a giant machine with “Acme” printed on the side pounding blocks of plastic into little flower stems.
Is the arrangement full? Are there great gaps in between the stems? Unless it is an item designed to showcase individual stems, such as can be found with pieces like Calla lilies, the arrangement should be full, even lush. Just like with a real flower arrangement. Sparse filler, randomly spaced between bare stems with lots of open space between usually is not a design trait. It’s a cheapness trait. It means someone tried to make the arrangement look larger, while putting less into it. Space equals air, and air is free. And all you’ll get is extra air with a sparse arrangement. Have a look at some of these examples, to get a good idea what I mean.The base. As with any arrangement, you should not see green foam. Soil isn’t green, and neither is water. At least it shouldn’t be, and if it is, yuck! If you can’t see the green foam, did they use a cover material? Moss is the usual choice, and it should not hang over the sides, nor should it easily flop around. You should not be able to see through it, and it should be secured well enough that should you tilt the arrangement over, it does not move.Continuing with the base. What is it made of? With all the possibilities available, plastic really has little place in a quality arrangements base. Ceramic, glass, and even resins are all preferable to plastic, and offer much greater durability, style, and variety. Again, the materials used offer great insight into the quality of the arrangement as a whole. Plastic is cheap, and that is the only real factor in its favor.Just like with most everything else, there is a line where something stops being a bargain, and instead becomes just plain cheap. We become desensitized to cheap because it’s all around us. We think because something can be gotten for less, it must be a good deal. But in silk flowers, we can see quite well that this just isn’t true, and that getting your money’s worth, isn’t always about giving as little of your money as possible.I hope this has been helpful to you, and remember that it’s fine to look for cheap, but you don’t have to settle for cheap.
Posted on Feb 25, 2010 under dried flowers | Comments are off
More people today are practicing the art of crafts and hobbies. With this in mind we can find multiple uses for airers besides just drying of clothes. Most that do crafts or have hobbies don’t have a lot of extra room for their projects. Even with extra room what better way to use space and be able to put your airer away when you have finished the project.
A great way to use a wall mounted airer inside the home is for candles. Candles are beautiful and fun to make. Drip candles specifically need a place to hang to dry. Many of these candles are for decorative hanging and they make great gifts. An airer makes an excellent choice for this type of project as well. These candles can also make great sales item for street fairs, craft fairs and bazaars.
People that love flowers and want to preserve them need a way to dry them. An airer makes an excellent choice for this type of project. The air can circulate between the flowers allowing them to dry naturally and without using harsh chemicals. Think of the lavender that you could dry. Lavender has many different uses and is only one flower that you can dry. The airer then can serve as a drying rack for flowers as well as a place to dry clothes.
Airers are not only used for clothes. Most people with airers can find multiple uses for them. Today more than ever people want to find multiple uses for items in the home. With space decreasing and prices rising airers are just one way to save space and money. Not only are you saving space and money you are doing it in an environmentally friendly way. What more could you want from an airer?
Posted on Feb 25, 2010 under wreaths | Comments are off
The Christmas wreath is a traditional decoration that is almost as popular as the Christmas tree. When hung on the front door, a Christmas wreath makes a warm welcoming for you and your guests. Giving your wreath a little extra pizzazz will make that welcome even more special and stand out from the rest.
Light it up
Adding lights gives your wreath an added dimension. A lit wreath makes a great statement, even from the curb (with a lot less work than hanging lights on the roofline). There are many lighting options, including white lights, colored lights, pre-lit wreaths and fiber optics. If you are adding your own lights, look for battery-operated strands at your garden supply store. A cord can turn into a tangled mess in the doorway, but a battery-operated solution can make your wreath sparkle without the fuss.
Ribbon
Ribbon dresses up any wreath. You can simply add one large bow or wrap the ribbon all around for even more impact. Or, tie lots of small bows for an all-over pattern. Ribbon with wire is best for dressing wreaths, because the shape of the ribbon stays put how you want it. It is better to have too much than too little – so buy a little more than you think you’ll use. Skimping out on the ribbon is noticeable, but if you do it right, ribbon will add fullness and style to your wreath.
Festive flowers
Flowers make a great display on wreaths. Silk flowers work best because they aren’t as fragile as live flowers and they last a lot longer. Poinsettias are a popular choice, but you may also consider purchasing plastic fruit. Adding plants brings life and color to your wreath.
Ornamentation
Branch out from the traditional wreath and add some personality with ornaments. Christmas tree ornaments can be tied onto a wreath with wire or fishing line. Just be sure you secure them tightly so they do not fall off when the door opens and closes. Don’t feel limited to Christmas ornaments. There are many objects that can enhance your wreath’s appearance. Some other items that can accent your wreath are:
Virtually any small item can be attached to a wreath. So, get creative and think of original ideas that reflect your distinct personality.
Finishing touches
It’s always the little finishing touches that really stand out. They are what make your wreath pop and stand from the rest. Some ideas that will complete your look include:
The wreath hanging on your front door is one of the first things to greet your guests. If you put thought into your wreath and decorate it with personal touches, you will make a great first impression. Plus, it’s a great welcoming for YOU. You will get that warm feeling of home before you even open the door.
As spring come and flowers blossom, the green world return, just choose a elegant flower vase with a bundle of beautiful flower to decorate your house, and bring your home a spring nature and fresh air.
Even if it does not decorated with flower arranging, in itself is a work of art, which display it’s delicate elegance and charm.
The vase’s design fully reflects it’s use as a vase, because it’s just in an inverted shape of a flower. Not only maintain the balance with it’s flower shape design but also reflected the theme greatly.
“Green” is a timeless topic, but also a regular topic of conversation that should be promoted.
We want to show you a color feast.
Very strange and fancy design flower vases, there are three heights for you to choose.
Japan’s Teori design bamboo art vase, simple but keep grand.
The gadget with four “horns” come from its head is acutually a flower vase, you can arrange flowers in its different holes, so that make the flowers blossom in four directions, is that very interesting?
Last, maybe now you have a bold idea that to paint a clear flower vase for your home decoration. Why not? A painted flower vase can be a beautiful addition to your home. It also makes a great gift, and I’d like to give you some instructions below:
Thanks for view.
Painting on glass can be tricky, though. Paint can very easily come off of the glass if the vase is not prepared and finished properly. Here is how to do it with the best results.Things You’ll Need:Craft paint made for painting on glassPaint brushesRubbing alcoholA clean clothClear shellac
Prepare Your VaseStep 1: Clean the vase and remove all of the oils from it by rubbing it with rubbing alcohol. Oils will make the paint peel off.Step 2?Allow the vase to dry.Step 3: Prepare your paint by following the directions on the bottle. Usually, you don’t want to add water to to the paint because it will make the paint less adherent to the glass.Step 4: Paint your design onto the glass. Simple designs are best.Step 5: Add one or two coats of clear shellac after the paints dries.Step 6: Allow the shellac to dry and you’re done!
Part of the above pictures from: http://www.made-in-china.com/products-search/hot-china-products/Flower_Vase.html
Posted on Feb 24, 2010 under dried foliage | Comments are off
Dimensions: 16″ x 16″ x 4 1/2″ (approximate)
Preserved yarrow, bay leaf, mini cherry pumpkins, sage, safflower, bay leaf with artichokes and purple oregano accent this wreath.
Herbs are for decorative use only and not to be consumed.
For indoor or protected outdoor use only.
Due to the custom nature of our floral products, we are unable to accept returns on dried or preserved floral wreaths, wall hangings
Product Description Our Culinary Herb Collection is designed in a patchwork style mimicking the design of an actual herb garden. Preserved yarrow, bay leaf, mini cherry pumpkins, sage, safflower, bay leaf with artichokes and purple oregano accent this wreath…. More >>
Posted on Feb 24, 2010 under dried pods | Comments are off
Photographic Print Title: Near Gweta Baobab Tree in Evening with Dried Pods Hanging from Branches, Botswana
Artist: Lin Alder
Size: 18 x 24 inches
Product Description Near Gweta Baobab Tree in Evening with Dried Pods Hanging from Branches, Botswana is digitally printed on archival photographic paper resulting in vivid, pure color and exceptional detail that is suitable for any museum or gallery display. Finding that perfect piece to match your interest and style is easy and within your budget!… More >>
Posted on Feb 24, 2010 under dried flowers | Comments are off
A flower is the reproductive structure of the flowering plants. The plant’s reproductive organs are contained in the flower. The function of the flower is to produce seeds. After fertilization, portions of the flower develop into a fruit containing the seeds. The role of seeds is very important in the existence of the species of plants. Seeds are the next generation for the higher plants. These serve as the primary means by which individuals of a species are dispersed across the landscape. The inflorescence is the grouping of flowers on a plant.
Flowers are also symbol of beauty and also contain various lovely fragrances. They represent your true emotions. Roses bring a smile to your face. They have long been admired and used by humans, mainly to beautify their environment. The flowers are even used as a source of food.
In Western culture, many flowers have important symbolic meanings. The practice of assigning meanings to flowers is known as floriography. Red roses are given as a symbol of love, beauty, and passion. Lilies are often used to denote life or resurrection.Poppies are a symbol of consolation in time of death. Red poppies are worn to commemorate soldiers who have died in times of war in the UK, Australia and Canada.Irises/Lily are used in burials as a symbol referring to “resurrection/life”. Daisies are a symbol of innocence.
Flowers decorations are always very much appreciated on special occasions. Flower petals, or plants are used for wedding decorations, parties, or even for cake decorations. There are many flower companies which supply both fresh flowers, and bridal bouquets. Silk flowers (http://www.classicalmesh.com/welcome.php ) are also used for great decorations. They are sewn on fabric such as shirts, or curtains and give them a unique look.
Flowers not only give good looks but also they produce lovely smell.Hybrid tea roses offer a wide range of fragrances, including licorice, spice, and other sweet smelling aromas. Even artificial flowers can have scents added to them.
Flowers are adorning the every aspect of the lives of the people in modern times.. People have sought ways to cultivate, buy, wear, or just be around flowers and blooming plants, partly because of their agreeable smell. Flowers are greatly used for a wide range of events and functions around the world.
The rose is regarded the most obvious symbol of love and romance all over the world. The Rose has the honor of being the national flower of the US. It is a flowering shrub of the genus Rosa. The beauty, fragrance and sensuality of the roses always make them a worthy addition to any garden/landscape. The roses are of four types.
1. Bush roses— Upright rose plant, bearing rose flower on top. These are of different types.Its types include hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, miniatures and antique roses. The hybrid tea is famous for their color-range (red, yellow, pink, white) and fragrance. These are the most extensively grown among the rose types. Floribundas are refined from the hybrid tea roses. Grandifloras combine the best of the above two, while miniatures are tiny forms of all rose types. Old or antique roses have long heritage dating back to a time before 1867, the year of first hybrid tea production.
2. Climbing roses—These rose plants need staking and supports like trellis, fences, posts or pillars. They have long, curving canes and varied colors.
3. Shrub and Ground Cover roses— The shrub roses grow broadly upright and need the least care.
4. Tree roses— Any one of the bud-grafted rose types on a straight, steady trunk. They need sincere pruning and winter protection.
It is worthmentioning here that dried roses make great decorations. Their petals, and stems can be fixed onto greeting cards. You can beautify it more by adding your own unique touches. You can make a dried floral wreath. You can use dried roses to decorate a bowl, or container. They can also be stored to remember a special occasion. Surprisingly, the dead roses can last 6-12 months, even longer if properly maintained.
White rose flowers are beautiful in their simplicity. The white roses are of different styles. Some white rose’s are of the classic rose shape, with petals spiraling outward from the center. Other white roses have full blossoms with many petals. Some white roses only have a few petals, and look like daisies.
Benefits of roses
Roses are very beneficial from health point of view. Rose oil, rose water and rose hips benefit us in a number of ways.
Both rose oil and rose water are derived from the rose flower and are good for skin. Rose water acts as a tonic, antiseptic good for eye infections while Rose oil is used in aromatherapy. Roses are mild sedatives and anti-depressants. Rose hips (flowers swollen to seeds) are source of many essential vitamins and also fight bladder infections and diarrhea.
For more information about flower guide visit: http://www.classicalmesh.com/flower-guide.php
The most common daisy is the “Shasta Daisy”, Chrysanthemum maximum which is a perennial.
Sometimes, people buy a daisy which are described as Giant Daisy. It is a perennial, but it requires dry conditions in winter, or they may die. Wetness will kill it in the winter, not the cold.
You can plant it in containers, but then they are usually treated as annuals. If you store the container dry and cool for the winter, only watering the container when it is frost free, and the soil is throughly dry, you can overwinter the plants in an unheated garage, tool shed etc. If the planters are large, you can leave them outdoors. Remember to use a good container planting mix which drains well. Avoid clayish garden soil.
Daisies must be deadheaded and like full sun. Fertilize regularily through the summer. Although they like well draining soil, and prefers to stay on the dry side in winter, they should never be allowed to dry out in summer. Water regularily, and deeply, so that the soil is consistently moist. It helps to mulch the plant in summer to preserve moisture.
Gerberas belong to a genus of about 40 species of hairy perennialsfrom grassland in temperate and mountainous regions of Africa, Madagascar, Asia and Indonesia. They are half hardy to frost tender. The ones we mostly know are Gerbera jamesonii ,Barberton Daisy/Transvaal Daisy. Within this ‘group’ there are various cultivars e.g.
Californian Giants’ which have single flowers in shades of yellow, apricot, orange, red, pink and the ‘Pandora’ series to name but two. These are the ones you find either as a cut flower or pot plant with their vibrant colours. They are a beautiful flower but have got a mind of their own when used in arrangements, where they tend to bend and twist, adding their own special magic to your display.
Gerbera, comes in a single stem, with no leaves and comes in wonderful colours from white, yellow, orange, red, through to shocking pink and magenta. They are a lovely vibrant flower which look stunning on their own in a vase with maybe a little bear grass. I would imagine that any florist relay organisation such as Interflora would be able to source these for you. I would be very surprised if they didn’t.
Did you transplant them to a different container after you brought them home? If so, they are probably exhibiting signs of transplant shock which is very understandable with the huge blooms of a Gerbera Daisy. You should probably go ahead and cut off the oldest blooms so that the plant can start producing new blooms. Gerbera Daisies have such large brilliant colored flowers that it takes a little time to produce more.You can tell which are the oldest blooms just by noting the ones that are drooping the worst and the color of the bloom is usually a more faded shade of color than the newer ones.
Since you already used a fertilizer,wait a bit after cutting the old blooms, about one week Then get some Miracle Gro Bloom Buster, or any brand is fine as long as it is for blooms only. Annuals need a boost every now and then throughout the growing season. Mostly they just need a bit of patience and if you ignore them for awhile, they will usually surprise you and perk right up without any help at all.
But especially the Gerbera Daisy will have to be “deadheaded”, old blooms removed, every now and then to produce maximum blooms. If you do experience weird weather changes, which is common in spring, and the temperature dips below 40 degrees, bring them in or cover them up.
Several weeks ago I planted Gerber Daisies in potted planters. They looked great for about a week but now they are drooping and sagging. I water every couple of days, however, they are only getting morning/early afternoon sun on my porch, so the soil doesn’t really dry out that much. I added fertilizer to the potting soil mix when I planted them.
I have had to learn not to buy Gerber Daisies, for the reasons you mentioned. They do not hold up well. The nursery people have figured out how to get them to bloom beautifully in their greenhouses, and they look great in the stores, but when you get them home they fall apart. I understand they do like a somewhat dry soil, but not too dry. Probably shouldn’t have fertilized them, since they probably already had fertilizer in the pot. They need “full” sun. They need some protection from the elements.
As pretty as they are, my recommendation is, pass them by in the store and find something less fussy to deal with. If you don’t have a greenhouse that you can keep to a tempture that most of your plants like then as I have said just pass them right by in the store.
