Flower Facts By Herndon Florist!

What is the best way to take care of a flower arrangement?

It depends on how they are packaged:

If you receive flowers in a container with floral foam, be certain the container is full of water every day. The water should be treated with the floral food provided by your florist. Using your finger, feel under the greens for a place where water can be added. Or you can pour water slowly into the center of the arrangement, keeping a finger in the container to gauge the water level.
If you receive flowers in a vase, check to be sure the water is always clear. If the water turns cloudy, empty it and add fresh water mixed with the floral food provided by your florist. If possible, re-cut the stems with a sharp knife before placing them in the fresh water.
If you receive flowers in a box or tissue, remove all of the foliage that falls below the water line, then cut the stems with a sharp knife in a sink full of warm water. Be sure to cut the stems under the water and place them immediately into a vase of warm water mixed with the floral food provided by your florist.

No matter what type of arrangement you have, it is important to keep your flowers off of televisions, appliances and heating/cooling units. You should also keep them away from hot or cold drafts and out of direct sunlight.

What is wrong with the water in a vase when it turns yellow and cloudy?

This is a natural sign that bacteria are growing in the water. Bacteria can clog stems and shorten the vase life of flowers, so keep the water clear at all times to ensure the longevity of your blooms. If your water starts to turn cloudy, immediately empty the vase and add fresh water, preferably mixed with the floral food provided by your florist. Re-cut the stems with a sharp knife under warm water before placing them in the vase of fresh water.

Since flowers like sunshine, should I put my arrangement in the sun when I get it?

No. Growing flowers require sunshine for maturation, but cut flowers will fade much faster if exposed to heat and direct sunlight. To keep flowers fresh longer, place them in a location away from sun and drafts.

Is it possible to revive a wilted rose?

Sometimes. If a rose wilts prematurely, remove it from the arrangement and try the following easy tip to perk it up. Fill a sink with warm water. Lay the rose horizontally in the water bath and cut the stem (about 1") with a sharp knife under the warm water. Leave the rose in the bath for about two hours and let the water cool. This process can work wonders, but if the rose is already past its vase life it will not revive.

Ask your florist about flower care.

Plant Care Tips

Not only are green and flowering plants a great enhancement to any home or office decor, they are also beneficial to your health. The results of a study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) show that common houseplants are powerful, natural air cleaners -- all the more reason why you want to keep your plants healthy with the proper care.

While they usually come with care instructions specified for the type of plant, the Society of American Florists offers these general guidelines to keep most green houseplants thriving:

Keep plants in medium-light locations. Natural light is best, however, some plants also can thrive in office fluorescent light. Most flowering potted plants should be placed in areas with the most light in order to maintain good flower color and promote the maximum number of flowers to open. Foliage plants will do well under lower light levels and can be placed in areas providing reduced light.

Plant soil should be kept moist at all times. Plants should not be allowed to dry out or wilt. However, avoid overwatering; do not allow plants to stand in water. Avoid wetting leaves.

Avoid excessive heat or cold. Plants should be maintained between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit for best performance.

Meaning of Flowers

Meanings of Rose Colors:
Roses can be enjoyed just because you love the color and the scent. But often roses can send a special meaning. Here are the traditional meanings of certain roses.

Red Rose Love; I Love You; Respect; Courage
Pink Rose Perfect happiness; Gentility; Grace; Sincerity
Deep Pink Rose; Thank You
Light Pink Rose; Admiration
Yellow Rose; Friendship, Joy & Happiness
White Rose Innocence; Purity; Heavenly
Peach, Coral, or Orange Rose; Enthusiasm; Desire
White & Red Roses; Together Unity
A Single Rose Simplicity; In Full Bloom Means "I Love You"
Long Stemmed Rose; I Will Remember You Always
Short Stemmed Rose; Sweetheart; Girlhood

For longest enjoyment, remember to cut rose stems daily and place deep in clean warm water. You can revive a wilted rose by cutting the stem and submerging the entire rose in warm water, allowing it to float in a sink or tub. To reduce stem blockage from air bubbles, always cut stems under water.

Flower of the month & their meanings

January: Carnation or Snowdrop Black, Dark Blue or Red Fascination; Devoted Love / Consolation; A Friend in Adversity

February: Violet or Primrose Violet, Sky Blue or Yellow Modesty; Faithfulness; Virtue / Young Love

March: Daffodil or Jonquil White or Light Blue Regard; Devotion / Affection Returned; Sympathy

April: Daisy or Sweet Pea Yellow, Red and Colorless Innocence; Youth; Purity / Goodbye; Blissful Pleasure; Departure

May: Lily of the Valley or Hawthorn Yellow, Red and Green Sweetness; Humility; Return of Happiness / Fertility; Hope

June: Rose or Honeysuckle Light Blue, White and Cream Love / Devoted Affection

July: Larkspur or Water Lily Green, Russet and Red Laughter / Purity of Heart

August: Gladiolas or Poppy Orange, Red and Light Green Strength of Character; Sincerity; Generosity; Natural Grace / Eternal Sleep; Imagination; Oblivion

September: Aster or Morning Glory Brown, Deep Blue Symbol of Love; Daintiness / Talisman of Love; Affection

October: Calendula or Cosmos White, Yellow and Varied Joy / Modesty

November: Chrysanthemum Dark Blue, Red and Yellow Cheerfulness; You're a Wonderful Friend; Rest; Lovliness; Abundance; Wealth

December: Narcissus or Holly Indigo, Green, Greenish-Blue Stay as Sweet as You Are; Egotism; Formality / Foresight, Good Wishes

Allium	Banksia	Carnation
Alstroemeria	Bird Of Paradise	Casablanca Lily
Amaryllis	Bouvardia	Cherry Blossom
Anemone	Button Pom	Cockscomb
Anthurium	Calla Lily	Cornflower
Baby's Breath	Caribea Heliconia	Daffodil
Daisy	Gardenia	Hyacinth
Delphinium	Genistra	Iris
Dendrobium Orchid	Gerbera Daisy	Ixia
Eremurus	Gladiolus	Kangaroo Paw
Freesia	Gloriosa Lily	Larkspur
Fuji Mum	Heather	Leptospernum
Liatris	Phalaenopsis Orchid	Ranunculus
Lilac	Phalaenopsis Spray	Rattlesnake Calathium
Lisianthus	Pin Cushion Protea	Red Ginger
Mini Carnation	Pink Ginger	Scabiosa
Oncidium Orchid	Protea	Snapdragon
Parakeet Heliconia	Queen Anne's Lace	Solidaster
Standard Mum	Stock	Tulip
Star Gazer Lily	Sunflower	Viburnum
Star of Bethlehem	Sweet Pea	Watsonia
Statice	Sweet William	Waxflower
Stephanotis	Tritoma	Yarrow