Flowers and Gardening Blog

Dear Florist4Us.com Readers,

Welcome to the Flower Newsletter (5/27/2009). In this edition we have included news, articles and videos. You can find more resources on our website: Florist4Us.com.

Flower News

Chelsea Flower Show 2009: bright ideas that grow on you (Daily Telegraph)
Our garden expert Bunny Guinness picks out the very best of the clever the innovative and the quirky to inspire your own outdoor spaces (More)

North Carolina ranks fifth in the nation in Floriculture production.
NC’s Economy “Blooming Cash”North Carolina-grown flowers and ornamental plants not only brighten the landscape, but they also brighten the economy, generating nearly $217 million in farm income and providing employment opportunities statewide. “North Carolina ranks fifth in the nation in floriculture production, and this segment of the industry contributes significantly to the state’s overall agricultural economy,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We have more than 20 million square feet of total floral greenhouse area and nearly 800 aces of outdoor floral production in the state.” (More)

Hawaii floriculture sales down 9% in 2008
Crop losses from volcanic emissionsHawaii’s floriculture and nursery products were valued at an estimated $98.6 million in 2008. The National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Hawaii Field Office said the value was down 9 percent from $108.7 million in 2007. The report said the industry still is a major contributor to Hawaii’s agriculture. Growers commented on slower business in 2008 as a result of the sluggish economy, crop losses from volcanic emissions on the Big Island, adverse weather conditions and the high cost of farming. (More)

Daylily-themed flower show at Burney Garden
Monthly floral exhibitionsFifth of the series, the theme of the monthly floral exhibition for May was daylily (hemerocallis aurantiaca). May is the month in which daylilies blossom. It’s very sensitive flower having single-day life; as the evening falls they fade away. These flowers can be found in all colours except blue and white. Once planted one can enjoy daylilies for four years after which they stop blooming. (More)

Flower business booms amidst signs of peace in Kashmir (Calcutta News)
Srinagar, May 26 : Amidst signs of normalcy returning to Jammu and Kashmir, the flower business is steadily prospering in the State. (More)

Flower Articles

Meaning of the White Rose
The different colors of the rose have long been associated with certain meanings. The white rose is no exception. White being the pure color, some would call it pristine, the white rose has become a symbol of purity … (More)

How to Keep Your Garden Healthy Without Buying Fertilizer
Most Australian homes have a garden where flowers and vegetables are grown. To maintain your garden’s health, you need soil that’s in good condition and right for the kind of plants you keep. You can invest in fertilizers, potting mixes, mulch and compost. All these things need to be purchased regularly, and the cost can add up. A more sustainable way to keep your garden healthy is to recycle your kitchen waste. (More)

Outdoor Garden Barrels Make Great Rain Catchers
Providing life giving water to your garden can be as easy as turning on the hose and sprinkling your vegetable garden. In some areas, this is not the case and many are turning to ways to harvest the rain. Outdoor garden barrels can be easily acquired and strategically positioned to become holding tanks for water during rainstorms. These rain catchers can keep rainwater stored until ready for use in your garden. (More)

What is Organic Gardening and Why Should You Try It?
Why should you try organic gardening? What’s in it for you? Find out why it’s more popular than ever. (More)

This newsletter is provided by Florist4Us.com.

Dear Florist4Us.com Readers,

Welcome to the Flower Newsletter (5/21/2009). In this edition we have included news, articles and videos. You can find more resources on our website: Florist4Us.com.

Flower News

Toledo Farmers Market celebrates Flower Day Weekend (The Toledo Blade)
Growers and greenhouses are gathering an enormous bouquet for local flower lovers. The special occasion is the 20th annual Flower Day Weekend at the Toledo Farmers Market, featuring Flower Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and Market Days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. About 50,000 people are expected over the three-day period at the Farmers Market, which is at the … (More)

Middle East’s largest flower hub in Tonekabon now 60% complete (mehrnews.com)
TEHRAN, May 20 (MNA) — The construction of the Middle East’s largest flower and plant terminal in Iran’s northern city of Tonekabon shows 60 percent progress, said Mazandaran Province’s governor general on Wednesday. (More)

Top Gear plasticine garden takes ‘gold’ at RHS Chelsea Flower Show
May’s Paradise in Plasticine gardenThe Royal Horticultural Society is attempting to shrug off its stuffy image, judges awarded James May, the Top Gear presenter, a gold medal for his Plasticine garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The medal is also made from Plasticine. The gesture was a clear rebuff to traditionalists who had accused the garden selection panel of dumbing down the show. (More)

Cosmos plant
By Bonie: Can I cut my cosmos down and will they grow back again?
Answer By The Flower Expert: Dear Bonne, After your cosmos have their first flush of blooms, cut them back for another one. Ater the flower are finished, cut them off. Pruning helps to prompt new growth and tidy up the plant.Afterward, fertilize, water and await a whole new crop.Yes, they will grow back. (More)

Flower Articles

Gardening the Easy Way With Waist High Raised Garden Beds
It is fun and healthy to garden if the task is easy, not back breaking and something that people of any age can do without pain or discomfort. It is a known fact these days that many people have their own small gardens to help offset the costs of fruits and vegetables from their grocery bill. (More)

How to Deal With Sandy Soil
There are essentially 4 types of garden soil and knowing which one you have is the first step to successful gardening. This article looks at sandy soil and how you can best work with it as a gardener. Sandy soil is a light, open soil made up of coarse sand particles. When you pick up a handful of this soil, it feels gritty ad even when wet, it will crumble apart in your hands. (More)

Fight Rose Pests With Beneficial Insects
Insects are attracted to flowers, especially roses. However, while many types of insects are deadly to roses, there are quite a few that can prove quite beneficial to your garden. Most of these insects will devour harmful insects, attracting them to your garden is always a good idea, so that you can do your own pest control without the hazards of pesticides. (More)

Start a Floral Design Business 1-2-3
Floral arrangements and delivery service is in demand year round. I guess you could say they are seasonal products for all seasons. This makes floral design a profitable business to get into. Yet, if … (More)

This newsletter is provided by Florist4Us.com.

Dear Florist4Us.com Readers,

Welcome to the Flower Newsletter (5/13/2009). In this edition we have included news, articles and videos. You can find more resources on our website: Florist4Us.com.

Flower News

Everything you need to know to get a flower garden going (Detroit Free Press)
Get your green thumbs ready: Gardening season is here. Even if you’ve never planted a flower garden before, we’ve got you covered. Click here for a pdf file containing some basic suggestions for gardening success, from preparing the soil to getting the plants in the ground. (More)

Tehran’s biggest flower and plant exhibit on Monday
Flower and plant exhibitExpediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Tehran Mayor Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf inaugurated Tehran’s biggest flower and plant exhibit on Monday. Dozens of domestic and foreign companies are displaying their products at the exhibit. (More)

Perennial plant sale in the Arts and Crafts Building (Crawford County) on May 16th
Wind and Flowers Garden ClubThe Earth, Wind and Flowers Garden Club had its April meeting in the home of Sarah Kalb. President Dianna Zaebst welcomed Bev Sipe as the newest member and presented her with a gift. The flower show schedule for the county fair is complete. The theme is “A Trek Through the Universe.” The club’s perennial plant sale will be 9 a.m. to noon May 16 in the Arts and Crafts Building at the fairgrounds. (More)

Festival of Flowers Floral Show at the Brown Deer Golf Course Clubhouse on May 28
Awards will be presented for Best in ShowEntries are being sought for the 4th Annual Festival of Flowers Floral Show and Competition to be held at the Brown Deer Golf Course Clubhouse on May 28. Awards will be presented for Best in Show, Most Creative Container, Best Use of Theme and a People’s Choice Award for each division. All entries will be on display during an afternoon preview and be available for purchase through silent and live auctions during the evening reception. (More)

Flower Videos

Garden Design & Care : Flower Guide

Flowers are available from seeds, bulbs or roots, and they can be grown outdoors or indoors, depending on their preferred growing environment. Start a flower garden using a variety of flower species withhelpful advice from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardens. Expert: Yolanda Vanveen Contact: www.vanveenbulbs.com Bio: Yolanda Vanveen is a third-generation flower grower and sustainable gardener who lives in Kalama, Wash. Filmmaker: Daron Stetner…

Flower Articles

Getting Started In Your Rose Garden
Rose gardens are a beautiful addition to any yard. They not only improve the beauty and ambiance; they are also a great outlet to relieve stress. The problem is: if you have never done it before, st… (More)

Native Plant Growing is Another Environmentally Friendly Methodology
What else would be better while at the same time cut off your budget in garden maintenance rather than native planting. I agree to some of the benefits that win over the traditional landscaping. Native landscaping or might be referred to by many as ‘naturescaping’ is to grow the plants according to its local environment without changing the site chemically. It could save you money while you compare the cost of installing a lawn with perennials, couple of shrub beds and even turf grass. (More)

The Exotic Black Orchid
Orchids are a very popular flower most likely because of its exotic look. Even more unique is the the black orchid, whose genus name is bulbophyllum. This exotic plant is the largest genus in the Orchidaceae or Orchid family, as well as being one of the the largest in the entire plant kingdom. Numbering at about 1805 species, the study of the black orchid is no small feat. (More)

Learning Perennial Gardening
Learning the art of perennial gardening is much like learning to do anything else. A certain amount of knowledge and skill is required to create a perennial garden but only by doing research into the … (More)

This newsletter is provided by Florist4Us.com.

Dear Florist4Us.com Readers,

Welcome to the Flower Newsletter (5/6/2009). In this edition we have included news, articles and videos. You can find more resources on our website: Florist4Us.com.

Flower News

Morning Glory
By Lawrence: I wanted to kindly know if the flower morning glory has the attribute in changing colors? I found some next to our yard they seem growing all over (wild), I dont know when we clooect them they are purple blue and when we carry them home they get pink?
Answer By The Flower Expert: Dear Lawrence,The Morning glory flowers start to fade a 2 hours before the petals start showing visible curling.Probably because of that they start to lose their color from blue to pink. (More)

Garden Club plans June 20 flower show
Lakeville Garden ClubThe Lakeville Garden Club is planning its third flower show to be open to the public on Saturday, June 20. “Celebrating Summer” will be a full standard show with five design classes and six horticultural classes. (More)

Bedale flower festival comes up roses
Excellent flower festivalST Gregory’s Church, in Bedale, celebrated the Bank Holiday weekend with an excellent flower festival, along with a craft and gift fair. Many visitors enjoyed the magnificent floral displays. (More)

Flowers of the Month
Flowers represent each month. January flower is the Carnation (Mother’s day flower), February flower is Violet, March flower is the Daisy, April flower is the Daffodil, May flower is the Lily of the valley, so on and so forth. The Botanical name of lily of the valley is Convallaria majalis, otherwise called as May Bells , Our Lady’s Tears. They are small bell like blooms on a short delicate stem, with colors ranging from white, pink blooming all year round. The meaning of lily of the valley is Sweetness, you complete my life, return of happiness. Lily of the valley is said to have been the favorite flower of Queen Victoria. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. These flowers are very popular for weddings and corsage designs. (More)

Flower Videos

Wedding Centerpieces – Ideas for Flower Arrangements

www.wedding-flowers-guide.com give ideas and examples of how to have beautiful wedding centerpieces for your big day.

Flower Articles

Creating Soil Compost – There Are Compostable Materials All Around You!
Everywhere people are looking for cheaper alternatives when creating soil compost. Chemicals are very expensive, and if they are used incorrectly they can also cause environmental harm. Learn where you can find compost materials are your own home! (More)

How to Prune a Bonsai Tree
When pruning a bonsai tree, you are removing branches that cause it to look cluttered. This makes the tree look out of shape and diminished its style. In order to keep the shape of your bonsai tree, it must be pruned. Pruning also helps the tree to grow properly. There are certain times when your bonsai can be pruned the right way. (More)

Organic Herb Gardening
Have you been thinking of growing an herb garden or a planting a few of your favorite herbs in a windowsill planter or in pots on the back sun porch for easy access in cooking? If you haven’t gardened before you may not have thought much about soil condition, fertilizer, or pest control. Before you plant, take a little time to learn what you’ll need to know to grow your herbs organically. (More)

How To Grow And Care For A Egg Plant
The eggplant is a wonderful vegetable that is found in many dishes around the world. The plant can grow up to 5 feet tall with leaves that are grayish green in color. The size of the fruit varies from variety to variety. Other plant growth factors play an important part in the vegetables development. These include, but are not limited to, soil quality and climate conditions. (More)

Gift Ideas for Mother�s Day
Nothing can warm up every home than the idea of having a mother waiting for you in the kitchen with a glass of milk and cookies. On rainy days, she would have a bowlful of warm soup as I trudged in so… (More)

This newsletter is provided by Florist4Us.com.