Archive for the ‘Flowers’ Category

International Flower Festivals: 2011 San Francisco Flower & Garden Show

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

One of this year’s most highly anticipated flower shows is the 2011 San Francisco Flower & Garden Show. The annual celebration is set to be bigger than ever this year as it embraces trends in ecological and sustainable gardening practices.

Here’s a look at what to expect from this year’s edition of the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show.

2011 San Francisco Flower & Garden Show

The 2011 San Francisco Flower & Garden Show, now about to mark its 26th year, is taking its celebrations to an even grander level this spring. As always, the Flower & Garden Show will act as a unique showcase for enjoying the best that California has to offer, exploring its one-of-a-kind horticultural and floral characteristics. This will be evidenced through event sections hosted by the state’s floral and plant visionaries (like the Bonsai Society of San Francisco, California Garden Clubs and the Western Horticultural Society).

The 2011 Show will feature an even greater emphasis on sustainable gardening practices than in its past and will host 20 installations from top, international designers. Event organizers have stated that the exhibition will primarily concern itself with how we connect to the environment around us, demonstrating the best methods for growing beautiful plants and flowers in a sustainable manner.

Some of the most prevalent themes at this year’s show will be matters including water conservation, floral design trends and arranging, novice and experienced horticultural tips and more. HGTV personalities will also be leading seminars this year regarding how to make great gardens without harming the environment. Gary Gragg and Annie Spiegleman have already confirmed their attendance, speaking to crowds from March 23rd to March 27th at the San Mateo Event Center.

Food celebrations have also been added to the event. Attendees looking for a great bite to eat between events will be thrilled to know that Sean Baker, Jeffrey Stout, Alice Waters, Margo True and Andrea Froncillo will all be in attendence, running their own restaurants. Adding in children’s areas and plenty of educational opportunities, the 2011 San Francisco Flower & Garden Show looks to be a great event for nearly any visitor.

The Perfect Flowers for Valentine’s Day

Friday, February 11th, 2011

Each Valentine’s Day we all try our best to find the right gift to express our feelings to our loved ones. Valentine’s Day flowers represent one of the best possible options, allowing you to present a great, enduring symbol of your love on a special holiday.

In order to help make this Valentine’s special for you and yours, we’ve provided a look at a few flowers perfectly suited for the holiday.

Roses

Roses are, by far, the most popular option for Valentine’s Day flower gift-giving. They represent a classic choice that acts as a clear symbol of love. Even though they’re the most traditional Valentine’s flower you can still make them unique. Try picking your rose bouquet from colours other than the common red tones and explore other beautiful options like yellow, lavender or peach.

Lilies

Although roses are one of the most popular choices, lilies come in a close second. Lilies possess a wonderful smell and are elegant in appearance. Just like roses, lilies are available in a wide variety of colours and styles. Whether you’re looking for fragrant Stargazers or beautiful Asiatics, lilies are always a smart choice for Valentine’s Day. Another great plus is that lilies, because they’re a slow blooming flower, last for a long time after they’re given as a gift.

Orchids

After roses and lilies, orchids are another great choice for a Valentine’s Day gift. Orchids can also be purchased in a number of different styles depending on taste and give off a pleasing fragrance regardless of style. Whether you’re interested in long stems or fuller arrangements, orchids represent a fantastic option.

Make your Valentine’s Day arrangement with roses, lilies or orchids to properly express love and romance this holiday season. Take the time to work with your florist to create a personalized arrangement for an extra touch and be sure to deliver the flowers along with a note to complete the gift.

Picking the Right Funeral Flower Style

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

Picking the right style of funeral or sympathy flower can be difficult. There are many different types of these flowers, all with their own unique purpose, and knowing which is the appropriate one for your situation can be tough.

In order to help, we’ve provided a quick run-down of the main styles of funeral flowers and how they are used at services or at home.

For the Service

There are a number of different styles that should be looked at. Box cover arrangements are usually large and expensive funeral flowers. They’re meant to be placed above a closed coffin and are available in either a “full” or “half” style. These are most often purchased by immediate family members.

Inside casket pieces are intended for use in the coffin lid’s interior (at open-casket funerals) and are, most often, provided by someone in the deceased’s family. Funeral sprays are meant to be held in one hand by a member of the funeral party or placed on an easel. They can range in size from small to large arrangements. Coronas, also meant to placed on an easel, are carried to the grave and usually take the shape of a ring — often a solid or framed heart — or a bouquet.

If you’re not part of the immediate family, funeral baskets can be sent to the service. Baskets can be composed of flower arrangements that stand with wire support on the floor or can be any type of visually pleasing arrangement that is put together in a basket or similar container.

For the Home

Picking the right funeral flower style is much easier when it is intended for use in the home. Many different types and styles of flower arrangements are appropriate for sending to (or bringing by) the home of the bereaved. Baskets or vases of flowers are a smart idea as they can be used at both the funeral service and at home. Plants can accompany flowers or stand on their own. The fact that they can be tended to long after they’re received is a plus. Plants allow for long-term enjoyment.

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