Pronounce it poin-SET-uh or more properly, poin-SET-ee-uh, the poinsettia is is undeniably the king of Christmas plants.

Choosing the Right One
Not all poinsettias are created equal. Because it’s often given as a gift, selecting the healthiest and most beautiful one is essential to garner the right impression. Healthy poinsettias are those with large bracts (that’s the red part - bet you thought it was the petals of the flower!) that are opened up and have very little to no tinge of green on the edges. Inspecting the bracts is actually more important the inspecting the flowers, which is that yellow bit in the middle. The leaves, usually in layers below the bracts, should be abundant and a lush green. Needless to say, avoid ones that are wilting, drooping or have breakage. For a thorough examination, the soil may also be checked. It should be slightly dry, and definitely not soggy since this can lead to root rot.

And don’t forget to look at the poinsettia from all angles! You don’t want to give something that looks great from one side but terrible on the other.

Poinsettias don’t enjoy the wind. So when transporting the plant, protect it from the harsh winter climate by carefully placing it in a roomy bag.

Care
If you’ve received a poinsettia, don’t think that it’s just good for the few weeks around Christmas. Proper care can prolong its beauty, allowing you to enjoy its presence for several Christmases.

Poinsettias aren’t demanding houseplants. They just need a little water when the soil feels dry, a comfortable room temperature, and protection from drafts and excessive heat. They’ll thrive in a spot that is exposed to indirect sunlight.

The $200,000 Orchid
In 2005 a group of Chinese scientists working on agricultural research grew an orchid that was purchased at auction by an anonymous buyer for an incredible 1.68 million yuan or right around $200,000 USD. This orchid was the result of eight years of efforts and represented a new and unique species, which accounted for its staggering price point.
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The Legendary Flower
The Kadupul Flower begins blooming just before midnight and dies within a matter of hours. Because of its extremely short lifespan, even in its native Sri Lanka, the flower is rarely seen. The Kadupal Flower has been mythologized throughout history, and is referred to as the legendary flower of the Celestial Nagas. However, because of its ludicrously short lifespan the flower’s monetary value is pretty much nil.
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17^th Century Tulip Bulb
Considered the most expensive flower in history, the Semper Augustus was coveted for both its beauty and its scarcity. In 1637, the asking price was as high as 10,000 guilders, which, in addition to sounding old time-y and impressive, was enough money to have purchased “a grand home on the most fashionable canal in Amsterdam.”
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Cheap Flower With Expensive Taste
Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice by weight, and each pound of Saffron is the product of approximately 50,000 flowers. So although the flower itself is far from rare, it does yield a spice that can be sold for right around $1,000 a pound. If you do the math, the value of each flower that is used for saffron would be right around 2 cents, making this the most affordable bouquet on the list by about $125,000.source

Eastern Orthodox can be divided into several subcategories defined by ethnic, cultural and historic attributes. However, all Eastern Orthodox funerals are dominated by the idea that the deceased will be entering heaven or hell.

There are general guidelines governing the presentation of flowers for funerals conducted under this faith.

If you are to attend an Eastern Orthodox funeral service, it is best to wear formal dark clothing, preferably in dark navy or black. The service will have an open casket display, which attendees must go up to. Respects are paid to the deceased by bowing down in front of the casket and kissing the object that has been placed on their chest. This object is typically a cross.

Flowers may be sent to the location of the funeral service in the three days after the day of death and before the service. During these three days, the body will be on display. Sympathy flower arrangements appropriate for an Eastern Orthodox funeral are usually dominated by white flowers. If you are unable to attend the service, you may send flowers to the funeral home or to the home of the bereaved. You may also make a contribution to a charity or fund that has been selected by the bereaved.

Flowers are also required during the service. A single bloom is placed on the casket by each person in attendance.

A Brief History of the Sunflower
Some of the earliest records of the cultivation of sunflowers date as far back as 2600 BC in the area of present day Mexico. The sunflower was treated as a symbol of the Sun god by the Aztecs and Incas. In fact, several artifacts made of gold taking the shaping of this flowers have been found.

It was after the Europeans came to South America that sunflowers began to spread throughout Europe. This was sometime around the 16th century. Sunflowers were cultivated as a food source, for their oil, and their beauty.

In the realm of Greek mythology, the existence of sunflowers are explained by the story of the water nymph, Clytie and the sun god, Apollo.  According to the myth, Clytie fell in love with Apollo, who did not return her affections. Heartbroken, Clytie gazed at the sun all day, everyday, gradually wasting away. Finally, her body was transformed into a flower. Although this is a common myth related to the creation of sunflowers, some believe Clytie was actually transformed into a marigold instead.

Meaning

Sunflowers thrive in the direction of the sun. As such, they are often meant to symbolize homage and devotion - a perfect flower to give to a spouse to celebrate the third wedding anniversary.

Sunflowers can also mean adoration, as defined by the story of Clytie and Apollo.

One feature of sunflowers is that they can grow to great heights. Depending upon the variety, some can even grow several metres tall. This image of their great height and splendour is one reason for their association with pride and haughtiness.

9. American Beauty - Rose Petals Emerge From Mena Suvari’s Chest

Whether you love or hate the film, the sexualized dance Mena Suvari performs for Lester that culminates in her slowly unbuttoning her top to reveal thousands of rose petals presents a striking image. Plus, when the imagery becomes ingrained enough that Family Guy uses it for a cheap laugh it has pretty much established itself as a part of pop culture.

8. The Ruins - The Flowers Mimic, Maim, and Kill

At first glance it would seem like your standard horror fare: a group of tourists travels out to a remote destination, things go horribly wrong, and they are slowly and methodically picked off. However, since the typical local psychopath is replaced by vines whose flowers can mimic voices in a creepy Predator-like fashion, The Ruins somehow manages to seem slightly more preposterous than a Sci-Fi Channel original movie.

7. Batman (1989) - The Joker Shows off his Acid Corsage

Sure, Heath Ledger’s Joker is darker, edgier, and more realistic, but Jack’s had the classic “fake corsage” gag to fall back on. Squirting someone in the face with water isn’t really that funny to begin with, but once you decide to use acid you’ve officially graduated to major d-bag status.

6. Little Shop of Horrors - A Flower Shop is Overrun by a Carnivorous Plant

Though it’s not really a flower, the fact that it’s a plant that feeds on blood and resides in a flower shop is more than enough to justify Audrey II butting his way onto the list.

5) Anacondas: The Search for the Blood Orchid - Snakes Eat Magic Flowers and Become Huge

Magic flower = giant snakes. It’s that simple. Jennifer Lopez must have rubbed some of that blood orchid on her ass. (Get it? Her ass is huge. Huge and fat.)

4. The Fountain - Hugh Jackman Becomes One with the Earth…Literally

As an ultimate eff you to Hugh Jackman in his epic quest for the fountain of youth, he is granted immortality. Unfortunately for him, it comes in the form of being transformed into some sort of flowery ground cover. The next time you’re hiking and you wander off to take a leak, remember, you could be peeing on Wolverine!

3. 40 Days and 40 Nights - Flower Petals Serve as Vibrator Substitute

You know the scene. Sworn to 40 days of celibacy, a frustrated Josh Hartnett resorts to props and uses the petals of a flower to bring his newfound love to a ridiculous (albeit somewhat impressive) climax.

2. Adaptation - The Ghost Orchid is Used as a Drug

Aside from Flowers for Algernon, Charlie Kaufman points out that there hasn’t really been an entire movie about flowers. By the film’s action-inspired third act, Meryl Streep is snorting a ground up orchid to get high, Nicolas Cage is being chased through a swamp, and a toothless Chris Cooper gets eaten by an alligator. Ghost Orchid is a hell of a drug.

1) Terminator 2 - T-800 Pulls a Shotgun from a Box of Roses

There is very little that could be cooler than Arnold as the Terminator just casually walking down a hallway with a lame old box of roses, only to remove a shotgun from the box, stoically say “Get down,” and then blast a shell right into some robot torso. Yes, Hard Boiled had a similar scene first, but no human can come close to the engineered awesomeness of something from Cyberdyne Systems.

The Vigil
This is more commonly known as the wake. It can be held as early as the morning after the deceased has passed away, or in the days following.

After the passing of the deceased, friends and family gather to reflect and express their condolences to the bereaved. It may include prayers, readings from the Scriptures, and a viewing (i.e. an open casket). Often, the Vigil is held at the home of the deceased or where the funeral Mass is to take place.

The Funeral Liturgy
This is the actual funeral service. The high points are the liturgy and the funeral Mass.

In moderation, sympathy flowers, especially freshly cut ones, are acceptable at a funeral Mass. Often, they are suitable for the Vigil as well.

The celebration of Mass is a key part of the funeral liturgy. It is important to remember that usually only Christian symbols are allowed on or near the casket, so. Modest, tributes,  standing sprays and wreaths are suitable as sympathy flowers. Common types of flowers used for such arrangements are roses, carnations and lilies.

The funeral Mass is then followed by the Final Commendation.

The Final Commendation is the prayer in which the people gathered commend the deceased into God’s hands. This will happen around the end of the funeral liturgy. Alternatively, it can be performed during
burial at the Rite of Committal.

The Rite of Committal
This last service is conducted at the final resting place of the deceased.

After the burial of the deceased, a reception may be held where refreshments are served. However, this varies widely and depends upon the family of the deceased.

After the Funeral
Sometimes sympathy flowers may also be sent after the funeral to the home of the bereaved. However, if in doubt, arrange to have them sent for the funeral Mass or Vigil.

416-FLORIST has provided funeral and sympathy flowers for years to several funeral homes in the Greater Toronto Area.

In the event the location of a funeral service is unknown, we can find out if it is taking place at one of the funeral homes we have listed here. We can also find out the time and date so that sympathy floral arrangements may be sent to promptly comfort the bereaved.

In Toronto:
Bates and Dodds Funeral Home : 931 Queen St. W., Toronto, Ontario.
Bernardo Funeral Home, Dufferin Chapel : 2960 Dufferin St., Toronto, Ontario.
Bernardo Funeral Home, Albion Chapel : 855 Albion Rd.,Toronto, Ontario.
Cardinal Funeral Home, Bathurst Chapel : 366 Bathurst St.,Toronto, Ontario.
Cardinal Funeral Home, Annette Chapel : 92 Annette St.,Toronto, Ontario.
Cardinal Funeral Home,Earle Elliott Chapel:715 Dovercourt Rd.,Toronto,On.
Delmoro Funeral Home,Beverly Hills Chapel :61 Beverly Hills Dr.,Toronto,On.
Demarco Funeral Home, Keele Chapel : 3725 Keele St.,Toronto, Ontario.
Demarco Funeral Home, Kipling Chapel : 2058 Kipling Ave.,Toronto, Ontario.
Eternity Funeral Home: 1491 Danforth Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
Giffen Mack Funeral Home, Danforth Chapel: 2570 Danforth Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
Giffen Mack Funeral Home, Lawrence Chapel: 4115 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Heritage Funeral Home: 50 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ontario.
Highland Funeral Home: 3280 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Highland Memory Gardens Funeral Home: 33 Memory Gardens Lane, Toronto, Ontario.
Hogle Funeral Home, Mimico Chapel : 63 Mimico Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
Hogle Funeral Home, Wignall Chapel : 62 Longbranch Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
Humphreys Funeral Home, A.W. Miles Chapel : 1403 Bayview Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
Ingram Funeral Home, Cheung On Chapel : 1055 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Ingram Funeral Home, Wing On Chapel : 665 Spadina Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
Jerrett Funeral Home, St. Clair Chapel : 1141 St. Clair Ave. W., Toronto, Ontario.
Jerrett Funeral Home, Yonge St. Chapel : 6191 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario.
Jerrett Funeral Home, Kennedy Chapel : 660 Kennedy Rd., Toronto, Ontario.
Kane Funeral Home, R.S. Kane Chapel : 6150 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario.
Lynett Funeral Home: 3299 Dundas St. W., Toronto, Ontario.
McDougall & Brown Funeral Home,Kingston Rd.Chapel:2900 Kingston Rd, Toronto,Ontario.
McDougall & Brown Funeral Home,Eglinton Chapel:1812 Eglinton Ave. W, Toronto,Ontario.
Miller A. Roy Funeral Home: 1695 St. Clair Ave. W., Toronto, Ontario.
Morley Bedford Funeral Home : 159 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto, Ontario.
Murray Newbigging Funeral Home: 733 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Toronto, Ontario.
Newediuk Funeral Home, Kipling Chapel : 2104 Kipling Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
O’Connor Bros Funeral Home : 1871 Danforth Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
Ogden Funeral Home, Sheppard Chapel : 4164 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Ogden Funeral Home, St. Clair : 646 St. Clair Ave. W., Toronto, Ontario.
Paul O’Connor Funeral Home : 1939 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Pine Hills Chapel Funeral Home : 625 Birchmount Rd., Toronto, Ontario.
R. S. Kane Funeral Home : 6150 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario.
Ralph Day Funeral Home : 180 Danforth Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
Ridley Funeral Home : 3080 Lakeshore Blvd. W., Toronto, Ontario.
Rosar Morrison Funeral Home : 467 Sherbourne St., Toronto, Ontario.
Ross Craig Funeral Home : 1357 Queen St. W., Toronto, Ontario.
Ryan & Odette Funeral Home : 1498 Dundas St. W., Toronto, Ontario.
Scarborough Funeral Home : 2966 Eglinton Ave. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Scott Funeral Home, Weston Rd. Chapel: 1273 Weston Rd., Toronto, Ontario.
Sherrin Funeral Home : 873 Kingston Rd., Toronto, Ontario.
Simple Alternative Funeral Home, North York Chapel: 275 Lesmill Rd., Toronto, Ontario.
Speers Funeral Home : 2926 Dundas St. W., Toronto, Ontario.
Trull Funeral Home, Yonge St. Chapel : 2704 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario.
Trull Funeral Home, Danforth Chapel : 1111 Danforth Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
Turner & Porter Funeral Home, York Chapel : 2357 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario.
Turner & Porter Funeral Home, Roncesvalles Chapel: 436 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
Turner & Porter Funeral Home, Butler Chapel : 4933 Dundas St. W., Toronto, Ontario.
Ward Funeral Home, Weston Rd. Chapel : 2035 Weston Rd., Toronto, Ontario.
Washington & Johnson Funeral Home : 717 Queen St. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Wing Sung Funeral Home : 508 Spadina Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
York Cemetery Chapel Funeral Home : 101 Senlac Rd. , Toronto, Ontario

MARKHAM:
Chapel Ridge Funeral Home : 8911 Woodbine Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
Dixon-Garland Funeral Home : 166 Main St. N., Toronto, Ontario.

RICHMOND HILL:
Elgin Mills Chapel Funeral Home : 1591 Elgin Mills E., Toronto, Ontario.
Marshall Funeral Home : 10366 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario.

THORNHILL:
Hong Kong Funeral Home, Jerrett Chapel Funeral Home : 8088 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario.
York Family Funeral Home : 8088 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario.

WOODBRIDGE:
Demarco Funeral Home : 8003 Weston Rd., Toronto, Ontario (130 Jevlan Dr., Toronto, Ontario.
Fratelli & Vescio Funeral Home : 8101 Weston Rd., Toronto, Ontario.
Ward Funeral Home : 4671 Hwy 7, Toronto, Ontario.

AJAX:
Accetone Funeral Home : 384 Finley Ave., Toronto, Ontario.
McEachnie Funeral Home : 28 Old Kingston Rd., Toronto, Ontario.

PICKERING:
Simple Alternative Funeral Home : 1057 Brock Rd., Toronto, Ontario.

OSHAWA:
Armstrong Funeral Home :124 King Street East, Oshawa , Ontario
McIntosh Anderson Funeral Home : 152 King St. E., Oshawa, Ontario.
Oshawa Funeral Service Funeral Home : 847 King St. W., Oshawa, Ontario.

WHITBY:
Town Funeral Home : 110 Dundas St. E., Toronto, Ontario.

MISSISSAUGA:
Banisasia Funeral Home : 3263 Derry Rd. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Newediuk Funeral Home : 1981 Dundas St. W., Toronto, Ontario.
Scott Funeral Home : 420 Dundas St. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Simple Alternative Funeral Home : 1535 South Gateway Rd. , Toronto, Ontario.
Skinner & Middlebrook Funeral Home : 128 Lakeshore Rd. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Turner & Porter Funeral Home, Peel Chapel : 2180 Hurontario St., Toronto, Ontario.

BRAMPTON:
Andrews Community Funeral Home : 8190 Dixie Rd., Toronto, Ontario.
Scott Funeral Home : 289 Main St. N., Toronto, Ontario.
Ward Funeral Home : 52 Main St. S., Toronto, Ontario.

This is not to say that it is against the religion – it simply is not a custom that is followed.

If sympathy flowers must be sent, it is best to address them to the home of the bereaved, rather than to the location of the service. Sprays, simple bouquets and tributes may be appropriate, however it is best to avoid arrangements that are ostentatious. This goes for the clothing worn to the service as well. Because Jewish funerals take place very shortly after the deceased has passed away, the flowers are often received by the bereaved during the mourning period, known as Shiva. Shiva traditionally lasts a week (but is shorter in recent times) during which the family stays at home to grieve.

Alternatively, flowers may also be presented to the bereaved so that they may be placed at the burial site. However, this should not be done during the service.

Gift Baskets
While there is no law that says flowers are forbidden, sending something else that conveys your sentiments may be more appropriate. You can avoid making the situation more unpleasant by sending something that is customary – a gift basket.

A gift basket filled with food is ideal. It may be a fruit basket or a basket of other edible goods, however it is vital that all are designated Kosher. A card can be included with a simple message expressing your sincerity.

Founded in mid 19th century Persia (encompassing modern day Iran), the Bahá’í Faith is known as the world’s youngest independent religions with anywhere from five to six million followers worldwide. Simplicity and flexibility are the religion’s trademarks, which also defines its funeral customs.

While other religions are fraught with rites and rituals that must be strictly followed, the Bahá’í Faith has no clergy, sacraments or rituals. Funerals are simple, with the saying of a congregational prayer from the Bahá’í Sacred Writings performed prior to the burial of the deceased. The burial should take place within two or three days after death and an hour’s drive of where the actual place of death occurred.

Flowers are appropriate for a Bahá’í funeral, as indicated by the founder of the religion, Bahá’u'lláh. Visitors may wear casual or formal attire (according to local custom) to the service and present beautiful sympathy floral arrangements of any type, whether it be sprays, tributes, or bouquets. Cards can be included to express written sentiments. Monetary contributions can also be given, however if they are destined for a Bahá’í fund, only Bahá’ís can contribute.

Another option is to present a beautifully arranged fruit basket to the bereaved.

The grave should be bordered with planted flowers and the cemetery itself be aesthetically beautiful.

The deceased is always buried and never cremated or embalmed.

This is a general overview of a Bahá’í funeral. It may differ according to local customs and the preferences of the bereaved.

The funeral service usually includes a wake. This may or may not take place at the home of the deceased. As per most Western style funerals, sympathy flowers are normally sent before the service in order for them to be displayed appropriately. What is appropriate in this context will depend more upon the deceased’s cultural background. Likewise, what are considered suitable sympathy arrangements from those attending the service will depend upon their connection to the deceased.

The sympathy flowers at a Buddhist service are normally white or of a light, pale colour. For example, the following are the kinds of flowers one would typically see at a Japanese Buddhist funeral: chrysanthemums, orchids, carnations and lilies. Chrysanthemums, in particular, are the most traditional and common type of sympathy flower.

The flowers are typically arranged as casket sprays, wreaths and tributes. The casket may or may not be open. Larger arrangements of standing sprays, wreaths and tributes are often sent from groups or companies with whom the deceased was well connected to.

After the wake, the deceased is then taken away for cremation. This is probably one of the most important moments during the funeral, aside from the wake. In some cases, this can take the form of a procession.

Greater variations by culture occur in terms of the mourning period itself. In some cases, the mourning is done for a number of days afterward. In others, it may be held on a specific day or days after the funeral and/or the anniversary of the funeral itself. You will likely need to inquire from others as to when the bereaved will be accepting sympathy flowers during this mourning period.