Tulips

Tulips and Me: Shall We Dance?

The introduction of the tulip to Europe is usually attributed to Ogier de Busbecq, the ambassador of Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor to the Sultan of Turkey, who sent the first tulip bulbs and seeds to Vienna in 1554 from the Ottoman Empire. Tulip bulbs were soon distributed from Vienna to Augsburg, Antwerp and Amsterdam.Its popularity and cultivation in the United Provinces (now the Netherlands) is generally thought to have started in earnest around 1593 after the Flemish botanist Carolus Clusius had taken up a post at the University of Leiden and established the hortus academicus. He planted his collection of tulip bulbs and found they were able to tolerate the harsher conditions of the Low Countries;^[shortly thereafter the tulip began to grow in popularity

I love tulips. There is something about them that is so endearing. The way they “dance” is so fun and flirty. Never staying still, they constantly move around searching for light. Their blooms open wide in the day and close up at night. Not even content with their cut length, they continue to stretch and grow. Elongating stems extend further and further as their days in the vase move forward. Sometimes a frustration for floral designers, these animated blooms definitely “do their own thing.”

Many are bothered by the “stretching” nature of the tulip. They grow out of their bouquets and often their vases as well. It can be frustrating to arrange your flowers and then come back the next day to tulips that grow away from the other flowers, or if alone in the vase have extended past and even drooping over the container that holds them. It’s like containing a wild animal; they just don’t listen and want to be free.

Try cutting the tulips a little shorter than you normally would, tuck them further down in the bouquet when you arrange them or if the arrangement will be all tulips, try a little taller than normal vase to allow for the “stretch.”

Tulips are very alive even after they are cut. Let them do their thing and you will enjoy them so much more than trying to keep them controlled. Irregular and unusual shaped vases are great vessels for tulips as they create a “playground” for our energetic tulips. This can add a fun and funky flair to a party. What a great conversation piece!

Photo Courtesy: Carol Caggiano, AIFD, PFCI

Roses and Their color

While every flower has a wonderful story to tell, the rose stands alone in its abundant history and color meaning. So much so that we couldn’t resist giving it a little preferential treatment and dedicating a separate space to its rich symbolism.


Used for hundreds of years to convey messages without words, roses have long been a symbol of confidentiality - the Latin expression sub rosa (literally "under the rose") means something told in secret.
Regardless of color, their unique beauty and subtle fragrance convey a message guaranteed to elicit delight from the recipient and envy from others. If you’re looking for a way to add a little extra sentiment to your silent message of affection, we’ve put together a list of the meanings associated with the different colors of roses.

red

Red roses are the traditional way to say “I love you,” and are, therefore, the most popular flower sent on Valentine’s Day. However, think beyond red this year. Valentine’s Day is when we celebrate love, of course, but in the people we love, there is often much more to celebrate

 

There’s nothing secret about the red rose’s symbolism of love. Valentine’s Day would hardly exist without this bold and dramatic bloom. The ultimate symbol of romantic love and enduring passion, the red rose also conveys respect and the creative spirit of love. Representing true love stronger than thorns, the red rose is known universally as the lover’s rose.         
               

white

Representing, humility, purity and innocence, the white rose - often referred to as the bridal rose - is associated with young love. In Scotland, when the white rose bloomed in autumn, it was seen as a token of early marriage. Also symbolizing truth and reverence, it sends a message of loyalty and says "I am worthy of you.         
                 

yellow

While in Victorian times, the yellow rose symbolized jealousy, today it represents friendship, joy and caring. A bouquet of these sun-filled blossoms conveys warmth, gladness and affection.         
       

pink

Symbolizing gentility, femininity, elegance and refinement, the pink rose also carries additional meanings depending on its hue. A deep pink conveys gratitude and appreciation, while pale shades connote grace and gentleness, admiration and happiness.   
       

orange

With their warm, vibrant tones, orange roses symbolize enthusiasm and desire. If you’re looking for a way to express admiration and attraction - with an underlying message of passion and excitement - then send a bouquet filled with these fiery blooms.           

lilac & purple

Thought to be almost mystical in nature, with symbolism tied to enchantment, desire and even proceeding cautiously, it’s not surprising that lilac and purple roses send a message of love at first sight, A great Valentine flower.  
To learn more access below:

http://www.proflowers.com/blog/valentines-day-roses-saying-more-than-you-think?ref=organicyahunkwn&prid=pfseoyahunkwn