Send Me a Flower

Preserved Flower Candles

Putting flowers in your candle will add a unique look, while preserving your favorite flower.

Written by Expressive Candles

We have been asked many times, how to put flowers and other objects on the outside of a candle. So, well be showing you how it is done. The most important thing to remember is to be safe. Putting anything on your candle such as paint, dried flowers, ribbon and other objects, pose a fire risk. While this is unlikely to happen with this project, we need to warn you before hand. We do not recommend burning any candle that has flammable material on it.

To start with, you will need a few supplies. First and the most important is a big pillar candle, at least 3" in diameter. This will help keep the flame out of reach of anything you put on the candle. You will also need to have a small white votive, or the same color votive as your pillar, an old pan to melt wax in, a paint brush, dried flowers or herbs and ribbon.

Candle making is an art, and requires exact precision in the melting process of the wax. Luckily you do not have to be exact in this project. Place the votive in your old pot; you will not be able to use this pot for food ever again. Next place the heat on Low Medium to Medium heat, DO NOT HEAT ON HIGH. The only thing we want to accomplish here is to melt the wax down to a liquid. As soon as the last solid piece melts, is when you turn the heat down to low.

Next, select what you will want to put on your candle. If you are using flowers and leaves, make sure they have been pressed. Take the paint brush and paint some melted wax onto the candle where you wish to place the flower. Place the flower on the wax before it hardens. The wax will harden quickly, securing the flower in place. Repeat this step for the leaves as well.

Another great idea is to place a picture on the candle using the method of painting the wax onto the candle. You can use many different things, but they must be flat.

After placing all your flowers and leaves onto the candle, we will need to seal the. The wax in your pot may have hardened some, so heat it on Medium Low to get the wax melted again. Brush the entire candle with wax. This will seal the flowers in place and give it a smooth finish. You might have to apply several coats. But if you use a picture, do not brush over it, this will ruin the picture and you will not be able to see the picture clearly.

Last you can tie a ribbon around your candle to top it off. Another idea is to use the melted wax and paint small metal beads onto the candle for further embellishment.

This project can be done in many different ways, using anything from flowers, herbs, pictures to beads and glitter. But keep in mind the safety of your candle. We recommend not burning candles with flammable materials on them. If you do decide to burn these candles, use large pillars, as the sides of the candle tend not to burn down. Have fun and Enjoy.

About The Author

This Article was written by Michelle Gauthier – info@expressivecandles.com

03/03/04 – This article is copyright by www.ExpressiveCandles.com.

Expressive Candles offers Scented Hand Poured Candles and a growing collection of Candle Decorating and CandleScaping articles.

For me certain types of flowers bring back a flood of memories. I remember in my early teens visiting my best friend who had moved to the country. We would spend hours in the field next to her property, talking and picking the petals of daisies in a game played by many, he-loves-me, he-loves-me-not.

This memory can rushing back two days ago when I was waiting in line at the supermarket and happened to glance at the bouquets for sale. Amongst the mixed bouquets, there were daisies. This flower has special meaning in my heart. I associate it with my best friend who I lost to a car accident when we were both 17.

Flowers definitely bring an emotional response and we remember our happy and sad times through them.

The first time I inhaled the sweet fragrance of a carnation I was enthralled. It happened when my father, took us to Greece to visit his parents. As a 7 year old, this strange land captivated me. I vividly remember my first response when we made our way up the hill where my grandparents’ house was, to find myself staring up at the handing grapes from the porch roof and the carnations which were planted along the edge of the porch.

Blood red, I can still recall their sweet aroma. They were the pride and joy of my grandmother who nurtured them and allowed me to help care for them. I had been instantly impressed by this glorious flower, not having seen it before.

If you are a woman, most of your flower memories may be romantic ones. Can you recall the first time you received flowers Or the time when you were impressed the most with your dates thoughtfulness

The first time I received flowers was at the early stages of the internet. I loved meeting and chatting with people from around the world and one such person was Rowan from London. We hit it off right away and till this day have remained good friends.

I was at work when a courier came in with a gigantic bouquet of flowers. When the receptionist came into my office to usher me to the reception not for a minute did I think they were for me. But they were. The gesture was so unexpected, so thoughtful, it will remain in my heart forever.

What are your flower memories

About The Author

Copyright © Gina Stathopoulos

Looking for a gift Let Gina and Nick show you what we buy for friends/family and each other. At our site you will find popular gifts, gift information and stories from our readers. Come have a look http://www.we-recommend.com

For me certain types of flowers bring back a flood of memories. I remember in my early teens visiting my best friend who had moved to the country. We would spend hours in the field next to her property, talking and picking the petals of daisies in a game played by many, he-loves-me, he-loves-me-not.

This memory can rushing back two days ago when I was waiting in line at the supermarket and happened to glance at the bouquets for sale. Amongst the mixed bouquets, there were daisies. This flower has special meaning in my heart. I associate it with my best friend who I lost to a car accident when we were both 17.

Flowers definitely bring an emotional response and we remember our happy and sad times through them.

The first time I inhaled the sweet fragrance of a carnation I was enthralled. It happened when my father, took us to Greece to visit his parents. As a 7 year old, this strange land captivated me. I vividly remember my first response when we made our way up the hill where my grandparents’ house was, to find myself staring up at the handing grapes from the porch roof and the carnations which were planted along the edge of the porch.

Blood red, I can still recall their sweet aroma. They were the pride and joy of my grandmother who nurtured them and allowed me to help care for them. I had been instantly impressed by this glorious flower, not having seen it before.

If you are a woman, most of your flower memories may be romantic ones. Can you recall the first time you received flowers Or the time when you were impressed the most with your dates thoughtfulness

The first time I received flowers was at the early stages of the internet. I loved meeting and chatting with people from around the world and one such person was Rowan from London. We hit it off right away and till this day have remained good friends.

I was at work when a courier came in with a gigantic bouquet of flowers. When the receptionist came into my office to usher me to the reception not for a minute did I think they were for me. But they were. The gesture was so unexpected, so thoughtful, it will remain in my heart forever.

What are your flower memories

About The Author

Copyright © Gina Stathopoulos

Looking for a gift Let Gina and Nick show you what we buy for friends/family and each other. At our site you will find popular gifts, gift information and stories from our readers. Come have a look http://www.we-recommend.com

A beautiful flower arrangement piece can become the focal point of the room you choose to decorate. Its truly fascinating how we can combine different flowers to create a mesmerizing bouquet. With the vast selection of colors, fragrances and shapes, you can create or readily buy a flower arrangement piece that will speak to you and others walking in the room what you want to communicate.

First thing to do is decide where you will be placing your flower arrangement. Will it be placed on the floor in your hall, on top of a piece of furniture

What about the space where your arrangement will sit Will you need a finished piece that is tall, round, wide or full What is the decor of the room youve selected that will contrast powerfully with your flowers

Dont limit your creativity!

There are several design styles you can choose from and we have included a variety of design here for you to get those creative juices flowing.

Use these as a guide to creating your own flower arrangement style. Pictures of the flower arrangements below can be found at our site.

Bud Vases

A bud vase with a single stem or several stems of your favorite flowers is a simple but elegant flower arrangement piece. Cut your flower stems to about twice the height of your vase. To enhance your flowers beauty, also include some linear foliage.

One tip I will give you with bud vases is to be imaginative. If you dont have a bud vase, recycle any beautiful glass containers you have lying around the house such as perfume bottles or any other.

Basket Arrangement

A basket flower arrangement brightens up your favorite room very well. They make perfect gifts for a housewarming occasion, birthday, or to send and cheer a loved one who is sick.

Baskets come in all sizes and shapes and if you are designing your own basket arrangement, you can find the one that will be perfect for you. There is so much you can do with flower baskets - let your creativity run wild!

Garden Arrangements

Dont these flower arrangements look like youve picked them from your garden

After years of living in the city in an apartment block, I have now the great fortune of living in the suburbs and Ive taken great pains to create a heavenly garden filled with white and red roses, carnations and lilies. With greenery surrounding their flower beds, my little garden looks like a little paradise.

Centerpieces And Table Arrangements

The trick for a successful centerpiece or table arrangement is not to make them too tall as to obstruct views across your dining table.

Choose or create the piece to generate the mood you want to achieve. Flowers at your table will enhance the dinning experience.

About The Author

Copyright © Gina Stathopoulos

Looking for a gift Let Gina and Nick show you what we buy for friends/family and each other. At our site you will find popular gifts, gift information and stories from our readers. Come have a look http://www.we-recommend.com

Flowers are a simple, sincere and unobtrusive way to lift our spirits. They can bring a smile to a tired face or brighten up a room for someone who is under the weather.

Scientific research shows that flowers and plants have a beneficial impact on state of mind and emotions.

Rutgers University behavioral studies have proven that flowers provide a simple way to improve emotional health.

The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.

Did you know that flowers also help relieve stress They can help you relax and stay calm, awaken erotic feelings and increase your sexual drive

They enhance the capacity for emotional depth. They can help us get rid of hidden fears and cope with anger or pain.

Words reach your mind, while flowers truly reach your soul.

Throughout our hectic, fast-paced lives, we seek to rejuvenate ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Flowers, in conjunction with their design and color schemes, create feelings that enhance our moods.

Imagery has been used for relaxation and stress reduction for ages. It is simply creating a mental picture or scene that can help soothe and relax you. But what picture can be more soothing and relaxing than an image of flowers.

So, just imagine your favorite flower. Are you smiling yet You are definitely in a different mood.

There is no doubt that beautiful surroundings provide us with a special environment that helps us thrive. Flowers are an easy and affordable way to add a splash of color and emotion into your life.

About The Author

Janie Redman gives you access to the finest florists on the Internet who offer you worldwide flower delivery that is guaranteed to put a smile on your recipients face on her website at http://www.1stopshoppingonline.com/flowers.html

Congratulations! You have found the man of your dreams and are getting married. What a wonderful time in your life – full of promise, hope, and happiness. Can you think of a better way to express these emotions than through flowers A wedding would just not be the same without wedding flowers.

The Tradition of Wedding Flowers

Carrying flowers by the bride is not something new; it actually has its roots in ancient times. Strong smelling herbs and spices were used to keep away evil spirits during the wedding celebration. Later, during the Roman era, flowers were used to symbolize fertility. Eventually, flowers were given different meanings and used as a way of sending “love notes” in the form of bouquets. Soon, the tradition of the meaning of each flower trickled down and was adopted for the bride’s bouquet.

By tradition, the groom wears a flower that appears in the bridal bouquet in his buttonhole. This custom originates from the Medieval tradition of a knight wearing his ladys colors as a declaration of love.

So it seems that a wedding without flowers is like, well, it’s like a garden without flowers!

So Many Choices

Have you ever considered how many different kinds of flowers there are Hundreds of beautiful blooms are available to create the romantic elegance your wedding deserves. You may even feel like author Phoebe Cary, who said, “I know not which I love the most, Nor which the comeliest shows, The timid, bashful violet Or the royal-hearted rose: The pansy in purple dress, The pink with cheek of red, Or the faint, fair heliotrope, who hangs, Like a bashful maid her head.” So, how do you choose

One way is to consider the different meanings of the flowers and create a bouquet that is not only beautiful to the eye, but also meaningful to the heart. Another way is to consider the time of year. Many flowers are more common during one season than another, so finding off-season flowers may be difficult!

Based on tradition, here are some of the more popular wedding bouquet flowers and what they mean, along with when they are in season: Red Rose – Love, All Year White Rose - Unity, All Year Yellow Rose - Joy, All Year Orange Rose - Passion, All Year Pink Rose - Secret Love, or Grace & Sweetness, All Year Alstroemeria - Devotion, All Year Babys Breath - Innocence, All Year Calla Lily - Magnificent Beauty, March through September Carnation - Devoted Love, All Year Daisy - Innocence & Romance, All Year Ivy - Fidelity, Marriage, All Year Lily Of The Valley - Happiness, March through September Myrtle - Joy , All Year Orchid - Love & Beauty, All Year Stephanotis - Marital Happiness, All Year Tulips - Love & Passion, January through April Zinnia - Affection, All Year

The best way to get the right flowers is to choose the right florist and one of the best ways to find a good florist is by word of mouth. If the florists service and work comes highly recommended, chances are they will do a good job for you. Select a florist that listens to you and really grasps the look and feel you want. Be open to the florists ideas and suggestions. In the long run, it will be the value of their experience, talent, and expertise that you have purchased.

Don’t Forget the Flowers for the….

In addition to flowers for the wedding party and family members, you will need flowers for the church, arrangements for the reception tables, head table, and guest book table. You may even want flowers for the cake and a small bouquet for the ladies room. To make sure you don’t forget any of your floral needs, here is a list of possibilities: Flowers for the Bridal Party Brides Bouquet Maid/Matron of Honor Mother of the Bride Mother of the Groom Bridesmaids Flower Girl Grandmothers Groom Best Man Father of the Bride Father of the Groom Ushers Ring Bearer Grandfathers

Flowers for the Wedding Ceremony Altar Arrangements Aisle Markers Candelabras Aisle Runner Canopy or Archway Kneeling Bench

Flowers for the Reception Bridal Table Cake Table Guest Table Buffet Table Bandstand Gift Table Guest Book Table Bouquet to Throw

Fresh flowers underline the importance and elegance of your wedding day. They enhance any setting and can literally transform an average looking room into a beautiful scene. If youve planned well, your flowers will be exactly what you want, and youll be free to focus on what your day is all about.

About The Author

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of http://www.1st-for-flowers.com where you will find further tips and ideas for http://www.1st-for-flowers.com/wedding-flowers.html http://www.1st-for-flowers.com/flower-baskets.html and http://www.1st-for-flowers.com/flower-gifts.html.

As former florists, we witnessed all too often "Order Gatherers" taking advantage of consumers. These companies even purchase ads in your local yellow pages. They buy sponsored ads in major search engines online. They create websites that lead you to believe that they are a local florist. These companies often work in a call center, far removed from the recipient of your flower gift.

These companies will process your $60.00 floral arrangement order and pass it on to a local florist at a value of $43.00 to include delivery You paid $60.00! It just doesn’t make sense. We find these companies to be misleading and dishonest. They would never tell you that the value of your arrangement is compromised. They are happy to process your order and keep a portion of your money. Consumers deserve better.

Always make sure you are dealing directly with a REAL local florist to get the best value and better service!

Here are just a few of the advantages of ordering your flowers from a REAL local florist;

A Better Value!- 100% of your order is applied to your flowers and delivery, No middleman, No extra fees!

Professional advice- Only a professional florist can offer you expert advice to your floral questions. They can suggest creative floral ideas for any occasion. After all, THEY will be designing your flower arrangement. Talk to the people who know flowers, not pictures of flowers.

Availability- By talking directly to the florist you know what flowers/gift items are available.

In Store Promotions/Sales- You may discover that the florist is offering a sale or special promotion that you were not aware of...saving you even more money!

Your Specific Details- You can specify any little details about your order, even important delivery specifications. Errors are common when your order is relayed through a middleman. When you call the florist directly, your order is placed right at the source.

You are supporting a small business within the community- A business that in turn supports their community, keeping it thriving economically.

Flowers are the ultimate gift of expression. You deserve the best value for your money. A REAL local florist will provide you with professional advice & service. Always make sure that the florist you are calling holds a physical address in the area you are sending to. You will be so glad you did!

About The Author

Tenley McDonald- Former Florist- Now Co-Owner of www.flowerpowernetwork.com Online Directory of Real Local Florists Ms. McDonald has over 14 years experience in Consumer Relations~Customer Service Management~Floral Design. Please email the Author for reprint permission of this article.

info@flowerpowernetwork.com

Valentines Day is Monday, February 14th! Flowers & Valentine’s Day go hand in hand. Your Valentine will be so thrilled to receive a beautiful flower arrangement! Of course, Roses are known for their association with love. They are available in many colors and can create quite an impressive presentation. For a really impressive arrangement, send a 2 or 3 dozen rose arrangement, WOW!

If you want to send flowers, but are seeking something a little different than roses, florists can provide many options. You may choose to send a mixed arrangement containing a variety of flowers. You may choose a tall vase of all Calla Lilies or Tulips. You may also decide to send a flower basket or blooming plant.

Men like flowers too! Consider an elegant vase of all white flowers for the special man in your life. Men are also drawn to vibrant flowers in reds & blues. Even the manliest of men appreciate the beauty of flowers.

Your local florist can also provide Gourmet Gift Baskets for Valentine’s Day delivery. What a treat to receive a beautiful basket full of delicious chocolates, coffees, teas, snacks, etc. Gift Baskets can also contain bubble baths, lotions, candles. Ask your local florist for specific contents available for gift baskets.

Don’t forget that you can also add "Special Touches" to your arrangement. Plush Animals and Mylar/Latex Balloons are popular additions to a floral arrangement or gift basket.

Your local florist can add a personalized message to your gift. Flowers are the ultimate expression of love, and your message can tell your Valentine exactly how you feel about them! It is suggested to order your flowers in advance a week ahead of this busy holiday to ensure best selection and timely delivery.

Remember, to get the best value when purchasing flowers, you should always call a real local florist. "Order Takers" charge you a fee to process your order. Often a portion of your money is absorbed by these "Order Takers", decreasing the value of your arrangement! By dealing with a florist directly, you get a better value & professional service!

About The Author

Tenley McDonald- Former Florist- Now Co-Owner of www.flowerpowernetwork.com Online Directory of Real Local Florists Ms. McDonald has over 14 years experience in Consumer Relations~Customer Service Management~Floral Design. Please email the Author for reprint permission of this article.

info@flowerpowernetwork.com

Since the beginning of our creation, the plants, flowers and trees have been with us. Even at our most primitive, we relied on them for their profound healing abilities. What has changed Mostly, our lack of personal relationship with them. Our highly technical, over busy, media-drenched lives have us relying on quick fixes with artificial chemicals and antibiotic super bugs. This unnatural reliance combined with the unhealthy air and highly processed foods are all resulting in far less than vibrant health.

So, naturally, we search for what we intuitively feel is missing! Could it be in the plants, flowers and trees Could the solution be in the natural world around us, which has nurtured and sustained us throughout our evolution

YES!!

After falling very ill in 1994, just walking down the detergent isle in the supermarket became a nightmare. Perfume sections and artificially scented candle isles, forget it! Confusion, severe debilitating pain, shortness of breath, nausea, headaches, and fatigue beyond belief became my constant companions. Searching for the cause and answers, my Dr. and several specialists put me through a battery of tests resulting in diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Mayo Facial Pain Syndrome, and Multi Chemical Sensitivities. I was so ill that I was pronounced permanently disabled and receive disability from my home in Canada.

My traditional doctor’s were unable to help me beyond giving me a prescription for a “Natural” substance to help me sleep. Their other “solutions” degraded my health further, rather than resolving any of my problems. Reading what Dr. Jean Valnet wrote, “Essential oils are especially valuable as antiseptics because their aggression towards microbial germ is matched by their total harmlessness to tissue—one of the chief defects of chemical antiseptics is that they are likely to be as harmful to the cells of the organism as to the cause of the disease.”Dr Jean Valnet, 1980, I began to think that; maybe, my body’s ‘sensitivity’ was a reflection of my body’s inherent wisdom, rather than a reflection of its weakness.

Searching for some help and relief, I found an herbalist, who has been of great help to me. Still, pain was my constant companion. Unable to take any over-the-counter pain medication, let alone prescriptions, due to my chemical sensitivities, I tried essential oils. I had some minor success with headaches relief, until I tried Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. And FINALLY, I found products that are giving me profound relief, without triggering my body’s sensitivities to un-natural chemicals! No additives or fillers, just the pure, therapeutic-grade, essential oil of the plants, flowers and trees.

This company uses impeccable extraction methods. They help with exhaustive and ongoing research with top experts in the field of Essential Oil therapeutic uses! All of this knowledge, care and sensitivity have produced the largest variety of therapeutic-grade essential oils in the world. What a resource me, people like me and for human kind in general!

The more I learn about and use these oils, the more relief I am finding. The ‘side effects’ of the pain relief include increased energy and better quality sleep.

“Essential oils are 50 times more powerful than herbs.” Dr. Gary Young N.D..

“European scientists have studied the ability of essential oils to work as natural chelators, binding with heavy metals and petrochemicals and ferrying them out of the body” Essential Oil Desk Reference, Compiled by Essential Science Publishing.

I have also seen some profound benefits for family and friends.

“While helping friends with house construction, I was suffering from a very debilitating sinus headache. My friend had me use her Myrtle oil on my forehead, temples, under my nose and the sinus sites on the back of my head. I went back to work and within 15 – 20 minutes I happily realized that I was working as hard as ever and the headache and pressure was completely gone.” Char N.

“While helping friends, wash windows in their newly built house, my roommate and I were concerned about our arms being very sore since we both suffer from severe tendonitis. By the end of the day, both of our arms had started to hurt and ache. Since I had just purchased Idaho Balsam Fir oil I suggested that we apply some. We did that and the next morning we had NO discomfort what so ever. We even decided to continue to wash windows the next day for a couple more hours. Again we applied the Idaho Balsam Fir on our arms and again did not suffer any discomfort.”

Sandra R.

The opportunities for profound health benefits are almost endless. What would your life look like if you benefited like I did I have had PROFOUND pain relief, a renewed sense of emotional well being, VIBRANT health and increased ENERGY.

The more I learn about the frightening effects of our overly artificial lifestyles, the more I realize each of us must take personal responsibility for our health. We must learn all we can and use our great intelligence, make informed choices, take care of our bodies with integrity, and question the effects of everything we take in through our mouth, skin, mind and breath.

Discover these organic products that are produced with the greatest of integrity, and meticulous attention to quality.

I am very excited to open the door through which you can gain greater health, vitality and relief. Learn more about therapeutic-grade essential oils with a FREE report at www.vibrantoils.com Join the journey of discovery that has made such a difference to me!

About The Author

Sandra Richardson is a Reiki Master/Teacher who uses Thereapuetic-grade essential oils personally as well as in her practice. Website is www.vibrantoils.com and my e-mail is swandancer@mybluelight.com

Leave your tic-tacs at home. This medicinal plant provides delicious mouth fresheners to integrate into a balanced healing diet.

When a herb or plant has the designation officinalis it means it has been recognised to have medicinal qualities. Rosemarinus, so called because of marine connections colour of sea - grows by sea e.g. Mediterranean is possibly the best example of a herb that we commonly grow that has extensive folklore and many attributed medicinal values.

Beloved by the Romans, who bought it to the UK from Turkey, they believed this valuable herb could preserve dead bodies from corruption and it was often strewn or grown in graveyards and around tombs. It was well known to the Tudors as a stimulant to the system. In ‘The Garden of Health’ 1579 William Langham writes:

"Carry the flowers about thee to make thee merry and glad and well beloved of all men...hang the flowers on thy bed and place Rosemary in the bath to make thee lusty, lively, joyful, strong and young. To comfort the heart steep Rosemary flowers in rose water and drink it".

Gerard agrees in his 1636 Herbal. "The flowers of Rosemary, made up into lozenges with sugar and eaten make the heart merry, quicken the spirits and make them more lively". He also notes that Rosemary water acts as a breath freshener.

Rosemary has long been recognised as a valuable heart and liver tonic and its use can help to reduce high blood pressure. It has been used in the treatment of nervous complaints, digestive disorders and menstrual pains.

Rosemary is a symbol of constancy in love because it remains fresh and fragrant when cut, longer most other evergreens. For this reason it was often used for solemn occasions such as weddings or funerals - Be it for my bridal or my burial. As in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Rosemary is for remembrance and in the language of flowers the gift of Rosemary means Never will your memory fade. Ancient myth has it that ‘Where Rosemary flourishes - the woman rules’. Rosemary is sometimes used in psychic work as an aid to concentration, memory and mental steadiness. Under the pillow or over the bed its delicious aroma is said to prevent nightmares.

One word of warning though - excessive use of Rosemary taken internally can cause fatal poisoning, but that is no reason not sample the delicious and invigorating herbal tea or eat a few of the flowers.

Like the raw flowers, Rosemary sugar candies are a tiny taste explosion and quite delicious. Preserving them in sugar helps to extend the amount of time you can experience this uplifting Epicurean event. First of all find a plant with flowers. It often flowers twice a year so this should not be too difficult. You can either pick the whole flower from the plant, or set up some arrangement that catches them as they fall naturally.

In a warm place, such as a sunlit window sill above a radiator, drop the flowers onto dried even warmed white sugar. Make sure the receptacle is open enough that moisture can evaporate from the flowers into the sugar and then into the atmosphere. Also make sure that no moisture gets to this mixture at any point as the sugar will ‘clump’ and the flowers will start to rot, spoiling the taste. Shake the mixture now and then to aid the process.

When thoroughly dry, seal the sugar/flower mixture into a moisture-proof receptacle and every now and then - treat yourself !

With thanks to: J. Lust, M. Woodward, D. Conway, C.L. Zalewski, R. Genders.

About The Author

Simon Mitchell From an ebook called ‘Wild Food’ underway at simonthescribe. If you wish to republish this article with resource box intact you will find excellent quality pictures to accompany it at http://www.simonthescribe.co.uk/rosemary.html

Every year you plan that THIS will be the year you have pots and pots of lush plants on your balcony or deck. Then you visit your local nursery in the spring and reality hits -– the cost for your fantasy is just outrageous! Sound familiar

But you can have the planters of your dreams at a fraction of the cost and with a choice of varieties far beyond what the local garden center offers. How Start your own flower seeds now.

If you’ve never grown from seeds indoors before, it’s best to begin with just a few types. Easy starters: Trailing lobelia and petunias make a bright and simple garden for sunny spots. Licorice plant and dwarf nasturtiums are also attractive.

Once you’ve decided on your plants, you must know two things to determine when the seeds should be started: the last frost date for your area, and the time required before transplanting.

The last frost date is the date beyond which there is a low chance usually about 10% of temperatures at or below the freezing mark. This is important because many traditional plants for hanging baskets are tender, that is, they will not survive when frozen. You may already know what the frost date is for your area. If not ask gardening neighbors or your local gardening center. If you are in the USA, visit http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/documentlibrary/freezefrost/Spring32F_hires.jpg for information from the national Climatic Data Center.

The time required before transplanting is different for each type of flower. You’ll see this listed in seed catalogs or on the seed packet. For example, a packet might tell you to “start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date.” Some seeds such as nasturtiums, zinnias, or cosmos may be sown directly outside but if you have to wait after the danger of a frost has passed, you may want to get a jump on spring by starting those inside too.

Licorice plants and geraniums need 12 weeks to sprout from seed. So if my last frost date is May 15th, I’ll want to start them around the last week of February. Petunias, impatiens and lobelia require 10-12 weeks, so I would start them around the first of March. Morning glories, which make a beautiful privacy fence from a plain piece of latticework, need six weeks from start to transplant, but can’t be put outside until two weeks after the last frost date. This would mean starting them indoors about mid-April. I’d start nasturtiums and zinnias about then too.

Your goal is to promote germination with heat and water and seedling growth with light while preventing your seedlings’ chief enemy, “damping-off” with air circulation and proper drainage. Here are some tips for successful seed growing.

Use plastic containers, about 2” deep, fairly wide and with multiple drainage holes. Growers’ cell packs are ideal but you can also use yogurt or cottage cheese containers as long as you sanitize them with a mild bleach solution one part bleach to nine parts water for 15 minutes and then punch several holes in the bottoms.

Use commercial seed-starting mix. It’s sterilized and contains the necessary food to aid germination. You might also want to try using a product specially formulated to prevent damping-off.

Plant seeds sparingly. You’ll have to thin them anyway. Some growers plant only two seeds per cell pot. If you’re planting in flat trays, place seeds 1/2” to 1” 1 to 2.5 cm apart, depending on the seed size, and space the rows 1 1/2” to 2” 3-5 cm apart. Make a depression in the soil with your finger or a pencil and plant the seed about three times as deep as its diameter. If the packet says the seed requires light to germinate, then put it just on the surface of the soil.

Set the containers in a water-filled tray. This allows the pots to draw water from the bottom without disturbing the seeds. Cover tray and pots with plastic to help hold moisture and heat.

Place the entire set-up on a heat source between 75 - 85° F 24 - 29° C. Although a heat mat designed for this purpose is ideal, you can also use the top of a fridge, or a spot near a radiator or space heater.

Once the seeds have germinated, remove the plastic and put the pots with the water tray near a light source at a reduced temperature. Good light is crucial at this point to ensure good growth. Fluorescent shop lights within a few inches of the tops of the seedlings are perfectly suited. You can also try a sunny south window but ideally the light should be on the plants for 16 hours out of each 24-hour period. In my climate, we just don’t have 16 hours of daylight this time of year! Seedlings respond best to daytime temperatures of 60 - 70° F 16 - 21°C and night temperatures of 50 - 60° F 10 - 16°C.

Here’s where it becomes critical to prevent damping-off. One way to do this is to let an electric fan blow gently across the surface of the soil during daylight hours. There are also specially formulated products on the market that can be applied to the surface of the soil when you are planting seeds that will help stop damping-off from developing.

When the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves not the round little germination leaves, pull all but one plant per cell. It’s hard, I know, to pull up living plants but it’s necessary to prevent overcrowding that will kill all of them.

When the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, start watering them from the bottom with fertilizer diluted to quarter strength.

A week or 10 days before you plan to plant them outside, start “hardening off” the tender seedlings. Stop fertilizing, and cut the amount of water in half. If possible, keep them in a cooler space inside and start introducing them to the direct sun and fluctuating temperatures of the outdoors. Begin by setting the trays outside for an hour in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon ad gradually lengthen the time to several hours. Don’t put them out in heavy rain or cold, strong wind and be sure to bring them indoors at night.

Follow these steps and you’ll have a bounty of young, strong plants to fill your hanging baskets and pots. This year, you’ll have the planters of your dreams!

About The Author

Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on “Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space”. Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com debbie@paradiseporch.com

Orchids are beautiful flowers. The interesting thing about orchids is that they seem to draw people to them. There is hardly another plant or flower that has been able to capture the attention and desire of people the way orchids have. In the past orchids have been hunted and collected in almost every part of the world. Today there are millions of people who are absolutely devoted to the plant and its beautiful "faces."

It’s estimated that there are nearly 20 thousand varieties of orchids. They grow in many different climates and regions. There are some important factors to consider when growing your orchids. Light is probably the single most important factor in determining whether or not your plants will bloom. The appropriate amount of light is necessary for proper plant growth and nutrient storage. Without the right light levels, your plant either cannot produce enough food stores to power a blooming cycle. Too much light may burn the orchid and too little light will not support its needs.

An interesting feature of growing orchids is that a plant can live for a long time even with light that is less than ideal, but you probably wont have any flowers. On the other side thought a large and healthy plant that has grown for a long time without enough light will often put on an impressive display once given proper lighting. This means that orchids are very durable and resilient.

As you seek to grow the perfect orchid, take your time and look around as you decide where in your garden you’d like to grow orchids. It will be well worth the patient time and effort you put in to see splendid, beautiful orchids in full bloom.

About The Author

Mike Yeager Publisher http://www.a1-flowers-4u.com/ mjy610@hotmail.com

To help gardeners choose flowers, various systems for rating hardiness have been developed. A plant is considered hardy in a region if it can grow and thrive there without requiring special protective measures such as insulating with straw mulch.

Sun or Shade: After hardiness, sunlight is your most important consideration. Choose flowers that are adapted to the light levels in your garden. Dont plant sun lovers under dense trees, and dont plant shade lovers where theyll be exposed to blazing mid-day sun. Plant descriptions give the light preferences for plants, so take these to heart. You may be able to grow a sun lover in partial shade, but you may get fewer flowers or weaker growth. Place it in a spot where it can really shine!

Each year literally hundreds of new annual flowers are presented to gardeners. Some are distinct improvements based on the region where the flower was cultivated and some are not.

Inside each cell in green plants are microscopic worlds that trap and convert some of the energy in light, mix it with water and carbon dioxide, and turn it into a simple sugar. It is this sugar that plants use to grow, flower, and set seed. The best light for plant growth is sunlight. But almost since the invention of electric lights, researchers and gardeners have tested various methods to study plants and grow them.

Artificial sunlight has the great advantage of being controllable. Whereas some days might be too sunny or cold or windy to provide the right light for delicate seedlings, the intensity and duration of artificial light can be fine-tuned. However, for the typical gardener and flower grower, mother nature provides all the sunshine, water and elements needed to grow beautiful flowers.

Enjoy yourself in your garden!

About The Author

Mike Yeager Publisher http://www.a1-flowers-4u.com/ mjy610@hotmail.com

Fresh Flowers in All the Traditional Places

When you think of a beautiful floral arrangement, you often think of the dining room table, especially if it is holiday time. And why not Beautiful dining centerpieces have graced our tables for centuries. Whether you are having a party, decorating for a holiday, or simply adding a beautiful touch, keep in mind that floral arrangements should complement the décor and mood of the room. Remember, too, you don’t have to have a traditional arrangement just because you find it in a traditional location. Instead of one big center arrangement, you may want to try a series of vases and candles on a fabric runner for a stunning effect.

Another traditional location for fresh flowers is in the foyer or entranceway. What a great way to make a terrific first impression. Regardless of your style, flowers in the entryway can create the mood from the moment someone walks through your door. Is your home formal Try an elegant centerpiece or a piece of artwork on a pedestal draped with a garland and flowers. For a homier, friendlier look, place a basket with a garden bouquet on the entry table. No matter what your style, flowers can enhance your home.

Beyond Tradition

Let’s not stop with tradition! Fresh flowers are so beautiful that they should not be relegated to the dining room and entryway alone. Why not brighten every room in your house Let’s look at a few ideas to help you think outside the box.

Kitchen: Think beyond basil and oregano! Fill your kitchen window ledge with pots of herbs and sun-loving plants like kalanchoe, African violets, or primroses. A few well-placed gerbera daisies can help spice up your kitchen, too. The best part is that you can enjoy your mini-harvest every day.

Bedroom: Add a touch of romance in your bedroom with a few beautiful stems that complement or accent the color of your linens or wallpaper. There is simply nothing like waking up to a delicate scent drifting from your nightstand. Tea roses, freesias, peonies, lilac and lilies, all have delicious fragrances.

Guest Bedroom: Welcome your guest with a bright floral addition. Visitors feel extra special with a bright bunch of cut flowers sitting pretty on the guest room nightstand.

Bathroom: Flowers in the bathroom Why not! A simple plastic tumbler filled with fragrant blossoms makes an attractive air freshener. You can even add floating rose-petals in a bath to spoil a friend!

Office: Any job is more enjoyable when the surroundings are cheerful and attractive, and what is more cheerful than cut flowers Bring nature indoors and make yourself happier and healthier!

Laundry Room: I can hear you now – NOT the laundry room, too! Yes, even the laundry room can use a bit of sunshine. Rinse out an old bleach or detergent bottle, fill it with cut flowers and place it on your washing machine or shelf. Itll help lighten the load on washday!

Staircase: Create a "stepped" effect with a series of flowers in interesting containers. There is nothing wrong with tradition – a big floral arrangement on the dining room table is always a welcomed addition to the décor of the room. Fresh flowers, however, don’t have to stay in the dining room. Be creative! Think unique! Put them in all your nooks and crannies! And yes, even put them in your bathroom! You Don’t Have to be a Floral Designer You’ve been to the florist before and know that you can’t create the gorgeous centerpieces you find there, nor can you afford to buy them already made. Don’t worry! Simply buy some fresh flowers, take them home, and experiment. Anything that can hold water is a possibility for a flower arrangement. Water Pitchers Urns Pots Vases Bowls Watering Cans Soda Bottles Mason Jars Champagne Bottles Mugs Even a Child’s Plastic Cup

Once you have a few containers, the fun begins. Try filling a clear glass with flowers and fill with colored marbles. Create a cluster of different sized flower-filled bottles on a coffee table. Use bowls and shallow dishes for floating flower heads or petals and add floating candles for a bright and shining effect.

Mother Nature has created great beauty in flowers and you simply can’t go wrong. Develop your own personal style and taste by experimenting with different colors and types of flowers. Each week try a different look, color, or kind of flower.

The complementary colors of flowers can brighten any part of the house, from the kitchen to the family room to the bedroom. Expand your ideas to different areas throughout your home. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy.

About The Author

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of http://www.1st-for-flowers.com where you will find further tips and ideas for http://www.1st-for-flowers.com/wedding-flowers.html http://www.1st-for-flowers.com/flower-baskets.html and http://www.1st-for-flowers.com/flower-gifts.html.

With Valentines Day just around the corner, we thought this would be a great time to share a few tips on caring for cut flowers.

Imagine its Valentines Day and youve just received a glorious bunch of roses. You put them in your best vase and you stand back to admire them. Youd love to make them last as long as you possibly can, but other than keeping them out of direct sunlight, youre not sure what to do.

Here are some tips on how to extend the shelf life of your roses:

Remove the roses from the vase and put them in a temporary container.

Clean the vase by washing it thoroughly in water with household bleach.

Fill the vase with fresh water and add a half teaspoon of household bleach for each litre 16 fluid ounces of water.

Remove your roses from their temporary container and lay them flat on a counter top.

Remove any leaves which will show below the waterline in the vase.

Cut about 20 mm 3/4 inch from the base of each stem immediately before placing it in the vase. This removes any air bubbles.

Dont place roses in drafts or direct sunlight, or near fruit, heaters, TVs or refrigerators.

Change the water daily to extend the vase life of your roses.

Freshly picked roses can last up to two weeks with a little extra care.

Enjoy!

About The Author

© Gerry Belvedere

Gerry Belvedere is a former artist who now runs her own online florist service at http://www.rosaflora-flowers.com. Rosaflora delivers flowers Australia wide and overseas and offers tips on getting the most out of your cut flowers.

This method of extending cut flower life may sound a bit drastic but it is quite effective.

Have two clean buckets ready. Rinse them out with some bleach solution first.

Boil some water in a kettle and fill bucket No.1 with 2 inches of the boiled water.

Fill bucket No. 2 with 4 inches of cool water.

Cut a half inch or so from the stems of your flowers or foliage and put them in the hot water for 20 seconds, no longer.

Take them out and put them in the cool water.

You should add 2 teaspoons of household bleach and a pinch of citric acid to each bucket to inhibit any further bacterial growth.

The steaming induces a rush of natural sugars to the flower heads and gets the stems "drinking". Steaming is beneficial to flowers that may have been out of water for a length of time.

Enjoy your flowers!

About The Author

© Gerry Belvedere

Gerry Belvedere is a former artist who now runs her own online florist service at http://www.rosaflora-flowers.com. Rosaflora delivers flowers Australia wide and overseas and offers tips on getting the most out of your cut flowers.

Fresh flowers should feel crisp or firm. Before you buy, run your hand under the flower heads from stem to petal tip. Proceed gently under the petals so as not to bruise them.

If the flower vendor objects, give them a withering look and enquire in a loud voice, "Are these flowers fresh"

If the flowers feel soft, cool or damp, dont buy them.

Keep testing the other bunches until you find a good one. Often there are only one or two bunches older than the others. Look and listen. Really fresh flowers will make a soft rustling sound as you stroke them.

As flowers age:

the foliage will start to yellow from the bottom upwards

the stems will discolor from the bottom up as bacteria spreads from the cut

seeds or pollen on the flower head will open and shed spores

the petals will fade in colour, lose moisture, dehydrate and eventually collapse

Remember:

Change the water daily, recut the stems often and enjoy your flowers longer.

About The Author

© Gerry Belvedere

Gerry Belvedere is a former artist who now runs her own online florist service at http://www.rosaflora-flowers.com. Rosaflora delivers flowers Australia wide and overseas and offers tips on getting the most out of your cut flowers.

Preserved Flower Candles

Putting flowers in your candle will add a unique look, while preserving your favorite flower.

Written by Expressive Candles

We have been asked many times, how to put flowers and other objects on the outside of a candle. So, well be showing you how it is done. The most important thing to remember is to be safe. Putting anything on your candle such as paint, dried flowers, ribbon and other objects, pose a fire risk. While this is unlikely to happen with this project, we need to warn you before hand. We do not recommend burning any candle that has flammable material on it.

To start with, you will need a few supplies. First and the most important is a big pillar candle, at least 3" in diameter. This will help keep the flame out of reach of anything you put on the candle. You will also need to have a small white votive, or the same color votive as your pillar, an old pan to melt wax in, a paint brush, dried flowers or herbs and ribbon.

Candle making is an art, and requires exact precision in the melting process of the wax. Luckily you do not have to be exact in this project. Place the votive in your old pot; you will not be able to use this pot for food ever again. Next place the heat on Low Medium to Medium heat, DO NOT HEAT ON HIGH. The only thing we want to accomplish here is to melt the wax down to a liquid. As soon as the last solid piece melts, is when you turn the heat down to low.

Next, select what you will want to put on your candle. If you are using flowers and leaves, make sure they have been pressed. Take the paint brush and paint some melted wax onto the candle where you wish to place the flower. Place the flower on the wax before it hardens. The wax will harden quickly, securing the flower in place. Repeat this step for the leaves as well.

Another great idea is to place a picture on the candle using the method of painting the wax onto the candle. You can use many different things, but they must be flat.

After placing all your flowers and leaves onto the candle, we will need to seal the. The wax in your pot may have hardened some, so heat it on Medium Low to get the wax melted again. Brush the entire candle with wax. This will seal the flowers in place and give it a smooth finish. You might have to apply several coats. But if you use a picture, do not brush over it, this will ruin the picture and you will not be able to see the picture clearly.

Last you can tie a ribbon around your candle to top it off. Another idea is to use the melted wax and paint small metal beads onto the candle for further embellishment.

This project can be done in many different ways, using anything from flowers, herbs, pictures to beads and glitter. But keep in mind the safety of your candle. We recommend not burning candles with flammable materials on them. If you do decide to burn these candles, use large pillars, as the sides of the candle tend not to burn down. Have fun and Enjoy.

About The Author

This Article was written by Michelle Gauthier – info@expressivecandles.com

03/03/04 – This article is copyright by www.ExpressiveCandles.com.

Expressive Candles offers Scented Hand Poured Candles and a growing collection of Candle Decorating and CandleScaping articles.

About the Author

Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of www.new-england-vacations-guide.com . You can read other vacation articles and get a free travel report at his Insiders Guide to New England Vacations site.

This method of extending cut flower life may sound a bit drastic but it is quite effective.

Have two clean buckets ready. Rinse them out with some bleach solution first.

Boil some water in a kettle and fill bucket No.1 with 2 inches of the boiled water.

Fill bucket No. 2 with 4 inches of cool water.

Cut a half inch or so from the stems of your flowers or foliage and put them in the hot water for 20 seconds, no longer.

Take them out and put them in the cool water.

You should add 2 teaspoons of household bleach and a pinch of citric acid to each bucket to inhibit any further bacterial growth.

The steaming induces a rush of natural sugars to the flower heads and gets the stems "drinking". Steaming is beneficial to flowers that may have been out of water for a length of time.

Enjoy your flowers!

About The Author

© Gerry Belvedere

Gerry Belvedere is a former artist who now runs her own online florist service at http://www.rosaflora-flowers.com. Rosaflora delivers flowers Australia wide and overseas and offers tips on getting the most out of your cut flowers.

Fresh flowers should feel crisp or firm. Before you buy, run your hand under the flower heads from stem to petal tip. Proceed gently under the petals so as not to bruise them.

If the flower vendor objects, give them a withering look and enquire in a loud voice, "Are these flowers fresh?"

If the flowers feel soft, cool or damp, don't buy them.

Keep testing the other bunches until you find a good one. Often there are only one or two bunches older than the others. Look and listen. Really fresh flowers will make a soft rustling sound as you stroke them.

As flowers age:

the foliage will start to yellow from the bottom upwards

the stems will discolor from the bottom up as bacteria spreads from the cut

seeds or pollen on the flower head will open and shed spores

the petals will fade in colour, lose moisture, dehydrate and eventually collapse

Remember:

Change the water daily, recut the stems often and enjoy your flowers longer.

About The Author

© Gerry Belvedere

Gerry Belvedere is a former artist who now runs her own online florist service at http://www.rosaflora-flowers.com. Rosaflora delivers flowers Australia wide and overseas and offers tips on getting the most out of your cut flowers.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we thought this would be a great time to share a few tips on caring for cut flowers.

Imagine it's Valentine's Day and you've just received a glorious bunch of roses. You put them in your best vase and you stand back to admire them. You'd love to make them last as long as you possibly can, but other than keeping them out of direct sunlight, you're not sure what to do.

Here are some tips on how to extend the shelf life of your roses:

Remove the roses from the vase and put them in a temporary container.

Clean the vase by washing it thoroughly in water with household bleach.

Fill the vase with fresh water and add a half teaspoon of household bleach for each litre (16 fluid ounces) of water.

Remove your roses from their temporary container and lay them flat on a counter top.

Remove any leaves which will show below the waterline in the vase.

Cut about 20 mm (3/4 inch) from the base of each stem immediately before placing it in the vase. This removes any air bubbles.

Don't place roses in drafts or direct sunlight, or near fruit, heaters, TVs or refrigerators.

Change the water daily to extend the vase life of your roses.

Freshly picked roses can last up to two weeks with a little extra care.

Enjoy!

About The Author

© Gerry Belvedere

Gerry Belvedere is a former artist who now runs her own online florist service at http://www.rosaflora-flowers.com. Rosaflora delivers flowers Australia wide and overseas and offers tips on getting the most out of your cut flowers.

About the Author

Joanie Williams has been giving small dinner parties at home for years. Her website has tips and ideas for planning every step of a small dinner party at home. See how to create several lovely table centerpieces.

A beautiful flower arrangement piece can become the focal point of the room you choose to decorate. Its truly fascinating how we can combine different flowers to create a mesmerizing bouquet. With the vast selection of colors, fragrances and shapes, you can create or readily buy a flower arrangement piece that will speak to you and others walking in the room what you want to communicate.

First thing to do is decide where you will be placing your flower arrangement. Will it be placed on the floor in your hall, on top of a piece of furniture

What about the space where your arrangement will sit Will you need a finished piece that is tall, round, wide or full What is the decor of the room youve selected that will contrast powerfully with your flowers

Dont limit your creativity!

There are several design styles you can choose from and we have included a variety of design here for you to get those creative juices flowing.

Use these as a guide to creating your own flower arrangement style. Pictures of the flower arrangements below can be found at our site.

Bud Vases

A bud vase with a single stem or several stems of your favorite flowers is a simple but elegant flower arrangement piece. Cut your flower stems to about twice the height of your vase. To enhance your flowers beauty, also include some linear foliage.

One tip I will give you with bud vases is to be imaginative. If you dont have a bud vase, recycle any beautiful glass containers you have lying around the house such as perfume bottles or any other.

Basket Arrangement

A basket flower arrangement brightens up your favorite room very well. They make perfect gifts for a housewarming occasion, birthday, or to send and cheer a loved one who is sick.

Baskets come in all sizes and shapes and if you are designing your own basket arrangement, you can find the one that will be perfect for you. There is so much you can do with flower baskets - let your creativity run wild!

Garden Arrangements

Dont these flower arrangements look like youve picked them from your garden

After years of living in the city in an apartment block, I have now the great fortune of living in the suburbs and Ive taken great pains to create a heavenly garden filled with white and red roses, carnations and lilies. With greenery surrounding their flower beds, my little garden looks like a little paradise.

Centerpieces And Table Arrangements

The trick for a successful centerpiece or table arrangement is not to make them too tall as to obstruct views across your dining table.

Choose or create the piece to generate the mood you want to achieve. Flowers at your table will enhance the dinning experience.

About The Author

Copyright © Gina Stathopoulos

Looking for a gift Let Gina and Nick show you what we buy for friends/family and each other. At our site you will find popular gifts, gift information and stories from our readers. Come have a look http://www.we-recommend.com

Flowers are a simple, sincere and unobtrusive way to lift our spirits. They can bring a smile to a tired face or brighten up a room for someone who is under the weather.

Scientific research shows that flowers and plants have a beneficial impact on state of mind and emotions.

Rutgers University behavioral studies have proven that flowers provide a simple way to improve emotional health.

The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.

Did you know that flowers also help relieve stress They can help you relax and stay calm, awaken erotic feelings and increase your sexual drive

They enhance the capacity for emotional depth. They can help us get rid of hidden fears and cope with anger or pain.

Words reach your mind, while flowers truly reach your soul.

Throughout our hectic, fast-paced lives, we seek to rejuvenate ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Flowers, in conjunction with their design and color schemes, create feelings that enhance our moods.

Imagery has been used for relaxation and stress reduction for ages. It is simply creating a mental picture or scene that can help soothe and relax you. But what picture can be more soothing and relaxing than an image of flowers.

So, just imagine your favorite flower. Are you smiling yet You are definitely in a different mood.

There is no doubt that beautiful surroundings provide us with a special environment that helps us thrive. Flowers are an easy and affordable way to add a splash of color and emotion into your life.

About The Author

Janie Redman gives you access to the finest florists on the Internet who offer you worldwide flower delivery that is guaranteed to put a smile on your recipients face on her website at http://www.1stopshoppingonline.com/flowers.html

Congratulations! You have found the man of your dreams and are getting married. What a wonderful time in your life – full of promise, hope, and happiness. Can you think of a better way to express these emotions than through flowers A wedding would just not be the same without wedding flowers.

The Tradition of Wedding Flowers

Carrying flowers by the bride is not something new; it actually has its roots in ancient times. Strong smelling herbs and spices were used to keep away evil spirits during the wedding celebration. Later, during the Roman era, flowers were used to symbolize fertility. Eventually, flowers were given different meanings and used as a way of sending “love notes” in the form of bouquets. Soon, the tradition of the meaning of each flower trickled down and was adopted for the bride’s bouquet.

By tradition, the groom wears a flower that appears in the bridal bouquet in his buttonhole. This custom originates from the Medieval tradition of a knight wearing his ladys colors as a declaration of love.

So it seems that a wedding without flowers is like, well, it’s like a garden without flowers!

So Many Choices

Have you ever considered how many different kinds of flowers there are Hundreds of beautiful blooms are available to create the romantic elegance your wedding deserves. You may even feel like author Phoebe Cary, who said, “I know not which I love the most, Nor which the comeliest shows, The timid, bashful violet Or the royal-hearted rose: The pansy in purple dress, The pink with cheek of red, Or the faint, fair heliotrope, who hangs, Like a bashful maid her head.” So, how do you choose

One way is to consider the different meanings of the flowers and create a bouquet that is not only beautiful to the eye, but also meaningful to the heart. Another way is to consider the time of year. Many flowers are more common during one season than another, so finding off-season flowers may be difficult!

Based on tradition, here are some of the more popular wedding bouquet flowers and what they mean, along with when they are in season: Red Rose – Love, All Year White Rose - Unity, All Year Yellow Rose - Joy, All Year Orange Rose - Passion, All Year Pink Rose - Secret Love, or Grace & Sweetness, All Year Alstroemeria - Devotion, All Year Babys Breath - Innocence, All Year Calla Lily - Magnificent Beauty, March through September Carnation - Devoted Love, All Year Daisy - Innocence & Romance, All Year Ivy - Fidelity, Marriage, All Year Lily Of The Valley - Happiness, March through September Myrtle - Joy , All Year Orchid - Love & Beauty, All Year Stephanotis - Marital Happiness, All Year Tulips - Love & Passion, January through April Zinnia - Affection, All Year

The best way to get the right flowers is to choose the right florist and one of the best ways to find a good florist is by word of mouth. If the florists service and work comes highly recommended, chances are they will do a good job for you. Select a florist that listens to you and really grasps the look and feel you want. Be open to the florists ideas and suggestions. In the long run, it will be the value of their experience, talent, and expertise that you have purchased.

Don’t Forget the Flowers for the….

In addition to flowers for the wedding party and family members, you will need flowers for the church, arrangements for the reception tables, head table, and guest book table. You may even want flowers for the cake and a small bouquet for the ladies room. To make sure you don’t forget any of your floral needs, here is a list of possibilities: Flowers for the Bridal Party Brides Bouquet Maid/Matron of Honor Mother of the Bride Mother of the Groom Bridesmaids Flower Girl Grandmothers Groom Best Man Father of the Bride Father of the Groom Ushers Ring Bearer Grandfathers

Flowers for the Wedding Ceremony Altar Arrangements Aisle Markers Candelabras Aisle Runner Canopy or Archway Kneeling Bench

Flowers for the Reception Bridal Table Cake Table Guest Table Buffet Table Bandstand Gift Table Guest Book Table Bouquet to Throw

Fresh flowers underline the importance and elegance of your wedding day. They enhance any setting and can literally transform an average looking room into a beautiful scene. If youve planned well, your flowers will be exactly what you want, and youll be free to focus on what your day is all about.

About The Author

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of http://www.1st-for-flowers.com where you will find further tips and ideas for http://www.1st-for-flowers.com/wedding-flowers.html http://www.1st-for-flowers.com/flower-baskets.html and http://www.1st-for-flowers.com/flower-gifts.html.

As former florists, we witnessed all too often "Order Gatherers" taking advantage of consumers. These companies even purchase ads in your local yellow pages. They buy sponsored ads in major search engines online. They create websites that lead you to believe that they are a local florist. These companies often work in a call center, far removed from the recipient of your flower gift.

These companies will process your $60.00 floral arrangement order and pass it on to a local florist at a value of $43.00 to include delivery You paid $60.00! It just doesn’t make sense. We find these companies to be misleading and dishonest. They would never tell you that the value of your arrangement is compromised. They are happy to process your order and keep a portion of your money. Consumers deserve better.

Always make sure you are dealing directly with a REAL local florist to get the best value and better service!

Here are just a few of the advantages of ordering your flowers from a REAL local florist;

A Better Value!- 100% of your order is applied to your flowers and delivery, No middleman, No extra fees!

Professional advice- Only a professional florist can offer you expert advice to your floral questions. They can suggest creative floral ideas for any occasion. After all, THEY will be designing your flower arrangement. Talk to the people who know flowers, not pictures of flowers.

Availability- By talking directly to the florist you know what flowers/gift items are available.

In Store Promotions/Sales- You may discover that the florist is offering a sale or special promotion that you were not aware of...saving you even more money!

Your Specific Details- You can specify any little details about your order, even important delivery specifications. Errors are common when your order is relayed through a middleman. When you call the florist directly, your order is placed right at the source.

You are supporting a small business within the community- A business that in turn supports their community, keeping it thriving economically.

Flowers are the ultimate gift of expression. You deserve the best value for your money. A REAL local florist will provide you with professional advice & service. Always make sure that the florist you are calling holds a physical address in the area you are sending to. You will be so glad you did!

About The Author

Tenley McDonald- Former Florist- Now Co-Owner of www.flowerpowernetwork.com Online Directory of Real Local Florists Ms. McDonald has over 14 years experience in Consumer Relations~Customer Service Management~Floral Design. Please email the Author for reprint permission of this article.

info@flowerpowernetwork.com

Valentines Day is Monday, February 14th! Flowers & Valentine’s Day go hand in hand. Your Valentine will be so thrilled to receive a beautiful flower arrangement! Of course, Roses are known for their association with love. They are available in many colors and can create quite an impressive presentation. For a really impressive arrangement, send a 2 or 3 dozen rose arrangement, WOW!

If you want to send flowers, but are seeking something a little different than roses, florists can provide many options. You may choose to send a mixed arrangement containing a variety of flowers. You may choose a tall vase of all Calla Lilies or Tulips. You may also decide to send a flower basket or blooming plant.

Men like flowers too! Consider an elegant vase of all white flowers for the special man in your life. Men are also drawn to vibrant flowers in reds & blues. Even the manliest of men appreciate the beauty of flowers.

Your local florist can also provide Gourmet Gift Baskets for Valentine’s Day delivery. What a treat to receive a beautiful basket full of delicious chocolates, coffees, teas, snacks, etc. Gift Baskets can also contain bubble baths, lotions, candles. Ask your local florist for specific contents available for gift baskets.

Don’t forget that you can also add "Special Touches" to your arrangement. Plush Animals and Mylar/Latex Balloons are popular additions to a floral arrangement or gift basket.

Your local florist can add a personalized message to your gift. Flowers are the ultimate expression of love, and your message can tell your Valentine exactly how you feel about them! It is suggested to order your flowers in advance a week ahead of this busy holiday to ensure best selection and timely delivery.

Remember, to get the best value when purchasing flowers, you should always call a real local florist. "Order Takers" charge you a fee to process your order. Often a portion of your money is absorbed by these "Order Takers", decreasing the value of your arrangement! By dealing with a florist directly, you get a better value & professional service!

About The Author

Tenley McDonald- Former Florist- Now Co-Owner of www.flowerpowernetwork.com Online Directory of Real Local Florists Ms. McDonald has over 14 years experience in Consumer Relations~Customer Service Management~Floral Design. Please email the Author for reprint permission of this article.

info@flowerpowernetwork.com

Since the beginning of our creation, the plants, flowers and trees have been with us. Even at our most primitive, we relied on them for their profound healing abilities. What has changed Mostly, our lack of personal relationship with them. Our highly technical, over busy, media-drenched lives have us relying on quick fixes with artificial chemicals and antibiotic super bugs. This unnatural reliance combined with the unhealthy air and highly processed foods are all resulting in far less than vibrant health.

So, naturally, we search for what we intuitively feel is missing! Could it be in the plants, flowers and trees Could the solution be in the natural world around us, which has nurtured and sustained us throughout our evolution

YES!!

After falling very ill in 1994, just walking down the detergent isle in the supermarket became a nightmare. Perfume sections and artificially scented candle isles, forget it! Confusion, severe debilitating pain, shortness of breath, nausea, headaches, and fatigue beyond belief became my constant companions. Searching for the cause and answers, my Dr. and several specialists put me through a battery of tests resulting in diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Mayo Facial Pain Syndrome, and Multi Chemical Sensitivities. I was so ill that I was pronounced permanently disabled and receive disability from my home in Canada.

My traditional doctor’s were unable to help me beyond giving me a prescription for a “Natural” substance to help me sleep. Their other “solutions” degraded my health further, rather than resolving any of my problems. Reading what Dr. Jean Valnet wrote, “Essential oils are especially valuable as antiseptics because their aggression towards microbial germ is matched by their total harmlessness to tissue—one of the chief defects of chemical antiseptics is that they are likely to be as harmful to the cells of the organism as to the cause of the disease.”Dr Jean Valnet, 1980, I began to think that; maybe, my body’s ‘sensitivity’ was a reflection of my body’s inherent wisdom, rather than a reflection of its weakness.

Searching for some help and relief, I found an herbalist, who has been of great help to me. Still, pain was my constant companion. Unable to take any over-the-counter pain medication, let alone prescriptions, due to my chemical sensitivities, I tried essential oils. I had some minor success with headaches relief, until I tried Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. And FINALLY, I found products that are giving me profound relief, without triggering my body’s sensitivities to un-natural chemicals! No additives or fillers, just the pure, therapeutic-grade, essential oil of the plants, flowers and trees.

This company uses impeccable extraction methods. They help with exhaustive and ongoing research with top experts in the field of Essential Oil therapeutic uses! All of this knowledge, care and sensitivity have produced the largest variety of therapeutic-grade essential oils in the world. What a resource me, people like me and for human kind in general!

The more I learn about and use these oils, the more relief I am finding. The ‘side effects’ of the pain relief include increased energy and better quality sleep.

“Essential oils are 50 times more powerful than herbs.” Dr. Gary Young N.D..

“European scientists have studied the ability of essential oils to work as natural chelators, binding with heavy metals and petrochemicals and ferrying them out of the body” Essential Oil Desk Reference, Compiled by Essential Science Publishing.

I have also seen some profound benefits for family and friends.

“While helping friends with house construction, I was suffering from a very debilitating sinus headache. My friend had me use her Myrtle oil on my forehead, temples, under my nose and the sinus sites on the back of my head. I went back to work and within 15 – 20 minutes I happily realized that I was working as hard as ever and the headache and pressure was completely gone.” Char N.

“While helping friends, wash windows in their newly built house, my roommate and I were concerned about our arms being very sore since we both suffer from severe tendonitis. By the end of the day, both of our arms had started to hurt and ache. Since I had just purchased Idaho Balsam Fir oil I suggested that we apply some. We did that and the next morning we had NO discomfort what so ever. We even decided to continue to wash windows the next day for a couple more hours. Again we applied the Idaho Balsam Fir on our arms and again did not suffer any discomfort.”

Sandra R.

The opportunities for profound health benefits are almost endless. What would your life look like if you benefited like I did I have had PROFOUND pain relief, a renewed sense of emotional well being, VIBRANT health and increased ENERGY.

The more I learn about the frightening effects of our overly artificial lifestyles, the more I realize each of us must take personal responsibility for our health. We must learn all we can and use our great intelligence, make informed choices, take care of our bodies with integrity, and question the effects of everything we take in through our mouth, skin, mind and breath.

Discover these organic products that are produced with the greatest of integrity, and meticulous attention to quality.

I am very excited to open the door through which you can gain greater health, vitality and relief. Learn more about therapeutic-grade essential oils with a FREE report at www.vibrantoils.com Join the journey of discovery that has made such a difference to me!

About The Author

Sandra Richardson is a Reiki Master/Teacher who uses Thereapuetic-grade essential oils personally as well as in her practice. Website is www.vibrantoils.com and my e-mail is swandancer@mybluelight.com

Leave your tic-tacs at home. This medicinal plant provides delicious mouth fresheners to integrate into a balanced healing diet.

When a herb or plant has the designation officinalis it means it has been recognised to have medicinal qualities. Rosemarinus, so called because of marine connections colour of sea - grows by sea e.g. Mediterranean is possibly the best example of a herb that we commonly grow that has extensive folklore and many attributed medicinal values.

Beloved by the Romans, who bought it to the UK from Turkey, they believed this valuable herb could preserve dead bodies from corruption and it was often strewn or grown in graveyards and around tombs. It was well known to the Tudors as a stimulant to the system. In ‘The Garden of Health’ 1579 William Langham writes:

"Carry the flowers about thee to make thee merry and glad and well beloved of all men...hang the flowers on thy bed and place Rosemary in the bath to make thee lusty, lively, joyful, strong and young. To comfort the heart steep Rosemary flowers in rose water and drink it".

Gerard agrees in his 1636 Herbal. "The flowers of Rosemary, made up into lozenges with sugar and eaten make the heart merry, quicken the spirits and make them more lively". He also notes that Rosemary water acts as a breath freshener.

Rosemary has long been recognised as a valuable heart and liver tonic and its use can help to reduce high blood pressure. It has been used in the treatment of nervous complaints, digestive disorders and menstrual pains.

Rosemary is a symbol of constancy in love because it remains fresh and fragrant when cut, longer most other evergreens. For this reason it was often used for solemn occasions such as weddings or funerals - Be it for my bridal or my burial. As in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Rosemary is for remembrance and in the language of flowers the gift of Rosemary means Never will your memory fade. Ancient myth has it that ‘Where Rosemary flourishes - the woman rules’. Rosemary is sometimes used in psychic work as an aid to concentration, memory and mental steadiness. Under the pillow or over the bed its delicious aroma is said to prevent nightmares.

One word of warning though - excessive use of Rosemary taken internally can cause fatal poisoning, but that is no reason not sample the delicious and invigorating herbal tea or eat a few of the flowers.

Like the raw flowers, Rosemary sugar candies are a tiny taste explosion and quite delicious. Preserving them in sugar helps to extend the amount of time you can experience this uplifting Epicurean event. First of all find a plant with flowers. It often flowers twice a year so this should not be too difficult. You can either pick the whole flower from the plant, or set up some arrangement that catches them as they fall naturally.

In a warm place, such as a sunlit window sill above a radiator, drop the flowers onto dried even warmed white sugar. Make sure the receptacle is open enough that moisture can evaporate from the flowers into the sugar and then into the atmosphere. Also make sure that no moisture gets to this mixture at any point as the sugar will ‘clump’ and the flowers will start to rot, spoiling the taste. Shake the mixture now and then to aid the process.

When thoroughly dry, seal the sugar/flower mixture into a moisture-proof receptacle and every now and then - treat yourself !

With thanks to: J. Lust, M. Woodward, D. Conway, C.L. Zalewski, R. Genders.

About The Author

Simon Mitchell From an ebook called ‘Wild Food’ underway at simonthescribe. If you wish to republish this article with resource box intact you will find excellent quality pictures to accompany it at http://www.simonthescribe.co.uk/rosemary.html

Every year you plan that THIS will be the year you have pots and pots of lush plants on your balcony or deck. Then you visit your local nursery in the spring and reality hits -– the cost for your fantasy is just outrageous! Sound familiar

But you can have the planters of your dreams at a fraction of the cost and with a choice of varieties far beyond what the local garden center offers. How Start your own flower seeds now.

If you’ve never grown from seeds indoors before, it’s best to begin with just a few types. Easy starters: Trailing lobelia and petunias make a bright and simple garden for sunny spots. Licorice plant and dwarf nasturtiums are also attractive.

Once you’ve decided on your plants, you must know two things to determine when the seeds should be started: the last frost date for your area, and the time required before transplanting.

The last frost date is the date beyond which there is a low chance usually about 10% of temperatures at or below the freezing mark. This is important because many traditional plants for hanging baskets are tender, that is, they will not survive when frozen. You may already know what the frost date is for your area. If not ask gardening neighbors or your local gardening center. If you are in the USA, visit http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/documentlibrary/freezefrost/Spring32F_hires.jpg for information from the national Climatic Data Center.

The time required before transplanting is different for each type of flower. You’ll see this listed in seed catalogs or on the seed packet. For example, a packet might tell you to “start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date.” Some seeds such as nasturtiums, zinnias, or cosmos may be sown directly outside but if you have to wait after the danger of a frost has passed, you may want to get a jump on spring by starting those inside too.

Licorice plants and geraniums need 12 weeks to sprout from seed. So if my last frost date is May 15th, I’ll want to start them around the last week of February. Petunias, impatiens and lobelia require 10-12 weeks, so I would start them around the first of March. Morning glories, which make a beautiful privacy fence from a plain piece of latticework, need six weeks from start to transplant, but can’t be put outside until two weeks after the last frost date. This would mean starting them indoors about mid-April. I’d start nasturtiums and zinnias about then too.

Your goal is to promote germination with heat and water and seedling growth with light while preventing your seedlings’ chief enemy, “damping-off” with air circulation and proper drainage. Here are some tips for successful seed growing.

Use plastic containers, about 2” deep, fairly wide and with multiple drainage holes. Growers’ cell packs are ideal but you can also use yogurt or cottage cheese containers as long as you sanitize them with a mild bleach solution one part bleach to nine parts water for 15 minutes and then punch several holes in the bottoms.

Use commercial seed-starting mix. It’s sterilized and contains the necessary food to aid germination. You might also want to try using a product specially formulated to prevent damping-off.

Plant seeds sparingly. You’ll have to thin them anyway. Some growers plant only two seeds per cell pot. If you’re planting in flat trays, place seeds 1/2” to 1” 1 to 2.5 cm apart, depending on the seed size, and space the rows 1 1/2” to 2” 3-5 cm apart. Make a depression in the soil with your finger or a pencil and plant the seed about three times as deep as its diameter. If the packet says the seed requires light to germinate, then put it just on the surface of the soil.

Set the containers in a water-filled tray. This allows the pots to draw water from the bottom without disturbing the seeds. Cover tray and pots with plastic to help hold moisture and heat.

Place the entire set-up on a heat source between 75 - 85° F 24 - 29° C. Although a heat mat designed for this purpose is ideal, you can also use the top of a fridge, or a spot near a radiator or space heater.

Once the seeds have germinated, remove the plastic and put the pots with the water tray near a light source at a reduced temperature. Good light is crucial at this point to ensure good growth. Fluorescent shop lights within a few inches of the tops of the seedlings are perfectly suited. You can also try a sunny south window but ideally the light should be on the plants for 16 hours out of each 24-hour period. In my climate, we just don’t have 16 hours of daylight this time of year! Seedlings respond best to daytime temperatures of 60 - 70° F 16 - 21°C and night temperatures of 50 - 60° F 10 - 16°C.

Here’s where it becomes critical to prevent damping-off. One way to do this is to let an electric fan blow gently across the surface of the soil during daylight hours. There are also specially formulated products on the market that can be applied to the surface of the soil when you are planting seeds that will help stop damping-off from developing.

When the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves not the round little germination leaves, pull all but one plant per cell. It’s hard, I know, to pull up living plants but it’s necessary to prevent overcrowding that will kill all of them.

When the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, start watering them from the bottom with fertilizer diluted to quarter strength.

A week or 10 days before you plan to plant them outside, start “hardening off” the tender seedlings. Stop fertilizing, and cut the amount of water in half. If possible, keep them in a cooler space inside and start introducing them to the direct sun and fluctuating temperatures of the outdoors. Begin by setting the trays outside for an hour in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon ad gradually lengthen the time to several hours. Don’t put them out in heavy rain or cold, strong wind and be sure to bring them indoors at night.

Follow these steps and you’ll have a bounty of young, strong plants to fill your hanging baskets and pots. This year, you’ll have the planters of your dreams!

About The Author

Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on “Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space”. Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com debbie@paradiseporch.com

Orchids are beautiful flowers. The interesting thing about orchids is that they seem to draw people to them. There is hardly another plant or flower that has been able to capture the attention and desire of people the way orchids have. In the past orchids have been hunted and collected in almost every part of the world. Today there are millions of people who are absolutely devoted to the plant and its beautiful "faces."

It’s estimated that there are nearly 20 thousand varieties of orchids. They grow in many different climates and regions. There are some important factors to consider when growing your orchids. Light is probably the single most important factor in determining whether or not your plants will bloom. The appropriate amount of light is necessary for proper plant growth and nutrient storage. Without the right light levels, your plant either cannot produce enough food stores to power a blooming cycle. Too much light may burn the orchid and too little light will not support its needs.

An interesting feature of growing orchids is that a plant can live for a long time even with light that is less than ideal, but you probably wont have any flowers. On the other side thought a large and healthy plant that has grown for a long time without enough light will often put on an impressive display once given proper lighting. This means that orchids are very durable and resilient.

As you seek to grow the perfect orchid, take your time and look around as you decide where in your garden you’d like to grow orchids. It will be well worth the patient time and effort you put in to see splendid, beautiful orchids in full bloom.

About The Author

Mike Yeager Publisher http://www.a1-flowers-4u.com/ mjy610@hotmail.com

To help gardeners choose flowers, various systems for rating hardiness have been developed. A plant is considered hardy in a region if it can grow and thrive there without requiring special protective measures such as insulating with straw mulch.

Sun or Shade: After hardiness, sunlight is your most important consideration. Choose flowers that are adapted to th