First Come Flowers

6 Ways To Say Hello To Spring With Flowers

 

Armchair Collective

 

It's finally feeling like spring here in New York. Wondering what to do with all those spring flowers you're seeing for sale almost everywhere? 

Don't worry. I've got you covered. Below you'll find links to great posts about info on spring flowers you may not know, ways to arrange them, how to make your own bouquet, and how to display them in different ways.

 

6 Ways To Say Hello To Spring With Flowers

5 Flowers To Welcome In Spring - Apartment Therapy

How To Arrange Flowers For A Centerpiece - The Inspired Room

Trying To Tie Bouquets, with Jamie Aston and Bennetton - The Women's Room

3 Creative Ways To Give Flowers - Homey Oh My

Last Minute DIY Flower Arrangement  - Coordinately Yours

How to Care For Cut Daffodils - First Come Flowers

 

Oh yeah, and by the way, the picture of the flowers was not taken here in New York.  It's from a cool houseware/cafe in Australia. They're actually re-doing their website now, but the link under the picture will take you to an article about them or you can visit the Armchair Collective Facebok page here.

Let me know what you think in the comments below. 

Mimi

 

Linking to:

French Country Cottage

4 Secrets for Adding Immediate Sophistication to a Room with Hydrangeas

Several stems  of hydrangea in a vase can take a boring corner of your room and make it look a picture out of a magazine.

 

 

Image

Here are the 4 secrets for displaying hydrangea:

 

Carolyne Roehm

 

1. Cut them so the top of the bloom is just above the rim of the vase. They look quite elegant this way.

 

Zsa Zsa Bellagio

2. Use an odd number of hydrangea to achieve the best look. I like using three stems of hydrangea  best, because they generally form a nice circle.

 

Desire to Inspire

3. Pick an unusual color. White and blue hydrangeas are the colors you traditionally see in flower shops. But if you look in gardens you'll see pinks, lavenders and periwinkles too . Hydrangeas actually come in several shades of green and in an incredible range of tri-colors. 

 

 Keyakidori

4. Go big whenever possible. There are some hydrangea from Holland  and New Zealand that are just crazy big. They tend to last longer and come in many more colors.

 

Hydrangeas can be a little finicky. Learn how to care for them here.

Mimi

4 Secrets for Getting Cut Flowers to Open Quickly

Why in the world would you want fresh flowers to open up quickly?

 

via Pretty Little Flower

 

Perhaps you're having a dinner party and want those roses to look full and beautiful. Or you're taking pictures to post online and you want them to look great.

 

via Tremolo

No matter what the reason, there are ways to make it happen. Here are a few things you should know before you begin:

• Flowers that are forced open will not last as long as flowers that are allowed to open naturally.Why? Because you're interfering with the natural order of things.
• Not all types of flowers can be forced open. 
• Some flowers take a long time to open even when you force them   
• Note: This post is about forcing cut flowers to open, not flower bulbs.
• Flowers that are harvested too early, such as roses, have extremely tight buds that may never open. Make sure the color of the flower is visible on every bud and that there is some space between the petals.

 

Monica Aguinaga

Before you begin this process, notice how the flower looks when it opens naturally. You can either look at pictures of the flower online or visit a flower shop. Knowing what the flower is supposed to look like is a crucial step in this process. 

4 Secrets for Forcing Fresh Flowers to Open:

1. Cut the stems of the flowers on an angle and place them in warm water containing flower preservative. I said warm, people. Not hot. Not lukewarm either. Just nice and warm. Hot will damage the precious blooms. Flowers like asiatic lilies will open quickly in warm water. Other varieties can take several hours or even a week to open. This approach works well with most rose varieties. 

2. Open the blooms manually. Look at the flower and observe the way the petals are formed. If you gently move the flower petals a little at a time you can get it too look as though it opened naturally. The trick here is to do it slowly and carefully. Roses and carnations can be opened this way.

3. Blow into the flower. When I first became a florist I used to do this from time to time for events. I now buy my flowers well enough in advance so the flowers can open naturally. Sometimes I blew into the flowers so hard I thought I was going to pass out. Again, this is a process that takes a little time to get right. This approach works best on roses.

4. Use a commercial product like Floralife Quick Dip. This product is sold for the wholesale market. It's not cheap and comes in a size more than you'll probably ever need. It's an instant hydration solution which opens roses very fast. I always have it in our shop but rarely use it.

So you now know everything I do about opening common flowers prematurely. Learn how to make your fresh flowers last longer here. Click here for tips on buying the freshest flowers.

 Have I forgotten any other methods of forcing flowers to open?

 

Mimi

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tulip Time

I was reading about tulips on my friend, Rona's delightful blog called, Flowerona. She inspired me to write this post on the amazing tulip.

 

Image:  Flowerona

 

Unusual Varieties of Tulips:

Image:  via knitspot

1) Double Tulips - These have a double layer of petals. Magnificent!

 

Image:  The Plant Expert

2) Fringed Tulips - I love the little "shredded" edges of these tulips. I buy them, especially in white, as often as I can for our shop.

 

Image:  via Tricia's Musings

3) Lily-flowered Tulips - These really do resemble lilies in a way. Quite unique aren't they?

 

Image: via urbanpix

4) Parrot Tulips - These are crinkly around the edges and open beautifully.

 

Learn More About Tulips Here:  

 "Mind-blowing Video About What Really Keeps Tulips Looking Great Longer"  - Tulip Tips by Chive Inc. 

Tulipmania Festival - Read and see Rona's photos of this amazing event by London florist, Neil Strain at his flower shop called, The Flower Lounge.

Aerial View of Tulip Fields in Holland - via Ursa Major 

"How To Make A Simple Tulip Centerpiece" - If you've  never arranged flowers before in your life this centerpiece is for you.

Interesting Tulip Fact - Tulips are the only flowers that continue to grow once cut. If you place them in an arrangement with other flowers, particularly in floral foam, they will grow right out of the arrangement. I learned this the hard way. It takes about 2 days to happen.  

I love tulips in flower arrangements, but no longer use them in my weekly accounts in floral foam. Tulips are great in water though and for special events.

Any interesting experiences with tulips?

Mimi

 

 

 

How to Care for Cut Daffodils

source

Daffodils are the first sign that spring is on its way. Even on a gray day, daffodils make you feel like everything is right with the world.

 

source

Narcissus, the botanical name for daffodils, can be a little tricky to care for.

 Here's What You Need to Know About Caring for Cut Daffodils:

1) Buy your daffodils when they're still a bit closed. They will begin to open after being in the water for a while.

2) Daffodils give off a sap that can be deadly to other flowers.  So it's best to arrange them with other daffodils only. Feeling adventurous? Want to include them in a mixed flower arrangement anyway? Then let the daffodils stems soak overnight in cool water to release some of that sap.

3) Partially fill a clean vase with room temperature water. Half way should be good. Daffodils prefer shalow water 

4) Add some of the floral preservative from the little packet. A few shakes, not the whole thing.

 

source

5) Stand the daffodils next to the vase to see how long or short you want them to be.

6) Cut each daffodil stem on an angle with a sharp knife or flower shears. When in doubt, cut them longer than you think you actually want them. You can always re-cut them later. If you cut them too short the first time though...

7) Gently remove the protective husks or you can leave them on.

8) Repeat steps 3 - 6 every other day to help the daffodils last longer.

 

For more info on daffodils:

How to Arrange Daffodils - Video

 Different Types of Daffodils  

 

How do daffodils make you feel? I'd really like to know.

Mimi

 

 Linking to: 

2805

At The Picket Fence

Chic On A Shoestring

Common Ground

Finding Fabulous

French Country Cottage

My Romantic Home

No Minimalist Here

Not So Functional Housewife

Primp

Shabby Nest

Simply Sweet Home

Stuff and Nonsense

The Charm of Home

 

4 Links To Help You Select and Care For Your Fresh Flowers

Fly Me To The Moon Florists 

There's something nice about having fresh flowers around. Some folks use fake ones instead, because they last longer.

But fresh flowers can last quite a while if you select them carefully and take good care of them.

At our shop, we buy our flowers from the finest wholesalers in New York City. Then teach you how to take good care of them.

Here are links to earlier posts on the selection and care of fresh flowers:

8 Secrets For Selecting Fresh flowers The Way Florists Do

5 Ways To Afford Fresh Flowers

10 Secrets For Keeping Fresh Flowers Alive Longer

How to Care For Cut Hydrangea 

 

Is there a topic you'd like me to write about regarding flowers?

Mimi

Mind-blowing Video About What Really Keeps Tulips Looking Great Longer

michael george

Everyone has the perfect solution for keeping tulips upright and looking great. I actually like the look of tulips when they bend. But hey, that's just me.

Chive Inc.

 

You've got to see this video by Chive Inc., the cool vase people.  It's called, "Tulip Tips."  It's hosted by Noel P. Greaves. You can see it here.

Ovando


Have any tulip tips you want to share?

Mimi

 

Linking to:

2805

At The Picket Fence

Chic On A Shoestring

Common Ground

Finding Fabulous

Fingerprints On The Fridge

French Country Cottage 

My Romantic Home

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

No Minimalist Here

One Artsy Mama

Primp

Simply Sweet Home

Stuff and Nonsense

The Charm of Home

The Not So Functional Housewife

The Shabby Nest

5 Ways To Afford Fresh Flowers

Image:  Fly Me To The Moon Florists
 

Fresh flowers are a cheap thrill. They aren't just for the rich and famous! They can bring a smile to your face in an instant.

Fresh flowers make you feel good.They can boost your morning moods and lift your spirits. Read "How to Boost Your Morning Mood here."

Fresh Flowers Are Affordable

You can have fresh flowers in your home daily.Even on a tight budget.

 

Image:  Fly Me To The Moon Florists

Here  Are 5 Ways You Can Afford Fresh Flowers 

1) Go to a florist and buy one unusual flower. Ask the florist to recommend a long-lasting flower. Cut it and place it in a vase. Learn how to care for fresh flowers here. This is a good investment.

Lilies, alstroemeria, carnations and some varieties of roses can last as long as 7-14 days. If properly cared for that is.

Flowers purchased from good florists generally last longer.They condition them well. And keep them in coolers to preserve them.

2) Buy a small bunch of mixed flowers. Cut them short and place them in small vases and jars around the house. Flowers cut shorter often last longer.The shorter stems allow the water to get to the flowers more quickly. 

3) Learn to appreciate flowers at all their life stages. Ever notice that roses in magazines are always all the way open. That's when they are most beautiful.

Don't just go for the tight buds. Often those tight buds you think will guarantee you a longer vase life really mean the flower was cut too early. When that happens with roses, they won't open at all.

Learn how to select flowers the way florists do here.

4) Buy a bunch of flowers and split them with a friend. Spread the wealth. By going in together you'll get more bang for your buck.

5) Buy a cheap bunch of flowers from the corner store. Ask which day the flowers are delivered and buy them that day. Follow the tips above for proper care.

These flowers aren't kept in coolers. So sometimes they don't last that long. But they are still flowers.They will make you happy

Fresh flowers are a joy to behold. Make them a part of your daily life! I've just given you 5 ways to get started.

Can you think of other ways to make fresh flowers affordable? 

Mimi 

31 Days of Orange: Day 3 Create An Orange and Red Flower Arrangement

 

 

Don't you just love this simple yet elegant flower arrangement.  I think the combination of orange and red roses is quite stunning.

 

How To Create This Orange and Red Rose Flower Arrangement

Find a place that sells fresh and unusual colored roses. Buy 2 dozen red and orange roses. Read "How to Select Fresh Flowers The Way Florists Do."

Cut the flowers and place them in water. To learn how to care for your flowers read "10 Secrets for Keeping Flowers Alive Longer."

Select a vase with an opening of approximately 4-5 inches. The wider the opening of the jar, the more roses you will need.

Fill the vase with water. Not all the way to the top though. Don't forget to add some floral preservative to the water.

Remove any leaves from the rose that will go into the water. Leave the thorns on though. They prevent bacteria from entering the stem of the flower.

Cut one rose and place it in the vase. The stem should reach the bottom of the vase and the blossom should be right at the top of the vase edge. That's if you want a full and elegant flower arrangement. Do the same thing with the other roses until the bowl is full. Better to cut the rose too long than too short.

Arrange the roses around the bowl. Don't do one red, then one orange. Live a little. Be spontaneous. It's okay for 2 oranges to be together and then one red...

That's basically it! 

 

Bonus Tips

You can use a colored or clear glass vase. If you do though, you will see the stems. If you prefer not to see the stems, try a ceramic vase.

Don't forget to: change the water, wash the vase and re-cut the stems every few days. It will make your arrangement last longer.

Buy good quality roses if possible.  The flower arrangement will be more full and it will last longer. If you buy roses that are tight, tight, tight they will never open. They were cut too early by the grower.

 

Enjoy your rose arrangement. Let me know how it turns out.

Mimi

 

Link to other blogs in the 31 Day Challenge here at The Nester.

 

 

Image: Dean Zamani   Arrangement by Piccolo Floral Artistry

How To Care For Cut Hydrangeas

 
 Image:  Fly Me To The Moon Florists  

Hydrangeas are beautiful, but they do require a little special care. Follow these steps below and enjoy:

 

 
Image:  Fly Me To The Moon Florists 

 8 Tips for Caring for Cut Hydrangea

1) Purchase hydrangea from places that always sell fresh flowers. Hydrangeas, or any flower really, purchased from shops that sell old, poor quality flowers won't last long.

2) Buy hydrangeas that look full. There should be no brown spots. No wilting or gaps between the flowers either.

3) Fill a clean vase with room temperature water. Hydrangeas are big drinkers. So don't skimp on the water.

4) Add a little floral preservative. Yes, use that little packet that comes with the flowers. It helps the flowers last longer. I use it all the time.

5) Don't smash the stems with a hammer. That's old school advice. It destroys the cell structure of the hydrangea stem.

Instead, just cut the stem twice. The first cut should be on the angle. The second cut should be a vertical one at the bottom of the stem.

6) Spray the hydrangea blooms with water. Remember, hydrangeas are really thirsty. 

7) Place hydrangeas in a cool spot. Away from the sun and other sources of heat.

8) Change the water. Remove hydrangea from the vase. Wash the vase with soap and water. Repeat steps 3-5 above.

 

5 Minute Flower Arrangement

• Fill a large, somewhat heavy, vase with water.
• Get 3 hydrangea with or without leaves.
• Cut hydrangeas so each head rests on the top of the vase.
• Voila! Beautiful and elegant flower arrangement.

 

Where would you place this hydrangea arrangement?

Mimi