Are you still counting down the days till the next big occasion arrives? Well, you had better plan a recount because something special could be in store for you, sooner than you think.
We are giving you a chance to create your own special occasion and send an extravagant bouquet to anyone in the world, ABSOLUTELY FREE. That’s right, an occasion just for you.
Simply post a short write up related to an interesting flower fact, something you think is out of this world, in the comment section, or even post a photo to have a better chance of swinging things in your favor. Then cross your fingers and pray your entry is one of the most unique ones we receive.
You could send your images to us at – blog@blog.flora2000.com.
The two most interesting posts get a purchase from us ABSOLUTELY FREE.
If that wasn’t enough, every person who enters gets a 10% discount on their next purchase from us. So you win no matter what.
Entries will be accepted till the 15th of March 2009, so stop reading already and start typing before this opportunity fades.
Keep your fresh flowers away from any ripening fruit or vegetables, or dying flowers. These items give off ethylene gas which can damage fresh flowers.
Very important something i was not aware of until i read it on this website
Life jackets use to be filled with sunflower stems
If you add food coloring to the water, a gardenia’s petals will absorb the food coloring and turn that color.
thnx to flora.com , m from india and my girlfriend is in uk , d only way i can send flowers to her….thnx again
Flowers produce wonderful scents and come in a variety of different colours, which is used in nature to attract pollinators (such as insects and birds) so that the plant can reproduce. This makes them just perfect to use them as gifts to give to loved ones.
Flora the BESTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT in Flowers
If you’ve never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. Its my birthday countdown in few days and i count on none but a flower to bless my day.
Did you know that lifejackets used to be filled with sunflower stems?
Flowers are the best way to explain yourself to your lover. I wrote a lot of letters to my love that how much I love her but it did not as effective as a flower what I send. So flowers are very important for me and I love flowers so much…
What is the largest flower in the world?
The Rafflesia arnoldii.
The flower with the world’s largest bloom is the Rafflesia arnoldii. This rare flower is found in the rainforests of Indonesia. It can grow to be 3 feet across and weigh up to 15 pounds! It is a parasitic plant, with no visible leaves, roots, or stem. It attaches itself to a host plant to obtain water and nutrients. When in bloom, the Rafflesia emits a repulsive odor, similar to that of rotting meat. This odor attracts insects that pollinate the plant.
Another enormous flower found in Indonesia is the Amorphophallus titanum, or Titan arum. It is also known as the “corpse flower” for its unpleasant odor. Like the Rafflesia, the Titan emits the smell of rotting flesh to attract pollinators. Technically, the Titan arum is not a single flower. It is a cluster of many tiny flowers, called an inflorescence. The Titan arum has the largest unbranched inflorescence of all flowering plants. The plant can reach heights of 7 to 12 feet and weigh as much as 170 pounds!
World’s Most Expensive Wedding Bouquet
When something is associated with a wedding, there’s usually a good chance someone has taken it to exceptionally impractical proportions and spent ridiculous sums of money in the process. This wedding bouquet that is now showcased at the Ruby Plaza in Vietnam is comprised of 90 gemstones, 9 diamonds, and 1 star shaped ruby and has been valued at $125,000.
The $200,000 Orchid
In 2005 a group of Chinese scientists working on agricultural research grew an orchid that was purchased at auction by an anonymous buyer for an incredible 1.68 million yuan or right around $200,000 USD. This orchid was the result of eight years of efforts and represented a new and unique species, which accounted for its staggering price point.
The Legendary Flower
The Kadupul Flower begins blooming just before midnight and dies within a matter of hours. Because of its extremely short lifespan, even in its native Sri Lanka, the flower is rarely seen. The Kadupal Flower has been mythologized throughout history, and is referred to as the legendary flower of the Celestial Nagas. However, because of its ludicrously short lifespan the flower’s monetary value is pretty much nil.
17th Century Tulip Bulb
Considered the most expensive flower in history, the Semper Augustus was coveted for both its beauty and its scarcity. In 1637, the asking price was as high as 10,000 guilders, which, in addition to sounding old time-y and impressive, was enough money to have purchased “a grand home on the most fashionable canal in Amsterdam.”
Cheap Flower With Expensive Taste
Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice by weight, and each pound of Saffron is the product of approximately 50,000 flowers. So although the flower itself is far from rare, it does yield a spice that can be sold for right around $1,000 a pound. If you do the math, the value of each flower that is used for saffron would be right around 2 cents, making this the most affordable bouquet on the list by about $125,000.
The flowers started my relanthionship and i’m sure that this perfect gift will bring me back to the love of my life! Thanks Flora 2000 because i did a diference when i sent flowers in the Valentines Day. A distance from Brazil to Germany is 12.000km but with flowers celebrating importants dates give us the felling to be in front of each other.
if i can send all kinds of flowers to my honey i will , nothing touch the heart like red lovely flower 🙂
When
When distance is an issue, when words are not enought, when I need tell how much I care, when I need apologize, when I am happy, when I want somebody happy, the only international language is Flowers. Flowers for my love, flowers for friends, flowers for family. Colorful, lovely, soft flowers.
Flowers saved many lifes.
Dear Kai Yiu,
I am Sorry to tell you that you do not know what you are talking about.
The Origin of The Rose
The origin of the rose dates back to pre-historic times. In fact there is a fossilized rose in the Smithsonian Museum, that was found in Florissant, Colorado. That makes the rose as American as the bald eagle. The rose was declared our National Floral Emblem in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan.
Throughout history, the rose has been the inspiration of great works of art, literature, and music, and has been called the “queen of flowers”. It is most often associated with love, and appropriately it is the flower of June, the wedding month.
Old garden roses began to lose their popularity in the latter part of the 19th century, taking a backseat to the very competitive hybrid tea roses. Thankfully collectors started to preserve them in their gardens before they completely disappeared, as many have survived in family cemeteries.
The old garden roses are now resurging in popularity, as their hardiness and varied fragrant characteristics are being rediscovered.
What’s in a name?
“That which we call a rose; by any other name would smell as sweet?”
– William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, Act 2 scene 2
The meaning of white roses is perceived as pure and bright, and by giving away a white rose a suitor says “You are heavenly” and “I respect and look up to you” to the object of his affection.
The meaning of Red Roses is love while a bouquet of red and white roses is a symbol of unity. The same thing is true for a bouquet of white roses with red edges. It is a signal of loyalty and kinship. “You and I are one” and “We stand united”. Just like the red rose, the purple roses symbolises love but the meaning of purple roses are more a symbol of enchantment and love and first sight than the ever lasting love represented by red roses.
The meaning of Pink roses are generally viewed as a symbol of refinement and elegance. They have however also been used to send more elaborate messages, where the different pink shades were attributed different meanings. The meaning of roses with a deep pink or cerise tone was gratitude and appreciation, while the meaning of a rose with a very light pink shade was sympathy.
A bouquet of only yellow roses means “try to care”.
The meaning of Orange roses are enthusiasm and eagerness, a new beginning. The meaning of Peach Roses on the other hand is that something has gone well, a deal has been reached.
A deep burgundy color on a rose means “Unconscious beauty” or “You are so beautiful without even knowing it”.
Green roses have existed since 1856 and are a symbol of fertility and fruitfulness.
The meaning on Black roses is death and new beginnings
Hybrid Tea roses mean “I will never forget you”.
The meaning of Blue Roses are that someone is mysterious.
Roses have a long and colorful history. According to fossil evidence, the rose is 35 million years old. Today, there are over 30,000 varieties of roses and it has the most complicated family tree of any known flower species.
The cultivation of roses most likely began in Asia around 5000 years ago. They have been part of the human experience ever since and mentions of the flower are woven into a great many tales from the ancient world.
And there are so many beautiful stories that include roses through out the ages that we all can recognize.
Greek mythology tells us that it was Aphrodite who gave the rose its name, but it was the goddess of flowers, Chloris, who created it. One day while Chloris was cleaning in the forest she found the lifeless body of a beautiful nymph. To right this wrong Chloris enlisted the help of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who gave her beauty; then called upon Dionysus, the god of wine, who added nectar to give her a sweet scent. When it was their turn the three Graces gave Chloris charm, brightness and joy. Then Zephyr, the West Wind, blew away the clouds so that Apollo, the sun god, could shine and make the flower bloom. And so the Rose was…
In another story, an ancient Hindu legend, Brahma (the creator of the world) and Vishnu (the protector of the world) argued over whether the lotus was more beautiful than the rose. Vishnu backed the rose, while Brahma supported the lotus. But Brahma had never seen a rose before and when he did he immediately recanted. As a reward Brahma created a bride for Vishnu and called her Lakshmi she was created from 108 large and 1008 small rose petals.
Several thousands of years later, on the other side of the world in Crete, there are Frescoes which date to c. 1700BC illustrating a rose with five-pedaled pink blooms. Discoveries of tombs in Egypt have revealed wreaths made with flowers, with roses among them. The wreath in the tomb of Hawara (discovered by the English archaeologist William Flinders Petrie) dates to about AD 170, and represents the oldest preserved record of a rose species still living. Roses later became synonymous with the worst excesses of the Roman Empire when the peasants were reduced to growing roses instead of food crops in order to satisfy the demands of their rulers. The emperors filled their swimming baths and fountains with rose-water and sat on carpets of rose petals for their feasts and orgies. Roses were used as confetti at celebrations, for medicinal purposes, and as a source of perfume. Heliogabalus used to enjoy showering his guests with rose petals which tumbled down from the ceiling during the festivities.
During the fifteenth century, the factions fighting to control England used the rose as a symbol. The white rose represented York, and the red rose symbolized Lancaster. Not surprisingly, the conflict between these factions became known as the War of the Roses.
In the seventeenth century roses were in such high demand that roses and rose water were considered as legal tender. In this capacity they were used as barter in the markets as well as for any payments the common people had to make to royalty. Napoleon’s wife Josephine loved roses so much she established an extensive collection at Chateau de Malmaison, an estate seven miles west of Paris. This garden of more than 250 rose varieties became the setting for Pierre Joseph Redoute’s work as a botanical illustrator and it was here Redoute completed his watercolor collection “Les Rose,” which is still considered one of the finest records of botanical illustration.
Cultivated roses weren’t introduced into Europe until the late eighteenth century. These introductions came from China and were repeat bloomers, making them of great interest to hybridizers who no longer had to wait once a year for their roses to bloom.
From this introduction, experts today tend to divide all roses into two groups. There are old roses (Those cultivated in Europe before 1800) and modern roses (Those which began to be cultivated in England and France around the turn of the 19th century).
Until the beginning of the 19th century, all roses in Europe were shades of pink or white. Our romantic symbol of the red rose first came from China around 1800. Unusual green roses arrived a few decades later.
Bright yellow roses entered the palette around 1900. It was the Frenchman Joseph Permet-Ducher who is credited with the discovery. After more than 20 years of breeding roses in a search for a hardy yellow variety, he luck changed when one day he simply stumbled across a mutant yellow flower in a field. We have had yellow and orange roses ever since
The rose is a phenomenal plant and is rightly known as the worlds favorite flower. No other flower has ever experienced the same popularity that the rose has enjoyed in the last fifth years. In temperate climates, roses are more widely grown than any other ornamental plant, and as cut flowers they are forever in fashion.
It has been estimated that 150 million plants are purchased by gardeners worldwide every year, and sophisticated breeding programs have produced a plant that dominates the world’s cut flower market; the annual crop is calculated in tons. Roses have also made a tremendous contribution to the perfume industry.
Roses boast an ancient lineage, and they are intricately entwined in our history and culture.
As a motif, the rose has been and still is depicted in many national emblems. It has been adopted by countless political factions, and even by businesses and several international events.
THE ORIGINS OF CULTIVATED ROSES
Rose’s species have a natural distribution through out most parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Paleontologists inform us that they become established in the Tertiary Period, which began 70 million years ago. This means that the ancestors of the rose predate the evolution of humans
Europe and the Middle East – The Dawn of Rose Breeding
Well before the Christian era, the transportation of useful plants had played an essential part in the expansion of civilizations. The sprawling Roman Empire together with the excursions of Alexander the Great in Asia introduced many species never seen before in the Middle East and Europe. The dog rose (Rosa canina), for example, was long thought to be a native of Britain, but was in fact brought there by the Romans.
By about AD 1200 the first five groups of domesticated roses had already begun to evolve in cultivation: Albas, Centifolias, Damasks, Gallicas and Scots Roses.
The Far East – the Birthplace of the Modern Garden Rose
Although rose growing enjoined high popularity in the gardens of Europe for many hundreds of years, it was not until the end of the eighteenth century, with the discovery of R. chinensis in China, that a major step forward was achieved. The revolutionary characteristic of this rose is its ability to flower repeatedly from early summer to late autumn.
Some commentators have used the term perpetual flowering But this can be misinterpreted and used too literally. Parsons Pink China, Slater’s Crimson China, Humes Blush Tea-scented China and Parks Yellow Tea-scented China The first cultivated varieties opened up a new vista of roses with a modern classical shape, a true crimson color with a very pale hint of the early yellows and a repeat flowering performance. The Far East became the birthplace of the Modern Garden Rose, and the rest is history.
East Meets West
The introduction of roses from the Far East coincided rather neatly with the advent of modern breeding techniques. Although the sexual function of the flower, in particular the function of the anthers and stigma had been revealed in the seventeenth century, this discovery was not used in practical plant breeding for another two hundred years before this time, primitive Rose breeders would place two distinct varieties in pots together when both were in full bloom; they knew that there was a reasonable chance that the plants would cross-breed and produce seedlings with shared characteristics of the two parents.
In the early part of the nineteenth century, hybridists, primarily French amateurs, began a planned breeding program with very gratifying results. This was quickly followed up with some enthusiasm by rose-growing devotees all around the world. Soon, rose breeding without first planning the parentage became unthinkable.
The subsequent g=progeny produced were identified by groups usually names after their town or country of origin, the hybridist and, in some cases, a wealthy patron. Thus, collective terms such as Bourbons, Noisettes, Hybrid Perpetual and Portland’s came into existence with varying degrees of success. Eventually, the collective term Hybrid Teas was coined; 1867 is the date usually quoted when this modern group became a recognizable entity. Since that time, Hybrid Teas (also known as Large-flowered Roses), have progressed from strength to strength.
The Last Fifty Years
The early 1950s was a decisive time in the history of the rose. Gardening for leisure, rather than for food, became increasingly popular, and this coincided with the release of a new rose variety called Peace. It is difficult to convey the impact this rose had on gardeners-simply put, everybody was growing it! Peace almost single-handedly advanced the popularity of the rose out of all proportion to any other garden plant.
In the last decade there have been many new schools of thought on the role of the rose in the garden. No longer are we subjected to endless formal flowerbeds solely devoted to this single genus. It is not that gardeners have lost their appreciation of these superb blooms, rather it is that they have discovered how wonderful roses can look when grown informally among other plants such as clematis, honeysuckles, delphiniums, lavender, spring bulbs and geraniums.
Although disease still rears its ugly head on certain occasion, the rose has become a much more adaptable plant; varieties are available that can be grown as shrubs, climbers, ground covers or in pots. Nowadays, the rose has a place in every garden, even the smallest back yard, and it is telling that the Patio Rose Sweet Dream is one of the best-selling roses today.
THE ROSE IN HISTORY
As with most plants that have long been closely associated with the history of people, the rose has become deeply ingrained in our culture and beliefs. The Romans, who originally cultivated the rose as a medicinal plant, also used the blooms to enhance their festivities.
The Greeks, however, accepted the rose as a complement to the progress of their culture. Whenever a secret meeting was held, the Greeks used roses to decorate the ceilings of their conference rooms. This indicated that everything discussed was confidential, which is the origin of the phrase sub Rosa.
In fifteenth century England, roses were chosen to represent the two rival royal factions: the white rose of the House of York and the red rose of the House of Lancaster. The heraldic Tudor Rose emerged as the emblem of royalty. More recently, roses have been used as motifs to further the aspirations of political parties and national sporting teams.
Evolution of the Rose
Throughout the history of civilization, no other flower has been so immortalized and integrated into daily life as the rose. From poetry to music, from festivities to wars, Mothers Day to St Valentines Day, and birth to death, the rose has held a unique role. There are over 4000 roses listed in this monograph, and they are testimony enough to convince even the ultimate skeptic that roses have a rich tapestry of evolution stretching way back in time. Just how the genus Rosa managed to, and continues to, evolve into one of the worlds favorite flowers is an interesting horticultural puzzle. To fully appreciate the development of roses up to the present day, a brief exploration of the early history of roses before 1800 is needed.
Roses in Antiquity
Fossil remains found on a slate deposit in Colorado indicate that roses estimated 40 million years ago in North America. Other important fossil findings through the Northern Hemisphere have confirmed the very ancient existence of roses growing as far north as Alaska and Norway and as far south as Mexico. No Wild Roses have been found to grow below the equator, although roses now thrive in the Southern Hemisphere thanks to the deliberate intervention of civilization.
Where or when the genus Rosa originated is unknown in spite of the wealth of fossil studies. In theory, the early Wild Roses were most likely cultivated for their hips, which have some nutritional properties, as were their close relatives, the cherries, plums and apples. Most of these early species roses were five-petalled, pink or white with some yellows from China. As civilizations developed trade, accidental crosses of there early species started the evolutionary process as they were grown along side each other.
Mention of roses appeared frequently in the written records of early civilizations, such as those of the Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans. In 500 BC, Confucius wrote about the roses growing in the Imperial Rose Garden of the Chinese Emperor, Who also had an extensive library of books about roses. It is from such writings that we can glean a picture of rose distribution and cultivation.
The oldest rose we can identify today is Rosa gallica, which gives very fragrant flowers of deep pink to crimson followed by brick red, sub-globose or turbine hops. The exact geographical origin of R. Gallic is unknown, but there are references to it by the Persians in the twelfth century BC; they regarded it as a strong symbol of love and commitment. The next identifiable rose was the very fragrant R. damasccena, which appeared in descriptive texts around 900 BC. In 50 BC a northern African variant called R. damascena semperflorens, the? Autumn Damask captivated the Romans for its ability to give two bloom cycles instead of just one. Traced back to the fifth century BC, it is believed to have resulted from a cross between R. gallica and T. moschata (the musk rose). Until the discovery and importation of China roses from the Orient in the late eighteenth century, R damascena semperflorens was the only repeat-bloomers known to the Western world.
Another rose of great historical importance was the Alba Rose, White Rose of York, the emblem of the great House of York during the fifteenth century Wars of the Roses. R. Alba is probably a lot older, dating back to as early as the second century AD.
In early European times, the evolution of the rose had reached a well-defined, simple family tree, which had five distinctive Old Garden Rose classifications: Gallica, Alba, Damask, Centifolia and Moss.
Roses in the New World
Of the 200 species of Wild Roses know worldwide, about 35 are considered indigenous to the Unites State, which makes the rose an American as apple pie. The first American species mentioned in European texts was R. virginiana; notable other species are R. Carolina, the Pasture Rose R. setigera, the Prairie Rose R. California, R woodsii and R. palustris, the Swamp Rose. Several of these are named after their naturally selected habitat. Captain John Smith wrote about the Indians of the James River Valley who planted Wild Roses to adorn their village surroundings. In 1621, Edward Winslow, a founder of the Plymouth Colony, planted lots of fragrant white, red and Damask Roses.
Modern Roses
In 1867, the French breeder Guillot introduced a medium pink variety called La France. This variety was considered unique in that it possessed the general habit of a Hybrid Perpetual (Mme Victor Verdier, its seed parent) as well as the elegantly shaped buds and free-flowering character of a Tea Rose (Mme Bravy the pollen parent). Recognition that La France demonstrated a new group was delayed for almost thirty years of acrimonious discussion in the popular horticultural magazine of the era Gardeners Chronicle. Nevertheless, the first Hybrid Tea had been born! Although technical difficulties hindered the direct mimicking of Guillots work, practical experience over the following twenty years finally resolved the problems and rapid expansion of the Hybrid Tea class with different colors and foliage took place. Hybrid Teas, now known as Large-flowered Roses, quickly replaced Hybrid Perpetual in popularity in gardens all over Europe and America.
Planned breeding has now developed over 10,000 Hybrid Teas that demonstrate a wide range of color and blends and even stripes!
A striking specimen of a weeping stand form of the Polyantha Rose the Fairy
Roses have had meaning since the dawn of time. Everyone knows that a red rose is a symbol for love but did you know that when you give a bouquet of white and red roses, it means unity?
Read on to learn what your favorite roses mean in the very special language of flowers.
In Victorian times, suitors would present a bouquet to their intended that held much meaning once the flowers were looked at. These bouquets were called “tussie-mussies” and every courtship began with their presentation. The content of these tokens often changed as the relationship did until the bride walked down the aisle with the most meaningful bouquet.
. Red roses say “I love you” and also stand for respect and courage.
Rosebuds symbolize beauty, youth and a heart innocent of love or: “You are young and beautiful.” Red rosebuds mean “pure and lovely” and white rosebuds signify girlhood or “too young to love.” The moss rosebud stands for confessions of love.
A single rose stands for simplicity. In full bloom, it means “I love you” or “I love you still,” and a bouquet of roses in full bloom signifies gratitude.
White roses have several meanings: “You’re heavenly,” reverence and humility, innocence and purity, “I’m worthy of you,” and secrecy and silence.
Red and white roses together, or white roses with red edges, signify unity.
Pink roses in general symbolize grace and gentility. For more subtle shades of meaning, choose deep pink to stand for gratitude and appreciation. Light pink conveys admiration and sympathy.
Yellow roses usually stand for joy and gladness, but can also say “try to care.”
Red and yellow blends stand for jovial and happy feelings.
Coral or orange roses denote enthusiasm and desire.
A deep burgundy rose means “unconscious beauty.”
Pale colors convey sociability and friendship.
Hybrid tea roses mean “I’ll remember you always” and sweetheart roses symbolize just what their name implies.
Two roses taped or wired together to form a single stem signal an engagement or coming marriage.
A full blown rose placed over two buds forms a combination that signifies secrecy.
Withered white roses have two meanings: fleeting beauty and “you made no impression.”
A crown made of roses signifies reward or virtue.
Rose leaves are a symbol of hope.
OK I THINK I AM DONE NOW.
This is the great way to show somebody part of your hear!
Sampaguita (Jasminum sambac) is a sweetly scented tropical flower and is the national flower of the Philippines and Indonesia. The species Jasminum sambac is native to southern Asia, in India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The beautiful ornamental Sampaguita blooms cover the glossy green leafed bushed type ever bloomer. The Sampaguita is also well known in Asia for its use in teas and religious offerings, symbolizing divine hope. Sampaguita grow on a woody vine or semi-climbing shrub, which reaches a height of 1,2 meters. The leaves are ovate or rounded in shape and 6 to 12 cm long. The leaves and Sampaguita flowers grow on short stalks. The Sampaguita flowers bloom either singly or as bundles of blossoms at the top of the branches. Blooming all through the year, Sampaguita are pure white, small, dainty, star-shaped blossoms. The flowers open at night and wilt in less than a day. Sampaguita is considered a symbol of fidelity, purity, devotion, strength and dedication. Sampaguita is a Spanish term that comes from the Philippino words “sumpa kita,” which mean ‘I promise you.’
A tip my Gramma once gave me (because my thumb is anything but green) is to give an orchid an ice cube of water every couple days to a week.
Apples, pears, plums, cherries, almonds, peaches and apricots belong to the rose family of flowers.
So if you wanna give someone a dozen “roses” Give them some apples!
I hardly celebrate Valentine’s day, neither do my boyfriend. But this year, I suddenly have this idea to send him a rose during this special day, for his love, kindness and patience towards me. Without second thought, I browse the web and found Flora2000. I place the order and crossing my fingers hoping the rose will reach him on time.
I am in Malaysia and my boyfriend is in Italy. There was 7 hours time difference in between us.
Then we had a long chat during the day. I was hoping someone ring his door bell and hand him the flower & chocolates with my special wishes. But it just didn’t happen (well I thought they cannot make it on time since I make the order in the morning of 14 Feb), when we offline, it was 7.30pm in Italy.
I told myself, it will be special too if he received the next day as it will be no one but he who receive flower 😛
But then, miracle happens. He received it on 14 Feb itself! The rose caught him off-guarded, surprised and touched.
The great scent of the rose brings us closer, more loving and appreciate each other even more.
Flower bring loves and hope, at least this is what I think 🙂 And it does not only meant for girl, but anyone who have loves in their heart 🙂
Thanks to Flora team who make this happen, it really meant a lot to me, i believe to other long distance couple & family too!
An individual dahlia can have up to 300 petals! That’s like an entire bonquet on each stem. What better way to tell someone you care?
My dad loved flowers… He had his own garden with roses… When he was coming in the house he often brought me a beautiful white one… He has passed away last January… My daughter Daphne seems to have picked up his habit… Often when she comes back from school she picks a white rose for me… ‘This is for you mummy’, she says and it is like it’s him handing it over to me…
My favorite flower is the Sunflower. But most people dont know that not only is is cheerful, beautiful & has nutritious seeds, it’s actually VERY useful in ways you would never guess.
Sunflower stems were used to fill life jackets before the advent of modern materials.
Floating rafts of Sunflowers are being used to clean up water contaminated as a result of the 1986 accident Chernobyl Nuclear Plant. The roots of sunflowers remove up to 95% of the radioactivity in the water by pulling contaminants out of the water.
So, Sunflowers not only beautify the planet, but help to clean it up. That’s one awesome flower!
In the 1500’s, most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and were still smelling pretty good by June. However, even in June they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor.
Beautiful girls deserve beautiful flowers!
In the spring the flowers bloom
It rids people of their gloom
The spirit of love clings to the air
People walking everywhere
The biggest flower in the world
Rafflesia arnoldii a very rare flower that can be found in the rainforests of Indonesia. It has the world’s largest bloom, that can grow up to 3 feet across and may weigh up to 15 pounds, has no visible leaves, roots or stem.
Rafflesia arnoldii is actually a parasite that attaches to a host plant for water and nutrients and while in bloom emits an odor similar to rotten meat. This is how it attracts insects that pollinate the plant.
pink puya
This is a very rare species which is native to Argentina. The goreous pink, blue, mauve and white flowers actually change colour as the flowers mature. This one can be grown in mild climates as it’s hardy down to about twenty degrees.
The Victoria water lily (Victoria amazonica) is the national flower of Guyana. That’s where I was born. It is featured on the Guyanese Coat-Of-Arms. The flower has a leaf that is up to 3 m in diameter on a stalk 7–8 m in length. Thaddäus Haenke, a Czech geographer and explorer, was among the first to describe them, but as he stayed in South America until his death in 1816, later British explorers named the plant after their Queen, Queen Victoria.
Life jackets used to be filled with sunflower stems!
ROSES ROSES & MORE ROSES. i HAVE SUCH DELIGHT LOOKING AT MY ROSES IN THE GARDEN. ALSO WHE I WAS 60 MY SON & DAUGHTER-IN-LAW GAVE ME A CRYSTAL ROASE BOWL, IT IS NEVER EMPTY. GIVES ME SUCH A LOT OF PLEASURE.