All About Flowers – Our Blog | Flora2000.com

A classic, long lasting beauty – the Phalaenopsis orchid is one of my favorite blooming plants. I first fell in love with this “butterfly” orchid when I stumbled upon the pure white variety at a local spa. Now, I search for the new and unusual color variations. Yellow, pink, purple or variegated, there are so many to choose from. Each will bloom happily at home for weeks. Now that summer guests are stopping in to visit, you’ll want to pick up a couple of these beauties – one for the entry and one for the guest room. They are the perfect fresh touch for the home.

Lemonade anyone? Oh, how I love the summertime. I relish long lazy days lounging in the back yard and impromptu warm evening picnics with a tall, cool glass of lemonade. Mmmmmm….. Add a little zest to your picnic table top with sunshine yellow and crisp white flowers in a lemonade pitcher. Yes, you’ll need a second pitcher for serving the beverages but, oh what fun! Add a checkered table cloth, friends and potato salad – you’ve got the beginnings of a grand summer celebration.

Summertime sunshine brings such an abundance of gorgeous flowers! Craspedia, scabiosa pods, poppie pods and sunflowers are gathered in a natural forest bowl made of of sphagnum moss, lichens and branches. The crisp yellows and luxurious greens create a textural delight of Mother Nature’s finest offerings. Stop by Flora2000 to see the latest natural floral beauties of the summer season.

Looking for something different? We’ve got it! The Persimmon! Yes, the same persimmons that you eat. A lovely persimmon branch filled with immature persimmons is the inspiration for this delightful contemporary design. Add a bit of grass, a few woven balls and you have a floral work of art. Of course, a bright blossom enlivens the design – I like the natural look of vivid yellow Centaurea but, an orchid or large rose would be equally as beautiful.

‘The Family is Nature’s masterpiece.’ – George Santayana

Parenting is the most rewarding experience in the world… and the most exasperating. The birth of a child brings ecstasy and terror in equal measure. Parents assume responsibility for a little human being for the next eighteen years, loving, nurturing, guiding, teaching, and moulding their little one. It’s what makes the bond between a parent and child the strongest of all human relationships.

Parent’s Day, which is observed on the fourth Sunday of July, is a time to celebrate this unique bond and express gratitude for all they have done for you. While the concept of ‘honoring thy mother and father’ has been around since eons, Parents’ Day was formally established in 1994 by President Bill Clinton for “recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children.”

Most parents discover hitherto unsuspected reserves of patience along the way. Your parents have made sacrifices you can’t begin to imagine. So, show them how much you love and appreciate them. Harness your creative energy and make a list of all their favorite things — you’re sure to come up with some great ideas. For instance, bake your dad’s favorite cake and make them a scrap book of family photos. Add to that your mom’s favorite flowers and you have an unbeatable combination.

The Real Voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having NEW EYES

We founded Flora2000 a decade ago with an inspiration to expand the definition of beauty. In 2009 celebrated floral artist David Beahm came aboard, adding to Flora2000’s bower. Our Summer 2010 Luxury Collection is a combination of modern styling and fine craftsmanship, draws on disparate sources for inspiration to create something truly spectacular for our patrons.

Have you ever been far out at sea at nighttime? There are mysterious lights that shimmer brightly from the ocean’s depth to the water’s surface. The sailors of old believed them to be the Sea God’s jewels, safely hidden beneath the waves and used to control tides. The inspiration for Jewel Trove, a trio of cube arrangements in fuchsia, ruby and ivory, comes from these ancient tales of the Sea God’s tide jewels.

The allure of the Sea God is echoed in the blazing hues of carnations symbolizing the timeless bond between sailor and sea. Sourced from specialist growers, who ensure that each bloom is grown and nurtured carefully from a superior pedigree of seeds, these carnations are not only bigger and brighter, but also vibrant for longer periods.

Clasping the carnations in a glittering embrace, the eternal jewels of time and tide anchor the carnations, waiting for you to discover their secret. The floating crystals irresistibly bring to mind the magical luminescence of the ocean. Each carnation hovers above a jewel, creating a colorful mist over the water. The sparkling faceted crystals sway on delicate ribbons creating small ripples – a glittering tribute to the midnight ocean.

Jewel Trove is a true floral delight. Imagine presenting these Jewel Boxes to a loved one and telling them the Sea God’s secrets: your story will cast a spell worthy of the tide jewels.

Remember? Remember playing in the vacant neighborhood fields, long summer days wandering in the woods, leisurely picnicking in the park? Salute these memories with a wild garden bouquet. Rye grass and festive summer blooms create a bouquet so inviting that even the butterflies have to stop by for a visit.

A rose by any other name… The Greek philosopher, Sappho declared the rose to be the “Queen of Flowers”. Romans revered the blossom so much that they filled their bed pillows with the sweet smelling petals. Oh, doesn’t that sound wonderful? I think I would love to lie upon a bed of rose petals! Later, the Victorians chose the rose to symbolize “love” in the language of flowers. Even today, the rose is still a flower lover’s favorite. With wedding season upon us, I’m sure you will see the rose bridal bouquet is the first choice of the contemporary bride.

The season for outdoor entertaining has arrived. Is your yard ready for guests? A quick trip to the florist greenhouse may be in order. A hanging basket for the patio – love the sweet potato vine! A planter to greet the guests at the front door – the aromatic rosemary is a sensory delight. And, of course, a flat or two of brilliantly colored annuals to spice up the flower beds. Whew! A weekend in the garden and I’m prepared for a season of entertaining. Now, that’s a great return on my investment.

Big, bigger, biggest! The Duchess Rose is the grand prize winner. If you love roses (and don’t we all!), you’ll adore the “bigger than life” Duchess Rose. Created from the petals of several fresh roses, this faux blossom is sure to amaze. Ohhhhh, Ahhhh! Oh, my! Where ever do you find such a beauty? At Flora2000 of course!