The Beauty Of Floral Design

Floral design is one of the best jobs or hobbies in the world because you can really pour yourself into it. Every piece can be a bit different than the last and can be inspired by the way you are feeling, a memory, a person in your life, or the client you are arranging for. Flowers allow people to pour all of their emotions into them and create beautiful things. If you are so inclined, you can make flowers your hobby or you can even make flowers your career. There is a lot of money as well as a lot of joy to be found in such a career, but to continue to do well you have to dig deep for continued creativity, originality, and inspiration.

Many who get into the floral design field believe that their current design trends will see them though decades of business, but this may not be true. If you get into the business you need to continue to be open to new things. The reason for this is that if you want to attract new clients as well as younger clients and you need to change up your designs from time to time and offer new things. If you always offer the same thing, you will find that some of your clients get tired of the same old design or you may have trouble attracting new clients. It is important to stay abreast of what is new and popular in the floral world, even if you do not incorporate all of the contemporary designs into your own.

Florists can continue to learn by buying new books, attending classes and seminars, receiving newsletters, and subscribing to magazines. All of these mediums will offer even the most experienced florists some new tips and techniques that will allow them to modernize their designs, make difficult designs easier to create, or simply inspire new techniques. There are always new and exciting things that can be done with flowers, but if you are never introduced to the information, you cannot incorporate the information into your designs.

If you want to continue to offer cutting edge designs to your clients you can, no matter how long you have been in the business. Just because you got into floral design 50 years ago doesn?t mean your arrangements need to look like they are 50 years old. If you have an eye for beauty, you can create some very contemporary yet beautiful pieces. You may also be surprised to see that what was once popular is becoming popular again, so you can call on old skills as well as mix in some new skills for some really interesting pieces. The more you learn, the more artistic your arrangements can be, and your clients will appreciate that.

Floral design is a very artistic and rewarding career and florists can choose to be as contemporary as they want to be. If you want not only to understand contemporary design, but other designs as well, you may want to check out the http://www.floraldesignmagazine.com website. You can subscribe to the magazine and have creativity and inspiration delivered to you monthly, and it is all great and useful information. Any florist who is looking for fun, creative, new ideas should check out this opportunity.

Floral Design Magazine is an online publication specializing in floral design for florists, flower arrangers and floral designers.

Floral Arrangements - A Hobby That Can Make A Flourishing Business As Well

Arts and crafts are a hobby for millions of people. More and more are trying their hand on floral arrangements.

Floral arrangements have a way of making people feel more serene, and some arrangements say, "I love you". There is no manual what to use for a floral design, it depends on what you want and what occasion you want to give one. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

There are different materials that you can make your arrangement out of. If you are giving your arrangement to someone who has a hectic or busy schedule, or is forgetful, you may want to consider an arrangement made out of silk. They are beautiful, and can be refreshed for months of beauty. You can even scent them to give the appearance of real flowers.

There are different types of arrangements. If you want to give someone you love one of these arrangements, consider a Korean floral arrangement. It is made of delicate flowers and is arranged in a dainty pattern. Or you could also go for the ever popular Japanese style of Ikebana.

When you give a floral arrangement of carnations and roses, you are saying I love you to anyone you give it too.

Your creations are only limited by what you can envision. There are thousands of different types of flowers to use to create the perfect flower arrangement.

Another popular trend in flower arrangement is to work with artificial flowers. These flowers are often made of silk or other such material .The best thing about these arrangements is that they are long lasting hypoallergenic for those having allergies. Besides they look natural and beautiful as well.

Whether you use real flowers or artificial, any arrangement that you can make will be incredible.

Creating your arrangement must be done with the utmost care in order for it to last for a long time.

Floral foam will assist you in a lot of different ways. However, before using it in your arrangement, you will need to soak it in water. Put the foam in a bucket of water. It is not advisable to pour water over the foam because it could miss spot and take away from the life of your arrangement.

Flowers need food, even in an arrangement. There is special food for cut flowers. This type of food dissolves easily in water and can be fed to your flowers daily.

When you are making a flower arrangement for someone, take into consideration the type of person and use the appropriate flowers.

An important thing about this wonderful art is that you can convert it into a flourishing business. You can earn good money by starting your own florist shop. You can either choose to become a wholesale florist or a retailer. You will soon find that there is no business like flower business!

Summary:

Making a floral arrangement can tell someone that you really care. When you take the time to do it yourself it shows a personal touch that a professional cannot match.

Brooke Hayles
Check Out More Helpful Information About Floral Arrangement For FREE!
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Planning Wedding: Beautiful Floral Arrangements To Cast Magical Spell On The Guests

A wedding is a part of perhaps the most beautiful moments of a couple's life. And every couple strives to make this occasion as beautiful as they can. In order to enhance beauty of the occasion, what really come in handy are flowers.

Well, your guests would cherish the memory of mesmerizing floral arrangements in the wedding ambiance for long. Yes, a wedding celebration could be memorable if floral decoration is done aesthetically.

Usually, by wedding flowers we mean bridal bouquet, flower bouquets (to be placed on reception tables) and floral adornments for the wedding or reception party.

Nowadays, customized wedding ceremonies are on the block. An increasing number of couples want to enter into the wedlock in their own perceived style and fashion. Most often, they show earnest willingness for a unique theme wedding that they have dreamed for long. And flowers prove to be of great help in making their dream come true.

For unique floral arrangement, it is always preferred to seek help of a florist having expertise in wedding floral arrangements. With the help of the florist, you should try to choose the best possible flowers to suit your theme wedding. For bridal bouquet, it is always good to take a picture of bridal dress to the florist.

By making the florist acquainted with details of wedding including bridal dress, venue and ambiance, you can get best possible flower decorations in consonance with your theme wedding.

You can go for a floral arrangement that happens to be a combination of real and silk flowers. However, a complete real flower decoration is much sought after because of natural fragrance of flowers that creates an enchanting atmosphere.

Bridal bouquet must be chosen carefully as it happens to add elegance and charm to the bride. If you are going for theme wedding, you should keep your theme bridal gown in mind while choosing flowers for the bouquet that you would carry on the wedding. If bouquet doesn't go well with your bridal dress, your entire theme would be at stake. On the other hand, a bouquet that perfectly gels with the dress would give you a complete look.

While choosing flowers, you must not compromise on sobriety of the occasion. But, flower selection to great extent would depend on the kind of wedding that you are planning for yourself. If you are longing for an exuberant and informal wedding, you can suggest your florist to use flowers of vibrant colors as these colors depict fervor and vitality. For a traditional church wedding, it is recommended to do floral arrangements with white and sober color flowers.

You can make your wedding look very special with striking yet decent flower decorations. An artistically executed flower decoration would cast a magical spell on all present in your wedding.

To read more articles on wedding, wedding planning and weddings visit http://www.weddingleague.com/

The auther writes articles on different topics. To get more articles on wedding visit http://www.weddingleague.com/

Floral Art Tapestries In The Modern Home

If you are interested in adding an elegant touch to your home d?cor without losing your contemporary edge, you might want to consider decorating your walls with floral tapestries. These classic works of art use various plants and flower arrangements to convey a timeless serenity, while at the same time allowing one the flexibility of incorporating modern accents into a design theme.

The right still life tapestry can blend seamlessly with a room?s furniture and accessories (such as lamps and other lighting fixtures), while at the same time providing the perfect visual enhancement to offset contemporary surroundings. Floral tapestries have a way of establishing a sense of balance in a room, perhaps because they remind us of an inherent need to be grounded in the natural and organic.

Why Are Flowers Contemporary?

At first glance, it?s easy to understand why some floral tapestries may almost seem unsuitable for the modern home. After all, many elaborate original tapestries were woven in centuries past and now reside in historical European museums. Cultures all over the world have embraced floral still life art for centuries in different ways, for different reasons.

But one could also argue that it is precisely this diversity of appreciation that has lent itself well to contemporary applications. Keep in mind that modern interior design tends to focus on creating space and light. If you choose a floral tapestry with bright and natural colors, the openness of the contemporary theme is highlighted.

Another way to understand the appeal of floral still life in contemporary culture is to understand the complex philosophical and sociological issues the modern world faces. For many, a floral tapestry can offer a metaphorical glimpse into the human condition. Flowers are often viewed as representing an inescapable frailty, while simultaneously providing a sense of hope and optimism.

A Wide Assortment of Choices

Incorporating floral still life tapestries into your contemporary design theme does not mean that you have to sacrifice individuality when developing a modern feel. In fact, quite the opposite is true.

The open, airy nature of many modern and post-modern themes means that the tapestry you choose can reflect whatever you want it to reflect. There are so many combinations and choices available on the market that you should have no problem finding a piece that not only encompasses your personality and individual style, but also retains the spacious, open characteristics of contemporary design.

The Ivy Column

Consider a portrait such as the Ivy Column tapestry, which combines all the significant elements of contemporary design into a vivid display of ambient surrealism. Sunlight shines on a country house with a stunning array of colorful foliage surrounding it.

The inclusion of the pond in this portrait only further solidifies the sense that all forms of nature are represented in the piece. In essence, this piece has it all ? that is, something for everyone.

Complexity in Openness

A range of complex personalities can be accurately represented in pieces such as the Ivory Mural tapestry, the Floral Decadence tapestry, and the classic Directoire tapestries. These remarkable works of art manage to capture the bright, cheerful colors associated with many contemporary designs, yet the intricate floral patterns and organic settings are likely to inspire and challenge the thinking person?s awareness for years to come.

Beauty in Simplicity

On the other hand, some people believe less is more ? an equally valid assertion in modern design preferences. The Prestige (Dawn) tapestry and the Prestige (Midday) tapestry are both perfect examples of how the focus on a simple tree can speak volumes.

These tapestry portraits allow the imagination to run wild in the fantasy world depicted by the artists who developed them. The natural landscapes depicted in these pieces exist nowhere in the actual world, yet it is not at all difficult to image that they could. The viewer is drawn in to the simplicity of a single tree, yet the artist manages to capture other faint still life images of birds and plant life in the background. The approach is both subtle and effective.

Combining the Simple and the Complex

Perhaps among the most effective representations in floral tapestries are those which draw upon all of the elements we have discussed. For example, the Classical Rose tapestry is conceptually straightforward ? in essence, a vase of roses. Upon deeper examination, however, it becomes clear that the artist?s use of light and choice of background provide a depth and clarity to the piece that touches the soul on a much more substantive level.

Modern D?cor and Floral Tapestries

The elegant yet uncomplicated concept of a flower arrangement has been the motif of many still life artists throughout time. These works have been faithfully reproduced in the tapestry world, and they represent an incredible assortment of selections one can employ when developing a contemporary design theme. Floral still life tapestries can contribute to the bright and spacious nature of modern design, while at the same time providing viewers with an intriguing experience that requires an intensity of concentration to fully comprehend and appreciate.

David Burr writes on a number of subjects for the Tapestry House including floral art

Namaqualand: The Floral Kingdom of Africa

Foreigners and locals return time and again to this wonderland of colour. The miracle of a parched landscape slowly evolving through the seasons into a huge carpet of wild flowers is breathtaking. The best time to view this unique floral display is from mid-August to October.

To do Namaqualand properly, one would take a leisurely drive through the fields of flowers, stopping off at the nature reserves and charming towns along the way. Bear in mind that accommodation in the region is often booked out a year in advance as more foreigners hear of these wildflowers, which are unparalleled anywhere.

To view all the different species of flowers in the region, get The Botanical Society of South Africa guides to Nieuwoudtville SA Wild Flower Guide and Namaqualand SA Wild Flower Guide 1. There's also Freeman Patterson's Garden of the Gods and Fynbos by Richard Cowling.

Towns Along The Way

Kamieskroon
The locals in this area are as impressive as their colourful surroundings. They are helpful and offer advice on where the best flowers are. The reasonably priced Kamieskroon Hotel, the town B&B's and the neighbouring farms all offer splendid accommodation. Contact the Namaqualand Tourism Centre for your pick of places to stay. Roads leading out from Kamieskroon go up into the hills to the town of Leliefontein where you will find an enchanting old mission. It's worth travelling further afield to the rugged west coast of stormy seas and rocky outcrops at Hondeklip Bay and Groenriviermond.

The 50 000 hectare Namaqua National Park is a botanical and ecological conservancy whose friendly conservationists will gladly answer questions on the flora and fauna of the area. The reserve stretches roughly from the town of Garies northwards to the towns of Springbok and Steinkopf. The areas most visited are round the towns of Springbok and Nababeep. The Spektakel (spectacle) ridge is a must see with its profusion of flowers. The further north you travel from Kamieskroon to Springbok, the more spectacular the display of species in a good season.

Nieuwoudtville
The town of Nieuwoudtville is a geological treasure situated on the Bokkeveld escarpment. Within the surrounds of just 20 kilometres the plant life changes from fynbos, to Renosterveld, to Karoo. It has the richest bulb (geophyte) variety in the world. Species include the famous spring daisies, the forget-me-not family, Pelargonium (with its bizarre shapes), Heliophila (Sun lover), Vygies (little figs), and the Iris and Rose family.

The town has its own wild flower reserve; there is also nearby Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, a giant plain of wilderness rock formation and rock art. You can view a 90-metre high waterfall in an ancient Gondwanaland geological fault. Visiting the nearby 'secret' forest with its kokerbome - strangely shaped trees with weird arms coming out of their trunk - makes you feel like you're inside 'Lord of the Rings' territory. The private farms in the area are open to the public and often have the most spectacular array of flowers. There are a couple of farms that manage to combine commercial farming with the cultivation of floral wealth.

Tips on planning your Flower Escapade
Flowers are best viewed from 11:00 to 15:00 on a sunny day

A cool box is essential for informal, off-road picnics

Don't forget comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars and insect repellent

Most of the flowers are so tiny that you won't be able to see and appreciate them from a moving vehicle. It's perfectly safe to get out the car and view close-up

Take your flower guides, so you are up-to-date with the names of flowers you are viewing

Self-drive holidays are so popular because driving in South Africa is easy, safe and exposes you to some of the greatest attractions that you would never see on a package tour. iDrive, Southern Africa car hire, has developed a range of self-drive, travel products from our many years of travel experience in South Africa and its neighbouring countries

Floral Arrangements

Floral arrangements can be an impulsive bunch of field flowers or an elaborate, multi-textured presentation soaring up to the ceiling. Pit all of Nature's fresh flowers against mankind's ingenuity and nimble fingers. Arrive at arrangement ideas that challenge and delight the imagination.

A flexible and endearing art, floral arrangements adapt to a very personal approach or a chic, florist exercise. On the broadest of terms, floral artwork is for outdoor, indoor or personal human adornment. Perhaps the most readily accessible of decorative matter, flowers can adorn a crib, a crypt, banquet or boardroom with perfect ease and appropriateness. Flower styles can be European, Asian, country-style, tropical exotica or individual picks and flicks.

Open-air arrangements are many. The natural flower garden, landscaped to individual tastes, climate and land contours. To green house cultivations, flower bowers, poolside arrangements and rock gardens that need constant supervision. In clusters or all by themselves flowers can festoon arches, porches, pillars and other outdoor venues as well.

Indoor floral displays offer more opportunities for creativity and variation. From the front door to the staircase, hall or basement, bedroom or bathroom, wall, window, floor or ceiling, flowers decorations can be placed anywhere, to appeal everywhere. Used furniture and cutlery, old teapots, family trophies, baskets, cans, stands, trays and fishbowls take on charming new tones when adorned with flowers. And when combined with greenery, fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, pinecones, ribbons, paper, taffeta, faux flowers or silk flowers, flowers exude extra life and room appeal.

Simple arrangements require basic flower sense. Organize flowers by appearance into the brightest, biggest, most exotic blooms, to the lean, straight-looking ones, rounded ones, forms other than round, and finally, feathery, filler flowers. But florists can be your ideal mentors. Drop by at the store to get a feel of the flowers, style alternatives, arrangements and price options available. Browse flower design books for more ideas. Discuss with the florist, the occasion, your recipient's age, personality, home d?cor and your relationship, before picking on the right flowers. Decide on the budget and then ribbon-tie, cello wrap or customize the selection.

Taking flowers out from their natural ambience into other areas of human proximity calls for skill and expertise. Fragile shelf life imposes precise timing and clarity of purpose in the use of cut flowers. Heat, weight, moisture, packaging and deft handling can all dictate flower longevity.

Dabble with flowers, and spend a lifetime learning new things. Topiaries, spool wire, puff, acrylic paint, pothos, floral frogs, foam, adhesive, sheet moss, Spanish moss, moss wheat grass, beet, cattails, decoupage, greening pins, wilt-proof spray, watering spikes, pour spouts?and you thought flower arrangements just happened.

Flowers provides detailed information on flowers, flower gifts, flower delivery, floral arrangements and more. Flowers is affliated with Discount Flower Delivery

THE FLORAL RECIPES

As a Floral Designer I am always looking at simple ways of enhancing the use of flowers. With the dull grey skies of the monsoons, it would be nice to liven up a lunch or dinner table with some bright colours.

It is really simple to use household stuff that is easily available and change the ways the flowers look in your home. Floral arranging is the only field of fine arts in which anyone can excel, since creative ability can be developed by everyone.

The medium used is inherently beautiful so one does not need a high level of technical skill like an artist or a musician who has to manipulate paint, rock, clay or instruments to derive beauty from it. Flowers and other material of nature have their own beauty we simply need to combine these to enhance our enjoyment.

Of course, floral arrangement as an art has a history, even if it has not been documented as meticulously as some other arts. We look at an arrangement in the lobby of a five-star hotel and wonder how expensive it could be, but we could make our homes look exotic without spending much.

To be honest, it does not take much to have wonderful floral arrangements at home -- just a little out-of-the-box thinking is all it takes. In any case, you would already be spending a bit on buying flowers. With some extra thought, the same bunch of flowers can be made to look so different. The beauty of it all is that, depending on the 'accessories' or 'ingredients' used no two arrangements will look the same.

Instead of just bright gerberas stuck in a no-nonsense vase, or orchids in a glass vase, why not change the look with simple techniques? Or why not simply use a fruit innovatively like a vase?

A Floral Recipe; using things from the kitchen or easily available "other" ingredients, we can make new recopies everyday.

In fact, you could work you way around and use different arrangements for each room of your home. Most of these arrangements will last anywhere between three to six days.

I have thought up 2 recopies here, and a variant on each.

Colour On Colour

Here's what you need:

1. Four clear glass tumblers. Could be different shapes, or sizes.

2. A basic wire stand or basket or Wooden Tray (could be an old pickle stand that we keep on our tables).

3. Food colours like yellow, red and green.

4. 12 brightly coloured (Red) Gerberas.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Fill the tumblers with clear water and then add food colour - green in one, orange, blue and yellow in the others.

2. Place these tumblers in the wire stand or on the edges of a small wooden tray.

3. Fill each of them with the bright, contrasting gerberas.

4. Three gerberas each are enough to ensure that the rims of the tumblers are covered.

Decide where to display the stand but make sure that the contrasting coloured water and the gerberas are visible clearly.

Voila! You have a stunning colourful display that is so easily made and so different from the typical 'flowers-in-a-vase' look.

VARIANT:

Use the same display differently in a bedroom, for instance, using the backdrop of the mirror to double the colour effect and do away with the stand or tray, simply place them on the dresser.

The Melon Dip

Here's what you need:

1. Three musk melons. Not very large.

2. Six long purple orchid stalks.

3. A sharp carver knife.

4. Small 2 inch bits of firm aluminum wire, or wrapping thread (not ribbon)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Slice off the top a bit so that the soft peach flesh is exposed.

2. Cut the 6 stalks of orchids diagonally so that each has a sharp edge.

3. Wrap thin, flat cotton soaked with water around the stem edge.

4. Wrap a piece of transparent plastic around the cotton and then wrap firm wire around the plastic to hold. Or use the thread to tighten the plastic around the cotton.

5. Now your stalk of orchid is strong and firm enough to push into the soft flesh of the exposed melon. Push the orchid stalks in on a slant; this will give a wind swept look to the display.

The contrasting texture of the skin of the melon and the peachy pink flesh used as a natural container, against the contrast with bright purple orchid stalks and you have a masterpiece.

VARIANT:

Some candles could be added too. Use the wire to wrap 3 toothpicks onto the candle base and you have a candle stand! This can then be inserted into the melon.

Use two orchids to a melon if the melons are small or more stalks to make a delightfully simple floral display.

For more ideas write in to info@spring-blossoms.com

Laxmi will help you with any personal queries.

Biography: Laxmi Lobo

Proprietor Spring Blossoms

Started sourcing fresh flowers for The Oberoi, Mumbai, Various florists and Corporates.

Retailing of arrangements/deliveries for Corporates.

Shifted into designing and placements of arrangements for Corporate buildings like: HDFC -Ramon House, Times of India building, ICICI Tower, Sterlite office, Reliance Guest houses, Reliance-Jamnagar

Floral Photos Brighten Spring and Summer Decor

Don't you love the colors of spring and summer? Many flowers are in full bloom, delighting the senses with their beauty and fragrances. It always amazes me how quickly these seasons pass.

Just a few short weeks ago our flowering cherry trees were in full bloom. I captured them as a backdrop for a photo of our twin boys catching a ride with dad on the riding lawn mower. Only days later a strong breeze blew all the beautiful flowers away and all I have is the photo to remember them.

If you have a digital camera, you too can capture the beauty of your spring and summer flowers. I am by no means a professional photographer. I wouldn't even consider myself an amateur...maybe a novice at best! A digital camera, however, is very forgiving. It auto focuses for you and you can retake a picture until you are happy with how it turned out. In about 15 minutes I was able to photograph all of our flowers and get some great pictures to decorate our home.

We have some tall daisies that I took closeup pictures of from several different angles. The yellow walls of our dining room will make a nice background for those photos.

I never saw the weathered siding of our home as attractive until I photographed it behind some beautiful long-stemmed pink flowers. These photos will make a nice addition to our master bedroom.

Seasonal photos are great because you can change them with the seasons. Last fall I photographed our sons on the porch with some big pumpkins, and those photos will come out in the fall and replace the pictures of our summer flowers.

I love seasonal flowers, but because of hayfever we cannot fully enjoy them in the house. By displaying photos of them in the house we can enjoy them while they are in bloom as well as after their seasons have past.

Note: Photos for article here: http://www.frugal-home-decor.com/floral-photos.shtml

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For easy do-it-yourself home decorating ideas for busy moms, visit http://www.frugal-home-decor.com

Discover Why Our Floral Arrangements Are Among The best Online

Our warehouse stocks a huge variety of the best floral arrangements in the country. Each one is made with exquisite perfection and is made to resemble the natural plant and flower. Our flower arrangements will suit your taste. We house a wide variety of arrangements from the timeless traditions of red and cream roses, accompanied by eucalyptus and birch, to the modern traditions of lovely red Christmas wreaths.

Dip into our timeless traditions of flower arrangements that have inspired people for decades. We have over 40 varieties that will bring elegance and grace to your interiors.

Discover our royal and wild roses and eucalyptus plants on a beautiful provencial cream bowl. This bouquet will create a pleasing and inviting atmosphere in your room. Our lovely 5 foot areca palm tree will create a tropical atmosphere in your surroundings.

We also house silk flower and plant arrangements that include intricately glazed fruit, with natural birch, grasses and feathers in beautifully embossed metal planters.

Brighten your room with our brightly-colored dahlias, roses, with glazed spiced fruit and eucalyptus flower bouquet. Notice its simple elegant beauty, and imagine the life it would bring to your room.

Imagine it sitting right on your dining room table where it enhances your appetite and brings a smile with every glance. Place real fruits around it in your kitchen and look in admiration at the splendor it brings to your kitchen.

Visit our seasonal arrangements section and you'll love our collection of the best flower arrangements for the different seasons. Spice up your room with a clean spring feeling with our graceful parrot tulips and butterfly orchids in a porcelain crackle decorative bowl.

Visit us online http://www.artificialplantsandtrees.com

Floral Options for Your Wedding

Start the process of choosing a florist by looking online for example works, attending bridal shows and by asking friends and family for referrals. If the flowers at a recent wedding were particularly exquisite, ask the bride which florist she used. Once a list of several has been formed, make an appointment with each to sit down and talk about options and to view photos of past arrangements and weddings. The first appointment will usually take an hour or so.Before keeping that appointment, assemble some items that will help the florist to help you. First, work out a general budget for your wedding flowers. Ask yourself questions like:

* How many bridesmaids and groomsmen will there be? * Who outside the bridal party will receive flowers to wear? * Will the florist decorate the pew ends or the altar in the church? * Will flowers be required for the wedding cake? * Will the florist decorate the reception site, including the head table and other tables?

In addition to budget information, your florist will need you to bring such helpful items as photos or magazine clippings of flower arrangements you like, a photo of your wedding dress so she can match the style of the flowers with it and a fabric swatch from your bridesmaids' dresses for color comparison.

Cost

The cost of wedding flowers can vary widely depending on several factors. Exotic out-of-season flowers will, of course, cost far more than locally-grown and easily obtained in-season flowers. Upscale, cutting-edge floral designers will most likely be more expensive than a more traditional florist. Bouquets rich in certain flowers and light on greenery will certainly make a dent in your pocketbook. Though the conveniences of having a florist decorate the church and reception site can be more costly, it is usually worth the amount of stress it will relieve and provides beautiful end results!

The average cost of wedding flowers lies somewhere in the $800 to $6,000 range for most medium size weddings. Some brides avoid some of this cost by arranging the flowers themselves, but this can be a stressful and tricky operation. If considering this option, remember that the flowers will have to be prepared either the day before or the day of the wedding and will need to be refrigerated. Someone will have to transport them to and distribute them at the church. Is the added responsibility worth the money saved? Only the bride herself can answer that question.

Bouquets & Such

Color saturation is the watchword for today's bridal bouquets, according to local florists. They say that blue is still a very trendy color for flowers, especially when paired with purple or a periwinkle color. Subdued colors such as taupe tinged with pink are edging their way into bouquets everywhere, too. These colors go well with the taupe and pewter dresses worn by today's bridesmaids. As for bouquet shapes, they say that 'simple elegance' are the first words out of every bride's mouth. Many brides today seek out a pav? arrangement, which is a tight cluster of blossoms. Such bouquets might consist of a single type of flower in the same or related colors or it might include several different varieties of flowers. These arrangements have very few, if any, greens, which can make them costly. This is a very balanced, geometric look made popular in recent years. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the European hand-tied bouquet retains its favor with brides everywhere. This arrangement has a fresh, natural appeal and can include a diverse selection of flowers. Most often, these bouquets have a casual simplicity that many brides find particularly appealing.

What flowers do brides choose to include in their bouquets? Romantic roses, as always, top the list. Brides also choose fresh lavender, sages and other herbs. Berries, Lisianthus (also known as the false rose) and hydrangeas make regular appearances, too. Silk flowers remain popular, especially top-of-the-line silks, that can hardly be differentiated from fresh. Some brides even include delicate silk fruits in their bouquets.

To set off the simple look of today's flower arrangements, whether formal or natural, florists employ different styles of rich-looking ribbon. Satin ribbon might wrap around a bouquet's stems to hide them and to ensure unstained, unpricked hands. Wide satin ribbon in silk gives a lush simplicity when tied in a simple bow. Sheer ribbons add a fairy-tale feel to a tight cluster of elegant blooms. Ribbon colors range from deep cocoas to pearly white.

Today's boutonni?res also have a new look, pared down and simple, often with a satin ribbon to accompany them. And like the pav? bouquets, boutonni?res often forego the greenery to achieve a single-minded elegance.

Floral Decor

That elegant simplicity has changed the way churches are decorated for weddings, too. A lot of brides are doing more at the reception than they used to. The church look is simpler -- the (decorating) money is spent at the reception. That means receptions have blossomed. There, topiaries and wheat sheaves decorate tables with elegance. Again, pav? clusters of single or several flowers adorn tables like jewels. Preserving the Flowers with all the effort, time and money that go into the wedding flowers, one final detail that is often overlooked is preserving them. For centuries brides have discarded or left their bouquets to dry and shrivel away. Now brides can keep their bouquets with the latest technologies in flower preservation. The process of flower preservation is incredibly involved and time consuming if done correctly. Floral preservationists know how to handle each flower to provide you with the most "life like" look possible. Keep in mind plans must be made in advance if floral preservation is desired. Consult a floral preservationist at least two months prior to the wedding to arrange to have the flowers shipped, delivered, or picked up immediately after the wedding while they are still fresh. Preserved flowers are attractive accents for any home. Special display pieces can be made using the flowers and other wedding keepsakes. Just as the wedding gown, photographs and other sentimental memorabilia can be a reminder; bridal flowers too can bring a lifetime of enjoyment!

Rebecca Sherman is an editor at ModernWeddingPlanner.com

Our Free Wedding Planner and Wedding Planning Guide has sections to track guest information, RSVP's, budgets, shower and wedding gifts and More! Plus export your data to Excel

Beautiful Blooms - A Bride's Guide to Floral Planning

One of the major aspects of planning for your wedding stems from your floral considerations. For a bride, there are many various things to think about when plotting your bridal blooms.

Most brides first think of their wedding bouquet. This is a treasured design that can either be made with fresh flowers or false ones. Bridal bouquets can range from simple and elegant to extravagant and amazing.

As a bride, you may want to choose a theme for your nuptials. Many have more than one type of flower - others pick between romantic roses, calla lilies, gerbera daisies, forget-me-nots, and lily of the valleys.

A bride's bouquet can either be made from a single type of flower of from a variation of many flowers. In ancient times, brides carried herbs and spices to ward off evil spirits and give them a start in their married life based on good fortune and happiness.

Romans and other cultures used flowers during the wedding ceremony for fertility symbolism. In modern times, people send flowers as a way of saying "I love you," "Thank you," or some other form of happy wishes.

Aside from the bridal bouquet, a groom will need a boutonni?re - which is a small flower worn on his tuxedo. This custom originated from medieval days when men wore the colors of their women as a sign of love and admiration.

Some brides choose their bridal blooms, not based on color or personal tastes, but on the meaning behind the flowers.

Regardless of how you choose your flowers, you'll want to plan for them based around the season your blooms are available. Does it coincide with your coming nuptials, or will you be paying twice as much just to get out of season flowers?

Here are some of the most popular floral choices, along with their meaning and seasonal availability:

* Red roses mean love and are available year-round. * White roses represent unity and are also available all year. * Calla Lilies equate beauty and are easily found March-September. * Lily of the Valley means happiness and is also found March-September. * Orchids stand for love and beauty and are yearly blooms.

Before you choose a flower, find a nearby floral vendor and visit their shop to see what kinds of blooms they've arranged. Good flower vendors should have a book for you to peruse to see previous arrangements they've created.

When you finally settle on a type of flower for your bouquet, you'll also need to choose flowers for the other members of your bridal list - including the bridesmaids and groomsmen, ushers, ring bearer, male and female family members in attendance, and petals for the flower girl to distribute.

You'll also have to choose floral arrangements for the d?cor of the location for your ceremony and reception, including the aisles, altars, tables, and traditions such as the tossing of the bouquet (you'll want a mini-bouquet so that you can keep your real one as a keepsake).

As you'll find when searching for flowers to decorate your special day, some options will be affordable while others may be out of your budget. Be sure to ask your florist about alternate flowers that are equally as beautiful, but less expensive if you have your heart set on something outside of your financial realm.

Sharon Vaz is offering A Bride's Guide to Stress Free Wedding Planning, a Free wedding planning course at http://www.mystylewedding.com.my/signup.php

Florist Cards - The Perfect Accompaniment

Just as strawberries are perfectly accompanied by cream, so in most cases you would not dream of sending out a bouquet of flowers without some form of message or greeting card. They go hand in hand meaning literally thousands of card changing hands every year.

With a peak periods of Valentine's and Mother's Day just around the corner, the demand for cards is all set to rise, with this year predicted to be a bumper one for customers looking for the special card to accompany their special gift. And, with stories of customers even buying bunches of cheap flowers from supermarkets and popping down the road to their florist for the luxury message card, money is to be made from selling them.

But why are cards such a fundamental part of floristry? It is simple. Sending card with flowers personalises them. Flowers are a generic gift, so adding a card with a message makes it more special and allows those all important personal sentiments to be conveyed.

One of the tougher questions facing florists though is what cards to carry, how much variety they should offer customers and how many designs there should be. The answer varies from shop to shop, but cards should be able to cover the usual range of reasons as congratulations, funerals, thank you, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, birthday, anniversary and the like.

However, they don't have to actually have these words on the cards. A range of blank cards with simple designs, can offer the spectrum of reasons to send flowers. It is probably better to have a selection of contemporary and traditional cards to please all clients.

To find out more about modern, eye-catching greeting cards and florist cards designs I would recommend visiting Lotus Art Studio website.

How To Choose And Compare Mother's Day Flowers Florist - The Ultimate Guide

Gifts for Mother?s Day can range from the small and funny to extravagant and expensive and everywhere in between. One gift that can be sure to please is the gift of flowers, which can really show how much you care.

As flowers are one of the most popular Mother Day gift, florists come up with a huge range of Mothers Day Flower and Bouquet. Buy the beautiful flowers for mothers day. This would not just reflect your love for your mother but it would also show that you care for her likes and dislikes.

In case your mother does not have any particular favorite flower you can of course use your own judgment and select the most beautiful Mother Day Bouquet for your mother. For your convenience here is a list of the Most Popular Mothers Day Flower Arrangements:
1. Mixed bouquets
2. Carnations
3. Daffodils
4. Roses
5. Tulips
6. Freesia
7. Pot chrysanthemums
8. Iris
9. Lily
10. Foliage plants

There is always the option of shopping Mothers Day Flowers online. You can surf various Gift sites and also the sites of various florist to make the most attractive and economical deal of Mother?s Day Flowers. Shopping Online for Mothers Day flowers is also a nice idea for those who cannot visit their mothers as many online shopping sites provide facility of Mothers Day flowers delivery. For a comparison of florist visit http://www.mothers-flowers.info

Mothers Day has come to be internationally recognized as the day to honor all mothers and thank them for the services they impart for the benefit of their individual child and consequently to the development of mankind.

Flower delivery in the USA is very easy to do online. We have selected some of the best online flower delivery sites in the USA, simply click on the links to visit and save money by ordering mothers day flowers online for mothers day delivery.

Remember to buy early to get the delivery date of your choice.

http://www.mothers-flowers.info

Why Choose An Online Florist?

It?s a question that many people would ask them selves, why choose an online florist rather than just go into a store? Because the chances are there is already a flower shop in your neighborhood already, right? Well here are a few good reasons why you may choose an online florist. To begin with ordering of flowers online can be done from the comfort of your very own home or work and unlike stores shopping can be done any day at any time because the internet does not close, especially during the holiday season when almost every store is crowded and packed you can avoid all of that hustle and bustle because there is never a crowd at an online shop.

An online florist would also be a big time saver, you no long have to drive over to a store you can now have the convenience of shopping from your home, work, library or any where that has a computer with internet access. And finding what you want can?t possibly be any simpler, all you do is just type in the name of the flower you want and there it is right on your screen not like in a store where you would have to wait on one of the clerks for assistance.

Especially when there is an occasion like say ?Mother?s Day? for example and lots of people want to get flowers for their mother, but as usual most of them wait for the last minute, so when you do get to the florist you find that you and about two dozen other later shoppers are trying to buy flowers. The clerks are busy because of the overwhelming amount of customers at one given time, and so tempers become a little flared, but when you finally get someone to attend to you, ?lo and behold? there are no more of the Red Roses that you wanted to order. You are getting more frustrated by the minute, now what should you do!, should you go to another florist and hope that they have the Roses you want in stock. No you should do what you should have done in the first place, get online and order your flowers, saving yourself all the hassle and frustration.

Online shopping has become the norm, so why bother getting dressed, and driving your car in all that traffic, to get to the florist, just do the sensible thing and go to your internet browser and decided which florist you would like to order your flowers from and this will make your life much simpler and less stressful. Take the time you would have spent getting to the florist doing something that you would like, like playing a game with your kids, or reading a good book, or just put your feet up and relax in front of your television set, and enjoy the movie.

For more interesting articles on flowers visit Buy Flowers Online a website offering views, opinions and resources on matters such as sending flowers online, unique flowers and gifts and even learn about flower fairies which are so popular today

How To Choose An Online Florist - Tips For A Smart Customer

The world population may be divided into two types ? those who want to buy flowers and those who don?t want to buy flowers.

If you belong to the category of people who want to buy flowers, do read on. If you belong to the category of people who don?t want to buy flowers, your time would be better spent watching a James Bond movie or reading an article on global warming.

Let me slightly digress to say that the article on global warming is recommended more vigorously than the Bond movie, unless, of course, the movie tells you how to make a better world.

Coming to the topic

As an intelligent customer, you should have a reasonably clear idea of what you want to buy. Being sure of what you want to buy significantly reduces the time you spend for searching for the products. When you are planning to buy flowers to be sent to someone, there are two important things you must never forget ? the occasion and the recipient.

You must have heard it a one-hundred and seventeen times that the flowers that are associated with Mother?s Day are carnations and the flowers that are associated with Valentine?s Day are roses. It is occasionally nice to surprise your recipient with gifts that are not strictly traditional ? for instance, gifting your beloved with lilies on Valentine?s Day and gifting your mother with hyacinths or irises on Mother?s Day.

When you want to do business with a website, you should be sure that their security and privacy measures are faultless because you definitely don?t want your credit card number and your personal details to be stolen.

Ensure that information is transmitted over a highly secure 128 bit or 256 bit encrypted connection. Go through the company?s privacy policy to confirm that your personal information will not be disclosed to third parties.

Do not purchase from florists who do not offer good customer care. Find out what their policies are regarding a delayed delivery or a wrong delivery. Good online florists have a customer care department that can be contacted via email or phone. The ideal policy regarding unsatisfactory service is ?refund and replace?.

Some other questions that you should consider

Q: How long has the florist been around?
A: The longer, the better.
Q: Are the customers who have done business with them happy with the service?
A: The greater the number of happy customers, the better.
Q: Do they have any specialties?
A: Explore those products for price and quality. They might be worth buying.
Q: What is the mode of delivery?
A: Plus if delivered by florists, minus if delivered by courier. Last but not least, a serious practical concern is affordability. As a discerning customer, you have to go through different florists? catalogs in order to get a clear picture of the comparative prices of similar products.

Jobin Mathew is a regular observer of the floral industry and he occasionally writes for Theflowerexpert.com, a comprehensive source of all flower-related information. The website is dedicated to providing people with whatever information they need about flowers and as part of this commitment, has pages on online florists and how to select online florists

The Internet And The Local Florist

Here we are in the doldrums of summer. June has passed, Bridezilla is on her honeymoon, and all the hard work we put into the weddings of that month are but a memory. Wouldn't it be nice if the flow of business wouldn?t slow down quite so much when the electric bill is at its highest? I am here to proclaim that I have found a solution and it came from the most unlikely source.

My name is Jill Frost, and I am the owner of the Pink Pelican - Sebastian Florist in Sebastian Florida. Having begun my experience as a designer over 25 years ago, and having owned my business for the past 19 years I have experienced the ups and downs of any small-town local florist. Let me start by saying I am currently a member of the Teleflora wire service, and use a number of their products as the backbone of my business. I have a point-of sale system, an accountant, and I actually balance my statement almost every month. Those of you laughing at this are either not florists, or you are florists, but know exactly what I?m referring to (you know who you are).

The point of this article is to attest to the fact that the real turnaround in my business began when I built my website two years ago. Presently, my website is generating over forty percent of my volume and has become an invaluable asset to every part of my business.

The first thing a florist must do when getting a website is to see it as an integral part of their business. Usually, florists are completely creative creatures and understand little of technology, the internet, and (sadly) most basic business practices. The typical florist that does go so far as actually getting a website then often sits on them as though they were simply a piece of furniture in the shop that someone might come along and be interested in, but that would never see the slightest bit of advertisement. This is mistake number one.

To begin you road to online success, the first thing you must do is to actually subscribe to an Internet Service Provider (an ?ISP") so you can see your site. Since you are reading this online, I assume you have done that. Next, you must visit your website at times beyond just when it causes you a problem. I know of florists who have had a website for months and even years without once checking to see that the prices are correct. Of course, they are the ones bemoaning the success others are having on the internet and wondering why they never see an order from it.

The next step is to get involved in the website itself. I use a combination of Teleflora products and my own custom designs. This meant getting images taken of my custom products and requesting images of my drop-ship items from my fulfillment companies. You then have to get them added to the site. If you are lucky enough to be in Teleflora like me, the amazing Webmasters at Teleflora Web Services will do all the hard work for you. All you have to do is get the photos to them. If you would like to see examples of this, just go to www.sebastianflorist.com and peruse my website.

For a website in this industry to be successful, one must promote the site like promoting a new business line, or even a new shop. It must be included in all signage including delivery vans and street signs, must be included in all advertising and phone-book ads, and must be advertised every time the telephone is answered. You must then purchase ads in all available online directories. I am in Find-a Florist, Locate-a-Flowershop, and a few others. These typically run between $100.00 to $300.00 dollars per year. It is my advice to avoid pay-per-click search engine advertising at this point as there is a very serious learning curve involved with this, and is not for the inexperienced or those with a limited advertising budget. More can be done through the use of directories and local promotion that you can imagine.

If you will follow my advice on this, with just a little luck and that dogged persistence that I know you have, you too can be successful when the rest are just praying to make it to the fall. I will continue this in my next article titled Floral Internet Success 201 advanced website success. Until then, if you have questions, you can email me at justjill73099@hotmail.com
TaTaaaa!!!

Jill

The Pink Pelican and Sebastian Florist is a family owned business serving Indian River and South Brevard counties for over 16 years. We give our customers the highest quality in customer service and designs.

Jill Frost, Owner of the Pink Pelican Florist has over 25 years of floral design experience, making her one of the most qualified and consistently creative florists on the Florida Treasure Coast. She is also the proud mother of two grown children, and previously spent nearly 10 years volunteering with the Sebastian Panthers football organization, eventually being voted President of Football Operations, and later nominated Sebastian Florida-Woman of the
Year.

We specialize in custom one-of-a-kind floral arrangements. With over 30 years of combined experience, we have achieved many honors in the floral industry such as winning the Ft Lauderdale Florida-Designer of the Year award; working with M.T.V. on two Super Bowl VIP parties; and providing flowers for the Royal Prince Charles.

Choosing Flowers Made Easy With Florists

In United States, flowers, gift baskets or jewelry are popular choices for gift ideas. Most people purchase gifts that are thoughtful and appreciated, that gift is flowers.

If you are getting married soon, you are going to find out that silk wedding flowers are the new and improved flower to have at any wedding. Do it yourself wedding flowers are also offered in large quantities. Spring wedding flowers are flowers used for weddings that occur during the spring time. One of the most popular flowers are the spring time flowers, the petals are delicate and the colors are bright and they are used for bouquets. When planning for a wedding choosing the flowers can be fun for you and your bridal party and they might even come up with great ideas that you would have not of thought of. When choosing flowers it is a good idea to work with a florist, they are able to show different displays and arrangement that can stimulate ideas that can turn out to be very unique which in a lot of situations fits into the budget you are working with.

By adding cut flowers to your arrangements from various plants can really spruce up the arrangement. Moreover, their arrangements change from time to time; you can always expect something new. Choosing between silk flowers and real flowers is a sometimes a difficult task because silk flowers look so real today. Most people opt for real flowers because real flowers have a beautiful aroma while silk flowers do not. Flowers symbolize many different things so be careful when choosing them. Garden basket types are one of the most popular arrangements you can find in the market.

Most florists and garden centers carry delightful little blooming plants in 4" pots that are surprisingly inexpensive and can add color and charm to any desktop or vanity. There are many online sites that offer many different choices plus you are able to get the flowers at a discount most of the time.

To buy sympathy flowers, you can access a flower delivery service by telephone or the internet, or you can go directly to a flower shop and place an order for future delivery. These flower shops also offer delivery of their products. So how do you know which online florist to choose and trust for superior product quality and top delivery efficiency?

There are many flowers stores that offer the same day delivery service, but check with the store because sometimes there is a distance restriction. They should offer a guarantee for delivery on the date specified, and use an encryption system for processing credit card payments online. There are also discount flower delivery services available on both the national and local level.

Doesn't matter why you are purchasing flowers, you are able to arrange and order the flowers to project and say the right saying. There are so many different occasions you can by flowers for anniversary, birthday, I'm sorry, new baby and get well flowers.

Looking for flowers that are unique or a designer flower arrangement you can save money by not adding as many flowers and replacing the missing flowers with baby's breath. There are so many options to choose from when trying to choose a floral arrangements they are only limited by the imagination, and floral arrangement can be made to fit your budget. A good florist will understand your budget and will think of creative ways to keep you within your budget.

Melissa Fishman and David Marc Fishman are the owner of www.mailordermommy.com Mailordermommy sells party favors

Starting A Florist Center Business In Boston

Flowers for every occasion! If this tag line has prompted you to start off a flower business of your own in Boston, then this article could as well be a gateway to your interesting journey into the world of flowers. To fully understand the essence of this combination between the flower center business and the city of Boston, let us divide the topic into two.

Boston?s Requirements: The first part refers to the city?s set of rules and regulations that ought to be followed in order to set up a florist center business there. Like every other law-abiding city or state, the first rule of the game is to obtain requisite licenses, which in this case could include any of the following:

? If the idea is to grow woody plants, the Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture is to be contacted for the Agriculture Grower?s certificate.
? Alternatively, if you plan to sell woody plants, the same department issues an Agent?s certificate.
? If you plan to sell flowers on the sidewalk, obtain a Hawkers and Peddlers license from the Massachusetts Division of Standards.

Equipped with required licensing, the next step is to zero in on the location and accordingly seek location approvals and/or building permits from the Building Division of Boston?s Inspectional Services Department.

The next office to be visited is the Boston City Clerk?s office to complete the business certificate formalities. Once through, check with the City of Boston Assessing department for the list of applicable taxes. Be a good citizen and pay them all, otherwise, you know you are being watched.

Business Calls: Finally, you are completely in the legal domain and have the full authorization in kitty to start up the flower center business in Boston. However, before you actually jump into the segment, there are still are few more important steps to take.

Are you ready with the business plan? Have you worked out the scale of activity and corresponding financial structures? Is the marketing pitch planned? These are just few of the vital questions that demand specific answers before you actually get started. The idea is to be prepared and planned.

Define the scope. For instance, if you are a beginner in the field, you can begin by assisting a professional. This training can give you much more information than any book or guide.

Once into your own setup, plan special codes for occasions. Add the personal touch and let your customers feel the warmth in your service. Be a part of as many exhibitions as possible. They improve your credentials. In addition to being artistic, do not ignore the importance of administration. Staffing, accounting, and stocking are important and must not be ignored.

Flowers are an enchanting occupation, and being in Boston helps. So just comply with the basic requirements and let your creativity flourishes.

Alexander Gordon is a writer for http://www.smallbusinessconsulting.com - The Small Business Consulting Community. Sign-up for the free success steps newsletter and get our booklet valued at $24.95 for free as a special bonus. The newsletter provides daily strategies on starting and significantly growing a business.

Business Owners all across the country are joining "The Community of Small Business Owners? to receive and provide strategies, insight, tips, support and more on starting, managing, growing, and selling their businesses. As a member, you will have access to true Millionaire Business Owners who will provide strategies and tips from their real-life experiences.

Internet Florists Canada - How to Choose the Right Florist When You Buy Your Flowers Online

Internet florists Canada - the online Internet flower shop is steadily replacing the brick and mortar counterpart in Canada. When it comes to buying flowers online at work or from the comfort of your home over the Internet, there is no shortage of websites or florists offering products and delivery services to Canadians or to those wanting to send flowers to Canada.

While each of these florists proudly displays their wares and services, it's very important for you, the buyer, to find an online Internet florist that serves your needs and gifting requirements. This article will offer a few tips to guide you towards choosing between the right florists when you order your flowers on the Internet.

It's in Canada. It's pretty. But does it work for you? When shopping online for gifts on the Internet, roses, or anything else you're considering sending off as a special message to someone else in Canada, it's worth your while to evaluate the florists' systems you'll be using to make a purchase. Sure, on the Internet a website is a website, but it's what goes on behind the scenes that will make your buying experience a joy or a painful memory!

Florists in Canada with good Internet websites share four things in common - a smooth system of navigation to view products, a streamlined checkout system, buying convenience in the form of credit card and debit card usage, and lastly, free value added services such as emailed occasion reminders or informational areas to help you with your buying decision.

Always keep in mind that good florists on the Internet in Canada will operate no differently than if you walked into the door of the brick and mortar shop it belongs to - think of it as a virtual representation of real life.

Using a good online florist as Canada's example... You and a friend want to send flowers to Toronto, and you've decided upon online flower delivery for its convenience and ease of use. You've inputted your desires into your favourite Internet search engine and arrived at Floral Site X, while your friend had decided to use what we'll call Floral Site Y. Both of you will be sending bouquets, perhaps as birthday wishes or a message of congratulations.

You easily skim Floral Site X's pages of flowers and gifts categorized by budget, occasion or message preference. You add your flower selection to your shopping cart and proceed to the check out, where you decide to take advantage of the add-on feature and build upon your gift with balloons and a postcard. Perfect!

Except you forget your credit card in your other pair of pants and only have your banking card with you - but it's not a problem, since Floral Site X is one of the only florists in Canada to support Interac Online which makes buying with your debit card a breeze. A few delivery details inputted and you're done!

As for your friend who chose Floral Site Y, who wasn't able to change his gift once selected, who became confused through the checkout process and then found out his debit card was of no use - well, let's just say you'll be returning to Floral Site X for a sympathy arrangement. With Brant Florist, buying flowers online has never been easier!

It's not difficult to see how important choosing the right website for Internet flower delivery can be when you only have a fifteen minute time window, or your lunch break is nearly over. When buying online on the Internet, convenience counts, so take that into consideration when you choose whom to buy your flowers from. Truthfully, giving a gift should feel just as good as receiving it - research once, purchase easily many times after!

Some final thoughts on buying your flowers online on the Internet in Canada... When you type "Internet florists Canada" into Google, you're going to get a lot of results from a lot of florists in Canada - always spend the time to check out all the websites' features and see how deep the florists' product lines are.

A good online florist has a rich and varied catalogue of flowers and gifts for all instances and occasions - make sure the florist you choose has the same. You shouldn't have to relegate your gift to a second-best choice just because the message you really wanted to send wasn't in stock. Good online florists in Canada will always be prepared - either to serve you or to lead you to those who can!

This bit of careful scrutiny will land you at the website capable of fulfilling all your floral and gifting needs. Once you buy your flowers on the Internet in a stress-free, streamlined environment, you'll wonder if you'll ever enter another real-life flower shop again! And as a bonus, florists in Canada often offer incentives when you buy online - they can pass the savings onto you!

Finally, make sure the site you choose has the FTD logo on their website, but more importantly, make sure they're a real florist! Affiliate Internet "florists" and floral sites in Canada lack the decades of experience and expert craftsmanship that real florists possess. Your receiver in Canada should settle for nothing less, and neither should you!

Matthew Harley is a freelance copywriter currently writing for http://www.BrantFlorist.com

How To Select The Perfect Florist For Your Wedding

Most people are not aware of the vast difference and variety of flowers that exist until they decide to get married. It is at this moment that the stature and importance of the florist takes on new meaning. Here are some helpful tips to guide you through your decision process.

It Stems From References?..
The best place to start is with references. Take time out to ask family, friends, and trusted business associates to recommend someone they have used in the past. Another option that can be considered is attending bridal shows, the more the merrier. If all else fails, let your fingers do the walking and use the yellow pages.

When you have received your references and suggestions, you should review these and decide on at least three different florists. By all means, choose more, if you so desire. Then once you?ve decided, visit the shops and take a look around.

?and a keen eye
You do not have to be a botanist or a flower connoisseur of sorts to make a good selection. Take note of the different floral arrangements in each store. Does any particular one stand out? How many of the floral arrangements on display actually catch you eye? What is the condition of the flowers themselves? Are they healthy and have vibrant full blooms? How about the store location itself? Is it well kept and clean?

Your ideal florists should have an impressive portfolio that reflects their experience, design styles, and skills. A professional florist?s portfolio will have photographs of floral arrangements used in previous weddings. As you review this portfolio, look for the variety in styles and occasions. Make sure you are not looking at a lot of pictures of the same floral arrangement or the same wedding. Make it a point to notice if the portfolio included photos of all bridal bouquets and centrepieces used in each wedding.

Don?t be afraid to ask questions. Get proactive. When you plan to visit a potential florist, make sure to carry fabic swatches of the wedding apparels for the entire wedding party. You can even start to collect clippings of flower arrangements you find enticing and take them along on your visit to the florist. I recommend that you develop a clear idea of what you want.

Are they Listening?
As you present your ideas and suggestions to the florist, pay attention to their receptiveness and the quality of their responses. Are they really listening to what you want? In addition, make sure the individual that you are questioning so thoroughly is the same individual that will be responsible for making your floral arrangements.

It is also recommended, by industry consultants, that you book your florist at least 6 to 8 months in advance. Not to mention, some wedding consultants suggest signing a contract with your florist about 4 to 6 months before the scheduled wedding day. When it comes to the actual contract itself. Ensure that you have all your desires and expectations clearly printed in writing.

There is some information you need to have available for your florist. Your florist of choice will need to know the location of the wedding and the reception, and how many floral arrangements will be needed to decorate it. Additionally, every florist needs to know what color schemes are being used at the venue, so that the final flowers arrangements won?t clash. If you opted for centrepieces, you will need to know exactly how many. Your florist must know the number of bridesmaids, groomsmen, mothers, fathers, grandfathers, program participants, and special guests will be attending. Most importantly, the colors of the wedding party remain crucial information for your florist.

Remember!
Remember to make decisions that complement the environment you will be in. Hence, if your wedding will be outside, make sure your selected floral arrangements can withstand the elements of nature.

In an effort to avoid last minute misunderstandings, ask your florist the following questions:

What are the least expensive flowers that will be in season during my wedding?
What is the most successful idea you have had for a past wedding?
Do you deliver and set up the floral arrangements?
Are there any extra delivery or set-up charges?
How long does the set-up take?
Are there any additional or hidden costs I should know about?
How long do I have to add, subtract, or change floral arrangements?
Can I have an itemized estimate of the services we discussed?
What is your minimum deposit, and how soon do I have to put down a deposit?

There you have it, all the sound guidance you need to find a florist that is the perfect match for your perfect day. Have no fear, the water?s fine. Dive right in.

Chris Morton ran hotels and restaurants for 17 years - catering for 100's of weddings. His wife Sue is a wedding planner with 10 year's experience. Together they have established http://www.TheWeddingWizards.com to provide unbiased help for brides and grooms.

Cheap Flowers From the Florist Can Save the Day!

We all have budget problems sometimes and it helps to know that there are cheap flowers to help bridge the gap between thoughtfulness and bankruptcy. There are lots of reasons why flowers can be purchased at differing price points.

Seasons are part of the floral industry just as they are part of any type of agriculture. Whatever is available locally in season will just naturally be less expensive. That can mean that long stem red roses are very affordable for one occasion but an incredible expense for another. That's a really huge difference when planning some occasions like weddings which require many flowers. The flower of choice will probably be available anytime but when it needs to be flown from Hawaii it will be a much greater expense, accept when in large enough quantities to reduce shipping costs.

Another factor in pricing is the fact that, like produce, flowers are perishable. Wholesalers can offer left over cheap flowers from larger orders that they have filled. These will typically be found at retailers and groceries that offer other discounted items. This is a good thing since the degree of thoughtfulness increases as the price point decreases.

Some floral varieties grow more readily than others and are simply more available. Cheap flowers are no exception. As a rule, if it grows in local yards then it will be a source of cheap flowers in season. That sounds like an oversimplification but it's important to remember when planning a floral decorating scheme.

Cone flowers, also known as Echinacea, grow wild but may not keep well. So if they are to be used in a floral arrangement in winter they still have to be imported. This makes them cheap flowers when the florist picks them before a summer wedding but ridiculously expensive in winter.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has a huge selection of free party games, coloring pages, word find, word scramble, printable baby and bridal shower activities. Huge selection of grower direct Flowers Delivered right to your door by local florists or by the flower grower.

Floristry As A Career

Being a florist can be a very exciting and challenging career.

Many people of all ages, from other working backgrounds are being retrained and entering the floristry industry.

If you are considering a career in floristry, you should enjoy working with flowers and be willing to learn all aspects of the floristry profession.

You will need to be able to arrange flowers in an attractive manner and be a reasonably quick worker.

As a florist is dealing closely with the public, you should have a genuine liking for people, and have a pleasant and helpful manner.

Flowers touch the emotions of other peoples' lives. Customers ordering funeral tributes are often relatives or close friends of the deceased and may be emotionally upset. As a florist, you will need to be sympathetic and understanding.

A florist has the pleasure of helping a bride-to-be select just the right flowers and type of bridal bouquet for the most important day of her life - her wedding day.

The florist shares the joy and excitment when a proud new father comes in to order flowers for his wife in hospital.

Floristry is not all glamour. There is a lot of hard work and long hours involved. The duties in a florist shop will include:-

Unpacking stock as it comes into the florist shop

Conditioning flowers and watering plants

Pricing merchandise and displaying it attractively

Attending to customers

Answering the telephone

Completing orders and making up designs for the shop

Making sure the florist shop is clean and tidy

Keeping book work up to date

Changing the shop window display

Working in a Florist Shop

You will need to be able to work efficiently. A typical day in a florist shop could include ten wreaths for an early morning funeral, several arrangements and posies. Often a posy or a sheaf of flowers will need to be made up while the customer waits.

A good employee has common sense, a positive attitude, is honest and a willing worker who sees what needs doing and does it in a cheerful and efficient manner.

An employer will appreciate a capable trustworthy employee who has the employer's interest at heart and will co-operate and help with any duties involved in the running of the floristry business.

Applying for a Position in a Florist Shop.

You should present yourself favourably, be well groomed, polite and have an enthusiastic manner.

If you have any references from previous positions, report cards or personal references, take these with you.

You may like to take samples or photographs of your floral designs with you.

Naturally, any photographs or samples should be of a high standard with the flowers arranged attractively and colours blended tastefully.

Any wiring and taping should be neatly done.

The florist may ask you to make up an arrangement, posy or a sheaf.

You will be expected to choose suitable flowers and foliage in colours which blend well together and make up a professional looking design in a reasonable amount of time (approximately 15-20 minutes for a standard arrangement).

Do not worry if you are a bit nervous. Florists are usually understanding people and will make allowances for this. It is far better to be a little nervous rather than have an over confident and "know it all" manner.

A few years ago a position was advertised for a junior in a very busy florist shop in a leading shopping centre in Melbourne.

There were over forty applicants, but one of our students was successful because she could show the florist she was capable of creating attractive floral designs.

After the interview is over thank the employer for seeing you, and if the position offered appeals to you, you could say "I am very impressed with your shop" or "I would really like the opportunity of working for you".

An employer would much rather employ a person who really wants the position in preference to someone who is indifferent.

OWNING YOUR OWN FLORIST SHOP.

Many people find the idea of going into business for themselves very tempting. You may want to open your own florist shop, but you should be fully aware of all the facts before you make a decision to start up or buy into a business.

HOW TO DECIDE IF YOU ARE THE RIGHT TYPE OF PERSON TO GO INTO A FLORIST BUSINESS FOR YOURSELF.

Advantages

You will have a feeling of fulfilment of being involved in such a creative industry such as floristry.

If you run a successful florist business it can be far more rewarding financially than working for wages.

There is a feeling of security in owning your own successful florist business.

You will find running your own florist shop is never dull. You will never know what each day will bring. Working for yourself is far more exciting than going to work in an often dull routine job.

You will meet some very interesting people through dealing directly with the public. This can often develop into lasting friendships. You will be providing a real service to your customers. The skilled florist is always appreciated and will have a secure life-long career.

Disadvantages (You will find it helpful if you do this questionnaire)

As floristry is a lot of hard work and often long hours are involved, do you have the necessary health and energy to run a business? Yes / No

Do you have enough money to start a florist business? Do you have another source of borrowing money if necessary? Sometimes you will need to inject extra funds into the business Yes / No

Are you self motivated and have enough discipline to be able to organise yourself to see what the most important tasks are and to see each one is carried out? Yes / No

Are you a reasonably quick worker? Yes / No

When a problem arises, are you the type of person who can come up with a solution? Yes / No

If you have a family, do you have someone you can rely on to help with the children? Yes / No

To stand a good chance in a floristry business you should honestly be able to answer "Yes" to all the above questions.

How successful you are in Floristry, as in anything in life, will depend on how much time and effort YOU are prepared to put into it.

Floristry Diploma Course

Our floristry diploma course covers opening your own florist shop, how to find a job in a florist shop and work from home.

Fay Chamoun

Fay Chamoun Principal of Floral Art School of Australia and International Floral Design School http://www.floral-art-school.com.au/

How Good are FTD Florists and Flower Shops

FTD has florists and flower shops in nearly all states of the USA. You can order from anywhere in the US and most of the time there is no shipping cost involved. They are one of the most popular and the largest online florist shops. They can help you out with all your needs; whether it?s an emergency funeral procession you have to attend or arrange a get-together at your place on a birthday or wedding treat, you are going to find FTD most useful and helpful.

Customer satisfaction is what FTD wants to achieve and they have pretty much succeeded in achieving that as well. You will see yourself once you have bought a flower arrangement or any other gift item from their store. They will be ready to get any kind f feedback from their customers, good or bad, because they continue to strive for the best quality in flower business. The best thing about FTD is that if you are not satisfied with the order you can have it replaced right away. What you have to do is just send them the original bouquet along with the receipt and they will reply with a replacement order in a few days to come.

You can also tell the recipient of flowers that if he/she does not like the look of the arrangements or is not satisfied with the freshness or fragrance, they can give their feedback online. FTD will try to keep your suggestions in mind the next time you will order something from their store. There is no restriction that the flowers have to be delivered to a house; they can be delivered anywhere, whether it?s an office, hospital, university or restaurant. You just have to give the address and you can also talk personally to one of their sales person to give him/her directions and other details about the place you want to have the flowers delivered to.

Occasionally when you go searching the net for a special flower arrangement that is rarely available at your local floral store, you can find it at FTD. They always keep on adding specials to their list of flowers and offer it to their customers. Plus these flowers if found on other sites maybe too expensive to buy. But at FTD you will get a favorite special flower arrangements at just about the price you were expecting to spend. Keep in mind that all prices vary greatly depending on the location you need it to be delivered to and how soon you want it delivered. So keep checking back if you could not find the flower arrangement of your choice at one time.

George Wood is a successful webmaster of many popular sites including fresh flowers and flower site. If you want to read more about flowers, click over to George types of flowers site

Florist Faq: Answers To Basic Florist Questions

* What is an FTD florist?

In the floral business, FTD means Fresh Trusted Delivered. Many florists associated with FTD deliver fresh flower arrangements from the FTD catalog worldwide.


* Can I have flowers sent anywhere in the world?

Yes, you can. There are many flower shops that have a delivery service anywhere in the world. All you have to do is contact a shop or order online to make your loved ones overseas realize that you care.


* What kinds of gifts can I send from a florist?

Florists offer several different kinds of gifts. Most of these are excellent as gifts for any occasion. Some of them are:

- Flowers

- Balloons

- Gift Baskets

- Baby Gifts

- Wedding Gifts

- Collectibles

- Party Supplies


* Do florists have delivery limitations?

Yes, they do. These limitations are listed in their delivery information or policy. Examples of these limitations are:

- If there are orders made after the free delivery period, especially after business hours, the customer will have to pay the standard delivery charges of the florist.

- If the customer requests a rush order or a special delivery, there will be an additional charge.

- There is no cancellation of an order after delivery. However, if cancellation occurs before the delivery date, a fee of 10 percent of cost of the order will still be charged to the customer.

- Delivery on Sundays and holidays depends on the availability of the delivery area. Orders to be delivered to businesses would usually not be feasible on those days.


* What kinds of flowers should you give for an anniversary, Valentines Day, or Mothers Day?

There are lots of flowers for an anniversary that are popular today. Examples of these are roses, daisies, iris, sweet peas, violets and nasturtiums.

The flowers that are great gifts for Mother's Day include pastel roses, tulips, Gerbera daisies, lavender roses, lilies, and "the charm of your magic."

The top flowers given during Valentine's Day are: roses, carnations, tulips, lilies and orchids.


* What is the proper way to pin a corsage?

A corsage is the flower worn by women to a prom or special event. The proper place to pin on a corsage is just above the collar bone, usually on the left side, by gently curving it around the pin. The corsage should not be pinned in the area near the breast. Girls also sometimes choose to wear corsages on their wrists to avoid crushing them while dancing.

A man's corsage worn at a wedding or other formal occasion is often called a boutonniere, which means "buttonhole." It should be placed in the buttonhole on the lapel of a suit jacket or pinned near the place where such a buttonhole would be, usually on the left side.

Eric Famulary is editor of ez-Florist, the online Florist guide. He also writes Florist FAQ's for PrettyGreatAnswers.com.

Florist Amaryllis - Dutch vs African

Dutch marketers have grown and offered for wholesale and mail order flowering bulbs for centuries throughout the world and for many years in the United States. Because the climate of the Netherlands was similar to the Northern United States, many of their catalog bulb favorite flower bulbs grew and thrived year after year. In many humid, arid, or warm areas of the United States, these flower bulbs can perform and grow as an annual plant, but generally will not reappear the year following flowering.

The most common Dutch flower bulbs marketed at first were Daffodil, Scilla, and Tulips, however, after World War II, the Dutch began to market Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), Daylily, Pineapple Lily (Eucomis), Amazon Lily (Eucharis grandiflora), and Gloriosa vine lily (Gloriosa rothschildiana).

Amaryllis bulbs have been hybridized by inter crossing different native species from several continents. The amaryllis group of flower bulbs is among the great advancements of hybrid bulb improvement in color, size, flower form, flower number, flower bloom stalks, and repeated blooming cycles. The knowledge that cold treatment, heat, and forcing amaryllis bulbs to flower at the desired time has produced a flower bulb with an exact behavior that blooms at a predictable season. Christmas amaryllis flowers, anniversary gifts and presents, and various holiday occasions are greatly enjoyed by the predictable flowering patterns of amaryllis. Before World War II, amaryllis were hybridized in Florida using various species from South and Central America. The resulting amaryllis hybrids were moderately cold hardy and could be planted outside in zones 7-11, where the bulbs readily multiplied into clumps of spectacular flowering beauty that would rebloom reliably every year.

The Dutch hybridizers developed a long line of clear colors in amaryllis, some solid colored amaryllis and others with various colors of alternating stripe patterns. The Dutch amaryllis bulb market was directed toward the florist trade and growing amaryllis by forcing early flowers to bloom for the holiday season. The Dutch colorful amaryllis of red, pink, white, purple, and orange flowers won the marketing war between the Florida amaryllis growers and the Dutch growers. The Florida outdoor hybrid amaryllis market in the 1950's collapsed and the Dutch became the winners. Many huge clumps of Florida (South American hybrids) can be found blooming throughout the South in yards during late spring, however, there is no company offering these bulbs for sale anymore, only backyard growing flowers remain.

Amaryllis flower bulbs are usually marketed retail with a designation of bulb size diameter given in the metric system, but cm (centimeters) is a term not understood by most American gardeners. Huge amaryllis bulbs (mother bulbs) are 40cm in size or about the size of a grapefruit. The mother bulb amaryllis can produce as many as 4 flower stems, some stem clusters containing six flowers. The mother bulb amaryllis are rare and expensive but well worth the extra money for a flower lover. Guaranteed African amaryllis flowering can occur on flower bulbs as small as 22cm, and some of the miniature (dwarf) amaryllis new hybrids from Africa will bloom on 12cm bulbs, producing tiny stems and small flowers. The African bulbs of amaryllis will rebloom more and will produce more flower stems than Dutch amaryllis. Florists find that African flowering amaryllis are easier to flower for the Christmas season than Dutch amaryllis. African amaryllis often produce 2 flower stems at once, but Dutch bulbs don't. African amaryllis bloom in many unusual pastel colors of pink, lavender, red, white, and striped.

The Dutch hybridizers have introduced a new amaryllis flower color: yellow, and many pastel colors with a doubling of the petal count on an amaryllis flower called a "double amaryllis." These double amaryllis flowers normally grow 12 petals instead of the normal 6. Improvements of petal count to an increase of 18 petals is called a "triple flowered" amaryllis.

Other notable improvements that were made on the amaryllis flower by the Dutch were: larger amaryllis flowers, more blooms per stem, more stems produced by an amaryllis bulb and repeated blooming. Clones of amaryllis bulbs were hybridized that could be chilled to predictably flower during the holiday season of Christmas by planting the amaryllis in a measured and controlled light, heat, and moisture condition at a precise date (most cultivars bloom 3 weeks after planting). After flowering, most Dutch amaryllis bulbs can be planted outside in the yard in zones 8-10, but the bulbs may freeze in the ground if planted in cold zones.

The Dutch hybridizers have also established hybrid amaryllis colonies in Africa, where different varieties (clones) have been developed to satisfy the needs of the American florist trade. These floral amaryllis bulbs are called African amaryllis, named after African, the continent where they are grown in huge fields for the commercial florist market in Europe and America. The wholesale market of the African amaryllis is tightly controlled by Dutch bulb distributors, who have dominated bulb wholesale and retail sales throughout the United States and the world. The flower clusters of the African amaryllis are short and more compact. The leaves of the African amaryllis begin to appear simultaneously with the flowers, whereas the Dutch amaryllis period of flowering is often finished before the leaves appear. Florists prefer leaf foliage and flowering to occur at the same time. Many Dutch flower stems grow extra tall and that makes the weight of the flowers top-heavy. Occasionally this problem causes the amaryllis pot to turn over.

Miniature amaryllis have been developed for the florist appeal for a colorful, fragile bloomer. Yellow or gold colored amaryllis have been bred for florists with a flair for the dramatic, however, red amaryllis are by far the most popular color.

Some hybridizers, especially the African hybridizers, have developed fragrant amaryllis with a very pleasant scent. It appears likely that the quality of fragrance will be incorporated in future plans for improving amaryllis flowers further.

Visit TyTy Nursery to purchase the trees mentioned in this article, or many others that you may be looking for!

Florist Amaryllis ? Dutch vs African

Dutch marketers have grown and offered for wholesale and mail order flowering bulbs for centuries throughout the world and for many years in the United States. Because the climate of the Netherlands was similar to the Northern United States, many of their catalog bulb favorite flower bulbs grew and thrived year after year. In many humid, arid, or warm areas of the United States, these flower bulbs can perform and grow as an annual plant, but generally will not reappear the year following flowering.

The most common Dutch flower bulbs marketed at first were Daffodil, Scilla, and Tulips, however, after World War II, the Dutch began to market Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), Daylily, Pineapple Lily (Eucomis), Amazon Lily (Eucharis grandiflora), and Gloriosa vine lily (Gloriosa rothschildiana).

Amaryllis bulbs have been hybridized by inter crossing different native species from several continents. The amaryllis group of flower bulbs is among the great advancements of hybrid bulb improvement in color, size, flower form, flower number, flower bloom stalks, and repeated blooming cycles. The knowledge that cold treatment, heat, and forcing amaryllis bulbs to flower at the desired time has produced a flower bulb with an exact behavior that blooms at a predictable season. Christmas amaryllis flowers, anniversary gifts and presents, and various holiday occasions are greatly enjoyed by the predictable flowering patterns of amaryllis. Before World War II, amaryllis were hybridized in Florida using various species from South and Central America. The resulting amaryllis hybrids were moderately cold hardy and could be planted outside in zones 7-11, where the bulbs readily multiplied into clumps of spectacular flowering beauty that would rebloom reliably every year.

The Dutch hybridizers developed a long line of clear colors in amaryllis, some solid colored amaryllis and others with various colors of alternating stripe patterns. The Dutch amaryllis bulb market was directed toward the florist trade and growing amaryllis by forcing early flowers to bloom for the holiday season. The Dutch colorful amaryllis of red, pink, white, purple, and orange flowers won the marketing war between the Florida amaryllis growers and the Dutch growers. The Florida outdoor hybrid amaryllis market in the 1950's collapsed and the Dutch became the winners. Many huge clumps of Florida (South American hybrids) can be found blooming throughout the South in yards during late spring, however, there is no company offering these bulbs for sale anymore, only backyard growing flowers remain.

Amaryllis flower bulbs are usually marketed retail with a designation of bulb size diameter given in the metric system, but cm (centimeters) is a term not understood by most American gardeners. Huge amaryllis bulbs (mother bulbs) are 40cm in size or about the size of a grapefruit. The mother bulb amaryllis can produce as many as 4 flower stems, some stem clusters containing six flowers. The mother bulb amaryllis are rare and expensive but well worth the extra money for a flower lover. Guaranteed African amaryllis flowering can occur on flower bulbs as small as 22cm, and some of the miniature (dwarf) amaryllis new hybrids from Africa will bloom on 12cm bulbs, producing tiny stems and small flowers. The African bulbs of amaryllis will rebloom more and will produce more flower stems than Dutch amaryllis. Florists find that African flowering amaryllis are easier to flower for the Christmas season than Dutch amaryllis. African amaryllis often produce 2 flower stems at once, but Dutch bulbs don't. African amaryllis bloom in many unusual pastel colors of pink, lavender, red, white, and striped.

The Dutch hybridizers have introduced a new amaryllis flower color: yellow, and many pastel colors with a doubling of the petal count on an amaryllis flower called a ?double amaryllis.? These double amaryllis flowers normally grow 12 petals instead of the normal 6. Improvements of petal count to an increase of 18 petals is called a ?triple flowered? amaryllis.

Other notable improvements that were made on the amaryllis flower by the Dutch were: larger amaryllis flowers, more blooms per stem, more stems produced by an amaryllis bulb and repeated blooming. Clones of amaryllis bulbs were hybridized that could be chilled to predictably flower during the holiday season of Christmas by planting the amaryllis in a measured and controlled light, heat, and moisture condition at a precise date (most cultivars bloom 3 weeks after planting). After flowering, most Dutch amaryllis bulbs can be planted outside in the yard in zones 8-10, but the bulbs may freeze in the ground if planted in cold zones.

The Dutch hybridizers have also established hybrid amaryllis colonies in Africa, where different varieties (clones) have been developed to satisfy the needs of the American florist trade. These floral amaryllis bulbs are called African amaryllis, named after African, the continent where they are grown in huge fields for the commercial florist market in Europe and America. The wholesale market of the African amaryllis is tightly controlled by Dutch bulb distributors, who have dominated bulb wholesale and retail sales throughout the United States and the world. The flower clusters of the African amaryllis are short and more compact. The leaves of the African amaryllis begin to appear simultaneously with the flowers, whereas the Dutch amaryllis period of flowering is often finished before the leaves appear. Florists prefer leaf foliage and flowering to occur at the same time. Many Dutch flower stems grow extra tall and that makes the weight of the flowers top-heavy. Occasionally this problem causes the amaryllis pot to turn over.

Miniature amaryllis have been developed for the florist appeal for a colorful, fragile bloomer. Yellow or gold colored amaryllis have been bred for florists with a flair for the dramatic, however, red amaryllis are by far the most popular color.

Some hybridizers, especially the African hybridizers, have developed fragrant amaryllis with a very pleasant scent. It appears likely that the quality of fragrance will be incorporated in future plans for improving amaryllis flowers further.

Visit TyTy Nursery to purchase the trees mentioned in this article, or many others that you may be looking for!