Gardens in Des Moines are springing up everywhere. The central Iowa resource for garden and flower supplies is Boesen the Florist and their Beaverdale location Garden Center. From floral baskets and tropical plants for the office to vegetable and herb starter plants for your garden, Boesen the Florist has what you need to get your garden growing today. Call 244-ROSE or stop by Boesen.com to order today!

QUICK CARE FOR YOUR ORCHIDS

• Phalaenopsis hybrids enjoy the light behind curtains and window blinds in this master bedroom.
• When watering your orchids, take care to avoid wetting the leaves. If water gets trapped in between the leaves, dry them quickly by using a piece of tissue or a cotton ball.
• After watering, do not allow residual or standing water to come in contact with the base of the orchid pot.
• When the last flower drops, cut your flower spike halfway down the stem. A possible rebloom will occur if you continue caring for your orchid. Simply follow orchid care guidelines.

Q: How often should I water my orchid?

A: Many people make the mistake of assuming that since orchids are native to tropical rainforests, they must be watered several times a week. Unfortunately, watering this frequently will kill the roots of any orchid in short order. The general rule of thumb for orchids grown in the home is to water every 5 to 12 days, depending on the type of orchid, the temperature the plant is grown in, and the time of year. During the warm summer months when days are long, more frequent watering is required than in the cooler, shorter days of winter.

Q: How often should I be fertilizing my orchids?

A: Be sure to use an orchid food that is formulated for orchids and follow the instructions on the label. In general, most orchid fertilizers recommend usage once a month. Less frequent fertilizing may stunt growth and inhibit flowering; more frequent fertilizing may burn the roots and leaves and inhibit flowering.
Be sure to use an orchid food that is formulated for orchids and follow the label instructions. In general, most orchid fertilizers recommend use once a month. Less frequent fertilizing may stunt growth and inhibit flowering, more frequent fertilizing may burn the roots and leaves and inhibit flowering.

Q: What do I do when my phalaenopsis stops blooming?

A: If your plant has healthy, with thick, green leaves that have not become wrinkled or drooping, cut the old flower stem up high, just above a “node” and just below the lowest bloom. The plant will frequently send out a new flowering branch at that location. If your plant has thin, wilted leaves, or if the plant is small, with only 3-to-4-inch-long leaves, it is best to cut the flower stem all the way down,so that the plant does not weaken itself by blooming again right away. Carefully water and fertilize your plant to build it back into shape for future flowering on a brand-new stem. This can take up to a year or more, as Phalaenopsis, like most orchids, is a relatively slow-growing plant.

Q: I am growing my phalaenopsis orchid in the house but they never bloom. What can I do?

A: The most common reason for any orchid not to bloom is insufficient light. Move your phalaenopsis plants to a window where they will receive strong, but indirect light (near a south-facing window is ideal). You might also try lighting your plants with a fluorescent light fixture placed about 1-2 feet above the foliage. Give up to 12 hours of supplemental light per day. Phalaenopsis will also develop flower spikes in response to a cool period of about four weeks with night temperatures of 55F. After the cool treatment, raise the night temperature back to the normal 60-65F minimum. See if these changes to your growing conditions help to stimulate your plants to bloom.

Q: How do I know if my orchid is getting the proper amount of light?

A: One good indicator is leaf color. Generally speaking, the leaves should be bright green rather than dark green. Dark green indicates too little light while reddish green indicated too much light. Those orchids requiring higher light intensities, such as cattleyas, dendrobiums and oncidiums, should be placed in a south or west facing window, but be sure to protect the leaves from the hot mid-day sun with sheer curtains or move the plants back from the window on hot summer days. Miltonias, phalaenopsis and paphiopedilums prefer lower light intensities and should be located further away from the window or placed in a window facing east or north.

Q: The orchid in my window suddenly developed black blotches on the leaves. Is it sick.

A: It sounds like your plant has a bad case of sunburn! Longer, brighter days can increase the light intensity in your window so that the leaves get too hot and burn. You need to move your plant back from the window or put up sheer curtains to help protect it from direct sunlight. As the light intensity decreases in the fall, move your plant closer to the window again. Frequently check their leaves and watch for any fading of their green color, especially on those parts of the leaf closest to the window. This is an early indication that they are being exposed to too much sun.

Q: How do I know if I need to re-pot?

A: A newly potted phalaenopsis should be able to remain in its growth media two years before repotting. When there are many, long roots over the edge of the pot, this plant has most likely been growing for several years since its last repotting. If your plant is not currently in bloom, you should repot now. Be sure to remove all dead roots that are usually dark-colored, soft and mushy. Sometimes they may be dry, with a fiber running through the middle of the root. Center the plant with all of its roots down in the pot and add moistened bark until the level of the bark is just below the bottom of the lower set of leaves. Wait a week before resuming your normal watering and fertilizing routine.

Q: My phalaenopsis has been in flower for quite a while and now it seems to be forming what looks like a new plant on the flower stem! Will it grow if I pot it and what type of soil is best?

A: Congratulations! With proper care you will have a new plant, identical in every way to your original phalaenopsis. Wait until the new plant has developed a strong little root system of its own, with two or three roots at least one to two inches long. Then, carefully cut the plantlet, called a keiki, from the flower stem and put it in a very small pot of seedling bark for its first potting. After a year or two, move up to medium-sized bark in a four to five inch pot. Alternatively, you can pot the keiki in special orchid sphagnum moss. Be sure to go light with the fertilizer for the first few months. Once the plant has established itself, as evidenced by increased leaf growth, start with full-strength fertilizing.

Q: I would like to try growing orchids under lights in my house. What type of light fixtures and bulbs do you recommend that I try?

A: Many hobbyists have been successful with just ordinary fluorescent lights. You can also buy the more expensive fluorescent plant lights that give off a broader spectrum of light. An inexpensive way to achieve similar results is to use one cool-white fluorescent to one warm-white fluorescent bulb. The cool-white bulb will give off more of the blue wavelengths of the visible spectrum while the warm-white gives the plants more of the red end of the spectrum. Such a broad spectrum of light helps assure better growing and blooming. Some people also add one incandescent bulb to enhance the red end of the spectrum but be sure you don’t burn your plants with the heat given off by this type of bulb.

Q: My mother gave me an orchid that is called Dendrobium Phalaenopsis. I am confused. Is this a type of phalaenopsis and how do I care for it?

A: There are more than one thousand different species belonging to the genus Dendrobium. One species, Dendrobium phalaenopsis, has been frequently used to make hybrids. These hybrid orchids are noted for their upright, branching sprays of brightly colored flowers that resemble those of the genus Phalaenopsis. They basically prefer the same growing conditions as for phalaenopsis but dendrobiums will perform better in a brighter location in your home. Place them in a bright window, but without direct hot sun (south facing window is ideal). Sheer curtains will protect your plants from the burning rays. The ideal minimum night temperature is between 60-65F. The ideal day temperature is 75-85F. Phalaenopsis type dendrobiums like to have their potting medium dry out a bit between waterings.

Q: What causes the new growth on my miltonia (“pansy orchid”) to be crinkled?

A: Crinkled leaves are an indicator that the plant received insufficient water while the new leaves were developing. This can be caused by either loss of roots due to keeping the growing media too wet, which has killed most of the roots, or by simply not enough water to an otherwise healthy root system. Miltonias prefer to have their roots constantly damp, but never soggy. Older growing media will tend to hold water for longer periods of time so be careful not to overwater. Miltonias also prefer lots of humidity, with 50-75% being the ideal amount. Light, morning misting of the foliage is helpful in hot, dry conditions but be sure to keep standing water out of the leaves or soft rot may develop, especially if there is poor air circulation around your plants.

Q: What is the difference between a terrestrial and an epiphytic orchid?

A: Terrestrial orchids live on the ground, usually in a water-retentive humus of rotting wood and leaves. These orchids need a constantly moist, but never soggy, medium in which to grow. Paphiopedilums and cymbidiums are examples. Epiphytic orchids live on the branches of other plants — usually trees. They are not parasites — they obtain no food from the trees on which they grow. Epiphytic orchids have “air-roots” which are accustomed to drying out in between periods of rain. These orchids need an open medium in which to grow and the roots should be allowed to become moderately dry between waterings. Cattleyas, vandas, phalaenopsis, and dendrobiums are common examples.

Q: What’s the difference between a hybrid seedling and a meristem seedling?

A: A hybrid seedling is an orchid plant that has been produced by seed through the hybridization process. Two parent plants were used to produce the seed and the individual seedlings all have their own unique characteristics, like brothers and sisters in a family. A meristem seedling is a seedling that has been produced using the cloning process. Each “mericlone” plant has an identical genetic make-up and each meristem or mericlone plant will look exactly the same, like identical twins.

Q: I have just purchased a mottled-leaved paphiopedilum. Do I care for this plant the same as the plain, green-leaved paphs?

A: Like their solid green-leaved relatives, the mottled-leaved paphiopedilums prefer less light than many orchids and are well suited for growing in your home. Place them near a bright window but out of the direct sunlight. Both types of paphs should be kept continuously moist but not soggy. The solid green-leaved types are cool growers that prefer night temperatures of 50-55F and day temperatures of 75-80F. The mottled-leaved types are warm growers that prefer night temperatures above 60F and day temperatures of up to 85F.

Q: What are the most common orchid pests?

A: Snails and slugs often hide in the potting media where they chew on young root tips; they also come out at night to chew on the leaves and stems. There are several insect pests that are common: Aphids (small sucking insects) and thrips (small chewing insects) attack tender new growth, flowers and buds. Scale insects form a brown or black crust on leaves and stems. Mealybugs also attack the leaves and stems forming a white cottony mass. Consult a local garden center for products to control these pests.

Affordable Getaways
Destination weddings are definitely rising in status. During this slow economy, brides are getting creative when planning their weddings. Besides having the venue and accommodations tied into one, a destination wedding is a perfect way to get a luxury wedding on a tight budget.

While many still follow traditional settings, popularity is growing in how destination weddings are bringing new styles and traditions.  Depending on where you want to go, having a destination can help with choosing colors, themes and food for your reception.

Things to Consider

• Do you want only immediate family and friends to come with you, or a bigger wedding party?
• Can all of your guests manage to pay for the traveling costs?
• Do you want to give a second reception back home for friends and family who could not travel with you?

In Iowa, there are several beautiful and unique venues for outdoor weddings or places for a unique reception while creating that “getaway” feel:

• Living History Farms
• Prairie Meadows
• Blank Park Zoo
• White Oak Vineyards
• Des Moines Botanical Center

For more helpful tips in planning your wedding day (and shower), make sure to download our free Wedding Days ebook – only from Boesen the Florist.

In case you missed it (it was 6AM), Tom Boesen was on the Great Day Show this morning on Des Moines’ own KCWI 23.

With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, it’s important to remember the ease and economy that flowers bring to the Mother’s Day celebrations.  From roses to full plants for her garden, Boesen the Florist makes the moment mean more. Right up to the last minute (because noone forgets Mom, right?), Boesens will be taking orders to help you out!

Here’s Tom, Jackie and the KDMI crew talking about the special day AND some great ways to take care of your flowers AFTER Mother’s Day!

When looking for tips on the care and keeping of your plants, you may run across the terms “Annual”, “Biennial”, and “Perennial” and maybe don’t know what exactly they mean.  All you know is you plant it, it grows, it “dies”, and then comes back in the spring without you having to do anything.  Easy.

But what IS the difference between these types of plants?  Are they cared for differently?  These terms actually refer to the life cycle of the plant, describing the length of time the plant lives.  There are three different categories – Annual, Biennial and Perennial.

• Annual plants have a life cycle of only one year.  These flower types will do it all – germinate, flower and die – in one season and require replanting each year – perfect for the gardener who loves the act of gardening.  Some examples of annuals are peas, marigolds, wheat and zinnias.
• Biennials live for two years, with two different growth seasons.  When you plant a biennial in your garden, it will spend the first year growing its root system, stems and leaves.  During the colder months, it will enter a dormant phase, getting ready for the next season.  When spring has sprung, the biennial plant will also spring up, or “bolt”, growing much taller or longer.  It will flower, produce its fruits and seeds, and then die.  Plants such as parsley, sweet William and carrots fall into this category.
• Perennials are those plants and flowers that live through at least two seasons, and generally will live much longer.  A lot of the time, the term perennial is used to describe only the plants whose leaves die down to soil level at the end of the season, but many trees and shrubs also fall into this category.  These plants will grow and bloom during the spring and summer, but then die down and go dormant over the colder winter, only to grow and bloom again in the spring.  The best-known examples of perennials are apples, rhubarb and dahlias.

There are many different categories within these main classifications, whether plants are herbaceous or woody, ornamental annual perennials or true annuals.  So if you are unsure about what type of plant you have and how to care for it, don’t hesitate to contact one of our helpful and knowledgeable consultants at Boesen the Florist!

Did you know that you can clean the air NATURALLY using only plants?  According to Huntsville PR, here are the top ten plants best for removing pollutants from the air in your home or office and giving your home a breath of fresh air:

1. Feston Rose Plant: This plant has a variety of colors on it’s flowers and is incredibly low maintenance.  It purifies the air while leaving a wonderful scent with it.
2. Devil’s Ivy: “This plant acts as an excellent natural anti-pollutant against common pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.”  But be careful, you can’t eat this whatsoever, apparently, not even your pet should ingest this.  It’s a vine plant that grows down and has marbled, gold leaves.
3. Phalaenopsis: This is a smaller plant that purifies the air.  It blooms with large flowers colored pink and white with only a few leaves.
4. English Ivy: “This plant is known to filter indoor pollutants like fecal particles, formaldehyde aerosols and much more and keep your house toxin free.”  It is apparently ideal for pets as well because of what it purifies.  That said, this plant is also poisonous, so take extra care if you use it inside.
5. Parlor Ivy: This is a beautiful plant with heart shaped leaves colored a deep green.  This plant filters out unwanted and harmful chemicals from the air in your home.
6. African Violet: This is a beautiful plant with violet flowers.  You need to cut the leaves and this plant will also purify the air.  However, keep your eyes out for bugs that can infest it.
7. Christmas Cactus:  “The blooms are beautiful violet, pink, red, oranges, fuschia colored glossy flowers.”  As though it’s not obvious, this plant makes a wonderful Christmas gift and requires an adequate amount of water and light.
8. Yellow Goddess: This plant is actually a green color at the base but blooms beautiful yellow flowers.  “This plant needs bright light but not directly from the sun.”
9. Garlic Vine: This plant has the smell of garlic and onion when crushed, hence, the garlic vine.  This plant, very similar to real garlic, serves as a treatment as well as an air purifier.
10. Peace Lily: This plant bears beautiful white flowers and they grow right out of the base of the plant.  “The nail polishes, paints, other solvents and adhesives contain harmful pollutants like benzene, toluene and xylene. These pollutants are successfully filtered out in the ambiance of your house by the beautiful Peace lily houseplant.”

Come see some of our plants at Boesen the Florist.  If we don’t have what you need online, stop on in to one of our convenient locations and see what we have or what we can get for you!

Cityview held their Best of Des Moines Celebration on Tuesday evening, and as honorees, Tom and Tim Boesen were there to represent Boesen the Florist.  Cityview has been running the Best of Des Moines celebration every year for 20 years and coincidentally, Boesens has been the winner of Des Moines Best Florist category for every year.

It’s an honor to be recognized by the readers of Cityview as Des Moines Best Florist. It’s humbling because it’s our customers that vote, and that means so much. –Tom Boesen

Since 1923, The Boesens family has been Des Moines and Central Iowa’s premier florists – providing beautiful flowers for all occasions as well as wedding consultation, event planning and management.

Consistency is key to successful business and customer service. Our parents and grand parents drummed that into us generation after generation. We will continue that tradition as we have for the past 90 years. --Tim Boesen

For more information or to order flowers from Boesen the Florist, please feel free to contact them at 515-244-ROSE or go to their website at www.Boesen.com

Tomorrow is finally Valentine’s Day!  Are YOU ready for it?  The team at Boesen the Florist sure is!

Tim Boesen talks about the preparation for Boesen’s Valentine’s Day flower delivery in Des Moines and how his locally owned and operated flower shop – along with the whole Boesen Team – gets ready for your Flower orders this Valentine’s Day!

Too often men are overlooked on Valentine’s Day with all the focus and attention going to the ladies in their lives. Make his Valentine’s Day just as special as yours this year with our help. Sure, shopping for your man can be hard but taking the time to really plan out something special for him will make his day.

So maybe he isn’t longing for a dozen roses on Valentine’s Day, there are many other ways to send him a little something that says “I Love You”. It truly is the thought that counts here! Perhaps your Valentine’s Day plans are heading out to your favorite restaurant, a movie or a couples massage. Make your plans more fun with the element of surprise. Whether it’s clues throughout the day or little gifts, adding a little surprise to the day will make the events that much more fun.

Send him a Valentine’s Day Balloon Bouquet at work or satisfy his sweet tooth with our “Junk” Food Bucket. Tell him he’s hot stuff with our Fire Engine Bouquet or plan a romantic night in for two with dinner featuring or lobster or delicious steak and make things extra special with some beautiful rose petals.

Sound too mushy or cheesy? Make him the most envied man at the office with the “wine and cigars” gift set, a gift that is sure to get some use!

Whether he’s a tough guy or soft at heart, let the man in your life know he means the world to you with a thoughtful and unique gift from your neighborhood Boesen the Florist!