Teleflora's Flower Blog

Finish your table with Teleflora and HSN

nderuiter — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:11:00 -0800

Teleflora’s coming to television again! Next week Monday, November 23rd, see our very own Marie Ackerman join the ever-enthusiastic hosts at the Home Shopping Network (HSN) to present viewers with a multitude of festive bouquets for the holidays.

[The Autumn Aura bouquet for HSN by Teleflora]

Marie and friends will present among your last opportunities to order for your Thanksgiving tablescape, and will also present several bouquets that can only be purchased via HSN. Every Teleflora bouquet, as you doubtless know, is hand-arranged and hand-delivered by a member florist who is local to the area of delivery.

[Merlot by Candlelight centerpiece for HSN by Teleflora]

Teleflora will be featured live on HSN at three different times throughout the day on the 23rd, and Teleflora will return to air on HSN in mid-December for another round of programs. We hope you’ll tune in!

Monday, November 23rd, 2009
6:00 a.m. EST
10:00 a.m. EST
5:00 p.m. EST
Find HSN in your local listings.

[Feast of Color bouquet for HSN by Teleflora]

Wow them with with wreaths

Jacqueline - Editor — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:35:00 -0800

Today's post is from guest blogger Cindy Cragg, home stylist for WILLIAMSBURG®, williamsburgmarketplace.com, the lifestyle brand of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

So, here we are... the middle of November! Just around the corner from, once again, seeing what beautiful creations adorn the homes of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area for this year’s holiday season. Each year thousands come to admire our decorations and leave thinking they could never recreate that look in their own home. With a little planning and creativity you can have simple, natural-looking decorations that will WOW your family and friends. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Creating a strong theme around seasonal colors will put you on the right path towards decorating success. The WILLIAMSBURG Salt-glaze Pitcher arrangement is a great place to start! I love how this arrangement perfectly combines all the natural colors of the season - gold, orange, red, and green. Using this arrangement as inspiration, you can then choose two colors that you like to incorporate throughout your home. Whether it’s an eye-popping color combination like burnt orange and deep green (think cloved oranges and magnolia) or a mellow yellow and rich brown (think yarrow and pinecones), you can’t go wrong.

Copyright of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Now that you have your color theme picked out, try adding an element of “WOW”! Bringing in a third color or an item with a unique shape will add some pizzazz and give your decorations a focal point. Metallic gold adds elegance and sparkle to the orange/green theme or add drama to the yellow/brown theme with a cranberry color. In Colonial Williamsburg we use fruit, fresh and dried, to add both color, texture, and shape. Pomegranates, pineapples, and dried seed pods are all very popular choices.

Copyright of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Don’t forget that sprucing up for the holidays consists of more than just what meets the eye! Like the sweet smell of roses in the summertime, scents are a big part of the holiday season. In a wreath, centerpiece, or as a simple individual place setting arrangement, using the scents of the season can be an extra-special touch. Herbs like rosemary are great for Thanksgiving decorations and cloves or cinnamon work well for Christmas.

Use your imagination and have fun!

For more information, visit: www.history.org/christmas.

“Flower Girl” and more: Our fave romantic comedies

Jacqueline - Editor — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:58:00 -0800

The novelist George Sand said: “There is only one happiness in life – to love and to be loved.”

Whether or not you agree, the topic of love and romance has long been rich fodder for storytellers and screenwriters. And, given its universal appeal, love will continue to be explored, celebrated, chased and cherished for years to come. A case in point: This Saturday marks the premiere of the Hallmark Channel original movie “Flower Girl” (9p.m. ET/PT, 8C).

Marla Sokoloff (“The Practice”) plays Teleflora florist Laurel Haverford (pictured in both photos) in this cute and classic tale of romance with a capital R. Five-time Emmy® and Golden Globe nominee Marion Ross (“Happy Days,” “Brooklyn Bridge”) plays Laurel’s grandmother Rose Durham. Kieren Hutchison (“Wildfire”), Brook Kerr (“Passions”) and Terry Maratos (“Drived”) co-star in the romantic comedy. Bradford May is the director.

Laurel is a hearts-and-flowers romantic who wants to find Mr. Right. As a florist, she makes weddings magical, but she longs to make her own trip down the aisle. Once she puts her wish out there, Laurel soon finds herself involved in two romances and must decide which one will win her heart for happily ever after.

The flowers are gorgeous, thanks to our own Jen White. Jen served as the floral designer for the movie! There is plenty to let the audience know that Laurel is a proud member of the Teleflora network. Look for the delivery driver, signs, resource guide and POS system.

Many of us here at Teleflora have already seen the movie and that got us thinking about our favorite romantic comedies over the years. The list could cover many pages, of course, but we narrowed it down to these 15:

“It Happened One Night,” 1934

“The Shop Around the Corner,” 1940

“Roman Holiday,” 1953

“The Apartment,” 1960

“Charade,” 1963

“Annie Hall,” 1977

“Moonstruck,” 1987

“Bull Durham,” 1988

“When Harry Met Sally,” 1989

“Sleepless in Seattle,” 1993

“As Good As It Gets,” 1997

“Bridget Jones’s Diary,” 2001

“Wedding Crashers,” 2005

“The 40-year-old Virgin,” 2005

“Sex and the City,” 2008

Your favorite not on the list? Let us know or, if you agree with these picks, let us know your favorite line or scene from one of the entries.

“Flower Girl” encores on Saturday, November 14 (11p.m. ET/PT, 10C), Sunday, November 15 (1a.m. ET/PT, 12C) and (9p.m. ET/PT, 8C).

If you like Hallmark, become a fan of Hallmark Channel on Facebook: facebook.com/hallmarkchannel and follow the network on Twitter:twitter.com/hallmarkchannel.

Pet-Friendly Flowers for Your Home

nderuiter — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:43:00 -0800

Our pets are part of our families, and they tend to be curious, especially when it comes to their stomachs - sometimes even giving flowers a taste. That's why today we've invited Dr. Sharon Gwaltney of the ASPCA to give us some insight on pet safety when it comes to having cut flowers in our homes.

[Rose petals are fine for your furry friends. Photo source: D Sharon Pruitt via Flickr]

Sending a floral bouquet or living plant is a great way to show that you care. Households with pets can pose a bit of a challenge when selecting such a gift, as care needs to be taken that plants are selected that will pose no hazard should the pets decide to munch on a few leaves. While many plants will cause nothing more severe than mild digestive upset should they be ingested by pets, some can cause more serious health issues. For instance, members of the Lilium genus, including Easter and stargazer lilies, can cause serious kidney problems if ingested by cats. So, when sending a bouquet or plant as a gift to a pet owner, it is always best to seek out (or create) a ‘pet friendly’ bouquet.

What is a pet friendly bouquet? It is a bouquet consisting of plants and flowers that are not considered to be toxic to pets (primarily cats and dogs). Flowers such as roses, African daisies, and orchids and plants such as bromeliads, African violets and Christmas cactus are non-toxic (although any ingested plant material might occasionally cause mild, self-limited vomiting) and would be suitable as to have in households with pets.

[Careful with those tulips! Tulips are toxic to cats and dogs. Photo source: Flickr user her wings]

For households with cats, beautiful and non-toxic Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily, but not a ‘true’ lily) can be substituted for Lilium (true lilies). For bouquets, request ferns (most ferns are non-toxic) as greenery in place of baby’s breath. When requesting specific plants or flowers from a florist, it is a good idea to let them know what plants you are trying to avoid and why, in case substitutions need to be made.

How will you know if a particular plant or flower is potentially toxic? The Internet is a good resource, and at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website, you can find a searchable list of both toxic and non-toxic plants. When looking for information on the toxicity of a flower or plant, it is best to know the scientific name as well as the common name, since common names can be shared among multiple plants with quite different characteristics. Other sources of information include university websites and books on poisonous plants.

Below is a brief list of ‘pet friendly’ flowers and plants:

Common Name | Scientific name
African daisy | Arctotis stoechadifolia
African violet | Saintpaulia spp.
Alyssum | Allysum spp.
Bachelors buttons | Centaureaa cyanus
Begonia | Begonia spp.
Celosia | Celosia spp.
Common Snapdragon | Antirrhinum majus
Easter Daisy | Townsendia sevicea
Orchids | Barbrodia, Sophronitis, etc.
Peruvian lily, Brazilian lily | Alstroemeria spp.
Rose | Rosa spp.

~Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, DVM, PhD, DABVT, DABT
Vice President and Medical Director
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

[Homepage image source: johnnyberg via stockxchng, used with permission]

Williamsburg: The inspiration behind the beauty

Jacqueline - Editor — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:43:00 -0800

Today's post is from guest blogger Cindy Cragg, home stylist for WILLIAMSBURG®, williamsburgmarketplace.com, the lifestyle brand of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

More than just another pretty vase, the pitcher housing this beautiful WILLIAMSBURG arrangement was inspired by fragments excavated in Williamsburg and by antiques in the Colonial Williamsburg collection. In colonial homes the pitcher was considered tableware because even though it was used for serving, smaller pitchers like this one could also double as a drinking vessel. The versatility of this type of pitcher often inspired craftsmen to embellish the pieces with floral designs, like this 18th-century version from our collections, making them more attractive on the table.

The saltglaze technique that inspired the look of this pitcher was very popular in the 18th-century. The technique was originally invented by German potters in the 15th-century, adopted by English potters in the late 17th-century, and later brought to the colonies from England by immigrant craftsmen. Saltglaze stoneware is unique because it requires only one firing. The glaze in produced by the action of common salt introduced into the kiln when the pieces are partially fired and the temperature is above 2000 degrees. The salt then combines with the silica present in the clay to form a durable glaze impervious to liquids and acids.

This salt-glaze pitcher is just as beautiful and functional today as it was in the 18th-century. A great way to add a little history to your decor and think of the conversations this arrangement might inspire!

Florist seeks true love in Hallmark movie

Jacqueline - Editor — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:23:00 -0800

Turn on the Hallmark Channel next Saturday to see a fairy-tale romance and flowers galore. Marla Sokoloff (“The Practice”) plays Teleflora florist Laurel Haverford in “Flower Girl,” a Hallmark Channel original movie premiering Saturday, November 14 (9p.m. ET/PT, 8C).

Five-time Emmy® and Golden Globe nominee Marion Ross (“Happy Days,” “Brooklyn Bridge”) plays Laurel’s grandmother Rose Durham, who happens to be a bit of a matchmaker. Kieren Hutchison (“Wildfire”), Brook Kerr (“Passions”) and Terry Maratos (“Drived”) co-star in the romantic comedy. Bradford May is the director.

Marla Sokoloff plays Laurel Haverford, a Teleflora florist, in search of her very own Prince Charming.

Laurel is a born romantic who has her heart set on meeting her soul mate, but she’s starting to wonder if he’ll ever come along. As a florist, she specializes in wedding work (including Scottish-themed flowers, complete with tartan ribbon and thistle, for a Bridezilla), but she longs to walk down the aisle as the bride. Still, good things do come to those who wait and, before long, Laurel is juggling two very different suitors.

Feast or famine: Laurel must divide her time between two interesting romantic prospects and decide whether to play it safe or follow her heart.

The flowers look fantastic, which is no surprise given that our own Jen White was the floral designer for the movie! “Ordering, planning, delivery, designing; I did it all,” says Jen.

There is plenty to let the audience know that Laurel is a proud member of the Teleflora network. Look for the delivery driver, signs, resource guide and POS system.

The film encores on Saturday, November 14 (11p.m. ET/PT, 10C), Sunday, November 15 (1a.m. ET/PT, 12C) and (9p.m. ET/PT, 8C).

If you like Hallmark, become a fan on Facebook: facebook.com/hallmarkchannel and follow the network on Twitter: twitter.com/hallmarkchannel.

Give Thanks and Flowers!

Carol — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:02:00 -0800

Thanksgiving is a time of harvest. We celebrate not only the bounty of the field, but also our blessings with family and friends. Traditionally the dining room table is the center of the Thanksgiving celebration, yet we are always in a quandary regarding the centerpiece. We have so much wonderful food plus usually a few more guests than the table comfortably holds not leaving a large space for fresh flowers, yet how can our table be complete without them?

Here’s one of my favorite suggestions: use several smaller arrangements instead of one large one. It looks great visually and leaves lots of room for everything else.

What really makes this look is the choice of containers. When selecting containers, there are so many fun choices. A collection of glass bottles or bud vases work so well. They’re easy, too. Just fill with water and drop a few favorite blossoms into each one, scatter down the center of the table, add some votive candles, sprinkle a few fall leaves in between and it will look spectacular.

A few tips:
• If the bottles or vases happen to be all different shapes that is even better.
• It usually works best if the vessels are all the same material, glass, silver, ceramic, etc.
• If you are using clear vases, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the water to add a surprise splash of color.
• Silver julep cups are a classic and look so elegant scattered down the table. Fill each with a different type or color of flower for a very modern look.
• Silver or crystal candlesticks with taper candles work very nicely placed in between.

How about making your own containers? Select your favorite veggies such as squash, eggplant, peppers, artichoke or even mini pumpkins or gourds. Hollow out an area in the center of the vegetable, insert a piece of floral foam and arrange a few blossoms in each one. Add some wheat, berries or fall leaves and you have created not only a fabulous centerpiece but I guarantee the compliments and appreciation for your creativity will be plentiful.

If you’re not up to doing it yourself your florist will be more than willing to create the look for you. Chrysanthemums, roses, gerbera, sunflowers, lilies and of course berries such as hypericum and rose hips, are some of my favorite choices for my Thanksgiving table no matter which containers I choose. Flowers make it perfect!

~Carol Caggiano, AIFD, PFCI

Florascopes for November

Jacqueline - Editor — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:01:00 -0800

Welcome back to the horoscope page, where each month you can read a fun take on the future and see the flower associated with your sign.

Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet
As the holidays approach, it’s easy to feel stressed out and overwhelmed. To avoid that, don’t feel compelled to say yes every time you’re asked to help out, swing by or do a favor. The world won’t collapse if you claim a few minutes for yourself. Remember that taking good care of yourself makes you a better partner, parent and/or boss. In order to nurture a friendship, you may have to ask a tough question. In the end, it will enrich your bond. You will inspire someone on the 18th. At the end of the month, you may feel inspired yourself to write a poem or compose a song. By all means, do it!

Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid
Try to understand that most people do not have your independent streak. They may even be threatened by the fact that you take such fearlessness for granted. Look at things from their perspective; it doesn’t mean you have to change your mind or lower your standards, but you will benefit from an exercise in empathy. Your latest dream will come true, despite an initial snag. Never forget the value of simple hard work. And, in an exciting turn of events, romance takes center stage from midmonth onward. Enjoy!

Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria
Sometimes forgiveness is much easier said than done, especially after you’ve been hurt or even blindsided by someone you thought you could trust. It’s OK to let it happen bit by bit; the main thing is not to spend your valuable energy stewing over someone else’s bad deed. Remember the power of karma, after all. The laws of the universe are not broken without consequence. And speaking of the universe, or at least the world, you will have uncommonly good travel karma this month. Make the most of your time with family. The 14th, 24th and 29th will be lucky.

Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip
“If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There’s no point in being a damn fool about it.” This quotation from W.C. Fields is especially apt for Aries – your sense of humor is strong enough to enjoy it and you appreciate the common-sense practical wisdom it contains. You are dealing with an issue that may be draining your energy. Is it time to give up? If so, there should be no guilt or shame about it. You have done your darnedest. Meanwhile, this month will offer many moments of small but significant joy.

Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily
Thanksgiving is a day to be grateful, to be sure. But you should give yourself a pat on the back because you’ve done a good job counting your blessings all year long. If you haven’t already, try putting them on paper in a gratitude journal. As stress subsides, you will find more time for fun. Buy a new pair of sexy shoes or a bottle of lovely perfume. Treat yourself! You may need to start Volume 2 of your gratitude journal before the month is over. A mystery is solved on the 12th. At work, keep track of your progress and achievements and don't be shy about sharing them with your boss.

Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose
“Take your work seriously, but don’t take yourself seriously.” This adage comes from one of the most famous Geminis of our time, Clint Eastwood, who was born May 31. Keep this in mind as you are given more responsibility on the job. On the personal front, you will experience unusual harmony in all your relationships. This is also a perfect time to tell a parent how wonderful he or she is. On the weekend of the 28th, don’t shy away from a chance to show your artistic side. Remember, if you are late in sending a sympathy or thank-you card, the saying that it's better late than never really is true.

Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium
It may be getting chilly and windy, which always makes Cancer gals and guys a bit wistful, maybe even sad. So, it’s important to find a way to connect with nature. Maybe buy a houseplant or just gaze upon the moon. An obstacle that seemed insurmountable will suddenly seem like a breeze to overcome. You may need to unload about a situation at work. Happens to the best of us, but do not vent to anyone involved in the situation! Instead, confide in a trusted friend, then try again to be a team player. Meanwhile, a small but thoughtful surprise will likely arrive in the mail by month’s end. Your popularity is such that you may be juggling invitations on the 21st and 28th.

Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower
You may struggle a bit this month as a personal relationship hits a big bump. First, let go of jealousy and pride. Then figure out how to be true to yourself and fair to the other person. At work, you may need to ask for help; remember timing is key. If you ask and give people plenty of warning, they will easily accommodate your request; if you wait until the last minute, you risk angering and alienating them. If this sounds a bit dour, fear not! Things are never dull for dazzling Leo and this month is no exception. As usual, excitement is around every corner and you may receive a treat in the form of dollar signs by month’s end.

Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy
You may need to forgive a small debt this month. It’s irksome, but you will make an important spiritual gain. You will also find new tools for dealing with that moody neighbor or colleague. Just because you tend to be on the quiet side doesn’t mean you don’t have intense magnetism. In fact, you’ve got mystery, which is even more rare. Work it, Virgo! You may have a house guest this month, which will be a bonding experience for both of you. And weekends this month will be full of romance! Make sure you look your best on the 23rd.

Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea
Alfred Hitchcock once said: “Some movies are slices of life. Mine are slices of cake.” Libra can appreciate the droll genius of Hitch perhaps more than most. That’s because you see the art where other see mere craft. Be patient this month especially with those who don’t see things exactly as you do. At work, you may receive a new assignment that taps your unique ability to weigh and assess both sides of an argument. Take the opportunity, even if it means staying late a few nights. It will end up energizing you. Outside work, if you are being pressured to make a decision, don’t be afraid to ask for the time you need. It is your decision; you set the timetable for making it. Keep your sense of humor the week of the 23rd.

Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony
You will enjoy both pleasure and power this month. At work, you will have the upper hand in a negotiation, despite it being somewhat last minute and a bit frenetic. You also receive the recognition you have been working so hard to gain, just in time for raises and bonuses. On the personal front, you may be choosing among a few very different suitors. Do not rush the process! Instead, spend quality time with each one and remember that what you see is not always what you get. If you’re already attached, you will discover a delightful new side to your sweetie. Put a favor in the karma bank – it’s always good to have a credit there. Go with the flow around the holiday.

Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation
Poor Sag. You may be going through a very tough time right now. To make matters worse, you may be blaming yourself or asking yourself if you did enough when you had the chance. Cut yourself some slack, please! There are few in the world with hearts as pure and characters as upstanding as yours. Your thoughts and actions are an example to others. Move on, resist worry, be joyful and peace will follow. A vacation to a sunny climate might be just what you need to perk up. If you’re short of funds, stay with a friend and treasure your time together. Oh, and be sure to send flowers to your host or hostess as a thank you!

Flower Fact of the Day: Dry air is particularly hard on ivy so be extra vigilant about watering and put it in a bright spot with indirect sunlight.

The gift of family and friends; the gift of Williamsburg

Jacqueline - Editor — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:21:00 -0800

Does anyone know how it got to be Nov. 2 and almost time for Thanksgiving? If so, please let me know. ;)

But, though time is racing by, I'm really looking forward to the holidays and the chance to spend time with family and friends. Even on the Flower Blog, we celebrate fun times and renew traditions with colleagues and friends, so I am particularly pleased to welcome back Cindy Cragg, for her second year of guest writing. Cindy is the home stylist for WILLIAMSBURG®, www.williamsburgmarketplace.com, the lifestyle brand of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Cindy will be contributing to the blog for the whole month of November and her unique perspective blends history, humor, insight and creative ideas. Be sure to read her every Monday to make your holidays the best ever. Thank you, Cindy!

The holidays are a special time of the year. A time when friends and families get together to celebrate traditions, give gifts and enjoy each other’s company. It is also a special time when Colonial Williamsburg and Teleflora join forces to bring you an arrangement that is not only beautiful to look at, but has historical significance and supports a cause that you can feel good about. Whether you purchase this arrangement to add the colors of the season to a breakfast nook in your own home or to thank a neighbor for all the times they brought in your paper while you were away, you’ll know that this Williamsburg-inspired arrangement is a gift that continues to give.

This fresh seasonal burst of color is arranged in a salt-glaze pitcher much like one that you might find in the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg. Imagine strolling down Duke of Gloucester Street and going in Greenhow Store. You would see wrought iron, willow baskets, fine imported porcelain, floorcloths, fabrics, cooper's items, tinware, craftsmen's tools, and other goods similar to those sold by Mr. Greenhow in the 18th century, like this salt-glaze pitcher.

So, in addition to the quality fresh bouquet that you know you can expect from Teleflora this arrangement has a little something extra. It has a story. A story of inspiration, vision, creativity and tradition—a story you are helping to keep alive in America’s hearts and homes. That’s because a portion of your purchase supports the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s award-winning educational programs, like electronic field trips, bringing the American experience to life for millions of young people every day!

Spooky and Beautiful Blooms Fit for Halloween

nderuiter — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:32:00 -0800

Happy Halloween, everyone! I thought for today's post, it would be fun to share some spooky, but beautiful, blooms. There are lots of flowers that look like they'd fit right in for Halloween, and others that might not look it, but certainly fit in the creepy category!

[A 'spooky' Black Batflower - Image Source: just_chaos via Flickr]

I can't think of a flower more suited to Halloween than this Black Batflower - there's a White Batflower, too, but I think the black has a bigger impact! It's a native flower of the Yunnan Province in China and according to the gardening website Dave's Garden, it's scientific name is Tacca chantrieri. You'll never guess what else is a member of this flower's scientific 'order' - Yams! Yams for the Thanksgiving table and Black Batflower for Halloween, I think makes for a nice family of fall plants!

[This is a Rafflesia - Image Source: ma_suska via wikimedia]

This one kind of reminds me of the comic book character (and more recently, movie character) Hellboy. I think that makes it quite appropriate for Halloween! The Rafflesia arnoldii, as it's known, is the world's largest individual flower, growing to be up to 3 feet across and weighing 24 pounds! One of those on the front porch at Halloween might help set the spooky mood!

Those were the benign flowers, but now let's look at a few that may not look as menacing but are certainly creepy... I'm most certainly talking about carniverous plants.

[A Venus Flytrap beautifully photographed by David Yu]

The first is the most well-known, and certainly one of the most frightening in terms of appearance, the Venus Flytrap. Along with all of the carnivorous plants we'll share in this post, the flytrap 'eats' small bugs, mostly flies and spiders. Inside of the flytraps 'jaws', there are little hairs that can sense movement and will make the flytrap close. The Venus Flytrap stars in a great play/movie for Halloween viewing, I might add, the classic Little Shop of Horrors - originally filmed in 1960, though I particularly enjoy the 1986 re-make featuring Rick Moranis.

[Just one of the types of Cape Sundew plant, photographed by David Yu.]

The Cape Sundew is also a muncher of creepy-crawly things. When a bug tries to traipse across the arms of the Cape Sundew, it rolls right up, trapping the little bug in its hungry tendrils! Certainly deserving of our Halloween spooky flowers designation, I think. The Cape Sundew is a native of South Africa and carries the scientific name Drosera capensis. I think it's quite pretty, despite its eerie eating habits.

[Bladderwort - what a name for such a pretty flower! Photographed by David Yu.]

This last flower hides its hungry nature behind a pretty blossom. The bladderwort (what a name, huh?) is also a carniverous plant, luring buggies into its hungry, inescapable grasp. There are many different types of bladderwort, but they all behave the same. It's actually quite fascinating to learn how the bladderworts eat - they have little 'hairs' like the venus flytrap, but instead closing, these hairs tell the plant to open. When the 'bladder' is triggered, it opens up and actually vacuums in the prey! There are more specific details over at Wikipedia.

There are many more Halloween-worthy flowers in the world! Do you know of one that's super-spooky? Tell us about it in the comments section!

Thanks to David Yu for letting us use some of his fantastic photographs in this blog post! He's got many more carniverous plant photos in his portfolio. Happy Halloween!

Awesome autumn

Carol — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:59:00 -0800

Pumpkins and gourds are synonymous with visions of autumn. Their familiar form and happy coloring can’t help but make you smile. Fresh pumpkins are not only for Jack o’ Lanterns. They make very festive containers for fall flowers.

[Teleflora's Somethin' Pumpkin bouquet]

Just hollow out, insert a vase or plastic liner and fill with flowers. Add some wheat, vines, berries, grasses or millet for texture and variation. Try grouping pumpkins of different sizes in clusters to make a visually attractive display on your front steps or porch; tuck luscious chrysanthemum plants in between the pumpkins for color. Choose mum plants that are in tight bud and you will enjoy weeks of bloom.

You can even do this with smaller pumpkins and 4” chrysanthemum plants indoors on your dining table, breakfront or credenza. (Just remember to place cellophane or some type of plastic, under the pumpkins and plants to protect your table.) Loose fall leaves and mosses work well with these groupings to add interest and to cover pots and mechanics for a very natural look. The hardy varieties of chrysanthemum plants can be planted in the garden when they are finished flowering and will bloom again next year.

[Two little pumpkins and a bouquet make a festive fall centerpiece - Image Credit: dnorman via Flickr]

Speaking of pumpkins and gourds, look for some of the new varieties such as the glorious white ones for a more contemporary look. Mix with brown leaves and pods adding beautiful white flowers such as lilies, chrysanthemums, hydrangeas or dahlias for a warm yet very modern presentation.

[Note: Homepage image for this post is also courtesy dnorman via Flickr used under a Creative Commons attribution license]

~Carol Caggiano, PFCI, AIFD

NYC framed in flowers

Jacqueline - Editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:09:00 -0800

Thanks to a fortuitously timed vacation in Manhattan, I've got some pretty pix to share. Aah, Fifth Avenue, the Plaza, Sardi's, the chaotic joy of Times Square, the Met. And flowers make the world's most exciting city even more glorious. There's no better time to visit than the fall and my mom & I were lucky enough to attend Warner Bros.' emerald gala for The Wizard of Oz at Tavern on the Green on Sept. 24.

While visiting NYC, we snapped a bunch of shots ...

Brilliant yellow flowers brighten the day for the denizens of this Midtown courtyard.

In the city that never sleeps, you can buy flowers at neighborhood shops into the wee hours.

A close-up of these lovely late-night blooms.

No place in the world quite like The Plaza. Just ask Eloise.

Must find out who designs these stunning flowers. Wow.

Every time you turn around, more gorgeous floral creations.

Magnificent Marilyn with luscious white hydrangea to the left.

A single flower sits on a table at the Saks cafe.

Designs on display at a florist on Eighth Avenue.

Pale pink flowers adorn a cozy corner at Tea and Sympathy in the Village. Mmm, jasmine tea's my fave.

My mom and I at our hotel before heading out to the Oz gala.

The Wizard of Oz emerald gala program and Teleflora flowers. The movie is 75 years old!

Guests mingle as they line the yellow brick road.

Dorothy x 2.

More characters come to life.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products displayed the Ruby Slipper Collection. The collection of 20 noted designers’ interpretations of Dorothy’s slippers was auctioned to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Also auctioned were designer sketches as well as pieces from The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection.

Teleflora hits Vegas to celebrate new partnership

Jacqueline - Editor — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:21:00 -0800

With age comes wisdom … and smart deals for flower fans who are members of AARP.

AARP recently selected Teleflora as a preferred provider so the organization’s members get a 20% discount on Teleflora arrangements, plants and gift baskets.

The deal helps AARP expand discounts to its 40 million members and lets Teleflora reach out to lots of new customers, who are bound to enjoy our hand-arranged, hand-delivered bouquets.

Just ask the folks at AARP’s National Event and Expo, Life @ 50+, which runs through Saturday.

{Pamela staffs Teleflora's booth at the AARP Life @ 50+ expo in Las Vegas}

Teleflora was on the scene (see photo) with a great-looking booth showcasing our best sellers. Between 25,000 and 35,000 people are expected to attend; those stopping at the TF booth get goodies like magnets and coupons, and have the option of placing online orders.

On the expo speakers’ roster: AARP community ambassador and broadcaster James Brown, tennis great Martina Navratilova, financial adviser Jonathan Pond, actress Jane Seymour and designer Carmen Marc Valvo.

Founded in 1958, AARP is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives. AARP’s guiding principles are collective purpose, voice and purchasing power.

Next year’s expo will be in Orlando, FL.

Halloween decorating - my best intentions...

nderuiter — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:02:00 -0800

I love the idea of holiday decorating, and with only 10 days until Halloween I'm so excited, looking at all of the great decorations available! I get all googly when I see the projects that all of the crafty gals and ghouls have posted on their decorating and design blogs (ooh, like this cute project from Cathie Filian). I see these projects, and I get wistful about what I could create with a little time and a hot glue gun.

[Spoooky! Source: darkpatator via Flickr]

Then, I go home and dig out the single string of twinkle lights with little bats attached that my mother bought and sent to me in college. I knock around my storage a little more and find the decorative candy bucket I’ve tucked away. I get these things out and I set them on a shelf to do something with – then, before I know it, Halloween is gone and I have to pack them back up again.

So, if you’re like me and just can’t find the time to craft a holiday theme and spend a weekend preparing your knick-knacks and stretching cotton over windows for faux spiderwebs, don’t despair, you’re not alone.

And who knows, maybe this year, I’ll let myself off the hook and just order a cute Halloween centerpiece, pick up trick-or-treat candy and let myself enjoy the cute kids who come trick-or-treating, instead of stressing over what I didn’t manage to decorate.

[Bat's Incredible bouquet by Teleflora]

Splendor of fall blooms

Carol — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:22:00 -0800

One of the advantages with fresh flowers in the fall is that so many of the fall favorites, chrysanthemums of endless varieties, safflower, lilies, thistle for example are sturdy and have a long vase life.

[A lovely pink hydrangea in a pot dresses a table nicely]

Hydrangea which is a favorite of many any time of year can be especially interesting in the fall. Many of these opulent flowers will also dry nicely for you to enjoy for months, way past the fall season.

[A vase of dahlias makes quite an impact]

For something special select a few fabulous dahlias to either incorporate with other blooms or to tuck into a vase on their own. These are so luscious in their magnificent array of colors and sizes. They are not as long lasting as some of the other fall flowers but they are so gorgeous how can you resist? Fall is the season of harvest and abundance. Immerse yourself in its splendor and enjoy every minute!

~Carol Caggiano, AIFD, PFCI