Avas Flowers Blog Articles https://www.avasflowers.net/blog Latest blog articles from Avas Flowers.text/htmlen-usAvas Flowers2024-03-19The History of the Teddy Bear for Collectors https://www.avasflowers.net/blog/the-history-of-the-teddy-bear-for-collectors/ For many people, memories of childhood include a teddy bear or two (or more). Over the years, the stuffed toy has served as a beloved source of comfort and is often a first friend. In adulthood, people continue to cherish these cuddly bears and even collect them as a hobby. Because the teddy bear has such a tremendous cultural presence, it’s difficult to imagine a time when it did not exist. But it wasn’t until 1902 that the teddy bear was first created. The Early Years The idea for the teddy bear came from an unlikely source: a cartoon in the Nov. 6, 1902, issue of The Washington Post. The cartoon, “Drawing the Line in Mississippi,” was drawn by a political cartoonist named Clifford Berryman, who was inspired by the events of a hunting trip in Mississippi that involved President Theodore Roosevelt. The hunt was an uneventful one, which led the hosts to present the president with a restrained bear cub so he would have an animal to shoot. Roosevelt, however, refused, as the cub was helpless and it would be poor sportsmanship to shoot it. The cartoon became a hit and was followed by another image of a docile bear shortly after. In Brooklyn, New York, the owners of a candy and stationery store, Morris and Rose Michtom, found inspiration in the popularity of these illustrations. Rose Michtom, who made and sold stuffed toys for their shop, designed a bear modeled after the one in the cartoons. Her plush creation sat upright and had shoe buttons for eyes and fur made of velvet. They called it “Teddy’s Bear” and placed it in the window of their store. The bears sold well, and the couple sent the president one as a gift for his children, along with a request for official permission to give the toy his name, which he granted. The widespread success of Teddy’s Bear eventually lead to it becoming a political symbol during the 1904 election, and it was present at every event held at the White House. Its success led the Michtoms to close their store and put their focus on creating the bears full-time. Teddy’s Bear would make it possible for them to start the Ideal Toy Company in 1903. In the same year the Michtoms created Teddy’s Bear in the United States, a felt toy company in Germany, owned by Margarete Steiff, was creating another stuffed bear. Steiff’s nephew Richard, a former art student, fashioned a bear from his drawings of bear cubs at a zoo. Unlike their American counterpart’s cartoonish appearance, Steiff’s bears had a more realistic look and were the first toys of their kind to have movable limbs. The Steiff bear, called Bear 55PB, was introduced at the Leipzig Toy Fair in 1903, where it caught the attention of a trader from America. Hoping to cash in on some of the Teddy’s Bear popularity, he made a large order for 3,000 bears. Word of the Steiff bears spread, and they became a massive success in America. The Teddy Bear Craze The popularity of teddy bears in the early 1900s rivaled any of the toy crazes of modern times. While loved by children, they also enjoyed a measure of popularity among prominent society women, who would often carry the toy with them. To feed the demand, bears were being made by dozens of different American toy companies, which by now had done away with the name “Teddy’s Bear” in favor of the simpler “teddy bear.” One could buy bears in a multitude of colors or with special features, such as clothing. One of the biggest of these companies, which still manufactures bears today, was Gund Manufacturing Corporation. But besides the new American teddy bear manufacturers, German companies were exporting bears to the U.S., and they proved to be strong competitors. And in 1908, J.K. Farnell & Co. produced England’s first teddy bear. America’s infatuation with the teddy bear grew beyond the stuffed toy, making its way into books and music, such as J.K. Bratton’s “The Teddy Bear Two Step,” which would years later become “The Teddy Bear’s Picnic” with words added to the tune. Teddy Bears in the 1920s-1940s World War I could not dim the popularity of the teddy bear. In fact, teddy bears were even common among soldiers during the war, often given to them by sweethearts or parents. The soldiers would carry their bears for comfort and as a reminder of home. While the desire for hand-finished bears remained high, the war caused changes in the industry. German manufacturers could not export their bears, which led to a decrease in teddy bear production, particularly in Europe. As a result, new British, French, and Australian companies filled the void. The impact of war on the teddy bear industry was minimal in the United States, and in the following years, there was continuing growth. Times were great for teddy bear lovers during the ’20s and ’30s, including the arrival of the first talking teddy bear in the early 1920s. Certain changes in appearance and materials also occurred during this time. The switch from wood wool stuffing to kapok, a softer material, was one such change. Glass eyes also began replacing the button eyes common in the original bears. Unfortunately, this prosperous period would not last. Between 1929 and 1939, the Great Depression struck the world. As with many industries, it took a toll on the American teddy bear companies. Because of a lack of work and money, many families took to making their own bears from materials in their homes rather than buying them. Manufacturers had to produce bears inexpensively or close their doors for good. Those that survived did so by using cheap materials and less of them. Stick bears, which were thin bears with long, stick-like legs, were a type of cheaply made bear that became popular during the Depression. The Depression was not the only thing that negatively impacted teddy bear production. In 1939, the onset of World War II disrupted production, as factories now needed to be used to produce items to support the war effort. As a result, some manufacturers closed permanently. The Lean Years: The 1950s-1970s Post-World War II teddy bears went through more challenges and changes. One was a growing concern over the safety and cleanliness of the toy. In 1954 in the U.K., the Wendy Boston Company addressed these hygienic concerns with the first washable bear, made of nylon and a foam filler that was dustless and quick to dry. Not only were they cleaner, but they had features that made them safer, such as hard plastic screw-in eyes that locked in place with a rustproof nut. By the 1960s, bear manufacturers around the world, including the U.S., were making bears out of washable synthetic materials instead of the more traditional natural fibers. However, the biggest blow to traditional teddy bear manufacturers was the rise of Asian mass production of cheap soft toys, including teddy bears. Established manufacturers found it difficult to compete, and many closed their doors. The Teddy Bear’s Comeback The teddy bear’s comeback starting in the 1970s was largely courtesy of collectors inspired by the British actor Peter Bull. The actor confessed his fondness for the stuffed animal while on television and in an ad that he ran in The London Times. Both times, he asked the public for facts about bear collecting, or arctophilia. In response, they sent him more than 2,000 letters. This led to Bear With Me, a book the actor wrote about not only his affection for the toy but also how it impacted the lives of other adults and children. Adults began collecting teddy bears as a hobby, and interest in these toys grew. In the mid-1970s, artist bears were born. These are one-of-a-kind bears made by a single artist and not mass-produced. The so-called mother of teddy bear artistry was an American doll-maker named Beverly Port. She created a slide show about teddy bears and presented it to the United Federation of Doll Clubs. The success of the show piqued the interest of others who began making their own teddy bears by hand. Bears made by teddy bear artists continue to be popular with collectors. Artist-designed manufactured bears soon grew from the artist bear phenomenon. As the name suggests, these are artist bears that are then mass-produced by companies such as Gund and Ganz. Because they are produced in bulk, they are typically more affordable than artist bears and, as a result, more accessible. It isn’t just artist bears that have the attention of arctophiles today. Certain early teddy bears, now antiques, are extremely valuable. Their re-emergence began in toy and doll auctions during the 1970s and ’80s, and interest has continued to grow. Guinness lists a Steiff and Louis Vuitton bear as the most expensive teddy bear. In October 2000, it sold at Christie’s in Monaco for $182,550. Today, the teddy bear continues to endure, comforting and delighting children and adults alike. In 1998, it was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame, solidifying its place as one of the most influential toys in history. What Teddy Bears Looked Like the Year You Were BornThe Teddy Bear’s BirthdayArchivist’s Angle: The Teddy Bear ControversyHow Did the Teddy Bear Get its Name?Eleven Adorable Facts You Never Knew About Teddy BearsThe Story of the Teddy BearWho Invented the Teddy Bear?History of the Teddy BearThe Surprisingly Dark History of the Teddy BearThe Power of a Teddy BearOrigins of the Teddy BearAmerica’s Library: Theodore Roosevelt Teddy BearsThe History of the Teddy Bear: From Wet and Angry to Soft and CuddlyHot Toys Through the Ages: Teddy BearModern Living: Bear MarketHere’s the Lowdown on the Famous Teddy Bear Teddy Bear Collecting Antique Trader: Warm FuzziesCreate Your Own Collection: How to Focus Your CollectionLet’s Talk Teddy Bears: Teddy Bear CollectingMost Valuable Teddy Bear in the WorldTeddy Bear Cleaning and CareSteiff Price GuideThis Is Why We Love Collecting Steiff AnimalsAntique Teddy BearsTeddy Bear Identification and Valuation TipsAvas Flowers2022-07-28A Guide to Grief: Stages of Grief, Coping Tips, Sympathy Flowers, and More https://www.avasflowers.net/blog/a-guide-to-grief-stages-of-grief-coping-tips-sympathy-flowers-and-more/ What Is Grief? The word “grief” describes the strong emotions felt when someone experiences a loss. Typically, people associate grief with a loved one’s death. However, there are different types of grief. Sometimes, when a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal disease, their loved ones experience anticipatory grief. People also grieve job losses, the end of relationships, or non-fatal health issues. Along with grieving for people, animal lovers also grieve the death of their pets. Grieving is a normal reaction to any sort of loss. All people grieve at some point in their lives, but at the same, everyone grieves differently. Some people might feel numb; others struggle to carry on with their daily routine; and still others actually handle the immediate aftermath of the loss well, only to experience heavy grief later. Most people, though, find that they learn to live with the loss and the passage of time lessens the pain. The Five Stages of Grief Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a psychiatrist, introduced the idea of the five stages of grief in 1969 when she published her book On Death and Dying. The five stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. It’s important to remember that people can experience these stages out of order, and it’s also possible to reach acceptance but then cycle back into another stage. Denial: During this stage, people struggle with accepting their loss. It’s common for people in denial to refuse to discuss the loss or even believe that the loss is real. Some people throw themselves into work, a project, or even planning the funeral because staying busy helps them ignore the loss. Often, people speak of a dead loved one in the present tense during this stage.Anger: It’s perfectly normal to feel angry about a loss. It’s even very common for people to be angry with themselves. Others become angry at their loved ones’ caretakers or at whatever higher power they believe in for allowing the loss to occur. Sometimes, someone experiencing grief will become overly angry at someone not involved with the loss at all. For example, someone who cuts them off in traffic or is rude to them in a store becomes the object of their fury.Bargaining: Bargaining often starts before someone dies. People promise, usually to themselves or through prayer, that they’ll be a better person, donate money to a charity, or somehow make a change if their loved one will survive. People also experience the bargaining stage after a death or other loss, wishing to get their loved one back with similar promises.Depression: It’s during the stage of depression that people begin to truly feel the loss of their loved ones. All of the preceding stages are, to some extent, about avoiding the reality of the loss. It’s during the stage of depression that people begin coming to terms with the loss. Feelings of intense loss and sadness are completely normal. For many people, it feels like this stage will never end. However, many people do learn to live with their loss and go on to experience happiness.Acceptance: Acceptance marks when someone comes to terms with their loss. It doesn’t mean that they don’t continue to miss the person or mourn their loss; it does mean that the bereaved know that while they will always feel the loss, they will feel happiness and joy again. The sadness is no longer the defining aspect of their life. It’s possible to think about their loved one without crying. Tips to Cope With Grief Those experiencing the first anguished feelings of grief should remember that this initial stage doesn’t last forever. However, it’s also important to remember that everyone grieves differently and how people process their bereavement and the stages of grief is different from person to person. It’s important for those grieving to practice self-care. Accept Your Feelings and Know That They Are Natural and Normal: Ignoring trauma and pain is far more harmful and is going to cause more issues than accepting the loss and the accompanying emotions.Sleep: Many people experience insomnia during grieving. That’s normal and shouldn’t be a cause for alarm. At the same time, though, sleep is vital. Prioritize sleep hygiene and resting, even if sleeping is difficult.Eat: Sometimes, those in mourning lose their appetite and forget to eat. Other times, they are overwhelmed and resort to eating fast food. Do your best to eat healthy food and stay hydrated.Beware of Alcohol and Drugs: Anyone who has experienced grief can understand the urge to make the pain go away, at least for a little bit. Alcohol and drugs will just mask the pain temporarily and lead to even more issues in the future.Accept Support: Talk with friends and family members, reach out to a mental health professional, or find a support group. Local hospitals and hospices should have lists of resources for all different types of losses and age groups.Allow Yourself to Feel: It’s not a betrayal of a lost loved one to smile or laugh. It’s also OK to cry or be angry. Those who allow themselves to really feel the wide range of emotions that death and grief bring will heal better in the long run.Stay Active: Taking a walk, watching a movie, engaging in a hobby, or meeting a friend for coffee are just some activities that can help a grieving person cope. How to Support Someone Grieving Many people are unsure how to help someone they care about who is experiencing grief. Don’t Center Yourself: Pour in, dump out. This is a simple way of expressing that those closest to the tragedy shouldn’t be responsible for handling other people’s grief. For instance, in the case of an elderly person with grown children, their spouse is the primary griever, and everyone should support them. The adult children are in the next circle: They should pour support on their living parent and dump their grief out on their own spouses and friends. Those spouses and friends should support the adult children and dump their feelings on people even further removed.Send Flowers: Sending flowers when someone dies is a longstanding tradition. Those mourning loved ones often see the flowers as a sign of respect and enjoy reading the accompanying cards.Say Their Name: People sometimes avoid using the deceased’s name. Often, their loved ones want to hear it and want to talk about them.Ask “How Do You Feel Right Now?” People dealing with a fresh loss shouldn’t feel pressured to answer “OK” to a broad question like “How are you?” when they probably aren’t doing well. Asking how they are at the moment allows the questioner to better determine what support they can offer.Offer Concrete Support: Instead of saying “Let me know if you need anything,” offer to do specific things. “I’ll bring dinner Sunday, if that’s OK?” or “I can pick your children up from school” are far more helpful; often, mourners don’t want to be a burden but could use help. Additional Grief Resources An Introduction to GrievingWhat Is Grief?Grief and LossCoping With Grief and LossFive Things You Should Know About GriefGrief: Coping With the Loss of Your Loved OneGrieving: Facing Illness, Death, and Other LossesPatterns of GrievingStrategies and Tips for GrievingWhat Is Normal Grieving, and What Are the Stages of Grief?Why the Five Stages of Grief Are WrongPositive Emotions and the Grieving ProcessFrom the Heart: Double Trauma and Delayed GriefWhen Grief Shows Up (Sometimes) Years LaterHow Your Brain Copes With Grief, and Why it Takes Time to HealHow Anticipatory Grief Differs From Grief After DeathGrief: How to Express Sympathy and Support the BereavedHelping a Grieving FriendMourning the Death of a SpouseCoping With MiscarriageMy Mother Died When I Was Seven; I’m Grieving 37 Years LaterAfter the Funeral: How Children Grieve, and What Parents Can Do to Support ThemUnderstanding Teen Grief: Seven Ways to Help a Grieving TeenagerFind a GriefShare GroupAvas Flowers2022-07-27Fun Science Experiments Using Balloons https://www.avasflowers.net/blog/fun-science-experiments-using-balloons/ Who doesn’t love a colorful balloon floating overhead? They’re pretty and fun, and they’re also great to use for science experiments. Most of these experiments only require balloons and common objects like fans, vinegar, baking soda, coins, string, or egg cartons. You can do these experiments at home whenever you feel like playing around with science or for a school science project! Soon, you’ll see how fun and easy it can be to learn about all sorts of scientific topics, like electricity, gravity, chemical reactions, air pressure, and even black holes! Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment for Kids Mix a few simple kitchen ingredients to do a fun chemistry experiment using a balloon! Stretchy Balloon Science This experiment tests how stretchy balloons are and how temperature affects their performance. Water Balloon Science Experiment Does water weigh more than other liquids? You can weigh water and lots of other liquids using balloons to see which ones weigh more. Eight Amazing Science Fair Projects With Balloons Balloons can be used for all sorts of science fair projects. Watch this video and you might get a good idea for your next school science fair! Balloon Blow-Up Science Experiment Most people think that they need to use their mouth to blow up a balloon, but this simple experiment uses other household objects to fill a balloon instead. Balloon Rockets STEM Activity Try this activity to make your own rocket using a balloon. STEM Activity: Balloon Head Use a chemical reaction to create carbon dioxide gas to fill up balloons in this experiment. Balloon Structures If you like balloon animals, you’ll like this fun activity to help you learn about engineering. Caterpillar to Butterfly Science Activity With Balloons Art mixed with a chemistry experiment can give you a fun way to learn about how caterpillars grow into butterflies. Turkey Balloon Races Physics can be fun! Learn about the laws of motion by participating in this turkey balloon race! Easy Static Electricity Experiment With a Balloon Use a balloon to generate static electricity, then see what you can do with it. Balloon Electroscope Here is another experiment involving electricity and balloons that tests how you can use static electricity to attract or repel things. Balloons on a Tube Can you fill a balloon with air from another balloon? Once you try this experiment, the results might surprise you! Balloon Drop Can you help a water balloon to survive a fall? That’s the question at the heart of this experiment. Creating a Black Hole Black holes are some of the most powerful things in outer space, and you can learn a little about the science behind them with this activity that uses a balloon and some foil. Launch “Magic” Balloons Using a balloon and a fan, learn about air pressure and some of the scientific rules that allow things to fly. Physics in the Sink: Balloon Pop, or Not This experiment requires you to use a lit candle, so you’ll need a grown-up to help you as you test out what happens when a balloon filled with air or water is exposed to fire. Inflate a Balloon Fast With Baking Soda and Vinegar Baking soda, vinegar, and balloons can be combined for this quick chemistry experiment. How to Make a Whirring and Whirling Balloon Experiment Use a coin and a balloon to learn about physics in this fun experiment. Science Storytime Experiment: Self-Inflating Balloon Watch a balloon blow itself up in this experiment.Avas Flowers2021-12-19Your Garden and Cinnamon https://www.avasflowers.net/blog/your-garden-and-cinnamon/ Your Garden and Cinnamon Cinnamon likely has a prominent spot in your kitchen if you enjoy baking. Although sweet desserts may come to mind first when you think of cinnamon, it’s ideal in many savory dishes as well. But you can expand your use of cinnamon beyond the kitchen, too. Cinnamon makes an effective tool in the garden for helping plants to grow and preventing pests. Reasons to Use Cinnamon Cinnamon is readily available in any grocery store. Cinnamon is also reasonably priced, often more so than other products you might purchase for the garden. Cinnamon is also a natural ingredient that doesn’t contain toxic chemicals. When you want to grow organically, cinnamon is an excellent ingredient for many common gardening tasks. Cinnamon Fact Sheet A Taste of Paradise: Cinnamon The Remarkable Research on Cinnamon Six Health Benefits of Cinnamon Cinnamon: Pantry Staple and Medical Powerhouse What Are the Health Benefits of Cinnamon? Use as a Rooting Agent When you take cuttings from plants or flowers and you want to root them, the standard process involves using hormone rooting powder. Instead of purchasing rooting powder, you can use cinnamon. Cinnamon has been found to be just as effective for stimulating root development in plant cuttings, and it’s only necessary to apply it once. Sprinkle one teaspoon of cinnamon on a paper towel, moisten the plant stem ends, and roll the cutting in the paper towel so it’s surrounded by the cinnamon. Plant the cutting in potting soil and the cinnamon will encourage root development. Seven Ways to Make Natural Rooting Hormone Gardening Tips Which Rooting Aid Is Most Effective: Honey, Cinnamon, or Rooting Hormones? Seven Ways to Make Your Own Natural Rooting Hormone Can Cinnamon Help Our Plants? Use as a Fungicide Plant cuttings are often susceptible to a fungus that attacks the new root growth. When you use cinnamon as a rooting agent, it also helps prevent fungus attacks on the new growth. Cinnamon is also helpful for preventing rust and other types of fungus on seedlings and older plants. Mix one to two teaspoons of cinnamon in water and allow it to sit for about eight hours. Strain out the cinnamon with cheesecloth, and then transfer the mixture to a spray bottle. Spray the cinnamon water on all affected plant parts, including the stem, leaves, and flower. Spray the cinnamon water on the soil or sprinkle plain cinnamon on the soil if soil-borne fungi are present. If you notice mushrooms growing in garden mulch, spray cinnamon water on these areas. Cinnamon: Does it Stop Damping Off in Seedlings? Organic Gardening How to Destroy Fungus in Soil Heal Plant Wounds Wounds from dull garden implements or overzealous pruning can be detrimental to plant health. If this happens, apply powdered cinnamon directly to a plant wound. You can also make a thick paste with equal parts of cinnamon and water and apply this to a plant wound. The cinnamon will help the plant heal faster. Eight Reasons Why Plants Love Cinnamon Houseplant Woes? Heal Them With Cinnamon! The Many Uses for Cinnamon in Gardening Deter Insects Sprinkle cinnamon on the soil around the garden to prevent mosquitoes. You can spray cinnamon oil around the garden to keep mosquitoes away, too. Cinnamon won’t kill ants, but they seem to avoid it. To keep ants away from areas, sprinkle a line of cinnamon to surround the area. Creative Ways to Use Cinnamon in Your Garden Now Cinnamon Isn’t Just for the Kitchen: Six Reasons to Use Cinnamon in Your Garden What Insects Do Cinnamon Repel? Quick Tip: Keeping Ants Out of Your Sandbox Does Cinnamon Repel Bugs? Everything You Need to Know Deter Other Pests If rabbits and other furry pests are wreaking havoc in a garden, use cinnamon to deter them. Cinnamon won’t harm these small animals. Cinnamon contains volatile oils, so it can confuse animals that rely on scent instincts. Sprinkle cinnamon on the ground around your garden and rabbits and mice will often avoid the area. Keep Unwanted Animals Out of the Garden Pesticide-Free Gardening Tips to Support Wildlife Resources Six Unbelievable Cinnamon Uses in the Garden How to Use Cinnamon in the Garden Cinnamon in Your Flower Garden Uses for Cinnamon in the Garden Cinnamon Garden Uses: How to Use Cinnamon in the Garden Ways to Use Cinnamon in the Garden Ten Unbelievable Uses for Cinnamon in Your GardenAvas Flowers2021-10-14Explaining Photosynthesis in Plants and Flowers https://www.avasflowers.net/blog/explaining-photosynthesis-in-plants-and-flowers/ Discovered during the 19th century, photosynthesis is a process by which plants convert electromagnetic waves into chemical energy, which supports plant growth and regeneration. By harnessing solar power, plants use photosynthesis to produce energy stores that are harvested in the food chain. Plant-based sweeteners, such as glucose and fructose, are sugars formed from byproducts of photosynthesis. Carbohydrate byproducts of photosynthesis also provide an important fuel source for renewable energy production. In addition, photosynthesis is essential for flower formation in plants. For example, cellulose fibers give plant stems rigidity and provide a support structure for flower buds. Plants produce cellulose from carbohydrate byproducts of photosynthesis using chemical energy generated during this process. The Process Light triggers photosynthesis in plants. Electromagnetic waves, such as light, are composed of photons: massless particles of electromagnetic energy. Photons travel through the transparent outer layers of a plant and are absorbed by antenna proteins. Antenna proteins are the storage warehouses of the photosynthesis process. Within an antenna protein are light-sensitive organelles, called chloroplasts. Chloroplasts contain millions of chlorophyll pigments arranged within thylakoid membranes. Thylakoid membranes are disk-shaped structures positioned to expose chlorophyll pigments to photons. When a chlorophyll pigment absorbs a photon, energy is transferred from the photon to molecules within the chlorophyll pigment. If the energy transfer occurs in the presence of carbon dioxide and water, photosynthesis can occur, transforming the absorbed photon’s energy into chemical energy and further producing carbohydrates using the generated chemical energy. Photosynthesis also generates oxygen, which is released into the environment. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the environment, helping to reduce greenhouse gases. Within plant leaves are stomata that allow for carbon dioxide to be absorbed and oxygen to be given off. Water is absorbed by the roots of a plant from the soil; plants can release excess water as vapor from the stomata. Photosynthesis and Rocks: Scientific theories that inorganic semiconducting minerals may also perform photosynthesis are discussed in this link. Chlorophyll Chlorophyll is essential to the photosynthesis process. Chlorophyll molecules primarily absorb light from the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. While chlorophyll molecules absorb red and blue light efficiently, these molecules reflect green light, thereby giving them a green color. Photosynthesis occurs in pairs of chlorophyll molecules, called photosystems. A photosystem I chlorophyll molecule (P700) absorbs light efficiently at a wavelength of 700 nanometers, while a photosystem II chlorophyll molecule (P680) absorbs light efficiently at a wavelength of 680 nanometers. P700 generates chemical energy by converting a molecule of nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NADP-) into reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), a higher energy state of NADP-. The P700 uses energy from absorbing a photon of light to energize and release two electrons and transfer them in conjunction with a hydrogen ion to NADP-, thereby forming the higher energy state NADPH. P680 generates chemical energy by converting adenosine diphosphate (ADP) into the higher energy state adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Similar to P700, P680 liberates electrons through excitation using energy from an absorbed photon. P680 transfers the exited electrons in conjunction with a phosphate molecule to ADP to form ATP. Both reduced NADPH and ATP are essential stores of chemical energy in the photosynthesis process. Photosynthesis and Plant Grafts: Chloroplasts can transition graft joints to aid in photosynthesis. Light-Dependent Reactions vs. Light-Independent Reactions Light-dependent reactions require energy from photons of light to be energetically favorable, while light-independent reactions draw energy from other sources, such as chemical energy. Forming reduced NADPH from NADP-, electrons, and hydrogen ions is a light-dependent reaction, as photon energy is required to energize the electrons that trigger the reaction. Similarly, producing ATP from ADP, liberated electrons, and phosphate molecules is a light-dependent reaction. Producing carbohydrates from reduced NADPH and ATP is a light-independent reaction. An enzyme, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCo), releases chemical energy stored in reduced NADPH and ATP to complete carbon fixation, 3-phosphoglyceric acid (3-PGA) reduction, and ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) molecule regeneration through a process known as the Calvin cycle. After the completion of six Calvin cycles, the RuBisCo enzyme releases one carbohydrate molecule, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P), as a byproduct of photosynthesis. RuBisCo preforms carbon fixation by transferring carbon from a carbon dioxide molecule to a RuBP molecule to form 3-PGA. RuBisCo further captures chemical energy by breaking down reduced NADPH molecules to NADP+ and hydrogen as well as ATP molecules to ADP and phosphate. Using the obtained chemical energy, RuBisCo reduces 3-PGA to the carbohydrate G3P and regenerates RuBP molecules using surplus G3P remaining in the Calvin cycle. G3P and Glucose: This page discusses how plants use cellular respiration to produce sugar from carbohydrate byproducts of photosynthesis. C3 and C4 Photosynthesis In C4 photosynthesis, light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions occur in different types of cells. Light-dependent formation of reduced NADPH and ATP occur in mesophyll cells where oxygen is produced as a byproduct, while RuBisCo produces carbohydrates in bundle sheath cells using light-independent reactions. C4 photosynthesis is effective in dry environments where plants need to conserve water. In such conditions, plants close leaf stomata to reduce water vapor loss. Closing the stomata also reduces the absorption of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen. Thus, light-independent reactions may be slowed due to a reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide available for the Calvin cycle and an overabundance of oxygen. Accordingly, to increase the usage efficiency of available carbon dioxide, in C4 photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is combined with phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to form malate (oxaloacetic acid). After formation, malate molecules translocate from mesophyll cells to bundle sheath cells. Within the bundle sheath cells, malate breaks down through decarboxylation, thereby releasing carbon dioxide into the Calvin cycle. C4 photosynthesis improves the usage efficiency of carbon dioxide while protecting the RuBisCo enzyme from being overexposed to the oxygen byproduct of light-dependent reactions. C3 photosynthesis lacks spatial separation between light-dependent processes and light-independent reactions, making it more ideal for plants located in temperate environments. Indeed, many crop plants, such as corn, rely on C4 photosynthesis to survive high summer temperatures, while more than 90% of other plants use C3 photosynthesis. Photosynthesis Games and Activities The Great Plant Escape: Kids can play this game to learn more about how plants grow. The Oxygenator: This game asks players to help a tree capture what it needs to make its own food. Photosynthesis Interactive! Visit this link to find a game that can help you discover more about photosynthesis. Photosynthesis: Watch this music video to learn more about what photosynthesis is and how it works. Plant Respiration Experiment: Do this experiment to see photosynthesis in action. Photosynthesis Lesson: On this page, kids can learn more about photosynthesis through an interactive science lesson. Create Your Own Photosynthesis Diagram Art: Print the template, use it to create all of the shapes and labels you need, then glue them together to show how photosynthesis works. Photosynthesis Science Project Ideas: Try these ideas to create a science fair project that explains and demonstrates the effects of photosynthesis.Avas Flowers2021-02-19What is Friendsgiving? https://www.avasflowers.net/blog/what-is-friendsgiving/ Are you tired of your traditional Thanksgiving? There’s a new traditional holiday that you may enjoy much more than your average Thanksgiving. Give Friendsgiving a try. What is Friendsgiving? It’s right in the name. Friendsgiving is a popular blend of Friends and Thanksgiving. Where Did Friendsgiving Come From? According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the first written from of the word was found on Twitter in 2007. When you start looking at different articles about how Friendsgiving was started you’ll see a lot of down talk on millennials. In truth, Friendsgiving is an event where you get to choose friends who you see as family and eat and drink some turkey day themed things. How Do I Celebrate? Friendsgiving is usually had the weekend before or after Thanksgiving. Since Friendsgiving is in all honesty a makeshift holiday, it is when you want it to be. Since most people are with their family on Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is usually an event for friends. You can send out a group text, social media message, email or however you and your friends communicate. Friendsgiving is more of a potluck style event so make sure your guests understand that if they aren’t bringing a dish it is their responsibility to bring a bottle. We’ve seen menus built on google docs so that everyone knew what they were bringing or expected to bring, and hosts were not surprised the day of with a lack of food or beverage. Consider the kind of decor your table will have. You can go classic and have a cornucopia, or you can have a centerpiece. You can also decide to do neither and instead have flower petals on your dinner table. If you’re planning on having flowers adorn your actual meal, you should be sure to get food grade flowers. Food grade flowers are flowers that are grown and harvested with the idea of consumption in mind. Not all flowers are safe to eat but food grade flowers are harvested for your safety. No matter how you choose to celebrate, be sure to give thanks and be safe.Avas Flowers2019-11-19Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas https://www.avasflowers.net/blog/thanksgiving-table-setting-ideas/ Are you hosting your first ever Thanksgiving this year? Are you looking for Thanksgiving table setting ideas? Why not add something classic to your table? Try a cornucopia. You’ve seen them before. Cornucopias resemble wicker horns and usually have fruits, veggies, nuts, grains and even bread bursting out of them. Although we generally think of the cornucopia when it comes to Thanksgiving time, the cornucopia is actually not Native to the Americas. The word cornucopia has Latin roots and translates to “horn of plenty”. Throughout history the cornucopia has been made from many different materials including ceramics, wood, stone and most commonly wicker. You can even try our update to the classic which features the cornucopia filled with flowers instead of fruits and vegetables. What an adorable spin on a classic. We have a few centerpieces that would be great jumping off points for Thanksgiving table setting ideas. Visit the Thanksgiving section of our website for more ideas on your table settings. Not hosting thanksgiving but unsure of what to bring your host? The cornucopia is both thoughtful and wonderful. You can even choose from our different autumn themed arrangements for a gift to your host. Imagine the look of love they’ll bestow on you when they open the door to find your arms filled with flowers. That look alone is worth more than almost anything in the world.Avas Flowers2019-11-14Flowers that Attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds https://www.avasflowers.net/blog/avasflowers-net-blog-flowers-that-attract-butterflies-and-hummingbirds/ Joanna Gaines of “Fixer Upper” fame is known for her love of nature. She once planted a butterfly bush just outside of her daughters’ bedroom, saying ”I wanted butterflies by the girl’s windows that they could see and enjoy.” She later found her efforts paying off after finding her daughter excitedly looking out of her window one morning. Little Emmie said, “Here she is! My little hummingbird comes every morning mom!” What Flowers to Plant Planting flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators are a beautiful and lasting way to enjoy nature. Not only do you provide support to these charming creatures, you also frame your home with lush, colorful blooms. Here are some of our top picks of flowers that pollinators love. To find out whether these flowers will thrive in your area consult the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Butterfly Bush Butterfly Bushes come in different varieties. Of the two main types of butterfly bushes, one is tolerant of cold climates while the other enjoys warmer weather. The Wooly Butterfly bush grows in subtropical climates and grows in USDA zones 8 and up. The cold tolerant Buddleia Davidii thrives in USDA zones 5 and up. Both varieties attract butterflies and hummingbirds and are pleasantly fragrant. Liatris Blazing Star Flower Also known as Blazing Star, Liatris is a perennial that flowers in the summer time. Liatris is particularly hardy and will typically grow in zones 5-9, with some varieties being able to withstand climates in zone 3 and up. Though purple is the most common color, Liatris also comes in pink and white. Pro tip: use liatris to accent and add height to flower arrangements. Their unique shape can enhance the look of your floral pieces. Lavender Lavender is one of the most versatile flowers. This fragrant flower can be dried and made into potpourri, used fresh to garnish or flavor dishes, or made into tea. There are varieties that do well in cold climates, from USDA zone 4-9. However, lavender does not typically do well in areas of high humidity. Aster Asters are perennial plants that come in a large variety of colors. They are commonly used in flower bouquets to add volume and a texture. One of our favorite flower arrangements that asters are used in is our very own Floral Harmony Bouquet. Fortunately, these adorable blooms are a low maintenance garden chore. They thrive in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade and grow in USDA zones 3-9.Avas Flowers2019-09-27Perfect Gift Ideas for Father’s Day https://www.avasflowers.net/blog/perfect-gift-ideas-for-fathers-day/ Father’s Day is an American tradition where we spend the day honoring what it means to be a good father. The holiday dates back to the early twentieth century and was most likely created to contrast the ever popular Mother’s Day. From the influence of father’s on children, to the importance of fathers in our society, this June 17th show the man that helped bring you into this world a little appreciation with a thoughtful gift tailored to his liking. If you’re looking for the perfect gift come this Sunday, you have undoubtedly come to the right place. No matter what types of things that your father enjoys, we’re sure that we have something that he will love and appreciate. Gift Ideas for Father’s Day This year we have selected items such as the Gourmet Delights Basket for the Dad who loves to snack. Our Gourmet Delights Basket is filled with fresh fruit and assorted gourmet items. Another great gift idea specifically designed for Dad to show how greatly he is appreciated is the Zen Orchid Plant. Give the gift of serenity with a magnificent Zen Orchid Plant. Beautifully seated in a lovely container, this plant is great for dads who enjoy simple yet sophisticated gifts. One last great Father’s Day idea that no father can possibly say no to includes the Meat & Cheese Wooden Gift Crate. This wonderful arrangement of meat and delicious cheeses is perfect for not only your father but for the whole family as well. What better way to tell your father that you want him around for as long as possible than with a gift basket full of his favorite meats and cheeses? Available Options for Father’s Day So whatever kind of father you have, we’ve got great Father’s Day gift ideas that you’re sure to love. With all of the options that we have available that allow you to give a gift of fresh fruit, coffee, or beautiful plant and novelty flower arrangements to your father, there are many ways here that are sure to please your dad. Surprise him with an unexpected and enjoyable gift of chocolates or surprise him with a bouquet of his favorite flowers. That’s right, guys like flowers too. And if you feel like your father might like something else more then have look around and find something special for Dad this Father’s Day.Avas Flowers2019-06-0411 Unexpected Uses for Flowers https://www.avasflowers.net/blog/11-unexpected-uses-for-flowers/ Flowers are more than just pretty faces. They have been used for centuries as sources of food, drink, medicines, and more; today, using flowers for these purposes is making a comeback. You may be surprised at some of the other practical ways that flowers can be used. I personally love making flower teas, crafts, and salads; I encourage you to try adding flowers to your diet and crafts as well. Tea Flowers have been used to make teas for centuries. Chamomile, jasmine, and bee balm flowers are just a few flowers that are used to make teas. Flowers, leaves, and roots from a variety of other plants can be used to make tea as well. These beverages often have health benefits in addition to being tasty drinks. I especially enjoy blooming teas, which are as beautiful as they are flavorful. Image via Flickr by MsSaraKelly Medicine There are a multitude of medicines and drugs made from plants, as you probably know; however, some are made from the actual flowers – not just the leaves or roots. Chamomile flowers are used in poultices for sprains and bruises as well as essential oils. Lavender flowers are widely used in aromatherapy for their calming properties. Hops flowers are used to make sedatives. Santonin, a type of wormwood, has flowers that are used to treat worms. Food Sometimes, flowers are so beautiful they look good enough to eat-and sometimes, you can! Edible flowers make a beautiful and surprising addition to salads, baked goods, and meals. Nasturtiums, chive blossoms, and violets are just a few flowers that add flavor and interest to salads. Squash flowers and dandelion flowers can be battered and fried. Lavender flowers are tasty added to cookies, while pansies and violas can be candied and used to decorate cakes. It is extremely important to make sure the flower you are eating is indeed edible, as many flowers will make you sick if you eat them. It is also important to make sure no pesticides have been used on flowers you are going to eat. Image via Flickr by Adrian Scottow Dyes Many of the first dyes were made from flowers. Yarrow, calendula, saffron, and golden rod are just a few flowers that can produce a yellow dye in fabrics. Safflower produces a red or yellow dye, while foxglove produces chartreuse. Hollyhock flowers produce different colored dyes depending on the flower color. Crafts Don’t throw out that beloved bouquet! Dried flowers can be used to make a variety of crafts. Wreaths, potpourri, arrangements, collages, mobiles, and jewelry are just some of the things that you can make with dried flowers. One of the best ideas that I have encountered is to take petals or pressed flowers from a wedding bouquet to make resin jewelry. How romantic! Air purifiers Numerous studies have found that houseplants can reduce air pollution indoors. Benzene, formaldehyde, and hexane are just a few pollutants that plants can break down. Florist’s chrysanthemums and Gerbera daisies are just two flowering plants that are very effective at reducing indoor air pollution. In addition to filtering air, plants also increase humidity. Beauty products Flowers can be used to make many beauty products such as soaps, toners, and creams. If you have a lot of roses in your garden this summer, you may want to try making rose water toner, which helps tighten pores and cleanses skin-plus it smell heavenly! Dried flowers, such as lavender and chamomile, can also be added to handmade soaps or to bath water. Calendula flowers can be used to make an excellent lotion. Companion Planting Some flowers make great companions to other plants. Certain flowers repel insects away from other plants, or attract beneficial insects. For example, marigolds are known to repel nematodes and insects such whiteflies and tomato hornworms. Planting them next to vegetables – especially tomatoes – can help protect those plants. Planting certain flowers and cover crops can increase soil fertility and act as a weed suppressant for other plants. Clothing When I think of wearing flowers, I usually think of wearing a corsage or hair accessory; however, some people take it to the next level. One man in China had a dress made of real, red roses made for his girlfriend for his wedding proposal! Fashion shows featuring clothing made of flowers are not uncommon and can be quite spectacular. On a more realistic note, linen and cotton are both made from flowering plants. Floats Have you ever watched the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day? Those spectacular floats are made of thousands of flowers. The average float is said to use approximately 100,000 flowers. Designing and building these elaborate floats takes months of work. Image via Flickr by Matt Sherwood Pesticides Flowers and insects seem to be a natural combination-but not always. Some plants are used to make pesticides. For example, one type of chrysanthemum flower is used to make pyrethrins, a powerful pesticide used to kill lice, flies, beetles, mosquitoes, and roaches. The citronella plant is another common insecticide; you have probably encountered it in the mosquito repellant aisle at the store. Flowers are amazing and multifaceted (just like you!) Take the time to enjoy their many uses and share some stems with friends!Avas Flowers2019-05-24