About Flowers
- Scented Flowers
Most people want cut flowers that are high quality, with large flowers, good colour and a long vase life. However, growers want flowers that are disease resistant, and grow strong and profusely. To get all these qualities, some of the scent genes may be bred out in the process. It is an unavoidable side-effect of the molecular structure of flowers. The scent genes are very strongly bound up with those for vase life and flower size - stronger scent often means shorter life or smaller flowers. However, many cut flowers retain a strong and appealing fragrance.
One the first things most of us do when buying a bouquet is smell the flower blooms and so scent is a popular element of cut flowers. Floral scents are also one of the most popular smells; the perfume industry expends a great deal of effort trying to reproduce the authentic fragrance of fresh flowers. It has also been discovered that certain fragrances have an effect on our emotions and wellbeing. Some can act as a sedative, while others are great pick-me-ups. Because of this, plant growers and geneticists have recently started breeding perfume back into cut flowers again.
Flowers and foliage are also beginning to be graded with a scent scale, like a bottle of wine, based on strength of perfume and the type of scent - sweet, spicy, woody, exotic and so forth. In general, white and pale flowers are particularly strongly scented. White flowers contain lots of indole, which is an aphrodisiac; this is the same ingredient as in animal musks.
Oriental lilies are a good example, along with jasmine and narcissi. Freesia are an exception - red and pink varieties have the strongest scent. Bear in mind that a cool room is better for prolonging the life of flowers; but too cool a room may prevent them giving off their full perfume.
The following list of flowers and foliage offers a guide to those with the strongest scent:
SWEET bouvardia, carnation [especially "Bagatel", "Gipsy", "Candy White"], freesia [especially "Aladin", "Blue Moon", "Cote D'Azur", "Golden Wave", "Oberon", "White Wings"], hyacinth, lilac (Syringa), lily of the valley (Convallaria), phlox, rose [especially "Extase", "Jacaranda", "Nicole", "Osiana", "Sterling Star"], sweet pea SPICY/PEPPERY chrysanthemum, florists' broom (Genista), hypericum, pink (Dianthus), stock (Matthiola) AROMATIC dill (Anethum graveolens), eucalyptus - rub the leaves for the full effect, hypericum, lavender, marjoram, matricaria (Tanacetum), grape hyacinth (Muscari), rosemary HEAVY / EXOTIC gardenia, oriental lily [especially "Casablanca", "Le Reve", "Stargazer", "Pompeii"], longiflorum lily, narcissus [especially "Cheerfulness", "Paperwhite", "Soleil d'Or", "Ziva"], stephanotis, tuberose (Polianthes) CITRUS mimosa (Acacia), waxflower (Chamelaucium) - rub the leaves for the full effect Imogen Stone incorporates scented flowers and herbs into several bouquets from the range of beautiful hand-tied flowers - the scent compliments the visual splendour and enhances the pleasure for the recipient of such a wonderful gift. To view our current range of beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets please visit: www.imogenstone.com
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- Flowers in the Workplace
Are you feeling uninspired at work? Do you need to come up with new ideas? Try putting a vase of flowers on your desk or in the meeting room! A recent scientific study at Texas A&M University showed that just a simple vase of flowers can help to produce 15 per cent more ideas and innovations in an office.
The study was carried out by Dr Roger Ulrich, a professor of landscape architecture and an internationally recognised expert on the influences of surroundings on human well-being and health. He showed a positive link between flowers and workplace productivity, showing that workers' idea generation, creative performance and problem solving skills improve substantially in workplaces that include flowers.
During the eight month study both women and men demonstrated more innovative thinking and generated more ideas and original solutions to problems when in an office environment that included flowers. Men produced 15 per cent more ideas and women generated more creative, flexible solutions when flowers were present.
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- Flowers as Corporate Gifts
There are any number of occasions when it may be appropriate to send a gift to a client or customer - so how about a bouquet of fresh flowers? According to a study carried out by Dr Jeannette Haviland-Jones at the University of New Jersey, when given gifts of equal monetary value, people responded most positively to a gift of fresh flowers. And not only that, it's a feeling that lasts! Nearly all surveyed respondents reported to still having that 'warm glow' several days after having received the gift, a result which was not true of other gifts.
Buying for clients is different from buying for loved ones, so here are some tips to bear in mind:
- Men who are beginners in the world of flowers need to start simply - select strong dramatic flowers that make a statement. The flowers need to be carefully chosen: not too fussy, not too frilly, not too delicate. Powerful, elegant, sophisticated and bold colours attract men the most and make a memorable gift for a man.
- Unless you know your client well, flower choices should be beautiful but not too emotional. Exotic and tropical flowers make excellent purchases, as they have unusually structural striking shapes and bright, assertive colours. Their large flower heads and strong stems also lead to easy arranging when they arrive home. Lilies, irises and gerbera are also suitably androgynous, while daffodils, tulips and other spring bulbs are also welcome. As a bonus some flowers - particularly lilies - also have a wonderful fragrance which is sure to be appreciated.
Imogen Stone creates beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets that make an impressive gift suitable for any recipient. To view our current range of beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets please visit: www.imogenstone.com
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- Flowers Make a House a Home
What a difference flowers can make to your environment; a room with no flowers looks cold, uninhabited and uninviting. However, the same room with a vase of luxuriant flowers looks immediately transformed, cared for and welcoming.
Any space in your house can benefit from flowers - they bring colour, fragrance, and a touch of glamour into your home. Flowers can be placed wherever you want to add a splash of brightness or create a focal point; bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens can all be uplifted in this way. A vase of fresh flowers is a thoughtful addition to a guest room, and a lovely arrangement with a selection of scented blooms, placed in your hallway, is a warm welcome home.
Offices can benefit from cut flowers too! Many foliages are highly efficient at absorbing harmful chemicals from the air, which make them ideal for workspaces where printers, photocopiers, and computers are in use. They also replenish valuable oxygen levels, preventing feelings of tiredness and lethargy. Scientific studies show that offices with flowers at reception and by desks make the company look more prosperous and successful, and the workers are more relaxed, healthy and efficient.
Imogen Stone creates beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets that will boost and elevate any environment; home or office. To view our current range of beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets please visit: www.imogenstone.com
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- Feng Shui and Flowers
Living flowers play a big part in harnessing or altering beneficial energy, or "chi". Even if you don't believe in the spiritual aspects of Feng Shui, it has sound scientific basis - flowers and foliages really do improve our air quality and personal health.
Imogen Stone has the following suggestions to improve your surroundings and well-being with the Feng Shui of flowers and plants.
- A vase with red or pink fresh flowers on your bedside table will bring more romance into your life, or help existing relationships, and promote loving feelings.
- A vase of red and yellow fresh flowers will strengthen digestive systems and help combat depression.
- Peonies strengthen male energy - one species is known as "Male Vermilion". Emblems of loyalty and affection; they can strengthen the heart and prevent blood disorders and congestion. Peonies with plenty of flowers and leaves are an omen of good fortune, and attract new friends and partners.
- Chrysanthemums bring laughter and happiness to your home. The Chinese have beautiful names for them such as "Heaven full of Stars" or "Drunk with Wine made from the Peaches of the Immortals". Chrysanthemums are associated with a life of relaxation and retirement.
- Narcissus is known as the "Water Fairy". Grown from bulbs and forced into bloom exactly at the new year, the flower brings good luck for the next twelve months.
- Lilies, considered one of the "Eight Treasures", are regarded as an emblem of summer and abundance, and are very favourable flowers to have in the home. Many varieties are available, from pure white trumpets of longiflorum, to the heavily scented oriental, and brightly coloured asiatic forms.
- Green is the colour of growth. Green foliages reflect peace and harmony and will ease troubled minds. Flowers alleviate all stress, and represent balance, harmony and peace.
- You should have at least one flower display in each room to freshen the atmosphere, clean the air, relax you and bring beneficial "chi". Only fresh flowers will do this!
Imogen Stone creates beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets that will boost the chi in your home. To view our current range of beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets please visit: www.imogenstone.com
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- Easy Ways to Make Your Flowers Look Great
Have you been put off buying fresh flowers in the past, because you think that you need lots of skill to arrange flowers successfully? Well, Imogen Stone has some great ideas for displaying your flowers in stylish yet simple ways.
Everyday Containers
Even if you haven't got a single vase in the house, you can still enjoy cut flowers. Wine, beer, and mineral water bottles come in interesting shapes and colours, and reduce arranging to its basics. Choose flowers with large heads like gerbera, lilies, orchids or sunflowers - add one stem per bottle and line them up on your mantelpiece for instant glamour.
Jugs, teapots, tumblers and even jam jars can all be used for displaying flowers. With smaller containers such as teapots and jam jars, the flowers look better with the stems cut short, so that the flower heads "float" on the rim of the pot. Choose flowers with full heads like dahlias, carnations, chrysanthemums and daffodils, and fill out with interesting foliages for a rustic, harvest-festival feel. Glasses and jars can also be put inside more attractive non-waterproof containers to hold the water for the flowers.
Vases
Maybe you have got a suitable vase, but it's ugly, or the colour doesn't go with your flowers, or you are tired of looking at it. Try wrapping a headscarf around it - place the vase in the middle, pull up the fabric around, and tie with a ribbon or even a rubber band at the neck. If you don't have a scarf, try crepe paper - just take care when you add the water.
Alternatively cover the outside of the vase in double-sided adhesive tape, then stick large leaves vertically around. Tuck the ends of the leaves underneath and stick them down, then tie the vase in the middle with raffia or string for a floral parcel. Some houseplant leaves look wonderful for this as they are glossy, or have exotic markings or colouration. If you have no leaves, wind string - plain or coloured - in coils around the bottles and jars for an ethnic look; or satin parcel ribbon for a shiny finish.
And if all else fails...
If you really are unsuccessful at arranging your flowers, or you have had a few disasters in trying the above, then a lovely way of displaying flowers is to cut off individual flower heads and float them in a low dish of water. You can also add small floating candles for a "delightful" dinner party table centre.
Imogen Stone creates beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets - we also offer vases that can be purchased to display your flowers. To view our current range of beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets please visit: www.imogenstone.com
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- Care and Conditioning of Fresh Flowers
New breeding and growing techniques mean most flowers last much longer than they used to. And by following these few simple steps you can get extra life and pleasure from your flowers.
TOP TIPS FOR CUT FLOWER CARE
- With a sharp knife cut 3cm (1") off all stem ends at a slant.
- Strip off all leaves below the water line.
- Keep vases very clean; and use fresh, lukewarm water.
- Always use a proprietary cut flower food.
- Keep flowers away from direct sunlight and heat; and ripening fruit.
- Remove faded flowers as they occur.
- Remember to top up the water, adding more flower food.
ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS
Do...
- use lukewarm water - it has less oxygen, which prevents air bubbles in the stem blocking water uptake.
- clean your vases thoroughly after use - bacteria kills flowers.
- strip off all leaves that will be below the waterline, to help keep the water clean and direct energy to the flowers
- use flower food as instructed. It contains flower-friendly sugars to feed the flowers and encourage buds to open; preservatives to lengthen their life; an acid-balancer; and anti-bacterial agents, in an easy-to-use sachet.
Don't...
- try old wives' tale remedies in your vases - they don't work! Coins do nothing. Lemonade or sugar will help flowers open but will also encourage bacteria to breed, shortening their life. Aspirin makes the water more acidic, but does nothing else. Bleach may kill the flowers and certainly won't encourage buds to open. And piercing tulip stems will only encourage bacteria to enter the wound.
- break, crush, hammer or split the stems - bacteria grows on damaged stalks, and they can't take up water.
- put daffodils in mixed arrangements - they release latex slime that affects other flowers
- put flowers near ripening fruit, or leave dying flowers in with the rest - they release tiny amounts of ethylene gas which ages flowers.
- place flowers in a draught or bright sunlight, and keep them away from central heating.
Imogen Stone uses the very highest quality fresh flowers from growers around the world to create beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets. The bouquets are packaged in specially designed boxes that will protect the hand-tied flowers during their journey - on arrival they are guaranteed to impress the recipient. To view our current range of beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets please visit: www.imogenstone.com
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- Astrology and Flowers for the Star Signs
Aries are passionate, enthusiastic, adventurous fire signs; Flowers for Aries - red roses, amaryllis, cockscomb celosia, tulips, red flowers
Taurus are home-loving, conventional, gourmand earth signs; Flowers for Taurus - sweet william (Dianthus barbatus), aster, lily of the valley, stock, lilac, sweet pea
Gemini are talkative, lively, intellectual air signs; Flowers for Gemini - ranunculus, solidago (goldenrod), daffodil, acacia (mimosa), yellow-flowered plants
Cancer are secretive, protective, caring water signs; Flowers for Cancer - cornflower, delphinium, iris, hydrangea, pale blue-flowered plants
Leo are extrovert, faithful, larger than life fire signs; Flowers for Leo - sunflower, gerbera, marigold, dahlia, helenium, orange flowers
Virgo are practical, modest, perfectionist earth signs; Flowers for Virgo - aconitum (monkshood), veronica, thistle, alliums, chrysanthemum, hypericum
Libra are elegant, diplomatic, romantic air signs; Flowers for Libra - chincherinchee (Ornithogalum), Cymbidium orchid, tuberose, freesia, tea roses
Scorpio are sensual, determined, dangerous water signs; Flowers for Scorpio - red hot poker (Kniphofia), alpinia (pink ginger), anthurium, amaranthus (love lies bleeding)
Sagittarius are straightforward, optimistic, playful fire signs; Flowers for Sagittarius - carnation, lisianthus (eustoma), liatris (blazing star), gerbera, foxtail lily (Eremurus)
Capricorn are hardworking, ambitious, respectable earth signs; Flowers for Capricorn - statice, snowdrop, ivy and holly, palm leaves, hellebore, tulip
Aquarius are hi-tech, unconventional, independent air signs; Flowers for Aquarius - eryngium (sea holly), arum (Zantedeschia), banksia, bird of paradise (Stelitzia), protea
Pisces are intuitive, humorous, compassionate water signs; Flowers for Pisces - longiflorum lily , lilac, narcissus, gypsophila, eucharis (Amazon lily), Euphorbia marginata
Imogen Stone creates beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets that make an impressive gift suitable for any star sign. To view our current range of beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets please visit: www.imogenstone.com
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- Wedding Flowers
Weddings and wedding flowers are a wonderful opportunity to really express individual tastes and styles - but there are so many flowers and florists out there that where do you start? The best way to find your florist is through recommendation but remember what friends and relatives may consider a fantastic florist may not necessarily share the same taste as you so always make a few appointments with several florists. Try and make time on a weekday because the florist will have more time to discuss your ideas, as the shop will always be busy on a Saturday.
Help the florist out as much as possible - the more info you can give them the better - so save pictures from magazines, pictures of the dress, fabric swatches etc. Give yourself and your florist plenty of time to decide - don't be rushed into choosing until you find something that reflects the feel of your wedding.
When briefing your florist on what you want, set a clear budget. Be prepared to be slightly flexible but do not be pushed into anything you do not want. A good florist can work with any budget and suggest ideas to suit. If you are on a budget then stick to flowers of the season. Remember these flowers are going to be handled so ensure they are hardy. Again your florist will advise you on what will flop!
When choosing a florist, ask to see some of their previous work to ensure that your wedding flowers will be as beautiful as you have dreamed and that they understand the sort of look you have in mind.
Some things for brides to consider:
- Type of flowers - preferred colours and shape of the bouquet so that it compliments what you are wearing.
- Style of dress - Have a clear drawing or picture of both dress and veil, and a swatch of fabric.
- Style of bouquet - traditional wired shower, garden flower posy, loose hand-tied?
- Carrying the bouquet - one hand, both hands, trailing or upright?
- Height and frame - if you are petite, an enormous trailing bouquet will overpower you, and vice-versa.
- Bridesmaids - Bridesmaids' flowers are traditionally smaller, less complicated versions of the bride's bouquet. It is an opportunity to introduce different colours into the overall colour scheme if wanted, or to echo the bride's own flowers.
- Buttonholes - it is traditional to have buttonholes for male members of the wedding party and more feminine version (known as a corsage) for female members - but it is up to you how many or few you decide to have. Choose flowers that will not wilt, particularly in summer.
- Venue and Table - table arrangements should be either tall and thin or wide and low to avoid getting in the way of your guests. Flowers usually echo those used in the bride's or bridesmaids' bouquet - this has the advantage of creating a continuous theme, and can also reduce costs as your florist can buy in bulk - but if you want a different feel between ceremony and reception, feel free to choose whatever you like!
- Collate some ideas from magazines, books.
Imogen Stone creates beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets that make an impressive gift suitable for anyone who has helped to make your special day special. To view our current range of beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets please visit: www.imogenstone.com
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- Wedding Anniversaries
1st is Paper
2nd is Cotton
3rd is Leather
4th is Books
5th is Wood
6th is Iron
7th is Copper or Wool
8th is Bronze or Pottery
9th is Pottery or Willow
10th is Tin or Aluminium
11th is Steel
12th is Linen or Silk
13th is Lace
14th is Ivory
15th is Crystal
20th is China
25th is Silver
30th is Pearl
35th is Coral
40th is Ruby
45th is Sapphire
50th is Gold
55th is Emerald
60th is DiamondImogen Stone creates beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets that would make an impressive wedding anniversary gift suitable however many years you are celebrating. To view our current range of beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets please visit: www.imogenstone.com.
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- Seasonal Flower Availability
Some flowers have a short season, and this is part of their charm. Scented narcissi herald the arrival of spring; peonies epitomise the warm days of June. Some flowers - thanks to breeding and growing techniques, coupled with overseas imports - are available all year round. This fact sheet shows the availability of various flowers throughout the year - as you can see, whichever season you pick, there are dozens of beautiful flowers to choose from!
Spring Flowers: February - April Botanical name Common name Botanical name Common name Chamaelaucium
Convallaria
Genista
Hyacinthus
Muscariwax flower
lily of the valley
broom
hyacinth
grape hyacinthNarcissus
Prunus
Ranunculus
Syringa
Viburnumdaffodil
cherry blossom
turban buttercup
lilac
snowball treeSummer Flowers: May - August Aconitum
Agapanthus
Alchemilla
Allium
Campanula
Chrysanthemum frutescens
Dianthus barbatus
Eremurusmonkshood
Nile lily
lady's mantle
ornamental onion
bellflower
marguerite
sweet William
foxtail lilyHelianthus
Paeonia
Papaver
Polianthes
Scilla
Solidago
Trachelium
Tritelieasunflower
peony
poppy
tuberose
bluebell
goldenrod
throatwort
Queen Fabiola lilyAutumn Flowers: September - November Amaranthus
Amaryllis
Callistephus
Celosia
Crocosmia
Dahlia
Echinops
Gladiolus
Gomphrenalove lies bleeding
belladonna lily
Chinese aster
cockscomb
montbretia
dahlia
globe thistle
gladiolus
globe amaranthHelianthus
Hypericum
Kniphofia
Physostegia
Saponaria
Scabiosa
Sedum
Solidago
Zinniasunflower
St John's wort
red hot poker
obedience plant
soapwort
scabious
stonecrop
goldenrod
zinniaWinter Flowers: December - February Chamaelaucium
Euphorbia fulgens
Hyacinthuswax flower
spurge
hyacinthNarcissus
Protea
Syringadaffodil
sugarbush
lilacAll Year Round - a huge choice! Alpinia
Alstroemeria
Ammi
Ananas
Anemone
Anethum
Anthurium
Antirrhinum
Asclepius
Aster ericoides
Banksia
Bouvardia
Bupleurum
Chrysanthemum
Cirsium
Cymbidium
Delphinium
Dendrobium
Dianthus caryophyllus
Euphorbia marginata
Eustoma
Freesiaginger lily
Peruvian lily
Queen Anne's lace
pineapple
anemone
dill
painters' palette
snapdragon
butterfly weed
September flower
bottlebrush
bouvardia
bupleurum
chrysanthemum
thistle
orchid
delphinium
singapore orchid
carnation
snow on the mountain
lisianthus
freesiaGerbera
Gloriosa
Gypsophila
Heliconia
Iris
Leucadendron
Liatris
Lilium
Limonium
Lysimachia
Matthiola
Moluccella
Nerine
Oncidium
Ornithogalum
Phalaenopsis
Phlox
Rosa
Solidaster
Strelitzia
Veronica
Zantedeschiagerbera
flame lily
baby's breath
lobster claw
iris
safari sunset
gayfeather
lily
statice
loosestrife
stock
bells of Ireland
Jersey lily
dancing orchid
chincherinchee
moth orchid
phlox
rose
goldenrod
bird of paradise
speedwell
arum lily, callaAvailable Most Seasons: 9 months of the year Acacia
Achillea
Ageratum
Anigozanthos
Aster novi-belgii
Atriplexmimosa
yarrow
floss flower
kangaroo paw
Michaelmas daisy
orachCraspedia
Hippeastrum
Hydrangea
Lathyrus
Paphiopedilum
Tulipadrumstick flower
amaryllis
hydrangea
sweet pea
slipper orchid
tulipImogen Stone creates beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets using the freshest high quality seasonal flowers and foliages. To view our current range of beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets please visit: www.imogenstone.com.
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- Colour & Flowers
Colour is the deciding factor for most people when buying cut flowers; whether they are a favourite shade, or the bouquet tones well with the curtains! Apart from this conscious type of choice, colour also has a profound effect on the human psyche. Attitudes and emotions can be affected by certain colours in certain ways; something to remember the next time you visit the florist...
What colour are you?
Red is attention grabbing, assertive, and used in supermarkets to persuade people to buy. Red tones make your heart beat faster - hence it's considered a passionate colour! rose, anthurium, tulip, celosia, amaryllis, anemone, crocosmia, dahlia, carnation, gloriosa Yellow is bright, cheerful, and stimulates the memory - it is often used in classrooms. Golden tones are reminiscent of summer, sunshine and holidays. sunflower, solidago (goldenrod), achillea, daffodils, oncidium orchid, gerbera, chrysanthemums Blue is calming, cool, and relaxes the mind - like the sky and sea. Blue tones are popular for bathrooms - a "watery" shade - but rare and prized in nature. delphinium, iris, cornflower, agapanthus, campanula, hyacinth, aconitum, eryngium, muscari Pink is "feminine", unthreatening, and calms the nerves - it is used in 'drunk tanks' to quieten inmates! Pink tones are often associated with fragrance and romance. carnation, pink, sweet pea, stock, nerine, lisianthus, hydrangea, lily, scented stock Purple is dramatic, flamboyant, unusual, and popular with royalty, clergy, wizards and psychics. Purple tones are considered mystical colours. lisianthus, allium, lilac, liatris, dendrobium orchid, anemone, sweet william, limonium (statice) White is pure, clean, futuristic, and seems to glow at night - good for dinner parties. White flowers appear more expensive than the same varieties coloured, and are often highly perfumed. longiflorum lily, arum, narcissi, phalaenopsis orchid, bouvardia, freesia, ornithogalum, phlox Green is caring, homeloving, responsible, and the colour of nature and symbol of ecology. Green tones are a relaxing background for other colours - and there is a huge range of green plants to choose from, of course! bells of Ireland (Moluccella), guelder rose, chrysanthemums, carnation "Prado", anthurium - and of course, a huge range of foliage Imogen Stone creates stylish and imaginative hand-tied designer bouquets and flower arrangements using the finest fresh flowers, high quality seasonal flowers, scented flowers, herbs and also interesting foliages. To view our current range of beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets please visit: www.imogenstone.com.
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- The National Flowers of Countries of the World
Country Botanic name Common name Australia Acacia wattle, mimosa Canada: Each province also has its own flower Acer maple leaf China Paeonia peony Colombia, Costa Rica Cattleya corsage orchid Cyprus Cyclamen cyprium cyclamen Denmark Chrysanthemum frutescens marguerite Japan Chrysanthemum, Prunus chrysanthemum bloom, cherry blossom Lebanon Cedrus libani cedar tree New Zealand silver fern Nicaragua Plumeria rubra frangipane Paraguay, Philippines Jasminum jasmine Singapore Vanda "Miss Joaquim" vanda orchid South Africa Protea protea, sugarbush Spain Dianthus caryophyllus carnation Taiwan Prunus mei plum blossom Turkey Tulipa tulip Zimbabwe Gloriosa superba flame lily USA: Each state has its own
state flower
Alaska
Arizona
California
Hawaii
Kentucky, Nebraska
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Myosotis
Carnegiea gigantea
Romneya coulteri
Hibiscus
Solidago
Yucca
Viscum album
forget-me-not
giant cactus, saguaro
Californian poppy
hibiscus
goldenrod
yucca
mistletoeUK:
England
Scotland
Wales
Rosa
Onopordum acanthum
Narcissus
rose
Scotch thistle
daffodilImogen Stone creates stylish and imaginative hand-tied designer bouquets and flower arrangements using the very highest quality fresh flowers from growers around the world. The bouquets are packaged in specially designed boxes that will protect the hand-tied flowers during their journey - on arrival they are guaranteed to impress the recipient. To view our current range of beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets please visit: www.imogenstone.com
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- The Language of Flowers
Giving flowers can be a very personal gesture, but a further dimension is implied by understanding the meaning of individual flowers. Although many of us are familiar with Shakespeare's quote "there's Rosemary, that's for Remembrance...", the Persians, Greeks, Chinese and Indians have all used flower language to symbolise emotions for centuries.
The idea was first encouraged in England in 1716 by Lady Mary Wortley Montague, wife of the English Ambassador to Turkey, who observed this tradition at the Sultan's court. The popularity of floral language grew in Victorian times when it became an expressive, though discreet, method of communication for both men and women. Not only did flowers themselves have meaning, but their position was crucial too. Wearing a marigold in the hair expressed mental anguish while the same flower pinned to the bosom conveyed indifference.
Although this quaint tradition seems rather coy these days, it can add an element of fun to an otherwise innocent gift of flowers or plants. The language of flowers is still observed, though probably not consciously, by many brides as they make their choice of wedding bouquet.
Imogen Stone creates beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets using the freshest high quality seasonal flowers and foliages. Our designs are characterised by their exquisite seasonal blooms, scented flowers and unique blending of shapes and vibrant colours. The stunning beauty, texture and scent of our exclusive bouquets are guaranteed to arouse the senses of the recipient and fill them with pleasure and well-being. To view our current range of beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets please visit: www.imogenstone.com
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- Winter Foliage
Winter need not be the bleak, barren season it is often imagined to be!
You can create a riot of colour, shape and fragrance from the many fresh flowers now available all year round. Imogen Stone has come up with some ideas for seasonal accompaniments to these unseasonal flowers - some of them lovely enough to be used on their own!
For a fresh green partnering for your flowers
Try tall spikes of pale apple green Bells of Ireland (Moluccella), or the bright green pompon heads of the snowball tree or Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus). Variegated pittosporum or Euphorbia marginata, both with small wavy leaves, make a fresh white-and-green addition to an arrangement.
For a more traditional look, try glossy green ruscus leaves (some may have berries attached too), aromatic eucalyptus or conifer branches; or go totally tropical with huge leaves of exotic anthurium and swiss cheese plant. You could even snip a stem from your houseplants!
If you are looking for complementing colours for your fresh flowers
Try the rusty-maroon spires of orach seedpods (Atriplex) and shiny copper hypericum berries. These mix beautifully with the deep burgundy foliage of photinia "Red Robin" or cotinus, for a late autumn arrangement. Add golden accents with floral fillers : solidago, solidaster, or chamomile are a great choice.
Winter is the time of flowering shrubs, with many flowers appearing on bare wood.
Recreate this indoors with branches of bright Christmassy-red holly berries (Ilex verticillata is best); sunshine yellow forsythia and pink cherry blossom; creamy perfumed sprays of broom (Genista), and the lemon-scented pink-flowered waxflower (Chamelaucium).
For a more minimal display, bare stems of twisted willow or hazel in a simple container make a marvellously dramatic backdrop.
Imogen Stone creates stylish and imaginative hand-tied designer bouquets and flower arrangements using the finest fresh flowers, high quality seasonal flowers, scented flowers, herbs and also interesting foliages. To view our current range of beautiful hand-tied flower bouquets please visit: www.imogenstone.com.
Content kindly provided by FP&A.