http://www.rosefloral.com/ Gardening tips and plant profiles from the experts at Rose Floral. en 2012-03-05T20:40:43+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/container-gardening-101 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/container-gardening-101 Learn the basics of container gardening.  From plant selection to pruning and fertilizing, we'll cover everything you need to know to make your pots the envy of your neighborhood. Bring in your favorite pot and your passion for planting.  We'll provide the soil and help you create a container garden that reflects your personal style and will thrive when you bring... 2012-03-05T20:40:43+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/cut-flowers http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/cut-flowers Cut Flower Care   What is the most important thing cut flowers need to stay looking their best?  Water! Just like people, cut flowers need to stay hydrated.  In order to do so, the water-carrying tissues in the flowers' stems need to stay clean, healthy and bacteria free. When you get your flowers home, re-cut their stems straight across or slant-wise using a... 2012-02-15T19:43:11+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/miniature-gardens http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/miniature-gardens Miniature Gardening: Don’t let winter’s chill keep you from exercising your green thumb.  Fairy gardens, dish gardens and terrariums are fun, creative ways to bring your summertime passion in for the winter.  We stock all of the essentials year round for your houseplant progjects.  Stop by our greenhouse for some inspiration and help getting started.  Or, sign... 2011-09-17T21:39:39+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/blossom-end-rot http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/blossom-end-rot Blossom end rot is one of the most common problems encountered in tomatoes and other fruits.  As the fruit develops, a small, dark spot appears on the blossom end (usually the bottom).  The spot eventually turns into a large, black lesion that can consume most of the fruit. Cause: BER is caused by a shortage of calcium in the plant.  Calcium is... 2011-07-05T15:50:12+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/spring-fund-raising-opportunities http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/spring-fund-raising-opportunities  We are proud to announce our second year of offering spring fund-raising opportunities to non-profit organizations.  The program is simple and requires no investment or material handling on the organizations’ part.  Simply invite your supporters to shop at Rose Floral for their floral and garden needs during the weekend of May 18 – 20, 2012 and present one of our fund-raising vouchers at check-out.... 2011-04-11T14:21:57+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/the-war-on-buckthorn http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/the-war-on-buckthorn An Invasive Species: Introduced into the Upper-Midwest during the mid-1800s as an ornamental specimen plant, Buckthorn has become one of the most common invasive plant species in Minnesota.  The common or European buckthorn and the glossy buckthorn reseed themselves so prolifically that they effectively choke out many native understory plant species.  The dominance of buckthorn leads to a lack of wildlife diversity... 2011-04-11T13:00:21+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/nursery-plastic-recycling http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/nursery-plastic-recycling We Recycle! Time to clean out your garages and potting sheds – we want your old plastic pots, flats and packs.  Most nursery plastic is #5 (polypropylene) or #6 (polystyrene).  Recycling programs for these types of plastic can be hard to come by.  We’ve partnered with East Jordan Plastics, a major producer of horticultural plastic products in Michigan, to recycle old plastic... 2011-04-04T16:08:22+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/seed-starting-basics http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/seed-starting-basics Starting your own plants from seed is a fun, cost effective way to get a jump on your gardening.  Many unique hybrids and heirlooms are only available as seeds – starting your own opens up a whole new world of varieties.   Essential Equipment: Seed Starting Soil:  Sterile media specially formulated for seed germination will greatly improve your seedlings’ survival rate. Cell... 2011-04-03T16:49:37+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/cactus-care http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/cactus-care Christmas And Easter Cactus Care Christmas Cactus   Spring (Easter) Cactus Zygocactus Truncatus Month Shipsalidopsis Gaertneri Flowering period (starting Nov) Jan Resting period Resting period - Keep cool (55º F) - Water frequently Feb Pre-flowering period - Keep dry and cool until flower buds form, then increase water and temp. Mar Treat normally, water thoroughly when soil begins to dry out. Apr Flowering period -... 2011-03-29T19:06:42+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/how-to-say-i-love-you http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/how-to-say-i-love-you Say "I Love You" in a variety of languages Find a new way to get the message across. Get creative and learn more ways to say those three little words Choose from the following languages A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O  ... 2011-03-29T19:04:34+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/plant-a-rain-garden http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/plant-a-rain-garden About Rain Gardens: Rain gardens are areas designed to collect and return storm runoff to the water table in a controlled, natural manner.  Run off is traditionally channeled into systems of drainage culverts and discharged into natural watersheds.  Such sudden, large influxes of unfiltered run-off can have dramatic effects on the chemistry and, therefore, ecosystems of rivers and streams.  Rain gardens help... 2011-03-15T19:23:12+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/japanese-beetles http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/japanese-beetles Native to Japan, this beetle is thought to have been introduced to the United States as early as 1916.   With few natural predators, the beetle has become a major pest for farmers and gardeners alike.  Life Cycle:  In most parts of the US, the Japanese Beetle’s life cycle lasts one year.  Eggs are laid in early July and the... 2011-03-15T19:17:33+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/attracting-humming-birds-and-butterflies http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/attracting-humming-birds-and-butterflies Here are some tips for attracting and feeding these ‘flying flowers’ in your gardens: Butterflies:  Ideal butterfly gardens provide shelter, water and food for all stages of the butterflies’ life cycle.  Larger shrubs near the garden offer a wind break and a place for the caterpillars to cocoon.  Broad, shallow water sources are ideal, deeper birdbaths can be hazardous... 2011-03-15T19:03:31+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/tips-for-gardening-with-deer-and-rabbits http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/tips-for-gardening-with-deer-and-rabbits Gardening is a great way to connect with the environment and commune with wildlife, but nobody wants to spend a weekend planting a gourmet feast for the local fauna.  Wildlife is great, so long as it steers clear of your hard work.  Here are some ideas for discouraging, but not harming some common backyard guests. Deer:  Beautiful, graceful and hungry.  Isolated... 2011-03-15T18:28:05+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/carnation http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/carnation Carnations are native to the Mediterranean and are the national flower of Spain and Slovenia.  The flower has become one of the most extensively hybridized and produced cut flowers in the world.  Carnations are prized for their excellent durability, wide color selection and inexpense.  While some may view carnations as old fashioned, the flower remains at the forefront of floriculture research. ... 2011-03-15T15:01:16+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/sunflower http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/sunflower A member of the Aster family, the sunflower’s botanical name is Helianthus from the Greek words for sun (helios) and flower (anthus).  The flower is native to the southern and western parts of the U.S. and has been cultivated for hundreds of years by native americans as a food crop. Sunflowers continue to be grown around the world for their nutritional... 2011-03-15T14:58:47+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/stock http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/stock The botanical name for Stock is Matthiola incana, named after Dr Matthiole (1527 – 1576), a personal physician to Emperor Maxmillian of Austria, who wrote several medical and botanical books.  The plant is native to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands and has been a favorite since Elizabethan times.  Stock flowers are particularly noted for their sweet fragrance and good vase life.  Sock symbolizes lasting... 2011-03-15T14:54:22+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/star-of-bethleham http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/star-of-bethleham The botanical name for this flower is Ornithogalum which translates to ‘bird’s milk’ (probably referring to the shape and color of the flowers).  Usually seen in its white form, orange and yellow varieties are also available.  The plant is native to eastern Europe and the Middle East and can naturalize here in the Midwest.  The plant is grown... 2011-03-15T14:51:39+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/rose http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/rose Roses originated in China, but have been cultivated and hybridized throughout the world for hundreds of years.  The flowers are available in almost every color except blue and true black.  Rose plants were introduced to Europe from the Middle East during the Crusades and were prized by monks for their medicinal value.  Roses are generally classified by their flower size:  Standard... 2011-03-15T14:38:58+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/snapdragon http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/snapdragon The botanical name for the snapdragon is Antirrhinum from the Greek words ‘anti’ (like) and ‘rhin’ (nose) – referring to the flowers’ snout like appearance.  Squeezing the sides of a blossom will cause the flower’s ‘mouth’ to open and close, hence its common name.  Often associated with English gardens, the plant has its origins... 2011-03-15T14:36:31+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/protea-pincushion http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/protea-pincushion This flower belongs to the family Proteaceae that includes over a hundred species of trees and shrubs – most native to the cape region of South Africa.  The family’s name derives from the mythical sea god Proteus who could assume many different shapes.  Indeed, protea flowers come in wide variety of shapes and colors from the Pincushion to the King to... 2011-03-15T14:29:21+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/lisianthus http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/lisianthus Sometimes referred to as Eustoma, Prairie Gentian or Texas Bluebell, this flower is native to the extreme southern U.S. and Mexico.  Lisianthus flowers are available year round and come in many shades of purple, pink, cream, and even bi-colors.  The popular wedding flowers exhibit excellent vase life, but it is particularly important to recut the stems regularly.      ... 2011-03-15T14:25:58+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/iris http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/iris The iris is the symbol of communication and the name itself means ‘rainbow’ in Greek.  According to Greek mythology, Iris is the messanger of the gods who, cloaked in a robe of dewdrops reflecting the stars, communicates messages via the rainbow, the bridge between heaven and earth.  In some languages, irises are called flags or sword flags, relating them to symbols... 2011-03-15T14:21:36+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/hypericum http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/hypericum Hypericum is a broad genus of plants with a nearly worldwide distribution and a wide range of shapes, sizes and growth habits.  Members of this genus are commonly reffered to a St. John's Wort.  The cultivars used in the floral industry have been specially hybridized to emphasize their berry production.  Hypericum berries are very long lasting and come in a range... 2011-03-15T14:10:12+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/gladiolus http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/gladiolus The name of this flower derives from the latin word for sword - ‘gladius’ for its sword-shaped foliage.  Like many bulb flowers, the gladiolus is native to South Africa.  The Glad's large size makes it particularly useful in larger, showier event work.  Gladiolus need a lot of water and do best when kept in a vase (vs. floral foam).... 2011-03-15T13:15:49+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/gerbera-daisy http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/gerbera-daisy Originally from South Africa, gerberas were first imported to Europe in the mid-1800s, but large-scale production for use as cut flowers has only developed within the last twenty years.  The flower was named after the German doctor Traugott Gerber; they are also sometimes referred to as Transvaal Daisies or Barberton Daisies.  As cut flowers, gerberas are particularly prone to stem blockage by... 2011-03-14T21:55:21+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/lily-stargazer http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/lily-stargazer Lilies have been cultivated for over 3000 years.  Feng Shui believers hold the lily as an emblem of summer and abundance while Greek mythology uses the lily as a symbol of tenderness.  Lilies come in a variety of shapes and colors.  The ‘Stargazer’ lily is one of the best-known oriental lilies with its red throat and blush petals.  Lilies are... 2011-03-14T21:51:04+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/fuji-chrysanthemum http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/fuji-chrysanthemum Fujis (sometimes called Spider Mums) are examples of standard mums, meaning that each stem has a single large bloom.  Cushion and Daisy type mums are also available as standards. These larger mums are known for their bold colors, hefty size and long vase lives.  The plant originated in China and Japan where it became an important symbol in both countries’ cultures. ... 2011-03-14T21:41:48+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/freesia http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/freesia The freesia is a member of the iris family and is native to South Africa, although some species are found as far north as Sudan.  Named after the German physician Dr Friedrich Heinrich Theodor Freese, the freesia is one of the most widely cultivated cut flowers in the world.  The flower’s bright colors and sweet fragrance has made it synonymous with... 2011-03-14T21:32:59+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/flowering-kale http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/flowering-kale Sometimes known by its botanical name Brassica, this flower is a member of the mustard family and includes other plants such as broccoli and kohlrabi.  Flowering kales have been bred specially for their brightly colored fall foliage and have little value as a food crop.  The plants are very frost tolerant and make excellent additions to fall flowerbeds.  As cut flowers, kale... 2011-03-14T21:29:45+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/eremurus http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/eremurus Originating from areas of Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan, the Eremurus derives its name from the Greek words for ‘desert’ and ‘tail’.  Sometimes called the ‘Foxtail Lily’, the tuberous plant has been cultivated in Britain since 1875.  The enormous bloom spikes are great for making a statement in larger arrangements and event work.  The flowers are available in... 2011-03-14T21:24:21+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/dendrobium-orchid http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/dendrobium-orchid Also called the Singapore Orchid, dendrobiums are just one of over 250,000 species of orchids.  Like many tropical flowers, orchids can be very long lasting in arrangements and are available in a variety of colors.  Once considered exotic and extravagant, dendrobiums are now widely available, although they maintain their stylish reputation.  2011-03-14T21:23:54+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/delphinium http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/delphinium The delphinium derives its name from the Latin word ‘delphis’ meaning dolphin – from the shape of its buds.  A close relative of larkspur, delphinium originated in China, but has been cultivated in European gardens for centuries and can be grown as perennials in our zone 4 gardens.  Delphinium are available in a range of colors from dark blue to purple to... 2011-03-14T21:15:39+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/chrysanthemum http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/chrysanthemum The chrysanthemum derives its name from the Greek ‘krus anthemon’ meaning gold flower.  Today, chrysanthemums are available in yellows, pinks, purples, green and white.  Many novelty colored mums such as blue and red are created by dip or stem dying the flowers.  The plant originated in China and Japan where it became an important symbol in both countries’ cultures.... 2011-03-14T21:14:51+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/chelone http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/chelone Chelone is also called ‘turtlehead’ for the shape of its bloom.  The botanical name Chelone comes from a Greek myth about a nymph of the same name who was disrespectful at the wedding of Zeus and Hera.  As punishment, the nymph was turned into a tortoise and condemned to eternal silence (the tortoise was a Greek symbol of silence).  There... 2011-03-14T21:05:29+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/celosia http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/celosia Celosia are generally available in two forms: Celosia cristata, the wrinkled, brain-shaped type and Celosia plumosa, the upright, feathery type.  Celosia are available in a wide range of colors from pinks, burgundies, yellows and oranges.   They are noted for their remarkable shape and fuzzy texture.  The flowers are at their peak in the late summer to early fall months.  2011-03-14T21:03:04+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/bouvardia http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/bouvardia Bouvardia was named after the personal physician to Louis XIII, Dr. Charles Bouvard.  While bouvardia are native to Mexico, most of the plants used for flower production are grown under glass in Holland. Despite its lack of any appreciable fragrance, the bouvardia’s closest relative is the Gardenia.  The flowers are particularly prone to dehydration so take extra care to re-cut your... 2011-03-14T20:52:58+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/astilbe http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/astilbe Originating in Asia, the astilbe is a member of the saxifrage family.  Many varieties are perennials in our climate and make excellent additions to shadier areas of your cutting garden. The flowers are available in various shades of pink, red, purple, peach and white.  Astilbe blooms are available year round and are very popular in wedding work.  As with any cut flower,... 2011-03-14T20:45:13+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/allium http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/allium Flowering Allium belong to the onion genus along with about 1250 other species including chives, shallots and garlic.  Members of this genus can vary in height from two inches up to five feet.  Allium are generally found in temperate climates in the northern hemisphere, but some grow as far away as Chile, Brazil and tropical Africa.  Our featured allium ‘Purple Sensation’... 2011-03-14T20:38:49+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/alstromeria http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/alstromeria Alstromeria was named after Claus Alstroemer, a pupil of the famous taxonomist Linnaeus who first sent seeds of the plant back to Europe from South America.  Sometimes referred to as a Peruvian lily, the alstromeria is one of the longest lasting cut flowers available.  In fact, the blossoms frequently outlive the foliage, so strip the stems of leaves before putting alstromeria in vases.... 2011-03-14T20:13:30+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/bulb-garden-care-tips http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/bulb-garden-care-tips Forcing Bulbs Our potted bulbs were planted last October and refrigerated until just a few weeks ago.  During that time we kept them watered and dark to simulate a winter spent in the ground outside.  Now that the bulbs are being kept warm in our greenhouse, they think it’s spring and time to grow and bloom.  This process is called ... 2011-03-14T16:27:48+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/state-flowers http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/state-flowers Alabama   Camellia Alaska Forget-Me-Not Arizona Saguaro Cactus Blossom Arkansas Apple Blossom California Golden Poppy Colorado Rocky Mountain Columbine Connecticut  Mountain Laurel Delaware  Peach Blossom Florida   Orange Blossom Georgia   Cherokee Rose Hawaii   Hibiscus Idaho   Syringa Illinois  Native Violet Indiana   Peony Iowa   Wild Rose Kansas   Sunflower Kentucky Goldenrod Louisiana Magnolia Maine White Pine Cone and Tassel ... 2011-03-04T19:45:50+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/wedding-anniversary-symbols http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/wedding-anniversary-symbols Year Traditional Modern 1st Paper Clocks 2nd Cotton China 3rd Leather  Crystal, Glass 4th Fruit/Flowers Electrical Appliances 5th Wood Silverware 6th Candy/Iron Wood 7th Wool, Copper Desk Sets 8th Bronze, Pottery Linens, Lace 9th Pottery, Willow Leather 10th Tin, Aluminum Diamond Jewelry 11th Steel Fashion Jewelry 12th Silk, Linen Pearls, Colored Gems 13th Lace Textiles, Furs 14th Ivory Gold Jewelry 15th Crystal ... 2011-03-04T17:38:33+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/birthstones-and-flowers http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/birthstones-and-flowers The following is a list of birthstone gems and flowers for each month of the year. Month Stone Flower January Garnet Carnation or Snowdrop February Amethyst Violet or Primrose March Bloodstone or Aquamarine Jonquil or Daffodil April Diamond Sweet Pea or Daisy May Emerald Lily of the Valley or Hawthorne June Pearl or Alexandrite Rose or Honeysuckle July Ruby Larkspur or Water Lily August Sardonyx... 2011-03-04T17:15:58+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/rose-color-meanings http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/rose-color-meanings Roses are, perhaps, the most symbolic flower in our culture.  Use the guide below to make sure your floral gift sends just the right message. Red: Love, Passion, Respect, Courage White: Innocence, Purity, Secrecy Yellow: Joy, Friendship Coral: Desire Light Pink: Grace, Gladness, Joy Dark Pink: Thankfulness Lavender: Love At First Sight, Enchantment Orange: Fascination   ... 2011-03-04T17:04:46+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/poisonous-plants http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/poisonous-plants This listing of toxic and non-toxic plants contains the most popular plants found in homes. However, if you have a situation where a child has consumed a plant you are un-familiar with or is not listed here, call your local poison control center, police, or hospital immediately. It is important to know what you have in and around your house if you have young children.... 2011-03-04T16:54:52+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/how-to-buy-flowers http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/how-to-buy-flowers Flowers touch the heart like nothing else. They're perfect for conveying feelings of warmth and caring for both holiday and personal occasions. With a little preparation beforehand, selecting the right flowers is quick and easy. Know floral displays Having a certain type of floral display in mind will help narrow down your selection process. Bouquets and arrangements come with flowers held in place with... 2011-03-04T16:45:40+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/paperwhites-and-amaryllis-bulbs http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/paperwhites-and-amaryllis-bulbs Tips for Planting Amaryllis and Paperwhite Bulbs for Indoor Winter Blooms Paperwhites Paperwhites are easy to grow in your home this winter producing a fragrant bloom to enjoy for several weeks. Blooms emerge in 4-6 weeks, but dependent on light and temperature conditions. Paperwhites in a dish of pebbles: Select a shallow dish with no drain hole Use 4-5 bulbs in 6" dish, 7 bulbs in 8" dish. ... 2011-03-04T13:36:18+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/endless-summer-hydrangeas http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/endless-summer-hydrangeas How to grow Endless Summer Hydrangeas (From endlessummerblooms.com) Endless Summer® produces spectacular pink or blue blooms depending on the make-up of your soil. If you don't know the pH content of your soil, ask your garden center for a soil testing kit. Alkaline soils, pH 6-7, will produce pink blooms. More acidic soil, 5-5.8, will turn your blooms blue. To lower the... 2011-03-04T08:55:48+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/the-meanings-of-flowers http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/the-meanings-of-flowers An Anemome means Sincerity A Carnation means Joy A Crocus means Gladness A Daffodil means Respect A Daisy means Innocence A Fern means Grace A Freesia means Trust Heather means Admiration Huckleberry means Faith An Iris means Promise A Lilac means Beauty A Lily means Devotion A Mum means Hope An Orchid means Thoughtfulness A Pansy means Merriment A Peony means Compassion A Red Rose... 2011-03-03T21:30:11+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/poinsettia-care http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/poinsettia-care The poinsettia, often referred to as the "Christmas Plant", was first brought to the USA from its native land in Mexico, in 1825 by ambbassador Joel Robert Poinsett. Today, with a multitude of colors, sized and shapes available, poinsettias offer an abundance of holiday cheer for every decor. Tips for the Wise Consumer Thinking about the following tips while making your poinsettia selection will help you... 2011-03-03T19:47:44+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/body-flowers-corsages http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/body-flowers-corsages Wearing flowers for daytime or evening occasions is both fashionable and fun. Body flowers (corsages) can be worn on the wrist or in the hair. Wear them on a collar, on the waist or on the shoulder. Wear them on a purse. But remember, always wear them the way the flowers grow: blossoms up, stems down. Guard your flowers carefully against sudden exposures to cold... 2010-12-29T14:10:27+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/fresh-cut-bouquets-and-floral-arrangements http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/fresh-cut-bouquets-and-floral-arrangements Cut Flower Care Follow these simple suggestions to get the most out of your flower purchase! Hydration is the key when it comes to flower longevity and bacteria is the enemy.  As your flowers age, bacteria accumulates at the cut end of the stem and blocks the uptake of water into the flower.  As the flow of water slows, the flower starts to... 2010-12-29T13:09:41+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/foliage-plants http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/foliage-plants Plants grow better if you give them proper light, suitable temperatures, adequate moisture and a little plant food. Light:  Most indoor plants do not like the intensely bright sunshine of midsummer. Instead, situate your plants such that they receive bright, but diffuse sunlight throughout the day.   In spring, fall and especially winter, plants can handle the less-intense rays of sun so feel... 2010-12-29T13:06:39+00:00 http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/green-plants-and-clean-indoor-air http://www.rosefloral.com/blog/green-plants-and-clean-indoor-air The energy crisis of the 1970s promoted Americans to conserve petroleum in a number of ways; from redesigning our cars to be more fuel efficient, to tightening up our homes to keep cold air out and fuel bills down. But, the very design changes that improved energy efficiency, in some cases actually resulted in new health problems for the 80s and 90s. Topmost on the... 2010-12-29T10:38:16+00:00