Mother's Day - Flowers

 

Mothers Day is fast approaching! It is the one special day of the year to honour  our Mothers and for all the selfless acts of love and sacrifice they have given us. Mothers Day is to show appreciation to the one person who has done more for us than anyone in the world.

Flowers have always been a sure thing as a gesture to celebrate Mom. There are so many types of flowers and plants to choose from nowadays, so don't over think it. Not sure what type of flowers Mom likes? Simply ask your Dad or someone who knows her well. If that doesn't help a beautiful arrangement of mixed seasonal flowers are always a favorite. Looking for something fresh, creative and unique to Mom? Well you won't find it at a grocery store! Besides, when Mom glimpses the UPC label on the packaging of her flowers she'll know there wasn't much effort in the gift.

Make sure when you order flowers via telephone or online, you are speaking to a real florist, not an order gather. You will pay more in service fee's and get less product for your money.When you contact your florist directly, you will only be charged for your flowers, delivery and applicable taxes. Your local florist can guide you in the right direction in regards to your budget and vision.   

Tina Ingribelli

Crow in White creative studio

In Lieu of Flowers

  

   The passing of a loved one, friend or colleague can be challenging and emotional time. Saying good bye is never easy.
  When attending a visitation service of a loved one, we want the family to know we are grieving with them and want to express our condolences in a gentle manner. When reading the deceased obituary one may come to discover the family has requested a donation to a charitable organization for example, the Diabetes Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society and many others. These organizations usually pertain to what the deceased has succumbed to. Therefore, should you feel forced to make a donation? 
Absolutely not!
  We all grieve differently and we may want to show our affection and love in a more personal manner. Flowers play an important role in helping the bereaved deal with their grief."In Lieu of Flowers" is often used to encourage charitable gifts but not discourage other expressions of sympathy. Typically a bereaved family not wishing to receive flowers will state this through a phrase such as "please omit flowers"If this is not stated in the obituary, you are free to express your condolences through flowers and express yourself in the manner you wish. Many families often regret omitting flowers at the service and feel the deceased was not commemorated effectively.
So go ahead, send flowers! Meet with a florist and describe your loved one, hobbies, favorite color, favorite flowers, anything you can think of that will help your florist design that special arrangement. Besides, florists are great listeners in times of grief.

Tina Ingribelli
Crow in White creative studio

Care and Handling for Your Cut Flowers

You’ve invited guests over to dinner, and they haven’t come empty handed. A couple of bottles of wine in tow and a beautiful bouquet of flowers! Your first instinct is to find your favorite vase, put some water in it and voila, flowers for your table. Did you know that with proper conditioning you can really prolong the lifespan of your flowers? Without proper care and handling, your beautiful bouquet will not last very long.  

There are numerous old wives tales about using 7up, pennies, bleach, sugar in your vase water just to name a few. These things can work but only in a limited way. Flowers HATE bacteria! So where do you start? Well you know that little pack of powder that comes with the flowers? Yeah, well that plays a big role on the lifespan of your stems. Here’s why;

These packets contain a powder combination of Sucrose, Acidifier and Biocides. All three elements combined are essential for flower longevity.

Sucrose – Acts as a nourishment and food for the flower. This is NOT table sugar you put in your Starbucks, it is in the form of sugar called Dextrose.

Acidifier – Most tap water is high in alkaline and not the proper pH level that is ideal for flowers. The acidifier acts as a pH stabilizer, which helps bring the pH level up and the stems can readily take up more moisture. Citric Acid is the most common ingredient found to be a successful acidifier. Also aids in stabilizing the pigment and colour of the bloom.

Biocide- Bacteria can block the ends of the stem making it impossible for the flower to take up water. Biocide helps to control the growth of bacteria and fungus in the water.

              

                 

So you’re thinking, “Great, throw a pack of the preservative in the vase and I’m done”.

Sorry folks, more things to consider. The following steps will ensure your flower longevity;

Step 1 – Your vase should be clean and debris free. A little bleach and rinse should do the trick.

Step 2- Fill vase with warm tepid water, flowers are usually at room temperature when you receive them and cold water will shock the stems. Warm water will help the stems take up more of the nutrients from the floral preservative.

Step 3- Dissolve ½ of the packet of preservative in your vase. Give it a good stir.

Step 4- Remove any leaves and foliage that will be beneath the water surface, as it will aid in the growth of bacteria.

Step 5- Re-cut the stems with a sharp paring knife. Scissors are not recommended as they will crush the end of the stem and promote rotting. When re-cutting, cut at an angle to promote easier water uptake.

Insert your flowers in the vase and enjoy! Make sure you place your flowers out of direct sunlight, and away from any heating vents or cold drafts.

Repeat all 5 steps every other day to ensure you get the most out of your flowers. A light spritz of water will also help in the dry winter months.

By taking these simple steps, you will be able to enjoy the true beauty of your blooms.

Tina Ingribelli ,Crow in White Creative Studio