Tulips have been, and are still, being admired by people in many different regions and cultures. Wild Tulips are found in Europe, Africa and Asia. Their native area stretches from southern Europe to northern Africa, and proceeds eastward into Asia from Anatolia and Iran. The most prominent Tulip habitats are found on the steppes of Kazakhstan and among the Pamir and Hindu Kush mountains, but wild Tulips can be found all the way into the very eastern parts of China and Japan.
The Tulip has always been held in high esteem by the Middle East cultures and the European name “Tulip” is actually derived from the Persian word for turban. Some etymologists claim that the name was selected since a budding Tulip resembles a traditional turban, while other etymologists suggests that the term is instead the result of a misunderstanding - Tulip flowers were commonly used to decorate the folds of the turban. If you study traditional folk art from Persia and Turkey you will
Today, the Tulip is the national flower of Iran as well as of Turkey and the tulip is even suggested on the Iran flag. If you look at traditional Persian and Turkish folk art you will clearly see how important the Tulip motif is and have been. The Netherlands in Europe is another country strongly linked to the Tulip, and the Netherlands will for instance send Tulips to the Canadian capital Ottawa each year. During World War II, Canada aided in liberating the Netherlands from the German invasion and also served as a refuge for the Dutch Crown Princess who was later to become Queen Juliana.
In the Europe as well as in the Ottoman Empire, episodes of so called “Tulip Mania” when tulips have been used for speculation have occurred. Historians still debate exactly how severe these waves of speculation was and how damaging the Tulip booms and subsequent crashes was to the respective economies. Some even claim that Tulip Mania strongly contributed to the final financial decline of the Ottoman Empire.
Historians do not now exactly when and how the Tulip was introduced to Western Europe for the first time, and perhaps Tulips were brought to this part of the world several times before the flower really became appreciated and famous. One story claims that ambassador Oghier Ghislain de Busbecq brought Tulips to German attention as early as 1554. Oghier Ghislain de Busbecq had been sent from Ferdinand I of Germany to Suleyman the Magnificent and in one of his letters he write about seeing “an abundance of flowers everywhere; narcissus, hyacinths, and those which the Turks call tulipam, much to our astonishment, because it was almost midwinter, a season unfriendly to flowers”. Botanists are however a bit sceptic to this letter, since Tulips do not bloom in midwinter, not even in the warm Middle East. Perhaps Oghier Ghislain de Busbecq confused the winter journey with an expedition that he participated in during a warmer part of the year of 1558. We know that Oghier Ghislain de Busbecq wrote and dated all his letters after his journeys, not while he was actually travelling.
Tulips are just one of many flowers that have an important cultural significance in numerous religions. Others include the cherry tree and the Bamboo plant
Tue, November 18 2008 » Bouquet » No Comments
Roses are for more than just gift giving or smelling. The petals from roses can be used for a variety of different things. Some of these uses are for common everyday tasks, such as beautifying our gardens and walkways, while others are far more unique and distinctive, such as for use in cooking and types of therapy. It seems like Rose lovers just get into inventing and reinventing new ways to use their favorite flower. If you’re one of these flower lovers of the rose and its sweet smell, then you’ll love the cool uses we have listed below. Use your own imagination and I am sure you just can come up with some more unique ways to bring the sweet scent of the rose into your life. Have some fun and be creative because the rose has a way of making you feel happy just by its very presence alone.
The list is endless on how to use rose petals, however, when we consider the use of roses in special events and celebrations one particular event comes to my mind and that would be weddings. I guess that is especially because I was just married less than a month ago! Still, nowhere has the rose been used to such a large degree than in weddings. The us of rose petals has now replaced many of the normal traditions of the typical US wedding. For example, in many cases the rice that was once thrown at the end as the happy new couple was leaving to go on the honeymoon, has now been replaced by rose petals. We commonly see rose petals being used by flower girls too, and imitation petals are a hot item as well.
Aromatherapy, also known as personal therapy is another area using rose petals that is not just an idea from the hip 1960s. It gained widespread popularity as aromatherapy in the 1980s, and has grown larger and more popular ever since. Relaxing therapy with rose scents are used in candles, lotions, bath oils and perfume too. Professional therapists in spas that offer massage therapy are now requested very often to rub the customer with the relaxing scent of the rose petal. Our research has shown us that for use in home, the rose is the top rated smell that is purchased for use in air fresheners, candles, or for any other type of home freshener device.
Another unique and not commonly thought of use for rose petals is in cooking. These days the number of people that are using the rose petal in cooking is increasing constantly. Native Americans have long used dried rose petals in their cooking for its unique flavor and aroma. Now we are learning to return to their enlightened way of cooking too. From rose hips, which are the dried seeds of roses, a highly flavored tea is a good way to end or begin a day. If you have ever read the ingredients in many formulations for Vitamin C you will see rose hips listed as they are a good source. There many types of rose petals that can be added to foods that will increase the flavor too. There are a lot of different dishes that can be created with the rose petal scent.
Gregg Hall is an author and internet marketing consultant living in Navarre Florida. Find more about floral arrangements and flowers online at http://www.freshfloralbouquets.com
Sat, November 15 2008 » Bouquet » No Comments
Very often the physical setting for your wedding ceremony will limit your choice of floral decoration but, when it comes to wedding receptions flowers, this is often a very different matter. Bear in mind that flowers will often form a large part of your overall plan of decoration and start by choosing a venue for your reception which allows you plenty of scope.
The next thing that you will need to think about is theme that you wish to use for your decoration. You might choose a theme that is consistent throughout your wedding and will run from the bouquet, through the flowers at the religious or civil ceremony and on to the wedding reception flowers. Alternatively you may choose, as many couples do, to separate the wedding ceremony and reception by selecting a different theme for each.
Once you have decided on a theme then it will be a question of selecting flowers that will match that theme. In many cases couples turn this on its head by taking as their starting point the flowers that are readily available and in season and then build a theme around these. This can work but, more often than not, you will end up by having to make compromises and, once that starts happening, you run the danger of coming away from your special day feeling less than satisfied.
If money is no object then sourcing the flowers that you need for your chosen theme is a fairly simple matter and you can have just about anything you choose flown in from every corner of the world. For most couples however money is a very real issue and it is this that pushes them in the direction of going with whatever is available. But there are alternatives.
One possibility is to make use of potted flowers. These can often be hired for the day and you’ll be surprised at the range of exotic flowers that you can get through your florist or local nursery quite cheaply. I remember that one day I was driving along a small country road in Lincolnshire in England when I came across a huge glasshouse full of every shape and size of cactus. My attention was drawn in particular to one area where the owner had a large selection of beautiful potted arrangements and I asked him if these were for sale. He said that he was sorry but that these were only for hire for special events such as weddings.
Another idea is to use silk wedding flowers, or a mixture of both cut and silk flowers. This is becoming increasingly popular these days and you will be surprised at just how realistic modern silk flowers can be. Indeed, you will find it very hard to spot the difference between the natural cut flowers and the silk flowers. Nowadays silk flowers can even be perfumed so that they smell like the real thing.
Having sourced your flowers it’s then simply a matter of letting your imagination run riot and creating a range of decorations that fit the room chosen for your reception and, more particularly, fit your personality. Whether it’s a floral arch to stand under when you cut the cake, potted plants to line the dance floor, centerpieces for the tables or napkin treatments let your creative juices flow and speak to your guests through your wedding reception flowers.
For more information on wedding reception flowers visit Talking Weddings today.
Wed, November 12 2008 » Bouquet » No Comments
Flowering trees can add beauty to your landscape and enhance your garden but when choosing trees you have a few things to consider.
First of all, you want to be sure to select a tree whose height will be a good match for the spot you are putting it in. If you want a rather short tree to compliment a corner garden, then you won’t want to choose one that grows to 50 feet tall. On the other hand, if you want a large tree to spruce up your front yard, a dwarf tree will be … well … dwarfed by the rest of the landscape.
You’ll also want to choose trees that thrive in your area and be aware of any pests or special maintenance. Your local garden center can help steer you in the right direction for maintenance and planting instructions. Here’s some flowering trees you might want to consider:
Flowering Cherry Trees
There are several varieties of flowering cherry trees that grow from 12 feet to 50 feet tall. The Snow Fountain Flowering Cherry is great for smaller gardens and grows to only 12 feet in height. This tree has branches that droop to the ground with white flowers that bloom early in the season. A perfect tree to highlight a corner garden. The Pendula Weeping Japanese Flowering Cherry gets to about 20 feet in height and about 15 feet in width. It has pale pink flowers that bloom early in the season. The Kwanzan has in inverted cone shape and will get to about 30 feet tall X 20 feet wide. It has large pink flowers that bloom in mid season. The Kwanzan has orange foliage in fall. The Sargentii Flowering Cherry Tree is the tallest reaching 50 feet in height. It has pink flowers that bloom in clumps during the mid season.
Flowering Dogwood Tree
This is one of the most popular trees and has white flowers that bloom in spring. This tree, however is a bit picky about where you plant it and should be planted in a sheltered area, either on the side of the house or where it will be shaded by another tree.
Flowering Peach Tree
If you live in a Southern climate, then you are probably familier with this tree. This vase shaped tree grows to 25 feet and produces a lot of fruit. You must, however, plant it in the correct climate and soil. Avoid soil that is too wet or you will be disappointed with the outcome.
Flowering Pear Tree
The flowering pear tree can perk up any landscape and grows to about 45 feet producing lush yummy fruit as well as flowers. There are actually different types of pear trees that will grow to different sizes. They produce white buds in spring with either red or purple foliage in fall.
The Magnolia
This tree is another long time favorite and produces beautiful flowers that bloom in spring. If you live in the south you will want to consider the Southern Magnolia with it’s fragrant white flowers. This variety can reach heights of 80 feet and shows red fruit in fall. In the north, you’ll want to plant the saucer magnolia that has pinkish white flowers in early spring and grows to 30 feet.
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com where you can learn more about gardening, garden flowers and garden design.
Sun, November 9 2008 » Bouquet » No Comments
In an age when so many things that were previously taboo are now openly discussed, genital warts still remain shrouded in mystery. Perhaps this is because they are a sexually transmitted disease. Whatever the reason, the fact is that genital warts can be a very embarrassing problem. They appear as cauliflower-textured bumps that occur in and around the genital area.
So what can be done to help your body get rid of this embarrassing condition? Many people believe that once you have genital warts, you’ll have them for life. The reality, however, is that you can cause the warts to go into remission to such an extent that your body will then be able to get rid of the problem by itself. Doctors employ a variety of different methods in the fight against genital warts, but there are also things that you can do to help the process be a success.
In order to get rid of genital warts, your body’s immune system has to fight them and win. Once your body does this successfully, then the disease will no longer be a problem for you. The first step in the fight is to remove any genital warts that are already present. This process needs to be undertaken by a doctor, to ensure it is done safely and hygienically. Some methods used include surgery to cut the warts away from the body, or cryotherapy, which involves freezing the warts off. Most of the disease harbors safely inside the warts, so once they’re remove, the strength of the disease is greatly reduced.
Now that your warts have been removed, you need to do everything you can to boost your immune system, to give it the best possible chance of fighting off the disease permanently. Start with a healthy, balanced diet, which contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep your body functioning at an optimum level. Some people believe strongly that supplements like tea tree oil, Vitamin C and Echinacea are very effective at boosting immune function. It’s also important to exercise regularly, to keep your body in peak fitness.
One important thing to remember is that the wart cures sold at the local drug store aren’t suitable for the treatment of genital warts. Most of these products contain salicylic acid, and it’s easy to think that all warts are the same and so require the same treatment. In fact, that’s completely wrong. Using something like salicylic acid on your genital warts can actually harm your body. So if you believe that you have genital warts, don’t waste time with over the counter cures - go and see your doctor immediately for an accurate diagnosis. It may seem less embarrassing to just buy a box, rather than talk to a doctor, but it’s a waste of time if it doesn’t solve the problem.
Remember to eat well, exercise, and basically look after yourself, and as long as you seek proper treatment for your warts, before long they should be in remission, and hopefully gone completely within a few years. Always practice safe sex, and visit your doctor if you’re concerned the warts are returning.
Win your fight against genital warts by visiting Coping-With-Genital-Warts.com where you will quickly and easily find helpful information and resources dealing with gential warts to include tips on genital warts statistics, genital warts ointment, treating genital warts and HPV vaccine.
Thu, November 6 2008 » Bouquet » No Comments
Every Thanksgiving table should include a centerpiece to add to the festive feel of your dinner. It’s quick and easy to make a Thanksgiving centerpiece from fall flowers, pumpkins, gourds, and greenery. You can create a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece in very little time and for very little money.
FLORAL PLATTER CENTERPIECE
Here is a simple centerpiece that you can arrange on a tray or platter in just a few minutes: You will need a small potted ivy or mum, a few small gourds or pumpkins, several miniature pumpkins, a few apples, and some fresh or dried greenery such as moss, leaves, or parsley, and of course the platter or tray in which you will place your arrangement.
Place the mum or ivy on one side of the platter and place a gourd and two small pumpkins next to the plant. Make sure you water the plant, but sparingly so as not to overrun or spill the water onto the other items on the platter. Arrange the miniature pumpkins around the platter and place the apples randomly to give a splash of color. Use small apples of both red and green colors. Place the leaves and/or greenery between the apples, gourds, and pumpkins. This makes a wonderful centerpiece that will make your Thanksgiving table a thing of beauty.
HARVEST GLASS BOWL WITH FLOWERS
To make a Thanksgiving centerpiece that includes all the symbols of fall, you will need the following:
- a small glass tumbler
- one very small pumpkin that has had the top cut off and the insides scooped out
- six or more small gourds
- a few dried leaves (preferably in various colors)
- a dozen or more fall flowers such as mums
- a cup of fresh or dried cranberries
- shallow glass bowl
After you have gathered your supplies, place the tumbler inside the pumpkin and fill it halfway with water.
Arrange the flowers in the tumbler and place the pumpkin in the glass bowl. Place the bowl containing the pumpkin and the flowers on a cutting board or large glass plate on the table. Arrange the leaves, gourds, and cranberries in a random fashion around the pumpkin. Add a few small candles if you wish. You will have a beautiful centerpiece in just a few minutes of your time.
CRANBERRY CENTERPIECE
Create another easy centerpiece with only a clear glass vase (any size you desire), two pounds of fresh or dried cranberries, and a large bunch of pink or white carnations. Cut the carnation stems so that the flowers will be just above the top of the vase and remove any leaves. Place the carnations inside the vase and pull the flowers away from the edge. Drop the cranberries into the vase and then fill with water. This is a very easy and inexpensive centerpiece that will look beautiful on your table.
It is quite easy to make a memorable centerpiece with very little time and money. Use your imagination and add lots of colors and textures to create a centerpiece that will create the perfect Thanksgiving atmosphere.
Visit http://www.HomeOrganizationHelp.com for free information to help battle clutter and disorganization. And, if you like to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible, visit http://www.FreeQuickRecipes.com.
Mon, November 3 2008 » Bouquet » No Comments
When it comes to choosing wedding flowers, many brides
may know the wedding flower they want in their own bouquet,
but are a little mystified about the rest of the wedding
flowers needed to fill out the ceremony and reception.
While you can leave all your wedding flower selections
in the hands of a capable professional florist and get
great results, you may want to take a more hands on
approach. We hope this wedding flower guide will help
making planning your most special day just a little easier.
If you are the creative type, a simple floral craft
book will give you all the tips and tool lists necessary
to create your own custom wedding flowers that reflect
your personal style. It’s a good idea to purchase some
flowers to practice with ahead of time to make sure you’ll
be happy with your results. Whatever you decide, there
are some standard traditions and suggestions to help make
sure you’ve covered all your wedding flower needs.
Wedding Flower Guide
Wedding flowers for the church would include:
Altar wedding flower arrangements
Pew markers/decorations
Wedding flowers for the reception would include:
Wedding flower arrangement for the bridal table.
Table centerpieces
Buffet table decorations
Wedding flowers for the bridal party would include:
Bridal bouquet
Small Bridal bouquet to toss
Groom’s boutonniere
Maid/Matron of Honor bouquet
Bridesmaid bouquets
Best Man boutonniere
Groomsman boutonnieres
Flower Girl bouquet or petal basket
Mother of the Bride/Groom corsages
Father of the Bride/Groom boutonnieres
Step-parent corsages/boutonnieres
Grandparent corsages/boutonnieres
A Few Extra Wedding Flower Tips
* Maid/Matron of Honor wedding bouquets should be
slightly more elaborate or in a different color
shade than the rest of the bridesmaid wedding
bouquets.
* The Best Man boutonniere should be slightly more
elaborate than the rest of the groomsmen
boutonnieres.
* The corsages/boutonnieres for the parents should
differ slightly from the step-parents, and all
grandparent corsages/boutonnieres should be
different as well. It makes it easier for guests
to keep track of who’s who.
* Wedding flower arrangements from the church can
be transferred to the reception hall for double
duty.
* Bridesmaid wedding bouquets could be set in
waiting vases and used as decoration for the
bridal table.
Remember, these are just wedding flower guidelines.
When it comes to your special day, your wedding flower selections and arrangements should reflect your
personal taste and style. You can keep things simple or
get as elaborate as you like, as long as your wedding
flowers help you create the perfectly romantic wedding
day you’ve always dreamed of.
Muzrak Maksidov runs the website http://www.society-hill-flower-buy.com, which is provide the information related to flowers. This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box is left intact and link is hyperlinked.
Fri, October 31 2008 » Bouquet » No Comments
So many ideas for baby shower centrepieces can leave you in a turmoil not knowing what to pick to display on the day. Centrepieces used for baby showers were traditionally flower arrangements. Floral pieces on show would come beautifully arranged in a basket or a crystal holder.
Remember the theme for the baby shower when choosing what flowers to have for the centrepiece. A good idea is to try blending in personal items in and around the arrangement. Colour is another important factor we don’t want the table laden with pastel lemons and whites only to throw in a big red bloom. Another issue to focus on is selecting the right flowers.
Flowers are one of natures beauty alongside your newborn, blossoms picked by you for the baby shower will enhance the occasion with an essence so sweet filling the air.
Personal items for the flower basket centrepiece can include baby novelties like cuddly toys these can be bears and bunnies to baby clothes.
Have you considered preparing and making up your own baby shower centrepiece, if this is out of your league then buy one, expect to pay approx 35 pounds upwards all depending on the design and content i.e. whatever goodies you choose to place inside the basket.
Baby shower centrepieces can come in edible form such as a baby showers cake. If a diaper cake is your decoration for the middle of the table then you have to remember these are not for consumption. Diaper cake is actually made up of diaper/nappies. It is a fabulous and practical idea for a baby shower centrepiece.
Another tip and cost effective for a centrepiece is to place a plant on display not only does this do the trick but you get to keep the plant for a long while after.
Try placing some baby extras around the pot like baby linen, towels what ever you feel is best suited.
It has been known that fishbowls have been used to decorate the table at baby showers, floating candles, beads or flower petals were added to spice up the look.
Liven up the occasion with colour add balloons they are cheap and ideal for the baby shower party.
Try tying a few brightly coloured bows around cuddly toys. Silk flowers scattered around a neat tower of baby linen or candles encompassed by baby soaps and smellies. Do be careful with candles.
Creativity creates a more exciting centre piece I hear, I don’t think so not if you are on a budget.
If you are struggling to meet the cost of a baby shower centrepiece then cunning it has to be. Here is how it is done spruce up the table with more colour by adding floating balloons, action the whole content of the table with so many different little gifts brightly gift wrapped. And a definite guarantee to distract eye contact away from the non absent centrepiece is to place plates of cream filled cakes here and there; the centrepiece will not even be missed.
If this day is to be remembered for as long as ever after then be sure to browse this fabulous site for fantastic ideas/themes. All you could possibly want to announce baby’s presence can found here at http://www.good-baby-showers.com
Tue, October 28 2008 » Bouquet » No Comments
It really does not matter too much what the occasion is almost anything is perfect for a gift basket delivery service. This is a wonderful worry and stress free way to give a gift especially long distance. Gift basket deliveries are great for graduation, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays or any other special occasion. In fact a gift basket is a wonderful gift to give even if there is not a special occasion and you just want to send someone your best wishes and thoughts. Some of the best gift basket gifts are the ones that are unexpected and for no reason in particular.
I can remember when I was in college often my family would send me care packages and gift baskets for no particular reason. These were and still are some of my fondest memories of college. Sure college was a lot of fun and I was out on my own having a great time. However, every time a gift basket or care package would arrive for me it would really brighten up my day. It was just nice knowing that someone out there loved and supported me!
Of course today more then ever there are a wide variety of gift basket services to choose from. Today, you can find a gift basket company that will create and deliver a gift basket with just about anything you want in it. They will often go the extra mile for you and personalize the gift basket with a sincere card and specially picked items. Then it will be delivered right to the door of your friend or loved one. It might sound kind of cheesy or over done but if you have ever gotten a gift basket especially an unexpected one then you know how wonderful this can make a person feel. It also gives them something that is really practical and can be used right away typically food!
Just think about it for a moment if you were to give any other type of gift you can easily run the risk of the person not liking it at all. For example try giving a t-shirt to someone and you might get the wrong size, color or print. However, a gift basket has a wide variety of different foods, snacks, chocolates or whatever you choose to put in there. Either way you can be sure that your gift basket will be a big hit with the person and it will be used and not just stuffed in the closet.
The best gift baskets are of course the handmade ones that are packed with love and care. If you are short on time and want to get something to a friend or loved one quickly then go ahead and purchase a gift basket and have it delivered right away. However, if you can spare a few extra hours on a weekend then go ahead and assemble your own custom gift basket. This way you can hand pick the things that your friend or loved one will really appreciate. The crowning glory of the gift basket should be the card. It will serve as the centerpiece of the gift basket and also really stir up the emotions for the receiver. If you are artistic then take the time to make your own card and if not then use a pre-made card but spend some time thinking about the inscription and message that you write on the card.
Check out Gift Idea Help at http://www.giftideahelper.com where you can find lots of great ideas,
articles and tips on Gift Basket Delivery Service
and even the ultimate gift ideas like Pasta Gift Baskets and more
Sat, October 25 2008 » Bouquet » No Comments
Roses are a favorite plant for landscaping and can be used in a variety of ways. These beautiful flowers can make the exterior of any home more elegant and inviting and choosing the right ones that will compliment your landscape and add to the style of your home is an important task.
Fortunately, the number of ornamental landscape roses make finding them an easy task. The difficulty consists of choosing the right ones from this variety. There are a number of classes of roses whose characteristics make them great for use as landscape ornamentals. For instance, the gardener who wants to grow roses up and over an archway or a trellis may want to use tall growing tea roses. Tea roses are renowned for their nodding blooms, therefore all who pass under the arch would be treated to the beautiful sight of roses in full bloom.
Roses are commonly seen climbing a wall or an arbor. For this type of landscape, the true climbing rose is the best choice. True climbing roses can be trained to many different effects, including climbing up the length of the structure, or accenting the tops and sides of a wall or building.
If you want a great background rose bush, the Polyantha or modern day Floribunda is a perfect match. These rose bushes have large sprays of blooms and can go well in a garden next to the house or anywhere that your landscape needs color.
Some rose bushes are rather large and should be planted at the back of your garden, but there are miniature or low growing China roses that are perfect to plant in front of other plants. Roses can even be used as hedges, with modern Shrub roses and Rugosa roses being excellent choices.
Color is an important consideration for your roses and you need to think about where you will be planting the roses and what color is needed for that area. Luckily, roses come in many shapes, sizes and colors so there is a rose for every spot in the garden.
When picking a rose plant for a certain area, be sure that it complimentsthe surrounding landscape. For instance, a spray of plain white tea roses can be striking against a dark red brick home, or an arrangement of pink roses can be the perfect compliment to a stone or marble entranceway. With so many colors of roses to choose from, it should be easy to find colors that compliment and enhance any decorating scheme.
One popular trend in the world of landscaping is to use a variety of different plants and flowers in the landscape. Whereas single species landscaping was in vogue a few years ago, most of today’s gardeners like to use a mix of different colors, species and styles of plants. Doing so not only makes for a vibrant garden, but it is thought to enhance the health of the soil as well.
Due to the large variety, roses work well in every concievable place in the garden and can be a beautiful part of an overall landscape of plants and flowers. There is also a rose for every climate so gardeners everywhere can enjoy this beautiful and timeless flower.
Lee Dobbins writes for Backyard Garden and Patio where you can find more articles on gardening, garden ponds, garden decor and much more.
Wed, October 22 2008 » Bouquet » No Comments