7 Flowering Herbs Perfect To Use In Flower Arranging

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We’re all familiar with lavender and chamomile as herbs that are edible and can also be popped into a vase to brighten our environment. But there are many more herbs that can be used both ways. This summer why not experiment  with the following summer herbs in the kitchen and in flower arranging. 

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Basil: Best wishes

Edible:

Basil flowers have a milder flavour than their leaves. They make a wonderful garnish sprinkled over salads, cheese plates, or pasta. 

Flower arranging:

Basil leaves are glossy and fragrant. Their flowering stems add texture and interest to a mixed bouquet.

Oregano: Joy

Edible:

Oregano flowers have a more delicate flavour than their leaves. Sprinkle over a salad or pizza, or use them to infuse oils. 

Flower arranging:

Oregano grows small pink, white, or light purple flowers at the top of their stems. They make a very pretty accompaniment to a bunch of lavender.

Rosemary: Remembrance

Edible:

Rosemary flowers have almost the same flavour as their spiky little needles. The blossoms don’t stand up well to heat so use them as a finishing garnish on lamb or pork dishes.

Flower arranging:

Rosemary’s strong stems, and woodsy, nature-y look, make them an excellent addition to bouquets and centrepieces. They are long lasting.

Dill: Good cheer/Good luck

Edible:

Dill flowers are slightly stronger in taste than their leaves. They make a tasty and pretty addition to jars of pickles or sprinkled over salads or bread.

Flower arranging:

The dill flower’s yellow colour adds a bit of sunshine to a summer bouquet. 

Chives: Usefulness

Edible:

Chive blossoms can be used as a pretty garnish for cold dishes or added to soups, stews, and sauces. Their light onion flavour is also a wonderful addition to vinegar.

Flower arranging:

The purple, puffy flower at the tip of chive stems adds a pretty pop of colour to any flower bouquet or arrangement.

Fennel: Force/Strength/Worthy of praise

Edible:

Fennel comes as a vegetable or a herb. Both have a licorice flavour and are used in cooking or for medicinal reasons.

Flower arranging:

The bright yellow florets and wispy foliage of the fennel herb bring colour, texture, and fragrance to bouquets and arrangements giving them a fresh, unique look.

Borage: Courage

Edible:

Borage makes a very pretty garnish for summer drinks and salads. It’s flavour and scent is reminiscent of cucumbers. 

Flower arranging:

The pretty blue, star-shaped flowers of borage make them a unique addition to a bouquet. Their tangled stems are great for holding other flower stems in place. 

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While herbs add a natural, seasonal element to a mixed bouquet, why not get creative and make some ‘all herb’ theme bouquets. You could create ‘herbs for pasta’, ‘herbs for bread making’, or ‘herbal tea’ bouquets.  What a perfect summertime gift they would make!

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7 Cut Flowers That Can Take The Summer Heat

If you’re someone who loves having flowers in your home (which I hope you are), but you’re worried in the summer heat they just won’t last, here are seven suggestions for flowers that stand up to the heat.

Lisianthus: (Appreciation/Gratitude)

Lisianthus have a delicate appearance but can last in a vase for two weeks.

Cymbidium Orchid: (Refined beauty)

Cymbidium orchids come in large and mini varieties and have a three week vase life.

Gladiolus: (Strength of character)

Tall stemmed and available in a wide variety of colours, gladiolus can last for two weeks.

Anthurium: (Hospitality)

A classic, tropical flower, your anthuriums can last 4-6 weeks.

Protea: (Courage)

This tropical flower comes in a large variety of shapes and can last a month.

Sunflower: (Adoration)

A true flower of summer, sunflowers can last 2-3 weeks in a vase.

Bird of Paradise: (Magnificence)

A popular tropical flower, bird of paradise has a 3 week vase life.

Top tip:

While these flowers are known for a longer vase life, make sure you still follow the usual guidelines for flower care. You can find that information HERE .

Meaningful Flowers For June Birthdays

Do you know someone with a birthday in June? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that create a meaningful message.

With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with a June birthday.

Birth month flower:

Every month has one or two flower/s associated with it - its birth month flower/s. (June has just one.)

Flower: Rose  Meaning: Love

Zodiac:

Every zodiac sign has a flower that represents it.

Sign: Gemini Date: May 21 - June 20 Flower: Lavender Meaning: Devotion

Sign: Cancer Date: June 21 - July 22 Flower: White Rose Meaning: Eternal love/Innocence 

Colour:

Use June’s birthstone for colour inspiration.

Stone: Pearl Colour: White

Seasonal Flowers and their meanings:

Choose flowers locally in bloom during the month of June.

Flower: Meaning:

Rose Love

Peony Happy life

Sweet peas Thank you for a lovely time

Hydrangea Perseverance

Lavender: Devotion

Lupins Imagination

Cosmos Harmony

Top tip:

You don’t need to include all these flowers. Pick what works best for the message you want to send and you’ll have created a unique and meaningful gift for that lucky June birthday perso

Learn more:

You’ll find more about meaningful birthday flowers in my previous posts:

Meaningful Flowers for February Birthdays

Meaningful Flowers for March Birthdays

Meaningful Flowers for April Birthdays

Meaningful Flowers for May Birthdays

Travel Destinations With A Flower Focus

Flower Tourism: Traveling to see flowers around the world.

Rarely do you hear of someone planning a trip with flowers as the focus. 

But there are many destinations around the world that boast spectacular displays of wild or cultivated flowers. Here are five places to put on your wish list:

1 - Holland

• Flower: Tulips

• Meaning: Perfect love

• Best time to visit: Mid-April to early May

2 - Provence

• Flower: Lavender

• Meaning: Devotion

• Best time to visit: Early-mid July

3 - England

• Flower: Bluebells

• Meaning: Kindness

•  Best time to visit: Mid-April to late May

4 - Azores

• Flower: Hydrangeas

• Meaning - Perseverance 

• Best time to visit: Mid-August

5 - California

• Flower: Poppies

• Meaning: Remembrance/Restful sleep

• Best time to visit: Mid March to late May

To note: ‘Best time to visit’ is based on the time of year the flowers have historically been in bloom. However, each year times may vary depending on weather and growing conditions.

Read more about travelling with a flower focus on my previous blog post ‘Time For A Flower-Filled Vacation’.

Say 'No' to Floral Foam - Here's Why

These days all industries - including the floristry industry - are working hard to be more ‘green’.

However, while most florists compost or green bin their natural material waste, many are still using materials harmful to the environment. Flowers are wrapped in cellophane, individual plastic packages of flower food are given out, and floral foam is being used in creating arrangements.

Awareness has begun, changes are happening, but there’s still a ways to go. 

When buying flowers (or arranging them yourself) one of the biggest things you can do to help the environment is say ‘No’ to floral foam.

What is floral foam?

Floral foam (often referred to as ‘Oasis’) is the green blocks of material florists use in their arrangements. When dry it feels like styrofoam and when wet it’s like a spongy foam. 

Why is floral foam used?

Flower arrangers use floral foam for three main reasons: 1 -to be able to place flower stems exactly where they want in an arrangement; 2 - to create a source of water for the flowers and foliage; 3 - for ease of transport as the arrangements are more stable when created with the floral foam.

What’s wrong with floral foam?

Floral foam is non-biodegradable, non-recyclable, and toxic. It doesn’t dissolve in water or degrade if composted. 

Floral foam breaks down into tinier and tinier pieces of plastic that contaminate our lands and waters for years to come. 

What can be used as an alternative to floral foam?

Education is happening in the floral industry. Alternatives to floral foam are being used and some florists now do all their designs ‘foam free’. Here are some suggestions for what can be used:

• Armatures made of natural materials - sticks, stones, sand, or moss

• Chicken wire

• New on the market - a biodegradable product has come on the market - Agra-Wool 100% Natural Floral Foam

To keep the floral industry moving in the right direction, make sure to have conversations with your florist. As well as saying ‘no’ to floral foam, request your bouquet be wrapped in brown paper rather than cellophane.

Wise Words

The simple beauty, memorable fragrance, and vibrant colours of flowers make them a rich source of inspiration for creative minds.

Over the years I’ve gathered quite a collection of books, poems, quotes, and song lyrics that reference flowers. Today I’m sharing five of the quotes I’ve collected with you.

You’ll see they come from people in different walks of life, from different countries, and different periods of time, yet their words still hold true today.

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“Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things towards you.” (Maharishi Mahesh - Yogi, Indian Guru 1918-2008)

“Even if the flower is no more, still, the fragrance can be.” (Jaggi Vasuder - Indian Yogi and Author 1957- )

“The Amen of Nature is always a flower.” (Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr - American Physician and Poet 1809-1894)

“The first wild-flower of the year is like land after sea.” (Thomas Wentworth Higginson - American Abolitionist 1823-1911)

“Are not the flowers the stars of the earth?” (Clara Lucas Balfour - English Lecturer and Authoress 1808-1878)

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You can find more flower quotes in my previous blog posts:

A Few Words of Wisdom to Inspire Your Day

Three Flower Quotes

Flowers - an Inspiration for Writers

Meaningful Flowers for May Birthdays

Do you know someone with a birthday in May? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that will create a meaningful message.

With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with a May birthday.

Birth month flower:

Every month has one or two flowers associated with it - its birth month flower/s.

Flower: Lily of the valley Meaning: Return to happiness; Sweetness

Flower: Hawthorn Meaning: Hope

Zodiac:

Every zodiac sign has a flower that represents it.

Sign: Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Flower: Poppy  Meaning: Remembrance

Sign: Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Flower: Lavender Meaning: Devotion

Colour:

I’ve chosen colours for this month that are a reflection of its birthstone and the flowers that are in season during this time of year.

Birthstone: Emerald Colour: Green

Flowers in that colour: Hellebores (tranquillity); Chrysanthemum (cheerfulness); Zinnia (thoughts of absent friends); Gladiolus (strength of character); Bells of Ireland (good luck); 

Seasonal colours: Light purple, light pink, light blue

Seasonal Flowers and their meanings:

There’s an abundance of flowers that are available all year long - roses (love), carnations admiration/affection), lilies (beauty), alstroemerias (friendship/devotion), gerberas (cheerfulness), lisianthus (appreciation/gratitude), chrysanthemums (cheerfulness), and snapdragons (graciousness/strength). 

Combine these with flowers that are in bloom during the month of  May: Astrantia (strength/courage)’ Anemone (anticipation); Freesia (friendship); Forget-me-not (remembrance); Lilac (memories of first love)

Personal touch:

Consider the person you’re giving the flowers to. Try adding into your bouquet flowers in their favourite variety or favourite colour.

Top tip:

You don’t need to include all these options. Pick what works best for the message you want to send and you’ll have created a unique and meaningful gift for that lucky May birthday person.

My Suggestion:

If I were to give flowers to a friend with a birthday in May, my bouquet would include: A mix of greenery representing May’s birthstone; Freesia for friendship; Astrantia to represent the strength of the friendship; Anemone for anticipation of the year ahead, and Hellebores for a sense of tranquillity.

If you would like to know about meaningful flowers for February, March, and April birthdays follow the links below:

Meaningful Flowers for February Birthdays

Meaningful Flowers for March Birthdays

Meaningful Flowers for April Birthdays

How To Tell If The Flowers You're Buying Are Fresh

Have you ever bought a bunch of flowers, taken them home, popped them into a vase and the next day they look sad and wilted? It’s so disappointing. And while no-one expects flowers to be ever-lasting, they should stay looking fresh and healthy for several days - or even weeks.

One of the most important things you can do to make sure your flowers have the longest vase life possible is to get in the habit of inspecting flowers before you buy them. You’ll soon learn to choose only those that are the freshest. Here’s what you’re looking for:

Buds:

The buds should be in the beginning stage of opening. (If the buds are tightly closed, it’s possible they’ve been harvested too soon and may never open.) 

Gently feel the petals and make sure there is a firmness to them - you don’t want them to be limp.

The colours should be bright - not transparent.

Roses  - Check the underside of the bud. If a few petals have been removed, that’s okay. Those were just the guard petals that protected the rose during transport, but if many petals have been removed that indicates someone is trying to hide the fact the flower is old.

Tulips - Most tulips we buy seem to come in a cellophane sleeve. A good indication the tulips are old is if they have grown above the top edge of it.

Leaves:

Check the leaves are bright coloured with no yellowing or browning. The leaves should be firm (not limp) and definitely not falling off the stem as soon as you pick the flowers up.

Stems:

Again colour and firmness are the most important things to look for. If the stem is limp and/or discoloured that flower won’t last much longer.

Fragrance: 

Not all flowers are scented, but fragrance is still important to check. An old flower will smell of decay and should definitely be avoided.

Water:

If possible - check the bucket of water the flowers are being stored in. If it’s cloudy, dirty, or has leaves floating in it, skip those flowers. They’re sitting in bacteria and that will shorten their lifespan.

Being an educated shopper is the first step in making sure your flowers will last as long as possible. The second step is correct care once you get them home. Check out these previous blog posts to learn more:

My Top Tips for Flower Care

How to Make Your Flowers Last Longer

Secrets Revealed - Top Tips for Making ‘Tricky’ Flowers Last Longer

6 Floral Gift Ideas For Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days in the floral industry - and rightly so. Flowers are a wonderful way to show your love and appreciation. In this post, I’m going to share with you 6 floral gift ideas for Mother’s Day.

1 - A Meaningful Bouquet:

A big bunch of flowers will always be warmly received, but this Mother’s Day why not add another layer to your floral gift with a ‘meaningful’ bouquet.

Every flower has a meaning attached to it. Once you know what those meanings are, you can choose the perfect flower for every occasion. 

For Mother’s Day, try picking flowers with meanings that fit your mum’s characteristics or pick flowers with meanings that convey the message you want to send to her. 

Here are some suggestions:

Tulip - perfect love

Peony - happy life

Lisianthus - appreciation/gratitude

Lily - beauty

Lavender - devotion

Gladiolus - strength of character

Gerbera - cheerfulness

Freesia - friendship

Carnation (pink) - gratitude/mother’s love

Baby’s breath - everlasting love

Alstroemeria - friendship/devotion

You can also combine meaningful flowers, with your mum’s favourite flower, or with flowers in her favourite colour. 

2 - Your Mum + You + Flowers:

Every month has one or two flowers associated with it - their birth month flower. Create a  bouquet with a combination of your mum’s birth month flower and yours. (If you’d like to know any of the birth month flowers, comment below and I’ll let you know.)

3 - Flower Shop Visit:

Instead of delivering flowers to your mum, why not visit a florist together and let her pick out the flowers.

4 - Flower Arranging Workshop:

Many florists now offer flower arranging workshops. Treat your mum to one and at the same time, you’ll be supporting a local business.

5 - Subscription service:

There are now companies who deliver boxes of  locally grown flowers directly to your door. This would be a great treat for your mum. She’d have the convenience of the flowers being delivered directly to her, but still have the fun of getting to arrange them herself. You can learn more about subscription services in my post ‘Flower Delivery - The Easy Way’.

6 - Vase + Gift Certificate:

Choose a beautiful vase for your mum and give it to her with a certificate saying you’ll fill the vase with flowers every month for a year.

Fresh flowers are an instant mood booster and create memories that last a lifetime. If you’d like to add another ‘layer’ to your floral gift you could consider the following:

•  A card with a picture of your mum’s favourite flower

•  A floral scented bath or beauty product

•  Some floral scented candles

•  A book on flowers or flower related topics. 

Calm Down - How Flowers Can Help

Calm down! Sound familiar? In a busy and stressful life, I think we’ve all felt like there are times when we just need to calm down. The good news is, flowers can help us. 

Scientific studies prove flowers positively impact our well-being in many ways, and one of those ways is by creating a sense of calm and well-being. 

Simply seeing flowers can decrease your stress level

Most of us have ‘our special spot’ at home where we sit to unwind. One of the simplest and most effective things you can do with flowers to decrease anxiety and stress is place a floral arrangement within eyesight of where ‘your spot’ is. Then use those flowers as a place to rest your eyes. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you start to relax.

Try arranging your own flowers for another layer of stress-relief

When you’re arranging flowers your thought process shifts. You’re forced to slow down and connect with the present moment. You start focusing on the flowers and not on work or your busy day.

Don’t make flowers another chore on your to-do list

Keep it simple! A few blooms are all it takes to feel the calming effect of flowers.

Being surrounded by nature has long been known to be healthy for us. In nature we feel calm, stress slips away, and our anxiety eases. Having flowers in our home is a way to replicate that feeling. It’s time we all start to take advantage of the healing properties of flowers.

To note: When arranging flowers no special skills or tools, or any artistic flair is needed. You just need some flowers, some scissors, a container of water, and a few minutes of time. You’ll learn as you go and every time you’ll feel satisfied that you created something with your own hands.

A Dozen Flowers Even Allergy Sufferers Can Enjoy

Allergy sufferers don’t despair. You may have thought you were doomed to a flowerless life, but fortunately, that’s just not true. There are many varieties of flowers you can enjoy without suffering the miserable symptoms of allergies. 

Below is my list of a dozen flowers for you to choose from. I’ve also included what each flower's meaning is.  Every flower has a special meaning attached to it and once you know what those meanings are, you can choose the perfect flower for every occasion. 

Here’s my list of a dozen hypoallergenic flowers and their meanings:

1 - Carnations - Admiration/Affection

2 - Daffodils - New beginnings

3 -  Hyacinths - Dedication/Sincerity

4 - Hydrangeas - Perseverance

5 - Irises - Faith, hope, wisdom

6 - Lilies - Beauty

7 - Lisianthus - Appreciation/Gratitude

8 - Orchids - Refined beauty

9 -  Peonies - Happy life

10 - Roses - Love

11 -  Snapdragons -  Graciousness/Strength

12 -  Tulips - Perfect love

*A special note about lilies: Lilies have a strong scent which has made many people (myself included) assume that they are an irritation to allergy sufferers. They’re not. Lilies are a hypoallergenic flower.

PS: If you’re giving flowers as a gift, and you’re not sure if the person you’re giving them to has a flower allergy, err on the side of caution and choose flowers from my list.

Celebrating April Birthdays With Meaningful Flowers

Do you know someone with a birthday in April? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that create a meaningful message.

With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with an April birthday.

Birth month flower:

Every month has one or two flowers associated with it - its birth month flower.

The flowers for the month of April are:

Sweet peas: meaning ‘blissful pleasures’ and ‘thank you for a lovely time’

Daisy: meaning ‘innocence’ 

Zodiac:

Every zodiac sign has a flower that represents it.

Aries (March 21-April 19):

Honeysuckle: meaning ‘pure happiness’

Taurus (April 20-May20):

Poppy: meaning ‘remembrance/restful sleep’

Colour:

I’ve chosen colours for this month that are a reflection of its birthstone and that represent this time of year.

Birthstone:

Diamond: colour ‘white’. An array of flowers come in the colour white. A few are roses, carnations, alstroemeria, tulips, daisies, sweet peas.

Seasonal Colours: 

Pink: symbolizing the buds in bloom. Flowers - tulips, sweet peas, spray roses, gerberas.

Pale blue: symbolizing the spring sky. Flowers - hydrangea, delphinium, tweedia.

Seasonal Flowers and their meanings:

Year-round availability:

There is an abundance of  flowers that are available all year long:

Roses (love), carnations (admiration/affection), lilies (beauty), alstroemerias (friendship/devotion), gerberas (cheerfulness), lisianthus (appreciation/gratitude), chrysanthemums (cheerfulness), and snapdragons (graciousness/strength)

Seasonal flowers:

Combine flowers that are available all year long with those that are in bloom during the month of April:

Sweet peas (blissful pleasures/thank you for a lovely time), tulips (perfect love), freesia (friendship), daffodils (new beginnings), and anemone (anticipation)

Personal touch:

Consider the person you’re giving the flowers to. Try adding into your bouquet flowers in their favourite variety or favourite colours.

Top tip:

You don’t need to include all these options. Pick what works best for the message you want to send and you’ll have created a unique and meaningful gift for that lucky April birthday person.

My Suggestion:

If I were to give flowers to a friend with a birthday in April, my bouquet would be a big bunch of seasonal blooms.

White freesia to represent friendship, white anemone for anticipation for the year ahead, and pink and white sweet peas to wish a year of blissful pleasures. The white represents April’s birthstone and the pink a seasonal colour.

Happy birthday to everyone with a birthday in April! x

PS - If you’ve ever wanted to get a tattoo of your birth flower (like I have), check out THIS article.