Making Silk Bridal Bouquets : Wrapping Handle for Bridal Bouquets

Making Silk Bridal Bouquets : Wrapping Handle for Bridal Bouquets

How to Arrange Bridal Bouquets Part-VI

How to Arrange Bridal Bouquets
Choose a Bridal Bouquet for a Wedding

How to Arrange Bridal Bouquets Part-V

How to Arrange Bridal Bouquets
Choose a Bridal Bouquet for a Wedding

How to Arrange Bridal Bouquets Part-IV

How to Arrange Bridal Bouquets
Make Hand-Tied Bridal Bouquets

How to Arrange Bridal Bouquets Part-III

How to Arrange Bridal Bouquets
Use a Floral Foam for a Bridal Bouquet

How to Arrange Bridal Bouquets Part-II

How to Arrange Bridal Bouquets
Arrange a Nosegay Bridal Bouquet

Twisted Tulips

Twisted Tulips

Creating a Garden Styled Bridal Bouquet

Creating a Garden Styled Bridal Bouquet

Rose Bridal Bouquet

Rose Bridal Bouquet

How to Arrange Bridal Bouquets Part-I

How to Arrange Bridal Bouquets
Shaping a Cascade Bridal Bouquet

Aster Flower

Aster Flower
Asters are beautiful perennials that are found wild in North America and southern Europe. The genus Aster includes some 600 species of widely distributed flowering plants in the family Asteraceae.

Asters are also called as Starworts, Michaelmas Daisies, or Frost Flowers. Asters are found chiefly in North America, with some species extending into South America; others are distributed throughout Europe and Asia. The word Aster is of Greek derivation and refers to the Starlike flowers that can be white, red, pink, purple, lavender and blue, mostly with yellow centers.

Asters have previously gone by other names, such as "Michaelmas Daisy" and "starwort." Commonly sporting purple or blue blossoms, these flowers are popular in garden borders and floral arrangements. There are both annual and perennial varieties. Often seen around a cornucopia announcing a plentiful harvest, these are fall-blooming plants of half a foot to three feet in height. Like most stars, asters enjoy the spotlight, so grow them in a sunny location in just about any hardiness zone. Soil should be kept moist, especially in warmer weather.

The genus Aster is now generally restricted to the old world species, with Aster amellus being the type species of the genus (and of the family Asteraceae). The new world species have now been reclassified in the genera Almutaster, Canadanthus, Doellingeria, Eucephalus, Eurybia, Ionactis, Oligoneuron, Oreostemma, Sericocarpus and Symphyotrichum, but still the new world species are also widely referred to as Asters in the horticultural trade.

Asters are actually 1 - 1.5 - inch flowers. Asters are very complicated flowers. An Aster flower is actually a collection of very tiny tubular flowers, grouped together in a central disk, and surrounded by so-called ray flowers or petals, eg., Sunflower. The central disk of flowers on the Asters is surrounded by the ring of ray flowers. In many cases the disk flowers are a different color than the petals so that the entire flower head looks like a single flower with a central disk surrounded by differently colored petals. The ray flowers on the Asters are never yellow. The tubular flowers of the Asters are bisexual, having both a pistil and stamens; the ray flowers are usually sterile.

Some popular varieties of Asters are: Lindley's Aster (Aster ciliolatus), New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae), Many-Flowered Aster (Aster ericoides), Western Silvery Aster (Aster sericeus), Willow Aster (Aster hesperius), Flat-Topped White Aster (Aster umbellatus), Smooth Aster (Aster laevis).

Mixed Tulip

Mixed Tulips

Tulips were the symbol for the Turkish Empire. It is said that tulips got their name due to the resemblance to the headgear worn by people in the Middle East, such as the Persians -- the turban, that was also written as "toliban". Changed into Latin, this became "tulipa," hence the name tulips. Tulips symbolize imagination, dreaminess, perfect lover, and a declaration of love.


Tulips are one of the most popular spring flowers of all time, and the third most popular flower world-wide next only to the Rose and Chrysanthemum. Holland is most known for these showy and colorful flowers. In the 17th century Tulips were used as currency. Holland loved the tulips, and tulips became a status of wealth and prestige. The tulip bulbs became so popular that “tulipomania” developed early in the 17th century between 1634 and 1637. Tulips symbolize imagination, dreaminess, perfect lover, and a declaration of love.

Pink Tulip

Pink Tulip
Tulips are very popular to an extent that during the 17th century, most of Europe, particularly Holland, was gripped in a craze for Tulips as a result of which many had to even sell off their fortunes, a time referred to as Tulipomania. With various sentiments and meaning that tulips convey, Pink Tulips are favorite for almost any occasion. The colour pink is symbolic of perfect happiness and confidence. Since tulips are large, showy, and usually solitary, flowers, a “tulip’ has come to mean ‘a showy person’.

Tulips are one of the most popular spring flowers of all time, and the third most popular flower world-wide next only to the Rose and Chrysanthemum. It is believed that the Middle East was responsible for the emergence of tulips over 1 thousand years ago. Tulips were the symbol for the Turkish Empire. It is said that tulips got their name due to the resemblance to the headgear worn by people in the Middle East, such as the Persians -- the turban, that was also written as "toliban". Changed into Latin, this became "tulipa," hence the name tulips. Tulips symbolize imagination, dreaminess, perfect lover, and a declaration of love.

Orange Tulip

Orange Tulip
Tulips are very popular to an extent that during the 17th century, most of Europe, particularly Holland, was gripped in a craze for Tulips as a result of which many had to even sell off their fortunes, a time referred to as Tulipomania.

With various sentiments and meaning that tulips convey, Orange Tulips are favorite for almost any occasion. The colour orange is symbolic of warmth, happiness and fascination.

Orange is a sunshine colour, this colour is mixture from the colour of red and yellow. With the red colour of flower enthusiasm and yellow colour flower joy, tulips in orange colour carry the meaning of warm and hapiness.

An orange colour tulips bouquet could let you share the happiness with someone you care. It also suitable use as a decoration in your house, it could built out a warm and happiness environment.

With the sentiments and the meaning of tulips in orange colour, it is suitable for any occasion. It could not be less for any happiness ceremony, you may just try it!
There are many types of tulip in orange colour

Iris Flower Bouquet

Iris Flower Bouquet
History Of Iris Flower:
The Greek word "Iris" means "rainbow" The iris flower got its name from the Greek goddess Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, who was a messenger on Mount Olympus. Iris would take messages from "the eye of Heaven" to earth by the arc of the rainbow. The word iris also means "eye of heaven" It was the name given to the goddess, this flower, and the center of your eye. The iris flower is the symbol of Idea and Message. Greek men would often plant an iris on the graves of their beloved women as a tribute to the goddess Iris, whose duty was to take the souls of women to the Elysian fields.

Iris Bouquet Expected Vase Life – 3 - 7 days.

Iris Meaning - "I have a message for you".

Iris Bouquet Care Tip – Be careful to NOT bump the tips of the irises.

Iris Bouquet Arranging Tip – Allow for space in arranging irises to open fully. Irises can be manually opened by peeling the sheath backwards approximately halfway down the bud, this pops the flower head open.

IMPORTANT TIP for Iris Flower Bouquet - Iris may arrive in your vase arrangement as tight buds. But they will open quickly and mature to open form usually within one or two days. Their vase life is wonderful, although short lived. Keep water levels in the vase full and bacteria free to optimize vase life.

Iris Flower

Iris Flower
The Greek word "Iris" means "rainbow" The iris flower got its name from the Greek goddess Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, who was a messenger on Mount Olympus. Iris would take messages from "the eye of Heaven" to earth by the arc of the rainbow. The word iris also means "eye of heaven" It was the name given to the goddess, this flower, and the center of your eye. The iris flower is the symbol of Idea and Message. Greek men would often plant an iris on the graves of their beloved women as a tribute to the goddess Iris, whose duty was to take the souls of women to the Elysian fields.

The Roman Catholic Church ascribed the lily as the special emblem of the Virgin Mary. Due to its three petals, the fleur-de-lis has also been used to represent the Holy Trinity. The three leaves of the iris flower represent faith, wisdom, and valor. The iris has been a symbol of royalty and divine protection for centuries throughout the world. The Fleur-de-Lis, "a stylized Iris motif" has symbolized France since the 13th century. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty and is said to signify perfection, light, and life. Iris is the National flower of France and has been used for the insignia and emblem of France.

Gerbera

Gerbera Flowers
Discovered in 1884 near Barberton, South Africa, by Scotsman Robert Jameson, the Gerbera is the 5th most popular flower, and the most popular daisy variety. Simple yet sophisticated, the vibrant colored Gerberas are the birth flowers for the star sign Leo (July). A beautiful compliment in any flower bouquet, we ship each individual floret with a protective net and a clear tube to support the stem, to ensure that the flowers arrive and flourish to their maximum beauty and expected vase life.


There are more than 200 species of gerbera and breeders are developing many other variants. A recent breeders’ development is the miniature-gerbera, commonly known as 'germini', which come in wide variety of colors but are smaller in size being much more appropriate for smaller floral arrangements and designs.

Being almost unknown 20 years ago this plant is extendedly popular and in vogue. Some even associate it with the star sign Leo. The flower was first brought to Europe in the 19th century.
Gerberas are available at any
season of the year and cut flowers may last for 4-14 days.

Gerberas are attractive blossoms that are widely used as mass flowers in designs and arrangements. Additionally the flower is extremely popular in nosegays, especially when one wants to get a retro 60's look.

Gerberas, the most popular daisyDaisies are sweet way to show you care. variety, have large flowering heads and come in a vibrant rainbow of colors.

Orchid Flower

Orchid Flower
Orchids are the second largest Natural Order in the whole world of botany, being very diverse. There are thousands of varieties of Orchid species and over a hundred thousand hybrid Orchids. There are Orchid flowers that can be found with a very wide range of characteristics, with Orchids existing in nearly every color and shade. There are many variations in size and shape of Orchids.

The structure of the flower makes Orchids different from all other plants. Each Orchid flower has 3 sepals and 3 petals that alternate around the cmiddle of the flower, while some of these parts are modified and not very easily recognizable.


The center lower petal of an Orchid flower is the lipt. In the center of the Orchid flower is a "club-shaped" column, and this is a combination of male and female reproductive organs all in one location.

Most Orchids are naturally from the jungle and this exotic background is part of what makes them very attractive to buy. Orchids are found on every continent except Antartica.

Lily Flower

Lily Flower
Lillies are usually used to create beautiful fragrant for perfumes as well as table decor. They are also used for funeral flower arrangements in fact the flower is usually symbolically linked with death and several different varieties of Lillies are used for this very reason. You can find Lillies in different colors such as soft butter yellow and a snow white color. The flower is very good for different arrangements and can be used to design different flower arrangements and is usually a very fragrant flower.

A lily flower belongs to the family of Lilium genus. They are essentially summer flowers and beautify your garden with their bright hues. Growing a lily flower is any gardener's dream. They come in all size and fill up your garden like no other flower can do. Basic quality of a true lily is that it adapts to almost all garden situations. Their presence is such in the garden that they are often honored as queen of garden. All through summer, lilies make your garden a heavenly paradise.

There are various types of lilies found on earth, varying in height, form and color. Among all lily flowers, the best and the most popular are the Asiatic lilies. Reason for their immense popularity is their vibrant colors. It draws immediate attention. An Asiatic lily flower blooms facing outwards and has dark spots on its face. Compared to other lily types, an Asiatic lily flower lacks fragrance. These lily flowers start blooming from end of May or beginning of June.

White Tulip

White Tulip
A white tulip garden can be grown by anyone, and can represent a variety of things. For some people, a white tulip garden represents heaven. You can achieve your own interpretation of heaven when you use a variety of different flowers, including white tulips.
On the other hand, creating a cheerful yellow tulip garden involves knowing that there are quite a few options of yellow flowers to choose from. This will help you create the brightest looking yellow flower garden that glows as if it is the sun.
Red is a very versatile color that stands out very well. Since that is true, it is no wonder why many people have red tulip gardens. Not only can you group red tulips together in a single colored garden, but you can use red to brighten up multi-colored tulip gardens.
Of course, you can arrange and design a tulip garden by single or multiple colors. Pink tulips are available in fringed tulips, parrot tulips, single tulips, and double tulips.
There are several varieties of purple tulips and purple tulip bulbs that are available from leading nurseries. Each has a slightly different hue, ranging from lavender and white to deep violet. There are several shapse, sizes and blooming seasons.
The options are endless in designing your own tulip flower garden for your home. The time to make your plans is now, to fill your home garden with a tulip flower of many different dazzling colors.

Red Tulips

Red Tulips
Although tulips are associated with Holland, both the flower and its name originated in the Persian Empire. The tulip is actually not a Dutch flower as many people tend to believe. The tulip, or "Laleh" as it's called in Persian, is a flower indigenous to Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and other parts of Central Asia. A Dutch ambassador in Turkey in the 16th century, who was also a great floral enthusiast, Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq, got their very names because of their Persian origins. Tulips were brought to Europe in the 16th century; the word tulip, which earlier in English appeared in such forms as tulipa or tulipant, came to us by way of French tulipe and its obsolete form tulipan or by way of Modern Latin tulīpa, from Ottoman Turkish tülbend, "muslin, gauze." (The English word turban, first recorded in English in the 16th century, can also be traced to Ottoman Turkish tülbend.) The Turkish word for gauze, with which turbans can be wrapped, seems to have been used for the flower because a fully opened tulip was thought to resemble a turban.
Tulips cannot be grown in the open in tropical climates, as they require a cold winter season to grow successfully. Manipulation of the tulip's growing temperature can, however, allow growers to "force" tulips to flower earlier than they normally would. Some historical cultivars have had a striped, "feathered", "flamed", or variegated flower, as in the illustration below. While some modern varieties also display multicoloured patterns, this results from a natural change in the upper and lower layers of pigment in the tulip flower. Historical variegated varieties - such as those admired in the Dutch tulipomania gained their delicately feathered patterns from an infection with Tulip Breaking potyvirus. The mosaic virus is carried by green peach aphids, Myzus persicae, an insect common in European gardens of the seventeenth century, in which peach trees were often a prominent feature. While the virus produces fantastically beautiful flowers, it also causes the plant to sicken and die slowly. Today, it has been almost completely eradicated from growers' fields. The Black Tulip was the title of a historical romance by Alexandre Dumas, père (1850), in which the city of Haarlem has a reward outstanding for the first grower who can produce a truly black tulip. This fascination with growing a black tulip, a biologically impossible task, was historically accurate to the tulipomania in which the novel is set. Tulips can be grown in either of two ways: through offsets or seed. Being genetic clones of the parent plant, offsets are the only way to enlarge the stock of a given tulip cultivar. By contrast, tulips do not come true from seed; the mixing of genes between parent tulips is very unpredictable. A tulip grown from seed will usually bear only a passing resemblance to the flower from which the seeds were taken. This makes for great potential in breeding new tulip flowers, and great variation in the wild. However, tulip growers must be patient: offsets often take at least a year to grow to sufficient size to flower, and a tulip grown from seed will not flower for anywhere between five and seven years after planting. "Broken" tulips (tulips affected by the mosaic virus) will occasionally revert to plain "breeder" colouring, but usually maintain their colourful, infected state when grown from offsets.

Allium

Allium
Spring flowering bulbs such as Alliums, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Scilla and the ever popular Tulip are available NOW. Backyardgardener provides the highest quality bulb in the world. Our vendors ship to the USA and UK, so don't be shy if you think the Atlantic Ocean will hinder your order

Any of numerous, usually bulbous plants of the genus Allium in the lily family, having long stalks bearing clusters of variously colored flowers and including many ornamental and food plants, such as onions, leeks, chives, garlic, and shallots.

Allium is the onion genus, with about 1250 species, making it one of the largest plant genera in the world. They are perennial bulbous plants that produce chemical compounds (mostly cystein sulfoxide) that give them a characteristic onion or garlic taste and odor, and many are used as food plants. Allium is classified in family Alliaceae although some classifications have included it in the lily family (Liliaceae).

Allium species occur in temperate climates of the northern hemisphere, except for a few species occurring in Chile (as Allium juncifolium), Brazil (Allium sellovianum) or tropical Africa (Allium spathaceum). They can vary in height between 5 cm and 150 cm. The flowers form an umbel at the top of a leafless stalk. The bulbs vary in size between species, from very small (around 2–3 mm in diameter) to rather big (8–10 cm). Some species (such as Welsh onion, A. fistulosum) develop thickened leaf-bases rather than forming bulbs as such.

Most bulbous alliums increase by forming little bulbs or "offsets" around the old one, as well as by seed. Several species can form many bulbils (tiny bulbs) in the flowerhead; in the so-called "tree onion" (A. cepa Proliferum Group) the bulbils are few, but large enough to be used for pickling.

Members of the genus include many valued vegetables such as onions, shallots, leeks and herbs such as garlic and chives. A strong "oniony" odor is characteristic of the whole genus, but not all members are equally flavorful.

Some Allium species, including A. cristophii and A. giganteum, are used as border plants for their flowers, and their "architectural" qualities. Several hybrids have been bred, or selected, with rich purple flowers. Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' is one of the most popular and has been given an Award of Garden Merit (H4). By contrast, other species (such as the invasive Allium triquetrum) can become troublesome garden weeds.

Various Allium species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera including Cabbage Moth, Common Swift moth (recorded on garlic), Garden Dart moth, Large Yellow Underwing moth, Nutmeg moth, Setaceous Hebrew Character moth, Turnip Moth and Schinia rosea, a moth which feeds exclusively on Allium sp.

All alliums have an eatable bulb, though some may not be palatable. Taste may be stronger or weaker depending of the species.

DAHLIA FLOWER

DAHLIA FLOWER
If ever there was a flower that knew the meaning of variety, it is the Dahlia. While it's colors are limited to the warm ranges of red, orange, yellow, pink and white, it's flowers come in a dizzying array of shapes and sizes. Dahlias are grouped into 6 size categories:

* Giant - more than 10 inches in diameter
* Large - 8-10 inches in diameter
* Medium - 6-8 inches in diameter
* Small - 4-6 inches in diameter
* Miniature - 2-4 inches in diameter
* Mignon - Less than 2 inches in diameter



Each variation of the dahlia petal is a beauty. Their petals can be spiky, wispy, round thin or a half dozen other variations. Even the color ranges from one solid color to a painted mixture of two or three colors.

Dahlias like well, drain, humus rich soil. They also like full light. While dahlias are not cold hardy, they do benefit from being grown in a cooler climate with plenty of rain fall.

Dahlias bloom from mid summer all the way up to frost. Many times their displayed will become more spectacular as the weather cools. Dahlias produce a better display if they are properly deadheaded and pinched.

Dahlias are commonly grown as an annual but they can be grown as a perennial if their tubers are dug up shortly after the first frost. To dig up a dahlia properly, simply dig the frost blackened plant out of the ground. Brush (not wash) as much soil off as possible and then cut the stems back to about 6 inches. Set them out in a cool dry place to dry for a day or two. Basements or garages are ideal for this. After they have dried out a bit, dust them with a bit of fungicide and pack them away. Packing them in vermiculite or sand will help to ensure that the tuber will not be affected by fungal infestations.
Dahlias are easily propagated by division. Simply replant the tubers and wait until the growth reaches between a half inch to a full inch. Dig the plant back up and divide the clump into a few pieces. Each new clump needs to have a shoot on it.
If you haven't grown dahlias before, then this summer I would highly recommend that you give them a try. The variety and vividness of the dahlia flower is difficult to find in any other flower.

Valentine's Day Flower Arrangements

Valentine's Day Flower Arrangements

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement Part-IX

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement-
Tools for Making a Tall Wedding Floral Arrangement

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement Part-VIII

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement
How to Add Greenery to a Wedding Floral Arrangement

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement Part-VII

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement
Tips for Using Wire in Floral Arrangements

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement Part-VI

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement
How to Use Wire in a Wedding Floral Arrangement

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement part-V

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement
How to Use Floral Foam in a Wedding Arrangement

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement Part-IV

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement
How to Add Flowers to Floral Foam

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement Part-III

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement
How to Pick a Vase for a Wedding Centerpiece

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement Part-II

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement :
How to Prepare Flowers for Floral Arrangements

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement Part-I

How to Make a Wedding Flower Arrangement

Red Rose

Dark, bright red Hybrid Tea. The perfect cutting rose, long stems, 4" blooms, the glossy leaves are mildew resistant, slightly fragrant.

Parrot Tulip

Parrot Tulip
Parrot tulips were already in existence in 1665. These plants are only produced from mutations; they are never reproduced from seeds. Possibly, they originated from cottage tulips. The old varieties were too feeble to stand up straight because the flowers were so heavy; they were always hanging over. Offspring from Darwin, Triumph, and Single Early tulips have improved the Parrot tulips. The flowers are fringed; the petals are not smooth along the margins, but decorated with parrot feathers. Individual flowers are multicoloured with yellow, green, orange or red stripes.

Parrot Tulips have petals that are feathered, curled, twisted, or waved. Besides this, the flowers are very large and brightly coloured. As a result, Parrot Tulips are extremely flamboyant. If you want dramatic tulips, these are a great choice.

Parrot Tulips were developed from mutations of certain late-flowering tulips, and from tulips in the Triumph class. As a result, some are late spring flowering, and some are mid-spring flowering. Heights also vary somewhat.

Yellow Tulip

Yellow Tulip
The flower began to grow and soon, long slender leaves began to sprout and petals emerged. As time went on, the Yellow Tulip’s leaves and petals began to wither. The Tulip felt that love was hopeless and was now alone.

Spring approached and The Yellow Tulip began to open herself up to the sun; which is where she found what she had been searching for all along. The sun would never let her down, she realized that he would always be there to protect and nurture her. The Yellow Tulip was now focused, calm and rejuvenated. Her sense of peace was evident to all that met her.

The Yellow Tulip strives to bring you calmness and rejuvenation. All of your health needs will be catered to. The Yellow Tulip will provide your body and mind with a wide variety of treatments that will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and complete.

Hybrid Tea rose

Hybrid Tea rose
One of the most popular rose types, these are tall, long-stemmed roses ideal for cutting--the roses you usually see at the florist. The flowers are usually borne singly, one to a stem, rather than in clusters. Blooms have a high-center point. In the garden they are often featured as single specimens or in a traditional rose cutting garden. Many varieties reveal a beautiful fragrance.
Hybrid Teas Roses are tall, elegant plants producing the classic long-stem rose. They produce individual blossoms and flower repeatedly during the season. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Hybrid Tea Roses are a Cultivar Group of roses, created by cross-breeding two different types of roses. Grown one flower to a long stem, they are supported by long, straight and upright stems. Hybrid Tea Roses can be as tall as 6 feet. Each rose bloom can be up to 5" in diameter. Hybrid Tea Roses are one of the world's most popular types of roses due to their color and flower form. Their long stems make these roses popular as cut flowers.

Flower Arrangements

Flower Arrangements






Use flexible, non-corrosive florist's wire to keep flowers in place in a vase. Place some inside the vase and then wrap some around the outside of the vase.

Stones, frosted marbles, and sea glass can also act as a frog in a vase. To add an extra touch, insert tiny waterproof lights. They last about 18 hours in water. Place them under the stones to light up the stones.

Wrap curly willow wire around your hand and insert it into a round bowl vase. Add a few flowers. The willow wire will keep the flowers in place. Change the water every two to three days.

To arrange flowers in a wide-mouthed glass container, use clear florist's tape. Clean the edge of the vase with vinegar so that the tape will stick to the glass. Crisscross the tape across the opening, creating little squares. Insert flowers into each opening.

Use items around the house to make interesting and beautiful arrangements. Fill a large pitcher with hydrangeas and roses, for example.

Fill a small teapot with dainty flowers.

Wrap a bunch of grass around your hand and insert it into a glass vase. This makes the vase look more natural.

Use rainbow foam to create a display. Just place the desired amount in a zippered bag and add water until the foam is wet. Layer the foam by color in a wide-mouthed vase. Place a sheet of plastic wrap between each layer. Add more water after each layer. Insert flowers.

Stones, frosted marbles, and sea glass can also act as a frog in a vase. To add an extra touch, insert tiny waterproof lights. They last about 18 hours in water. Place them under the stones to light up the stones.

Wrap curly willow wire around your hand and insert it into a round bowl vase. Add a few flowers. The willow wire will keep the flowers in place. Change the water every two to three days.

To arrange flowers in a wide-mouthed glass container, use clear florist's tape. Clean the edge of the vase with vinegar so that the tape will stick to the glass. Crisscross the tape across the opening, creating little squares. Insert flowers into each opening.

Use items around the house to make interesting and beautiful arrangements. Fill a large pitcher with hydrangeas and roses, for example.

Fill a small teapot with dainty flowers.

Wrap a bunch of grass around your hand and insert it into a glass vase. This makes the vase look more natural.

Use rainbow foam to create a display. Just place the desired amount in a zippered bag and add water until the foam is wet. Layer the foam by color in a wide-mouthed vase. Place a sheet of plastic wrap between each layer. Add more water after each layer. Insert flowers.

Polyantha Roses

Polyantha Roses
Polyantha is Greek for 'blooming' and the very first Polyantha rose is attributed to Guillots' "Paquerette" which was introduced in 1875. The Polyanthas turned out to be great bloom producers, repeating through summer and fall. Blooms are generally 1 to 2 inches in diameter and in large clusters.

Colors are delicate creams, pinks and golds. The foliage is supposedly disease rsistant but some disease, especially blackspot, has been noticed. These are great rose bushes for the warmer south and the more arid conditions. Some do not tolerate extreme cold. As was noted earlier, they have been surpassed by their younger relative the "Floribunda" and therefore tend to be overlooked a little.

This is a group of small flowered roses, developed by crossing dwarfs of Rosa multiflora with dwarf China roses. Extremely tough and continuously flowering, Polyanthas are ideal used as border plants or in containers. They are quite hardy, dependable and carefree to grow but most have little or no scent. Polyanthas are characterized by a profusion of flowers in many colors and a tidy growth habit. It was Polyanthas that were combined with Hybrid Teas to create the Floribundas. They are useful for creating bright accents in the garden because they produce lots of color over they season. 'Mlle. Cécile Brünner', 'Perle d'Or' and 'Clotilde Soupert' are familiar Polyantha roses and have continued as a minor group up until the present, however they are somewhat overshadowed by their successors, the Floribundas.

Pruning Polyanthas is very similar to pruning Floribundas. Many small canes are produced, with clusters of many small flowers so deadheading would seem to be a problem but evidently it isn't as they drop easily. All dead canes should be removed but light pruning is the order of the day: no more than one quarter of the growth from healthy canes. Almost just like a haircut!

Even though the Polyantha Roses have been overshadowed by the Florubundas, these small, compact bushes with masses of small, scented flowers, offer an interesting addition to our rose beds. A fronting hedge, a container collection or perhaps a low groundcover, these roses of history still pay handsomely for their keep.

Rambling roses

Rambling roses
Rambling roses are older and closer to wild roses and were developed between 1800 and 1921. They are generally more vigorous and disease resistant than the more modern climbers, can grow up to 20 feet tall in one season and are mostly hardy to Zone 4. The blooms of ramblers are smallish, less than two inches across and bloom in dense clusters, although some of the newer varieties have larger flowers. Many ramblers are vulnerable to mildew.

Noisette Roses

Noisette Roses
The Noisette roses can be traced back to the time when a rice farmer in Charleston South Carolina named John Champney received 'Old Blush', also known as 'Parson's Pink China', from his neighbor Philippe Noisette.

Philippe Noisette came to Charleston from France via Haiti in the early 1800's. Distinguished horticulturists made up his family in France. Philippe became the superintendent of the South Carolina Medical Society's Botanical Garden. A large tract of land was purchased on the outskirts of the city where there was room for gardens and a nursery. This became known as the Noisette farm.

John Champney received 'Old Blush' from his neighbor Philippe Noisette, and crossed it with Rosa moschata. This resulted in 'Champney's Pink Cluster' (1802), a major contribution from an American grower to the rose family. John Champney then gave Philippe seedlings of 'Champney's Pink Cluster' in return for Philippe having given John 'Old Blush'. Philippe sowed the seeds of 'Champney's Pink Cluster' and produced 'Blush Noisette', which he sent to his brother in France in 1814. This started a new craze to breed a group of roses known as the Noisettes. Thomas Rivers wrote about 'Blush Noisette' or 'Rosier Noisette' in The Rose Amateur's Guide, "Perhaps no new rose was ever so much admired as this. When first introduced its habit was so peculiar, and so unlike any other known variety, that the Parisian amateurs were quite enraptured with it." Redouté painted 'Blush Noisette' in 1821 under the name Rosa noisettiana (see illustration at the top of this page). The rose was also classified and described by the botanist Claude-Antoine Thory to accompany the Redouté.

The early Noisettes combined the broad, shrubby habit, and scented large clusters of the Musk Roses with the pink coloring, larger flowers and continuous blooming pattern of the Chinas. 'Blush Noisette' is blush colored, but other varieties come in a spectrum of colors ranging from pure white to crimson. Around 1825 French rose breeders started to try and obtain yellow Noisettes by crossing 'Blush Noisette' with 'Park's Yellow China'. This produced many great beauties. When the early Noisettes (Musk x China) were crossed with Teas they produced the Tea-Noisettes.

Bourbon Roses

Bourbon Roses
These roses are said to have originated off the coast of Madagascar. These roses have semi climbing shrubs and a purple tinted cane. They are probably the result of a cross between the Autumn Damask and the Old Bush China rose.
Bourbon Roses are named for the Ile Bourbon, now called Reunion, in the Indian Ocean, where they traditionally are supposed to have originated from a natural cross between the China `Parsons' Pink' and the red `Tous-les-Mois', a Damask Perpetual, two roses which were used as hedge material on the island. (This, however, is an area of hot dispute in almost every particular.) Seeds of thisSouvenir de la Malmaison plant, and cuttings of the plant, showed up in Paris in 1819 and 1821 respectively. The way in which the virtues of its disparate parents were combined made these new roses popular, and after ten years of largely unsuccessful attempts, good new Bourbons began to come out of the breeding grounds in the 1830's. In the best of them, vigor was combined with floriferousness, and beauty with fragrance.

A typical Bourbon will have the arching growth harkening back to its Damask ancestors, with the lush flowers and fragrance from much the same source; but it will also have a strong tendency to rebloom from the China ancestor, as well as a certain often subtle influence of the China flower form. Bourbons, however, are often not typical at all, and range from the arching growth just mentioned to the very dwarf, China-like growth of the cultivar 'Hermosa', indeed one of the oldest Bourbons still available (it had shown up by 1835). They range in color from deep reds through pinks to blush and white.

Bermuda Rose

Bermuda Rose
These roses were found to be growing in Bermuda for a century. They are highly resistant to plant diseases and loss like nematode damage and fungal diseases.
For the few species of plants and trees that are endemic, the considerable number that are native and the vast majority that were introduced, see Bermuda Plants. There is no wet and dry season, but summer droughts and winter gales are common. It has a sub tropical and frost free climate. There is a constantly high humidity, especially from May to October, but no frost or snow. Temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees F or rise above 90 degrees F.

The surrounding Atlantic Ocean and proximity of the Gulf Stream exert a moderating influence on the climate. Bermuda soil is alkaline, limestone in origin and with depth from two to three feet to an inch or less. Below it is solid limestone.

Every year, Brightwater Holidays of the United Kingdom (Cupar, Fife, Scotland) feature under "Island Holidays" their "Gardens of Bermuda" tours

Bermuda has numerous areas on trails, woodlands and even private roads with plants including poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) and stinging nettles, very similar in size and shape to those in North America. Keep well clear of them

China Roses

China Roses
(Rosa bracteata)
As evident from their name, the China roses were grown in East Asia. These roses bloom repeatedly in summer and in late autumn. These flowers also tan in time. They are smaller and less fragrant than other roses. They also bloom poorly.
A rose is a perennial flower shrub or vine of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae, that contains over 100 species and comes in a variety of colors. The species form a group of erect shrubs, and climbing or trailing plants, with stems that are often armed with sharp prickles. It is a common error to refer to roses having thorns. But thorns are modified leaves, whereas these sharp protrusions on a rose are modified epidermal tissues (prickles). Most are native to Asia, with smaller numbers of species native to Europe, North America, and northwest Africa. Natives, cultivars and hybrids are all widely grown for their beauty and fragrance. [1]

The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, with sharply toothed oval-shaped leaflets. The plant's fleshy edible fruit is called a rose hip. Rose plants range in size from puny, miniature roses, to climbers that can reach 20 meters in height. Species from different parts of the world easily hybridize, which has given rise to the many types of garden roses.

The name originates from Latin rosa, borrowed from Oscan from colonial Greek in southern Italy: rhodon (Aeolic form: wrodon), from Aramaic wurrdā, from Assyrian wurtinnu, from Old Iranian *warda (cf. Armenian vard, Avestan warda, Sogdian ward, Also the Hebrew ורד = vered and the Aramaic ורדא: these preceded the Greek above. Parthian wâr).[2][3]

Attar of rose is the steam-extracted essential oil from rose flowers that has been used in perfumes for centuries. Rose water, made from the rose oil, is widely used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The French are known for their rose syrup, most commonly made from an extract of rose petals. In the United States, this French rose syrup is used to make rose scones.

Rose hips are occasionally made into jam, jelly, and marmalade, or are brewed for tea, primarily for their high Vitamin C content. They are also pressed and filtered to make rose hip syrup. Rose hips are also used to produce Rose hip seed oil, which is used in skin products and some makeup products.

China Rose (Hibiscus)

China Rose (Hibiscus)
Hibiscus grow wild in many tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate regions around the world.
Hibiscus is a diverse genus made up of roughly 220 species of annuals, herbaceous perennials, shrubs, subshrubs, and trees. Hibiscus have been cultivated for centuries. The name 'Hibiscus' comes from hibiskos, the old Greek name for the common marsh mallow. The most commonly grown species is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, which means China Rose.

Hibiscus are large, flat, conspicuous, trumpet-shaped flowers. Hiscus flowers have five petals, ranging from white to pink, red, purple or yellow. The Hisbiscus petals range in size from 4-15 cm broad.

Damask Roses

Damask Roses
Rosa damascena
The Damask bloom once in summer. They have more vicious thorns than many other rose types. The Damask rose was first seen in 1254.

Damask Roses are supposed to be from a hybridization between R. gallica and R. phoenicia which occurred in Asia Minor and became distributed throughout Syria and the Near East and Middle East generally. The Crusaders--according to tradition--brought it back to Europe from Damascus (hence the name) in 1254. However, there is a most daunting and seemingly impenetrable fog around R. damascena. References can be found to "the common Damask" as late as the 1820's, and yet what an author is referring to by this term remains elusive. It indeed frequently seems that "the Common Damask" is rather a Damask Perpetual!
Worse, cultivars which we today consider as defining the group--`Leda', perhaps, and 'Mme. Hardy'--seem to have been hybrids. 'Celsiana', a most beautiful and popular rose, is possibly "typical" Damask; and yet, even it has its mystery (current research seems to indicate that the "pre-1750" date usually put forward is whimsical). Even 'York and Lancaster', frequently considered to be a sport of the original (red?) Damask, is supposed by one authority to be an Alba on the basis of a
sporting back to something like the Alba 'Semiplena'! The cultivar used
for the rose oil industry in Bulgaria, `Trigintipetala', supposedly a
long-ago import from Turkey, is perhaps dependably R. damascena . . . .
That said, characteristics associated with our concept of what a Damask
should look like are: upright frequently arching canes, grayish-green
somewhat rugose somewhat hirsute leaves, large fragrant blossoms in
few-flowered clusters, delicate in appearance, and ranging in color
from white to deep pink depending on the cultivar. 'Ville de
Bruxelles', `Celsiana', `Mme. Hardy', 'Mme. Zoetmans', 'Kazanlyk'.

Alba Roses

Alba Roses (white roses)
The alba are white roses which are derived from the Rosa arvensis and the Rosa alba. They are the oldest garden roses. These flowers flower once every year in the spring. They mostly have blossoms of white or pale pink.

Alba Roses are hybrids whose antiquity may go back further than the Roman Empire. Pliny, who lived from 23-79 A.D., mentioned white roses in his Natural History. Botanists believe these roses may have been Albas.

Graham Thomas supports Dr. C. C. Hurst's theory that Albas are derived from the dog rose, Rosa canina, and the Damask rose, Rosa damascena. (More on this can be found in The Graham Stuart Thomas Rose Book).

Albas make elegant upright shrubs with beautiful blue-green foliage, which some may call grey. Botanists have differentiated the Albas from other roses by their grey, scentless leaflets. They only bloom in spring. They have delicate coloring ranging from white through exquisite soft shades of pink. They have a penetrating pure rosy fragrance with tones of citrus. They are resistant to disease for the most part. Many can tolerate shade, drought, and are winter hardy.

Christopher Brickell suggests pruning Albas like Centifolias, Mosses, and most Damasks. He groups these roses together because they mainly flower on short lateral and sublateral shoots produced from second-year or older wood. These roses also regularly produce vigorous basal or near-basal shoots, which may grow 5-8 feet in one season. He suggests tipping back unripe or damaged shoots in the first year. For the second and following years, he suggests cutting back long new basal growths by up to one-third in February or March. He notes that care must be taken not to cut back the new shoots too much or the elegant arched habit can be lost. He also recommends cutting back laterals on flowered shoots to 2-3 eyes or 4-6 inches. It is also a good idea to cut out any badly placed shoots. In addition, summer dead-heading and tipping back extra-long growths to minimize wind-rock is encouraged in September to November.