“People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us.”  —Iris Murdoch, A Fairly Honourable

In honor of the newly engaged, newly weds and those celebrating a special anniversary, here’s another helping of romance trivia for you to enjoy.

Morning Kissing
Studies indicate that a man who kisses his wife good-bye when he leaves for work every morning averages a higher income than those who don’t. Husbands who exercise the rituals of affection tend to be more painstaking, more stable, more methodical, thus, higher earners. Studies also show that men who kiss their wives before leaving in the morning live 5 years longer than those who don’t.

On Bended Knee
One in 5 men proposes on one knee.

Phone Proposals
6% of men proposed to their girlfriends over the phone.

Roman Romance
Juno, queen of heaven and partner to Jupiter (a.k.a Zeus, the king of gods) rules over marriage, the hearth and childbirth. The month of June takes its name from her, making it most appropriate for weddings.

Sweetest Day
It began in Cleveland, Ohio during the depression years to give a “small token of friendship orphans, shut-ins, the underprivileged, and the homeless.” Today the holiday has expanded and become more commercialized as a romantic holiday.

Sweetest Day Origins
While sweetest day is not known in all parts of the country, it is extremely popular in others. Some speculate that it’s simply a Hallmark invented holiday to get more money out of our pockets. Do you know how it really came about?

The Longest Engagement
Sixty-seven years, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The happy couple finally wed at age 82!

Tying the Knot
The expression, “tying the knot” dates to Roman times, when the bride wore a girdle that was tied in knots - which the groom then had the fun of untying.

Know a couple celebrating an anniversary, newly wed or newly engaged?

Be sure to send your regards with flowers from EDEN FLORIST.

Surfing the net I was looking for Fourth of July ideas to share with Tulips Talk readers and I found an excellent article on the Southern Living Magazine website. Here’s an excerpt:

Independence Day stirs the heart with red, white, and blue. While you’re planning for the holiday, include a pot of patriotic posies for your table or set one by your front door. Better yet, jazz up your window boxes with stars-and-stripes colors. There are numerous flower combinations to consider, whether you have sun or shade.

To read the rest of the article visit: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3676/is_200007/ai_n8924612

Another article I found on Fourth of July Flowers by Wesley Berry, AAF  begins like this:

Your Fourth of July celebration could begin and end with a real bang when you use flowers to accent and decorate the day. If you’re thinking you need to stick with the traditional red, white, and blue carnation arrangements you normally see on Independence Day, think again! Flowers come in so many varieties and they’re so easy to customize to the occasion that the possibilities are endless.

If you’re planning on throwing a Fourth of July celebration, contact your local florist for help in choosing the perfect floral arrangements and other accents to make your party memorable and your guests feel special. When you decorate with fresh flowers, it shows your guests that you’ve taken the time to think about how you can make the surroundings beautiful and enjoyable for them. Your florist can make doing so easier than you ever thought possible.

To read the rest of the article, visit: http://www.thephantomwriters.com/free_content/db/b/fourth-of-july-flowers.shtml

For some great Patriotic Desserts, be sure and check out the Martha Stewart site.

I also found this article from the New York Times Archives (dated 1914) - “How to Use Flowers Effectively in Fourth of July Decorations — Attractive Souvenirs of the Day Which May Be Easily Made at Home.” You can read it here: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9905EEDC143AE633A2575BC2A9609C946596D6CF

Be sure and check out EDEN FLORIST to honor and celebrate Fourth of JULY with your family and friends.

Today I was surfing the net for some cool resources Tulips Talk readers might enjoy and found the Snapdragons blog with Jane Lindsey.

Jane has a wonderful flower tutorial with great instructions for putting flowers together.

Check it out here: http://snapdragongarden.co.uk/step%20by%20step_July.htm

While reading Jane’s blog I came across another blogger – Vintage Pretty.

VP wrote a great article called “Heaven Scent”  (tips to keeping your house smelling fab) which you can read here: http://vintagepretty.org/2005/06/21/heaven-scent/

I also found a blog post by Anna Spiro, Interior Designer in Brisbane Australia and author of Absolutely Beautiful things that is just pretty to look at http://absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com/ and even has some great flowers and things!

I just love surfing and sharing!

Happy reading….

Heidi

When you are finished reading the above, be sure and stop by Eden Florist and order someone special flowers.

More about the psychological benefits of flowers

Dr. Edward Bach, surgeon and doctor of homeopathy believed that the mind played a key role in a person’s health.  Having identified 38 negative states of mind, Bach began a mission to discover remedies for them. Leaving a thriving medical practice the good doctor devoted himself to making remedies from plants and flowers found along the English countryside.  He developed tinctures made of those plants and flowers which he mixed with brandy.  Bach firmly believed that he could treat states of mind, like anxiety, fear, uncertainty and restlessness with his creations.  

The book “The Bach Flower Remedies” (available at Amazon.com for $9.97) is an overview of the natural remedies that have become legendary for their effective treatment of common conditions.

Say it with Flowers this Mother’s Day!

We all know lilies and tulips signify spring, but what other flowers would make great Mother’s Day bouquets this year?  We’ve checked out the latest colors and compiled the most beautiful flower arrangements and bouquets sure to please even the most discriminating Mom. 

1. Roses

Roses are still the most popular flower among women of all ages and walks of life. If you’re looking for elegance this Mother’s Day, then roses are an excellent choice.

2. Mixed Bouquets

As assortment of brightly colored flowers will ’say’ to Mom, “You are The Best!”

Carnations, ever popular and traditional are always a good choice for Mother’s Day.

4. Gerbera Daisies

These flowers radiate peace and beauty. These are great in a vase or potted to enjoy for weeks to come. A popular flower for your Mom. 

5. Daisies

After a long winter, Mom is sure to enjoy daisies. They are bright, cheerful and say “I appreciate you Mom!”

6. Orchids

Graceful dendrobium orchids tastefully arranged in a vase are sure to please the modern Mom.

7. White Lillies

A bouquet of white lillies is stunning. White, the color of purity, peace and love is perfect match for a great mom like yours.

8. Tulips

Who can resist that feeling of springtime tulips bring. Go with the colors you love and mix and match for a bouquet your Mother is sure to love.

9. Exotic

Tropical flowers such as birds of paradise, anthurium and ginger arranged together say “Mom, you are wonderful!”

10. Potted Orchid Plants

Orchid plants require little care and bring so much joy, how could a mother resist?

3. Carnations

Mother’s Week is May 5-11 and Mother’s Day is May 11th. Remember Mom with flowers!  Call Eden Florist at 954-981-5515 or visit our website at www.EdenFlorist.com. Order Early!

Remember when you were a school girl (or boy as the case may be) and your teacher gave you a project of planting a seed in a paper cup? I do, I think the first time we did that was in 1^st grade and the nuns (did I mention I’m a recovering Catholic? *SMILE) gave each student a paper cup, and some seeds which I don’t even recall what they were. We marched outside to the school yard, hoes in hand and began digging up the earth so we could put the dirt in our humble paper cups, add seeds, a little water and then wait.  We waited for what seemed like eternity (probably only a few days in adult time) as the paper cups sprouted little green leaves.  I remember how proud I was of that little plant… that I (and God) could actually create a living thing!  In fact, it is probably the only good memory I have of Catholic School.  This is, I am sure what started my love, awe and respect for flowers.

According to the National Gardening Association, gardening is one of the nation’s most popular pastimes. One in four Americans says that gardening is a real hobby or interest of theirs. About one in four spends four or more hours per week tending lawns, flowers, and vegetables.  It wonder how it is around the world? In some parts the numbers are probably much higher!

It got me thinking about how flowers affect us in such profound ways.  In fact today reminded me of a story Gloria Mount shared on the WIN network here on RYZE (in 2006) which I’d like to share with you today:

THE FAMILY ROSE by Gloria Mount

Elizabeth is standing along side of what we are now calling, “The Family Rose”, at our home in California.

It was just a nice little red rose bush, to begin with and suddenly, it has taken on a life of its own.

It began with Liz’s wedding back in December 2004. The morning of her wedding, for various reasons, I was not able to attend her “original” ceremony. That morning, when I went to get the morning paper, I was heavy hearted.

Then I noticed this red rose, in full bloom….in the dead of winter, the only plant in the garden blooming. I was amazed, but knew the Lord was comforting me.

Come February 2005, the morning of my Mother-In-Law’s funeral….suddenly in our barren rose garden was this Red-Rose in full bloom!!! We cut it and took it with us to the services.

When Baby Luke was born, Oct. 2005 there was this Red-Rose!!

December 2005 when Christina was here for Christmas holidays, the day we took her to her Grandma’s grave site….here was this red-rose in full bloom!! We cut it and Chris put it on Grandma Mount’s lovely grave.

Now, May 2006, the morning of Liz’s Bday. I walked outside and saw 2 brilliant red buds….by the time we came back from her Bday breakfast…there was the Red Rose, in full bloom !!!!

Now, I’m wondering how Christina came to name her website….Cyerra Rose…I’m sure Chris wasn’t thinking of our roses here in Whittier….but “Some One” had guided her heart and mind.

As I’m writing this, the connection, now is amazing.

Cyerra Rose was always a beautiful name, but, now it all makes sense with our “Family Red Rose”.

God loves to delight us!!!!

If you’d like to stop by Gloria’s page and say HI and thank her for her story, it’s here: http://www.ryze.com/go/Italianmamma

In case you’d like to read about the other benefits, check out a post I wrote last month entitled “NATURES BENEFITS” at  http://tulipstalk.wordpress.com/2008/03/12/natures-benefits/

And if you like flower humor, here’s one for you:

What did the bee say to the flower?

“Hey bud, when do you open?

Time to get out the shovel … Happy Plant a Flower Day!

Heidi

“The breeze and the dew make tranquil the clear dawn; Behind a curtain there is one who alone is up betimes. The Orioles sing and the flowers smile - whose then, after all is the spring.  Li Shange-Yin

Flowers enhance the appearance of any room

Participants in the Harvard study reported the greatest mood-boosting effects when fresh cut flowers were placed in common areas of the home such as the kitchen, dining room and family room. To make a small room appear more spacious use bold colored arrangements near the entrance of the rooms and more subtle shades of the same color theme around the room.

Or brighten an office with colorful, spring flowers.  Here are just a few ideas

 Place bud vases in high traffic home areas – with even just a few flowers. Any decorative glass from the kitchen will do!

The kitchen table might be the best place for flowers, because it’s where people gather together.

Stop by a florist or supermarket, where you’ll find a wide selection of flowers from which to choose.

Decorate any table in the house with fresh flowers to brighten a corner, or add life to a room.

 The foyer, entryway or sunny window always look good with a vase of fresh flowers. 

 Fill open spaces bold flowers. An abundant arrangement of lilies, gladiolus, sunflowers and other large blooms create an inviting environment for an expansive entryway or dining room.  A bouquet can also perk up personal spaces such as bathrooms and bedrooms.

flowers on a windowsill make a perfect accent to your view.   Those looking in and those looking out can enjoy the healing power of fresh flowers.

 Make it a family affair! Gather flowers from your favorite florist and let the kids help put them together.

For more information on how flowers in the home can lift the spirits, visit http://www.aboutflowers.com/decorating_b3.html

Stop by your local florist and pick up a beautiful bouquet (or several) of your favorite cut flowers.  If you are in South Broward (Florida) be sure to stop by Eden Florist (in lovely downtown Miramar).  Tell them Heidi sent you! (Society of American Florists - aboutflowers.com)

Ever noticed how good it feels to be around green, growing things? Not only do flowers and plants make us feel good, did you know there are measurable health benefits associated with their presence? Here are some facts based on research in horticultural therapy:

Looking at trees and flowers reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and relieves muscle tension.

In one study, women 50 and older who gardened at least once a week had higher bone density than those who jogged, walked, swam or did aerobics.

Physicians in ancient Egypt prescribed taking walks in gardens for the mentally disturbed.

People working at computers in an office with plants were 12% more productive and less stressed than people doing the same job in an office where no plants were present.

Working In a garden can produce endorphin highs similar to those experienced when jogging and cycling.

Working gardens and natural scenes were used to maintain morale aboard the Soviet space station Mir.

A study of British Columbia residences for Alzheimer’s patients showed that, at the residences with gardens, the rate of violent incidents declined by 19% over two years. At the non-garden residences, the violent incidents increased by 68%.

For elderly patients in particular, gardening can stimulate all the senses, by providing interesting sights, tactile experiences, fragrances, sounds, and delicious flavors.

According to another study “Those involved in gardening find life more satisfying and feel they have more positive things happening in their lives.”

Resource: The Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association

Thirteen Rules of Edible Flowers

The use of flowers in food dates back thousands of years to the Chinese, Greek and Romans. And with the resurgence of the world’s desire to save the planet, the interest in edible flowers has become more desirable. In keeping with the current “trends” people may want to experiment with flowers and plants more as a food sourse.  However there are some rules or guidelines you must keep in mind when experimenting. First ofl all, remember that even if the flower isn’t poisonious does not mean it’s edible.

Before partaking of flowers , review these 13 simple rules:

1. Before consuming any flowers,  consult a good reference book on edible flowers to be certain they can be used in your recipes and eaten.
2. Not all flowers used as “garnish” or decorations on plates are edible. When in doubt, ask the server or chef or simply “throw it out.”
3. When growing your edible flowers only use pesticides when necessary and only those  products labeled for use on edible crops.
4. Do not eat flowers from florists, nurseries or garden centers.It is common for these flowers have been treated with pesticides that are not considered safe for edible crops.
5. Never eat flowers picked from the side of the road.
6. Eat only the flower petals and prepare according to recipes. Remvoe the pistils and stamens from flowers when preparing your dishes.
7. Different flavors occur in plants when grown in different locations because of soil types, fertilization, and culture. Environmental conditions play a big role as well. What has excellent flavor at one time may taste different at the end of the season or the next year.
8. To avoid digestive problems, it is a good idea to introduce flowers into your diet in small quantities one species at a time. Too
9. Because some flowers may aggravate allergies, it is best to start small when introducing edible flowers into your mealplans.
10. Collect flowers at the optimum time. Pick fully open flowers in the cool of the day. Avoid flowers that are starting to wilt.
11. Sample the flower for taste. If it’s bitter and you expected it to be sweet, you may not want to use it just yet.
12. Flowers mature at different rates (just like people) and depending on the soil, time of year and weather conditions, this year’s crop may have a totally different taste than those used in previous harvests.
13. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Edible flowers can add zest to your recipes, they add a whole new variety of flavors and colors that you may never have experiences.   

Have fun experimenting and experiencing the new dimension they can bring to your cooking.

Source: Horticulture News http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1995/7-21-1995/eatflow.html