Caring for Flowers



Colonial Flower Shop of Ronkonkoma suggests that you follow these important care instructions to ensure that your flowers stay happy and healthy longer!

The first 24 hours is the most crucial period, affecting the longevity of your flowers as flowers absorb half the water they require to survive during this time.

All Flowers

Recut all stems approximately 3-4cm before putting in clean water
Keep flowers in a cool place away from drafts
Keep flowers away from heaters, televisions and microwaves
Keep flowers away from fruit as it releases a gas called ethylene, which accelerates the ageing process of flowers
Use flower food preservative with each water change(it's ok to use half the package each time)


Roses

Remove the water pouches(aka water vials) from the flower stem ends
Remove any foliage (leaves) that will sit below the water line in the vase
Cut the stems on an angle with a pair of sharp scissors about 3-4cm off the bottom of each stem – this will enable the roses to drink properly from the water – do not break or flatten the stems
Ensure the vase you use is completely clean
Use tepid water – at this temperature oxygen is drawn up more easily through the stems
Add the flower preservative – one sachet or half per ½ litre of water
Change the water in the vase every second day
2 days after delivery, remove 2 or 3 outer petals on the roses to allow newer and fresher petals to come through
If roses start to droop, wrap head with paper so rose stands straight up, secure with a rubberband, re-cut stems and add ice cubes to clean water

Tulips

Recut stems on an angle every 3 days.
Tulips like dirty water!
They don’t like flower preservatives.
Tulips generally grow towards the light.
They don’t always grow upright and have a natural bend or ‘droop’.
Tulips really do continue to grow once they have been cut.
Add pennies to the water to make the tulpis stand straight up if you like that look.


Gerberas

Recut stem on an angle
Gerberas prefer minimal water (approx. 5cm deep) as this prevents soggy stems
Tiny pinprick at the top of the stem just below the head may prevent drooping
Add flower preservative


Lilies

Prefer well-lit areas
To prevent staining of clothing or furniture, remove stamens (the little seeds inside the lily) as soon as lilies
open, as they are not powdery at this stage
Add flower preservative


Hydrangea

Split stems across the bottom as opposed to cutting them on an angle
Boil some water in a pan, and take off the heat once it has boiled. Dip 2cm of the stems into the water for 5 seconds only
You may Spray heads with cold water or immerse under cold water when weather is very hot/dry – this should be done preferably in the morning or at night
Woody stemmed flowers such as these should only be used in bouquets as they cannot absorb water in oasis


Irises

Recut stems on an angle daily
Add flower preservative
Change water daily



Singapore Orchids

Recut stems on an angle daily
Orchids do not need flower preservative
Orchids love to be kept in cool areas without heating
Keep all flowers above the water line

Natives

Recut stems on an angle daily
Natives do not like flower preservative
Change water daily
Natives can be kept in hot or cold conditions

Valentines Roses - Rose Colors and Traditional Rose Meanings www.colonialflowershoplr.com
Know what rose colors symbolize before sending a bouquet.

"Pink rose"

Pink roses connote joy and happiness.



Roses are the traditional gift given on Valentines Day, but they're certain to be well-received any time of year. But before you buy roses, know what message you're sending.

The color of a rose can have a very different meaning from what you intend. To ensure that your love understands what the roses you bestow mean, check this guide to rose colors and their meanings:

Red Roses
Red roses proclaim "I love you." They are the ultimate symbol of romantic love and enduring passion. Florists can't keep up with Valentines Day demand for red roses, which makes them especially expensive in February.

Yellow Roses
Yellow roses indicate friendship and freedom -- so don't send them if your intentions are romantic and long-lasting. Yellow roses are also appropriate for sending congratulations to newlyweds, graduates, Texans, and new mothers.

Pale Pink Roses
Pale pink roses connote grace, gentleness, and gratitude.

Light Pink Roses
A joy to behold, light pink roses express fun and happiness.

Deep Pink Roses
Deep pink roses say "Thank you."

Lilac Roses
Lilac roses indicate the sender has fallen in love at first sight with the recipient and is enchanted.

White Roses
Pure white roses symbolize truth and innocence. They also send other messages: "I miss you" and "You're heavenly."

Coral Roses
Coral roses express one thing with their passionate color: Desire.

Peach Roses
Peach roses speak of appreciation, gratitude, and also sympathy.

Orange Roses
Orange roses communicate enthusiasm and desire on the part of the sender.

Dead Roses
Regardless of the original color, dead roses say "It's over" loud and clear.

COMBINED ROSES
Put two or more colors of roses together, and a new rose meaning arises:

White Roses + Yellow Roses
A symbol of harmony.

Red Roses + Yellow Roses
A message of happiness and celebration.

Red Roses + White Roses
An indication of bonding and harmony.

MORE ROSE SYMBOLISM
While roses are traditionally presented in bouquet form, these are also acceptable:

Single Red Rose
"I love you" (but I'm not going to go broke telling you).

Single Rose Any Color
"I thank you" (and I'm still not going to go broke saying so).

Two Roses Entwined
An engagement or marriage is imminent.


Valentine's Day Flowers Valentines Day Headquarters
Great Valentine's Day Gifts

Find a Gift by Price $25-500 Valentines Day Chocolate Gifts,Valentines Gift Guide coming soon!

www.colonialflowershoplr.com

Call for Val Day Specials and YES, we do have the Ultimate 3 ft. Roses, reserve these beauties now!
1-800-884-3569

Trends for Celebrating the Holidays in Style with Flowers

The winter holiday season is the No. 1 floral-buying time of year. With that in mind, the Society of American Florists (SAF) has teamed with the host of Discovery Channel's Surprise by Design Rebecca Cole to showcase the floral trends that will give homes a festive feeling this holiday season. Festive greenery with candle centerpiece

“Because we're returning to our roots and hosting intimate celebrations at home, we'll see more traditional colors, and greenery, whose scents will bring us back to our childhood,” said Cole, who also is a contributor to the Today show.

The Traditional Meaning of Greenery

Great holiday arrangements begin with greenery. In ancient cultures, people believed that bringing foliage into the home during the season was lucky and guaranteed the return of vegetation in the spring. Even today, green remains a staple in holiday décor.

Tips for Sprucing Up Your Home Scented christmas greenery baskets

* Christmas Flowers Incorporate a scented pine or other greens into a centerpiece or table arrangement. Accent the greens with flowers that complement the home's décor.
* Ask your florist for a bunch of evergreen, cypress or mistletoe to place throughout your home – over the threshold, in the foyer or on the mantel. Line a mantel or dining table with small evergreen topiaries or “baby” Christmas trees decorated with bows or flowers.
* Florists carry a wide selection of poinsettias in pink, peach, white, plum and speckled or marbled varieties, in addition to the traditional red.

According to Cole, “Whether it's a gift or for home décor, ‘colorful greenery' is a thoughtful and long-lasting way to send holiday cheer.”

Gifts of Abundance Christmas flowers

It is well known that people remember receiving flowers. According to a recent study by SAF and The Michael Cohen Group, 92 percent of women remember the last time they received flowers. Because they are a time when memories are made, there is no better time than the holidays for sending a sentiment of caring.

“Sending flowers for the holidays is the gift of emotion,” Cole said. “The season has a way of conjuring up feelings of nostalgia. We think about grandma's house, the cozy fireplace, the great feast and good times with family and friends. Flowers and plants are the finishing touch that make the holidays complete.”

From wreaths to centerpieces, bulb plants and topiaries, Cole shares her best bets for holiday winners.

* Amaryllis and Paper White Narcissus are examples of bulb plants that if given after Thanksgiving or in early December, will bloom just in time for Christmas. Cyclamen, kalanchoe and Christmas cactus are other great flowering plant options.
* Ask your florist to design an arrangement incorporating fruits and vegetables to create a winter harvest feeling.
* Candles added to a centerpiece create a sense of warmth and glow to the holiday table. Shiny decorative balls incorporated into a centerpiece will reflect the light for an even more festive feel.

Christmas Flowers Holiday Soirees

According to Cole, this year's designs will be all about simple elegance with a flair for fun. “If you don't have a white Christmas on the outside, bring it inside, with big bunches of anemones or other white flowers,” Cole said.

Cole has this advice for creating festive, colorful tables for dinner, brunch or even cocktail hour.

* Florists are now creating beautiful flower arrangements using colorful poinsettias and amaryllis – now available as cut flowers – for a stylish centerpiece.
* Decorate a brunch table with splashes of morning hues, including oranges, yellows and reds in decorative containers, or even champagne flutes.
* Fill a round Christmas ornament or other small holiday container with small bunches of flowers to use as place card holders for guests.
* A palette of white and silver adds elegance to a holiday table and is expected to be a popular color scheme for the upcoming holiday season.
* Arrangements and centerpieces in robust hues of purple and burgundy will create a sensuous, lush setting for dinners, both intimate and large.
* If you are attending a holiday gathering, ask your florist to deliver a cheerful arrangement or holiday plant before you arrive. When you show up, you'll be the talk of the evening.

Ask your florist about Trends for Celebrating the Holidays in Style with Flowers.