Our Hummingbird “Bee” Feeder

In our business we design and deliver flower arrangements, bake muffins and pies for the joy of it,  and garden so that we may be close to nature. We keep a watchful eye on our birds, bees, butterflies and bugs.

Last evening, under the cover of dusk, I removed the hummingbird feeder from my feeding station in the backyard.  The rogue honey bees that had been swarming it for nearly two days had left for the evening. Many bees had found their way into the tiny feeding holes, and had drown in the nectar. One bee was stuck in the tiny hole as he made his way inside the feeder. I was able to remove him and saved his life. So, I guess when you get stuck in life sometimes, it can end up being a good thing. The bees are still swarming on the feeding station, even though there is no feeder. Things will probably settle down after awhile.

I have tossed the old feeder, and will purchase a new one soon.

How Far in Advance Should I Order My Wedding Flowers?

Six months to one year is adequate time to order flowers for your wedding.  If you have not made an appointment within this time frame we can still  help you  select your wedding flowers and provide you with beautiful arrangements.

Think of the ” oohs” and the “ahhs” when the bride and groom arive at their wedding to see the gorgeous flower arrangements designed by Flowers By Cynde.

Floral Arrangement Ideas: Reassesing the Carnation

For some reason certain flowers get bad reputations. Take carnations, for example. Carnations are simple, affordable and available year-round. But it’s perhaps their ubiquitousness that causes some brides to sour at the thought of carnations in their bridal bouquets. Because they’re easy to grow, carnations aren’t considered the most glamorous flower. But before you completely discount carnations for floral arrangement ideas, and before you decide there’s no room in your bridal bouquet for carnations, do yourself a favor and look at the baskets and arrangements we’ve put together here, here and here.

Carnations are actually ideal for floral arrangement ideas, as they can be versatile and elegant. At Flowers by Cynde, we think all flowers have the potential to create stunning arrangements. Whether you’re looking for the perfect floral arrangement ideas for a wedding or a dinner party, don’t rule out including carnations, just because they’re not exactly the rarest of flowers.

Drying Flowers from Flower Baskets Part 2: Alternative Flower Drying Methods

In our last post, we talked about the most popular methods of drying flowers from flower baskets by hanging or with borax. But there are more than two ways to dry a out flower basket. So in this post, we’ll discuss some less well-known—but still effective—methods of drying flowers from flower baskets.

Sand drying—If you have fine white sand laying about, you can put it to good use by using it to dry out your flowers from flower baskets. Grab a cardboard box with a few holes in the bottom. Cover the box bottom with newspaper and pour about a half-inch of sand inside. Place the flowers from the flower baskets face-down and cover with more sand. It should take one or two weeks for the flowers to be completely dry. Punch holes in the bottom of the box and let the excess sand run out.

Pressing—If you have fragile flowers, pressing may be the most effective way of preserving them. Simply put your flowers between newspapers sheets and weigh them down with heavy books.

Oven drying—You can dry flowers from flower baskets in a shallow pan with an inch of sand in it. Place the flowers in the pan and completely cover with additional sand. Place in the oven for two hours. Be sure to keep the oven set at its lowest reading.

Modern Bridal Bouquet Arrangements

If you’re planning a wedding that’s aiming for modern chic, then you can’t forget the bridal bouquet arrangements. The wonderful thing about bridal flower arrangements is that while all bridal bouquet arrangements have a certain timeless quality about them, they can also be crafted to reflect the most up-to-date contemporary styles.

This summer, the cutting edge in flower fashion for bridal bouquet arrangements is all about bold colors. Think deep, lush tawny tones like magenta combined with vibrant chartreuse and accents of orange. Check out chic and modern color combinations at the Flowers By Cynde Website here and here.

Drying Fresh Cut Flowers Part 1: Hanging & Borax

If you’ve ever received a basket of fresh cut flowers or a flower bouquet that made you feel special, then you may have wanted to keep them around for a while. Those who receive fresh cut flowers have the best intentions of making them last. But too often, the hustle and bustle of everyday life gets in the way, and flowers suffer.

But you may be surprised to find that preserving fresh cut flowers is likely easier than you thought. And there’s more than one method for preserving your most coveted petals. Here are some of the most popular methods:

Hanging—One of the easiest and most popular methods of drying out fresh cut flowers is by hanging them. It’s also the cheapest, as there’s nothing you need to buy. All that’s required are a few strings that can be used to tie the flowers into loose bundles. Hang them in a warm, dark room until completely dry. It may take one to three weeks for the flowers to become completely dried out.

Borax—The great thing about borax is that it keeps the fresh cut flowers from shrinking and losing all semblance of their former selves. Colors will usually stay the same, as well, although pinks and reds may change a bit. Be careful not to leave your flowers in borax too long, or they may become brittle.

When drying with borax, it’s up to you to decide whether you want the flowers dried face-up, face-down or horizontally. The best method usually depends on the type of fresh cut flowers you are drying.

When drying face-up, you’ll need a shallow box that’s resting sideways on another carton. Punch holes in the box’s surface that are just large enough to place the stems inside. Make sure that the box is large enough so that the flower heads are not touching. Then sift a mixture of borax and corn meal under or between the petals until they are all lightly coated.

When drying face-down or horizontally, cover the bottom of a box with about an inch of the borax and corn meal mixture. You can make little piles of the mixture to place the flowers in. then sift the corn meal and borax mixture around the fresh cut flowers until they are covered.

When the flowers are dry, you’ll be able to remove the meal and the borax with a soft brush.

Fresh Flower Delivery for Summer Weddings – What Flowers are in Season

Planning a summer wedding this year or even next summer? If so, you’ll want to have the most fresh flowers available for your wedding day.  You’ll save money if you select seasonal flowers for bridal bouquets as well as reception flowers.

Choosing Fresh Flower Delivery for Summer Weddings

Choosing Summer Flowers for Fresh Flower Delivery

• Alstromeria—Also known as a Peruvian Lily is available in yellow, purple and violet. They are a beautiful, exotic looking flower.

• Chrysanthemum—These summer blooms come in large and compacts varieties. Colors range from white, red, yellow, purple, pink and orange.

• Forget-me-Not—A beautiful bright blue bloom that makes a lovely accent flower in you wedding flower arrangements.

• Gerbera Daisy—Comes in a variety of beautiful colors like yellows, pinks and oranges.

• Sunflower—Large or small varieties make a terrific summer wedding flower arrangement.

• Poppy—Brilliant red flowers as well as yellow

• Hibiscus -  Colorful additions to any summer wedding bouquet

• Peony—Large, gorgeous flowers in pink, white or red add brilliance to  bridal bouquet. Also come in other varieties to add to summer bouquets or wedding reception flowers.

• Rose—The traditional wedding flower available in many colors, and some not so traditional. Select from small buds to larger varieties.

• Orchid—A tropical flower in many exotic colors including white, pink and purple.

• Calla Lilly—A gorgeous bloom in an amazing array of colors. Choose from white, pink, lavender, red, yellow, orange and more. These flowers are very tolerant to heat and humidity, and will witstand outdoor weddings as well as many days after.

Ensure you talk with your florist regarding the types of flowers you want as well as how many you’ll need, so that they order enough in time for your wedding.

Still not sure which types of flowers will look best with your dress and color scheme? Contact the flower experts at FlowersByCynde, we’re here to help!

Send Summer Flower Bouquets for Picnics and Barbeques

Have an upcoming family picnic or reunion? Send summer flower bouquets as a friendly and heartwarming gift for everyone who attends. The best decoration for a picnic or barbeque is a fragrant mix of fresh flowers.

Guests may rave about the chef’s expertise on the grill, but they’ll stop more than once to smell fresh summer flowers on the table.

Select summer flower bouquets to coordinate with the picnic theme or flowers that will withstand the summer heat including lilies, carnations, and alstroemeria.

After the picnic or barbeque, the hostess can take the flowers home and still marvel in their beauty and fragrance.

Preserve Fresh Cut Flowers Longer with Alternative Home Methods

Love the beauty and aroma of fresh cut flowers? Want to preserve their bloom and fragrance longer? Even though many florists send a fresh cut flower packet preservative, there are other natural ways to keep your blooms fresh longer. There are 3 main components to keeping flowers fresh and staving off bacteria: a biocide , an acidifier, and sugar.

Natural Methods For Preserving Fresh Cut Flowers

• Mix one part lemon-lime soda (not diet) to 3 parts water. For each quart of this solution, add 1/4 teaspoon bleach. Then add 1/4 teaspoon bleach after every 4 days of use.
• Add  2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water.
• Add 2 ounces Listerine mouthwash for every gallon of water. Listerine contains sucrose (food) and a bactericide.
• Place  a penny at the bottom of your vase of fresh cut flowers and add an aspirin tablet (not Tylenol or ibuprofen) to form an acidic solution to keep flowers fresh longer.

What Does Your Fresh Flower Delivery Symbolize – Every Flower Represents a Heartfelt Sentiment

You want to send your friend, family member or colleague a bouquet of flowers, but not sure if the fresh flower delivery will accurately convey your message?

Here are a few popular flower meanings, so you know what kind of fresh flowers to send to everyone on your list for any occasion.

Carnation – pride and beauty – Express your pride or acknowledge the beauty of a job well done with a bouquet of carnations or slip a couple in with a bouquet of mixed flowers.

Alstroemeria – friendship – Include alstroemeria with a bouquet of mixed flowers to express your appreciation for a special friendship.

Aster – patience – Fresh cut aster with a planter or bouquet adds heartfelt sentiments.  

Aster symbolizes patience

 

Daisy/Chrysanthemum – fidelity – Want to express your undying love and trust to someone special? Add a few daisies or chrysanthemums to let them know.

Gladiolus – strength of character – Send gladiolus to your co-worker or as a thank you bouquet for sealing a big contract. Maybe a friend or relative experienced some rough times, send him or her a fresh flower delivery to express your support.

Iris – my complements – Iris make a prominent statement of “Thank You” or “A job well done.” A fresh flower delivery of iris and other mixed flowers are both appropriate for corporate gifts and personal wishes.

Lily – majesty- Send lilies with your fresh flower delivery for the most regal and beautiful people in your life. Everyone will feel like royalty with these flowers.

Snapdragon – desire – Snapdragons are a beautiful addition to not only a bouquet but also potted plants and steadfastly grow in dry or humid climates. Whether you desire a friendship, business association or something more, sending fresh snapdragons make an excellent statement.

Statice symbolizes remembrance

Statice – remembrance – A few stems of fresh statice will let your recipients know that you remember them often whether you seee them every week in person or only once a year.

Tulip – decoration of love – Roses are most often sent as a declaration of one’s love, but sending tulips is less formal and can be sent to anyone, for any occasion.