Home & Garden Blog » Flowers

Making Your Own Homemade Flower Arrangement

brock — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:35:30 +0000

Everyone likes the smell of fresh flowers in an arrangement, but sometimes the cost and hassle makes it prohibitive. Instead, why not try your hand at crafting your own arrangement using silk flowers? It’s much less expensive and you don’t have to worry about ruining real flowers in your initial attempts.

1. Get some ideas: Being a first timer, it’s important to find your muse before getting started. Visit several flower shops and look at some of their arrangements. You can even take pictures and use them as inspiration.

2. Pick out the flowers: Most craft stores have large supplies of silk flowers to choose from, as well as vases. Don’t forget you will need some material, such as floral foam, to put into the vase and hold the flowers in place. You can either choose flowers like the ones in the arrangements you liked, or go for something completely different for a similar, but not exact arrangement.

3. Arranging the flowers: Place your vase on a table and lay out the various flowers. You will want a mix of primary and secondary flowers, like baby’s breath, to fill out the arrangement. Place the floral foam into the vase. Secure it with floral tape if you’re using a larger vase. Begin putting the flowers for the arrangement.

4. Displaying the flowers: Start with the primary flowers and fill in the gaps with the secondary ones. Keep the pictures or notes from your flower shop trip on hand to get more ideas. The nice thing about silk flowers is they bend well. Don’t be afraid to position them one way or another to make them look how you want them to.

5. Be patient: Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t come out perfect. Silk flowers can be moved and replaced easily, so don’t be afraid to mix and match. If it doesn’t work, then take them out and start again. The finished product is worth the time and trouble.

6. Replacing the flowers: Place the arrangement in your home. If in a week or two, you get bored with it, take it out and start over again with new flowers. There are so many varieties of silk flowers that you should never run out of ideas. Silk flowers don’t spoil or die, so you can just keep adding to your collection.

ProFlowers Promotions: 50% Off 15 Tulips for Mom

ernani — Wed, 04 May 2011 19:13:30 +0000

I know that buying gifts can sometimes be hard, especially if the person for whom you’re buying the gift is really special like your mother. Mother’s Day is right around the corner and if you are still stuck in the mud over what to get her, visit Proflowers.com. Flowers are wonderful gifts that moms always appreciate and, with our help, we can help you choose the best ones at discount prices.

Visit Proflowers.com today to take advantage of their great Mother’s Day promotions that will help you save big! Some of these promotions include getting 50% off 15 tulips and getting 15% off orders of $ 39.99 and above. This promotion is only valid until May 5, 2011.

Proflowers.com offers a variety of blooms including roses, lilies and carnations but you better hurry! Time is running out and, before you know it, Mother’s Day will be here and I know you wouldn’t want your mother to be left empty handed. So be sure to find this and other great promotions on our Proflowers.com coupons page.

Don’t Forget About Native Flowers

brock — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:07:12 +0000

The new gardener – and even some old pros – tend to stick to the more exotic types of flowers when starting their garden. They go to the greenhouse, or store, and see the beautiful colors and large blossoms and think, “I would love to have that in my yard.”

The problem is that the more exotic the flower, the more likely it’s going to die or not grow at all. Why? Because it wasn’t made for the soil in your region. Different flowers require different levels of moisture, different levels of acidity and different nutrients.

When you lump them all together, it’s a hodgepodge that’s bound to see at least one failure. So what’s the alternative? Don’t spend all that money on bulbs for South African Tiger Lilies grown in Borneo and shipped to the local greenhouse. Instead, just look at the side of the road when your driving somewhere.

You’re going to see flowers and plants that many may call weeds but, in reality, are simply native plants designed to grow wild in the area. They may lack the uniqueness that the Borneo-grown Tiger Lily has, but they flower and they are beautiful.

Next time you head to the greenhouse, ask them about native plants and what they have. Odds are you will be shuffled off to a little out-of-the-way corner near the back of the store. These plants are inexpensive and prevalent in the area, so greenhouses tend to stick them where people won’t easily see them.

There are many different kinds and styles depending on where you live, but they will all grow easily in your garden. The flowers are designed to grow in the exact soil that you have; you may have to add a little fertilizer, but that’s about it.

The downside to native plants, however, is that they also have a tendency to take over. Unless kept in check, they will expand outside your garden. If you see one sprouting up a little ways from the garden area, just dig it out. Think of it as just another part of weeding.

Native plants also attract native birds and other animals, so you can expect to see more wildlife in your backyard as well. This is always a nice, extra treat for me.

A garden is meant to be a place of beauty, and beauty is all around if you just take the time to look at it. Bring some of the natural beauty of your area into your garden; it’s easy to grow and you will have beautiful flowers.

Gardening: Start Thinking About Your Garden

brock — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:46:02 +0000

It’s that time of the year again, folks. The temperatures are warming, the snow is melting and the buds are showing up on the trees. Spring is coming fast, and it’s time for you to start thinking about your garden. Don’t let the season of life pass you by without putting out some beautiful flowers or yummy veggies.

1. What are you going to plant? Your first decision should be what you are going to plant: flowers, vegetables or both. What kind of flowers or vegetables are you going to grow? What are their soil, food and acidity needs? What kind of pests do you have in your area? All these are questions you should ask when choosing a plant to grow. Pick ones that you like.

2. Choose Your Plot. If you haven’t created a garden before, then look outside and decide what spot would be good. The ideal spot is flat with few rocks and some decent sunlight. Rope off the area you want as your garden. You are on your way.

3. Prepare your plot and plant the seeds. Till the soil and take out any rocks and roots that are present. Add fresh potting soil and fertilizer to get the acidity level right, and make your rows for planting. Follow the instructions for planting the various plants and cover the bulbs, seeds or saplings in dirt. You officially have a garden.

4. Grow your plants. The plants are going to need constant care in the form of watering and protection from the elements. There will still be some cold nights, and they should be covered up to resist frost. Use a blanket or other breathable material and do not use plastic. Watch out for predators like insects, rabbits and squirrels, who like to nibble on your vegetables and flowers.

5. Harvest. If you planted vegetables, then after a few months, they will mature and be ready to put in your favorite salad or sold at the local farmers market.

There are few feelings as fulfilling as seeing a heap of fresh vegetables that you grew or a field of bloomed flowers brightening up an already gorgeous spring day. Take advantage of the weather this season and make a garden!

Stop and Smell the Roses

brock — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:00:23 +0000

Here in Illinois, we are having a banner day of nearly 60 degrees. It would appear mother nature has taken a temporary hiatus and left us with a few days of bliss before returning to let Old Man Winter go wild. I hear he gets a T-shirt.

I am reminded that spring is coming and that despite harsh winds and snowfalls, winter’s days are numbered. I admit that I get a little bit of cabin fever and my thoughts turn to the things I can do outside when spring finally arrives. Do I want to plant some new grass? Try a new vegetable in the garden? Wash the siding this year?

But my goal for today is to spend as much time outside as possible. Me and the kids will get muddy and slimy, but its worth it to enjoy the one good day in February. We spend so much time trying to improve what we have through little projects and renovations that we forget to actually enjoy what we have.

I have spent many hours thinking about the things I would like to change about this house, but not much time on appreciating what I like about it. We are bombarded with messages telling us that what we have isn’t enough and we need the latest and greatest thing in order to be happy, and that’s just not true.

Believe it or not, there was a time before television, the Internet and Facebook. People had real conversations in their living rooms and parlors. Homes were more than just a habitat for living; they were social places. They joined clubs like the Jaycees and Knights of Columbus.

So why is the home and garden guy telling me to stop and smell the roses? Someone needs to say it every now and then. Someone needs to remind us that time passes whether we like it or not and while your home may not change much in 20 or 30 years, your children, family and community will. Be a part of that change and not just a bystander looking in.

Flower Power: Fresh Cut Vs. Silk Flowers

brock — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:19:28 +0000

Few things can brighten up a home more than a vase filled with flowers, but what kind of flowers are best for you? I’m not talking about gerbers instead of carnations, but real fresh cut flowers versus silk.

I have always been a sucker for fresh cut flowers, especially if they came from my own garden, but there are many pros and cons to both.

Smell
This is the deciding factor for me and the reason the local florist knows me on a first name basis. The smell of fresh cut flowers in the morning cannot be duplicated and spraying a little Febreze on some fake flowers isn’t going to give you the same result. The smell from fresh flowers is unmistakable.

Longevity
The biggest strike that fresh flowers has against it is in the longevity category. Silk flowers look the same no matter their age. Fake flowers bought in the summer of ’69 look exactly the same in the spring of ’96. You buy real flowers knowing you are only getting a few days of use before throwing the whole kit in the trash. If you forget about the flowers and leave them sitting in a corner somewhere, then in a week or two you are going to have a congealed mess. Instead of a bright and shiny abode, your home will smell like the dark recesses of a morgue.

Cost
Silk flowers are the best investment if you are trying to save money over the long run. Fresh flowers must be bought every few days and watch the price sky rocket during the winter when flowers have to be shipped from warmer climates or grown exclusively in green houses. Silk flowers have a wide range of prices depending on their quality. You can find cheap flowers that look like silk flowers or spend a little extra coin on some with the look and feel of real flowers.

Versatility
I have always been disappointed at spending money on a wall sconce or a wooden shelf and having it look plain and drab on the wall. It seemed like the perfect accessory in the catalog, but on my wall it becomes a glaring reminder of the wonders of catalog photography. When I need to spruce up something like that, I buy some silk flowers and add them or hang them from the piece and add some much needed color and flair. This isn’t an option with real flowers because they don’t bend. The stems of fake flowers are either plastic or, if the Gods are shining on you, wire and can easily be manipulated. If you try this with a real flower, all you get is a broken stem and another trip to the florist.

It may seem at first glance that silk has all the advantages and in a straight on comparison it does. Despite this, I still make regular trips to the florist and only buy silk when I need it for a craft project. There is just something wonderful about fresh cut flowers and no silk knockoff will every be able to compare to the real flower power.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/kjunstorm/1562198683

Spring Design Tips: Flower and Vase Combinations

brendan — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:12:49 +0000

So it’s spring. Birds are in the air, the first green leaves are popping out, pollen is giving you lots of allergies, but your house/apartment/dorm is decidedly… boring.

Make your house feel like spring with a rustically romantic makeover. Flowers are an easy and timeless way to freshen up a room. The flowers that you use are going to be a function of which vase you use.

If you have a dark vase, try having bright flowers. (An amber colored bottle and baby’s breath flowers make an arresting combination.) If you have a light vase, try having deeper colored flowers. (A creamy vase with purple orchids or roses make a good combo.) Keep the colors clean, contrasting, and uncomplicated. Clear vases go with any flower you might buy. You can always buy a flower and vase combination.
Old bottles are great for using as vases. Try glass coke bottles, beer bottles, wine bottles—reusing old things can give your room a bit of country chic or kitschy charm. Anything antique or ceramic is an automatic winner. If you want a more standard vase, you can always look here.
Or you could go for the flowers in a basket look. Baskets should be woven and seem handcrafted. Again, the look we’re going for is rustic. In the basket, you could put dried flowers, wheat, or a branch from a blooming tree. Anything that is small enough to fit in your basket.

In general, bringing outside things inside will make your space feel more alive. Bring in things that will tie your room to the elements – Potted plants are a good call, as are seashells. Arrange these with your vases to make table centerpieces.

If you are really into having a rustic space, consider going without a tablecloth, or going with a really simple one, with a rustic pattern or white lace. Simply painting wood furniture can go a long way to making the space feel open, clean, and fresh.

To emphasize the romanticism of your space, try having foodstuffs as kitchen decorations. Having a good looking bottle of wine and some candles next to each other can be very appealing. If you went with the basket of wheat and flowers earlier, put a bottle of wine in the basket and put it on your dining room table.

So, to summarize what you can do to easily introduce some springtime country charm to your living spaces, do the following:

Reuse some things you otherwise would have thrown away (bottles, baskets, etc)
Go to the thrift store. Simply made antiques fit in very well with a clean, bright rural aesthetic
Bring live plants into your house! Flowers and plants liven up any space.
Take away old decorations. Emphasize the materials your furniture is made out of.

Let me know how your rooms turn out! happy designing!

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/19619770@N00/4356485415

Do it Yourself: Prepping the Garden for Spring

colleen — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:16:33 +0000

We may be a little early for April Showers bring May Flowers, but it’s never to soon to start preparing your spring garden bed. Think about the colors and location you would like, make sure there’s going to be lots of sunshine, and don’t forget to think about management. Are you the queen of all green thumbs, or does cutting grass sound like the closest you have come to gardening in the past few years? Once you have your own spring garden in full bloom (sometime in May or June), you can make beautiful Mother’s Day bouquets, gifts, and dinner table centerpieces. Until then, don’t hesitate to order some freshly, professionally grown flowers to brighten up your day.

Gardens are seeds of inspiration, but the decor doesn’t have to be all organic: think about garden decor to take your outdoor space from lush and organic to habitable! You can add some flags, or decorative stones, or pottery. A thermometer or sun dial is always a beautiful addition. Make some wild decisions and look at some exotic and beautiful flowers listed at Buksia.com.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/tanaka_juuyoh/3909324966

Plan to Take Advantage of Daylight Savings & Plant Roses

Ritika Puri — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:41:30 +0000

I recently read that March is the best time to start planting roses. Roses are a type of plant with a bare root. These types of plants grow best when the roots have time to develop into a root system before the weather is warm. By the time that spring approaches, your flowers will be ready and able to bloom. When gardening in March, especially in the cold, it is recommended that people wrap the flower roots with moss, newspaper, or plastic film before planting in colder soil. No worries if it's too cold to garden outside. Stay indoors, and plant your roses in an indoor pot or planter box. When the weather's back to warm, you can put your roses in the ground outside. Check out some tips for some tips for indoor gardening, and let Smarter help you with your shopping to garden smarter. Remember: Set your clocks forward on Sunday, March 14. Related posts:

Flowers in the Winter Time: Brighten Your Day

colleen — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:00:12 +0000

We all want a little something to brighten up our days, especially since it gets so dark so early! Maybe it’s the cup of chamomile tea you have before bed, the fuzzy blanket you curl up in every night, or the early morning walk you take with your dog. You want a feeling of light and life, colors and energy, or coziness. Of course, during the summer we love gathering flowers to brighten our homes, but in the dead of winter, when everything is…well….dead, what are you supposed to do? Use fake flowers? But what if they look….fake?
With the help of Smarter.com, you can buy affordable floral arrangements and plants that are sturdy for the winter time, a perfect gift to a new neighbor, or just a little gift for yourself.

Everyone needs a little something to brighten up their day, and not just on Valentine’s Day! Though I’m sure flowers would be appreciated then too. The rule is, don’t rule out flowers in winter. They bring plenty of joy no matter what the temperature, just plan for the season: buy red roses or blue iris bouquets for the winter, tulips or lilies for the spring, and sunflowers for the summer.