home sectionhome section
A sunflower boutonniere needs to be attached in a very specific way to make sure it looks its best. Attach a sunflower boutonniere with help from a respected and highly accredited florist in this free video clip.
You can put together a calla lily arrangement with a ribbon right in the comfort of your own home. Learn about a do-it-yourself calla lily with a ribbon with help from a boutique and event decor professional in this free video clip.
Vanda orchid arrangements look gorgeous and go well with a wide variety of different settings. Learn about Vanda orchid arrangements with help from a boutique and event decor professional in this free video clip.
Vinca comes in both annual and perennial varieties, but only the annual types are sprouted from seeds. The vines climb over supports or trail as a ground cover during the warm summer months, but they can't tolerate frost. Sprouting the seeds indoors 10 weeks before the last spring frost gives the young seedlings time to grow so they are ready to flower soon after transplanting outdoors in late spring or early summer.
Calla lilies grow well as indoor or outdoor plants. As a tropical foliage and flower plant, the calla can not tolerate cold winter weather, but it can be replanted each summer. Preparing the soil properly prior to planting ensures healthy growth and blooms. It also keeps the rhizome roots healthy enough to survive winter storage. Potted calla lilies also respond best in good quality properly-prepared soil.
Angel's trumpet (Brugmansia x candida) is a sturdy shrub that belongs to the same family as tomato, potato, eggplant, pepper and tobacco. Native to Central and South America, angel's trumpet is a striking tropical plant that can grow as tall as 8 to 15 feet, with huge, sweet-smelling blooms that appear throughout the year. A fast-growing plant, angel's trumpet is adaptable to full sunlight or partial shade. Propagate angel's trumpet indoors by taking stem cuttings in early spring.
Zinnias will brighten your garden through the hottest summers. Butterflies and hummingbirds love the colorful blossoms, and gardeners favor these hardy plants as cut flowers. The large seeds make propagating zinnias possible for most home gardeners, though the soil must be warm before you plant them. You can choose from many different types of zinnias, from tiny pom-pom blossoms to large, dahlia-like blooms in red, white, orange, yellow, pink and lavender.
Despite reports of being difficult, orchids are among the easiest plants to care for. A major contributor to failure when growing orchids is providing them with too much attention. While orchids thrive in humid environments, they actually do poorly if given too much water. Orchids need pots with ample drainage so the potting medium doesn't stay wet. This doesn't mean you're limited to plain clay pots when potting orchids; there are several clever potting options.
The star-shaped flowers and scrambling growth habit of clematis appeals to many gardeners since they provide an attractive means of covering trellises and garden fences. Most species of clematis are slightly challenging to propagate, especially when propagating them in water. Only vining species of clematis such as woodbine (Clematis virginiana) or traveller's joy (Clematis brachiata) can successfully root from cuttings placed in water, but the process is slow and subject to a high rate of failure due to rot.
Fresh calla lilies can be an expensive choice in wedding flowers. An option for including callas in your wedding bouquet, boutonnieres and corsages is to use silk calla lilies instead. You could even make a wedding corsage out of silk calla lilies for a simple, yet elegant corsage. Because calla lilies are so regal, they need little embellishment when you add them to a corsage arrangement.
Moth orchid is a nickname given to the Phalaenopsis, or phal, genus of approximately 60 species of orchids. The name stems from its large petals that resemble the wings of a moth in flight. Starting a moth orchid is a difficult task, as its seeds must grow in a perfectly sterile environment. It's also a long process, since the orchid may not bloom for three years. It also requires supplies from an orchid supply store and a dedicated area in which the temperature is always 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
The striking, glossy leaves and woody bark of a gardenia make it a desirable plant for bonsai training. Add the delicate flowers with their heady aroma, and this evergreen plant becomes a focal point wherever you display it. The shrubby, bushy characteristics of a gardenia need taming to achieve artistic grace. Selective pruning and wire-shaping techniques will help you create an elegant plant worthy of being called "bonsai." Prune a gardenia bonsai after it finishes blooming, when it enters a semi-dormant state in winter.
Calendula, sometimes called pot marigold or English marigold, refers to about 20 species of edible flowers from the daisy family. Despite its nickname, calendulas differ from the flowers of the genus Tagetes, commonly known as marigolds. Calendulas have edible petals, whereas Tagetes marigolds are dangerous for both humans and animals to ingest. If you have a plant that resembles a marigold in your garden, you must be entirely sure it is a calendula before eating it or allowing pets near it. To tell if a marigold is a calendula, examine its features and look for telltale signs of its genus.
Saintpaulia, or African violets, are ideal plants to brighten your indoor spaces. You’ll find varieties that bear flowers in a wide range of color choices -- the smooth or ruffled petals may even be two-toned. A common problem indoor gardeners face with African violets is Botrytis cinerea, also called botrytis blight. Symptoms of botrytis blight begin with small watery lesions on the underside of the leaves, which may turn brown and wilt. A gray, fuzzy coating appears on affected areas in advanced cases. If this happens, you must take steps to treat the violets and eliminate the problem before it…
If you're looking for a soft and feminine lampshade that has a handcrafted touch, make one to resemble a long, slender calla lily. Its ultimate shape depends on the base shade you use, and how you cut and bend the material to resemble the petals.
Most lotus varieties grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 to 10, with some surviving into zone 4. This means the lotus is a hardy option for the water garden that survives freezing winter temperatures to bloom again the following summer. Although lotus plants produce seeds, the plants are most often propagated by root division. Seeds are sometimes difficult to germinate while the thick root rhizomes provide a dependable way to grow new plants quickly. Divide the plants in early spring during their dormancy period.
Red calla lilies make the perfect addition to any wedding bouquet. Learn about wedding bouquets with red calla lilies with help from a professional floral designer in this free video clip.
Begonias provide color from spring until the first frost in late autumn, even during the heat of summer. While bronze leaf begonia varieties thrive in sunlight, green leaf types, such as 'Green leaf white' begonia, prefer a shady spot in the garden. 'Green leaf white' begonia, marked by bright green foliage and vivid white blooms, is appropriate for a flower bed, or in a hanging basket or patio container. To propagate begonias, take cuttings from a healthy plant any time the plant is actively growing.
Natives to East Africa, African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are prolific bloomers that require little space to grow. Potted African violets flourish indoors when the temperatures remain steadily between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, while preferring cooler inside temperatures of 65 degrees at night. These windowsill-loving beauties are not fussy when it comes to light or soils. But African violets do grow best in soil that is free of disease and dangerous microorganisms, so if you plan to use soil from your garden, soil sterilization is a must.
Gardenias typically have a short flowering period, but the Chuck Hayes variety begins blooming early, which results in longer flowering. This results in a later pruning time for the Chuck Hayes gardenia because the best time to prune is after all flowering is finished. The low-growing shrub requires annual maintenance pruning primarily to maintain its shape and remove dead wood. The Chuck Hayes variety is naturally low-growing, so it doesn't require heavy pruning to control its size.
Peonies reward gardeners with enormous, beautiful blooms throughout the spring. Unfortunately, enthusiastic breeders have created some peonies that are so heavy headed that they cannot hold their own flowers upright; these plants slowly nod under the weight of so many petals. Peonies are often beaten down by winds and rains, causing a lovely peony hedge to look dull and flat. As a counter measure, many gardeners choose to stake or cage their peonies to provide additional support.
Bluebead lilies (Clintonia borealis) are perennial flowers that develop blue berries, hence the name. Though they may look similar to blueberries, the berries are not edible and are toxic if consumed. Bluebead berries, though, can be planted. When planting and growing the seeds, maintain ideal conditions to help the seeds germinate and thrive.
Orchids intimidate gardeners because of their reputation for being difficult to grow. Since 30,000 species exist, it would stand to reason that some would be far more difficult to keep than others. Wild orchids rarely survive indoors, but domesticated varieties such as Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Paphiopedilum and the many species of Dendrobium are considered to be easy to care for. These orchids have lower humidity requirements that can be achieved in a household setting.
“Orchid” refers to more than 21,000 species of delicate, flowering plants. These are difficult to propagate and take many years to reach full maturity. A broken orchid can seem devastating, as the plants are notorious for quick and unexpected deaths from small errors in care. However, with proper precautions, you can transplant a broken orchid and save the plant. Wait to treat the orchid’s wound until after transplanting it to ensure the plant’s environment is sterile.
Trailing petunias are brightly colored types of flowers with a spread of up to 4 feet. When planted in containers, they create a desirable overflowing appearance as the blooms cascade down the sides of the planter. Trailing petunias are hardy and start from seed easily. With proper care, the started plants produce overflowing containers of flowers in just one growing season. To grow trailing petunias from seed, select a variety that thrives in your United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone from your local plant nursery.
Flowers add a splash of color to the garden, and few are as tough as annuals such as zinnias and marigolds. Though similar in appearance and origin, zinnias and marigolds do have critical differences, and knowing what makes a zinnia distinct from a marigold can help you use them in your garden.
Filling your completed water garden or pond with water and the appropriate flowers and plants is one of the joys of aquatic gardening. Calla lilies, quite recognizable for their large blooms extending out the tops of long green shoots, provide a dramatic appearance to all types of garden designs. Additionally, submerged calla lilies work well for floral centerpieces by using water-filled containers to showcase the plants. Choosing the right calla lily to submerge is dependent upon your personal preference in color and the availability of the specific color bloom you seek for your pond, garden or event.
Orchids produce some of nature's most beautiful and mysterious flowers. If you raise orchids, you know that conditions must be precise if you want them to bloom. Without necessarily going dormant, orchids will go through a period each year when they do not produce flowers, a time when they growing new roots and shoots.
Every spring, millions of homeowners enjoy the sight of tulips blooming in their yards, bringing cheerful color to an otherwise drab early spring landscape. While different species of tulips bloom at different times, they are all finished flowering by the time summer arrives. After the blooms are dead and gone, the real work begins for the rest of the tulip plant.
A lily pond can be an eye-catching centerpiece to even the simplest of yards or landscapes. Colorful flowers and pads create a serene and relaxing view, and good design and décor can take it further. Plan ahead of time for décor that provides a visual balance of color and texture. Keeping things simple with fewer plants and fish also ensures less hassle for maintenance and a clutter-free pond.
Pansies were first cultivated in Europe in the 1800s when gardener William Thompson began crossing violas with wild pansies. He selected four unusual colors and patterns. Eventually, one of his crosses sported the signature "face" and pansy mania was born. From the 1850s onward pansies proliferated and remain beloved today. Pansies are easy to grow, no matter the color. They can tolerate cold and partial shade, though pansies bloom best in full sun when days are around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to start them in a prepared seedbed so that you can select the strongest seedlings, rather than…
Orchids look delicate, but most types grown by home gardeners are tough and resilient. You'll know your orchid needs repotting when the growing medium disintegrates and no longer drains quickly or when the roots outgrow the pot. Depending on the type of orchid, the roots will grow out of the drainage holes or over the upper rim of the pot. Repotting an orchid is not difficult but does require precautions to keep the plants healthy. Both the containers and the tools used to trim the orchids need to be sterilized.
Gardenias have waxy foliage and produce fragrant white flower blooms. While snails are not the most common pest found on gardenias, the mollusks can cause severe damage to the foliage. Snails are most evident on small gardenia transplants because they sit close to the ground. Since snails are hard to find, during the day, as they hide until the sun sets, you must look for the signs that they leave behind. Remove snails from gardenias, when you notice them, to keep the plants healthy.
Sunflowers are tall, bright additions to the garden. However, if you don't have space or you want to grow them as container plants, you should opt for dwarf varieties. These grow from 1 to 4 feet high, depending on the variety, and come in different colors, including white, yellow and purple. Like the full-size variety, they are easy to grow and thrive in almost any growing conditions. Dwarf sunflowers have a shorter growing period, so plant them in June or very early July for a fall harvest.
The Dragon Wing begonia (Begonia x argenteoguttata "Dragon Wings") is a large-leafed cane begonia that blooms with pink flowers during a long growing season. Although it grows best in partial shade, the sun turns the wing-shaped leaves’ edges red, hinting at the plant's fiery namesake. Dragon Wing is a trademarked cultivar of Ball Horticulture Co. Because the plant is trademarked, rather than patented, it can be freely propagated but cannot be sold as Dragon Wing unless licensed by Ball.
African violets are indoor staples in many homes and businesses. They grow best in bright, shady locations and tolerate artificial light well. In general, they are easy to maintain, and they bloom reliably with minimum care. African violets do not require regular pruning under normal circumstances. However, situations do arise in which pruning is necessary to remove damaged leaves, prevent diseases and propagate new plants.
Edamame, also known as garden soybean, is a type of bean that grows much like a bush bean. Sunflowers (Helianthus annus) are known for their bright blooms that fill with seeds, which are harvested in autumn. Although edamame and sunflower are unrelated, they share much in common. Both are sun-loving plants that are easy to plant and thrive with little maintenance. Edamame beans and sunflower seeds are both nutritional powerhouses, rich in proteins, vitamins and fiber. Although the plants have much in common, edamame plants top out at about 24 inches while sunflowers grow as tall as 10 feet.
You need only take one look at the Helianthus annus to know why it bears the common name “sunflower.” With its large circular stigma and thick wreath of bright yellow petals, these sun-facing blooms certainly resemble the bright spring sun. Some cultivars of the Helianthus annus species forgo vivid yellow for hues ranging from mottled red to dark maroon, mimicking the shades of the sun as it settles in for the night.
Calla lilies have tall, curving stems topped by an elegantly sculpted flower head with petals of pink, orange or white. The long curving stem naturally brings the flower head into prominence when made into an arrangement. Native to South Africa, calla lilies are favorites for wedding décor. Calla lily swags are often used to decorate the arch under which the bride and groom stand to repeat their wedding vows. You don't need artistic talent to make the swag. While the project does require some time and patience, the swag is striking and makes for impressive photographs.
Shaping fondant flowers is a detailed but rewarding process. Though a tiny flower may require up to an hour for a decorator to shape, large flowers are less intensive in many ways. Perfecting each detail is less critical on large flowers because details are less likely to impact the overall appearance of a broad decoration. With the proper tricks, you can construct an enormous, realistic sunflower in as much time as a tiny sunflower requires if not less.
Pots of colorful tulips are a welcome sight in winter. Tulip bulbs planted in foil-wrapped pots are popular gifts for Easter and Mother's Day. Although tulips naturally bloom in the spring, gardeners use a technique known a forcing to make tulips flower months earlier. In the fall, tulip bulbs are placed into cold storage. In winter or early spring, the bulbs are potted and moved to a warmer location. The tulips blossom within several weeks. Heat and light promote flower production. Extend the blooming time of potted tulips by controlling how quickly their buds open.
Mumsy marigolds are a variety of African marigold that resemble fancy mums with a flattish blossom and spiky petals. The 4-inch blossoms appear in gold, orange and yellow, giving your flowerbed a bright color. This type of marigold flower blooms from late spring until fall. Once the hard fall frosts occur, the 14-inch tall plant dies from cold exposure. Mature Mumsy marigolds are about 8 inches wide and are sown directly into the garden after all danger of a spring frost is passed.
Fire Star Orchids are known for their brilliant colors, long stems and continuous blooms. The reed-like stems are topped by reddish-orange petals surrounding a yellow-orange fringed wing-like center. The orchid has 10 flowers blooming at any given moment, with 40 possible blooms per year, according to the American Orchid Society. The Fire Star Orchid's popularity comes from the flower's beauty, particularly among flowers that can be seen year-round.
Flax lily is the common name for Dianella caerulea, a perennial species of flowering plant native to Australia. It is widely cultivated in gardens as a bedding or ground cover plant for its strap-shaped leaves and tall stalks of sky-blue flowers. While simple to grow, flax lilies sometimes require extensive cutting back when they take on a leggy, less vigorous appearance. Once cut, the plants will produce a flush of fresh new growth and appear healthier, but only if the foliage is cut back to the appropriate length using the right tools.
African violets are ornamental plants with vibrant flowers and dark leaves. Their long blooming season, which can exceed 10 months out of the year, makes them one the most popular flowering houseplants in the United States, according to Clemson University. The leaves of African violets can suffer damage from several diseases, including conditions caused by fungal and bacterial pathogens. These agents can harm leaves directly or impact them by destroying other parts of the plant's structure, such as its roots or stems. Black discoloration of leaf tissue may represent only a minor ailment, but some diseases that produce this symptom…
Dwarf marigolds, or Tagetes patula, appeal to many gardeners with their cheery golden flowers, petite stature and innate hardiness, which makes them suitable for border plantings and container cultivation. Although dwarf marigolds will survive under a variety of conditions, their climatic and cultural adaptations must be provided for if they are to truly thrive.
Angel wing begonias (Begonia x corallina) are elegant plants with clusters of flowers that look like angel wings or butterflies and large, textured, silver-spotted leaves that keep the plant interesting even when it is not in bloom. Also called cane begonias, they can reach a height of 12 feet outdoors in frost-free climates. In the U.S., they are primarily grown as houseplants, and in the confines of a pot they grow to about 3 feet. Angel wings have tough, fibrous roots that can be difficult to separate without damage.
Platanthera is a botanical genus containing more than 100 different species of terrestrial orchids. These orchids enjoy temperate climates and grow naturally in swamps and meadows throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Attempting to cultivate Platanthera orchids at home isn't a task for the casual gardening enthusiast. Not only are the seeds slow to germinate, but it can take up to five years for the plant to reach flowering maturity. However, if you're up for the challenge, growing Platanthera orchids can be a rewarding hobby.
When drawing an African violet you're going to want to pay close attention to a few key things. Learn how to draw an African violet with help from an artist in this free video clip.
Stately calla lilies and brightly colored gerbera daisies combine to make a sophisticated and eye-catching bouquet. It's vital to arrange the flowers in a balanced manner that allows the beauty of the flowers to shine. Select flower colors that complement each other. White calla lilies work well with any shade of gerbera daisy; yellow callas with orange or red gerberas offer a more colorful look.
