Blog Category Archives: Flower Care Tips

How to Unleash Your Creativity

This is a very good question, and although the obvious answer is "flowers," it's always a great idea to consider what types of flowers are most suitable for your situation and desires. The first advice we have is to consider location. Are you in an apartment and considering planting on the balcony? In that case, consider how much light your side of the building receives during the day. Choose the type of flowers according to how much sun they need to ensure maximum growth and long life. In a low-light environment, shade plants like ferns might make good choices, whereas most flowers are better suited to a sunny spot. These tips apply to all gardening, as well, not just in apartments. If you're working in a backyard garden and wondering, what do I plant in a flower box,then these same answers still apply. If a large tree or other object creates heavy shade, this should influence your decision accordingly. In the next paragraph we address such concerns as time of year and how to keep your plants growing healthy and beautiful. If at any time you have any questions not addressed in this article, feel free to contact us – we'd be happy to assist you!

Additional suggestions
Here are some additional suggestions we think will help keep your gardens green. Soil should be one of your prime considerations when preparing a boxed garden, or indeed a garden of any variety. You need quality, nutrient-rich soil to ensure that your plants will grow as quickly as possible, and to ensure that they won't end up dead, and you wondering what you did wrong. If your soil is poor, consider purchasing some manure – sheep is a great choice – and mixing that into the dirt. Peat moss also makes a worthy addition, and helps to bring out the color in your garden. Another easy answer is to remember to water your garden! Find out how much water everything needs and then don't forget to head out there with a watering can now and then, especially in the summer when it's dry and hot. Less water will be needed in the spring and fall when it tends to rain more often, so keep that in mind as well. We hope these suggestions have helped to answer your questions about what do I plant in a flower box, but if there's anything that we left out or that you aren't clear about, please feel free to contact us! We love to hear your feedback and would be more than happy to help you with your gardening questions.

Make Flowers and Plants Last Longer

A little extra care can make any size flower arrangement or fresh flower bouquet last longer. Part of the intrinsic value of fresh cut flowers is the fact that their beauty is so fleeting... it does make them all the more precious.

Nonetheless, we usually want those fresh flowers to last as long as possible. Fortunately, we can add several days to the vase life of fresh cut flowers by following the practices used by professional florists to prolong the vitality of their products. A small investment of time will pay off in the extended enjoyment of your beautiful blossoms. Most floral arrangements can be made to last 4-7 days or longer, depending on the flowers used and the care they receive.

Making Floral Arrangements Last Longer
Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods make flowers last longer but it is important to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.

Fresh cut flowers benefit tremendously from the use of these products, which contain three main ingredients: first, sugar in a form which is useable by the flowers so as to provide nutrition; secondly, an acidifier such as citric acid to lower the pH of the solution (cut flowers take up water best if the pH is around 4.5, well below neutral); third, a biocide to kill any bacteria that may be present. Many of the current generation of fresh flower nutrient solutions also contain an agent which helps keep the water in the vase clear longer.

Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of warm water. Mix the solution using lukewarm water - 110° F. is ideal. Fresh flowers absorb water faster if it's warm. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than is specified on the packet. If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly mixed flower food solution.

If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into solution. Carefully unwrap your fresh cut flowers and remove any foliage from the stems that would fall below the water line in the vase. The leaves can rot underwater and can harbor bacteria which would decrease the life span of the cut blooms. Cut one to two inches off from the bottoms of the stems, at a steep angle. Use a sharp knife rather than scissors, which can crush the vascular system of the stem and impede the uptake of water and nutrients. If practical, cut the stems under clean water.

Re-cutting helps to remove any blockages from the stem, caused by callusing or air embolisms. Once the stems have been freshly cut, immediately place the flowers gently into the vase containing the nutrient solution. Don't drop the stems in - this can bruise the cut ends when they hit the bottom of the vase, again damaging the vascular system. Never pound or crush the stems of cut flowers, even woody branches, for the same reason.

Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions.

Making Loose Bunches or Boxed Flowers Last Longer
Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don't forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.

Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist.

Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower.

Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Place the

flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.

If you purchase loose flowers for your own arrangements you should also consider these tips:

When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.

When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.

Plant Care Tips: Green Thumb Not Required

Not only are green and flowering plants a great enhancement to any home or office decor, they are also beneficial to your health. The results of a study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) show that common houseplants are powerful, natural air cleaners - all the more reason why you want to keep your plants healthy with the proper care.

Most plants come with care instructions specified for the type of plant. The Society of American Florists provides these additional general guidelines to keep most green houseplants thriving:

Keep plants in medium-light locations - out of direct sunlight
Natural light is best, but some plants can also thrive in office fluorescent light. Most flowering potted plants should be placed in areas with the most light in order to maintain good flower color and promote the maximum number of flowers to open. Foliage plants will do well under lower light levels and can be placed in areas providing reduced light.

Plant soil should be kept moist at all times
Plants should not be allowed to dry out or wilt. Be careful to avoid over watering - do not allow plants to stand in water. Avoid wetting plant leaves.

Avoid excessive heat or cold
Plants should be kept in a cool spot (between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit) for best performance. They should be kept away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes plants to dehydrate.)

We hope you enjoyed this article on how to make your plants and flowers last longer.

The Benefits of Water Gardening

A common question popping up among gardeners lately has been, “do plants grow better in water or soil?” In this article, the benefits of water gardening will be detailed to help you make the decision about whether or not to grow and maintain your flowers and plants using this method.

There are a number of advantages that make water gardens better than their soil counterparts. The first, and perhaps most obvious of these, is that no soil is actually required to grow your plants! When you consider the inconvenience of acquiring and transporting large quantities of soil, you will find yourself appreciating this aspect of a water garden very quickly.

Two very important factors should also be considered: firstly, a water garden’s lack of soil means that diseases normally contained within the soil itself are theoretically eliminated; secondly, and on a larger scale, there will be no weeds and less insects present to inhibit the growth of your plants. These two things will lead to better results and, in turn, a better overall garden.

Given both of these truths, you'll require fewer pesticides and herbicides to grow healthy plants. Should you intend to grow flowers or propagate your plants, the lack of chemicals and soil contaminants will keep you and your family feeling safe and happy about the beauty and longevity of the flowers and plants that you grow.

Despite the fact that it’s a water garden, the actual consumption of water will be less than with a soil garden. You'll have no need to keep a sprinkler or hose trained on your plants, which will save you money in the long run – not to mention that you'll also be less reliant on rain to keep your water bill low at the end of the month.

A water garden allows you to better monitor the growth of plant roots as well, which is virtually impossible in a soil environment. Should you desire to transport your plants from one location to another, those you grow using hydroponics will stay alive so long as they are kept in that condition. Plants you grow in a soil garden are effectively killed as soon as you pull them up.

In addition, you have the advantage of better space usage. Should you desire to grow a large quantity of plants for any reason, you will be better able to do so with a water garden - you can easily stack trays and containers on shelves or hang them in the air, thus freeing up area to grow more.

All of these advantages are enough to make a water garden a better choice than a traditional soil garden. To grow better plants with fewer resources is a worthy goal, as is having beautiful flowers and plants for you and your family to enjoy.

Brant Florist is pleased to offer you this tip towards better flower growth and maintenance, and should you seek further information on this topic, please refer to our article regarding keeping your flowers alive and healthy.

Fresh Cut flowers have different life spans. Alstromeria, Daisies and Carnations, for example, can remain vibrant for longer periods. Roses have a shorter life, but are prized for their special and delicate beauty. Here are some tips that will allow you to enjoy your fresh flowers longer.

- Vases and arrangements should not be never on electrical appliances such as televisions and stereos this can dry them out. Your flowers will last longer in areas that are moderate in humidity.

- Use the floral food provided with your fresh flowers. Please read direction on package for amounts. The floral food will also help ward off bacteria. Keeping flowers fed and reducing bacteria will help your floral arrangements last longer.

- Keep away from heat or extreme cold (65-72 degrees Fahrenheit), Keep away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents and direct drafts from ceiling fans. Heat will shorten the life of any fresh flowers- keeping them in moderate temperatures helps your floral arrangement last longer.

- Water should be added to baskets and containers daily. Use warm water. Warm water has less oxygen in it and will lessen chances of air bubble being trapped in stem. Giving your fresh flowers clean water regularly will keep them lasting much longer.

- Vase water should be added to daily and changed often with stems being re-cut to increase longevity. You flowers need a constant supply of fresh, clean water. Giving them fresh water keeps floral arrangements lasting longer.

- If water becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. If possible, re-cut them by removing one to two inches. Remove leaves that are are below the waterline. Rotting leaves will contaminate water and also shorten life. Clean water is essential - keep the water clean and you will enjoy your fresh flowers longer!

Aquatic flowers, plants that grow in or on the water, are becoming more and more popular as an increasing number of people delve into the arena of water gardening. Creating a pond in your backyard not only sets your garden aside from others around it, but effectively creates a centerpiece for your yard around which the rest of the property can be designed.

There' nothing quite like sitting next to a peaceful pond after a hard day' work, especially if you built it yourself. The sense of pride will guarantee you'll feel good whenever you walk past. If you're planning a pond or water garden, it' important to learn about aquatic flowers – namely, which varieties of aquatic flowers are suitable for your climate, your budget, and your overall goals.

Aquatic flowers come in a few different varieties, based on size, appearance, and the nature of how they grow. When you compare lily pads to a bulrush, for example, you can see the difference straight away. Combining the different varieties leads to a unique and healthy garden that will please you and your entire family. It will also create a diverse ecosystem friendly to all sorts of beneficial critters, and their delivery into your yard will be entirely beneficial.

Lily pads and plants with exposed roots create havens for frogs, which will in turn keep the bug population formed by the still water under control. Shady and sheltered areas with many aquatic flowers appeal to a large number of pond fish, such as the Japanese Koi, who like to be able to rest unmolested. The increase in insects will also increase the number of songbirds, who like nothing more than a crunchy bug for a snack. As you can see, it' a thriving healthy ecosystem with many benefits

Aquatic Flowers – Some Common Varieties

Here we've listed some of the common aquatic flowers to include in your pond. Maintain a good mixture and you'll ensure the maximum potential health of your backyard' ecosystem.

Water Lilies
The water lily is the classic lily pad associated with ponds and frogs. These aquatic flowers are an absolute must for any successful pond garden. Not only do they provide blossoms for a lengthy period of time, but they also spread shade in the water. This cuts down on algae, which requires sun to grow, and keeps the water clean and clear. Make sure to remove old flowers and leaves every few weeks, as this will encourage healthy growth.

Pygmy Water Lilies
These are a smaller variant of the above, and suitable for smaller ponds of tub-based gardens. They take up less space will still providing shelter for frogs and fish, and while still producing pleasant aquatic flowers to look at.

Water Poppy
These are small yellow aquatic flowers with bright green leaves. They are common throughout the late spring and summertime, and are perfect for placement amongst lilies due to their unobtrusive size. They require a good amount of sun to remain fresh and healthy.

Water Hawthorn
This variety of the hawthorn plant produces fragrant white flowers with a black center in late winter and during the spring, and has bright green floating leaves for the rest of the year. They can tolerate a bit of shade, if needed, but should still have access to some sun for best results. These aquatic flowers are also great to mix with lilies because they can grow up between them.

Duckweed
Duckweed is a floating plant that is a great addition to any pond that will have fish living in it. It provides peaceful shelter for them, and is also a great source of food for larger types of fish.

Water Lettuce
This floating plant resembles a head of lettuce. Don't include it if you live in a climate with high chances of spring frost, as this will damage and often kill the water lettuce.

Japanese Iris
The Japanese iris can grow to three feet in height, and produces purple, white or dark red blossoms in November and December. These aquatic flowers require a lot of sun to thrive.

Lizard' Tail
This plant sports heart-shaped leaves and pleasant creamy-white flowers in the summertime. It grows best with access to the sun.

Water Cress
The water cress enjoys a quick growth period, and displays attractive small white flowers. These aquatic flowers need sun to remain healthy. Of interest – water cress can be eaten, is a popular healthy ingredient in many leafy salads.

The above aquatic flowers and plants, when combined, will produce a truly enviable and enjoyable pond or water garden. Be sure to find out the best methods for planting each variety, including optimal soil composition, required ratio of sun to shade, and any other information that might be critical. You'll enjoy nature' gifts as they flourish in your garden, and will provide new homes for local animals at the same time.