Flower Spotlight: Daffodils

Daffodils are a part of the amaryllis family, native to northern Europe and grown in temperate climates around the world. With many varieties, daffodils make for a perfect spring bouquet! Keep reading to learn more about their origin, meaning, and some interesting facts!

Origin
Daffodils go by many names, including Narcissus pseudonarcissus, common daffodil, and trumpet narcissus. A staple spring flower, they are actually perennials and grow to about 16 inches in height. While daffodils are most commonly known for their bright yellow color, they can be found in white, pink, or orange as well. Daffodils have a central bell-shaped crown, or corona, that is frilled at the edges, giving it its trumpet shape that it’s most known for.

Daffodils hail from Mediterranean countries, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. In Britain, Cornwall, and Lincolnshire, there are golden fields of daffodils cultivated to be used as cut flowers.

Facts
Daffodil bulbs contain a compound called narciclasine, which scientists have discovered could be effective in treating brain cancer.
They’re the national flower of Wales.
Daffodil saps wereprized in Ancient Rome because it was thought to have healing properties.

Meanings
Daffodil flowers have symbolised new beginnings and rebirth throughout history. They’ve been associated with new beginnings and the coming of spring because they are one of the first perennials to bloom after the winter frost. Their cheerful yellow color is also a great representation of the spring season. Bright and colorful, daffodils make for a striking standalone flower or a beautiful addition to any bouquet.

Daffodil is a true spring perennial flowering plant. They are robust, live a long life, and easy to propagate with proper flower care. They stand out with their showy trumpet-shaped flowers that are typically composed of six petals and a cup-shaped corona. Daffodil flowers are usually white and yellow but there are also some pink and orange and two-toned varieties.

Be sure to ask Barefoot Florist to use daffodils the next time you send flowers!

Romantic Gestures for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the perfect day of the year to go all out on showing your special someone how you really feel about them. Make it a Valentine’s Day to remember by making a big romantic gesture! Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered.

Romantic Getaway

Surprise your partner by making plans for a night away from home on a romantic getaway. Whether you choose to travel to a new city or just book a room in your hometown, taking time away from your day-to-day routine can be a romantic way to connect with your partner on Valentine’s Day. Make sure there are flowers waiting for them at the hotel when you arrive!

Scavenger Hunt

Send your significant other on a scavenger hunt around your city! Make sure you involve important places related to your relationship to make the time they spend searching extra special. Wait for them at the end of the hunt with a gorgeous bouquet and then whisk them off to a romantic candlelit dinner.

Breakfast In Bed

Cooking for your special someone is always a romantic way to show them you care, but making it a surprise adds an extra level of passion! Wake up before they do on Valentine’s Day to make them their favorite breakfast foods, and serve it to them on a platter adorned with a gorgeous flower arrangement while they’re still in bed. They’ll appreciate all the effort you put in to make their morning extra special!

Date Night

Plan a romantic evening at the fanciest restaurant in town to amp up the romance this Valentine’s Day! Make sure to make reservations in advance, because it’s sure to be a busy night. If an extravagant dinner isn’t your style, consider packing a picnic basket and a blanket for a spontaneous picnic dinner at the park! Finish the night off by doing some of their favorite activities, like going to a museum or attending a concert.

No matter what kind of Valentine’s Day activity you choose, make sure you have flowers on hand as a gift for your date!

Barefoot Florist will help you find the perfect ones that your special someone is sure to adore.

Flower Spotlight: Roses

Roses are one of the oldest flowers, dating back to 35 million years ago. With over 150 different species, roses make for a beautiful addition to any bouquet! Keep reading to learn more about their origin, meaning, and some interesting facts!

Origin

Roses were first recorded in 3000 B.C. in what is now Iraq. They were first cultivated 5,000 years ago and were brought to North America in the 16th century by colonists. Roses were grown extensively in the Middle East during the Roman period and have been symbols of love, beauty, war, and politics throughout history. In Europe and America, rose is synonymous with Valentine’s Day, a floral symbol of love and passion. They are cultivated from South America to Africa, from Eastern Europe to the Far East. In many countries roses are strongly connected to special events, ceremonies, and symbolic events. 

Facts

Roses were used for confetti at celebrations, medical purposes, and perfume during the Roman period.

They are edible and rose water is often added to jellies or jams or used as a flavoring in Indian and Chinese dishes.

Rose can also grow into a fruit, called a Rose Hip. It’s shaped like a berry and is often red, but can be found in black and dark purple.

Meanings

They have symbolized many things over time, with love and beauty being the most common association. Each color represents something different, though, making roses great for many occasions. White rose symbolises purity, innocence, and youthfulness, while ivory roses represent charm, thoughtfulness, and gracefulness. Yellow rose symbolises friendship, joy, and caring, while peach rose represents modesty, genuineness, sincerity, and gratitude. Classy and timeless, rose makes for a stunning standalone flower or a perfect addition to any bouquet.

Be sure to ask your Barefoot Florist to use roses the next time you send flowers! They are also commonly used in Flower Design School classes and courses!

Brighten up Your First Day of Summer

Summer is pool parties. It’s spending time with friends and family. It’s eating melted ice cream while listening to your favorite songs. It’s the perfect time to buy beautiful flower arrangements to keep your home colorful and bright!

Summer Buds

Now is the best time to have these colors of flowers in your home. Use them as the perfect centerpiece for your picnic table, or send some to your best buds.

Orange

Roses, lilies, and poppies are beautiful in orange and great for the table! This color represents sunshine, creativity, energy, enthusiasm, and more. If you’re looking to liven up your home, these picks are the way to go.

Pink

Want to send a gift–just because–to the friend that makes your summers fun? Pink is a color of friendship and peace, and gerberas of this color are a great choice. Add some pink roses to show your appreciation of their friendship.

Yellow

Of course, you have to have flowers that match the sun! Brighten things up with some yellow daisies to represent cheerfulness and show the purity of your home.

Flower Eats

Who doesn’t love a good snack by the pool or a sweet and sugary cake to help out with that summer figure? These edible flowers add a little extra flavor to your eats.

Pansies

These flowers have a bit of a minty flavor, so they pair well with a summer cocktail or your favorite fruit.

Violets

If you don’t mind a slight floral taste, these picks are perfect for cake decorating and add a pop of color to your dish.

Organic Roses

Believe it or not, roses have a little bit of a fruity flavor, so put them in your choice of tea or even make a frozen lemonade flower pop!

Flower Spotlight: Freesia

Freesia Story & Origins

The freesia flower originated in South Africa, and belongs to the Iris family which includes approximately 14 freesia species. This flower got its name when the botanist, Christian P. Ecklon, named the flower after Friedrich H.T. Freese, a fellow botanist, as a commemoration of their friendship. Freesia meanings include friendship, trust, and innocence, among various other meanings.

Due to their delicate fragrance, freesias are one of the most popular flowers in the world. However, they are very difficult to grow in domestic gardens and their petals are extremely delicate. They are popular as cut flowers and are often a florist’s favorite for bouquets and centerpieces.

Freesia flowers are similar to gladioli in that the flowers grow from a central stalk that has sword-shaped leaves. The flowers are funnel-shaped and their stalks can grow up to one foot in height.

Freesia Meanings

Freesia flower meanings generally include friendship, trust, thoughtfulness and innocence. They are a popular gift for friends and family, and is a popular flower amongst various cultures.

According to the Victorian language of flowers, the freesias are the ultimate flower of trust.

In numerology, freesias signify the number nine, which signifies selflessness and obligation.

Since the 1950s, freesias have been widely used as wedding flowers because they represent both the purity of the bride as well as the trust between the couple.

Freesia Symbolism & Colors

Due to their popularity, freesias have been widely cross-bred. Today there are over 1,400 species of cultivars ranging in color from red, white, and yellow, to purple and pink. Freesias of all colors generally symbolize trust and innocence, but there are several freesia colors that carry specific meanings.

White freesias symbolize purity and innocence. They are one of the most popular wedding flowers because they are symbolic of the purity of the bride as well as the trust between the couple.

Multicolored freesia bouquets symbolize friendship and thoughtfulness. They make great gifts for family, friends, and even co-workers.

• Pink freesias symbolize motherly love.

• Yellow freesias symbolize joy, renewal, and friendship.
• Red freesias symbolize passion.

Freesia Facts

Freesias can either be single or double petaled, and grow in a Y-shape.

Although non-poisonous, the sap from a freesias can cause irritation for people who have sensitive skin.

The “Ballerina” freesias are named for its shape, which looks like the silhouette of a ballerina dancer.

Freesia plants are zygomorphic, which means that their flowers only grow on one side of the stalk.

Freesia Uses

It’s easy to see why the freesias are one of the most popular flowers in the world. Their sweet fragrance and variety of colors make them the perfect gift for showing your friends and family that you are thinking about them.

Resources

www.flowermeaning.com  |  www.namesofflowers.net  |  www.ehow.com  |  www.auntyflo.com  |  www.flowerexperts.com  |  www.homeguides.sfgate.com  |  www.inspirationalstories.com

Decorating Your Home with Christmas Flowers

There are many different ways to get excited about Christmas, and one of our favorite festivities is decorating! We’ve put together some decor ideas to get your home ready for the holidays and they all have one thing in common—flowers!

Spice up the mantle

One of the first places to decorate is the fireplace. If you have a beautiful mantle, take advantage of the space, and spice it up with seasonal greens! They’re a perfect way to add an extra bit of that Christmas feeling. Spruce it up with your own holiday decors like ornaments or candles, or let it shine on its own!

Wreath it up

Wreaths are a popular and easy way to decorate for the holidays. Not only are they a beautiful addition to the outside of your home, but they can make the perfect decor on the inside too! Add a wreath of fresh, seasonal flowers to your living room or kitchen to make your space feel extra festive.

Add a classic Christmas touch

Poinsettias are a classic Christmas staple! Add a classic touch to your outdoor decor or bring the holiday spirit indoors with poinsettias! A local florist is sure to have stunning arrangements featuring the dazzling poinsettia. With a few candles and some holiday spirit, you’ll take your Christmas decor to the next level!

The Center of Attention

Don’t forget the most important decor of all—the centerpiece! Adding fresh and seasonal flowers to your dining room table will make your family dinners extra special. Everyone will be in the holiday spirit when seeing the spectacular holiday centerpiece from your local flower shop!

Celebrate the holiday and bring the spirit of Christmas into your home with fresh flowers from Barefoot Florist!

Multicultural Wedding Flowers

Flowers and weddings go together like brides and grooms. Long before the elaborate floral displays you see at modern weddings, brides would use herbs in their bouquets as well as other wildflowers and plants found in nature. Just like each bride is unique, there are certain cultural aspects to wedding flowers that are also unique. The fragrance of wedding flowers will make the air fresh and also sets a stage for whatever is yet to come. They will help to add beauty to the wedding occasion by attaching the flowers to the chair and outdoor venue. Floral-designed seating could even evoke favorite memories from family members and provide soothing thoughts.  Jewish, Indian, Chinese, and Greek weddings are just a few examples.

Jewish Wedding Flowers

The Chuppah is one element that is unique to traditional Jewish weddings. The Chuppah represents the bride and groom’s new home and is often decorated with flowers.

Indian Wedding Flowers

The Jaimala or Varmala ceremony is a very important part of Indian weddings. During this ceremony, the bride and groom exchange beautiful garlands made of flowers. It is the couple’s first outward demonstration of their unity. The flowers that make up the Jaimala can vary but will always have a significant meaning.

Chinese Wedding Flowers

For traditional Chinese weddings, red is the preferred color for flowers. White should be avoided unless they are white roses wrapped in colorful ribbons. White flowers are traditionally used for funerals and are seen as a sign of death.

Greek Wedding Flowers

Floral crowns are currently popular with brides of all cultures, but for the Greek bride (and groom), the floral crown is more than just an accessory. Greek wedding crowns are attached with a ribbon and placed on the couple’s heads after their ceremony. These crowns are made with vines, flowers, twigs, or other materials. Ivy is also commonly found in Greek bridal bouquets because it represents eternal love and protection.

Do you know of other cultures that use flowers in a special way? Let us know in your replies!

Flower Spotlight: Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums are the official birth-month flower of November and are especially popular in the fall months. Also known as mums, these hardy flowers are commonly found in gardens, but are also a great choice to include in flower arrangements. Mums offer a rich history and deep symbolism, so keep reading to learn some interesting facts about them!

Origin

Chrysanthemums were originally cultivated in China, where their roots were used as herbal remedies for headaches and their petals and sprouts were eaten in salads. They were later introduced to Japan, becoming so popular that they became a part of the emperor’s official crest. Mums were introduced to Europe in the 17th century and then imported into America in 1798.

Facts

Japan holds National Chrysanthemum Day annually, which is also referred to as the Festival of Happiness.

The name “chrysanthemum” comes from the Greek words “chrysos” (gold) and “anthemon” (flower), referring to the flowers’ original color.

In the U.S., mums are the largest commercially produced flower, and are known as the “Queen of Fall Flowers.”

In Eastern cultures, it is believed that adding a single chrysanthemum to a glass of wine will provide a long life.

Florist mums are not hardy for growing outdoors in cold climates. Tender potted mums sold in florist shops want to stay indoors with you.

Meanings

Chrysanthemums are a symbol of joy, optimism, and longevity. However, sending specific colors may change the meaning slightly.

Red- love, devotion

Yellow- happiness, unrequited love

White- honesty, loyalty

Purple- get well soon

Ask Barefoot Florist to include chrysanthemums next time you send flowers! We can also use it on our next Flower Design School floristry class!

What Does Your Flower Sign Say About You?

Do you believe in astrology? The study of celestial objects to understand information about human affairs dates back for centuries and is believed to reveal powerful insight to personalities and character traits. Certain flowers are even believed to appeal to certain Zodiac signs. See which flower corresponds with your sign and what it says about you!

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Aquarius is considered an extrovert sign. People born under this sign have an independent spirit and are highly intellectual. The orchid represents strength and beauty and is the perfect match for this personality type.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Imaginative, selfless and intuitive are three words to describe Pisces. People born under this sign are also very artistic which is why the beautiful violet, rich in colors is appealing. This flower brings joy and peace to the inquisitive mind.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Aries are active individuals always looking for a new adventure. An Aries is typically the leader of a group filled with confidence and charisma. The honeysuckle has an irresistible smell which mimics the attractive energy that Aries carry with them.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

A Taurus has an eye for beauty and grace. They are warmhearted individuals spreading love and happiness with ease. The rose is a classic symbol of love and beauty. This flower speaks to the true character of a Taurus.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Gemini can quickly adapt to any situation and love to have fun. They are lively at events and have an easy-going personality that is infectious. The dainty blooms of the lily of the valley symbolize sweetness and mirror the friendly character of Gemini.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

People born under this sign tend to be emotional and sensitive. They care deeply about those they love and are protective over friends and family. Delphinium, also known as larkspur, stand tall and symbolize growth of character and beliefs.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

The beautiful marigold shines bright with its vibrant shades of yellow and orange. The personality traits of Leo match the warm hues of this flower. Leos are generous and energetic in every situation, looking to spread happiness.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

The intricate detail in a chrysanthemum makes this bloom a showstopper. The diligent and analytical mind of a Virgo is symbolized in the precise structure of each chrysanthemum petal.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

People born under this sign do not tolerate injustice or cruelty. They long for harmony and are often found mediating arguments. The gladiolus or also known as the sword lily, have large spikes that produce bold, beautiful flowers. The straight flower stalk represents the line between right and wrong that Libra’s always seek after.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Intense and passionate describe the ambitions of people born under this sign. The radiant colors of geraniums have the same passionate feel, lighting up any space with their presence.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

People born under this sign are known for their curiosity and open mind. They seek meaning and are optimistic about the potential of the future. Carnations symbolize affection and deep connection which is what people born under this sign long to experience.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

People born under this sign are very practical, determined, and ambitious. Although when someone is in need, they are always ready to lend a helpful hand. The camellia symbolizes remembrance and humility. The humility of people born under this sign is shown through their selfless acts of kindness.

Flower Spotlight: Carnations

Carnations are the second most popular cut flower in the world, right behind the rose! Keep reading to see what makes this prized flower so popular!

Fun Facts

• Come in a wide variety of colors, but white carnations will change their color in 24 hours if you add food coloring to the water. Just add a few drops and wait for the transformation!
• Europe used them for decorations but also as a flavoring agent for beer, wine and liquors.
• Bad luck in France and are used for funeral arrangements.
• The carnation is the birth flower of January.
• The scarlet carnation has been chosen as Ohio’s state flower.

Origins and Symbolism

The beautiful carnation originated from Europe and East Asia. According to an old legend, when Christ was crucified the tears of Virgin Mary created the first carnation. In ancient Rome and Greece carnations were cultivated as garden flowers.

The symbolism of this bloom varies depending on the color of the flower. White carnations mean pure love, red symbolizes admiration, yellow means disappointment, and pink stand for a mother’s love. Today the carnation has largely become associated with Mother’s Day.

For the most part, they express love, fascination, and distinction, though there are many variations dependent on colour. Light red carnation represent admiration, while dark red denote deep love and affection. Pink carnation symbolize gratitude. Yellow carnations symbolize disappointment or rejection. White carnations represent pure love and good luck, while striped (variegated) carnation symbolise regret that a love cannot be shared. Purple carnation indicate capriciousness. In France, it is a traditional funeral flower, given in condolence for the death of a loved one.

Availability

Florists use carnation for every occasion. After being cut, carnations will stay fresh for up to 14 days! The long stem and delicate bloom make this a popular flower for wedding bouquets. They should be available at your local florist all year.

Ask Barefoot Florist to make arrangements with carnations on your next flower order! We can also use it on our next Flower Design School floristry class!