A Budding Summer Ahead With Quintessentially Flowers

Quintessentially Flowers is very proud to announce that we have launched a brand new range of beautiful bouquets on our website. Popular summer bouquets include our gorgeous Summer Vintage Bouquet (see picture) which is classic to the season and is composed of stunning pink peonies, purple hydrangeas and delicate pink spray roses.








For a quirky summer gift our Electric Summer Bouquet is perfect. It is made up with Cerise peonies, red celosia, red astilbe and marie claire roses that combined look absolutely stunning.









For something more exotic our Tropical Electric Bouquet is very unique and unusual. Its intention is to bring all the fragrances of the Caribbean together, the Tropical Electric bouquet is composed of Calla Lilies, Brenda Red Proteas, Friendship roses and Red Hypericum







Please let us know what you think of our new range and comment below – we would love to hear your feedback!

Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is held in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace from the 5th-10th July. It is the rival show to the world famous Chelsea Flower Show that took place this year back in late May. It is a pilgrimage for anyone who is interested in the great outdoors. 

The first show was held in 1993 and was considered a considerable success and the following year it was acknowledged as the best outdoor public event of 1994. The 20 acre showground allowed the show to grow considerably.

There are many things to do and see. A must see is the RHS edible garden. This stunning centrepiece is the largest in the entire show and it showcases the very best in grow your own and most of it is edible. It is designed by award winning designers Anita Foy and Jon Wheatley and most of the yield is grown in the UK . Another must see is the ‘food for free’ area with plants that can found in the wild. Features include a lavender field, olive trees, a tropical zone and a cider orchard. It’s a must see for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors –we look forward to seeing you there!

Party Flowers

There are many florists who specialize in corporate and event work. Flowers for events are very different to the flowers in the home as they don’t need to last as long however they need to make a serious impact on a room and look impressive.

When thinking about centrepieces they should either be low or tall and thin so that people can still talk and see each other. It is important to bear in mind that scented flowers at a dinner is not advisable as the smell of flowers and food is not always effective. In stark contrast, scented flowers at a drinks reception can work wonderfully as it helps guests relax and feel energised unless of course they suffer from hay fever!

Flowers or large potted plants at the entrance to an event or party can look fantastic and also set the vibe for the evening. They can also complement the theme of the evening very well for example – orchids would work well for a winter wonderland theme and hydrangeas for a more formal event. Either way flowers at parties can really add to the atmosphere and have a positive impact on the mood of the guests.

The Dahlia Flower

The Dahlia is a spectacular garden flower and is named after a Swedish 18th century botanist called Anders Dahl. He originally regarded it as a vegetable rather than a garden flower however this changed when the first varieties with large double flowers were produced in Belgium around 1815.


They are native to the mountainous regions of Mexico, although they live in warm countries they actually grow better in cooler conditions. Dahlia’s liked well drained, rich moist soil and also direct sunlight. They are not particularly hardy plants but they will survive and benefit from a cooler climate and lots of rain.


Dahlia’s bloom from Mid-summer all the way up to late autumn and look even more spectacular as the weather cools, they produce an even more beautiful display if they are properly pinched and deadheaded. We highly recommend the Dahlia flower as a beautiful addition to your garden this summer!

Popular Plants In Japan

 

The Cherry Blossom
The Cherry Blossom is Japan’s unofficial national flower. There are many different varieties of cherry trees in Japan for example the Somei Yoshino, Kikuzakura and Ichiyo. Most of these bloom for a couple of days in spring. The Japanese celebrate springtime with Hanami which involves having parties under the blossoming trees.

The Ume or the Japanese Plum
These bloom several weeks before the cherry blossom and show an early sign of spring. In Tokyo and the surrounding areas they typically flower in Febuary and March. As a celebration of this plum festivals are held in public parks and temples.

The Momiji or the Japanese Maple
The Japanese maple produces the most incredible autumn colours and is a popular decorative tree in Japanese gardens.

The Matsu or Pine
The Matsu is green throughout the year and is also popularly used as a decorative plant in Japanese gardens. The pine symbolises youth and longevity.

Take or Bamboo Plant
The bamboo plant has a number of different uses. It is often used in construction, gardens and several arts and crafts. It is one of the fastest growing plants in the world.

Ikebana - The Japanese Art Of Flower Arranging

Ikebana or popularly known as Kado is the Japanese art of flower arranging. It is a disciplined form of art in which humanity and nature are brought together. Its constituents are leaves, branches, blossoms and grasses and its true beauty is the result of its colour combinations, lines and shapes.

Ikebana has become highly acclaimed and respected in the west – the Japanese have a huge appreciation for nature and when visiting Tokyo it is not unusual to find taxi drivers have put a little vase with flower at the edge of their windshield. In addition it is very rare to see a Japanese house that does not feature some sort of floral arrangement.

Arrangers tend to use several different types of plants in a single arrangement and even when a single flower is used the arranger will ensure that an effort is made to bring out the full implications of nature. There is also a deep appreciation of the spiritual aspect of Ikebana. People who practice this very skillful art form feel as though it helps you “live in the moment” and experience a sense of deep appreciation of nature that would have seemed insignificant before.

Caring for your Bonsai Plant

 

The Bonsai plant is thought to have originated from Japan and China. It is notoriously difficult to keep and maintain and requires great skill and patience. Caring for a Bonsai can sometimes be compared to caring for a human!

They must be watered regularly – if they are not they will become vulnerable to weakness, disease and pests. It is advisable to plant in sterile soil which has a balanced PH level otherwise the plant will not grow. You should also test the water that you give your bonsai is PH neutral. They should be kept at a consistent temperature as this can cause stress – they are in particularly vulnerable to colder conditions.  Bonsai plants do not enjoy windy conditions, direct sunlight, excessive shade and damp conditions. When feeding your bonsai plant you should choose organic plant food whichhas low nitrogen levels as this will encourage growth and prevent wounds from developing. Bonsai plants are prone to fungal infections which spread very easily much like flu with humans. All wounds must be sealed.

Flower Scents

Floral scents are very popular especially in the perfume industry. They spend a great deal of time and effort trying to recreate an authentic floral fragrance. Research has shown that floral fragrances can have a significant effect on our emotions – for example lavender can act as a sedative – hence why lavender oil is often recommended as a relaxant and people often put it on their pillows at night to help them sleep. Citrus has the opposite effect and is used as a pick me up.

On the whole white flowers have stronger scents – for example lilies and narcissi. The only exception this are freesia’s – the dark pink and red flowers tend to smell the strongest. See below for various floral scents:

Aromatic: Rosemary, Lavender, Dill, Eucalyptus, Hyacinth

Sweet: Sweet Pea’s, Lilac, Carnations, Lily of the Valley, freesia’s

Spicy: Dianthus (pink), Genista, stock, chrysanthemum

Citrus: eucharis (lemon scent), Acacia, Chamelaucium

Is It Ok To Send Flowers To Men?

Five or ten years ago it was very unusual to send men flowers. However in today’s day and age where change comes fast it is not uncommon to see men going for a facial or manicure and pedicure.

Having spoken to various men about receiving flowers we have established that most men actually do like flowers. Choosing the right flowers however is not easy. From our research we would recommend avoiding sending pastel/pale pink arrangements e.g ones that look very feminine.

The best thing to choose is something more masculine e.g an orchid bouquet for example in purple or white. Sticking to blues, greens and purples is advisable. Sunflower bouquets are often popular with men as well as tropical flowers such as birds of paradise flowers as they have a bold, striking appearance. In addition a Venus fly trap plant would be a fun gift for a man – these plants are carnivorous and live off insects and flies.

Interesting Facts about Flowers

• The largest flower is the the Rafflesia or “corpse flower” and it has a very pungent scent – hence its nickname because it often smells like rotting flesh
•  White flowers tend to be more scented than coloured flowers

•  Sunflower stems used to fill lifejackets before modern technology and materials were invented which proved more effective

•  Onions contain a mild antibiotic that fights infections

• There are over 15,000 species of roses grown around the world

• Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie O'Donnell and Barbara Streisand each have a rose named after them

• Tulip Bulbs can be used instead of onions for cooking

• The rose family also includes apricots, cherries, peaches, pears, apples, plums and almonds

• Broccoli is a flower and also a vegetable

• Saffron comes from the crocus flower

• In Malta, chrysanthemums are connected with funeral and it is considered bad luck to keep the flower indoors – However Feng shui ideology believes that chrysanthemums bring joy and laughter to any roo

• Tulips can grow up to an inch a day after being cut

• There are over 250,000 species of flowering plants in the world

• During the 1600s, Tulips were so treasured and valuable that their bulbs were worth more than gold

Plant Style For Your Home

 

People purchase flowers and plants to improve and enhance their homes. It is often a difficult to decide on what flowers or plants that fit into the style of your home. The ideas below may help you when making these decisions and ensure that you choose the perfect plant to fit your style of interior:

Country Living Style

Cottages suit informal plants. The most popular plants to use in a country home are Ivy, ferns, roses and jasmine which smells gorgeous. Use terracotta and wooden pots to keep the style natural.

Groovy & Bright

If you prefer plenty of colour then there are lots of plants to choose from. Gerberas, begonias, kalanchoes and also brightly coloured hydrangeas can look fantastic and funky. To add to the dramatic effect you can use brightly coloured pots.

Chic

Elegant interiors suit classy houseplants such as pot roses in pastel shades, white hydrangeas and pretty orchids. Displayed in black glass vases these plants look extra chic and sexy.

Minimal

A minimal style of interior needs something subtle and simple. Cacti are great for this kind of feel. In addition bromeliads look great as well. Glass and metal containers work well with this kind of style.

Neutral

For neutral interiors plants can inject a bit of colour into the room. Plants such as gardenia, Jasmine and stephanotis work really well in this environment. They maintain a natural feel but just avoids the room looking bland and boring.

Mediterranean

Bold plants are suitable for a Mediterranean style – plants such as cacti, geraniums and pelargoniums. Their pots should be painted brightly or should be in terracotta

Gift Ideas

Flowers are often given to people as gifts – they are great ways to express our emotions. There are many perfect occasions whereby flowers make the perfect gift – for example:

To celebrate a birthday/anniversary

We recommend something bright and quirky that represents the happiness of the occasion. This summer a great choice would be brightly coloured peonies, sweet peas and roses.

To wish someone get well soon

 Giving flowers to someone who is unwell or maybe in hospital is a great way to lift their spirits. Bright flowers are appropriate as these will create a happy environment and brighten up the room. A long lasting plant like an orchid or gerbera is also great as they are low maintenance and are brightly coloured.

To say congratulations

You don’t always have to stick to tradition – for example sending blue flowers to celebrate the birth of a baby boy. The recipient is more likely to appreciate something a bit more daring or personal – send their favourite flowers or the most fashionable flowers at the time e.g a great flower to send at the moment are gorgeous English sweet peas that are beautifully scented and look fantastic – they are also available in lots of colours.

To celebrate an engagement

We would recommend sending romantic flowers – scented pastel colours always look fantastic. Accompanying with a bottle of champagne/wine or chocolates is a great additional gift idea.

For funerals

Funeral flowers celebrate the life of a loved one and are used as symbols of love, respect and honour. Funeral flower trends have changed a lot – the traditional and perhaps predictable choice is lilies but nowadays it is acceptable to have flowers in almost any style or shape. Perhaps a hand tied arrangement of the deceased favourite flowers.

Celebrity Wedding Flowers

Take inspiration from modern day celebrities and  the eternal elegance of the fifties film stars to ensure you feel like a million dollars on your wedding day. Lily of the valley has been a very popular choice amongst celebrities which is hardly a surprise considering it means “you’ve  made my life complete” in the Victorian language of flowers. Kate Middleton who recently married Prince William chose Lily of the Valley for her bridal bouquet. See below for other influential celebrity choices:

Princess Diana:

Diana selected a teardrop shaped  bouquet of yellow ‘Mountbatten’ roses, freesia, orchids, freesias, stephanotis, gardenia and lily of the valley. It also included myrtle and veronica. All the flowers were cut from Queen Victoria’s garden at Osborne House.

Audrey Hepburn:

Audrey’s choice was very simple. For her first marriage she chose a simple headdress of white roses and for her second marriage she chose a scented handtied posy which consisted of lily of the valley and freesia

Barbra Streisand:

Barbra chose gardenias and lily-of-the-valley

Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor:

Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe chose the same bouquet for their weddings. They both opted for a simple posy of three white orchids

Leann Rimes:

Leann who very recently got married chose gorgeous smelling sweet peas mixed with freesias, roses and hydrangeas

Camilla Parker-Bowles:

Camilla carried a posy of white, purple and yellow primroses teamed with lily-of-the-valley when she married Prince Charles.

Poisonous Plants

There are a number of common poisonous plants and flowers which can be found growing in the countryside, in woods and gardens. These plants are not to be eaten and you should always wash your hands once you’ve picked them!

The most common poisonous plants are listed below:

Daffodil – The bulbs of a daffodil can cause an upset stomach so whatever you do don’t eat them! The stem is also poisonous

Iris: The tubers are particular poisonous but the whole plant can cause a nasty stomach upset and discomfort

Foxglove: These plants are highly toxic and can seriously damage the gastrointestinal system as well as the cardiovascular system

Buttercup: The juice from a buttercups stems can cause irritation to the skin and also upset the gastrointestinal system

Deadly Nightshade; As the name suggests this plant is extremely toxic and mustn’t be eaten

 
Hyacinth: Again this plant will cause a nasty stomach upset – It is also important to note that the bluebell is in the same family

Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous Plants obtain nutrients by trapping and digesting various insects, some have even been known to digest small frogs and mammals. Carnivorous plants are commonly found in bogs and marshes where there is plenty of nutrients.

There are five basic ways in which carnivorous plants trap their prey:

Pitfall Traps: Leaves are filled with digestive enzymes that enable them to trap their prey

Flypaper: Leaves are covered in glands that produce a sticky mucus

Snap Traps: The leaves are hinged and snap shut as soon as their trigger hairs are touched

Suction Traps: highly adapted leaves that suck in prey with a bladder that creates an internal vacuum

Lobster Pot Traps: They have twisted tubular channels that lure its prey – these channels are lined with glands and hairs

 
The Venus Fly Trap is the most famous and renowned carnivorous plant. Their traps often grow big enough to catch wasps, flies, spiders, slugs and daddy long legs. There is only one species but they come in many different shapes sizes and colours. They are not very large plants and should be grown in pots that are placed in water trays. It is important to use soft water for example rainwater as this encourages strong growth. You should never fertilise the plant through the root system however one can feed the plant live insects during the growing season – live wax worms and meal worms are ideal meals. Do not feed them dead insects as this will cause rot.

Health Benfits Of Flowers

It is a well- known fact that flowers make people happy. Now however research has been conducted at top educational institutions that shows the behavioural and emotional benefits of flowers and plants. Research in America for example has confirmed that flowers might be the perfect antidote for people who do not consider themselves morning people. Research conducted at Harvard University found that participants in the study felt more positive and energetic after looking at flowers in the morning.

This research has also been applied to the workplace. In today’s economy it is essential for businesses to gain a competitive edge. One of the key’s to gaining a competitive edge is a productive, positive workforce. Research has suggested that by simply adding flowers and plants to the workplace can have a positive impact on productivity and enhance creative performance which could mean the vital difference between mild and great business success.

 

Flowers when given as gifts say a lot about the people sending them. According to Rutgers University research has exposed that people who send flowers, in comparison to other gifts, are portrayed as intelligent, caring and successful people.

The Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show has played an integral part of the British cultural and social scene for almost 150 years. It is an annual festival that lasts five days each year towards the end of May. It exhibits a variety of plants, exotic plants and gardens designed by celebrities and up and coming designers. It is held in the gardens of London’s Royal Hospital. It is one of the most famous and well known flower shows in the world.  

 

It all began in 1862 when London’s Royal Horticultural society held its first spring show. It took place in Kensington and featured exotic plants from all over the world. This continued and gradually it started to build up a loyal audience. In 1912 they decided they needed to find a new location and it was decided that the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea was the most appropriate. The show grew larger and more successful each year until the war broke out which caused some interruptions, however by 1979 the crowds were so large the attendance was restricted. Today more than 150,000 visit the show to find out the latest trends in horticultural and floral design.

The Lisianthus

The Lisianthus is a herbaceous annual plant that is found in warm areas of the United States, The Caribbean, Mexico and northern America. There are 3 species of Lisinathus and they range from 15-60cm tall – they are large funnel shaped flowers. They are available in many different colours frim white – cream, pink to mauve and blue-violet. 

They are incredibly popular cut flowers. They are often used in bridal bouquets as they are very simple and when mixed with delicate roses look absolutely stunning. They are also becoming popular in the ornamental market where Japan and New Zealand are leading the way.

Lisianthis are very symbolic and because of this they are very popular gifts. For example they are often sent as thank you flowers because they represent appreciation – they are also given as romantic gifts as they symbolize a deep rooted romantic attachment and they are also given to represent appreciation for a friend.

Lisianthus are available all year round and when cared for properly can last in a vase for upto 12 days. You should always cut the stems under water and remove the foliage underneath. It is also advisable to feed them with commercial flower food that you can buy from your local florist or garden centre.

The Heather Plant

Heather is an evergreen branching shrub that blooms in late summer. They come in a wide range of colours ranging from pink, white, purple and mauve. Heather is found mostly throughout Western Europe and also in parts of Siberia and Northeaster North America. It is seen as iconic of Scotland which is where it largely grows.

Heather is a very popular ornamental plant in the garden. They prefer sunlight and well drained acidic soil and can be planted anytime the ground is not frozen. When planting heather you should ensure the soil contains compost or processed manure as this will encourage strong growth. The soil must also be well drained.

 
Caring for your heather plant is fairly easy as they are not very high maintenance. They should be pruned every year, this should take place immediately after flowering and as a result you will see additional flowers the following year. You should fertilize the plants – especially if their colour is poor or they are not growing well this is a good indication that they require feeding. The best time to feed a heather plant is in late spring or late winter.

The Meaning Of The Black Rose

The black rose does not exist in nature but they are created in laboratories. Rose genes are manipulated through cross breeding which give the rose a black appearance – it is actually a very dark shade of red, maroon or purple.

The meaning of the black rose is controversial. Black is a colour that is normally associated with death and darkness.

It is thought that the meaning of the black rose evolved from dark origins. In the Victorian era the black rose was typically symbolic of tragedy and grief. They were often used to symbolize death at funerals, they portrayed a message of dislike and disdain amongst rivals and they suggested impending doom.

They are rarely given as a gift to a lover because they stand for tragic love. They symbolise the end of something which could be an idea, relationship or career. A single black rose can signal the death of a relationship. They are not always associated negatively however, on the positive side, sending black roses to someone they can signify a devotion that is so strong and rare like the flower itself.

 
What do you think of the black rose and its meaning? Would you send black roses?

The Cactus

The Cactus is part of the plant family Cactaceae. They are succulent plants that can live in extremely dry areas and survive long periods of drought. They are native to the Americas (North and south) but can also be found on other environments – sub tropical, tropical and are also commonly found in deserts. There are about 2,000 of cactus plants – they vary lots in shape, size and height. The largest ever cactus plant recorded was 19.2 metres and the smallest grows to a maximum diameter of one centimetre.


Cacti have numerous adaptations that can allow them to live in extremely hot and dry areas. These adaptations allow the plant to collect water very effectively and store it for an extended period of time. They conserve this water which minimizes water loss from evaporation.
Instead of having leaves like most plants the cacti have scales or sharp spines (modified leaves). These scales/spines are very good at containing water and do not lose it through evaporation like regular leaves. The spines are great protection against predators.

Cactus plants are used for a number of different reasons. They can be eaten – the stems of some species are fried and then eaten. Some are used for construction purposes as wood and in some places they are used as fences to keep animals in or fend off unwanted visitors. They are also used for ornamental purposes. They make a great gift especially for men. They can also add an exotic feel to your garden or anywhere in your home. Just watch out for their spines!

The Calla Lily

The Calla Lily is a herbaceous flowering plant that is native to Southern Africa. They are tall plants ranging from about 1-2.5 metres in height and their leaves are approximately 15-45cm long.


They produce very large extravagant flowers and are often grown for ornamental purposes and also for cut flowers. They are also very popular wedding flowers because of their stunning shape and fluted cup flowers – they very much resemble a champagne glass. Another reason they are popular wedding flowers is because the Lily is associated with purity and pureness and for that reason they are starting to compete with the rose in popularity for Bridal bouquets. Although most people are familiar with the white calla lily they also come in several bright colours which also look fantastic in the garden or as cut flowers.


Calla lilies last a long time as a cut flower as long as you keep in water that is changed regularly. They are generally displayed in a tall glass vase and are an elegant addition to any counter or table.
To ensure Calla lilies last as long as possible make sure they are placed away from direct sunlight and areas of intense heat. You should also ensure that you re-cut the stems & clean the container every four to five days.

Bird of Paradise Flowers

The scientific name for these flowers is Strelitzia Reginae and they are native to South Africa. The Bird of paradise is a large tropical herb with a spectacular blossom. Long stemmed flowers emerge with a stunning red or purple border. The plant can reach up to 5 foot high with a 2-3 feet width, they have very large leaves which range from 30 – 200 cm long and 10-80 cm broad – and resemble that of a banana leaf.

Birds of paradise flowers are extremely dramatic as an ornamental display. They are great for cutting and individual flowers last for about a week. Even when they are not in flower they still look incredibly stunning. Placing a single stem in a tall slender vase looks fantastic – select a stem that is about to bloom and fill the vase two thirds with white stones (coloured stones will divert attention) make sure you change the water once a week and the bloom should last for approximately 3 weeks.

The bird of paradise flower cannot be grown outside in the in the UK this is because they prefer warmer conditions – they require a minimum temperature of 10 degrees. In winter these plants should be kept in dry conditions however in summer they should be fed lots of water. They flower in spring and early summer.

The Lily

The Lily is native to the northern hemisphere and has been cultivated for over 3,000 years. It is an incredibly popular flower, popular types include the tiger lily, the oriental trumpet lily, the rubrum lily, the calla lily, the Asiatic and oriental lily. The lily, in particular the white lily, symbolises chastity, virtue and purity.

It has has many symbolic meanings all over the world – for example to the Chinese, lily means "Forever in love". In Greek poetry, the lily stood for tenderness and Feng Shui believers hold the lily as an emblem of summer and abundance. It is also a significant symbol for Christians because it suggests purity – as a symbol of purity associated with virgins the lily became known as the Madonna Lily.


With its strong symbolic meanings the lily has often been associated with having strong medicinal values. In china lilies were served as lucky charms and some were convinced that they were capable of averting the evil eye. One historical account suggests that people were interested in lilies because of their anti-toxic powers and their ability to cure depression. In addition in Europe lilies were often used as a remedy against disease and illnesses right up to the beginning on the last century.

Lilies are a beautiful gift for anyone because of their strong symbolic meaning. They also look fabulous in the home and have a beautiful scent – however watch out for their pollen as it stains clothes and furniture etc. To avoid these stains pick the stamens out of the middle of the just opened flower head. This will also prevent the petals themselves becoming stained.

Lupins

Lupinus is commonly known as Lupins or Lupines and belong in the legume family. There are between 200 and 600 species and there is a large degree of diversity between many.

Lupins are very popular ornamental plants in the garden – for example the rainbow Lupin and the garden Lupin are very common. They have very characteristic and easily recognisable leaf shape – they have soft grey to green leaves and many of the species bear thick silvery hairs. Some species are often referred to as quaker bonnets and bluebonnets because of their shape. Their pods contain several seeds.

Lupins prefer a lime-free, well drained soil that is not too heavy – they do not like direct sunlight but will flourish in a sunny spot. You must plant Lupins when they are young so that they can develop a great root position, you should also plant away from trees.
The growth range for these flowers is immense, ranging from just under 1 foot tall to almost 5 feet tall. Not only do they look fabulous in the garden Lupins can also be cut and brought inside to brighten up your living space. When cutting your Lupin you must remember to:

·    Cut the stem at an angle with a sharp, non-serrated knife and cut at least two inches off them
·    You should place the stem in a vase filled with warm water straight away after you’ve cut them
·    Cut the stems regularly – about once every 3 days