Almost any plants we know today as cultivated mainly for decoration and beautification used to be weeds, naturally growing in the wild. Then humans discovered that they looked attractive so they took them. This was the beginning of artificial selection process and thus as we see flowers seem to evolved to be prettier to human taste. This is the idea that prevailed throughout the history of agriculture and even maybe prior to that, back when humans were likely to be partial to places where food can be gathered. This can elaborate further why several flowers act as partner plants to more beneficial agricultural plants; they had evolved to benefit from another even before both were domesticated. Thus, they grew at the same place, easy to be chosen as an appealing plant.

But once flowers are domesticated, they were cultivated separately or became part of gardens. In the West side of the world, it was only in the 19th century that people in the West arrived at the concept of having flower gardens. Interesting fact when at this time when we think of gardens, we readily think of blooms. On the East, Japanese gardens are mostly made of small scales mountains, flowing water, rocks and plants but not necessary flowers. Like Ikebana, Japanese gardens carry symbolism.

But for the Greeks, flowers are already in the market as early as 5th century BC. They already have gardens like the ones Persians have,.  You can find crowns made of flowers, crowns that were created for heroes of athletic games famous in Greece. For the Romans, history says how they cover Italy with gardens.These became a spectacular scenery as gardens found in Italy were considered to be one of the most beautiful ever created. Italian gardens were reminiscent of old Roman Villas placed on sloping sites. What made them even more beautiful were the incorporation of flowing water or pools.

Gardens during the Renaissance period were more elaborate with fountains and statues. But during the 18th century gardens gradually became more natural like that found in nature. 

There are many kinds of garden today but most of them have flowers unlike during the earlier times. Flower gardens are something people sought for. Walking around places surrounded with flowers is a retreat for anyone.

Flowers and bouquets of flowers carry with them a particular message. A dozen of red roses expresses passionate love or may express the words “Be mine”. Most of us know that a dozen red roses means, "Be mine”.  A primrose can express how someone cannot live without the other. A purple hyacinth when given is a way to ask for forgiveness. A pink carnation will remind someone how he or she will remain forever in our hearts.

Flowers have been associated with meanings to express ideas, feelings and messages for centuries. The word, floriography, is a term used for the assignment of meaning to flowers. There are also meaning attached to colors of flowers and to numbers of flowers. Just like music, flowers can be considered a universal language.

Aside from the meanings of flowers carried by color and variety, the language of flowers also speaks in the way flowers are worn or presented. When flowers are positioned upright then this signifies a positive meaning, but if they are shown upside down the meaning is the opposite.

History shows that it was the Turks in the 17th century that developed a language for flowers. It was from them that Europe picked up the concept of Secret Language of Flowers.

The year was 1819 when Louise Cortambert wrote and published Le Language des Fleurs. This small book is said to be the first dictionary of the language of flowers. That did become a widely-used reference on the subject it specializes.

It was in the Victorian era during the reign of Queen Victoria that flowers became very popular in sending messages. The Victorian women were especially the ones who made use of the flowers’ silent language for them to express their feelings that are not allowed to be communicated because the society then views it inappropriate. It was then that flowers became gifts to carry messages.

The year was 1884 in London when the first whole book on the subject was published. It was entitled The Language of Flowers. It was written by Marsh and illustrated by Kate Greenaway. The book became well-known and earned respects all over Europe, establishing itself as the standard source of Victorian flower meaning ever since.

It should also be noted that the Eastern side of the world, Asia, has also been fond in associating meanings to flowers. In fact, Japan has its own term for flower language, which is called Hanakotoba.

Even in the ancient civilizations, flowers have been given meanings. Until now, people are still fond of giving flowers for particular meanings.

Three-fourth of hosts or social planners hires a florist for their special events. Though a florist is given to deliver flowers to make any event more appealing, you still need to find the one that fits into your style and budget. In hiring a florist, you should be guided to save yourself from ending up with the wrong one.

For most people flowers make it on the top list of design elements. From small gathering to big events, flowers add can make a difference at any setting. When planning to hire a florist for an event, meet with her or him to discuss what you want to achieve. Be sure of what you want your flowers to be and let your florist know so you won’t get disappointed with the result. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Research. Like in any other things a knowledge with what you’re dealing with is an advantage. Do your research from simply looking around in local florist shops or take advantage of the info you can find online. Get acquainted with the style of florist available in your area. Research on the latest in floral designs so you can tell it to the florist. Get to know which flowers are in season.

Budget. Stick to your budget. Keep steadfast in relating your budget to the florist. Set how much you are willing to shell out for flowers. If the quote you get from a florist is too high then look for a florist that can still deliver beautiful flower arrangements at an affordable price. You can also ask if the florist is giving a package that can save you money. A good florist should be able to give you options of how to come up with flowers at the occasion within your budget.

Establish a good communication with your florist. You should be able to point what you like and what you don’t. If the florist suggests something that does not match your personal preference, then voice it out immediately.

Style. It is critical that before you hire your florist you are already aware of his or her style. You can ask the florist to present you with photographs of his or her previous works.

Hiring the right florist would make your event even more special. While choosing the wrong one might ruin it and cause you unnecessary stress. So keep these tips in mind.

In every art masterpiece is a great artist. The same thing is true with a flower arrangement. In every beautiful floral display is a talented florist. You might be wondering what it takes to become a certified florist. Is there any education and certification needed? Better read on to find out.

Before knowing what a florist is, it would be best to know the industry where he or she in – floristry. This is the industry referring to floral trade and those who practice flower arranging as a profession. Floristry embraces everything from the cultivation of flowers to the arrangements of flowers. It also covers flower care and handling, flower styling, flower arranging, down to delivery of the flowers. Floristry can also be easily understood as the arranging and merchandising of flowers.

Though everyone who has a penchant for floral design can be a florist, training for the art of making flower arrangement would be an advantage. Just like any other art, flower arrangement is also governed by principles. A floral composition would look professionally done when one integrates principles of flower arranging.

A florist would know what colors and varieties of flower would look good together to come up with a beautiful flower arrangement. It will also help for anyone who wishes to endeavor on becoming a florist to know the traditional and contemporary style of traditional flower arranging.

What makes a good florist also require adequate knowledge on proper care and handling of flowers. This is a prerequisite since flowers should always be fresh when they are bought by the client. Sufficient knowledge is also needed on how to handle flowers upon delivery.

Personality would also make a difference in working as a florist. Being a florist means knowing how to communicate well with your clients so that you will come up with a flower design that matches their taste. A florist should also always be ready to answer questions.

No specific education is required to become a florist but most florists used to work for a professional florist. Though they did not acquire a formal education in flower arranging, their experience works for their advantage.

But to begin with, a fondness for flowers is needed to be a good florist. For anyone who wants to become a florist would be glad to know that there are professional florists offering short programs for flower design. Certain community colleges also offer courses in flower arranging.

Autumn season is associated with harvest and melancholy. When it comes to flowers, autumn is less celebrated as the season for flowers compared to summer and spring. But having flowers during autumn makes the season more dramatic. It is said that planting flowers during autumn is an indication of a true landscaping enthusiast. Flowers still bloom in this season. Weddings done during this season is even more romantic when flowers are around.

The most obvious flowers that can thrive during the autumn to winter are hardy flowers. Indeed, chrysanthemums and dusty millers are good choices for autumn landscape but do not limit yourself with these kinds of flowers. Tender annual flowers can make any garden even more interesting during the autumn season.

Marigolds are less likely to be seen as an autumn flower since they are tender plants. However, its colors of orange, yellow, and gold are classic fall colors. Marigolds are still worth planting during the fall season.

Gerberas, irises, freesias, orchids, forget-me-nots, asters and many more beautiful flowers can survive the autumn climate.

Weddings always come with flowers. The autumn romantic scenario is perfect for a wedding. If you plan to have a wedding on autumn, its best to know what are the flowers in season. There would be no problem, if you ordered ahead and is willing to pay for the cost of shipping flowers. But if you are on a budget, it would be wiser to know what the flowers are in season. Availability of flowers do vary from one region to another, but to be safe, mums, zinnias, fuchsias, amaryllis, sweet William, yarrow and statice are good choices if you prioritize affordability. You also have an option of going for flowers that are available all year round. The list includes roses, daisies, lilies and orchids.

Aside from availability, you also have to consider what colors will match the autumn mood. Yellows and oranges accentuate the mood of autumn but you can also be creative in going for fuchsias, purples, and even white.
 
Whether for your landscape or for a wedding, flowers are essential during the fall season.

Whether to patch things up or just because, giving flowers to someone special has been practice in human relationships for many years until now.  Yes, flowers as gifts seem never become outdated but it is so popular that one might think that giving flowers is not so special since it is not well-thought of.

People in America are known to celebrate individuality and express themselves in creative ways. Thus, there is an art when you engaged in gift giving. The kind of gift you give says something about who you are. Since flowers are so commonly given, one might think you choose to give those flower because you can’t think of anything else to give. This is a sign that you might care less. Flowers are easily ordered now specially with online florist. Thus, flowers should be given accompanied with a letter with contents originally written by the sender or a planned dinner date in a fancy restaurant to make the gesture show more care.

Another drawback in sending flowers is how flowers quickly wither. As a gift, it would not be enjoyed for so long as you like. But one thing about flowers that cannot be toppled by critics is the fact that flowers are really beautiful and a classic. Despite being considered as corny, lack of creativity, lack of effort, sending flowers as gifts is beloved by many. It is a classic and withstood time. Flowers have established itself as a symbol of affection, gratitude, celebration and sympathy around the world. Even science can explain why flowers are popular as gifts. Studies show that indeed flowers can lift someone’s mood and its effects can last for days. Flowers can even alleviate the feeling of sickness and even sadness. Statistics also show that many of us admit that when we receive flowers we feel a sense of excitement and happiness.

Sending flowers is indeed a sweet gesture. It may be corny but don’t all of us have a side of cheesiness in all of us. Picking flowers to give is not just a thoughtless act. There are so many ways that flowers can be arrange to make a statement or to convey the message you like to say to your loved one. There are so many ways that a flower arrangement can show individualism and creativity. Flowers will stay the most beloved and expressive gift of all time. It may sometimes appear corny to some but it will never lose its sweetness.

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Flowers have been used way back the earliest civilizations. They had long been a part of human history. Flower gardens were found in the ancient Mesopotamia. Roses’ oil was used way back during the time of ancient China. The ancient Greeks and Romans associated flowers with their gods and goddesses. Flowers were included in religious practices.

Flowers, biologically, are responsible for making sure that plants will continue to exist through reproduction. For us, humans, flowers are known to beautify our surroundings and they are also popularly sent as gifts to our loved ones.

Millennia ago, flowers have already been cultivated in gardens like that in China and Mesopotamia. They are also used for herbal purposes, for instance, calendula, a member of the marigold family, were used by early Romans to alleviate indigestion, and as ointments to heal toothaches, skin irritations and sore eyes. Flowers were also already used as decors then. History tells us of how early Buddhists embellish their temples with flowers and how Egyptians adorn their ceramics with daisies. Flowers were also used as concoctions like delphinium, which primarily is used to drive away scorpions. Flowers, as mentioned, earlier are significant in ancient religions. They are offered at altars. Certain flowers also bear a religious symbol like a holly, which was believed to drive away evil spirits, and later on its leaves became a symbol of eternal life for Christians.

Today, flowers’ uses and purposes remain the same, plus additions. It was already in the Victorian era that flowers are sent to express feelings. This is still popularly practice around the world. They can be made presents for many occasions such as birthdays, Valentines Day and anniversaries. They are also popularly used as decorations during big events like weddings and graduations. Flowers are also there to adorn homes.

Many people grow flowers at their homes to make their landscape more attractive. Flowers are also cultivated for commercial purposes. Aside from their usual gifts and decorations purposes, flowers are also a source of food like carnations, mums, honeysuckle and even roses. Flowers also make perfect tea. Flowers when dried like chamomiles and roses are added in a tea for its medical properties and fragrance.

Flowers are indeed one of nature’s beautiful and useful creations, beloved by many throughout time.

Summer flowers are known for its brilliant color and charm that makes any landscape lovelier under the summer heat until winter. Maintaining it requires little care. Summer is a favorite season to bask in the beauty and abundance of summer flowers in gardens.

Summer flowering plants may probably experience injury when winter comes and may need extra care during spring, but still it makes a worthy choice to add in any garden. Its vibrant color and pleasant fragrance would definitely compensate for the cons in planting them.

The summer season is indeed a suitable season for flowers to blossom. To make sure you get the most of the bright colors and wonder of summer flowers in your garden, then better give special care and extra attention to summer flower plants.
For people who have the passion for flowers, summertime is the best for you to purchase your favorite cut summer flowers. Buy bunches of them and plant them in containers at the beginning of summer.

You can plant summer flowering plants in window boxes, patio pots or in hanging baskets. This will surely add more color and invite good aura into your homes. If you place them outdoors, then you need to add extra care and fed them well as the summer goes by.

You can also find plenty summer flowering bulbs. These bulbs can definitely make a home landscape more attractive and pleasant to look at. Usually summer flowering bulbs bloom with small flowers so you should plant them in clusters or beds to make them more visible.

There are also summer flowering bulbs that bloom with large flowers. In this case, it may require you to have them staked to best show off their blooms.

Many beautiful flowers bloom during the summer from late June to September. These include chrysanthemums, carnations, freesias, irises, asters, and heathers.

Many clients usually select a florist which is the nearest and accessible. But the keener or pickier flower client sets particular criteria when choosing a florist.

First criterion on the list is that a florist should have some professional affiliations. A professional florist who endeavors for excellence should more likely join at least one of these organizations: several wire services, growers association, your local chamber of commerce or civic groups. When you choose a florist that is affiliated with a wire service you can send flowers to almost wherever you like. Profession memberships are also good indication that the florist is committed to his or her craft.
 
Second criterion has something to do with the quality of products a florist has. In choosing a florist you should consider that the flowers s/he is offering are fresh, rich in color and foliage are also green and healthy. Of course, you would not want to get your flowers from a florist who makes use of flowers that has brown spots and blooms that are closed to wilting.

Third criterion is the extensiveness of product selection. Deal with florists who offer various flower arrangements including tropical flowers and other exotic flowers. These kinds of flower are more robust and are of better quality.

Fourth criterion is the over-all facade and appearance of the shop. It would make sense that a good florist ought to take time to show his or her artistic style throughout the shop. You would want to communicate with a florist who offers something new and not just the same old traditional styles. 

Fifth criterion is the personality and knowledge of a florist. A florist should be able to handle a client well by carefully listening to what a client wants. A good florist is also able to provide you with the answers you need and give you suggestions to make flower arrangements better.

Sixth and final criterion is service. A good florist is willing to give time and location favorable to the client’s needs.
The perfect florist for you is the one who can give the service, designs, advice and products that you are looking for that fit your budget.

Roses are red. Violets are blue. But how do flowers differ in their color? We enjoy the beauty of the colorful flowers yet how flowers became such is a mystery for most of us. You might also want to know why flowers are colorful. Flowers do not exist only for us to enjoy.

The colorful petals and sepals of flowers are there to attract pollinators like insects, birds and bats. They need pollinators in order to reproduce. Flowers are bright in color for a reason. This also has a scientific explanation. Brightly colored flowers are genetically created as such since they are meant to attract the birds and the bees.  When bees and other pollinators see the color of the flower, this would be a go signal for them that there is nectar to gather.  Pollinators have in them color vision that allows them to look for colorful flowers.

The question now is how come flowers differ in color. The reason for this is credited to co-evolution wherein species of insects happen to co-evolve with a certain flower. Various insects see varying wavelength of light or to put it simply different insects see different colors, meaning a certain insect may be able to see the color of one flower, but not the other. Insects are able to see marking and colors which are not visible to the human eye.

There is a process where a flower obtains its color. The color of a flower depends on the pigments obtained from the hereditary genome of the plant. Just like other living things a flower get its specific color from its parent. The colors red, pink, blue and purple that some flowers have are chiefly from the pigments called anthocyanins. These belong to the class of chemicals coined as flavanoids.

Humans can actually tinker what color a flower will have. But it takes an intricate procedure.  A new color can emerge from extracting a specific amount of one pigment and placing it in another.

Every color and every hue that flowers have aren’t created by chance. It represents  their kind.