• Flowers 13.09.2009 No Comments

    6 Month Anniversary Ideas

    Entering a new relationship can be very daunting at times.  At first they always feed our lives with happiness as that is how you got together in the first place.  Sometimes these relationships quickly fizzle out but other times they don’t.  When a relationship hits the 6 month mark, that day becomes one of the significant days in a relationship because now it is entering into a long term relationship which includes the peaks and valleys of the lives of both people.  

    It makes sense, therefore, to commemorate the occasion with a  gift of some sort.

    relationship

    There are obviously many apprehensions with regard to a new relationship.  Do the other person like the things that I do?  Do I like the things the other person does?  Can this relationsihp last? So if your relationship does hit the 6 month mark it tells you there is something there that is worth pursuing.  It’s important at that time to give your partner a gift and also have a date to celebrate the moment.

    Those who are about to complete 6 months of their relationship eagerly look forward to the date if the relationship is what it appears to be.  The 6 month anniversary date should be very special for your loved one. One good idea is to do the same thing that you did on your first date – this will show that you cherish that first date and want to remember it forever.  If your first date was a movie, then make arrangements to watch the movie again for on DVD or on demand.  Things such as this can create a very nostalgic and romantic atmosphere to the evening.

    If you want to do something different, then why not try a canoe ride on a local lake or river. Here you can enjoy the beautiful natural environment and can pretend to be a gondolier paddling your loved one under the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.

    Now, when it comes to a 6 month anniversary gift, one of the best ones to give to you girlfriend or boyfriend is a gift of flowers. I know you may think twice when it comes to flowers for guys, well, don’t fool yourself because they have a soft spot for flowers too.  It shows that you understand that he is a thoughtful and caring person – what better way to show it  than with flowers.

     

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  • Flowers 01.04.2009 No Comments

    When you receive flowers fresh from the grower, it helps to know the tricks that can extend the life of the flowers you receive.  Here are 10 tips to extend the life of your flowers.

    1. Florists realize the virtue of cutting flower stems under water before transferring them from bucket to vase. When flower and foliage stems are exposed to air they will immediately begin to seal up inhibiting the absorption of much needed nutrients. Secondly, when fresh cut stems are exposed to air, bubbles of air become trapped in the stems, preventing the steady flow of water to uptake through the stem.

    2. Florists and commercial growers use lukewarm water for their cut flowers. The water temperature should be comfortable to the wrist, approximately 100F to 110F. Theobject is to facilitate the water and nutrients to get to the head of the flower as quickly as possible. Warm water molecules move faster than cold water molecules and thus will greatly enhance the absorption process. The one exception to this rule is bulb flowers, such as tulips, tend to thrive in cooler water.

    3. Florists know that a well balanced preservative solution drastically increases the longevity of cut flowers. Under normal circumstances, the plant will supply what the flower needs; however, when severed, the flower becomes immediately deprived of these essential nutrients. Commercial preservatives offer a form of these nutrients to the cut flower. Such solutions contain sugar for nutrition, antibiotics to fight bacteria, and citric acid to add necessary acidity to the water. When using a commercially produced or homemade preservative, always be sure to use the recommended measurements. The recipe included with this article offers the same preservative properties found in most commercial brands, and is extremely effective in prolonging the vase life.

    Flower Preservative Recipe:
    1 teaspoon sugar
    1 teaspoon bleach
    2 teaspoons lemon or lime juice
    1 quart lukewarm water

    4. Florists know that clean, bacteria free, shears or clippers, made specifically for cutting plant stems vastly improves a flower’s ability to uptake fluids. Using ordinary scissors, made for cutting fabric or paper will crush the flower’s vascular system, and prevent proper water uptake. A bulkier gauge tool, designed for cutting stems, will create a sharper cut, causing less damage to the stems delicate vain system.

    5. Florists realize the advantages of cutting flowers and foliage at an angle and approximately one inch up from the bottom of the main stem. Cutting a 45 degree angle near the bottom of the stem provides a larger, more exposed area for the uptake of the water. In addition, the angle also enables the stem to stand on a point, allowing the water to be in contact with more of the cut surface.

    6. Florists are aware that recutting limp flowers enables the stem to readily absorb more water. A fresh cut will open the veins up allowing the flower stem to absorb necessary nutrients.

    7. Florists are aware that keeping fresh cut flowers away from drafts, direct sunlight, and ripening fruit drastically prolongs the longevity of a bouquet . Ripening fruit emits ethylene gas, which encourages poor petal color, discourages petals from opening, and shortens the overall vase life of a bouquet. In addition, direct sunlight and drafts are also major culprits in shortening the life and beauty of a fresh flower bouquet.

    8. Florists know that keeping the Oasis foam clean, fresh and soaking in preservative treated water extends the vase life of a floral arrangement. If your bouquet arrives in wet Oasis foam, keep the floral foam soaking wet by adding a small amount of preservative treated water each day. In addition if, after a few days, the Oasis is carefully removed (while keeping the flower stems inside the Oasis), and allowed to drain for only a few minutes, then placed back in a clean vase with fresh preservative treated water, the bouquet’s life can last far beyond the normally expected vase life.

    9. Florists know that the stems of hollow-stemmed flowers will benefit from being manually filled with water. Simply turn the flower upside down and pour water into the open cavity of the stalk. To keep the liquid in, plug the stem with a small piece of cotton, then place it in the vase, or place your thumb over the opening at the bottom of the stem and place it in the water. The water trapped inside will keep the stem strong and straight.

    10. Florists understand the advantages of removing excess foliage and dieing, wilted blooms. By removing all the lower foliage when initially creating a bouquet, and by tossing the dead flowers as they begin to die, the vase life of an arrangement can be lengthened or even doubled. Changing the water, adding the correct amounts of new preservative, and rearranging the bouquet to compensate for any loss, will also lengthen the cut flower’s general appearance and overall freshness. Simply by taking simple steps to freshen the bouquet, retarding the bacterial growth, you can increase the beauty and life of a bouquet while also creating a bright, appealing floral arrangement that will last well beyond its anticipated expiration

    Dried Flowers

    Foliage and ferns compliment any cut flower or gladiolus flowers and usually define the design in the arrangement. These are easily preserved and will last almost indefinitely.

    Cut Flower Care Tips

    First it’s important to remember that some flowers naturally last longer than others, so when dealing with cut flower care, you’ll need to keep that in mind. Flowers like Carnations for example can remain fresh and vibrant for quite a while.

    Fresh Cut Flower Deliveries

    Fresh cut flower deliveries are a popular solution. Why not send a bouquet of fresh cut flowers as a gift? Flower deliveries are reliable, good quality and very easy to send.

     

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  • Flowers 01.04.2009 No Comments

    Flower Meanings

    Ever wonder what those flowers in that bouquet stand for? There is a message in those grower fresh flowers that you are sending for that special occasion.

    bouquet

    Scented, colorful, beautiful and fragile – flowers are perhaps the most beautiful things that were ever created on this planet. What could be a more wonderful gift a person can give to another? All the flowers convey not only beauty, but so much more is contained in their hidden meanings.

    Here is a list of some of the flowers with their meanings:

    Achillea
    Named after the Greek mythological character, Achilles, who used the flower to treat cuts and bruises on his wounded soldiers. Interstingly enough this flower stands for war.

    Agapanthus
    Comes from the Greek agape, meaning love and anthos meaning flower, so this becomes the flower of love.

    Alstroemeria
    Named after the Swedish Baron, Jonas Alstomer, by his friend Carolus Linnaeus in 1753. This flower connotes wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.

    Amaryllis
    Pride, splendid beauty, timidity, and pastoral poetry are the meaning of this flower.

    Amaranth
    Immortality is the symbolic meaning of this elegeant flower.

    Anemone
    From the Greek word, anemos meaning wind. This flowers sends a meaning of love, lust, abandonment and daintiness.

    Anigozanthus
    The name comes from the Greek word anisus meaning unequal and anthos meaning flower, This is the plant with the unusual flower.

    Anthurium
    If you receive this from someone it means they are hard working, think of me.

    Aster
    This flower comes from the Greek word meaning star. This is a symbol of love, daintiness, after thought.

    Astrantia
    The Astrantia is an old plant name with the origin unknown. Since the flower is star shaped, it has been assumed that the Greek word astron meaning star plays a role in the origin of the name.

    Baby`s Breath
    True to it’s name, the flower represents innocence and  purity of heart.

    Bachelor’s Button
    This flower symbolizes delicacy, hope in love, and blessedness.

    Bamboo
    Based on Chinese tradition, the ingredients to a happy life are happiness, wealth and longevity.

    Bells of Ireland
    This flower stands for good luck, the Luck of the Irish.

    Birds of Paradise
    These are named for King George III’s wife, Charlotte of Macklenberg-Streliz, who was crowned Queen of England in 1761. They convey freedom, a good perspective.

    Bouvardia
    Named after Louis XIII’s physician, Charles Boubard and conveys enthusiasm.

    Bupleurum
    From the Greek word boupleurs meaning Oxen rib.

    Calla Lily
    Named for Francesco Zantedeschia a true beauty.

    Camellia
    Many different meanings for different colors. The Red variety means excellence. White means adorable and lovely. Pink means I long for your touch. Blue means you are the flame in my heart. You never thought there were so many things that can be said wih flowers.

    Carnation
    This flower stands for fascination, admiration, pure love, my heart yearns for you, and a mother’s love.

    Chrysanthemum
    This is named by Carolis Linnaeus in the 17th Century. It means cheerfulness, you’re a wonderful friend, rest, loveliness, optimisim, abundance, wealth. The red one means love, yellow means slighted love and white means truth.

    Cosmos
    The name of this flower comes from the Latin word kosmos meaning beautiful.

    Daffodil
    Based on the Greek mythology character, Narcissus, who was known to be so arrogant that when he looked into a mirror he fell in love with his reflection. He was later said to have been turned into the flower. This flower stands for chivalry, respect, you are my only one, the sun shines when I’m with you, unrequited love.

    Dahlias
    Named for the Swedish botanist Dr. Anders Dahl. It measns dignity, elegance, good taste, and instability.

    Daisy
    This flower stands fo innocence, loyal love, I’ll never tell, purity.  No wonder she holds Donald’s heart.

    Delphinium
    This comes from the Greek word, delphis meaning dolphin. It conveys flight of fancy, ardent attachment, and agility.

    Dianthus
    This omes from the Greek words Dios meaning god and Anthos meaning flower.

    English Lavender
    The name comes from the Latin word lavare meaning to wash.

    Equisetum
    This name has origin in the Latin word equis meaning horse and seta meaning bristle.

    Eucalyptus
    This tree comes from the Greek word eu meaning well and kalypto to cover.

    Forget-me-not
    Just like the name says — daithful love, undying love, do not forget, memories.

    Freesia
    Named after a German physician , Dr. Friedrich Reese. It’s meaning is love, calm, careful, passion, and rushed.

    Gardenia
    This one is named after a Dr. Alexander Garden a physician and botanist in South Carolina. The flower conveys secret love, or lovely.

    Gerbera Daisy
    This one is named for a German naturalist Traugott Gerber. It standns for purity and strength.

    Ginger
    This plant and herb means diversity, and unlimited wealth.

    Gladiolus
    Gladiolus is Latin for sword. It symbolizes graceful, a strong sense of character.

    Godetia
    Named for Captain William Clark and means pleasing.

    Golden Rod
    Comes from the Latin word solido which means to make whole or strengthen.

    Golden Craspedia
    This one stands for edged and frigid.

    Heather
    This name means your wishes will come true, admiration for another.

    Heliconia
    This flower symbolizes great returns.

    Hyacinth
    The flower is named for the Greek mythology character, Hyakinthos, who was loved by the god of the sun, Apollo. Jealousy, on part of the god of the west wind, injured Hyakinthos causing blood to be shed. From the blood, the flower grew and Apollo named it for Hyakinthos. This flowers symbolizes consistency, please forgive me, jealousy, loveliness.

    Hydrangea
    Thank you for your understanding, heartlessness, arrogance, aloofness is the meaning of this flower that blloms all summer long.

    Iris
    Named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow. Your friendship means the world to me, faith, hope, wisdom are the meaning of this annual flower.

    Kalanchoe
    This flower stands for endurence, a lasting affection.

    Leptospermum
    Its origin is the Greek words leptos meaning slender and sperma meaning seeds.

    Lilac
    This flower statnds for love or absence of passion.

    Liatris
    This flower means enthusiasm.

    Lily
    Different colors of lillies have different meanings. Yellow means gay and walking on air. White means purity, virginity, majesty.

    Lily of the Valley
    This spring flower means sweetness, you complete my life, return of happiness.

    African Corn Lily
    Comes from the Greek work Ixia meaning bird lime because of its sugary sticky sap.

    Limonium
    Its origin comes from the Greek word leumon which means meadow. It conveys sympathy, remembrance, lasting beauty.

    Lisianthus
    The name comes from the Greek word lysis meaning dissolution and anthos meaning flower .

    Matsumoto Asters
    This one comes from the Latin word meaning star.

    Narcissus
    Liek the daffodil, the name comes from the Greek word Narcissus meaning numbness. It conveys self-esteem and vanity.

    Nerine
    Named for the Nereids in Greek mythology. The nereids were sea nymphs and daughters of the sea god, Nereus.

    Orchid
    Its origin is the Greek work orchis meaning testicle. Love, beauty, refinement.

    Ornithogalum
    It comes from the Greek word ornis meaning bird and gala meaning milk. Named for the star of Bethlehem that appeared in the biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ.

    Peonies
    This means happy marriage, prosperity. In China, the word for peony is sho yu meaning most beautifu.l

    Phlox
    Our souls are united. Means flame in Latin.

    Pittosporum
    Comes from the Greek word pitt meaning pitch seed.

    Platycodon
    Named balloon flower because buds look like inflated balloons ready to burst.

    Poppy
    Remembrance, wealth, pleasure, imagination, eternal sleep.

    Pincushion Protea
    Comes from the Greek God, Proteus who was known to be able to change into different shapes.

    King Protea
    Comes from the Greek god, Proteus who was known to be able to change into different shapes.

    Queen Anne’s Lace
    Haven, self-reliance.

    Ranunculus
    Comes from the Latin word ranunculus meaning little frog. You are in attractions.

    Rose
    All roses are symbolic for love, however each color has a separate meaning. Red means love, respect, courage. Pink means grace, perfect happiness. Dark pink means gratitude. Light pink means admiration, sympathy. White means innocence, purity, secrecy, I’m worthy of you, you’re heavenly, humility. Yellow means undying lover, platonic love, friendship. Orange means passion, desire. Blue means extraordinary, mystery. Red and White means unity. A rose should never smell so sweet.

    Salal
    Zest.

    Salvia
    Comes from the Latin word salvia which means to heal.

    Sandersonia
    Named for John Sanderson, who discovered the plant in 1851 in South Africa.

    Statice
    Rememberance

    Snapdragon
    Comes from the Greek word anti meaning like and rhin meaning nose. Gracious lady, presumption, graciousness.

    Solidaster
    Solid aster is named for its parents, Aster and solidago (golden rod).

    Stephanotis
    Comes from the Greek words stephanos meaning crown and otos meaning ear, a crown of ears. Luck, prosperity, wedding.

    Stock
    You will always be beautiful to me, lasting beauty, promptness.

    Sweet pea
    Delicate pleasures.

    Strawflower
    Comes from the Greek words helisso meaning to turn around and chyrsos meaning gold. Never ending remembrance.

    Scabiosa
    Comes from the Greek word scabies meaning to itch.

    Sunflower
    Comes from the Greek word helios meaning sun and anthos meaning flowers. Adoration, pride, sunshine.

    Trachelium
    Comes from the Greek word meaning rough throat because of the medicinal uses to treat neck and throat pain. Neglected beauty.

    Tuberose
    Comes from the Greek word polis meaning white and anthos meaning flower. Voluptuousness.

    Tulip
    Like the rose, colors of tulips have different meanings. Red means declaration of love, believe me. Yellow means hopeless love, sunshine in your smile. General means perfect lover, frame, beautiful eyes.

    Veronica
    The origin of the name is disputed. It is unknown whether it was honoring St. Veronica or the markings of the same species of the flower resembled the markings on her sacred handkerchief she handed to Christ while he was carrying the Cross.

    Violet
    Named for Baron Walter Von Saint Paul Illaire who discovered the plant in Tanzania in 1892. This annual stands for modesty, faithfulness, virtue.

    Waxflower
    Named Geraldaton wax after the town in Australia where the flower originated. Happiness in Marriage.

    Zinnia
    Like the rose, Zinnias color represents different meanings such as red means constancy. White means goodness. Yellow means daily remembrance. Mixed means in memory of a dear friend. General means thoughts of an absent friend. Pink means lasting affection.

    Knowing the meanings of flowers will help you convey a wealth of meaning by sending just the right flower.

    Let him / her know how you feel with a bouquet of flowers. Make up a bunch of sweet messages using flowers. There is so much you can do with flowers, once you know what a particular flower stands for.

     

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  • Flowers 31.03.2009 No Comments

    About Us

    e Flower and Gifts .com is dedicated to providing you with terrific grower fresh flowers and gift basket ideas for any special occasion.  We strive to provide the best quality of flowers and gifts in the industry – delivered direct to that special someone on your list. Here you will find helpful reviews, informative information and tips and much more. This site is in the format of a ‘weblog’ so that each time new information is posted, it will come to the top of the front page. This means that you can check back here frequently to see new updates to the information found here.

    You can navigate through the site by using the menus on the sides of the page. Also don’t hesitate to follow the links you see in bold throughout each post to learn more about the product being spoken about.

    Hopefully, you will find the information value and helpful.

    The eFlowers and Gifts Team

     

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  • Flowers 31.03.2009 No Comments

    Your Privacy

    We recognize and respect the importance of maintaining the privacy of our customers and members and have established this Privacy Policy as a result. Below we describe why we gather customer and member information, what information we collect, how we collect it, what we use the information for and how you can instruct us if you prefer to limit the use of that information.

    Why do we gather information?

    We consistently provide our customers with quality products and excellent customer service. We gather personal information to allow us to process your orders and to inform you of special offers and discounts.

    What information do we gather?

    When you order from our Web site, we collect the following information: your name, telephone number, email address, billing information, products purchased, any relevant promotion code and information and the recipient’s name, address and telephone number. Information you enter is collected even if you cancel or do not complete an order. Also, if you register as an affiliate member, we request your name, address, phone number, email address, and other information set forth on the affiliate sign up page.

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    A "cookie" is a small file stored on your computer by a Web site, which gives you a numeric user ID and stores certain information about your activity on the site. We use cookies to let us know that you are a prior customer and to provide certain features to you, for example to store information on your product selections as you shop on our site, but we do not store any personal information or financial information about you using cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but most allow you to instruct your browser to prevent the use of cookies.

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    Your Consent and Changes to this Policy

    Subject to the above provisions, by using our Web site, you consent to the collection and use of information by us and the terms of this Privacy Policy. We may change our Privacy Policy from time to time and we will post those changes so that you are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we may disclose it.

     

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