Advices On Growing Indoor Roses

The objective of growing indoor roses is kind of sensible and very practical for a rose lover's point of view. One of the most important advantages of it is that you will be able to enjoy and have fun with roses without even going outside and soaking yourself to the sun. Nonetheless, you do need some bit more of an effort in order to guarantee that you're effectively cultivating the same, which in turn leads to making the indoor roses healthy and beautiful in the process.

In order to start right, you must follow the basic and very easy steps that we're going to discuss below and right after that, what you get is a very nice and attractive natural home decoration in the form of indoor roses. They not only smell sweet and likable, they are also very attractive to look at.

First of all, you have to know that roses are actually a lot easier to take than previously thought. But you do have to take some time and effort in understanding how to take care of them in the right manner. Commitment and dedication are keys to success and while that sounds too serious, you need to realize that roses are so sensitive and delicate that they could easily die without proper care and maintenance. All you have to bear in mind is that image of a very refreshing rosebud every single summer morning.

Now put in mind that watering any rose plant variety is a must. It's something that you should do frequently because water is needed by roses indoors, so as other plants. So when you're watering them, what you should think about often is the roots. The root is that part that connects and penetrates to the soil. In this regard, the plant should be watered with about an inch of water every week. With the inherent deep root system in roses meant for indoors, the plant is able to extract the water that is absorbed by the soul.

Aside from frequent watering, you also must integrate sufficient food in properly taking care of indoor roses. You'll be lucky enough if you have very good soil since there are roses that will be able to survive for years even without fertilizers. A good soil means there are organisms and bacteria that provide natural food and that comes natural for them. However, there are types of soil that are not rich enough to provide food for the plant, hence; you need fertilizers to grow indoor roses.

Just as people need some haircut from time to time, you also need your indoor roses to be trimmed and pruned from time to time. And the best days for pruning are during the spring because that's the time when the flowers are fully awake from the winter sleep. The main purpose of pruning this type of rose is to get rid of dead leaves and those that contain disease. You have to eliminate them to stop the disease from spreading. Additionally, you might want to do the same to make sure that the indoor roses don't grow too large with such as limited space inside the house.

In the end, growing indoor roses is quite fun and rewarding if you know what you are doing. Just be sure to get some friendly advice from an expert or through online blogs and forums if you do want to succeed in your hope of having wonderful container roses at home.

Tips For Growing Jasmine Flowers

Jasmine Flowers are very beautiful and fragrant flowers which are ideally suited to gardens all around the country. Jasmine has a unique subtle smell which is a favorite among perfumes. There are actually many different types of jasmine, there are shrubs and vine varieties. Most types of jasmine have a distinctive smell.

Growing your very own jasmine plant isn't actually as easy as you might imagine, as long as you have the right tools and equipment to care for the plant you shouldn't have a problem.

The first thing that you need to do is get your hands on a cutting from another plant. Taking a cutting from jasmine and getting it to grow is actually very easy. You will have much better success taking cuttings from jasmine flowers if you wait until after the plant has flowered before taking the cutting.

If you don't already have a jasmine flower in your garden then you will need to speak nicely to someone you know. Alternatively you can purchase a jasmine plant from a flower shop although this will be a much more expensive option.

Taking cuttings can be a little bit hit and miss and this means that there are no guarantees that a single cutting will take. It's a much better idea to take a number of different cuttings so that you can have the best chance of succeeding. If you do get more plants than you need then you could always give some away to your friends.

When you're ready to plant your cuttings you need to start by making sure that your soil is planted in well drained soil. Jasmine prefers warm climates although it can also be grown inside a glasshouse if it's too cold outside. You need to dig a small hole in the soil and then plant the cuttings so that they are positioned into the soil. Make sure that the cutting is partially covered and then pat the soil down gently.

When the cuttings have been planted you should then enrich the soil by using matured compost. You can either purchase compost or you can make your own by mixing up grass cuttings, leaf mulch and leftover fruit and vegetables.

When jasmine is well established it's quite a hardy plant however when growing it from a cutting you will need to be careful. You need to keep an eye out for any pests or diseases which could affect the health of your plant. The diseases are normally more of an issue when trying to grow jasmine indoors in a glasshouse. When growing jasmine outdoors the plants are much healthier and pests should also be less of an issue.

You need to be watering your plants every three days or sometimes more in very hot weather. Jasmine can survive in quite dry climates however this could cause the leaves to fall off. It's also important that you take special care of the jasmine flowers while they are still in their infancy.

Tips On How To Plant Cornflower

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is a sturdy, drought-tolerant annual that will grow in poor, dry soil with very little care. Also known as bachelor’s button, cornflowers were originally blue, but the plants are now available in a variety of colors, including red, white and pink. The fuzzy foliage has a grayish-green appearance. The colorful blooms appear in March and usually last until the middle of May. Cornflowers are often used in dried flower arrangements, because the dried blooms retain their shape and bright color.

Thanks to herbicides, the cornflower has disappeared from the corn – together with other plants which were probably more toxic. Disappeared along with the word ‘corn’ – until the 18th century, all grain was called ‘corn’, and after that the term was gradually applied exclusively to Indian corn or maize (Zea mays). But thanks to the European Union policy of ‘set aside’, where farmers can be paid to leave fields fallow (jachère in French) rather than grow crops for which there is already a surplus, the idea of sowing with an annual flower mix which won’t persist into the next year (jachère fleurie) and which almost always includes cornflowers, has taken off. I’ve seen it a lot in central France, and local authorities are encouraged to sow flower mix on any empty ground they own, but this is not widespread in the Midi, where vines are predominant – if they are grubbed up, winter wheat or maize are often sown.
Research has also shown that the flower mix increases the number of true wild flowers, since the fields are untreated with chemicals and undisturbed all year. It made me think how all the activities of a village are connected, so that hunting is tied in by many links to other crops and products, to biodiversity and sustainablility. In fact I found that the Departmental Federations of Hunters are the main bodies giving advice and distributing seed.

Gardening Tips On Planting Centaurea

Centaurea is a genus of herbaceous thistle-like flowering plants in family Asteraceae, comprising about 450 species. Most of the species are native to Palaearctic, where the Middle East and surrounding regions are particularly species-rich. It has many common names like Starthistles, Knapweed, Hardhead, and Loggerhead.

Centaurea contains annuals and perennials ornamental plants which are invaluable in wildflower and cottage garden and also good as cut flowers.. It is a robust weedy plant with colorful 'flowers' (actually pseudanthium inflorescences) that come in colors ranging from intense blues, reds and yellows to any mixture of these and lighter shades towards white. Often, the sterile disk flowers are in much darker or lighter color than the ray flowers.
Due to the habit of dominating ecosystems under good conditions, many centaurea species can become invasive weeds in regions where they are not native. Cantaurea species are copious nectar producers, especially on high-lime soils. The high nectar yield of the genus makes it very attractive to pollinators such as butterflies. Larvae of some Lepidoptera species also use Centaurea species as food plants. Several species of Lepidoptera are used in biological control of invasive kanpweeds and starthistles.
Centaurea montana (Perennial Cornflower, Mountain Cornflower, Bachelor's Button, Montane Knapweed or Mountain Bluet), 40 x 60 cm, is endemic to Europe. It grows in meadows and open woodlands in t he upper montane and sub-alpine zones. It bears beautiful blue flowers from May to August. Centaurea montana grows best in sunny positions and can tolerate a light shade. It grows well in soils varying from light sand to heavy clay, acid, neutral or very alkaline. It can tolerate drought but cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. The leaves are readily eaten by squirrels.
Centaurea macrocephala (Globe Knapseed, Armenian Basketflower) cangrow up to 1 meter tall. It is a good middle-of-the-border plant, producing large yellow, thistle-like flowerheads, which make very popular subjects for dried-flower arrangements.
Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower, Bachelor's button, Bluebottle, Boutonniere flower, Hurtsickle) is an annual plant which bears blue, pink, purple or white flowers. The flowers attract a wide range of insects which in turn bring birds in their wake. The seedheads are useful for tits and finches.
Centaurea nigra (Lesser Knapweed, Common Knapweed and Black Knapweed) is native to Europe and is a host to a range of insects, which will attract birds, and the seedheads will attract finches in winter.
Plant Centaurea in full sun and in well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed in spring; divide perennials in autumn. Centaurea is quite hardy and disease that affect the plant is mildew.

You Can Plant Sunflower Indoor Well Follow These Steps

Sunflower is a kind of very beautiful flower all over the world, it blossoms along with huge, yellow-colored blossoms that may develop to 10 feet in height, noe more and more people want to plant it indoor. Sunflower always presents the yougnth and energy, it is a bright symbol of the hot summer, so it’s no surprise that home owners would choose to carry them inside the home. If you want to maintain the sunflower in your own home during its development, this might present an issue since the flower requires complete sun. And you also need to learn a lot of skills to plant it indoor.

Instructions

1. Begin the sunflower seedling in a tiny container, sowing it one inch deeply in the mixture of half peat moss as well as half perlite. Water the plant profoundly till water runs out of the water drainage openings at the base.

2. Maintain the seeds equally moist, although not drenched. As soon as the seeds develop to three inches, implant them to big pots enclosed by a high-quality planting medium included along with fertilizer.

3. Put the sunflower in the east or even south confronting window exactly where it may acquire full sun all day long. If you fail to supply this sort of light for your plant, possibly place the plant outside of the house or even supply additional lighting. If you select the second alternative, begin with a cool-white incandescent light as well as shift to a warm-white incandescent light once the sunflower gets to 6 inches.

4. Water the sunflower, maintaining it damp till it begins developing intensely again. Put a One to two inch coating of compost over the soil. This may preserve dampness for the plant. Only water the plant once again once the top of soil dries out.

Create A Flower Bed And Make A Good Plan

How to Create a Flower Bed

So you want to build a flower bed. Where do you begin? Before starting a flower bed, you need to plan ahead. Take a stroll around your property and choose a suitable location. Take note of available light and nearby structures. Determine the whereabouts of any underground utility lines and the nearest water source.

Before you plant a flower bed, you should make a sketch. This is important, as it allows you to play around with ideas, like the size and shape of the flower bed. It will also make it easier when choosing plants, as these should always be compatible to the area. Use a hose, spray paint or flour to mark out and shape the bed. If building a raised bed, determine the type and amount of edging material as well.

Most people prefer the no-dig approach. It starts with eliminating the grass as we did in the dig methoid. While using herbicides can effectively kill grass, it may not be suitable for planting until much later, as herbicides are not environmentally friendly. However, you can easily smother grass quickly and effectively without the use of harmful chemicals simply by using cardboard or newspaper.

You can start the no-dig bed in early spring for summer planting or build a flower bed in fall, as grass begins to go dormant. Fill the area with cardboard or several layers of newspaper and saturate with water. Add about six inches of compost or rich soil on top with another layer of organic mulch (like straw) on top of this. You can plant a flower bed right away if the grass was dug out or within the next season using the no-dig method.

Choose a site. How much sun an area gets is a prime consideration. Six hours of sunlight will do for the greatest variety of plants. Stay away from underground utility lines and allow at least three feet from a building or fence.

In hot climates, it is best to have some shade from the relentless afternoon sun, so a flower bed to the east of a building or fence usually works best. This also gives some protection from the hot drying winds that usually come from the west.

You can grow a garden even if you get 12 hours of full sunlight, but you should be more careful about which flowers you choose to grow. Pick ones that love full exposure to the sun. Your garden will also need more frequent watering.

Start small. Enthusiasm for gardening is great, but can rapidly dry up when the work mounts. Start with a small flower bed, say 25 square feet, which is room for around 20 to 30 plants with perhaps three types of annuals and one or two perennials. You can always increase you plantings as your experience grows.

Make a detailed landscaping plan and dig a flower bed to fit that scheme, if you want. On the other hand, if you're no good at planning on paper, or you know about where and how large you'd like the bed, simply lay it out right there in your garden.

Laying a garden hose on the ground is one way to mark or plan a gentle curve. If you have a lawn adjoining the bed you are digging, remember to leave yourself mower access.

Start digging. Once you locate a site and mark out the boundaries with a water hose, remove all sod and pieces of grass or weeds that may re-sprout. Using a spade or garden fork, completely dig up the bed to at least eight inches deep, a foot deep is better. Remove rocks or any debris.

Buy the plants or seeds then plant according to their directions. Smaller plants go in the front of the bed. Most plants are planted at the same depth they were growing. Firm the soil around them. Remember when placing plants that they will grow, so start with extra space and read the labels carefully to see how much space to leave them.

Get a variety of flowers because they bloom at different times and this will keep your flower garden always in bloom.

Water thoroughly. Like a good waiter, a good gardener will check whether water is required before watering. How much you water will depend upon the needs of your plants, the climate and exposure, and how much rain your yard gets.

Cut spent blooms periodically. Many plants will re-bloom, but only if the old blooms are cut. Also, support and prune your plants as necessary.

Rosemary Is One Of The Most Decorative Herbs

Rosemary is one of the most decorative herbs and is well worth growing for its appearance alone. Dependent on the variety, it has small, profuse flowers appearing in late spring which range from dark blue through pale blue right down to white.
　　
Although rosemary is a native plant of the Mediterranean and Asia, it is still reasonably hardy in cooler areas. Rosemary is a good choice if you want shrubs that are able to withstand droughts well. It will survive a severe lack of water for lengthy periods of time.
　　
Rosemary has leaves which look like pine needles. It is these needles which can be finely chopped and used to flavour a variety of dishes, especially stuffing. Many cooks simply cut sprigs of rosemary and place many roasted meats, especially lamb, pork, chicken and turkey with great results.
　　
You will make things far easier on yourself if you start with a nursery grown plant. Rosemary can take some time to fill in as a plant, so expect to pay more for a mature plant than for a small rosemary start.
　　
Rosemary is usually propagated by cuttings. Seeds can be difficult to germinate and often don't grow true to their parent. It's much faster to start with a cutting and you will be sure of what type of plant you will get. It's possible to root rosemary in a glass of water, but a bit more effort will give more dependable results.Seeds are readily available from most major seed merchants, although only for Rosmarinus officinalis - we have not seen any seed for sale for the other varieties. The seeds are cheap to buy online, although propagation is erratic. Sow the seeds in potting compost around mid-May time and place in a sheltered position in the garden - unfortunately you will only achieve a success rate of about 15%. The seedlings may well take up to 2 months to appear so don't give up hope until maybe 3 months has past.
　　

Where the winter temperatures dip below 30 degrees F., rosemary plants will have to spend the winter indoors. In this case, it's easier to grow your rosemary in a container all year. Since rosemary likes it on the dry side, terra cotta pots are an especially good choice. Just be sure it doesn't bake and completely dry out while outdoors during the summer.
　　
Bring the potted rosemary inside once the temperature inches into the 30s. It can be a little trickier to keep rosemary happy inside. Your rosemary plant will still require 6-8 hours of full sun, so artificial lights may be necessary. Heat is not as crucial as sunlight.
　　
Move your potted rosemary back outdoors once all danger of frost has passed.
　　
As with most potted plants, the soil in your rosemary pot will degenerate through watering and root growth. Repot at least once a year. Spring is a good time to repot your rosemary, but it should be fine no matter what time of year you get to it.
　　
When the rosemary plant puts out considerable growth or looks like it just can't get enough water, it has outgrown its pot and needs to be transplanted into a larger one. If you want to maintain the size of your rosemary plant, root prune it by slicing off a couple of inches of the roots from the bottom and sides of the root ball and replanting in the same pot. Be sure to trim some of the top at the same time, to lessen the work load of the roots and the stress placed upon the trimmed plant. Then allow your repotted plant some time to regroup. It should reward you with many more seasons of snippings.
　　
The herb Rosemary grows extremely well in large pots or other containers. The pots need to be reasonably deep because rosemary is a deep rooting herb. Fill the pot with a mixture of 20% sharp sand or grit and 80% standard potting compost. Make a hole in the compost and place one rooted cutting in the middle of the pot. Water the plant well to help it settle in and consolidate the soil around the roots.

Enjoying The Luxurious Beauty Of The Jasmine

The Jasmine is a very popular flower around the world especially in the tropics because of its unique fragrance. The Jasmine is native to tropical and warm or temperate regions of the old world.
　　
The Jasmine flowers are white in most species, with some species being yellow. The Jasmine is believed to have originated in the Himalayas in western China.
　　
Ayurvedic Medicine. The flowers and the essential oil are two parts that can be used from the jasmine plant. They are known as jati and are used as a sattvic tonic. Sattvic is one of the three health elements that is important according to Ayurvedic principles and this element of the jasmine flower apparently emphasizes the nature of compassion and love. Hence, jati is often used as an aphrodisiac for women. The jasmine is also used to help build up immunity, and to reduce fevers.
　　
Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Chinese would brew jasmine plant flowers as an infusion tea. Tea that was scented with Arabian jasmine has been made since 300 AD. In China, these flowers are known as mo li and they are widely used as a scenting ingredient. In Traditional Chinese medicine, these herbs would be placed beside heat-dried green tea, so that the green tea would absorb some of the jasmine flower scent. Nowadays, it is common to find green tea and jasmine flowers mixed together and sold commercially.
　　
Flowering in Jasmines takes place in summer or spring which is usally six months after planting. The Jasmine flower releases its fragrance at night after the sun has set and especially when the moon is waxing towards fullness. Jasmine flower buds are more fragrant than the flowers.The name Jasmine originates from France and Persia, and the name refers to the Jasmine plant, which climbs like a vine and is used for making a variety of perfumes and other good-smelling products. In 1973, it was discovered that Jasmine was quickly becoming a popular name in America, and when Disney used the name "Jasmine" for one of its princesses in the movie "Aladdin," it quickly became even more of a hit.
　　
There exists a true Jasmine and a false Jasmine, and the two are commonly mistaken for each other because of the fragrance the plants release. The true Jasmine belongs to the family Oleaceae and is primarily a bushy shrub or a climbing vine and is non-poisonous.
　　
True Jasmines have oval, shiny leaves and tubular, waxy-white flowers. The false Jasmine on the other hand is in a completely different genus, Gelsemium, and family, Loganiaceae, which is considered too poisonous for human consumption.One of the most popular decorative teas today is the Jasmine flower tea. Aside from the highly exquisite designs that can be made from Jasmine tea flowers, you will be able to enjoy its heavenly flower aroma. So a Jasmine flower tea is not just a simple decorative tea. It is also considered as an effective component in the promotion of aroma therapy. That is because the aroma of Jasmine tea flowers has a very calming and relaxing effect on people. So you can prepare it to relieve stress that could be bothering you. You can also prepare Jasmine tea for your guests to make them more at ease and relaxed.
　　
So if you want a health drink that can also serve as a decorative object, then a Flowering tea would be best for you. This type of tea is individually packed to ensure that the quality of the design will not be damaged. It is best also if you can use transparent display tea pot or cups when preparing this type of decorative tea. This way, you and your guests can enjoy the luxurious beauty of a blossoming tea and get its healthy benefits.

The Irises In My Yard Seem To Do Equally Well In Full Sun Or In Partial Shade

Claude Monet painted Irises in Monet's Garden in 1900. When he purchased the Giverny estate, Monet completely redesigned the flower garden that already existed in front of the house. He became passionate about surrounding his property with flowers, and his preference for blue and violet flowers inspired him to plant most of his spring beds with irises.

When the flowers bloomed, Monet painted them with brief, thick strokes of pure pigment. In this painting he creates the floating effect of the iris beds, described by a visitor as a haze of lilac inside the sun.

Spending time in nature and much more specifically in stunning gardens can have an extremely soothing have an effect on on the soul. Jardin De Monet also produces such a soothing impact. It truly is as if the soul were bathed in the full light of the warm summer day on which Monet produced this incredible work of art.

In 1890 Monet had bought a band of marshland above the alley from his abode and annual garden, through which flowed a accessory of the Epte. By breach this stream, he began to assemble a water-lily garden. Soon complaining willows, iris, and bamboo grew about a free-form pool, clusters of afraid pads and blossoms floated on the quiet water, and a Japanese arch bankrupt the agreement at one end. By 1900 this different artefact of Monet's acuteness (for his Impressionism had become added subjective) was in itself a above plan of ecology art--an alien lotus acreage aural which he was to meditate and acrylic for added than 20 years. The aboriginal canvases of Irises in Monets Garden and the Japanese arch were alone about one backyard square, but their aberrant accessible composition, with the ample blossoms and pads abeyant as if in space, and the azure baptize in which clouds were reflected, adumbrated an encompassing ambiance above the frame. This abstraction of all-embracing spatiality, new to the history of painting and alone absolute in the aboriginal water-lily paintings, was broadcast by 1925 into a aeon of huge murals to be installed in Paris in two 80-foot egg-shaped apartment in the Orangerie of the Tuileries. These were declared in 1952 by the painter André Masson as "the Sistine Chapel of Impressionism." This consummate accomplishment of Monet's long, acid abstraction of nature--his appetiteto cede his impressions, as he said, "in the face of the a lot of avoiding effects"--was not committed until afterwards his death. The abounding ample studies for the Orangerie murals, as able-bodied as added aberrant and different works corrective in the baptize garden amid 1916 and 1925, were about alien until the 1950s but are now broadcast throughout the above clandestine collections and museums of the world. Despite declining eyesight, Monet connected to acrylic about until his afterlife in 1926.

Irises are on the account of the a lot of big-ticket paintings anytime sold, affairs for 54 actor dollars in 1987. Currently Irises is on affectation at The Getty Center in Los Angeles, California. He alleged the painting "the lightning aqueduct for my illness", because he acquainted that he could accumulate himself from traveling batty by continuing to paint.

It was painted before his first attack at the asylum. There is a lack of the high tension which is seen in his later works. He called the painting "the lightning conductor for my illness", because he felt that he could keep himself from going insane by continuing to paint.

The Beautiful And Elegant Flower, Lily

A lily comprises of about 200 plants species in the world and some of the members are not lilies after all. The lily family are broken down into these group: Lilium -true lily,Tulipa- tulips, Hyacinthus- hyacinth, Hemerocallis- daylily, Fritillaria- checkered lilies, Convallaria-lily of the valley, Hosta- plantain lilies, Erythronium- trout lilies, Calla lilies and some of the known lilies are not actually lilies at all. These plants are not really hard to cultivate after all. You don't need to have a gift or have a green thumb to raise a beautiful one, all you have to do is to follow some simple rules and then you will have your own lily grown by your own hands.

People across the world use lily varieties for a wide range of occasions. For example, many women choose to include lilies in there weddings, often making up not only bouquets, but also centerpieces for the rehearsal dinner and reception. Likewise, some people prefer lilies to roses due to their color variety and overall beauty and fragrance. Furthermore, lilies are often given at funerals. The specific lily variety used holds different meanings, but all can be purchased at a reduced price when you buy wholesale lilies.Lilies generally start to bloom in late spring/early summer when the nights are cool and when the days are getting longer and warmer. Lilies are commonly split into two main groups: asiatics and orientals.

Lilies tend to get thin and spindly if allowed to grow in too dense shade. If shade is the problem, moving them to a a position with better sun should rectify in the problem. The problem can also be one of care. Lilies are pretty easy to care for, but you need to know the basics. Lilies which you want to come back should be fertilized two to three times during the growing period, in early spring as they poke their heads above ground, just before flowering and finally you can broadcast fertilizer over the ground in early fall.The flower essence helps in suppressing aggressive tendencies in individuals and helps in holistic healing. Tiger Lily has some toxic effects on cats and it can produce vomiting, in appetence, lethargy, kidney failure, even death. There is a superstition that smelling Tiger Lily will give you freckles, maybe started with the lily's spotted interior. And lastly, the Tiger Lily stands for wealth and prosperity.

A topdressing around the base of the plant every year with a good quality compost is also recommended. Fertilize two to three times per year. Deadhead spent flowers by removing the dead flowers plus seed pods. Do not restrict foliage, but allow the lily to grow until it turns brown on it's own in fall. If planted in 'o deep shade, move to a place with more sun. Apply a good layer of compost around the base of the lily in spring and fall, if possible.. optional. This would depend on you and what you think would be best for your lily.

Now it's ime for you to plant the bulb of the lily, depending on the species each lily has different time that you are going to plant them. One example of this is the American lilies which are advisable to be planted on mid October. When planting, dig about three times the size of the bulb and separate them seven inches apart from each other. The key here in growing the perfect lily is the way you for care it. Just like caring for your baby, the more gentle you are the better. Keep it away from over exposure to the heat and weeds. Try to cultivate the soil but do not hit near the bulb as it might hurt its roots and this will lead to the destruction of it. You can also add a fertilizer or food plant in your lily' ground to supplement it. The other way is to put mulch to help them moisturize during the hot season to keep their soil damp.

Finding Out More About How To Grow Flowers Indoors

If you don't have a lot of space outdoors, an indoor flower garden is a great way to grow all those beautiful flowers you want without having to give up what little yard you have. If you happen to have a lot of room inside your home, this can also serve as an excellent way to fill in blank space and accent the room.

There are many easy to grow flowers available. Whether you are looking for perennials or annuals, low maintenance flowers come in many sizes and colors. Most people like perennials since they return every year. Each perennial will have it's own amount of blooming time, and obviously the longer blooming perennials are desirable.

Here are some of my favorite flowers that take little care. They may be drought resistant where a lot of watering is not necessary. They are not fussy and look good naturally. Only some minimal maintenance is needed, such as cutting them back to about three inches in the fall or early spring. Removing finished flowers will foster additional flowering, but only do this if you have the time or want to.

If you are interested in finding out more about how to grow flowers indoors you will be pleased to hear that it only requires minimal gardening knowledge with a great return on your efforts.

The plants that you choose to grow will be a very important factor since they will not have access to outside elements. Typically they should be able to thrive in shaded areas or at least have a window or provide partial sunlight if needed. The use of LED grow lights, however, might be able to expand the types of plants you can choose from since this can provide an artificial lighting for plants that need more than just a shady spot in the world.

You will also have to remember to water your plants occasionally. Since the water needs to be able to drain you will have to makes sure you have drainage holes in the pots as well as something underneath to catch the excess water. By planting plants that can handle a lot of water, or even grow in water for that fact, you can help to relieve some of the pressure of having proper drainage.

Pick plants that don't need a ton of space to grow as well. You won't want one specific plant taking over an entire room because it would have best been suited for outside growing. Check into the growth characteristics of each one before you plant to prevent mistakes like this.

In short, choose plants that are easy to care for unless you have a lot of gardening experience and the time to dedicate to it.

Growing Organic Flowers Can Help To Save The Environment

By growing flowers the organic way, you can reduce or eliminate altogether the use of hazardous chemicals. The soil will be naturally nourished and chemical poisoning will not be a danger for the gardener. This is very important because, unfortunately, chemicals such as pesticides do not stay within the soil. They can contaminate gardens, homes and the water supply. Anything contaminating the water supply will eventually find its way into your body and can negatively affect your health. Chemicals used in gardening, especially pesticides, have been blamed for contributing to ozone depletion and even cancer. Buying or growing organic flowers can help to save the environment and look after your own health. Chemical pesticides are not necessary to grow beautiful plants and flowers.

Choosing to plant organic flowers enriches the soil naturally and lets you enjoy gardening without worrying about pesticide-related health issues, such as dermatitis, breathing problems and even tumours. If you wish to avoid toxic chemicals that cause pollution and disease, organic flower growing could be ideal for you. Growing flowers the natural way is rewarding and fun. Home grown flowers make perfect gifts as well as looking lovely in your garden.

If you are a gardener using toxic chemicals, the soil and groundwater can become poisoned too, resulting in the poisoned plants becoming part of the food chain. Small animals eat the chemically poisoned produce, bigger animals eat the smaller ones and we eat them. If you care for the environment, it is wise to say no to unnecessary chemical products. If you are not protected from these products, the toxic chemicals can get on to your body and clothing and be spread to any children or others close to you. Gardeners and farmers in contact with chemicals often suffer from skin problems such as dermatitis or eczema. Organic gardening can prevent this. Chemicals such as pesticides can also evaporate with water into the air, resulting in contaminated rain or snow.

Blushing June brides usually want some things even more than some exotic fairy tale summer wedding in the garden surrounded by family, friends, and all the beautiful flowers. One may find many ways to create and plan beautiful summer garden wedding which most brides usually dream about if they are willing to take risks of the weather whim in order to make the dream come true. It is true that the gods may dare to call forth rain on weddings of beautiful June brides.

One would not only need to account the scope and size of summer gardens which are question during the plan of a wedding but even the access to interior spots suitable for wedding; in case things go wrong or Mother Nature allowing few stray drops of rain on the parade. The factor of rain makes the brides to plan for the arrangements of tents for the fateful day. It would protect all those who would attend and also the ceremony.

One must consider clothing too, for the summer garden wedding. The idea of some formal attire for this wedding may look beautiful and also appealing but you should ensure to carefully consider reality of potentially higher temperatures which may be compounded with humidity and such effects staying upon the air, make up, the trappings which go along with some formal attire and also tuxedos. This may be little too hot for the comfort concerned as you are confronted with bright sunny summer afternoon. Look for the clothing with care and prepare for fans on hand if the members of bride or groom's party are overheated.
A reason for most brides to elect having a garden wedding in summer is because they may be less formal than being a little more. This would mean that concessions could be made in most places when it about formality and summer atmosphere and entire wedding could be more relaxed and a fun occasion than some sober ceremony which many try making it to be.

Consequently, another good thing about the summer garden wedding is using flowers from the same garden where you are planning to get married. This way the bouquet may be created. It would no doubt provide lots of bright and beautiful choices allowing the party getting blended with appropriate natural surroundings. This would also help the budget-conscious brides saving the extra money as it comes towards the cost of weddings.

If you don't happen to have green fingers, you can still opt to buy organically grown flowers. This supports organic organizations and farmers who employ organic practices. Many such farmers support charitable or humanitarian causes themselves so your money will help the whole organic cause in the long run. Supporting and promoting organic farming or organic gardening saves the environment from pollution and can help in the prevention of diseases. Organic plants and flowers are priced similarly to the chemically enhanced ones, so it is best in every sense to buy or grow organic.

Sunflower Wedding Bouquets Adds To Your Romantic Wedding

For a successful wedding you need to have beautiful wedding decorations. Whether it's the table centerpiece or bouquets, you need to decorate the wedding area to enhance the beauty of the occasion. The wedding budget, season of the year, wedding theme, etc. are some of the important factors that should be considered while planning the wedding floral arrangements. There are different types of beautiful flowers that can be used for making bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, centerpieces, etc. Flowers like the Casablanca lily, rose, etc. are some of the expensive wedding flowers while sunflowers and chrysanthemums are cheap wedding flowers. Thus you can choose the wedding flowers according to your wedding budget. Sunflowers are beautiful and bright flowers that can be used for inexpensive weddings. Scroll down and know more about making sunflower wedding bouquets.

Sunflower Wedding Bouquets

The sunflower is a simple and elegant flower known for its large flower head and bright yellow color. Every flower has a meaning and sunflowers are associated with longevity and loyalty. Thus using sunflowers for making wedding bouquets is quite meaningful. They make some of the best flowers for inexpensive weddings and are popularly used for summer weddings. You can purchase sunflowers at a florist or even grow your own sunflowers in your garden. Growing sunflowers is quite simple and sunflower seeds are available at economic prices. These flowers are available in various sizes and because of their large flower heads, you require very few flowers to make the wedding bouquets. The bright yellow color of these flowers blend well with other flowers that are white or purple in color. You do not require special decorative material to prepare a sunflower wedding bouquet. Even a bunch of 3 to 4 sunflowers held together makes a simple yet elegant wedding bouquet. Sunflowers are quite large in size and thus you can make wedding bouquets with a lesser number of sunflowers.

Sunflower Wedding Bouquets Ideas

There are lots of advantages of using sunflowers for wedding bouquets. Sunflowers have thick and large stems, and hence you do not have to make special arrangements for holding the bouquets. These flowers last quite long and hence the wedding bouquet look fresh for a longer period of time. The wedding flower colors should always complement the gown of the bride and yellow being a nice bright color blends well with almost any color.

While using other flowers in sunflower wedding bouquets, make sure that you use flowers with colors that will mix well with the yellow color. Mums and carnations with their white, purple and orange colors, make a nice addition to sunflower bouquets. While using sunflowers with large heads make use of just 3 or 5 flowers and use more than 10 flowers when you are using small sunflowers with a diameter of 2 inches. Also use decorative material like baby's breath and floral wires. While arranging the sunflowers, make sure that every flower faces outward in different directions. If you simply squeeze the flowers together, the petals will get crushed. While arranging the sunflowers in the bouquet, arch the stems slightly to give it a natural look.

Though sunflowers are not popular as roses or calla lilies, these flowers are the best choice when you have a low budget for the wedding decoration. Sunflower wedding bouquets can be used for summer weddings, beach weddings or a sunflower wedding theme, so have a beautiful and bright wedding and cast away any hint of gloom with sunflowers.

Ixora Is Always Producing New Flowers And Looks Delightful In Any Flower Garden

Ixora flower is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family. It consists of tropical evergreen trees and shrubs and holds around 500 species.Though native to the tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world, its centre of diversity is in Tropical Asia. Ixora also grows commonly in subtropical climates in the United States, such as Florida. It is commonly known as West Indian Jasmine. Other common names include: rangan, kheme, ponna, chann tanea, techi, pan, santan, jarum-jarum, Jungle flame, Jungle geranium, and many more. The plants possess leathery leaves, ranging from 3 to 6 inches in length, and produce large clusters of tiny flowers in the summer. Members of Ixora prefer acidic soil, and are suitable choices for bonsai. It is also a popular choice for hedges in parts of South East Asia, like in Thailand. In tropical climates they flower year round.

The Ixora comes from a genus of over 400 species but only a few are commonly cultivated. The plant is a dense multi-branched shrub that average 4-6 feet at full height and may be wider than it is tall. It is an evergreen plant with a rounded form. Its glossy, oblong leaves are carried in opposite pairs or whorled around long stems. The flowers come in yellow, pink, red, and orange and form 2-5 inch diameter clusters at the end of the stems. The dwarf varieties are very popular and usually stay under 3 feet in height.

For the best results, plant the Ixora where it will receive direct sunlight for most of the day. The more sun the better as the Ixora will be denser, more compact and produce more flowers. The plants like a well-drained, moist, acidic soil that is high in organic materials. To prepare the soil add some organic compost and peat moss and mix thoroughly. The Ixora is intolerant of alkaline soils that will cause the leaves to become chlorotic or a sickly yellow color. Use mulch to keep the soil moist and keep away from concrete and stucco runoff areas. The key to the Ixora is sun and acidic soil so make sure you find the right spot.

Maintaining the Ixora is quite simple. They drink lots in the summer and need water regularly but only need water sparingly in the winter. The plants are hardy in USDA Zones 9-11 but if temperatures drop below 40 -degrees F, leaves and stems will be damaged. Light freezes may kill the plant to the ground but it should sprout back to life in the spring. When the forecast calls for cold temperatures cover the plants to reduce the damage. The soil around the plant should be kept moist, so mulch thoroughly. Fertilize the plant monthly in the summer with a high nitrogen fertilizer to aid in the formation of new flower buds. Prune the plant at will as the tight, compact shrub is heavily branched and tolerates hard pruning. This is why the Ixora is such a popular choice for formal hedges.

Flowers of Ixora of the Rubiaceae family considered to be a shrub in undergrowth from tropical rain forest and noted for the bright bouquets of color.If you examine the Chinese Ixora flower ball it will reveal that it is actually a cluster of many small blossoms, quite beautiful.On each tube are four petals that turn outward. In the middle is a caterpillar like stamen with anthers quite pretty.

The wild Chinese Ixora is getting very rare and it is now a protected species because of it lack of reproduction in its natural tropical habitat. From what I have learned no matter what color all species are considered to be Chinese ixora.This plant grows wild only in the tropics where it blooms all year long.Large, clusters of tiny, white, yellow, orange, rose, colored flowers are produced. The flowers last for sometime when picked and put into a vase.

This shrub will usually grow only 5 to 10 feet tall and is commonly used a hedge or ornamental garden plant. As you can tell, growing Ixora is not complicated at all. Finding a nice sunny spot will probably be the most difficult task. Once it gets going, the Ixora is a wonderful plant to follow as it is always producing new flowers and looks delightful in any flower garden.

The Symbolic Meaning of Lotus Flowers

The Chinese nation loves flowers. The lotus flower is one of the top ten most famous flower species in China, and has been the most favored one for hundreds of years. Grown in muddy swamps and risen above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty, the exquisite flower is huge in size.

Chinese people have an abiding fondness for lotus flowers. Literary people through the ages praised the lotus, chanted the eulogy of the lotus and painted lotuses. It is the subject of poems and paintings with great artistic appeal; it is the material of graceful dances; and it is a common pattern and design in various architectural decorations, sculptures and daily utensils. The adoration of the lotus has formed a unique “Lotus culture,” lasting a long time in China.

Furthermore, the lotus flower is the most frequently used object in poems. “Hang my head and touch the lotus, it is as clear as water,” says one poet to envision the purity of love. A “lotus-like face” is the greatest possible compliment for a women’s external charm.

In Chinese, the word for lotus is pronounced “HE,” the same as the word which means harmony. So in folk paintings, the images of two fairies, holding a lotus and a box in their hands, are used to symbolize auspiciousness and harmony.

Lotus as symbol of rectitude: In Chinese, the word for a lotus of a light blue color is pronounced similarly to the word for rectitude. The lotus is used to illustrate an official’s incorruptibility.

The Lotus’s meaning in Buddhism: Buddha is sometimes depicted sitting on a Lotus flower, symbolizing the one who overcame the pain that prevails in the material world and became enlightened, just like the Lotus flower, which starts to grow in the dirty and muddy water but manages to surpass the water and produce a perfect flower. The water, in many different belief systems, represents the material world, or the physical realm.

Legend has it that the 14th day of June in the Chinese lunar calendar is the lotus’s birthday, commonly known as the Lotus Festival. This custom originated in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and on that day people, especially in southern China, will hold various kinds of celebration activities. They come to a lotus pond and enjoy the graceful scenery of lotuses.

Canna-Great Appeal And Appearance In The Garden

The canna family, Cannaceae, is comprised of one genus Canna and more than fifty species. Most gardeners choose canna plants for their colorful leaves and blooms to enhance their garden's ornamental or decorative appearance.

Canna edulis, native to Central and South America, is the one species important to agriculture. The roots are rich in starch. It is commercially cultivated in Australia for a product called "Queensland Arrowroot" and in the Caribean for a thickening agent called "tous-les-mois". The rhizomes of Canna edulis are similar in taste to white potatoes if cooked, but because of their high content of fiber they are not as palatable. The green leaves and stalks are used as food for cattle.

Another highly appreciated species is Canna indica, called Ali'ipoe and Li'ipoe on the Hawaiian Islands. The ripe seeds are used for making Hindu and Buddhist rosaries in India and throughout Southeast Asia to count mantras,chants, or prayers. The leaves are used for food wrappings in tropical regions of Africa.
Other species include Canna glauca and Canna gigantea which are native to Brazil. Canna glauca is used as a cooked vegetable, and Canna gigantea is used as a diuretic. Canna speciosa is cultivated in the Sierra Leone and is used as a seasoning similar to turmeric.

Cannas flourish in most parts of the United States with plenty of heat, temperatures ranging from upper 70s to low 90s, and regularly watering. They are dependable and easy to grow providing tropical foliage and flowers from early summer until fall frost.

Cannas are available as dwarfs, one to two feet tall, medium height, three to four feet tall, and tall size plants, six feet or more. Excellent dwarf varieties include Bangkok Yellow, Chinese Coral, Jester Pink, Japanese Rose, Orange Punch, Pink Angel and Porcelaine Rose. Medium to tall size varieties include Aida, Cleopatra, North Star, Picasso, President, Red Futurity and Richard Wallace.

The foliage ranges in color from different shades of green to beautifully variegated leaves. Cultivars with variegated foliage include Bangkok Yellow, Pretoria, Stuttgart and Tropicana.

Canna rhizomes should be started in spring indoors before planting them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed generally sometime in the month of May in most of North America.

Before planting outdoors, either in pots or in the ground, add some compost, manure or high Nitrogen slow release fertilizer to the soil in order to increase lush growth. Blood meal is an excellent choice when it comes to a slow release high Nitrogen fertizer. Best results are achieved when cannas are planted in loose, fertile and well drained soil which has warmed to 60 degrees or more.

In the ground cana rhizomes should be planted approximately twelve inches apart. When grown in pots planting two rhizomes into one twelve inch pot results in a nice display of foliage and flowers. This is best achieved by placing two rhizomes with space in between them and the growing tips showing in opposite direction. When planting outdoors in the ground, or in pots, the rhizomes are laid horizontally and completely covered with an inch or more of soil with the growing eye, if possible, facing upwards. However, this is not critical as cannas will always grow towards the surface, growing towards the light. During one growing season cannas produce three to five rhizomes for each rhizome planted.

Canna plants need regular watering and fertilizing with any fertilizer high in Nitrogen. Regular dead-heading of spent flowers results in an attractive floral garden display. Cannas are rarely bothered by insects. If insects appear, several applications with insecticidal soap usually take care of the problem easily.

After the first frost the tops of the plants should be removed, cut off, and the rhizomes dug up for planting next spring. The rhizomes should be rinsed, the soil washed off, divided and dried.

One storage option is to layer the rhizomes with peat in cardboard boxes with lids or to place them in plastic bags with a few holes for a little ventilation. This way canna rhizomes can be stored in the basement, garage, or any place which is cool and stays above freezing. The ideal storage temperature for canna rhizomes is between fifty and sixty degrees.

Another storage method is to dig up the whole clump of rhizomes, without being cleaned off, cover them with plastic and store them in the same manner mentioned above. The rhizomes should never be stored in mesh bags as this results in the rhizomes drying out.

Morning Glory Flower Facts

Are you planning to grow morning glory flower in your flower garden? These beautiful flowers will surely mesmerize all gardening enthusiasts. Morning glory plant is a native of tropical America. These plants also grow in the subtropical and temperate regions of Asia.

The morning glory plants belong to the kingdom Plantae, division Magnoliophyta , genus Ipomoea and Convolvulaceae family. This family comprises at least 50 genera and more than 1000 species. One of the most popular variety of morning glory flower is the fragrant Ipomoea Indica or the blue dawn flower. These beautiful flowers produced by the morning glory plants are saucer-shaped and come in many hues.

Being vines, these could be used to decorate walls and fences. If you have these climbers in your garden, you could watch these beautiful flowers unfurl in the morning sun. They get their name because of their tendency to blossom only in the morning. You could see them in all their glory during the early hours. After a few hours, morning glory flower begin to show signs such as curling of petals. These flowers just last for a single morning and die in the afternoon.

Are you aware of the morning glory flower meaning? If you go through the list of flower names and meanings of flowers,  you will see that these beautiful flowers symbolize love and affection. These are associated with the month of September and the eleventh wedding anniversary. These ornamental or decorative plants can certainly make your patio or garden walls look beautiful.

Morning glory flowers are vines or climbers. These beautiful flowers are saucer-shaped and come in various vibrant colors such as white, yellow, red, blue and purple. The flowers blossom only in the morning and begin to fade after a few hours. The morning glory vines can reach a height of 10-20 feet in the season, they just need a little support and they climb up easily on the walls and fences. The fragrant variety of blue dawn flower can produce several blooms in a season. You might see profuse flowering in this South American perennial flower variety as they can produce about 300 flowers per day. These plants have lush green foliage and the leaves are 4-5 inches long. The flowers could grow up to 3 inches in diameter. Some of the varieties of this plant such as Ipomoea muricata are night blooming flowers.

How to Grow Morning Glory Plant

For growing morning glory, you need to get hold of morning glory seeds. Some of the varieties of morning glory have poisonous and hallucinogenic seeds. So, keep that in mind while you buy the seeds from any garden center. Spring season is the perfect time to sow the morning glory seeds.

For better germination it is advisable to soak the seeds in warm water for a few hours. This will soften the coating or the seed husk. You need to look for a place where the morning glory flower will get ample sunshine. These flowers will grow better with the sun shining on them throughout the day. Make sure that the soil is not very moist. Though these plants don't need a very fertile soil for their growth, you could add a general purpose fertilizer while planting them. After selecting the location for planting the seeds, sow the seeds about an inch deep in the soil. You can place the seeds in a pot also. You must not go on a watering spree. Water them when you feel the soil seems dry.

Since these are climbers, you will need to provide support for them. Once the plant starts gaining a little height, twine them around the supports. Keep checking the morning glory plants for diseases. If you see signs of any disease, you must treat it quickly using organic insect repellents or fungicides.

This was some information on the morning glory flower. Grow these stunning flowers and watch them bloom every morning. These plants look wonderful on walls, fences and trellis. So, get hold of their seeds and beautify the exteriors of your house with these vibrant flowers.

General Information On Perennial Flowers

The perennial flowers are capable of making your garden look colorful for the entire year. If you want to undertake the activity of perennial plants gardening, you will have to get perennial flower seeds from the nursery and do the sowing and nurturing work. Full Sun Perennials, Full Shade Perennials, Part Shade Perennials, Dry Soil Perennials, Moist Soil Perennials and Average Soil Perennials are the basic types of perennial flowers, which make the task of identifying the perennial flowers very easy.

You can enjoy vibrant flowers throughout the year, which are quite easy to maintain and nurture. You should remember that though you can plant perennial plants randomly, planting them in separate beds will give a good visual effect. You should be aware of the various landscaping techniques which will make your job of designing your garden easy. Have a good theme for your garden to execute the plans as decided. Initially you should try and have simple types of garden, but with experience, you can move towards the complicated gardening types. The roses and the lavenders are generally included in the scented flower garden type. Note that the perennial flower beds are generally ten feet wide for designing the flower beds . The selection of the perennial flowers for your garden should be done only after taking into consideration the prevailing conditions such as temperature, type of soil, availability of sunlight and water, to ensure that your plants grow well. Also select the flowers based on their height, blooming time span and colors which you want. A perennial purple flower garden will definitely fetch you a lot of appreciation for your creative work. Here are some perennial purple flowers, which you can plant to improve the looks of your garden.

Names of Perennial Purple Flowers

Delphinium is a flower which is famous for its striking looks and is available in many varieties. The height of these kinds of flowers is good and they are planted alone or at a place which is behind the annual plants or the perennials which are lower flowering. Salvia is another type of perennial plants, which has a height less than the Delphinium plants. The Veronica flowers are soft at their tips and have elongated cones. The flowering period of this flower is sometimes less than the other perennial purple flowers. The Butterfly Bush, as the name suggests attracts butterflies and is a decent looking flower. This flower has a long blooming period as compared to the other perennial purple flowers and has a prominent and important place in the purple flower garden. Catmint is another perennial flower which you can consider giving a place in your flower garden for the simple reason that apart from being beautiful, it requires very little water to survive and to add to this, it has a long blooming time. The Coneflower, which is also purple in color should be planted at a place which receives good sunlight, as it is very essential for its good growth. This flower is used as a medicinal herb and is three feet tall and attracts butterflies and bees.

Some More Perennial Purple Flowers

Here is a list of some more perennial purple flowers apart from the above listed flowers which you can plant in your garden:

• Lavender
• Pansy
• Liatris
• Aster
• Clematis
• Dianthus
• New England Aster
• Grecian windflower

Flowers symbolize peace and beauty. Having these perennial purple flowers is a visual treat for all those who visit your garden.

Begonia Flower-One Of The Most Highly Prized Ornamental Flower

The begonia flower comes from a small family with many branches. Begonias are a genus of the begoniaceae family, which only has two other members – symbegonia and hillebrandia. Despite its lack of relatives, begonias – with about 1,500 species to its name – are considered one of the top 10 largest angiosperm genera. Native to tropical regions of Asia, Central and South America, and Africa, the begonia flower thrives in a variety of sunlight – from full sun to full shade – and prefers moist, but well drained soil. The three main types of begonias include tuberous, perennials, and the very common semperflorens. All three types generally grow between six to nine inches in height, and come in varying shades of red, pink, white and yellow.

Given the large variety of species and extensive hybridization, the begonia flower has become one of the most highly prized ornamental flowers throughout Europe and the United States, and is frequently grown not only for its beautiful blossoms, but for its thick, green foliage. Cultivating, growing and tinkering with these lovely plants has become a passion for many avid growers. This can be easily noted by taking a look at the American Begonia Society, which was started in 1932 by Herbert P. Dyckman and a group of fellow enthusiasts.

This group discusses the plant and its growth, helps to educate about the varieties of begonias available, and puts on many shows and demonstrations. The begonia flower has also become a part of past and current culture. For example, one cultivar of this flower has become the symbol for North Korea; red blossoms were “tucked into” the hair of the star of “Scarlet Begonias” by the Grateful Dead, and many types of begonias have made their way into botanical and still life paintings.

The begonia flower is sometimes thought to represent fear, and when given to another person, some people believe that it is a warning to beware. On the other hand, it typically represents a person with a dreamy, almost innocent nature. As a gift, these are often presented to creative individuals and children because of their fanciful symbolism and their simple, unsullied beauty. These flowers can be given in the traditional bouquet, as a single flower, or within a hanging basket. However, for a more unique twist, you can easily create an origami begonia leaf and pin it to either a single flower, or place it at the center of a small bundle of blossoms.

Flower Availability

All Year Round
Begonias are annuals and do not like frost in the spring or fall. Set them out in containers, hanging baskets ,or your flowerbed after all risk of frost has past.

Care and Handling

Begonias grow best in a light well-drained soil. Begonias should be planted in raised beds, large pots or improve your soil. Six to eight inches of redwood mulch, oak leaf mold or other humus type of amendments dug into your soil will do wonders.

Bachelor's Button Makes A Welcome Addition To Any Garden

Cornflower, also known as Bachelor's Button or blue-bottle, makes a welcome addition to any garden if only for its sky blue color (though there are varieties in pink and white too).  But this plant has many other uses including having sturdy, long stems for cut flowers, making attractive medium to tall backdrops for the perennial or wildflower garden, being extremely easy to grow, and having some benefit in the medicinal garden. Though the flower taste is rather bland, in my opinion, Cornflowers still make an excellent garnish for salads, entrees, and drinks. 

Cornflowers are another member of the huge Aster family, and originate in Europe, where they are sometimes a nuisance in corn and grain fields, thus the name Cornflower.  They have naturalized throughout much of the United States, and are a mainstay in wildflower mixes.  They make long-lasting cut flowers, and indeed, the name Bachelor's Button comes from their lasting qualities when pinned into the lapel of a tuxedo or suit.  Cut blooms are also a good choice for wedding day hair ornaments or weaved into a hair band or head wreath.

Cornflowers come in both annual and perennial varieties, but the basic care and maintenance is the same. Sow seed either in late fall or early spring.  The seeds usually take 7-10 days to sprout, and germinate readily.  Pinching the annual varieties will produce more stems, and thus more flowers.  These plants have sturdy stems that hold up well to windy conditions, but occasionally you may have to stake an individual here and there.   Soil conditions can be variable, as long as it is well-drained,  but full sun, or nearly full sun is appreciated.  The plants self seed only sporadically, so fresh seed every year is suggested to assure their presence in the garden, though this does not rule out a volunteer here and there. 

Cornflowers make good container choices because of their draught tolerant nature, and also look wonderful in a garden mixed with Oriental Poppies, Dame's Rocket, Shasta Daisies, Coreopsis, Lavender, Zinnias, or a host of other plants.  Towards the end of the growing season, their foliage may become somewhat raggedy looking, so having other plants of nearly the same height around them is a good way to camouflage their decline.   The flowers can be dried in silica gel for craft projects, or hung upside down and dried for use in arrangements.  An infusion of the flowers in water will make a beautiful blue dye for fabrics, but it is not a permanent dye, unfortunately.  In Russia, the flowers are added to Vodka to give it a blue tint with a hint of spicy taste.

Bachelor's button grows one to three feet tall with innumerable fluffy but trim round flowers held above the rather sparse, long and narrow gray-green leaves. The habit of growth is relatively loose, except with compact new cultivars.

How to grow: Full sun in average soil is good. For earliest bloom, sow seeds outdoors in the fall so they will start to grow before the first frost and bloom the next spring. Otherwise, sow seeds outdoors as early in the spring as the soil can be worked. Thin to 8 to 12 inches apart.

Some Flowers Which You Can Grow For Making Bouquets

The purpose of growing flowers is not just to beautify the garden but at the same time, flowers can be grown to make bouquets for indoors. Fresh flowers bouquet creates a refreshing and fragrance atmosphere in your home and brightens your mood. All types of flowers can be used for making floral arrangements but flowers which can be cut easily are best for making bouquets. For growing flowers for making floral arrangements, all you need is to choose right type of flowers and little efforts and planning.
You will first have to decide which type of bouquet you want in your home. Mostly flowers with bright and vibrant colors are preferred for this purpose but if you want to give a romantic and soft feeling, you will require growing tiny and delicate flowers. For floral arrangements, flowers of different colors and sizes are required to be grown. Grow flowers having long and strong stalks which can stand up in a vase. Annual flowers should be selected which are labeled as cut flowers. These flowers provide you with a prolonged blooming period as they re-bloom after initial blooms are withered. Some perennials can also be used for bouquets but they bloom only once and fade away for the rest of year. Here are some flowers which you can grow for making bouquets:
Zinnias are delightful and lovely flowers which come in different colors including red, pink, orange and yellow. They have daisy like blooms making them perfect to be used as cut flowers for bouquets. Zinnias should be planted in a sunny location receiving 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. After sowing seeds, cover them lightly with soil and water. Soil should be kept moist until seeds begin to germinate within seven to ten days.
You can also choose sunflowers. These renowned and beautiful flowers also come in different sizes ranging from miniature to towering plants. Sunflowers are generally expected to produce yellow blooms but now the color range has extended to red and burgundy. I will suggest you growing giant sunflowers at a location where they can receive sunlight for majority of day. Seeds should be planted to a depth of ½ inch and covered with soil. You will require keeping soil damp until plant emerges.
What about Shasta daisies? They produce beautiful white flowers with yellow centers. They are commonly used for making bouquets because they can be easily paired with any other flower. To grow Shasta daisies, spread seeds in a sunny location and cover with soil keeping soil damp until seedlings germinate.

Cattleya Orchids Are The Magnificent And The Beautiful Kind Of Orchids In The Orchid Family

Cattleya Orchids are the magnificent and the beautiful kind of Orchids in the Orchid family. The Cattleya Orchid is given name after William Cattleya who was the horticulturist and orchid collector in the 19th century. A lot of Cattleya Orchids grow in the rain forests of Central and South America. They flourish very well in the high altitudes of the Andes mountain range and in regions at sea level. They need moisture and light to grow.
Cattleya Orchids are mainly divided into two categories.
1) Unifolate - with only one leaf
2) Bifoliate – with two or more leaves
Both types of Orchids are popular as they bear large, ostentatious flowers that are broadly used in flower arrangements and bouquets.
Cattleya Orchids are Epiphytic Orchids, i.e. air plants. They have big, plump roots (pseudobulbs) for collecting and storing rain water as they flourish naturally on trees. Over the period of time, these Orchids have been widely hybridized and now Cattleya Orchids are available in all colors, except true black and blue. Talking about the structure of the Cattleya Orchid flower, it has three petals, one of which is an eye-catching lip that has grown to draw the attention of pollinating insects.
Cattleya Orchids come from diverse natural environments therefore they require special augmentation conditions. For fine blossoming condition, they need day temperatures between 75 degrees F and 85 degrees F, and night temperatures between 55 degrees F and 65 degrees F.
The favorable humidity level needs to be between 50% and 60% for proper growth. This humidity level can effortlessly be attained by keeping the Orchid pot on a damp plate that is filled with pebbles and water. While doing this, you need to be very careful. Make sure that its roots should not be in water for extended period of time because they will decompose. To avoid Cattleya plants from fungal infection, you need to maintain the moderate amount of air circulation. Cattleya Orchids flourish best in indirect sunlight.
Cattleya Orchids differ in size and color. You need to have a proper knowledge and information about them whether you want to buy them or grow them in your garden.