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What Is This Trailing Plant With Blooms?

August 28, 2009 by

Ask the Expert: Can you tell me what this plant is

Trailing Plant With Blooms

Trailing Plant With Blooms

I have had this plant for many years, it bloomed about 7 years ago and once done blooming, I repotted it and just about killed it.  It has finally started to bloom again, but I have not idea what it is or how to take care of it properly.  If you could identify provide me with information on it that would be great.  Cindy

Plant Expert Reply:

Ever see someone you know and their name just won’t come to mind. It is very frustrating. Well this plant is creating the same frustration.  I seen it before and the name just won’t come to me.  I am confident that it is in the Gesneriaceae family, but as to the genus and species I am stumped.  Possible genus that come to mind are Aeschynanthus, Columnea, Gloxinia, Nemathanthus and even Sinningia.

Most of these plants need bright light, moist but well-drained soil and warm humid environments.

I wish I could be more specific.  An up-close picture of the blooms and leaves might help.

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Questions About Lucky Bamboo

August 28, 2009 by

Lucky Bamboo With Pebbles

Lucky Bamboo With Pebbles

Ask the Expert: A Few Questions About My Lucky Bamboo
and i been searching on the net to see just how to care for them, and i have been getting ALOT of different things pointed at me..

* I understand that they are hardy plants which dont like to be fussed with to much..
* I know they like destilled water over tap or spring
* I also know that you have clean/change the water and rocks in order for it to stay free of bacteria

My Questions Are However :

1. How often should you give it water? (once a week, 2 times a month?) – im totally confused!!

2. How often should you change/clean the rocks?

3. How much food should you give it, and when?

please let me know! like i said i have been reading alot of things online.. and im not sure what one to follow, please help  Janelle

Plant Expert Reply:

I understand your stress.   So I will try to give quick and uncomplicated answers.

Lucky Bamboo water requirement:  Give it enough water to maintain a consistent water level.  For me that means once a week for you it may be longer or shorter.  Tip: make a mark where you optimum water level should be – if the water drops 1/4″ below this mark add water.  For you I would make the mark right at the lip edge of your pot.

Keeping Lucky Bamboo clean:  If you keep all decaying plant material out of your container, you will only need to replace the water every couple of months.  The only time I would change or clean the rocks would be if a bacteria or algae conditions was occurring.

Feeding Lucky Bamboo:  I personally feed my lucky bamboo twice a year.  Lucky bamboo is slow growing and do not respond well to over-fertilization. If you feel that it needs more fertilizer, schedule fertilization once a quarter.

I hope this information helps to remove any confusion you might have about lucky bamboo.  Please keep me posted and let me know if you have other questions.

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What Are These White Flowers With Berries?

August 28, 2009 by 6 Comments

Ask the Expert: Can you identify this plant?

White Flowers & Berries

Hi – this plant has tiny white flowers with 5 petals and small green berry clusters (I don’t know if the berries will change color eventually).  Can you identify it?

Thanks
Kimberly
Los Angeles

Plant Expert Reply:

It is a little difficult to tell from the picture, but I think it is Carolina Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense).  It is not actually a true nettle.  The berries should turn a yellowish color. Carolina Horsenettle has spines on the stems and is considered a noxious weed in most states.  It also has toxic properties. Be careful when your handle it.  Take a look at the Carolina Horsenettle on the MissouriPlants.com site for a positive identification.

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Don’t Miss The September Flower Shows & Florist Association Conventions!

August 28, 2009 by 2 Comments

Ready to take a break and visit your local Florist Association convention? Whether looking to join, a long time member, or simply wanting to see beautiful arrangements and network with other florists, visiting these conventions will be a delightful trip for you.

September 9, 2009: Hometown Florists Association “A Taste of HFA” in Baltimore, Maryland. For more information call 410-655-7700 or toll free 800-878-5599.

September 11-13, 2009: Idaho State Florist Association Convention in Boise, Idaho. For more information call 866-900-0144.

September 12-13, 2009: Iowa Florists Association Convention in Newton, Iowa. For more information call 319-399-1023.

September 12-13, 2009: Maine State Florists & Growers Association Fall Show in Bangor, Maine. For more information call 207-947-4521 or toll free  at 800-879-5996.

September 12-13, 2009: Mississippi Florist Association Convention in Pearl, Mississippi. For more information call 601-892-2891.

September 12-13, 2009: North Dakota State Florists Association Convention in Minot, North Dakota. For more information call 701-258-8311 or toll free at 8000-896-8311.

September 17-19, 2009: New Mexico State Florist Association Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For more information call 505-287-3120.

September 18-20, 2009: Montana Florists Association Convention in Great Falls, Montana. For more information call 406-256-0285.

September 19-20, 2009: Ozark Florist Association Convention & Trade Show in Joplin, Missouri. For more information call 4799-783-5146 or toll free 800-441-6486.

September 23-26, 2009: Society of American Florists (SAF) Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information call 700-836-8700 or toll free at 800-336-4743.

September 25-27, 2009: Alabama State Florists Association Convention & Trade Fair in Birmingham, Alabama. For more information call 205-486-9556.

September 25-27, 2009: Middle Atlantic Florists Association Convention in Fairfax, Virgnia. For more information call 703-625-5218.

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Into Gardening or Landscaping? Come To These Garden Shows in September!

August 28, 2009 by Leave a Comment

If you like to garden and landscape, are a professional landscaper, or just want to learn more about these activities, visit these upcoming gardening and landscaping shows in September.

September 12, 2009: Virginia GoGreen Garden Festival (Virginia Green Industry Council) in Richmond, Virginia. For more information call 540-382-0943.

September 23-24, 2009: Garden Market Expo (California Association of Nurseries & Garden Centers) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Just one more reason to go to Vegas! For more information call 916-928-3900 or toll free 800-748-6214.

September 24-25, 2009: Oklahoma Nursery & Landscape Association Convention & Trade Show in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. For more information call 405-942-5276.

September 24-26, 2009: Oregon Association of Nurseries Convention in Bend, Oregon. For more information call 503-682-5089 or toll free at 800-342-6401.

September 27, 2009: Oregon Flower Growers Association Design Show & Open House in Portland, Oregon. For more information call 503-289-1500.

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Put A Bow On It: Wrapping Up The 2009 ASFA Convention

August 27, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Flower Shop Network’s Joe Hays and Leslie Cox attended the 2009 Arkansas State Florists Association Convention that took place August 14-16 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. True to the norm, they returned with a ton of fun stories and pictures about the things that were going on and the wonderful people they met at this year’s show.

I see this every time. The favorite thing for all of our Network Coordinators to do at these shows is to speak with florists about their shop, their designs and anything else about the industry that interests them. They love the chance to talk about how Flower Shop Network is helping/can help florists really stand out among the competition. Mostly though, FSN’s network coordinators are “people persons”. They love making people smile and meeting people that make them smile.  They always return with great stories about these people and how they turned a workday into a vacation.

One of the florists that stood out to both Joe and Leslie was Terry at The Arrangement in Hot Springs Arkansas. Terry created the beautiful flower arrangement displayed inside FSN’s booth during the convention. Joe and Leslie kept raving about how beautiful Terry’s arrangement was and how many compliments it received. So, a special thanks goes to Terry for a fantastic job! (To view the arrangement, see photos below.)

They also bragged about two of FSN’s florists who won awards during the design competition. Mick Koch of Clarksville Florist & Gifts Inc. in Clarksville Arkansas received first place in the Sympathy & Wedding division. Kay Schaefli at Expressions Flowers LLC in Fort Smith Arkansas won the coveted Designer Of The Year title and won the Arkansas Cup (1st Place). Both of these achievements are SO impressive! They take time, preparation, talent and support. We are very happy for all of the competitors this year, but a big pat on the back goes to Kay and Mike. Congratulations! (View pictures of Kay’s award-winning arrangements below.)

There were several other stories of great people and funny moments at this year’s ASFA Convention, but those stories would fill a novella. Instead of reading the rest of the stories, feel like you were there by viewing the pictures below. Don’t forget that you can also share your comments and stories below! [Read more…]

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Is This Plant A Pumpkin?

August 27, 2009 by

Ask the Expert: Pumpkin?

Young Pumpkin Plant

Young Pumpkin Plant

Last year I threw old pumpkins that were not cut open in my back yard.  I think they were just the small kind you use to cook with and they are hard to cut.  Anyways now this year there is a big mysterious plant growing close to where the old pumpkins were.  In the background you cant see it very well but the pumpkin is still there and has seed there still too.

Pumpkin With Bloom Pods

Pumpkin With Bloom Pods

Also on the other picture it looks like more leaves or maybe those yellow flowers are growing that grow on pumpkin plants.  I was just wondering if this is a pumpkin plant and if so what can i do to keep it growing to grow pumpkins for this year? Amanda

Plant Expert Reply:

Yes, it seems to be a pumpkin plant.  However, your pumpkins may be slightly different than the orginal plant depending on the cross pollination that occurred last year.

Your plant looks healthy and should produce pumpkins without any problems.  Basically water and fertilizer it the plant.  When you water try not to wet the foliage.  Instead apply water at the ground level.  You can use a water soluble fertilize or a granular fertilizer.  On pumpkins I like to use a granular slow-release fertilizer.  I have been using milogranite on my squash, cucumbers and the like.  So you might try it.

You should see pumpkins start to form as soon as the blooms open up.

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Smile A Little Over The Pure Meaning of Sunflowers

August 27, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Send ‘Hello Sunshine’ To Your Pure Friend

Send "Hello Sunshine" To Your Pure Friend

It’s easy to get lost for a while in thoughts about the underlying meaning of thoughts, actions and words. It is for me at least. Lately I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about flower meanings because finding an inventive way to say something normal or usual is very important to me.

Think for a moment about the most special gift you’ve received lately. What was it that made it so important? Most people truly do place stock in the adage, “It’s the thought that counts.” This is especially true with women. We love to be pampered and spoiled but anyone can do that. What we want from our partner is more special, that above and beyond affection that secures their place in our hearts.

For this reason, my mind wandered back to the meaning of sunflowers. The simplest of these is “adoration” but sunflowers (Helianthus) also represent pure thoughts, pure love, longevity, pride, and sunshine. Oh to be the pure, sweet sunshine in the eyes of the person that I love! It’s that kind of desire to feel special that drives women inside and outside of relationships.

One way to let the pure woman in your life know that you find her gentle demeanor so endearing is by sending sunflowers. As always, create a lavish gift that will be remembered forever by including a sweet card detailing the meaning of sunflowers and how your woman is all of those things to you.

I wonder which flower means “incredibly desirable, more beautiful than the rest, and who my heart melts for”??

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: , ,

See You At The Southern Retail Florist Association Convention in Charlotte!

August 26, 2009 by Leave a Comment

We are SO excited about the 2009 Southern Retail Florist Association Convention coming up this weekend in Charlotte North Carolina. A weekend near the beach with great people? Wouldn’t miss it!

If you’re still trying to plan your weekend, consider the SRFA Convention from August 28-30, 2009. It’s a fun three day weekend or can be a good day trip if you want to stay for just one day’s activities. Either way, make your reservations now and don’t forget to stop by the Flower Shop Network booth! Many of our Network Coordinators will be on hand and are looking forward to talking with you!

Ah…a picturesque weekend in Charlotte, NC. Florists can catch a break after the “back to school” rush and spend a relaxing weekend learning about floral industry trends, talking with vendors who make life easier, and networking with other florists. Whether over a beverage at the hotel or over a table at the conference, it’s always fun to mingle with people who share the same passions. That’s exactly what’s happening at the 2009 SRFA Convention!

A trip through the mountains is worth it to see Charlotte florists and other members of the SRFA at this year’s convention. We’re very glad to have this opportunity to meet and greet. We look forward to meeting you this weekend! See you at the show!

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Add Flower Power To Your Tailgate Party

August 25, 2009 by Leave a Comment

It’s time to kick off the football season this year. Tailgating at football games is an ultimate American pastime. It’s something most Americans are born knowing how to do properly. What flower lovers want to know, though, is a great way to mix their favorite fresh decorations and football season hobby.

It may seem kind of anti-tailgating to bring along flowers. After all, it’s a male-dominated hobby where brewskies fly through the air and bratwurst is consumed by the yard. Don’t let that deter you, there are still ways to work tailgating and fresh flowers into one great afternoon.

Ask your local florist to create fresh flowers in the team colors then:

  • If you’re attending a high school football game, present flowers to the coach after an afternoon of tailgating. This is an especially good idea if the team wins (though you’ll have to wait a little longer for that answer).
  • If it’s just you and the girls (wives of players, mothers of players, fans), have each woman wear a lapel corsage or a wrist corsage in the team colors.
  • Go “Hawaiian” with the tailgate party theme. This way, you’ll have a reason to sport a lei in the team colors.
  • If you’re the only woman, don’t make the men forget that YOU are the coolest thing there, bar none. Overwhelming estrogen can be a downer, but a flower in your hair that happens to be the team’s main color is a way to maintain your femininity while acting like one of the guys.

Don’t forget to return to Flower Shop Network with pictures and stories of your fun tailgate parties!

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