Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers are undoubtedly the most common form of home decoration especially for the purpose of adding color, freshness and zest to the home. They are also a symbol of affection and given during times of sadness. In fact, today fresh flowers are a common sight in offices, malls and even restaurants.

dried flower arrangements

There are more to fresh flowers then what meet your eyes. According to the research conducted at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, fresh flowers a simple, effective and cost effective form to improve emotional health or you can say it's a good form of emotional therapy. Fresh flowers have the ability to spark off positive emotions such as happiness, desires, increase feeling of contentment and improves social behavior to a capacity more than normal.

Dried Flower Arrangements

The following are some of the impact that fresh flowers have on the emotional behavior of people:-

o Happiness - fresh flowers have known to give immediate happiness as seen by the emotions revealed by those receiving the flowers such as genuine smile and excitement, expressing extreme delight and appreciation no matter what the age group of the receiver was

o Positive effect on mood - fresh flowers have proven to give a long term positive effect on the receiver by reducing negative feelings of depression, anxiety, agitation and sadness

o Intimate connection - as mentioned in the earlier paragraph, fresh flowers have been long known as a symbol of effective not only among lovers but also among friends and family

o Symbol of sharing - flowers are normally placed in view for others to see and appreciate and this creates and atmosphere of welcome and sharing to the visitors and guests. It is known that is no sight more welcoming that the sight of fresh flowers!

Fresh flowers are a true delight. It is universally known as the only gift to put an instant smile!

Fresh Flowers

Dried Flower Arrangements

Easy Gardening Ideas With Flower Box

There are so many options for us to choose from when we talk about gardening ideas. But sometimes we have difficulty selecting which one is the best for our household theme. Sometimes friends can give perfect suggestions on how we can make our home look gorgeous. And it would be an unbiased advice if it comes from a person who does not live in your house. There are also tips online and these tips really helped me a lot. I have tried to compare ideas with so many people and I have come up with something different myself.

dried flower arrangements

Flower box is a unique gardening idea that mostly urban residents are enjoying. It is not the typical bed garden that is structured on your backyard. These boxes can be installed on your window sills, indoor gardens and patios. Just a couple of bountiful flowering plant and the appropriate soil can give you a pleasant gardening box. Some flower shops have come up selling ready made flower boxes that go with installation instructions. We just have to follow the instructions on how to install it on our windows or garden spaces at home.

Dried Flower Arrangements

Hanging baskets are actually a classic gardening method. But garden enthusiasts tried to develop and created some pots with hanging options. Somehow they did a great job of giving us choice on how are we going to use our gardening resources. This method is the easiest for me because we only need one pot or basket to maintain. Unlike the traditional garden that we have, it is like yards of plants to handle every gardening activity. Another good thing about hanging baskets is our option to transfer pot anywhere we want and we can make garden arrangements anytime of the day.

Planter box is another garden structure that most modern homes use. It can be like a big box of wood or hard plastic that we can place on our patios and house lobbies. It can also be stunning indoors like in our living rooms and dining areas. Bigger plants fit well on this. Some try Bonsai trees to go with the planters. There is a planter box type that is really a hit in modern home development. It is the illuminated planter box. Best feature of this box is the light bright atmosphere that it brings during night time or on dark rooms or areas of the house. Another thing about this wonderful creation is the selection of different colors that fit the occasion and the concept of our homes.

The above three gardening ideas are my favorites. I hope you have one favorite gardening method too. I sure want to hear or read about it. Would you mind sharing it now?

Easy Gardening Ideas With Flower Box

Dried Flower Arrangements

The Life Everlasting Flower From Tea to Wreaths

The Life is a member of the mint family and derives its name from the powerful and lingering scent of curry when the leaves or stems are crushed. It is indigenous to North America, especially around North and South Carolina, and has long been used for countless healing and therapeutic purposes.

dried flower arrangements

Known variously by the Latin name Helicrysium stoechas and by the local name of cudweed, Life Everlasting Flowers appear on downy stalks in numerous crowds of white flowers. They carry a supportive and comforting aroma and are known to induce sleep.

Dried Flower Arrangements

The Life Flowers are commonly recommended in herbal meditation blends for encouraging spirituality and personal growth. The aroma is believed by some to open the right side of the brain, improving creativity and dream activity. The flowers are also valued particularly for their decorative beauty in dried floral arrangements and wreaths that last for years. Dried herbs of the plant make a relaxing tea infusion or bath.

The Life Flower herb is a perennial root that creeps and propagates easily almost like a troublesome weed. But its medicinal and therapeutic applications are extensive. Some people have chewed the leaves and flowers as a remedy for mouth and throat ulcerations and they are used regularly as a natural astringent. The Life Everlasting herb was even a substitute for smoking tobacco with New England fisherman. Smoking the herb in a different way by inhaling the smoke of the burning herb was at one time considered good for coughs of the lungs and headache. Fresh juice from the Life Everlasting Flower has been said to be an aphrodisiac. The flowers are attributed with a small litany of properties: expectorant, diaphoretic, anodyne, astringent, ectoral, and expectorant, to name a few. The Life Everlasting Flowers are applied for problems with pulmonary. diarrhea, dysentary, coughs, colds, pains in the breast. Powders and warm infusions of the Life Everlasting herb have been used in leucorrhea, diseases of the bowels, and for hemorrhages. The herb is used in poultices for sprains, painful swellings, bruises, boils, bug bites-even tumors and contusions.

The Life Everlast-Flower is steeped in American Indian history. Different tribes used decoctions to treat a myriad of neurological and skin disorders. They made tea infusions with the flowers for asthma, bronchitis, and colds. Currently, the Life Everlasting Flower has been increasingly used in blends for skin and bad bruises for how it seems to reabsorb blood into tissue and remove pain and discoloration from nerve damage.

The therapeutic and medicinal versatility of the prolific life everlasting flower is as prodigious as its name. Its gentle but powerful healing has lasting effects, from teas and baths to old fashioned wreaths.

The Life Everlasting Flower From Tea to Wreaths

Dried Flower Arrangements

Making Flower Arrangements

Flowers have always symbolized life's special occasions and emotions. We use flowers for wedding decorations, Christmas ornaments, and Valentine's Day offerings. Whatever the occasion is, a well-designed flower arrangement is a sweet and nice way to celebrate life.

dried flower arrangements for sale

Instead of ordering from the florists, you can make your own flower arrangement. It is a fun, creative, and money saving since you will not have to pay for labor costs. You just buy the flowers that you want and the few paper or plastic materials that you also need to complete the arrangement. Here are important tips you can use when making your own flower arrangements:

Dried Flower Arrangements

1. First, consider your purpose. Is it for a wedding, a birthday, a present for your mother, or simply a home decoration? Your purpose, together with the occasion, will help you decide the kind of flowers and accessories you will need. Also, decide earlier on if you are going to make a simple arrangement or an elaborate one so you will know how many flowers you need to buy.

2. For vase arrangements, choose your container first before picking out the flowers. It should have the correct height for the kind of flowers you want to use. You may want to use a tall vase for a tulip arrangement. In cutting your flowers, be sure you cut the stems at an angle because that will let them absorb water properly and stay fresh for a long time.

3. Choose a color scheme for flowers in groups. For instance, do not combine red with pink roses, or yellow daisies with dyed green carnations. Choose flowers that appear and smell good when blended with others. Also, fill in the gaps with leafy greenery and baby's breath.

4. For large arrangements, rather than picking many tiny blooms, select a few large flowers that will act as focal points. Too many small flowers will distract the eye and make the arrangement seem disorganized rather than refreshing.

Flower arrangement is an intuitive art. With good color combinations and right placements, you will surely end up with a satisfying, attractive work of art.

Making Flower Arrangements

Dried Flower Arrangements

Learn The Meaning Of Different Flowers

Here are some common meanings of flowers, so that you will have an easy reference guide for sending flowers to your loved ones.

dried flower arrangements

Alstromeria: Devotion, Wealth, prosperity, fortune, friendship, pleasantries. Origin & History: Alstromeria is named after the Swedish botanist Baron Klas von Alstroemer. This South American flower's seeds were among many collected by von Alstroemer on a trip to Spain in 1753.

Dried Flower Arrangements

Aster: Symbol of love, Daintiness. Origin & History: The English called asters both "asters" and "starwort"; Aster, Latin for "star," referred to the flower's star-like shape, while wort meant "root," which then applied to plants with healing properties. There are over 600 species of aster, the most popular being the Monte Casino.

Azalea: Take care of yourself for me, Temperance, Fragile Passion, Your blush has won me, Moderation, Chinese Symbol of Womanhood. History & Origin: The different between Azaleas and Rhododendrons could be a subject open to debate. The name Azalea comes from the Greek word, azaleos meaning dry which is actually a contradiction of the plant. Most azaleas do not thrive in dry ground and need to be well watered because of the shallowness of their rooting system.

Bachelor Button: Hope and love, Hope, Single Blessedness, Celibacy, Hope in love, Felicity, Delicacy.

Bird of Paradise: Freedom, Magnificence, Good perspective. Origin & History: Botanists are divided on how this remarkable flower got its name. Some maintain that the flower's brilliant orange and blue blossom, which resembles a bird in flight, is named after the bird of paradise itself - one of the most beautiful bird species in the world. However, since this flower is also known as the strelitzia, some believe that it was named after England's Queen Charlotte.

Calendula (Mary's Gold): winning grace. Origin & History: The calendula's genus name, wor calendae, means "throughout the months." A member of the marigold family, calendula was valued historically for its medicinal and culinary uses. An ancient beverage made from a mixture of calendula blossoms in wine was said to soothe indigestion. Calendula petals were used in ointments that cured skin irritations, jaundice, sore eyes, and toothaches. The Romans used calendula mixed with vinegar to season their meat and salad dishes.

Camellia: GENERAL-Admiration, Perfection, Good Luck Gift To A Man; PINK-Longing for You; RED-You're A Flame in My Heart; WHITE-You're Adorable

Carnation: GENERAL-Fascination, Woman's Love; PINK-I'll Never Forget You; RED-My Heart Aches For You, Admiration; PURPLE-Capriciousness; SOLID COLOR-Yes; STRIPPED-No, Refusal, Sorry I Can't Be With You, Wish I Could Be with You; WHITE-Sweet and Lovely, Innocence, Pure Love, Woman's Good Luck Gift; YELLOW-You Have Disappointed Me, Rejection. Origin & History: The carnation - originally called dianthus by the Greek botanist Theophrastus - is native to the Near East and has been cultivated for the last 2,000 years. Some scholars believe that the name "carnation" comes from "coronation" or "corone" (flower garlands), as it was one of the flowers used in Greek ceremonial crowns. Others think the name stems from the Greek carnis (flesh), which refers to the original color of the flower, or incarnacyon (incarnation), which refers to the incarnation of God made flesh.

Learn The Meaning Of Different Flowers

Dried Flower Arrangements

Make a Stunning Dried Hydrangea Wreath

Dried hydrangea wreaths are so beautiful and versatile in a home, and a lot of fun to make as well.

You can either purchase already dried hydrangea flowers from your local craft store, or you can dry your own. The biggest trick when drying your own is the timing of when you pick the flowers. It is best to pick them right before you anticipate your first fall frost. If you pick them mid-summer, they just will not dry correctly.

Dried Flower Arrangements

You can either hang them upside down in a darkened room to dry, or you can set them in a vase upright, even adding a tiny bit of water in the bottom of the vase, although even that is optional. As long as they are picked at the correct time, it's difficult to fail with them. It's fun if you can, to pick several blooms from different bushes, as it will provide a nice variety of colors to the wreath. After they are dried, pick off any dead / discolored brown blooms.

Now, pick the type of base you want to use for a wreath. My personal favorites are either Styrofoam or grapevine type wreath bases. Take some floral wire and wrap it around the wreath, then form a loop of the wire to hang from the wall, and then wrap the wreath again. You might try hanging it from the wall at this point to make sure it lies correctly, and then make any needed adjustments while the wreath is bare.

To do a Styrofoam wreath, use a low melt point hot glue gun. Separate each bloom into smaller florets. Hot glue each floret into the wreath base, actually poking the stem down into the Styrofoam base. With each bloom, space it out over the surface of the wreath, for example; a floret at the top, next left side, bottom, then right side, then inside the circle of the wreath, and outside of the wreath. Continue to do this with each bloom until you fill it.

Balance is what you are looking for. Balance in shape, you don't want any sticking out way above the others, you don't want one side of the wreath to be fuller than the other. Try stepping back and looking at a distance and just think "balance of shape".

The second area to look for is balance of color. This is the purpose of doing each bloom all over, then filling in, so you achieve that balance of color. Give another once over to check on that.

Now, this wreath is either finished, or you can add perhaps add small sprigs of dried baby's breath to it. Really depends on the look you want. Sometimes the simplicity of only the hydrangeas is stunning.

For a grapevine wreath, it's the same principal but a different look. You can tie a bow on the wreath if you want (if you do, do so before adding flowers), or ribbon. I like to leave bare spaces on these to be able to see the grapevine portion as well. Again, look for balance. You can also add dried roses to it or any other type of dried flowers or grasses too. You can get really creative with these and come up with very different looks. Experiment to your heart's content.

Many times people expect dried floral arrangements to last forever, and are disappointed when they start looking bad after a few years. This is a misconception. Expect them to look good for about a year, that's really about all they were meant to last.

If they are in direct sunlight it will be a much shorter time. However, the next year, feel free to
strip the old flowers off, and make another with the same base for another year's worth of a gorgeous hand made wreath!

Make a Stunning Dried Hydrangea Wreath

Dried Flower Arrangements

Sweet Woodruff (Galium Odoratum)

The word "Woodruff" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon wudurofe, from wudu, or woods, referring to the herb's natural habitat deep in the dark forests of Europe. In Germany's Black Forest, where sweet woodruff grows prolifically, the herb is known as "Waldmeister", or "Master of the Forest". The designation "sweet" refers to the vanilla-like, new mown hay fragrance the leaves and flowers impart when dried. This is due to the presence of Coumarin, which like patchouli has the ability to be a fixative to other fragrances in addition to its own aromatic contribution to perfumes and potpourris. "Ruff" derives from the French rovelle, meaning wheel, describing the arrangement of the leaves around the stem. In Old French, it was known as muge-de-boys or "musk of the woods."

In the garden, sweet woodruff makes an attractive perennial ground cover especially for shaded areas. Indeed, sweet woodruff's leaves will yellow and its pretty white-flowering will lessen if exposed to too much sun. Although it will grow with abandon through self-seeding and underground rhizomes once established, the seed can be difficult to germinate so it's best to buy your initial plants from a commercial grower or garden center. If starting from seed, make sure they're fresh and they must be stratified to germinate. The plant grows to six inches in both height and width. It is a perennial to zone 3 and flowers from May to June developing a bristly seed that is dispersed by attaching itself to the fur of passing animals.

Dried Flower Arrangements

Sweet woodruff is considered a tonic, along with being anti-spasmodic and diuretic. The herb is regarded as a mild sedative, especially to counteract nervous tension in the very young and elderly. It is supposed to benefit digestion and be helpful with liver obstructions and hepatitis. For these reasons the herb was, and still is, added to early wine in addition to sweetening the harsh flavor of the immature libation. In Germany, Maibowle or Maiwein (May wine) is still drunk as a spring tonic and to mark the passage of winter, along with other May Day celebrations, many of which date back to the time of the Druids. The herb's association with springtime and newness has led to its being carried in sachets to aid in the fulfillment of fresh plans and "new starts". Woodruff is also carried to attract wealth and to bring victory to athletes and soldiers. When carried in a leather pouch, it will guard against all evil. Woodruff was strewn on the floors of medieval churches. Garlands of the leaves decorated statues, especially those of the Blessed Virgin, on St. Barnabas's Day (June 11) and St. Peter's Day (June 20).

Although sweet woodruff makes a pleasant addition to some herbal tea blends and may be safely added to desserts and some drinks - such as wine and cider - the herb can be toxic and may cause internal bleeding if taken to excess. Avoid the herb completely if pregnant or if taking general medication, even aspirin. The active ingredient, Coumarin, is used to produce anticoagulant drugs.

As a fragrant herb and a fixative, sweet woodruff makes an perfect addition to potpourris. Its sedative qualities also make it the ideal partner for hops in a sleep pillow. Sweet Woodruff was tied around the calves of women in labor and stuffed into their pillow to bring restful sleep and strengthen the nerves.

Here's a simple recipe for an herbal sleep pillow, the moss acting as both a cushion and to quieten the rustling of the other herbs:

Sweet Woodruff Sleep Pillow

· 1 part dried sweet woodruff

· 2 parts dried hops

· 4 parts dried forest moss.

Just stuff the mixture into a pillow.

Some May wine is simply the fresh leaves and flowers of sweet woodruff added to white wine. Other recipes can be more complex, such as the following:

May Wine

· 1 gallon dry white wine

· 1 handful of fresh sweet woodruff leaves and flowers, chopped

· 1 cup of sugar

· 6oz. of brandy

· 1 bottle of champagne, chilled

· 1 whole orange, quartered

· 12 fresh strawberries

· Several sprigs of fresh woodruff with flowers for garnish.

Mix the wine, the chopped sweet woodruff, the brandy and the fruit in a large bowl and allow it to sit for at least 12 hours. Strain and remove the woodruff. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Pour in the chilled champagne and stir. Serve with the fresh woodruff as a garnish.

For those who would like a lower alcohol content, omit the brandy and substitute ginger ale for the champagne.

Sweet woodruff, especially in combination with other herbs, can alleviate even the most severe headache, including migraine. Try the following tea next time your head is pounding. The herbs may be fresh or dried; the ration remains the same.

Herbal Headache Tea Blend

· 2 parts sweet woodruff

· 1 part lavender flowers

· 1 part thyme

· 2 parts cowslip flowers

Pour one cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of the herbal tea blend. Let the tea steep covered for 5-10 minutes then strain and pour. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Sweet Woodruff (Galium Odoratum)

Dried Flower Arrangements