The Language of Flowers

Just about everyone has at one time or another, given flowers as a way of expressing a sentiment: "I love you." "Forgive me." "Congratulations!" "Happy Birthday!" "Happy Anniversary!" "I'm sorry for your loss"...

But did you know that individual flowers each have their own meaning,
many dating back to Victorian era?

The beautifully fragrant Lilac, a bush not easily grown here in the South, stands for humility.

The true flower of the South, the magnificent Magnolia, stands for Love of Nature,
the heavy scent is almost too much to bear.

Sunflower: haughtiness-really? Sunflowers are very nearly the national spokesperson for sunshine and happiness. They also stand for devotion, which certainly explains why so many brides are asking for sunflowers these days!

The Carnation, that flower everyone loves to hate-oddly enough stands for Woman's Love.
It is the bane of every florist, and suffers from a poor reputation. But really, what other flower has this combination of range of color, long life, spicy fragrance, and a budget-conscious price?

Lily of the Valley, meaning Return of Happiness.
That description certainly suits this scented sweetie,
returning every spring no matter how cold the winter or how much snow has fallen.

Tulip: stands for fame.
How appropriate, given the lengths that 18th century Europeans went to
secure even one bulb of tulip!

Rose: Love, passion. The Latin name Rosa means "red".
Different colors have their own varying meanings such as white for friendship, yellow for joy,
and light pink for beauty, to name just a few.


Bloomers and flowers: a true match!
910-815-8585

Photoshoot at Browsholme Hall, Photography by Jonny Draper

Emma looks completely fabulous in this exquisite gown from Jenny Packham "Papillion" is just breathtaking and it's available from One & Only Bridal Couture in Preston
We designed some floral jewellery for the model to wear, this arm bangle of Red Nerines is light and delicate and is easy to wear
The Bridal Bouquet of deep red Grand Amore Roses, Green Amaryllis, Arabicum, Red Nerines and a selection of Christmas Foliages is framed by the same gold and black filigree work as the arm bangle
This suit is so sharp and is also available to hire from One & Only & Dan Kerr in Preston
The filigree Boutonniere is longer in design than the usual simple English version this design is far more contemporary with a continental vibe.
The lovely Sheree manager of One & Only modeling an elaborate headdress of Roses and Golden filigree workings
This elegant wedding gown is from Ian Stuart again available from One & Only
We'd designed a vibrant Posy style bouquet of deep orange Naranga & lemon Tara Roses together with Craspedia and Hypericum berries

The "Icicle Bouquet" is just perfect with the ruffles on this fantastic Ian Stuart Gown, we've used White Crystal Nerines, Crystal Blush Calla Lilies and delicate white Magic Vanda Orchids in the drop in the heart of the bouquet clustered Anthuriums and Hydrangeas give the bouquet proper definition


To compliment the Bouquet we've designed another filigree style Boutonniere in silver and white with Nerines and Pearls to finish

The Ceremony Space at Browsholme Hall's Tithe Barn is just so atmospheric, they have incredible lighting that changes the mood with the flick of a switch, we've given the designs a "Frosty Morning" treatment with lots of wintery foliages and branches in our creations,

The Chairs and table linen are by the fabulous Creative Cover Hire
We included Green Goddess Arum Lilies & luscious white Amaryllis
The Top Table design is created around a focal of chapel candles and white Amaryllis, white Tulips and Green Anthuriums, the outer reaches include White Delphinium Elatum, Arabicum, Kochia, Eucalyptus and Highwood Arum Lilies
Candelabras look perfect in this space but they do need a bold strong Floral centre, we used White Amaryllis, Longiflorum Lilies, Lissianthus, Viburnum Opulus and Dianthus



Hanging beneath the branches of the candelabra are glass orbs containing candles and trails of Stephanotis and Ivy
The Spooky Tree dripping with crystals and pearls, flowers in glass test tubes and orbs with candles Germini
Glass Tea Light Orbs
A Three tier mirrored cake stand with floral cupcakes of Amaryllis, Eupatorium, Roses, Nerines and Snowberry
All of these fabulous photographs were taken by the dynamic and brilliant Jonny Draper

Fall Flowering Bulbs

Deciduous trees dazzle us with the brilliance of the golds, oranges and reds they display before dropping their leaves in the autumn. However, you don't have to be satisfied with autumn leaf color alone. Consider planting fall flower bulbs.

Spring-flowering bulbs are universal symbols of spring. Many of us wait to see the cheerful little crocus as it pops through the last of the winter snows. The delicate narcissus, the colorful tulip, and the sunny daffodil are all spring flowering bulbs that bring out smiles after long, colorless winters. Just as spring-flowering bulbs bring a welcome burst of color as they usher in the season, fall flower bulbs offer you a last blast of vibrancy to keep in memory through a long, colorless winter.

There are two main differences between spring flower bulbs and fall flower bulbs. Spring flower bulbs are planted in the fall and need a cold period of winter dormancy to flower. Fall flower bulbs are typically planted in the spring or summer. Most fall flower bulbs aren't winter hardy and need to be lifted in the autumn and stored until time for the next spring planting.

When selecting fall flower bulbs, always choose those that are firm and blemish-free. A good rule of thumb to remember is "the larger the bulb, the larger the bloom." The bulb is actually a tiny womb for a flower. In fact, if you split a bulb in half, you frequently can see the bud and in some cases, even see the flower. Everything the flower needs to grow, except water, is contained inside a bulb. Although the differences between them are slight, many of these flower storehouses that we commonly call bulbs are actually rhizomes, corms and tubers. Look for these labels in addition to "bulbs" when purchasing fall-flower bulbs.

The dahlia, which grows from a tuber, is a beautiful late-summer flower that blooms until the first frost. Blooms can range from button to dinner-plate size in virtually every color except solid blue. As all fall flower bulbs, they are easy to plant and easy to care for, requiring only that you lift them in the fall for winter storage.

Colchicums are perhaps the best known but least planted fall flower bulbs. They are unique in that they only need sunlight to grow and will bloom sitting on your potting bench or even on your kitchen table! Large flowers, resembling the crocus, are typically pink. Although they need soil to make roots and foliage, because the bulb must be planted partly exposed, colchicums are a target for snails and slugs, which will peel the bulbs like an onion.

The saffron crocus is a fall flower bulb that does double duty in your flower garden. Lilac flowers display the burnt orange-red stigmas that are the source of the spice, saffron. The flowers only last for two days. Pick the stigmas on the second day, air dry them and you have just harvested flower and fruit gardening guides homegrown saffron to season your dishes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Jenkinson

Christmas Cookery & Flower Design Demonstration Luncheon at Twelve Restaurant on 24th November 2010

As many of you will know, I have almost as big a passion for food as I do for flowers, and that my absolute favorite place to indulge this is the gorgeous Twelve in Thornton where Paul the Head Chef works utter magic and Caroline maneuvers with dynamic charisma. Imagine Caroline calling with the opportunity to merge my two most excitable pleasures, in one of Twelve’s famous events, the exciting chance to join forces with them. Read on to see exactly why I am so excited . . .

Christmas Cookery & Flower Design Demonstration Luncheon at Twelve Restaurant on 24^th November 2010

So the concept goes like this: We are teaming together to give you the perfect ingredients for the most enchanted, homely Christmas. In pursuit of the most picturesque Christmas scene there will be tips and demonstrations in Festive Flower Design Creations, a scrumptious Twelve Christmas Feast, an immaculately laid table and delicious wines and cocktails to compliment . . .

We will help make the magical Christmas pictured in your minds-eye come true.

So this is the plan..

9:15-9:30 Arrival, Coffee & Homemade Christmas Biscuits

9:45-10:45 Christmas Dinner Cookery Demonstration and Tips from Paul & the Twelve Chefs in the Twelve Kitchen (I do like a good nosey behind the scenes!)

You've got to admit ladies these Chefs are pretty hot!10:50-11-50 Flower Design Demonstration of “Welcome Ring” for your front door, Table Centre Piece, Napkin Dressings & Table Favours with Jane & Jason and The Flower Design Team

 

12:00-13:00 Christmas Cocktails, Serving the perfect wines and laying the most immaculate Christmas table with Caroline & the very gorgeous Twelve Bar team

13:30 -15:00 A very special Twelve Christmas Luncheon will be served. During which the Super Talented "Daniel Sings" will be here to entertain us with some fabulous Christmas tunes

All of the floral designs will be raffled with proceeds to Trinity Hospice

Tickets are £30.00 per person including lunch

To Book just call Twelve and make a reservation tel 01253 821212

Please note the numbers are strictly limited and bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis