More Than Just a Pretty Vase

Decluttering is a great activity for a rainy day at home – like the rain, it cleans and refreshes the air. That is what I decided to do the other day with the mantle in my bedroom that holds my jewelry and cherished trinkets. Jewelry, as every woman knows, can get out of hand – crawling out of their boxes, tangled into piles resulting in a “I want to wear it but where did it go?” or “I’ll deal with that mess tonight and wear it tomorrow” syndrome. Well, tomorrow finally came and I dealt with it ….

When I finished sorting, polishing, rediscovering and admiring each piece, I wanted to “display” my cherished pieces in a way that was convenient to use and looked pretty. I searched through the Pinterest pages and fellow bloggers to see what inspirations might be out there. Found some great ideas but just didn’t quite fit. I walked around my home looking at objects with another perpective – thinking “ bracelet – bracelet holder …”

A-HAH! Bud vases! - I found a couple of bud vases tucked in my cupboard that were my Mother’s. Remember that Pinwheel crystal design of lead crystal our parents collected? We all have a couple of pieces that we inherited tucked away. Well … pull them out and give them a new purpose. They work really well to hold your collection of bracelets and guys.. your watches. For a funkier looked I used a white milk glass vase – I may stick an artificial gerbera flower to take it up a funkier notch! If you don't have one that matches your decor, come into the shop, we have bud vases of different colours, shapes and sizes.

Pull out your vases – give them a new purpose. A vase is not “just a pretty vase”

Breath Taking Moon Carnations

Purple – a favourite colour of almost everyone! Its popularity is growing into the weddings too. Not too many flowers out there that are a rich dark purple and are hardy long lasting too. My favourite flower – the carnation – is one of the most hardiest flowers you can find in the florist’s cooler. Unfortunately they do not produce the pigment delphinine thus it cannot produce a blue carnation so we must dye the white bloom (see previous blog).

However, in and about 1996 a company extracted certain genes from the petunia and snapdragon flowers to use genetic manipulation to produce the blue-mauve carnation. We now have the “Moon Series” carnations of four different shades of purple carnations. Beautiful! Watch for them in many of our wedding bouquets and center pieces coming up and you will always find them in our cooler for a breath taking arrangement for your home or for a special friend.

ManotickFlorists.com 1-888-279-7845 in Ottawa South 1160 Beaverwood Road Manotick

Caring for your Orchids

Orchids are admired by everyone who comes into the shop ... how could you not! They are such an elegant plant that fits anywhere... and they fit in any where. Great for gifts giving too for any occasion! So many people have said to me that they "just kill them" or they are "too difficult" to grow but really - they are not.

Once I describe the simple care instructions ... off goes another pretty orchids to a home with an excited new orchid collector! I have recently been asked to make a video on how to care for the orchid so check out the www.Youtube.manotickflorists.com channel.

Here is just how easy it is to take care of your orchid... Once a month lift out and remove the plant/orchid pot out of the decorative pot. Over a sink or basin thoroughly water the wood chips that is orchid is planted in. Let the water drain out. Do not let the plant sit in water. When the water is completely drained, replace into the decorative pot. The roots will climb out of the pot - this is what it is suppose to do. On a regular basis (every couple of days) mist the roots and chips with a water mister. The roots get their watering and nutrition from the air - humidity.

When the blossoms are finished and dropped off, cut this stem off at the base. It will no longer produce blossoms it now turns brown and drop off. You will then start to see new leaves sprouting up. In time (be patient) some times several months depending on the growing conditions, a blossom stem will sprout out. It will begin to grow shooting off to the side. This is when you will need to use that stake that you got with the original blossoms. We like to have the flower stem vertical for decorative purpose- not mother nature.

If you have not had another blooming but your leaves are still healthy, it could be just a matter or changing its' location. If love bright indirect lighting, cool and high humidity.

There are many orchid collectors, societies and web pages that you can access for more detailed info on care, growing and history of the orchid. If you have an orchid already, got questions - come in and ask, I'd be happy to have an "orchid chat". Have fun with them and enjoy their elegance and beauty!

Manotickflorists.com or find us in the Manotick Mews Shopping Center! 1160 Beaverwood Road Ottawa, ON in the Ottawa south suburb of Manotick 613-692-2541

I've got the Blues

The Hydrangea ... so full, so pretty, so romantic! It fits into all styles from country, to Victorian and even into contemporary. They may be in our gardens just in the summer time but you will find them in our cooler all year round. This past several months I have noticed a trend happening with the hydrangea ... and it is Blue.

Blue and purple are a popular colour combination for the weddings this year and as the designer I had to suggest something that would complement the Brides' bouquet of blue hydrangea. There are very few true blue flowers available especially in our area which poses a problem sometimes. As I have always said "Florists are Illusionists" .... and so keeping that in mind I began my quest to design the best Bride's Maid bouquets for my first Blue and Purple wedding this year.

The loyal carnation came to my rescue! It is a "fluffy" flower and round when fully opened which is the complementary shape to the hydrangea. I didn't want the Bride's Maid bouquet to be over powering - after all - it is the Bride whom every must be looking at ;) After a conversation with one of my suppliers describing to him exactly what I envisioned the answer was to dye the white carnation. Don't get squeamish .... I know that you are thinking about the blue dyed rose ..... this carnation will be carefully watched and the dying action will come to a full stop when the soft blue of the hydrangea is matched. With careful craftsmanship he produced the most perfect blue carnation that looked stunning in the wedding party.

Loved the colours of this wedding! If you are needing this special "blue" flower, let me know with lots of time as it is a procedure to produce and needs a couple of days for the whole process.... but it's worth it.

You can see more pictures of this wedding and other arrangements using blue flowers by following us on facebook.com/manotickfloristsandgifts or on our website www.manotickflorists.com

Garden Mint Tea

It is a rainy summer Sunday ... a good day to curl up with a book and a heart warming cup of fresh mint tea!! I have a lot of it growing in my garden ... toooooo much! The first couple of summers I pulled it out, hoed it out and said a few words to it but it always grew back and twice as much. Then I turned it around - I learned how to brew fresh mint tea. I love mint tea but I never thought about brewing it own from my very own garden. So now, that pesky weed has become my best sooooothing friend - go figure!?!

Its an excellent remedy for reducing symptoms related to digestion - and it taste great going down! Try a cup next time you have an upset stomach or after a big meal when you are feeling "full".

I will suggest that if you don't already have a patch in your garden, plant some in a container - it can over take and get into your lawn. In the spring, herb gardens are available. If you received one from our shop, check it out because you may have one in your mini garden. Clip a handful of leaves and let it steep in your pot for a couple of minutes and enjoy!

Join me, Belinda, in my garden and kitchen showing you how easy it is to make a cup of fresh mint tea and how to care for your herbal container gardens in the video "Garden Mint Tea". Watch our youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/ManotickFlorists

Enjoy!
613-692-2541

Manotick Florists
1160 Beaverwood Road
Manotick, Ontario

www.manotickflorists.com

Exotic Designs Here & There

For our honeymoon we traveled to Central America with the turn around point at Panahachel, Guatemala. My favourite city was Antigua, very authentic to its culture. We loved it so much that we ended up staying there an extra week!

We enjoyed the everyday ways of life of Antigua we frequented the busy and colourful market…it was their main “shopping mall” I connected with their florist, of course, and even though we did not speak the same language, we did have the language of flowers that bridged our gap. We shared a few tips and exchanged favourite styles of design. It’s interesting how we used the same techniques but the designs differ with cultural needs and weather. The tropical plants that we cherish here are common and inexpensive there. The Pine tree they cherish and consider “exotic”. It seems to be human nature to find things in other places exotic.

Wedding Bamboo Arrangements

I discovered this morning that my bamboo plants had new sprouts that were now ready to break away on their own. It was eight years ago today that I had the beautiful vase arranged with a dozen stems of lucky bamboo, ivy and curly willow on the receiving table at my wedding.

Ivy – commitment

Willow – joy

Water - purity and fertility

Stones – stability

3 Bamboo stems - Fu (Happiness), Lu (Wealth) and Soh (Longevity)

Our guests loved them and for a couple of years later, they would tell me that they still had our gift. I still have my vase, now down to two stalks but they are double the length and now have a baby plant. I still have one of the rectangular vases and stones so I planted the baby sprout in it ... today - our anniversary

Bamboo is fun and easy to grow. The most important care you can give your bamboo is the right amount of water and to keep the plant, rocks and vases clean. They perk up any room and you can enjoy changing the vases and giving them a fresh look every week or so.

Spring Cleaning!

It's officially Spring!!! It's time to put away the winter arrangements and decor around my home and begin "spring cleaning". Decluttering and washing brings in new refreshing energy, balance and inspiration. I practice the art of Feng Shui when I am redecorating my home and office spaces. Feng Shui is an ancient and wise approach to the way our environment affects us. The way we feel and the way we act is greatly affected the environment which surrounds us.


After studying Feng Shui at the Natural Health College in Ottawa and under William Spear and Karen Kingston in 1998, this art practice has really inspired me on a daily basis. Flowers are a big part in achieving positive energy, balance and inspiration!

http://www.youtube.com/user/MyFlowerChannel

I am sharing a video link I found the other day that you may enjoy .... come in and ask me how you may apply Feng Shui into your environment. You can find us in the Manotick Mews shopping center or check out our website www.manotickflorists.com - bring in some of that March Irish luck! 613-692-2541

Happy Spring everyone!

Happy Poinsettia Day!

Today, December 12th is the official Poinsettia Day! Why today???

Joel Robert Poinsett, botanist and first American ambassador to Mexico, first introduced the Poinsettia plant to the United States in 1825. He brought some cuttings to his plantation in Greenwood, South Carolina. Mr Poinsett died in 1851 and to honour him and the plant he made famous December 12 th was made officially National Poinsettia Day

Poinsettia plants are still a favourite gift from Manotick Florists. This year the White Poinsettia seems to be the fashionable one to receive. Each year the Poinsettia holds true to it's popularity, dressed with fashionable coloured bows or mesh, sparkles and bling. You can even find them grouped with other plants in a festive ceramic container or tiny velvet blooms with ribbon as a party corsage. Artificial large and small, copper or chartreuse - potted sprayed with purple and pinks ... to match any decor! But ... the one that we can all count on and hold traditional in our memories of Christmas is ... the red.

Happy Poinsettia Day everyone!

We are open and delivering on Sundays 12:00 Noon until 4:30!

www.manotickflorists.com 613-692-2541 Manotick Mews shopping center

Are the Poinsettia poisonous?

The Poinsettia's are now leaving the store everyday now to bring the Christmas spirit to homes of friends and families. A day doesn't go by when I am asked about their toxicity worried that their mischievous kitten or dog may decide to have a bite for lunch, or they may have a curious toddler exploring their first Christmas.

No, the Poinsettia is not poisonous ... It is a myth! According to POISINDEX the national information center for poison control centers and the American Association of Poison Control Centers, a child would have to ingest 500-600 leaves in order to exceed the experimental doses that found no toxicity. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that keeping this plant out of the reach of pets to avoid stomach upset is a good idea, however pet owners need not fear the poinsettia and banish it from their homes for fear of a fatal exposure. However, various degrees of stomach discomfort may be experienced depending on the amount consumed .

So there you have it ... not poisonous ... but not made for eating. Keep it up out of reach from the curious tasters in the house so no tummy aches are had during the festive season.

If you have any other questions about the poinsettia, come in or call us 613-691-2541. Find us in the Manotick Mews Shopping Center.

Why the Poinsettia?

Well the Poinsettias are now coming into the shop - a sure sign that the Christmas countdown has officially started! I was wondering the other day "Why the Poinsettia?" I know that it is not a Canadian flower because it hates the cold weather, so what's the story on this red flower?


After a bit of web surfing this is what I found... The legend of the poinsettia started several centuries ago in Mexico when a little girl named Pepita had no gift to present to the Christ child on Christmas Eve. Her cousin Pedro told her that she should give a humble gift so she gathered a bouquet of weed flowers that she found along the road. As she approached the altar with her gift of flowers a miracle happened - the weeds blossomed into brilliant flowers. Then they were called Flores de Noche Buena - Flowers of the Holy Night. Now they are called poinsettias.

So that is why we use the Poinsettia as a symbol of humble gift giving. Now I will be giving a Poinsettia as a perfect hostess gift, to my neighbours & friends. Perhaps you know someone that you would like to give "a little something" to show your appreciation this season.

Make shopping easier by shopping on line www.manotickflorists.com then have it delivered by our professional floral delivery service. What a great holiday surprise!

Chocolate & Purses mmmmm good!

Women s day on Saturday day was so much fun! We had everyone tasting our Sweet Shop Truffles mmmmm! Who doesn t like decadent chocolate.

We had tasters of HTRIO Tea-it-Up and Great Greens - such healthy drinks to balance the chocolate intake :) Everyone was surprised how great something healthy could be.

Everyone left with a bag of rose petals to enjoy....

Purses and Scarves never stay in Manotick Florists for very long so if you see one you like, you better get it now. You may see it accessorized on your best friend s outfit or even one of the staff!!!

Accessorizing an outfit can change it s mood so quickly and what an easy way to inexpensively create a whole new outfit with that shirt or sweater from last winter :) Going out for the evening but do not have the time to change .... change it up for the evening by adding a elegant scarf or necklace. Now, quick, change your purse and gloves to match and voilà you are ready for the evening!

Ahhh, it is fun being a woman, fun to eat chocolate, eat healthy and accessorize!

Enjoy, mmmmmmmmmmm!

Thanksgiving at the Shop

It is always a great weekend at the shop Thanksgiving weekend. The parking lot was full and the Mews was full of families with smiles and chuckles with all the activities going on. Everyone loves the horse and wagon ride and the little ones being held up by a parent to pet the nose of the horse for the first time brings out a chuckle.

Bails of hay, pumpkins and scarecrows decorate the Mews and the town. In the shop buckets of fall flowers over flow the cooler to corners around the shop. Golden yellows, oranges, rusts and reds! The traditional cornucopia always wins in popularity.

Best of all, though, are the “Happy Thanksgiving” wishes from the customers as they leave the store with their bundle of flowers. I give thanks for all those wishes and smiles!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Golden Solidago Flower

Our cooler in the Manotick Florists’ store front has officially taken a change of colour – from pastel and refreshing tropical to the golden yellows, rusts and reds of the Autumn season. One of our most popular flowers that adds that “golden touch” to any arrangement is the Salidago. Quite often I get the comment “I see that flower in the farmers’ field” or “I’m allergic to that flower.”

The Salidago A.K.A. Solidaster, yes, is a member of the Golden Rod, aster, family and, no, it will not give you hay fever. The florists’ Salidago is grown in green houses and has lost it’s pollen, and besides it is pollenized by the bees!


So enjoy the golden touch that this long-lasting and well loved flower gives you in your fall arrangements. See some of the arrangements that we are doing this season on our websites at www.manotickflorists.com www.manotickflowers.com or ask our Designers to customize a special arrangement for your fall Events.

Call us at 613-692-2541 or come in to choose your fall flowers - we are in the Manotick Mews Shopping Center!

Your Special Thoughts & Caring Message Delivered by Floral Design!

Easter Tradition

Chocolate Easter Bunnies and Easter egg hunts are a tradition in my family but the weekend would not be complete without the fragrance of the beautiful white trumpet flower Lilium longiflorum – affectionately known as the “Easter Lilly”.

Originally a native of Japan it now symbolizes purity, virtue, innocence, hope and life – the spirit of Easter. As you walk into the shop the fragrance instantly pulls you towards them in their baskets adorning a spring coloured bow.

A magical moment happened in the shop the other day. I couldn’t help but smile as I saw my Granddaughter, Isabella, sauntered about the shop front, stopping in front of the Easter Lilies. Their fragrance caught her attention as she leaned over and took a long “sniff” in the trumpet bloom and gave a little chuckle. The tradition of the Easter Lilly continues into the next generation.

The Lilium plant loves lots of light and moist soil, let the soil become dry before the next watering. Be careful not to over water or let it stand in water too long as it can be prone to rot if too wet. When the bloom is finished, cut it off and let the plant go through its cycle until it dyes down. If you are an outdoor gardener you may want to plant it outside in your garden to enjoy again.

I’m bringing home my lilies tomorrow and sending a few to a couple of friends. Will an Easter Lilly join in your Easter Weekend activities?

Wedding Flower Consultations at Manotick Florists

January is all about wedding flower planning at Manotick Florists. The Brides are calling and making appointments or coming in with hopes that the wedding center is free to explore. When a Bride calls to book her appointment I usually ask her a couple of questions ahead of time to ponder and prepare for her appointment.

#1 What colour and style is the Bride's and Bride's Maid dresses? If possible, bring with you pictures and material swatches. This will help in determining the best suited style of bouquets and colours of flowers.

#2 Do you have a "theme" to the wedding? Traditional, contemporary, country, victorian ....

#3 Where is the Ceremony being held? and the Reception? If you have pictures, flyers or any special specification from the venue for example: do's & don'ts, do they provide votive holders, do they have a floor plan, size of tables etc.

#4 How many people are in the wedding party and family members that you would like to have a corsage or boutonniere for? Also to think about .... is there anyone doing something special for you during the wedding (doing a reading, playing music) that you would like to say "thank you" and acknowledge them with a buttonhole flower.

#5 How many guests are expected and how many tables will there be at the reception? What theme is your reception? Will you be needing our wedding day set-up service? You may consider this service as you may not have any time to do it yourself if you don't have day-before access to the hall.

I save this for the last as it is the most important!

#6 What is the budget for flowers and for the decorating? When I ask this, some Brides just don't know as they that they are not use to ordering flowers and some are reluctant to say what their budget is as they feel it might alter the estimate. When, in fact, now knowing the budget helps to me make suggestions to her theme, colours and venue that are in tune to her budget needs rather than something outrageous.

Planning your wedding flowers and decor is teamwork. Being honest and open about your needs and thoughts as we go through the process is important. My Brides are introduced to my very large eraser - many changes can be made as we go! I love the challenge of being creative and designing flowers and decor that meet the Brides budget, big or small, each wedding is special, uniquely different and a day to remember.


All wedding consultations are done at our shop in our relaxing bridal corner located in The Manotick Mews shopping center in the southwest end of Ottawa. Let us put your mind at ease
and show you how easy it can be to make your wedding flower selections.

Browse through our wedding gallaries on our website www.manotickflorists.com and www.manotickflowers.com to get some ideas, and be sure to call and be sure to request a wedding consult so we can plan to me and plan your special event - the wedding you have always dreamed about!

Looking forward to meeting with you!

Manotick Florists 613-692-2541 1-888-279-7845
Follow us on www.Twitter.com/manotickflorist and www.facebook.com/manotickflorists

Great Pumpkin Returned to Manotick Florists

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I look outside my front window this sunny November first and I see the orange pumpkins sitting on the door steps that blend into the fall gardens and front-step decorations. Last night they were mystically changed into “Jack-O-Lanterns” glowing into the dark with their flickering candles within. Once made to scare away the spirits that come to haunt us on Hollow’s Eve they have now become fun and interesting sculptures - an art-making activity for young and old.

The pumpkin, when not being an icon for Halloween, has also become a symbolic item in Thanks Giving celebrations. Pumpkin pie for Thanks Giving desert is a favourite in our home! Pumpkin pie scented candles sitting at our cash counter encouraged conversations and it triggered sweet memories. Pumpkins filled with flowers made beautiful decorations on tables and foyers – they were fun to make as well!

Did you see the white pumpkins?! They looked so elegant filled with roses on the dinning room table. And the cute little gourd pumpkins … just fill a basket, bowl or vase filled with these cuties and voila, you now have an instant gourd arrangement. I loved these little guys hollowed out for a t-light to accent my tables.

So “Thank You” pumpkins for all that you do for helping us celebrate Halloween and Thanks Giving – your beauty, your wonderful aroma therapy, your sweet & spicy taste and your playful artwork

Now as the Great Pumpkin returns to the patch for another year, I look forward to the new winter season approaching and all the creative ideas that we design with Mother Nature, her fruits, pinecones and berries. Come into see us at Manotick Florists & Gifts in the Manotick Shopping Center and see what we are creating today. We will be posting some of our own creations on the websites too so keep an eye on us there. www.manotickflorists.com & www.manotickflowers.com

Want to give a love one or friend a beautiful gift but can’t be there yourself? Well, we have our own delivery van that deliver a custom designed floral gift and card to that someone special for you. International delivery service can be done through our FTD and Teleflora florists associates that are just a phone call away. 1-888-279-7845

While you are visiting our website don’t forget to register as one of our VIP members to be eligible for Free Flowers and special savings everyday.