Proper Flower Etiquette

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Flowers are great gifts for practically any occasion, but there are some basic rules of flower etiquette.

Red Roses: Red roses are always a great gift for a lover for practically any occasion or for no occasion at all. The red rose signifies "romantic love", so it may be a bit much in some cases.

Yellow Roses: Yellow roses are the flower of friendship.

Pink Roses: Pink roses are the flowers of secret love. They are a perfect medium between the friendship of a yellow rose, and the romantic love of the red rose.

White Roses: White roses are the flowers of innocent love. They are ideal for family members and family occasions, even funerals.

Carnations: Carnations are the flower of fascination.

Orchids: Orchids are the flowers of love and beauty. They can be given for practically any occasion to practically anybody. Orchids are universally appealing flowers that do not carry significant meaning for most occasions.

Daisy: Daisies are the flowers of loyal love.

Lily: The Lily is the flower of purity and sweetness.

Chrysanthemum: The Chrysanthemum is a flower of friendship, so it will go well on any occasion, but may not be ideal for expressing romantic interest.

Flowers are great gifts, and it is difficult to do too much wrong when getting flowers for anybody.

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How To Choose and Buy Your Orchid Plants

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Orchids are fast becoming popular plants for the holidays. While poinsettias remain the mainstay of holiday decorating, white phalaenopsis, purple dendrobiums, and other colorful orchids bring an exotic touch the home. Begin buying your orchids in the next few weeks to ensure colorful displays by the holidays.

1. Make sure plants are healthy and happy. Orchids should be well-watered and firm in their pots-do not buy plants that "wobble" and are not firmly rooted. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves, that are dried out, or otherwise look unhealthy. Also avoid discounted or sale plants, unless they are in top condition.

2. Choose plants with only a few flowers open, or in the early stages of budding. Orchid flowers that are all open may not last as long, though if you need an instant floral display go right ahead!

3. Keep them away from hot air vents or gas stoves and furnaces as small amounts of gas in the air can cause the buds to shrivel and drop. All orchids require fresh air so an open window in an adjoining room, or a fan to circulate the air, will be needed. Humidity is also important as dry indoor air can quickly cause plants and flowers to shrivel. Grouping plants together, spraying them with water in the daytime, and running a humidifier will benefit your orchids.

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