Your Calgary Flower Shop has taken the utmost care to ensure the flowers we deliver to our customers homes and workplaces are as fresh and beautiful as possible. We begin the process by acquiring our flowers from the industries finest flower growers and partnering with only the best FTD retail florists. By doing so we can be confident that only the finest fresh flowers are being delivered to our customers. However, to achieve maximum enjoyment and longevity from their flowers, our customers need to provide a little “TLC” when the flowers arrive.

Fortunately, what is required is very simple. Here are a few easy steps to follow that will ensure that your flowers look their best. Follow them and your flowers will look great and last for as long as possible.

1) Start with a clean vase & good quality water!

One of the largest deterrents to fresh cut flower life is bacterial. Bacteria and fungi are everywhere and are ready to enter the cut surface of the stem and multiply. Prior to actual decay symptoms, cells of the water-transporting tissues can become blocked with microorganisms, inhibiting water uptake.

A plant’s root system serves as a filter to limit dirt, micro-organisms and chemicals from entering and blocking the plant’s ability to absorb water. When the flower is cut off from its life-sustaining root system, it loses this vital filter. It is important, therefore, to always start with clean water in order to protect and preserve the flower.

Always use warm (100 – 110 degree) clean water as most flowers take in warm water more efficiently than cold.

The actual quality of water used in a vase plays a major role in a flowers life cycle as examples;

Sodium -  Present in high concentrations in soft water, particularly if softened using salt, is toxic to roses and
carnations.

Fluoride – Added to drinking water in many communities for dental health. While Fluoride may prevent cavities
in the kids it is harmful to gerbera, gladiolus, and freesia.

Minerals – In many areas drinking water is considered “hard” and contains high levels of minerals.  Dissolved
minerals can and may block the flower stems ability to hydrate properly.

2) Use the Flower Food provided.

While a flower is attached to the plant, it receives nourishment allowing it to grow and develop. When cut from the plant, it loses its source of nourishment and water. Fresh Flower Food has been developed to simulate the flower’s original environment, and allow the flower to fully develop (open).

While it is easy to find all sorts of home recipes and folklore about common household products that can be used to extend the life of your flowers, like many things this is best left to the professionals. Commercial Fresh Flower Food will increase the life of cut flowers and should always be used, these formula’s are scientifically developed, carefully balanced mixtures generally containing,

- Sucrose (sugar); Sucrose serves as a source of energy (food) to make up for the loss of the functioning leaves and insures continued development and longevity of the flower. Like all other living things flowers require food energy, however too much sucrose can be a bad thing as it can “force” the life cycle of the flower to proceed faster than normal.

- Acidifier ; Most water supplies are alkaline and can reduce the life of cut flowers, an acidifier will help bring the waters pH closer to the acid pH of the cell sap. Slightly acidic water is taken up more readily through the stems than water that is neutral or alkaline. The acidifier also aids in stabilizing the pigment and the colour of the flowers.

- Inhibitor of microorganisms (bacteria); Designed to retard the growth of bacteria in the water. While flowers require and “enjoy dining” on sucrose, so does bacteria. Cells of the water-transporting tissues in flowers can become blocked with microorganisms, inhibiting the flowers ability to hydrate and severely reducing longevity.

- Agents To draw out certain salts, dirt, and debris which will settle rather then being drawn up the flower stem.

Follow the directions on the package and always use the recommended amount. Don’t take short cuts or “play it on the safe side” by using too much flower food, either way can be just as harmful.

3) Cut Stems & Remove Foliage

Re-cut the stems at an angle removing at least on inch of the stem. Always use a sharp knife or clippers rather than scissors as this will avoid crushing the stem and therefore the vascular system. The slanted cutopens more stem area for hydration and prevents the end of the stem from resting directly on the bottom of the vase impeding water flow.

Leaves that will be below the water line in the container must be removed. Leaves sitting in water will deteriorate and rot. Decaying leaves make a good medium for bacteria and fungi, which will plug the vascular system preventing hydration and eventually causing death. DO NOT remove all leaves along the stem length, the flowers require the leaves as part of their hydration process. Always be “gentle” during the removal of leaves, gashes or breaks in the stem surface are “open wounds” where bacteria may enter. Try using a soft, but impenetrable glove for the removal of rose thorns and foliage.

4) Last but not least

Check the water level daily and replenish as needed. If the water becomes cloudy, it should be completely exchanged for fresh. As the water level gets low, you must re-fill vases with fresh solution made with correct proportions of Fresh Flower Food and water.

NOTE For roses, this process can be performed on Day 1 (when you first purchase product), on Day 3, and again on Day 5, doing so will help you obtain maximum vase life.

Now, enjoy your flowers!

Try out our two favorite recipes!

Rose Potpourri – Traditional

Ingredients:

4 pints rose petals
2 pints lavender Flowers
1 pint rosemary
1 cup cloves
1 pint lemon verbena leaves or lemon grass
1 cup whole allspice
1/3 cup juniper berries
1/2 cup anise seed |
1/3 cup Benzoin gum powder or Orris root preservative
1 cup pickling salt
15 drops Oil of Rose
7 drops Oil of Rose Geranium

Directions:

Layer Flowers on the bottom of plastic pail. Add herbs, berries, and spices. Top with preservatives and salt, then put drops of oil onto the salt. Mix together and cover pail. Continue to mix the ingredients every day, for six weeks. Store in plastic bags until ready for use.

Citrus Delight

Ingredients:

1 cup peppermint leaves
1/3 cup lemon verbena leaves
1/3 cup lemon balm
1/4 cup tarragon
1/2 cup rosemary
1/2 cup juniper berries
4 cups dried orange peels
4 pints dried Flower petals (roses, or any dried Flowers you have collected)
1/3 cup Benzoin gum powder or Orris root preservative
1/2 cup pickling salt
15 drops lemon oil and lime oil

Directions:
The ingredients are layered starting with dried Flowers, herbs and spices (whole cloves or allspice may also be added). Top with preservatives, salt and oils. The purpose of layering in this sequence is that it helps to evenly distribute the preservatives, salt and oils onto the petals. You are, in fact, pickling and preserving a mixture that you would like to use for many years.

The addition of pickling salt to the mixtures was not only to create longevity of the product, but to make it usable for steaming potpourri. Steaming potpourri in fondue-like containers makes the scents travel throughout your home. Moist climates spread scents of potpourri while it is just sitting in bowls. Dry climates take away the scent once the potpourri is exposed to air, and it is best to steam it and keep it in containers.

The botanical ingredients and oils are available at the larger Health Food stores. Spices and cooking herbs are available at bulk food stores. Flowers, trees, fruit, berries or any unusual dried items are found in your garden, or out in nature.

Plant your garden with Flowers that may be dried for your potpourris (such as Marigolds). Collect Flowers from bouquets or remains of dried arrangements. You may also like to purchase fresh Flowers – which you may hang upside down in bundles to dry. You may also purchase dried petals or roses (the most beautiful Flower for potpourri) from florists who deal in bulk Flowers. Use whole buds to decorate the tops of the containers holding your potpourri.

Potpourri is fun to create and very rewarding to all the senses!

By F. Gayle Gregory

Potpourri was created in the 12th century for the purpose of freshening rooms in castles for the people of that time. Spices or herbs were placed in huge cooking cauldrons after the meal tasks of the day had been completed. People then took these herbs and spices and placed them in containers with lids, moistened them with spirits, and left them to rot. This process created a pungent perfume which was released each time the lid was lifted. Flowers were then placed in handsome bowls and baskets with these fragrant herbs and spices to beautify rooms throughout the castle.

During this era, the convenience of bathing and washing clothing was not as accessible, so wooden vessels were constructed to contain these lovely mixtures, and were hung inside of women’s heavy petticoats.

Thanks to growth (and many centuries), we are much more civilized today however these sweet, pungent scents are very much a part of our existence.

The art of making potpourri is now extremely varied. Commercial varieties depend on imitation oils, which are applied to leaves and mixed with some of the original ingredients used for potpourri. The effect is the same, but the product can be very bad for your health.

The most exciting part of making potpourri is mixing the recipes. A blend of different Flowers, leaves, and trees produce a natural fragrance to suit your sense of smell – and your memories too. Herbs and spices add warmth, and cooking and botanical herbs add pleasant scents of a garden on a warm summer’s day.

The recipes that follow have been created with texture, color, and a sense of seasonal creativity. Herbs and spices have been added to enhance the ideas. Flower, tree and fruit tinctures with preservatives add the final touch to the finished product.

If you love flowers as much as we do – this is the app for you!  Your Calgary Flower Shop has a new iPhone app that can make getting your next batch of roses fun and exciting.

Fun Flower Facts contains a wealth of information about flowers and their care along with a lot of fun facts, tips & trivia. You can even order & send flowers from anywhere in the world right from your shiny new Iphone! Never miss an anniversary or birthday again!

Top Ten reasons why you should get Fun Flower Facts for your Iphone:

10. Did you know the worlds oldest living rose bush is over 1000 years old? – It’s in the app!
9. Need to know how to look after your Gerbera Daisies? Roses? other flower varieties? – It’s in the app!
8. Want to learn how to create spectacular flower arrangements? – It’s in the app!
7. Guys – are you clueless about getting flowers for your gal? – It’s in the app!
6. Forgot your Moms birthday & need to send flowers fast? – It’s in the app!
5. Need to know which flower is associated with your anniversary? – It’s in the app!
4. Do you know the meanings of a specific flower? – It’s in the app!
3. Planning a party? Want some fresh ideas? – It’s in the app!
2. Are you aware of the medical benefits of flowers? – It’s in the app!
1. It’s FREE

Download your Calgary Florist iPhone app today from Grower Direct.

It is hard to believe that the summer is almost over and Labour Day is just a few days away.

What happened to summer, it simply came and went.  If you see it, can you send it back?

We hope you managed to get away and enjoy some quality time with your friends and family this summer.

This summer has been a busy one for our team at Velda’s Grower Direct, your Calgary Florist team.  Our team would like to thank each and every one of you for your patronage this summer and we hope you will continue to think about our Calgary flower shop when you need flowers in Calgary.

Now that Labour Day is here, there is really only one more thing to say – GO STAMPS GO.

There’s no better way to bring a smile on someone’s face than by offering fresh flowers from your favourite Calgary Flower Shop. For as long as we can remember, flowers have been the ultimate symbol of beauty and elegance. On special occasions and at moments we need to express our feelings, we all turn to flowers to be our messengers. A carefully chosen flower bouquet can say everything we mean to say on different occasions. From lively summer flowers to romantic roses and colorful exotic flowers, they always represent the perfect gift. At flowerangels.com you will find a wide selection of fresh flowers, specially designed and arranged.

Enjoy Calgary Flowers to lighten up your summer

Everyone agrees that flowers can brighten up any occasion. Flowers have the unique ability to help us express our feelings of happiness, love, admiration, gratitude, sorrow, friendship and so on. Since the seventeenth century, people have been giving different meanings to certain types of flowers. Today, everyone realizes that there are certain flowers that are more appropriate for a given event than others – the tricky part is making the appropriate choice according to the event. With romantic occasions, the choice is fairly simple: roses are the eternal symbol of great passion. If you want to send a message of happiness, you should choose something bright and colorful, like sunflowers. Carnations are traditionally given on funerals while tulips are appropriate for joyful and elegant occasions. Velda’s Grower Direct has the widest variety of fresh flowers anywhere in the City of Calgary.

If you have to attend a summer wedding or any other summer event, you won’t have any trouble finding a beautiful selection of flowers. Summer flowers come in pastel or bright colors, are delicate or daring and can pretty much adapt to any occasion. Sunflower represents the summer season best and is great for elaborate arrangements. Aster is also a popular summer flower which comes in beautiful shades of pink, blue, white and purple. Daisies are gentle summer flowers and are perfect for simple arrangements. Lilies have a beautiful scent and can brighten up any home. Other flowers, such as sweet pea or snapdragons are also exceptional gifts during the summer season.

Order Your Flowers Online from Velda’s Grower Direct

There are many advantages to shopping for flowers online. First of all, it’s much more comfortable than going all the way out to a florist. Online flower shopping in Calgary is also highly convenient. Haven’t you ever forgotten about someone’s birthday and wanted to make a last minute gesture? Ordering flowers online is very quick and it’s the only way to save the situation elegantly. A reliable online florist will always be ready to deliver fresh flowers. Furthermore, your bouquet will be designed impeccably and look exactly like you wanted it to. At Velda’s Grower Direct in Calgary, we ensure your flowers are the freshest.

Get your Calgary Wedding Flowers from Velda’s

Flowers make for excellent gifts on almost any occasion. Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday party or a baby shower, there’s nothing like a gorgeous bouquet to let someone know how you feel. Summer flowers are the ones that really stand out – the bright colors and mesmerizing scents will win anyone over. At Velda’s in SE Calgary you can choose from hundreds of fresh flowers.

Velda’s Grower Direct has a great special going on this week during the Calgary Stampede.

The Calgary Stampede is a wonderful time to get some fresh cut flowers for your office or home.

Give Velda a call today and get your Calgary Flowers for Stampede. call 403.569.2023.

Hello everyone and welcome to Velda’s Grower Direct official blog site.

Having a blog is sort of new for me and using it to connect to you is also something I have always wanted to do.  Finally I have realized it is the right time to make this happen.  I understand how important it is to have a social networking or blog as part of our way of connecting with the community here in Calgary.  Thanks to the guys at Ulistic for all their help and hard work to make this happen.  They sure are the Calgary SEO or Calgary Search Engine Optimization guys to use in Calgary for social media consulting and all this Internet stuff.

As a long time Calgary business owner on 17th Ave SE and member of the Grower Direct family, I have served loyal clients for a long time with the best flowers for loved ones and especially that special occasion.

Don’t forget that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and for all the guys out there, make sure you order your Valentine’s Day Flowers from us and we will make sure they get to your sweetheart in time.

Thanks for visiting

Velda