The original colour associated with St. Patrick was blue, but over the years the colour green became more widely associated with the holiday.

Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day as early as the 17th century.

St. Patrick is said to have used the shamrock, a three-level plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish so the wearing and displaying of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs became a ubiquitous feature of the day.  In the 1798 rebellion, Irish soldiers wore full green uniforms to make a political statement.

The phrase “the wearing of the green”, meaning to wear a shamrock on one’s clothing, is derived from a song of the same name.

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.

Every year on November 11, Canadians pause in a silent moment of remembrance for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace. More than 1,500,000 Canadians have served our country in this way, and more than 100,000 have died. They gave their lives and their futures so that we may live in peace. So this Thursday, please do not forget the ones that have fought and who are still serving today.

Sincerely,
Velda Paynter
Grower Direct Store #11

Memorial crosses honour fallen soldiers.

The number of crosses erected alongside Calgary’s Memorial Drive over the weekend more than doubles last year’s display.  In 2009, the first year of the project, the Calgary Poppy Fund put up about 670 crosses, each inscribed with the name, rank and date of death of service person. But at a flag-raising ceremony on Monday morning, Calgary’s war dead were commemorated in a field of nearly 1,500 wooden crosses.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2010/11/01/calgary-memorial-drive-crosses-remembrance-day.html#ixzz14nwwMsSS

Mother’s Day was commemorated for the first time in Rome in the fifth century.  Many countries have religious, historical or legendary celebrations honouring motherhood.  Napoleon issued a special ordinance that Mother’s Day would be celebrated in 1806, though it was not recognized as an official holiday in France until 1929.  The English began celebrating in 1914 and the Germans in 1931.

In most countries, Mother’s Day is now derived from the holiday as it has evolved in North America and Europe and includes giving flowers and gifts to mothers.  Mother’s Day is celebrated throughout the year beginning in February in Norway through to December in Indonesia.

Mother’s Day for Calgary mothers is May 9.  Have you picked out your Mother’s Day Flowers yet?   Now is the perfect time to get your on order from your local Calgary Flower Shop.  Velda’s offers Calgary Flower delivery with all orders.  Book now, call Velda’s Grower Direct at 403.569.2023.

Valentine’s Day is almost here, are you ready?

OK everyone, it is the day before Valentine’s Day, are you ready?  Or have you decided that you going to risk the trip to the dog house?  We wouldn’t want that to happen.  Lucky for you our team at Velda’s Grower Direct is here to help you stay out of the dog house this Valentine’s Day.

If you are like most people in Calgary, you are waiting until the last-minute to pick up your Valentine’s Day flowers from your local Calgary flower store.  The last minute is now here.

Is this you?

If it is, you know who you are…run down to our Calgary flower shop on 17th Ave SE and pick up that special gift for your sweetheart.  Remember, it is a decision between having a happy wife or girlfriend or spending the night with Rover. Which one sounds better?

Don’t miss this opportunity.  Give us a call at 403-569-2023.  Call ahead and we can get everything ready for you.