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Dear Bridget, Are there different types of flower structures?- Brandon
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Brandon, Yes, there are different structures of flowers. The basic parts are similar, although some flowers purposefully have some of those parts missing. Flower morphology is the structure & formRead more »
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Dear Bridget, Anemones, tulips, buttercups and poppies are bowl shaped flowers with black centers why do they have black centers?- Tina – Lochmere, NH
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Tina, Those flowers have black centers for the same reasons some birds have stripes – part of nature’s plan. The flower color is bright to attract pollinators, mostly insects. ThereRead more »
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Dear Bridget, My boyfriend gave me 3 beautiful roses and I was wondering if there was a way to preserve them longer, I have heard about spraying something on them, or hanging them up and I was wondering whats the best way to keep them looking beautiful longer. Thanks- Barbara – Kellie – Williston, FL
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Kellie, Roses are too thick to press well, but you may want to press a few petals. Hanging them roses upside down in a cool, dark place will preserve them.Read more »
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Dear Bridget, I have to decorate a large border with narrow floral arrangements with greenery trailing down. What would you suggest to keep foam in, so I can design with fresh flowers and greens for a wedding. Using raquettes or floral containers is not cost effective. Area I am covering is 20 ft. long.I have 4 separate areas like that to cover. Please suggest ASAP. Regards- Ruchi – Fremont, CA
Categories: Ask Bridget Q&A
Ruchi, You have a tough design challenge. That could be the next reality show – tough floral design challenges! I’m thinking modular elements or garland here. My first thought isRead more »
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Dear Bridget, My daughter is getting married on October 25, 2005. She would like to have large flowers for the bridesmaid bouquets. The photographer suggested to have color in her bouquet as well. The bridesmaids are wearing black dresses. The colors she would like are deep reds, wines, and pinks. Someone suggested a Garnet King, but I’m having trouble seeing what one looks like. Any suggestions? The photographer suggested to have color in her bouquet as well.- Jeannine – Sterling Heights, MI
Categories: Ask Bridget Q&A
Jeannie, First, congratulations on your daughter’s upcoming wedding. I know this is an exciting time for all involved. Flowers help to create wonderful memories and celebrate the day, so I’mRead more »
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Dear Bridget, My sister is having a baby in July and my family and I are planning the shower. I was wondering if you had any neat ideas on some arrangements and specific flowers to use. It’s a boy!! I would like to do something different and want people to remember. Thank you.- Dana – Pawling, NY
Categories: Ask Bridget Q&A
Dana, Congratulations to you and your sister! Flowers do help us celebrate life’s most important events, so I’m thrilled you want to include flowers that will be memorable. Why notRead more »
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Dear Bridget, I want to know if you have any knowledge about carnations? I am doing a science project on carnations. – Taylor – Tampa, FL
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Taylor, Carnations are in the genus Dianthus and in the family Caryophyllaceae. There are i∼ 300 species of this herbaceous genus. Some are annuals, some are biennals, and some areRead more »
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Dear Bridget, When you buy a fresh floral arrangment from a florist, it has a foam-like substance in the vase that helps to hold the flowers in place. It is usually not a solid piece of of styrofoam, but I cannot seem to locate any of this in the craft stores. Do you know what this is and if there is anywhere that I can purchase it? I enjoy arranging my own flowers, but sometimes have difficulty getting them just the way I want them in the vase and also it helps to hide the stems with a clear vase. – Brenda
Categories: Ask Bridget Q&A
Brenda, You’re looking for floral foam. There is a brand (Oasis) that is commonly used to refer to the floral foam in general (much like the brand Kleenex is oftenRead more »
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Dear Bridget, How can I keep cut flowers looking fresh for longer? Often our flowers (especially gladioli) wilt within 4 days whereas I’d like to extend their life for 1 week. Thanks so much for your help! – Simone
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Simone, Nothing beats a commercial floral preservative when it is used following the label directions. It has the correct balance of food (a sugar) and a biocide (to keep thoseRead more »
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Dear Bridget, I am planning a 50th anniversary reception on a Sunday afternoon from 1 until 3:30 pm. I am using 50 yellow roses as a central centerpiece arranged in a brass container. The roses will arrive on Friday and a friend is going to do the arrangement that night. She has a refrigerator that is vacant and they can be kept there until Sunday about an hour before the reception. What temperature should the refrigerator be to keep them and how long should they last? – Mary Ann – Cookeville, TN
Categories: Ask Bridget Q&A
Mary, A food refrigerator cools the air by pulling moisture out; this is bad for fresh flowers, especially roses. Here are some things you can do to prolong the lifeRead more »
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