Plant, Gifting, Lifestyle & Flower Blog by 1-800-Flowers.com
Author: Fiona Connolly
Fiona is a 2020 graduate of Penn State University, where she studied marketing and art history, and a former 1-800-Flowers.com intern. She enjoys Irish dancing, volunteering at coffee houses, and going to museums. Her favorite flowers are peonies.
“Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings, the artist is the hand that plays, touching one key or another, to cause vibrations in the soul.”Wassily Kandinsky
“I look out the window sometimes to seek the color of the shadows and the different greens in the trees, but when I get ready to paint I just close my eyes and imagine a scene.” Grandma Moses
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.”Georgia O’Keeffe
Right now, we all have feelings that there are no words for. And hours to fill throughout the day, trying not to think about what’s happening and how we feel about it!
So, I turned to the masters for inspiration and guidance. And I remembered the post I had done for grandparent’s day a while back, about coloring being a great activity for grandparents and grandchildren to do together. It included printable coloring pages of two of 1-800 Flowers best-selling flower arrangements that I thought would be perfect to share with you again now.
Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. While a person is coloring the brain experiences relief by entering a meditative state. Therefore, I would say coloring pictures of flowers is a win-win!
I printed them out myself and let me tell you I really got into it! I pulled out all my art supplies and just had fun with it! As you can see from this shot I can be quarantined for a year in my house and not run out of craft and art supplies! Luckily I can still share ideas and inspiration with you on an ongoing basis without ever leaving the house!
Dual Brush pens work nicely for filling in very quickly and adding lots of saturated color with the flexible brush end.
And allows fine detailing with the fine point end! I like the Tombow brand of pens and they have great info, ideas, and printables on their site too.
I also layered in with watercolor paint, watercolor pencils, and just a dap of metallic paint!
I was so excited by my finished pieces and couldn’t wait to show them off to my grandkids on Facetime. They were very impressed! I printed out copies for each of them and included in their weekly goody bags that my husband and I drop on their porches. I told them to send me a photo when they’re done so I can see how they expressed themselves through coloring.
Plants have slowly become a staple in modern interiors in the 21st century. With so many varieties of sizes, shapes, and color it can feel overwhelming to choose your newest plant baby. Make the choice easy with the official 2020 Plant of the Year, the Pilea Peperomioides plant! This plant is a mouthful to pronounce so it’s no surprise that it has attracted a number of nicknames like “The Chinese Money Plant”, “The UFO Plant” and “The Pancake Plant”. This plant has become a staple in plant parent’s #shelfie on Instagram for its distinct and attractive shape. Originally grown in Yunnan Province in Southwest China, the Pilea’s rounded leaves is an attention magnet in any home or apartment.
Pilea Peperomioides Plant Care Tips
The Chinese Money plant is relatively easy to care for since it is derived from the succulent family. Here are some tips to get you started on the right path with your Pilea:
Light: Bright, Indirect
Avoid placing your Pilea in an area that is too shady or in direct sunlight. This will cause the leaves to either be scorched or wilted.
Soil: Drier
Pilea’s soil should be allowed to dry out before being watered again. Adjust watering schedules to different seasons and climates – when the leaves begin to droop, it’s time to water! Try a soil that allows for drainage.
Humidity: Dry
No extra humidity is needed, it actually prefers a drier climate! Keep from areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
Toxicity: Low
The Pilea is safe for humans and plants, but if a large quantity of the plant is consumed it can lead to indigestion.
Pileas are generally easy to care for, needing to rotate or wipe down only once a week. We recommend placing Pileas in office spaces, bedrooms, and anywhere that needs a little green spruce up. Unfortunately, this plant often seems to be sold out at local plant nurseries. Luckily the UFO plant can be purchased online and sent right to your door with no hassle! You can purchase your table-sized Pilea Peperomioides Plant online at 1800Flowers.com.
A new year is a time to move forward and create new goals and new habits, create new favorites and new opportunities. Welcome new happiness and new beginnings with the 2020 Flower of the Year – The Gerbera Daisy. Daisies get their name from the Old English phrase “day’s eye” since the flower blossoms at the first sight of dawn. Daisies have added health benefits outside of being easy on the eyes – they are eatable and have a high level of vitamin C. In the past they have been brewed into teas to relieve indigestion, coughs, and back pain.
With over 20,000 varieties, daisies are one of the most abundant flower types. The Gerbera Daisy specifically is the fifth most popular flower in the world and it’s not hard to see why. The Gerbera Daisy is actually two flowers in one! The flower head is a huge cluster of tiny flowers that is then surrounded by petals to create the daisy shape. Like the sunflower, Gerberas are also sun-trackers that turns toward the sun during its daily rotation. And if you’re born in April you’re in luck – the Gerbera Daisy is the birthday flower of April! The Gerbera Daisy is known to symbolize happiness and cheer – they were originally created to “brighten everyone’s day”. Coming in a variety of vibrant colors and meanings, this daisy is bound to be a staple this coming year.
Red
The red Gerbera Daisy is the most passionate color in flower language. This daisy represents being fully immersed in love. This year, consider a more unique approach to giving flowers; put those roses down and switch them for a bright red Gerbera Daisy! They’re just as beautiful as the red rose, and your loved one will be surprised with your out of the box choice.
White
White flowers have long been seen as a color representing purity and innocence. The Gerbera Daisy is no exception, but it keeps its cheerful disposition. Try a white Gerbera Daisy for a Mother’s Day celebration to mimic the joy and innocence of children that they enjoy! These blooms will last 10-12 days after being cut, so the gift will last for almost 2 weeks for a lasting smile.
Pink
The Gerbera Daisy also comes in a pink color that symbolizes admiration. These daisies make a wonderful thank you gift for everyone in your life! From Bosses Day to Teachers Appreciation Day, the pink Gerbera Daisy makes it easy to tell your feelings to those you are most thankful for.
Yellow
Yellow is the sunniest color in flower language, and when paired with the already bright Gerbera Daisy, its a recipe for a happy flower delivery! Express joy beyond words with a yellow Gerbera Daisy to your friends and loved ones for any occasion. We especially love the yellow Gerbera Daisy for “Just Because” occasions for an easy and genuine smile!
Gerberas are a ray of sunshine in your garden and bouquets – literally! Their petals are referred to as rays for their bright color selection radiating from the flower’s center. Spread some sunshine and cheer all year long with the Flower of the Year delivered to your doorstep. Discover Gerbera Daisies on 1800flowers.com with nationwide shipping so you can always send a smile! Not sure where to start? Try these best sellers:
Gerbera Daisies galore! This bouquet has bright, beautiful stems in a variety of colors that pop in any decor. Choose from a variety of sizes and vase types to fit your personal style. You can even add an extra bit of joy around your house with an inspirational hanger!
Looking for more variety in a bouquet? The Vibrant Floral Medley is a great option to incorporate Gerbera Daisies in with traditional flowers like roses and snapdragons. This bouquet was designed by Breanna Cartwright, a local artisan is California, and features hot pink Gerbera Daisies.
Take a romantic twist on the happy Gerbera Daisy with the Because You’re Mine Flower Bouquet! Roses aren’t the only way to convey your feelings to a loved one – switch it up with a variety bouquet such as this one. The Because You’re Mine Flowers Bouquet is arranged with hot pink Gerbera daisies, hot pink roses, purple carnations, and much more. Try not to swoon at the mere sight of it!
House plants are becoming very popular with millennials, and it’s easy to see why. Following the trend of coziness in interior design, plants are an easy way to spruce up any space in a flash.
To get you started on your plant parent journey, here’s a list of the seven most popular house plants that can fit into any room you choose.
1. Roses
A flower that’s been popular since ancient times, roses come in over 300 species. The Romans used the rose plant as room decorations or jewelry, and it’s one of only three flowers mentioned in the Bible. Roses are the ultimate symbol of love and come in a variety of colors with different meanings, so you’ll never get bored of them in your space!
Loves: Moist soil, mulch, Epsom salts, and banana peels in fertilizer
The rose bush brings the beauty of the outdoors in easily thanks to its small size. Roses are a colorful choice for any room, and they add a bit of romance to any atmosphere. Pink roses represent femininity and sweetness, making the pink rose bush a delicate touch in minimalist interiors.
Can’t get enough of the rose? Double the fun with our Charming Rose Garden! It features both pink and yellow roses for a fresh variety. Roses are often thought of as an outside plant, but the cute picket fence planter allows you to bring that rustic look indoors.
2. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are a bubbly bloom that always covets attention in its flowering months. They grow in large globes and can reach up to 15 feet in height once planted. There are four types of hydrangeas grown in the US: oakleaf, bigleaf, panicle, and smooth. Hydrangeas range in color from blue to purple to pink, depending on the pH level of the soil in which it’s planted.
Hydrangeas can be sensitive to sunlight and heat, so why not bring them inside? Your guests will be delighted to find this popular house plant in your home rather than outside in a garden, where it more commonly resides. This hydrangea plant comes in both purple and white to complement any interior design aesthetic. Plus, it arrives in a timeless glass mosaic planter, making it an instant pick-me-up for any space.
3. Dish gardens
Dish gardens are a fun way to present a variety of plants at once. The garden bowl or dish is usually a mini ecosystem with compatible plant types. The plants in dish gardens typically do not grow very quickly, so they need minimal care. Dish gardens make a big statement with very little effort, so they’re great gifts for even the most black-thumbed friends and family.
Succulent dish gardens have that rustic look that’s trending in interior design. Succulents are high indirect light, low water plants, so they’re very forgiving if you go on vacation or simply forget about them. This succulent dish garden features a variety of succulents nestled in a reclaimed wood container.
This blooming dish garden will inject your home with life and vibrancy. The fresh foliage comes in a wooden window sky box with “bloom” stencil-cut into the façade. This dish garden makes a lovely windowsill addition, especially in the kitchen.
4. Bonsai
Bonsai is a horticulture art form developed in Japan, dating back to the 14th century, that trains trees to grow in an older, aesthetic style. Bonsai trees are miniature enough to fit in a basin, their name literally translating to “tree in tray.” They are not genetically enhanced to be small, so any plant can become a bonsai if cultivated correctly. This centuries-old practice may seem intimidating, but have no fear — you can buy these trees full grown, so you just need to care and maintain the plant.
This Satsuki azalea bonsai plant has green, glossy leaves and will bloom with vibrant pink flowers from May to June. While you won’t have the flowers all year long, the leaves are evergreen, and it will flourish all year long with the right care. The azalea bonsai needs a slightly acidic soil and sunny spot to live. You should avoid hard tap water and instead use rainwater or filtered water. Prune your bonsai at the base more frequently than the top for the correct shrub shape
Our gardenia bonsai features green, waxy leaves and creamy, white flowers. Gardenias prefer to be kept in humid settings with a temperature between 60 and 74 degrees. Gardenia bonsai trees require more frequent watering than other varieties, such as the azalea, so this isn’t a plant for someone who travels often.
5. Orchids
Orchids are an extremely old flower type, with fossils containing evidence of the flowering plantdating back 100 million years. It makes sense, then, that orchids are part of the largest family of flowering plants, with more than 25,000 species documented around the world, and on every continent. The flowers of the orchid can survive anywhere from a few hours to six months, depending on the species. With plenty of options to choose from, the orchid is a versatile option for your house or apartment.
This orchid plant comes in both purple and white, with wing-shaped blooms. True to its name, the Elegant Orchid adds serenity and a sophisticated touch wherever it’s grown. Place your orchid near an east-to-south-facing window for best flowering results.
6. Bamboo
Did you know that bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on the planet? In the right conditions, it can grow up to three feet in 24 hours. Bamboo reaches maturity after only three to five years, so you don’t need to worry about constant maintenance. Bamboo is especially good for air flow indoors; the plant releases 30% more oxygen into the atmosphere and absorbs more carbon dioxide than other plants. We recommend this popular house plant for anyone with asthma or similar conditions.
Bamboo typically grows straight up, so why not stand out with an interesting shape? This heart-shaped bamboo plant will leave the recipient feeling lucky to be loved. Since bamboo only needs indirect light, it makes an excellent desk plant. The zen aesthetic quality of this popular house plant could also help with all that extra stress from work! The Sweet Heart Bamboo plant comes in a single, double, and triple heart design so you can express yourself to your heart’s content.
7. Gardenias
Gardenias are known for their powerful scent. These flowering plants have a waxy leaf texture and prefer tropical conditions since they are native to Asia and Africa. Gardenias symbolized purity and sweetness, as well as a secret love. They usually flower mid-spring to mid-summer, but, when properly cared for, the waxy leaves are evergreen.
Loves: High humidity, all types of light, acidic fertilizer
The Grand Gardenia is a wonderful addition to humid spaces, such as bathrooms with showers. The flowers have a strong scent, so anyone with a particularly sensitive nose should be aware. This popular exotic flower is shy to the touch (excessive touching of its petals will lead to bruising) and will deteriorate much faster if the flowers are cut. We recommend wetting your hands before touching.
He is always in your corner. He’s your biggest fan — he’s your dad. While it may be hard to find the words to thank him for all he’s done for you, with our help, you can at least address your dad in several different languages, should the need arise.
Here are 25 ways to say “Dad” in different languages (just remember to call him this Father’s Day!).
