Chrysanthemums Look Beautiful In Any Setting And Are Capable Of Beautifying Any Place

Chrysanthemums bloom in a variety of shapes, sizes and forms. While many species yield white flowers that resemble the English daisy, you will come across colorful ones as well. Chrysanthemums look beautiful in any setting and are capable of beautifying any place. No wonder these are used in flower arrangements. However, there is more to this beautiful flower than its appearance. Due to its therapeutic properties, it is used for making herbal infusions. In Japanese culture, placing a single petal of chrysanthemum at the bottom of a glass of wine is believed to enhance your chances of a long and healthy life. Isn't that interesting! Not only are the chrysanthemum flower arrangements popular, chrysanthemum meaning also arouses deep interest. An attractive red chrysanthemum is not just a flower, it is a symbol of love.

Chrysanthemum Meaning

The history of chrysanthemum flowers is shrouded with several myths. Father of modern taxonomy, Carolus Linnaeus, is credited for naming this flower. The word 'Chrysanthemum' has Greek origins. The Greek prefix "Chrys" means golden while "anthemion" is the Greek word for flower. Chrysanthemums were originally golden in color, however, beautiful hues ranging from white, yellow, purple and red are commonly seen. This is due to the efforts made by cultivators. Chrysanthemums are categorized on the basis of their type and the arrangement of disk and ray flowers. The longer ray flowers surround the short disk flowers in the center. Chrysanthemums are known by many names such as football mum, pompons and spider daisy. The stems of a chrysanthemum could have a single or several blooms. These perennial flowers bloom on tall slim stems. Be it your home or workplace, the beautiful chrysanthemums will surely enliven your surroundings.

Chrysanthemum Flower Symbolism

Confucius thought of chrysanthemum as an object of meditation. In Japan, the process of unfurling of the petals of a chrysanthemum is believed to be reflective of perfection. Chrysanthemum is the November's birth flower. It is also the 13th wedding anniversary flower. Chrysanthemums are popular as the official flower of many cities, one of them being Chicago. This beautiful flower is known to symbolize cheerfulness. And that makes it an excellent choice for happy occasions like weddings and birthdays. The irony lies in the fact that when you might be using it for weddings, in some European countries like Belgium and Austria, these signify death and are used at funerals.

The colors of chrysanthemum signify emotions. Send these flowers if you wish to send a message of hope, joy, loyalty and long life. Give a white chrysanthemum to your partner to tell him/her that your love is pure and you shall always remain loyal. Red is mostly associated with love, so red chrysanthemums would be perfect when you wish to send across messages of love. Yellow ones symbolize slighted love. Chrysanthemums are a symbol of joy, optimism and love. If you have been thinking of getting a flower tattooed on your body, why not go for a chrysanthemum. As it is, flower tattoos are popular with young girls. So you could set a style statement by having a chrysanthemum tattooed on your body. A chrysanthemum tattoo will go well with your happy-go-lucky image.

Let me tell you another fascinating fact about chrysanthemums. In 400 AD Buddhist monks were responsible for bringing chrysanthemum to Japan. Such was the admiration for the flower, that the emperors' thrones were made using chrysanthemums. Japan still celebrates chrysanthemum as a symbol of royalty and honor during the Festival of Happiness. Exhibitions are held for celebrating this enchanting flower. Its beauty has managed to create an impact which will remain forever. In China, chrysanthemums are used for medicinal purposes. It is supposed to bring life and vitality.

This was all about the symbolism of the chrysanthemum flower. Chrysanthemums symbolize love and optimism. You can use chrysanthemum in flower arrangements to enliven your home. And don't forget to drop a petal of chrysanthemum in your glass of wine, who knows it might work! Wish you a long and healthy life!

Facts About Orchids That You May Not Be Aware Of

So many people think that orchids are expensive.Perhaps initially the cost may be more than you care to spend.  But there are many facts about orchids that you may not be aware of.
Did you know that orchids are one of the most prolific flowers in the world? Being from Colorado, I recently found out that there are even orchids high up in the Rocky Mountains.

The are literally thousands of different kinds of orchids.The one in the photo is called a Phalaenopsis orchid.
Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the easiest orchids to grow.If you are considering buying an orchid, the Phalaenopsis is probably a very good choice for you.

Some people think that because some orchids are from the tropics they require lots of water.  But that is generally a misconception because orchids are  more like a succulent plant.  Especially the Phalaenopsis orchid.  The thick heavy leaves on a Phalaenopsis hold moisture in the leaves.  The quickest way to kill and orchid is to over water it.  So please do not over water your orchid.

Orchids do grow in the tropics (certain genus), so with that in mind, think of orchids growing in moss or tree bark.  Commercially grown orchids are always found in a coconut bark mix or sphagnum moss.  One or the other, depending on the grower and they do well in either medium.  But, there are many fans of orchids that prefer the bark mix over the moss.

What are the differences? The bark mixture does not hold water well. In fact you might say it runs right through it.  So if you go with bark mix, you have to keep your orchid in a tray with gravel or decorative stone in the bottom to hold the moisture.  But do not sit your orchid in the water itself.  Put enough of the gravel or decorative stone under the pot so as to keep the orchid out of the water.  Your orchid will enjoy the humidity provided by the water in the tray.

Many orchids grow aerial roots. These roots are normal and will often stick out over the pot.  These roots help the orchid by searching for moisture. Do not cut them off.

If you grow your orchid in sphagnum moss, you cannot over water it.The moss has a tendency to hold the water in the pot much longer than the orchid bark mix.  So you have to keep that in mind when deciding how often to water your orchid. I water my orchids about once every two weeks.  Some of mine are in moss and some are in bark mix.

The pot doesn't appear to play a huge part in how healthy you orchid is.What seems to make a bigger difference is whether or not you feed it.  So don't spend money on a so called orchid pot, spend it on the fertilizer instead.  A pretty pot will do just fine.

Orchids, as you can imagine, do not get much nutrition from the moss, probably more from the bark mix as it breaks down.  So with that in mind you need to give it an orchid fertilizer.  There are many on the market, but I have found that the inexpensive ones seem to work as well as the more pricey ones.  Very little is needed, for some, you use only 1/4 tsp. per gallon of water.  Others require 1/2 tsp. per gallon of water.  Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Once in awhile you may find a mealy bug on your orchid. Simply wipe it off with a q-tip and rubbing alcohol.  Or put alcohol in a small spray bottle and spray if you find more than one or the bug is in the center of the plant where it is hard to reach.  That seems to work very well.  Keep the leaves of your orchids clean. I wash mine in the sink with organic cleaner, carefully holding the plant sideways to prevent the soapy water from getting in the moss or bark.

Don't expect to smell an orchid all the time. Many of the orchids on the market today are cloned, and as such are far removed from the mother plant, unable to produce the pheromones that are so lovely.  But, if you get an aromatic orchid, you may still not smell it very often.  Why?  Because orchids are smart.  They do not waste their fragrance, only putting it out when the pollinator is active, for about an hour a day.

Orchids will stay in bloom for months.I had a white Phal stay in bloom from January till July.  You get more bang for your buck with an orchid.  As a live plant the flowers will stay in bloom for months, whereas other plants will not give you as much joy for as long.  So if you want a decorative flower filling your house, try orchids, they make a great hobby and will give you so much year after year.

Live Like The Sunflower

Perennial herb, usually 15-50 cm high, root for the taproot, stout, less branching. The majority of stems, supine or prostrate, with a section, pubescent. Leaves opposite; stipules triangular-lanceolate, separation,  leaf outline ovate or triangular ovate, base cordate, 5-10 cm long, 3-5 cm wide, the bipinnate deep cleft, small lobes ovate strip, entire or with sparse tooth surface is sparse hairs on the back puberulous along veins coat is more dense.

Umbels axillary, significantly longer than the leaves, peduncle to carry out the villous and backward pubescent, with 2-5 flowers per stem.

Capsule about 4 cm long, densely covered with short coarse hair. The seed is brown, with spots. Flowering from June to August, fruiting period from August to September.

In September the fields and roadsides of the Great Plains erupt in a blaze of yellow as the sunflowers and goldenrods (also members of the sunflower family) make their presence known to the local pollinating insects. While many sunflower species may begin blooming in July, they are not as noticeable then as later on when they have grown up and over the surrounding vegetation. There are eleven species of sunflower recorded from Kansas. 

Most of them are perennials. Only the common sunflower and H. petiolaris, the Prairie Sunflower, are annuals. Identification of sunflowers can be very complicated because they frequently hybridize and even within species there is a high degree of variability. With a little practice, however, the most common species can be readily recognized.

It was brought back to the Old World by the early European explorers and widely cultivated there also. Today it is a common alternative crop in the Great Plains and elsewhere for food and oil production. Next time you munch down on some sunflower seeds, thank the many generations of Native Americans whose careful husbandry gave us this valuable food item.

The wild cousins of those grown on the farm are still common, however, in fields, roadsides and disturbed ground throughout the Great Plains.

The Common Sunflower is a typical member of the Asteraceae, one of the largest and most successful families of plants. Within the structure we think of as the "flower", it actually has two different types of flowers - ray and disk flowers.

The ray flowers have the big, straplike structures that we see around the edge of the "flower" while the disk flowers occupy the middle of it. Within the Asteraceae, many confusing combinations of the two are possible along with the total absence of one or the other in some species!

Cherry Blossom Meanings Attached To This Beautiful Flower

The Asian cherry blossom tree is not indigenous to Japan or Asian countries. These trees are found growing in North America as well. There are many Asian cherry blossom meanings, that inspires poets to sing about their beauty. The Asian cherry blossom meaning is different in the both Chinese as well as Japanese culture. This is because these two cultures are wide apart and the significance this flower holds in both countries is different. Let us have a look at the Asian cherry blossom meaning according to the Chinese as well as Japanese culture.

Cherry blossoms, exquisite flowers that are the national flowers of Japan. Cherry blossom trees are called in Japanese. These flowers are ceremonial symbols in Japan and used for receptions like the traditional Hanami. There are many Asian cherry blossom meanings attached to this beautiful flower. We shall have an overview of the cherry blossom flower meaning according to the regions where it is so popular.


The Japanese cherry blossom meaning includes 'transient of life'. This is because the cherry blossom tree has short blooming periods and are very fragile. There is an old story attached to cherry blossoms that values sacrifice. It is said, that there is an Jiu-roku-zakura (the Cherry tree of the Sixteenth day), in the Iyo district. This tree grew on the lands of a Samurai for over a hundred years. When the Samurai became old, the tree began to die. The Samurai was very sad-looking at his cherished tree die. He was a brave and honorable man. Thus, he thought up of a way to save the tree's life. He sat under the tree and committed the ritual suicide under the tree. This act gave the essence of the Samurai's life to the tree. The tree within one hour of the Samurai's death, on the 16th day of the month, began to blossom flowers and continues to live even today. Thus, the cherry blossom tree meaning holds many spiritual beliefs. These beliefs are set in deep within the fundamental teachings of Buddha.

A fallen cherry blossom flower meaning also holds many emotional connections within the minds of Japanese. A fallen cherry blossom is a symbolic representation of a fallen Samurai. Each fallen cherry blossom is a representative of a Samurai who lost his life in battle. Kamikaze pilots used cherry blossoms as a symbol of their missions. These Japanese pilots would paint the sides of their planes with a cherry blossom. The cherry blossom meaning in their words was ephemerality of life. This was in association with the falling petals of the flowers. It represented the sacrifice of life a young Japanese made for his country. People also believed the cherry blossoms were the souls of the warriors who lost their lives in battle. This was about the cherry blossom meaning in Japan. Let us now have a look at the cherry blossom meaning in China.

The cherry blossom meaning in China signifies power. A cherry blossom in Chinese culture is a symbol of feminine dominance. It indicates female beauty and sexuality. The cherry blossom meaning in China according to the language of herbs is love. Therefore, it is given as a gift in China as a symbol of love.

Cherry blossom tattoos are very popular in Japan. The deep Japanese cherry blossom meaning makes it a favorite among the youth. There are different cherry blossom tattoo meanings according to the design. Men wear cherry blossom tattoos symbolizing Samurais. A few sport the cherry blossom tattoo meaning around the Buddhist meaning of life, that is, transition and suffering. Women wear the cherry blossom tattoo to symbolize their feminine power as believed by the Chinese.

It helps inspire women and celebrate her sexuality and use it to maintain dominance over man. Women sporting a cherry blossom tattoo are declaring their independence and change in life. Few also use cherry blossom tattoos to enhance their beauty. Cherry blossom meaning in tattoo also signifies overcoming an obstacle in life. The cherry blossom tree meaning in tattoos signifies fertility and nobility. This is because in ancient Japan, people threw parties to showcase their beautiful blooming cherry trees. And the members of the high society graced these occasions. In terms of the Chinese cherry tree meaning, these tree tattoos signified beauty, life, femininity and good luck. It is said that the cherry blossom showers a person with love and happiness, thus indicating good luck.

This was all about the cherry blossom flower meaning. For some a cherry blossom is a symbol of humanity and hope. The cherry blossom meaning in different cultures represents life and love. You too can grow a cherry blossom in your garden or wear a cherry blossom tattoo. Hope the above information on Asian cherry blossom meaning has helped you understand the importance of this exquisite flower in different cultures.

Easy Way To Grow Znnia Flowers

Znnia flowers are popular annuals native to the United States and originating from the southwest area of the country and some areas of Mexico and Central America. Accustomed to warm climates, zinnias thrive during hot, dry summers. The plants begin producing flowers in early summer and continue all the way until the first frost. Large, colorful blossoms appear in shades of white, yellow, orange, pink and red, depending on the variety. In most cases, zinnias are grown from seed, although bedding plants are sometimes available for purchase in garden centers in early spring.

Hardiness Zones: Zinnia flowers are grown as annuals in all zones in the United States and die back after the first frost of winter. Growing Difficulty: Easy What You Need: Liquid fertilizer How to Grow Zinnia Flowers: Sow zinnia flower seeds directly in the garden or set out transplants in spring about one week after the final frost of winter when temperatures have warmed to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose a planting location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day and has fertile, well-drained soil. Space zinnia seeds or plants 4 to 24 inches apart, depending on variety.

Cover seeds with a light layer of soil and water thoroughly to initiate growth. Seedlings will emerge in 5 to 7 days. If you're planting transplants, begin routine care immediately. If growing from seed, wait until germination occurs before proceeding with the following steps. Water drought-tolerant zinnia flowers only as needed, usually about once every two weeks unless temperatures rise above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. In this case, increase the frequency of watering to once per week or more, especially if there is no natural rainfall.

Although they tolerate dry conditions, zinnias prefer soil that's a bit on the moist side, but not soggy. Feed plants once every three to four weeks using a balanced liquid fertilizer at the rate recommended by the manufacturer to promote strong, healthy growth and flower production. Water thoroughly immediately after application to release and distribute the nutrients throughout the soil and to prevent injuring the plant's roots. Pinch the tops of zinnia plants when they are around 4 to 6 inches high to promote a bushier and more compact growth habit. Remove faded zinnia flowers as necessary to encourage further blooming and to conserve nutrients. Trim long stems to improve appearance if desired and stake tall varieties if they begin to grow too tall and flop over.

Tips for Growing Zinnia Flowers: Avoid overhead watering and apply water at soil level early in the day if possible. Zinnia flowers are susceptible to foliar diseases and wet foliage increases the likelihood of disease. Most varieties of zinnia require little pruning and are resistant to pests. If a pest infestation does occur, treat as soon as possible with an organic or chemical repellent or fungicide, depending on the problem.

Landscape Uses: All zinnia flowers make great additions to the garden bed or border, and they're also highly regarded as cut flowers for use in arrangements. Use zinnias in sunny annual beds or as edging plants. They make great companions to other warm- weather annuals and perennials including verbena and portulaca. Common zinnia flowers are sometimes planted in vegetable gardens when they're being used as cut flowers.