Plastic straws are known to create a terrible impact on the environment, including especially, the oceans and lakes and the habitat that live there.
In this picture, you will see a “Gerbera Straw” (on the Gerbera on the right) which is a plastic straw used to assist in keeping the large bloom of the Gerbera daisy, upright. We, at Apple Blossom Flowers, are concerned with the environment and we no longer use the plastic straws designed for Gerbera. Instead, you will notice, that the Gerbera on the left has a discrete fine wire that has been positioned on the stem. This method provides the same assurance of holding up the bloom without the use of a plastic straw.
I received some beautiful roses which I enjoyed for almost 2 weeks. I started to think of a way to make them last forever, so when they started to perish I hung them upside down to dry. They turned a beautiful hue of soft pastel pink with a hint of grey in the blooms. Within a couple of weeks, they were dry enough and I got out the glue gun, found a lovely grapevine wreath snipped off the blooms and made a wreath for the wall. I accented the roses with a delicate ribbon and glued bits of sea lavender throughout.
In no time at all, I created a sweet wreath with dried roses that will last forever.
Try this project yourself with roses you may have received or with the roses in your garden this summer.
Step 2: Once roses are dry, snip off the blooms from the stem. Hot glue dried roses onto the grapevine wreath.
Step 3: Optional glue sea lavender onto the grapevine wreath, placing between the roses. Next glue on the ribbon for the finishing touch to the wreath.
Now you have a beautiful wreath to enjoy in your home!
This is a great DIY floral project. I would love to see what wreath looks like, send us a pic! Share with us on our Facebook Page or send us an email info@appleblossomflowers.com.
I was raised in a home where my Mom had a beautiful garden and she always had a house full of plants. So growing houseplants has never been intimidating for me. I have many customers who come into the shop asking us questions about their plants, many of whom have died or are dying, so I thought it best if I could summarize a few basic tips on growing tropical houseplants in your home.
Fittonia House Plant
1/ Watering
Most plants require a good drink of water once a week. A good drink means probably about 1/3 of the flower pot size. So if I have a plant in a 6-inch pot, I would give it the equivalent of 2 to 3 cups of water once a week. This encourages the roots of your plant to spread out into the soil, creating a healthy root system that spreads through the whole pot. Giving the plant frequent, small amounts of water causes the plant to develop small insignificant roots that stay on the surface of the soil.
If you have a water softener do not use that water to water your plants. Likewise, you should not use distilled water for your plants. Houseplants require minerals in our water and not excessive salt (from water softener salts). I use tap water but fill my watering can 24 hours in advance of watering. Letting it stand for that time period dechlorinates tap water, plus the temperature becomes tepid (at room temperature) which your plants will enjoy, as opposed to being shocked with extremely cold water.
2/ Fertilizing
During the winter months, I do not fertilize my plants as they are not actively growing. I begin to introduce fertilizer during February/March while we are getting more sunlight. 20.20.20 fertilizer gives the plants a good balance of requirements and I usually only fertilize every 4 weeks or so.
3/ Damaged Leaves
If your houseplant has broken or browning leaves it is best to snip off the whole damaged leaf because your plant will spend a lot of its energy trying to heal the leaf. This is energy best spent contributing to the remaining healthy plant.
4/ Light
Research the variety of plant you own to determine the amount of light that it requires. Some plants do well in low light conditions while others need more light. Again, seasonal changes offer different light conditions, so while the sun is hotter in the summer months you will probably have to place your plant further away from your window. This is especially true with south and west facing windows. It is best to rotate your plants regularly to avoid heavier growth on side of your plant, plus it creates a healthier stronger plant with even growth on all sides.
These are a few basic guidelines that I can offer for houseplant care. Have fun with your plants and enjoy a healthy living environment by including plants in your home.
Nasa completed a really interesting Clean Air Study view it here
