Tag Archives: fresh flowers

Exploring the Fascinating Realm of Ranunculi

In the realm of flowers, few can match the dreamy charm and effortlessness of the Ranunculus. Belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, this bloom has a rich history, deep cultural significance and a plethora of artistic and emotional connotations. From ancient times to modern art and therapy, the Ranunculus continues to hold sway over hearts and minds worldwide.

The Ranunculus has an ancient lineage, with its name originating from the Latin word “rana,” meaning frog, possibly due to its preference for moist habitats. This flower has made its presence felt in various cultures throughout history. In Persian culture, the Ranunculus symbolised charm and attraction. In Victorian flower language, it was used to convey messages such as “I am dazzled by your charms.”

The Ranunculus’ layers of delicate petals have inspired artists across the centuries. From Renaissance paintings to modern-day illustrations, its exquisite form and vibrant colours make it a favourite subject for painters, photographers and designers. Symbolising charm, attractiveness and radiance, the Ranunculus is often associated with spring, renewal and transformation.

The Ranunculus, with its vibrant hues, has been attributed with various healing powers and medicinal properties in traditional herbal and not so traditional medicine. While not commonly used today for medical purposes, it was believed to have the ability to heal wounds, ease pain, and even cure illnesses including arthritis, asthma, hay fever, rheumatism, psoriasis, gut diseases and rheumatic diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9227133/#:~:text=Ranunculus%20arvensis%20Linn.%20has%20been,activities%20%5B49%2C62%5D. Symbolically, it represents courage and overcoming challenges, as its bright colours burst forth even in adverse conditions.

The Ranunculus is a prized gem in the cut flower industry, used in bouquets and arrangements with its irresistible beauty. Cultivated in a range of shades, including white, pink, red, yellow and orange, these blooms are a winter/springtime favorite. They are typically grown from corms, which are underground storage organs similar to bulbs. They thrive in well-draining soil and ample sunlight.

The “Carlsbad Flower Fields” in Carlsbad, California, offer one of the largest and most spectacular displays of Ranunculus blooms.

Spanning across 55 acres, the expansive Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flower display within The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, blossoms for around six to eight weeks annually. This vibrant spectacle, from early March to early May, serves as a remarkable reawakening of the renowned fields. Beyond its visual splendor, this annual kaleidoscope of colours has ingrained itself in the local heritage, functioning as a natural herald of spring’s arrival in Southern California. https://www.theflowerfields.com/

Ranunculi, when cut at the right stage of maturity, have a decent vase life of about 5 to 7 days. To ensure they last longer, follow these steps:

Clean Vase: Use a clean vase with fresh water.
Trim Stems: Cut the stems at a slant under running water.
Remove Foliage: Remove any foliage that will be submerged in water.
Water Change: Change the water every two days to prevent bacteria buildup.
Cool Environment: Keep them in a cool spot away from direct sunlight and drafts.

Flowers, including Ranunculi, have been found to have a positive impact on mental health. Their presence can uplift mood, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. The act of caring for and appreciating their beauty can provide a sense of accomplishment and a momentary escape from the pressures of daily life.

Fun Facts

The Ranunculus genus comprises around 600 species, including both wild and cultivated varieties.
Ranunculus is known by various charming nicknames, such as “Persian Buttercup” and “Coyote’s Eyes.”
In the language of flowers, Ranunculus often signifies radiant charm and attraction.
The petals of the Ranunculus are edible and can be used to add colour to salads and desserts.

The Ranunculus stands as a testament to nature’s artistic prowess, offering a blend of beauty, symbolism and emotional resonance. From its historical roots to its modern-day impact on mental health, this charming blossom continues to weave its spell, enriching lives and inspiring creativity. Whether in a bouquet, a vase, or a field, the Ranunculus radiates a timelessness that captivates hearts across seasons and cultures.

Find out how you can benefit from the power of flowers – Learn More

The Heady Heights of Hyacinth: A Blossoming Marvel

Leave a reply

Nature never fails to charm us with its abundant and captivating floral treasures. Among these, the hyacinth stands as a true marvel, delighting both the eyes and the senses. Hailing from the eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia, this ornamental gem has a rich history, cultural significance and a variety of uses that make it truly extraordinary.

Originating in the lands of Turkey, Syria and Lebanon, the hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) has a history that dates back thousands of years. Renowned for its exquisite fragrance and vibrant colours, this flowering plant has captured the hearts of many civilisations throughout time. In ancient Greece, it was associated with the mythical figure of Hyacinthus, a young man loved by the sun god Apollo. According to legend, the blood of Hyacinthus transformed into the flowers we now call hyacinths.

The hyacinth family boasts an impressive range of varieties, with over 30 different species and countless cultivars to choose from. Each variety offers its own unique charm, showcasing an array of captivating colours such as deep blues, rich purples, lively pinks and pristine whites (not many flowers are available in true white).

Culturally, hyacinths hold significant meaning across different societies. In the language of flowers, they symbolise beauty, sincerity and constancy. They are often associated with spring and rebirth. In Persian culture, hyacinths are regarded as symbols of joy and abundance, representing the arrival of the Persian New Year, or Nowruz.

Superstitions have also surrounded hyacinths throughout history. Some believed that planting hyacinth bulbs near the windows or doorways of a home would protect it from evil spirits. Others thought that carrying a hyacinth would grant them protection and good luck.

Aside from their cultural and symbolic significance, hyacinths have been attributed with various healing powers. In traditional medicine, the essential oil extracted from hyacinth flowers was believed to have calming and soothing effects, relieving headaches and reducing anxiety. https://www.naturalalchemy.com.au/product/hyacinth-absolute-hyacinthus-orientalis/ While these claims may be rooted in folklore, the fragrance of hyacinths undeniably has a relaxing and uplifting effect on the mind and spirit.

When it comes to vase life, hyacinths have a relatively short lifespan compared to some other cut flowers. Typically, they can last anywhere from 5 to 10 days when properly cared for. To extend their vase life, it’s important to trim the stems at an angle, change the water every two days and keep them away from direct sunlight and drafts. Placing hyacinths in a cool room will also help prolong their blooming period. Opt for a vase that is slightly larger than your typical choice, ensuring it can adequately bear the weight of the stems in full flower.

Taking care of hyacinths in the vase is just the beginning; their beauty can also have a positive impact on mental health. Studies have shown that being in the presence of flowers, including hyacinths, can elevate mood, reduce stress and promote overall well-being. The vibrant colours and sweet fragrance of hyacinths create a sensory experience that can help alleviate anxiety and improve mental clarity. https://bloomcollege.com.au/blog/5-ways-that-flowers-can-improve-your-mental-wellbeing/#:~:text=Research%20has%20indicated%20that%20flowers,flowers%20on%20a%20regular%20basis.

While there are numerous varieties of hyacinths available, some rare types stand out as prized possessions for collectors and enthusiasts. The “Delft Blue” hyacinth, https://www.gardenia.net/plant/hyacinthus-orientalis-delft-blue-dutch-hyacinth characterised by its striking blue colour and exquisite scent, is highly sought after. Similarly, the “Anna Marie” https://www.gardenia.net/plant/hyacinthus-orientalis-anna-marie-dutch-hyacinth variety, with its soft pink blooms and strong fragrance, holds great value among hyacinth enthusiasts.

Some captivating facts about hyacinths,

Hyacinths, aside from their beauty, have an extra charm hidden in their fragrances. Interestingly, each colour of these delightful blooms emits a distinct aroma, making them a popular choice in the art of perfume making.
Surprisingly, the hyacinth belongs to the same botanical family as asparagus. Although they may seem worlds apart in appearance, their genetic connection is a fascinating botanical tidbit.

Hyacinths are not just ordinary flowers. Their origins, varieties, cultural significance and therapeutic properties all add to their allure. From their humble beginnings in the eastern Mediterranean to their status as sought-after blooms in the cut flower industry, hyacinths continue to inspire all who encounter their beauty.

To learn more about the language and insightful messages of flowers follow @yvette_timmins over on Instagram

Floristry 101: The Do’s And Don’ts Of Caring For Fresh Stock

Leave a reply

When it comes to fresh flowers, I like to compare the preparation of fresh stock to a room being painted. When painting, the preparation of the walls often takes longer than the actual painting of the room itself; however, this results in a far superior finish. Therefore, by taking the time to prepare your blooms carefully, you and your customers will be rewarded with fresh, beautiful, long-lasting flowers to enjoy.

Once you have received your fresh stock, whether you have purchased it from the market, collected it from the grower, or had it delivered to your floristry studio or shop, there are several important tasks to take care of and some vital no-nos.

Do – Check off all the items

Every delivery of fresh flowers should come with a tax invoice that you can use to check off all the listed items and ensure you’ve received the correct amounts for each. Use this time to also check the condition of the flowers and foliage, ensuring the quality of the product is 100%. This way you can get back to your supplier ASAP about any product that isn’t up to scratch.

Don’t – Leave the plastic on

Usually, when flowers arrive from the wholesaler, they’re wrapped in plastic. What we don’t want to do is store the flowers still in the plastic, as this will block airflow to your blooms and allow condensation to build up, increasing the likelihood of mould or bacteria growth. Make sure to get that plastic wrap off as soon as you can and give those blooms space to breathe.

Do – Remove any broken or damaged flowers or leaves

Not only are broken and damaged flowers or leaves unsightly but leaving them in bunches of perfectly intact blooms will increase the potential for bruising or bacterial growth. You can do a quick check for any damaged material as you remove the plastic wrapping and place these blooms to the side.

Don’t – Leave any foliage/leaves below the waterline

Foliage and floral material aren’t meant to sit submerged in water for long periods of time, so any foliage/leaves that are left on the stems below where the waterline will sit in the vase need to be removed. Not only will this keep your stems clean and clear, but you’ll help to keep the water fresh and minimise bacteria growth.

Do – Use a clean bucket of the right height

You know what they say––bucket cleanliness is next to godliness! (That’s what I say at least!) Placing your beautiful new blooms into a dirty bucket is essentially undoing all the good work you’ve done to prep your flowers. Dirty buckets contain bacteria that will eat away at your flowers and rapidly reduce their total vase life. Select a bucket that has been thoroughly cleaned and correctly stored beforehand. The bucket you choose should also be of the correct height for your flowers (we don’t want them drooping!) and filled a quarter to a third of the way full with clean, fresh, cool water.

Don’t – Place flowers into buckets without re-cutting

Floral material needs a little help from us to properly soak up all that delicious water and stay hydrated. Before your place your flowers into the water buckets, re-cut each stem at an angle. This gives the stem a greater surface area to suck in all that H20 and is going to mean your flowers stay beautiful for longer.

Now, all this may seem like a long process, but it is essential to provide the appropriate care for the flowers and foliage to extend their vase life significantly.

Correct initial handling will also rehydrate the flowers, ensuring that the maximum water content is stored within the stems and leaves. This means that when the flowers are removed from the water (for delivery or when used for weddings or other events where they will remain out of water for extended periods of time), they will be fully hydrated and will last longer!

As you are working with fresh materials, it is essential to understand how to maintain the product’s freshness. By putting this knowledge into practice, it will maximise the lasting qualities of each flower and foliage.

If you’re a budding florist and on the hunt for more essential floristry business knowledge like this, go ahead and check out our Career Change Course. It’s a go-at-you-own-pace, fully comprehensive floristry career course that sets you up for a long and successful life as a florist.

Are locally grown flowers really better than imports?

Leave a reply

Imported flowers are all too common here in Australia, and you’ve more than likely had a bunch in your vase at some point.

The ABC reported that in the winter months, as much as 90% of cut flowers sold in Australia are imports. So why is this happening when we are surrounded by local flower farms? Are imported flowers better than locally grown in any way?

The main appeal of imported flowers is their much lower price point––made possible by low wages and poor working conditions in countries like Kenya and Ecuador. This makes it incredibly hard for local growers to compete price-wise.

However, while you may have to fork out a little more money, there are so many reasons why locally grown flowers are superior to imports.

Local flowers are fresher

Imported flowers are cut a week or more before you receive them, in which time they’ve been dehydrating on a plane and suffered harsh fumigation in quarantine. Their freshness––colour, smell and energy––will decline rapidly once you get them, if it hasn’t already done so. Locally grown flowers on the other hand can last for weeks with proper care. They are cut not long before arriving at the market, sometimes on the same day, or a few days before. Locally-grown flowers will have more vibrant colours, smell stronger and look in better shape overall.

You get seasonal, native flowers

There are plenty of flower varieties that are native to Australia, and only bloom at certain times of the year. Local growers work with Australia’s seasons to provide stunning seasonal flowers that you simply can’t find among imported flowers. Native flowers like waratahs, banksias, kangaroo paws and flannel flowers have become more popular choices for wedding bouquets, statement arrangements and gifts, so having access to high quality natives is a must.

Buying local is more sustainable

Imported flowers go through a whole supply chain process before a florist ever gets their hands on them. They’re sourced from farms in developing countries like Kenya and Colombia, before making the long flight to Australia, going through quarantine at the border, then making their way to the wholesaler.

Local flowers on the other hand, are usually grown not far from the market, and have likely been cut within the last 24hrs when you get your hands on them. The whole process from farm to vase is short, simple and easy to track, meaning a much smaller carbon footprint.

Supporting local farmers

When you purchase from a local grower, you’re not only supporting that business, but you’re supporting your local economy and community. Local farmers will also provide that personal touch, going out of their way to get you the flowers you want, compared to the impersonal sales transactions that happen with imported flowers.

If you’re in Melbourne and looking to support local growers in the area, we’ve put together a list of a few of our fave local growers for you.

No toxic chemicals

As most of us who’ve travelled internationally before can attest, Australia takes its biosecurity and quarantine laws very seriously, and flower imports are no exception to this. All imported flowers from overseas are subject to extensive fumigation before they ever reach the wholesaler, often involving toxic, damaging chemicals like methyl bromide and glyphosate to kill off any foreign parasites. It’s wise to handle imported flowers with gloves to protect your skin from traces of these.

On the other hand, Aussie farmers are very restricted on what chemicals they’re allowed to use on their flowers, and many local growers are taking a sustainable, chemical-free approach to growing. This means safer, healthier flowers for you and your customers.

It’s easy to see why we prefer locally grown flowers to imports. They’re fresher, healthier, more sustainable and a great way to support the local economy. All up, they’re the better choice by far.

If you’re interested in delving further into floristry and learning more about the industry, check out our online course, Flower Fundamentals. It’s an easy introduction to commercial floristry and we look at how to make a variety of arrangements, always keeping sustainability and local growers at the forefront.

10 Sustainable Flower Growers in Victoria – Part 1

Leave a reply

There has been a resurgence of sustainable, “slow flower” farmers across Australia recently.

The benefits of buying locally and sustainably grown flowers are endless: lower emissions, supporting local farmers, zero toxic fumigation, and less time travelling––meaning the flowers have more time to look their best!

It’s always worth googling for local growers in your area, but here are ten we love from around Victoria.

Scout’s Garden

Scout’s Garden is an ethical flower farm located in Beechworth, VIC. They are proudly part of the “slow flower” movement here in Australia, consciously producing sustainable, seasonal flowers. Their flowers have all been lovingly nurtured and carefully handpicked, with a focus on environmentally friendly floral designs!

@scoutsgarden

Belle Àme Flower Farm

Belle Àme Flower Farm are artisan eco florists and growers, located in Drummond, in central Victoria. They specialise in old-fashioned flowers that are chosen for their beauty and scent, and might remind you of being out in grandma’s garden!

They pride themselves on growing everything from scratch without the use of chemicals, believing that when you care for the soil and the critters in the ground, the rest of the ecosystem will thrive too. Belle Àme sell directly to the public, as well as supplying local florists with bee-friendly, wholesale blooms.

@belleameflowerfarm

The Rook Blooms

The Rook Blooms is a gorgeous little family run flower farm located in Bullengarook VIC. They provide seasonal, small scale cut flowers to florists and designers, and they specialise in vibrant Dahlias and beautiful Ranunculus!

@therookblooms

Geelong Flower Farm

Geelong Flower Farm proudly stocks the largest variety of fresh cut flowers in Western Victoria. Their huge range of year-round varieties and seasonal blooms are loved by both the public and the floristry industry throughout Geelong, the Bellarine and the western district.

They are locally owned and operated, and their extensive experience in the horticultural industry means that they are only selecting the best quality flowers!

@geelongflowerfarm

Sunny Hill Flowers

Sunny Hill Flowers is a family owned Aussie business located in Silvan, Victoria. Owner Rob de Wit is a descendant of Dutch bulb growers, and he and his wife Mariske are passionate about producing new and distinct varieties of lilies.

Their climate controlled greenhouses mean that they are not limited by the Australian climate, so the flowers they produce are consistently the best quality, all year round. Sunny Hill’s emphasis on environmental responsibility and standards of production makes them a popular choice for wholesalers and florists in Victoria.

We love Sunny Hill here at Bloom College, and we even take our Career Change Course students on a trip there as part of our Local Growers tour!

@sunnyhillflowers

Maxiflora

Maxiflora is a sustainable and holistic flower practice based on beautiful Phillip Island. The van der Zwet family are third generation flower growers, who pride themselves on innovating and utilising new technology to sustainably grow, nurture and harvest their flowers.

They take sustainability super seriously! Back in 1995, Maxiflora was the first to start using recycled water, and in just the last year they reduced their plastic packaging by 90%. They share photos of their stunning roses and hydrangeas on Instagram, so be sure to check them out.

@maxiflora_

Crofters Fold

Crofters Fold is a minimal intervention rose and peony farm, located in the beautiful Macedon Ranges at Pipers Creek – just a short fifty minute drive from Melbourne.

While they also offer a luxury farmstay and their own Pinot Noir, it’s the bee-friendly selection of colourful roses and peonies that attracts florists Victoria wide.

@croftersfold

Fleurs de Lyonville

Fleurs de Lyonville is a micro flower farm located just an hour north of Melbourne, right next to the Wombat State Forest in the Daylesford and Macedon ranges region.

Their gorgeous selection of bee-friendly flowers ranges from stunning Australian natives to classic cottage blooms, all without using any harsh chemical sprays. They also employ recycling and regenerative practices in their flower farming operations!

@fleurs_de_lyonville

302 Flowers

302 Flowers are a boutique, family-owned flower farm located in the stunning Macedon Ranges. All of their flowers are sustainably slow grown and chemical-free (super friendly for all those lovely bees!).

They produce fresh cut banksias, leucadendrons, proteas, dahlias, natives and special, hand-selected unusual blooms for that special touch to their bouquets!

@302flowers

Grandiflora

Grandiflora is a family-owned rose breeder and grower that has been in business for 65 years. They are Australia’s largest fresh cut rose company, with a selection of more than 100 rose varieties in all shapes, colours and sizes!

The Grandiflora team has been committed to innovating and keeping up with industry trends since the 50s, bringing in new commercial glasshouses, a vase life testing room and year-round production technology. They love what they do and their beautiful roses are just evidence of that.

@grandifloraroses

Now, while it can seem like every florist around you is using cheaper, imported flowers, there is a huge community of us who are supporting our local growers and sustainable growing. Our Bloomers Club is a private Facebook group full of like-minded florists––both hobby and professional––who can offer support and wisdom as you navigate your own floristry journey. Click here to check it out and get plugged in.

If you’re still on the fence about purchasing locally grown flowers instead of their cheaper, imported counterparts, have a look at this blog we wrote recently about why locally grown is the better choice.