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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

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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

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.

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