Monday, December 12, 2011

Poinsettia Facts

Poinsettia Facts

•Poinsettias are native to Mexico.
•The Aztecs called the poinsettia Cuetlaxochitl. They made a reddish purple dye from the bracts.
•Chile and Peru called the poinsettia the "Crown of the Andes."
•Poinsettias are part of the Euphorbiaceae family. Many plants in this family ooze a milky sap. •Some people may have skin irritation from the milky sap
•In nature, poinsettias are perennial flowering shrubs that can grow to ten feet tall.
•The showy colored parts of poinsettias that most people think are the flowers are actually colored bracts (modified leaves).
•Poinsettias are priced according to the number of blooms. The more blooms, the more expensive the plant.
•The flowers or cyathia of the poinsettia are in the center of the colorful bracts.
•Poinsettias have been called the lobster flower and flame leaf flower.
•Poinsettias are not poisonous.
•A study at Ohio State University showed that a 50 pound child who ate 500 bracts might have a slight tummy ache.
•Poinsettia sap that can irritate the skin and cause an upset stomach if consumed in large enough quantities.
•A fresh poinsettia is one on which little or no yellow pollen is showing on the flower clusters in the center of the bracts. Plants that have shed their pollen will soon drop their colorful bracts.
•Poinsettias represent over 85 percent of the potted plant sales during the holiday season.
•Ninety percent of all poinsettias are exported from the United States.
•In the 17th century, Juan Balme, a botanist, mentioned poinsettia plants in his writings.
•Poinsettias were introduced into the United States in 1825 by Joel Poinsett.
•Poinsettias are commercially grown in all 50 states.
•California is the top poinsettia producing state.
•December 12 is National Poinsettia Day.
•The Paul Ecke Ranch in California grows over 80 percent of poinsettias in the United States for the wholesale market.
•Ninety per cent of all the flowering poinsettias in the world got their start at the Paul Ecke Ranch.
•There are over 100 varieties of poinsettias available.
•$220 million worth of poinsettias are sold during the holiday season.
•Seventy-four percent of Americans still prefer red poinsettias; 8 percent prefer white and 6 percent pink.
•Eighty percent of poinsettias are purchased by women.
•Eighty percent of people who purchase poinsettias are 40 or older.
•Poinsettias are the best selling flowering potted plant in the United States. In 2004 over 61 million plants were sold.
•Poinsettias are the most popular Christmas plant even though most are sold in a 6 week period.
•An NCCA Bowl game in San Diego is named the Poinsettia Bowl. •Poinsettias were introduced into the United States in 1825 by Joel Poinsett.

Original Article can be found at http://urbanext.illinois.edu/poinsettia/facts.cfm

Order your Poinsettia today at www.springfieldohioflorist.com

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

South Fountain Preservation Tour of Homes 2011

On Saturday, November 26, 2011, South Fountain Preservation will be hosting its Historic Tour of Homes as a part of the Holiday in the City events. This year's tour will feature Victorian homes decorated for the Christmas Season. From 1-5P, five of South Fountain's finest homes will be open to the public, with a candlelight home being open from 7-9P. For further information please call 937-323-5875.
Saturday November 26, 2011
1-5 PM Five homes open for viewing
7-9 Candle Light house

Tickets
Presale Tickets are available after November 1, 2011 for $12 at
• 800 Paint Place
• Clark County Literacy Center
• Fred E. Peters & Sons
• Wescott House
• Heritage Center of Clark County
Day of event tickets are available for $15. Students are $10 at the door. Tickets are also available for only the Candlelight Tour for $5.00. Please park and buy tickets at First Baptist Church (638 South Fountain Avenue).

Original Article found at :http://www.southfountain.org/?s_page=Tour_of_Homes

Order your Christmas flowers at www.Springfieldohioflorist.com

Thursday, October 13, 2011

What is Sweetest Day?

Sweetest Day ...

Is always the third Saturday in October.

This holiday is much more important in some regions than in others (Detroit, Cleveland and Buffalo being the biggest Sweetest Day cities). It is a holiday that is gaining in popularity every year throughout the country.

How It Started

Over 60 years ago, a Cleveland man, believing that the city's orphans and shut-ins too often felt forgotten and neglected, conceived the idea of showing them that they were remembered. He did this through the distribution of small gifts. With the help of his friends and neighbors, he distributed these small remembrances on a Saturday in October. During the years that followed, other Clevelanders began to participate in the celebration ceremony, which came to be called "Sweetest Day". In time, the Sweetest Day idea of spreading cheer to the underprivileged was broadened to include everyone, and became an occasion for remembering others with a kind act or a small remembrance. And soon the idea spread to other cities all over the country.

What It Is

Sweetest Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in October as a day to make someone happy. It is an occasion which offers all of us an opportunity to remember not only the sick, aged, and orphaned, but also friends, relatives and associates whose helpfulness and kindness we have enjoyed.

Sweetest Day is not based on any single group's religious sentiment or on a family relationship. It is a reminder that a thoughtful word or deed enriches life and gives it meaning.

Because for many people remembering takes the form of gift-giving, Sweetest Day offers us the opportunity to show others that we care, in a tangible way.

Original article can be found at: http://www.creativechocolates.com/sweetestday.html

Remember someone you care about. Visit www.springfieldohioflorist.com

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Marie's Halloween Candy

Schneiders is now carrying Halloween candy made by Maries Candies in West Liberty, OH. Try the haunted chocolate dipped peeps!


Visit us!
http://www.springfieldohioflorist.com/fall-flowers-91c.asp?topnav=TopNav

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Preparing for Fall

As summer turns to fall, your garden will probably start looking pretty tired and will need a splash of color as you head into winter. Before we discuss adding color, let's talk a bit about cleaning it up for the fall and winter months.

CLEANING UP YOUR GARDEN

Cleaning up the garden in the fall is about a lot more than just making it look tidier. If you do just a few extra things as you clean things up it can make a big impact on your garden next year. For instance, during the last weeks of summer as you are taking some of your plants out, make sure plenty of their seeds fall on the ground so that they are more likely to come up next year.

To encourage plant volunteers for next year, let flowerheads ripen and dry on the stalks, shake or gently break apart letting seedheads spread over ground, remove spent stalks, then mulch lightly. Good reseeders include: coreopsis, larkspur, snapdragons, poppies, sunflowers, alyssum, bachelor buttons, cosmos, flax, and dill.

There are some plants that you might not want to return next year, like those with diseases and pests. If you find problem areas like this, remove them. You should even remove any leaves of your roses that are afflicted with black spot.

As you remove diseased materials, don't throw them in your compost bin. This will help keep you from spreading the problem around your garden next year. If there is no disease problem, leaves and small twigs should be added to your compost. The leaves of perennials are the perfect addition to making some really rich compost for next year's garden.

If you're using pruners on infected materials, you might want to clean them by dipping them in a household disinfectant.

To revamp a bed for spring planting: clear bed of all debris (chop and add to compost pile, or dig into bed to decompose over the winter); till the soil, amend with fully finished compost, till again and smooth with a rake. Mulch beds with a thick layer (4-6") of organic mulch. There are a variety of mulches including straw, compost, shredded bark, and leaves. By spring, you'll have a free source of humus to mix in your flowerbeds.

SPLASHING COLOR IN YOUR FALL GARDEN

Traditionally chrysanthemums, sometimes called mums, are planted for fall color, but there are some alternatives you might want to consider so that your garden is a little different then the guy next door's. You might consider planting ornamental peppers that show brightly colored fruit that covers the top of the plant. Peppers do not like wet feet, so don't over-water. If you get tired of looking at them, you can always harvest the peppers and add them to your favorite dish. Some other great alternatives are ornamental cabbages and kales. If you live in the mild part of the country, pansies will bloom all winter long.

For a shade garden, you might try the Japanese anemone. And for full sun, New England asters and ornamental grasses can't be beat. All of these will be sure to come back in your garden next year. As the temperatures cool and the light begins to change, take a look around one of your local nurseries and you'll find there is a lot more available for fall planting than ever before.

OTHER FALL PLANTING IDEAS AND TIPS

Many people think that spring is the only time of year to plant, but fall is one of the best times of the year to get shrubs and trees into the ground. During the fall they are beginning to go into dormancy and since the soil temperatures are still warm compared to the air, this is an ideal environment for root development.

Remember when you are planting to dig a generous hole, roughly twice the size of the root ball. Then slide the plant out of the container and gently tear the roots to encourage them to grow out. When you place the plant in the hole, set it slightly higher than ground level to allow for settling. Fill in around the plant with half compost and half of the existing soil and water it in with a vitamin supplement to encourage root growth. Tuck in a little mulch but be careful not to get any on the crown.

Remember to keep fertilizing your lawn on a regular basis. This will keep it green longer into the cool season.

You can always have a great potted chrysanthemum delivered to a loved one this fall by visiting www.springfieldohioflorist.com or calling 800-566-4634.

Original Article: http://www.thefunplace.com/house/garden/fall.html




Friday, August 19, 2011

Get Two Dozen Roses – Sale on Now!

Schneider’s Florist is one of the top florists in the Springfield, OH, area.  Our designers have years of experience creating the finest floral arrangements you’ll ever see.  A family-owned and operated business, Schneider’s strives to provide you with the perfect arrangement for every occasion.  If that occasion calls for roses, we have a great deal for you: buy one dozen roses, get the second dozen FREE!

Roses are gorgeous flowers, there’s no denying that.  When it comes to romancing your significant other, it’s hard to outdo a bouquet of red roses.  But the rose isn’t limited to just romance.  Yellow roses stand for friendship and make a great arrangement for when someone needs a little pick me up.  For your teen daughter’s birthday, perhaps a gorgeous basket of pink roses is the perfect gift.  Or maybe you’d like to congratulate someone on their promotion by sending them a bright bouquet of mixed yellow, orange, white, and pink roses.  There are dozens of different rose arrangements, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect.


But there is one unfortunate downside to the rose: it’s not exactly the cheapest flower.  Sometimes it seems like it costs an arm and a leg to get a dozen roses.  At Schneider’s, we want to make certain money is not an obstacle to expressing your feelings.  That’s why we’re now offering two dozen roses for the price of one dozen!

Two dozen roses are a great way of giving your summer romance a boost and telling the other person that you’re looking for something long-term, not just a summer fling.  They’re also a nice surprise for someone’s birthday or anniversary.  Of course, you don’t need a reason to give your spouse a gorgeous bouquet, do you?  Think of how surprised she will be when two dozen roses show up on the doorstep or at her office.


How do you take advantage of our rose summer special?  Easy!  Just visit our website and use the discount code 2DOZEN.  That’s all it takes to get the second dozen roses for free! Don’t miss out on our two dozen roses sale!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Facebook Friday Special!

Visit us in-store on Friday August 5th and pick up a loose bunch of Crazy Daisies for only 5.95!  These fun and happy flowers are a great way to begin the weekend. This offer is for walk-in customers only. Tell us you saw it on Facebook!



Friday, July 29, 2011

Facebook Friday Special!

 Stop in today only and pick up 3 cheery Sunflowers for only 5.95! This is a great deal on a delightful summer symbol. This is for walk in customers only so be sure and stop in before 5:00 today to take advantage of this special. Tell us you saw it on Facebook!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Double Your Dozen Special!

 For a limited time only Schneider's is offering 2 dozen Red Roses for only 59.95! Regularly 99.95.
In-town orders only. Pick-up or delivery. Delivery charges apply.

http://www.springfieldohioflorist.com/

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Facebook Friday Special

Stop by our store all day Friday July 15th and pick up a loose arrangement of 6 red roses and a stem of white lilies for a special price of 14.95! Perfect to brighten up the house for weekend visitors!  (Offer is for in-store pickup only)

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Plant flowers to attract monarch butterflies

Flower enthusiasts and butterfly lovers alike will have reason to engage in planting activities that promise to bring more of these winged creatures to spring and summer gardens.

According to the Los Angeles Times, monarch butterfly populations have been on the decline as of late, prompting many gardeners to plant more milkweed to attract them and encourage them to lay their eggs. Monarchs plant their eggs on milkweeds and drink the plant's alkaloid sap, which acts as a line of defense by making the butterflies poisonous to birds.

Some gardeners opt for the colorful South American blood flower milkweed, though scientists recommend native varieties as the exotic plants may disuade monarchs from migrating and thus make them more vulnerable, the news source reports.

Monarchs mainly feed on milkweed, but dogbane can also be a powerful attractor as well, TheGardenHelper.com reports. To attract a wide variety of winged creatures, you can buy flowers online as well as plant any of a number of black eyed susans, butterfly lilies, daisies, lilacs, Texas bluebonnets and zinnias, among others.


This article is brought to you by Teleflora - a leader in the flower delivery service for over 75 years.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Facebook Friday Special!

               Stop by our store all day Friday, July 1st and take advantage of our Patriotic arrangement special. Schneider’s will be offering red, white, and blue flower arrangements for a discounted price of $19.99! Just tell our friendly staff you saw the offer on Facebook.
Don’t know what you would do with a patriotic arrangement? Here are a few ideas:
·        A fresh arrangement will look great on the dining room or coffee table when your 4th of July party guests arrive.
·        An excellent, low-cost hostess gift for traveling to a friend’s house to celebrate the holiday.
·        A thoughtful gift to bring the holiday indoors for someone unable to make it out to share in the festivities.
 Offer valid on walk-in orders only. Teleflora branded arrangements are not included in this offer. Normal business hours Friday- 8:00AM-5:00PM. We will be closed Monday, July 4th.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Floral Preservatives and Cut Flowers

Whether cut flowers are grown in a home garden or in a greenhouse by commercial experts, their care is a science.
To keep cut flowers beautiful longer; remember that they have been removed from their source of water, the root system, and will wilt quickly if not placed in water. Cut stems should be placed in water immediately, as air will rapidly move into the water-conducting tissues and plug the cells. This is why the cut flower that has been out of water more than a few minutes should have a small portion of the lower stem cut off so that water will move up freely when it is returned to water. Cuts can be made under-water to assure no air enters the stem.
A cut flower also has been removed from a major source of food—the leaves on the plant to which it was attached. Although the leaves on the flowering stem make food, once indoors they are in a reduced light situation and this limits available carbohydrates.

Use a Preservative

Commercial preservatives will increase the life of cut flowers and should always be used. (Adding aspirin, wine, or pennies to cut flowers WILL NOT help to keep them fresh longer. Do not attempt a home brew concoction.) A floral preservative is a complex mixture of sucrose (sugar); acidifier, an inhibitor of microorganisms; and a respiratory inhibitor. Sucrose serves as a source of energy to make up for the loss of the functioning leaves and insures continued development and longevity of the flower.
An acidifier makes the pH of the water more near the acid pH of the cell sap. Most water supplies are alkaline and can reduce the life of cut flowers. The acidifier also stabilizes the pigment and the color of the flower. This is why red roses turn "blue" when placed in water without a preservative or acidifier.
A microorganism growth inhibitor is perhaps the most important part of a floral preservative. Bacteria and fungi are everywhere and are ready to enter the cut surface of the stem and multiply. Prior to actual decay symptoms, cells of the water-transporting tissues can become blocked with microorganisms, inhibiting water uptake.
To aid the floral preservative in slowing down microorganisms, always clean the vase or container. Also remove all leaves below the water surface, as they soon deteriorate. Water and water uptake are major factors in keeping cut flowers fresh.
A process called "hardening" ensures maximum water uptake. It simply means placing the freshly cut stem in 110° F (43.5° C) water (plus preservative). Place in a cool location for an hour or two. Maximum water uptake is attained because water molecules move rapidly at 110° F (kinetic energy) and quickly move up the stems. Flowers at cool temperatures lose less water. In this one brief period while the water is cooling, freshly harvested stems, leaves, and flowers take up almost as much water as in the balance of their life.

Other Tips for Long-Lasting Cut Flowers

Check the water level of the container or vase daily and add water plus preservative when needed.
Keep flowers away from hot or cold air drafts and hot spots (radiators, direct heat, or television sets).
While both drafts and hot spots increase water loss, hot spots reduce a flower's life by speeding transpiration (water loss) and respiration (use of stored food such as sugars) and increasing development (rate of petal unfolding).
When away from home, move the flowers into the refrigerator or the coldest (above 35° F/1.5° C) spot in the house. Again, this will slow down water loss, respiration, and development.
Never store fruit and flowers together. Apples produce ethylene gas, a hormone that causes senescence, or aging, in flowers.
In summary, to keep cut flowers longer:
ü Recut the stems and remove excess foliage.

ü Harden the flowers by setting them in warm water in a cool place.

ü Use a floral preservative.

ü Keep them cool and avoid drafts, hot spots, and television sets.

ü Use a clean vase or container and check the water level daily.
Mary H. Meyer, Extension Horticulturist
Department of Horticultural Science
Original Article source: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/dg7355.html

National Rose Month

June is National Rose month. Did you know that each color of rose holds a different meaning? The next time you are buying roses you can use the following information to help you select the perfect arrangement.


Red
There’s nothing secret about the red rose’s symbolism of love. Valentine’s Day would hardly exist without this bold and dramatic bloom. The ultimate symbol of romantic love and enduring passion, the red rose also conveys respect and the creative spirit of love. Representing true love stronger than thorns, the red rose is known universally as the lover’s rose.

White
Representing, humility, purity and innocence, the white rose - often referred to as the bridal rose - is associated with young love. In Scotland, when the white rose bloomed in autumn, it was seen as a token of early marriage. Also symbolizing truth and reverence, it sends a message of loyalty and says "I am worthy of you."
Yellow
While in Victorian times, the yellow rose symbolized jealousy, today it represents friendship, joy and caring. A bouquet of these sun-filled blossoms conveys warmth, gladness and affection.

Pink
Symbolizing gentility, femininity, elegance and refinement, the pink rose also carries additional meanings depending on its hue. A deep pink conveys gratitude and appreciation, while pale shades connote grace and gentleness, admiration and happiness.

Orange
With their warm, vibrant tones, orange roses symbolize enthusiasm and desire. If you’re looking for a way to express admiration and attraction - with an underlying message of passion and excitement - then send a bouquet filled with these fiery blooms.

Lilac and Purple
Thought to be almost mystical in nature, with symbolism tied to enchantment, desire and even proceeding cautiously, it’s not surprising that lilac and purple roses send a message of love at first sight, A great Valentine flower.
Multi-Colored Roses
In some instances - usually when mixing red with another color rose - you can send additional messages with your choice of bouquet. For example, a combination of red and yellow roses conveys gaiety and happiness, while a mix of red and white roses symbolizes unity.