Mandevilla - Garden Plant of The Month - May

Garden Plant of the Month for May: Mandevilla

Exotic rewarding climber!
Mandevilla is one of the most rewarding flowering garden plants. The white, pink or red flowers on the plant last from May until the frosts arrive. And it keeps flowering without too much effort. It’s no surprise that Mandevilla is enormously popular in gardens and on balconies and patios. The plant was formerly called Dipladenia, and is sometime still sold under this name. This garden plant of the month for May can give pleasure throughout the summer and beyond.

Mandevilla: pink, white or red trumpet-shaped flowers
Mandevilla is a climbing shrub that flowers from May to October.  Although this exotic climber originates from South America, it’s also very happy in our gardens. With its trumpet-shaped, beautifully scented flowers the plant keeps blooming endlessly. The flowers stand out beautifully against the dark green, shiny foliage.
The plants are sold in various sizes, from very small plants for planting in beds or as a table plant on the patio through the very large climbers on trellises or stakes which can be metres high. You can even use them to create an entire living wall, since this keen grower can quickly produce long tendrils to cover a wall or fence. Do provide some support though.
The white, pink and red colours look beautiful in a pot, either as a single colour or a mixture, whereby the combination of two or three colours growing and blooming together is magnificent. A variety of species can be found in the shops, produced by different companies. Mandevilla Sundeville and Mandevilla Diamantina are the most frequently offered. The one thing they all have in common is that they flower very profusely and give pleasure all summer long.

Caring for Mandevilla
Mandevilla will remain healthy and attractive by following a couple of simple tips. It’s important that it’s placed in light ranging from partial shade to full morning or evening sun. Mandevilla likes the warmth it enjoyed in its place of origin. Place the plant in well-draining, moderately damp soil, and water regularly. Too wet is certainly not good. Give extra plant food in the spring so that it continues to flower vigourously for a long time, remains healthy and is less vulnerable to pests and diseases. If wilted flowers are regularly removed, the plant will remain decorative right up until the first night frosts.
Mandevilla isn’t hardy, so as soon as winter comes the plant will die, unless it’s brought indoors and can overwinter in a cool, frost-free place. Make sure the plant does not bring all sorts of insects with it when it’s brought indoors. A light spot around 10°C  is best . It doesn’t need a lot of water in the winter. Ensure good ventilation and don’t place Mandevilla in a draught or near a source of heat. The transition from outdoors to indoors can cause the leaves to turn yellow or shed, but that’s a natural reaction.

Mandevilla pruning tips
While the plant is in the garden or on the patio or balcony, all you really need to do is to train the tendrils through the plant or place them against the climbing aid from time to time. No further pruning is required during the growing and flowering season. The plant can be pruned back somewhat for overwintering before being placed in its winter location. This can also be done at the start of the new growing season in February. This is done particularly to ensure that the plant does not get too big, and to maintain an attractive shape.

We can source all of these plants through the season just ask us for your requirements. We can also source a wide range of pots to compliment each plant or for a striking look bright and colourful pots of all shapes and sizes. Whether for a long term display or for a one off event we can source, supply and set up so you don't have to. A care service can also be supplied if needed.

Thank you to Thejoyofplants.co.uk. and https://www.flowercouncil.co.uk for the above information.

Sandra x

In and Out Plants - Houseplants of the month - May

May 2017: In & Out Plants Houseplants of the Month

The story of In & Out Plants

Merging indoors and outdoors and making the garden into a second home is a popular trend. Calla Lily, Campanula, Cockscomb, Balloon Flower and Lily fit perfectly with this: fabulous houseplants that can be placed both inside and outside and hence join the two together in a natural way. The variety of colours and shapes is overwhelming, but very different depending on the species. Campanula and Balloon Flower (Platycodon) mainly come in blue, white and pink, was lilies are widely available in orange, yellow, white and pink. The colour palette with Cockscomb (Celosia) and Calla Lilies is even more diverse, from delicate pastels through to brilliant deep shades. And you can enjoy these lavish bloomers from April to September. 

Origin 
These In & Out Plants originate from very different places. Calla Lily is a swamp plant which embeds itself firmly in riverbanks. The plant grows from South Africa to Malawi, often in places where the drainage of rainwater is obstructed. This creates a brief swamp-like situation during which Calla Lily stores water in its bulbs, which helps it get through the dry periods. All the Lilies that are used as houseplants are hybrids. The plant is native to Japan, China and Korea. Tropical Cockscomb originates from East Africa, South America and South-East Asia, and has now established itself in all tropical regions. The plant has been bred in the Netherlands since 1989. Prior to that, many cultivated forms came from Japan. Campanula grows in Italy, whilst Balloon Flower (Platycodon) has its roots in East Asia.

What to look for when buying In & Out Plants

• When buying this varied group of plants, look at the pot size and whether the plants are uniform in terms of size, height, diameter and number of flowers. 
• The ripeness varies according to species. Generally speaking, the buds must be well-developed so they can flower for the consumer. Being underripe is often the reason why flowers don’t open of buds shrivel. 
• With the bulb crops (Lily and Calla Lily) the soil can be a bit dry, since the plants get some of their energy from the bulb. It also makes them easy to ship and at the point of sale. With Calla Lily the tubers and the plant itself can be infected with bacteria, which shows in slimy stems and the rapid decline of the plant. Yellow or drooping leaves are also signs the plant is not healthy. The tuber size (diameter of the tuber in cm) determines the number of flowers that will be produced by each plant. The same applies to Lilies. The larger the bulbs used in the pots, the more buds there will be per stem. With the Lily it’s important to check that the bulbs are properly rooted and are not loose in the pot.
• With Campanula, Balloon Flower and Cockscomb it’s very important that the soil is slightly damp in order to prevent the plant from drooping. Water regularly. Do make sure that the water only goes on the soil and not the foliage and flowers, since botrytis can otherwise rapidly infect the plants in the form of grey mould. It is particularly important to check the plant carefully for this fungal disease in the case of plants that are supplied in cellophane or in wrapped trays. 
• Give these plants enough light - if conditions are too dark, they will start to stretch. These species can also suffer yellowing and drooping leaves. 

Choice of range
The range of plants that can be used both indoors and outdoors is growing rapidly. There are many different varieties of each species, many which are increasingly being sold by cultivar name.
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia) comes in both large-flowered and small-flowered varieties in almost all the colours of the rainbow: white, yellow, pink, purple, lilac, salmon, orange. The leaf colour can also range from green to speckled.
Pot Lilies also come in various cultivar groups. Hence there is the Asiatic Group (small buds, delicate leaf, bright colours), the Oriental Group (coarse buds and leaves, large flowers with a strong scent, particularly white and pink varieties), the Longiflorum Group (long white flowers) and the LA Group (hybrid of Longiflorum x Asiatic Group, particularly with pastel colours).
Cockscomb has been intensively bred in recent years to produce attractive new varieties with fantastic new flower shapes and colours (bright, pastel and bicoloured). There are three shapes: the C. Cristata Group (cockscomb), the C. Plumosa Group (plume cockscomb) and the C. Spicata Group (tail-shaped small flowers). The latter group in particular provides most of the varieties that are used as In & Out Plants.
The Balloon Flower range is restricted to 3 colours: white, blue and pink. Before the flowers open, they are shaped like balloons. The flowers themselves consist of 5 petals, and the foliage is somewhat grey in colour.
Campanula has an extensive range which characterised by white, blue and bicoloured varieties. The variety C. isophylla, with its star-shaped flowers, is best for use as an In & Out Plant. The range is more extensive for the garden, but is less suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. 

Care tips for consumers

• All In & Out Plants prefer a cool and light spot indoors to ensure the longest possible flowering. In the garden they can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. 
• As bulb crops, the Calla Lily and the Lily are the easiest to care for: watering once a week is enough. 
• Campanula, Cockscomb and Balloon Flower have softer leaves, and therefore evaporate more moisture, meaning they need more water: the soil should always be slightly damp.
• For profuse flowering give the plants and food every two weeks and remove wilted flowers for extra-long flowering.
• 
  
• Display tips for In & Out plants
• In & Out plants are suitable for containers, pots and hanging baskets. Combine the various species together by colour, or create colourful mini gardens in the display that makes clear that the plants can be used both in the living room and on the patio or balcony. The plants combine well with summery accessories such as butterflies, decorative insects and other botanical elements. 

These plants would make excellent displays for your wedding - whether grouped on the tables for your guests or the larger plants used at the aisle entrance or altar, or for a civil ceremony the doorway displays. These can then be given out to guests for thank you's.

Thank you to Thejoyofplants.co.uk. and https://www.flowercouncil.co.uk for the above information.

We can source all of these plants through the season just ask us for your requirements. We can also source a wide range of pots to compliment each plant or for a striking look bright and colourful pots of all shapes and sizes. Whether for a long term display or for a one off event we can source, supply and set up so you don't have to. A care service can also be supplied if needed.

Sandra x

Flower crown Workshop

Come along to a venue in Lincoln* (AnShen Acupuncture on West Parade will be the main base) with your nearest and dearest for an afternoon of flowery fun.
Learn how to make a flower crown that you can then wear for the rest of your celebrations. Suitable for the younger (minimum age 14) and older members of your family who maybe don't or can't trail round the bars. Or team it up with going out for a meal or afternoon tea** if drinking isn't for you.

I can either supplier neutral colour flowers or team it up with your wedding colours and flower varieties, depending on how secret you are keeping them. (If you are a bridesmaid I will need permission from the bride to use exact flowers/colours used for wedding. Otherwise it will be a general choice). All items required for each person to make a flower crown will be provided along with refreshments. 
Each workshop will run up for up to 3 hours, leaving plenty of time for fun and laughter with no pressure on getting crowns made.

6 guests (minimum) £240 (£40 each)
8 guests £300 (£37.50 each)
11 guests £350 (£35 each and bride goes FREE)

£40 booking fee required to hold the date per workshop and final payment is 3 weeks before. 

*Other venues can be arranged such as your home. Mileage charges will apply. 
** Afternoon Tea can be arranged to coincide with the workshop for an additional fee. Please ask for details.

To Book online follow this link https://ezwwuk-free.10to8.com/

Click on Hen Party Workshop and select See Times

Under Location select Lincoln Workshop and See times.

The following dates are available

20th May

3rd and 24th June

 Other dates can and will be made available as demand increases. There are currently 6 places available for each of these dates. If you require more (up to 12 inc Bride) please let me know and I can add to the booking page and change the price per person as above.

OR you can book by phoning me on 07748095431 and pay by credit card or BACS.

Please ask for further date availability. 

A taste of what you will be creating ;

I look forward to seeing you on a workshop soon

Sandra x

Funeral tribute flowers

 A post that you won't want to read!

We may not want to think about it but at some point in our lives we will have the need for funeral tributes. We will all have to say goodbye to a loved one. 

From previous posts I know this will not get seen by many, but it is a large part of my business. For those that have asked us to provide these displays it is a fitting tribute to their lost loved one and hopefully eased the day just a touch.

They are after all still pretty flower displays, just for a sad occasion.

This is just a small selection of what can be created

Single ended autumnal spray

Pretty pinks, purple and white double ended spray

Autumnal inspired wreath

Gold posy pad

GRANDPA with white ribbon and autumn colour sprays

OUR GRANDAD

Based on football colours

We can create any name, family title, or words to suit. They are priced per letter (POA) and can be any colour ribbon (or you can have foliage) and spray with the letters usually in white but can also be yellow and pink.

Lovely spring spray in pink white and blue

Spring wreath

Red winter wreath

We create so much more and a guide price list can be sent if required.

We can cater for bespoke designs, let us know your ideas.

Trains, planes and automobiles, to birds and bees, to golf and football, to stars and angels and more.

Say goodbye with a personalised tribute always treated with love and respect.

Family consultations in the comfort of your own home, no rush, time to reflect and think of happy times.

If you are in need of tributes call or email to book an appointment to discuss your ideas.

Condolences to all those whom ordered the above flowers for their lost loved one.

Sandra x

Wedding flowers at The Mount Pleasant Hotel Bawtry

This is the fabulous reception set up of A and O at The Mount Pleasant Hotel at Bawtry.

The displays alternated between high, candelabras, and low, pumpkin vases.

Our candelabras are 100cm tall and theses were displayed with long taper candles.

The display was a flower ball between the arms allowing for 5 candles and the gorgeous flowers used were roses and carnations in both pale pink and champagne with mixed foliage.

They were sat on large round mirrors.

The low displays were a couple of silver pumpkin vases with pink roses and carnations with champagne roses and wax flower.

These make really cute table centrepieces for your guests.

The top table had a long and low design

filled with scrumptious flowers as the bride's bouquet (here) such as roses, wax flower, spray roses and eustoma.

Unfortunately we arrived at the same time as the lovely ladies from the chair cover company and didn't get to see the room completely dressed.

Thank you hand ties were also provided for presentation during the speeches.

If anyone has any doubts about the way we transport flowers to the venues I took these shots on loading the van up for this wedding.

I may get odd looks from having such a large van BUT on occasions such as this wedding it is so easy to load, transport and unload with flowers in order of need.

Church flowers at the front, bridal designs next with buttonholes and reception flowers at the rear and plenty of room left for a larger set up.

On this occasion I had a helper and after the whole set up was complete we stopped off for a coffee and gingerbread man, a small treat after a busy morning.

If you are getting married at The Mount Pleasant Hotel or love any of the designs above do get in touch to see how we can transform your venue with flowers.

All the candelabras and vases were hired from us and part of our care and service is to collect all of these items the next day, working with the hotel, so you don't have to worry. All sorted, generally, before breakfast.

I look forward to hearing from you

Sandra x

St Joseph's Church Retford

This is the lovely St Joseph's Church and Retford which was the setting for A and O's wedding a few weeks ago.

Continuing with the colours of pink and champagne (see bridal party flowers here) we created displays for the Altar and pews.

The Altar display was a front facing traditional style display of pink and champagne roses, cream stocks, carnations and wax flower.

We also created a traditional style church pedestal of a similar mix of flowers.

The pew ends were made up of a pink and champagne rose with pink spray roses and foliage. These were tied together with a small organza bow.

The pew displays were alternated with flowers and bows

A rare action shot of me as I had a helper on the day!

All these flowers were taken out of church and taken to the reception to be reused and displayed to the full.

If you are having a church ceremony please get in touch to see how we can style flowers to suit your theme/colours.

We work closely with the church and will sort all the delivery/set up direct with them so you don't have to.

Sandra x

Carnation - Flower of the Month - May

The carnation:Flower of the Month - May

A new month, a new flower in the spotlight. This month the vintage carnation takes centre stage. With its many forms and high quality, it’s a flower to adore. Consumers can read all about this versatile beauty at Funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk. 

The carnation’s origin 
The original birthplace of the carnation is on the coast of the Mediterranean. The popularity of the flower goes back many centuries; for example, the Romans were already making wreathes and fresh eau de toilette out of carnations. The flower can also be regularly seen in religious paintings as a symbol of the Virgin Mary and to symbolise the suffering of Christ. The Latin name for the carnation is Dianthus, derived from Dios (God) and anthos (flower). That means that the carnation is a divine flower! 

Colours and shapes of the carnation
Green, deep purple, dark red, fluorescent yellow, champagne, soft orange, salmon pink, white or combinations of colours: the carnation offers a magnificent array of colours. But that’s certainly not the only remarkable thing about this flower. For example, are you familiar with the various shapes? There are carnation with a single flower, and there are spray carnations. The carnation also has eye-catching petals, with rounded, serrated or fringed edges. So it's no surprise that the carnation is a fantastic lead performer or support act in any vase. 

Caring for carnations 

• Make sure the vase is clean.
• Fill the vase with water and cut flower food.
• Remove the bottom leaves.
• Trim the stems.
• Keep carnations away from direct sunlight and ripening fruit.

Carnation symbolism
The carnation symbolises passion, longing and romance. That's why Renaissance painters in the 15th and 16th century chose this flower to appear in their engagement scenes. And nothing has changed in that regard: the carnation is still an appropriate gift for demonstrating passionate love. Or to revive the passion in your relationship. If that should be necessary…  

Renaissance painters in the 15th and 16th century chose the carnation with love to appear in opulent paintings. A bouquet with these romantic, colourful flowers results in a blooming still-life you just can’t keep your eyes off.  

Carnations we feel have a bad reputation. They ARE budget friendly and yes some colours have been around since forever BUT the new varieties, colours and scents that are being produced really do make this a flower coming back to designs. They do make a good filler and work well with a variety of styles, and don't look out of place in bouquets if used right.

So go on, give this gorgeous flower another look, it deserves it!

With thanks too https://www.flowercouncil.co.uk for the information

Sandra X

Pretty pink and champagne wedding flowers

Today we take a look at this gorgeous wedding of the lovely A and O from a few weeks ago in April.

The colour scheme was pink and champagne with roses, peony, wax flower and carnations.

We used a combination of roses, bombastic spray, garden and standard and along with the peony and wax flower the scent was divine.

The 4 bridesmaids carried smaller versions of the brides with more pink to stand out from their champagne dresses.

The stems were tied with blush organza.

The groomsmen wore a classic style buttonhole of a champagne rose with asparagus fern.

(This was the page boys mounted on to a safety pin)

The buttonholes and corsages on their presentation boards all ready for delivery.

The ladies wore a traditional style corsage in a mix of flowers from the bridal bouquet

All boxed up and ready for presentation to the bride.

One of the garden rose blooms that is filled with petals and packs a punch with scent.

Pink weddings are always a popular choice and peonies in particular are very popular. (Their season is from April to July)

If you love this style and would like to talk flowers then please get in touch in the first instance with your wedding date to check availability.

For more inspiration on pink bouquets take a look at this post here

I look forward to hearing from you soon

Sandra x