Why We Don’t Pick Wild Flowers
Where Do Cosentino’s Flowers Come From
Our Flower Dictionary (From our Wedding Section)
We are often asked what the various rose colors mean, especially in regard to love/hate relationships.
a) A rose always denotes Love
b) A deep red rose = Bashful shame
c) A pink Rose
d) A red Rose
e) A white Rose = I am worthy of you
f) A yellow rose =decrease of love, Jealousy
g) Red and White together = Unity
2) What do various flowers mean in the Language of Flowers.
Used for more than a century, the book written by Kate Greenfield in the 1890’s is sort of a bible for this. Based on the meanings of Victorian Times, Greenfield listed more than a hundred flowers in her book. We give the most used ones.
a) Acacia = Chaste love
b) African Marigold = Vulgar minds
c) Anemone = I am forsaken
d) Bachelor Buttons = Single Blessedness
e) Begonia = Dark Thoughts
f) Bluebells = Constancy
g) Calla Lily = Magnificent Beauty
h) Carnation, Red = Alas for my poor heart
i) Carnation, Striped = Refusal
j) Carnation, Yellow = Disdain
k) China Aster – Variety
l) Chrysanthemum, Yellow = Slighted Love
m) Chrysanthemum, white = Truth
n) Daffodil = Regard
o) Dahlia = Instability
p) Forget-me-not =True Love
q) Fox Glove = insincerity
r) Gladiolus = Strength of Character
s) Heliotrope = Devotion
t) Hyacinth, Purple = Sorrow
u) Hyacinth, White = Loveliness
v) Hyacinth, Blue = Constancy
w) Iris = Message
x) Ivy = Friendship and Fidelity
y) Lilac, White = Youthful innocence
z) Lilac, Purple = First Emotions of Love
aa) Lily, White = Purity and modesty
bb) Lily of the Valley = Return of Happiness
cc) Marigold = Grief and Despair
dd) Mistletoe = I surmount difficulties
ee) Nasturtium = Patriotism
ff) Parsley = Festivity
gg) Pea, Sweet = Departure and lasting pleasure
hh) Poppy, Red = Consolation
ii) Ranunculus = You are radiant
jj) Snapdragon = Presumption
kk) Sunflower = Haughtiness
ll) Tulip, Red = Declaration of Love
mm) Tulip, Yellow = Hopeless love
nn) Zinnia = Thoughts of Absent friends
a) Month Flower Botanical Name Symbolic meaning
January Carnation Dianthus Capriciousness
February Violet Viola Faithfulness
March Daffodil Narcissus Regard
April Sweet Pea Lathyrus I think of thee
May Lily of Valley Convalaria Humility
June Red Rose Rosa Love
June White Rose Rosa Worthiness
July Larkspur Delphinium Ardent attachment
August Gladiolus Gladiolus Splendid beauty
September Aster Callistiphus Daintiness, elegance
October Calendula Calendula Grief, Jealousy
November Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum Optimism, Cheerfulness
December Narcissus Narcissus Conceit, self love
a) January Garnet
b) February Amethyst
c) March Bloodstone or Aquamarine
d) April Diamond
e) May Emerald
f) June Pearl
g) July Ruby
h) August Peridot
i) September Sapphire
j) October Opal
k) November Topaz
l) December Turquoise
5) Wedding Anniversary Symbols
a) 1st Plastics, Clock or Paper (Flowers are appropriate)
b) 2nd
Calico, Cotton or
c) 3 Leather, Crystal or glass (Flowers are appropriate)
d) 4 Silk, Fruit or Flowers (Flowers are appropriate)
e) 5 Wood or Silverware (Flowers are appropriate)
f) 6 Iron, wood, or candy (Flowers are appropriate)
g) 7 Copper or wool (Flowers are appropriate)
h) 8 Linen, lace or pottery (Flowers are appropriate)
i) 9 Pottery or willow (Flowers are appropriate)
j) 10 Tin, aluminum or diamond jewelry (Flowers are appropriate)
k) 11 Fashion jewelry or accessories (Flowers are appropriate)
l) 12 Linen, silk or jewelry (Flowers are appropriate)
m) 13 Lace or furs (Flowers are appropriate)
n) 14 Ivory or gold jewelry (Flowers are appropriate)
o) 15 Crystal or glass (Flowers are appropriate)
p) 16 Silver hollowware (Flowers are appropriate)
q) 17 Furniture (Flowers are appropriate)
r) 18 Porcelain (Flowers are appropriate)
s) 19 Bronze (Flowers are appropriate)
t) 20 Platinum or china (Flowers are appropriate)
u) 21 Brass or nickel (Flowers are appropriate)
v) 22 Copper (Flowers are appropriate)
w) 23 Silver plate (Flowers are appropriate)
x) 24 Musical instruments (Flowers are appropriate)
y) 25 Silver (Flowers are appropriate)
z) 26 Original Pictures (Flowers are appropriate)
aa) 27 Sculpture (Flowers are appropriate)
bb) 28 Orchids (Flowers are appropriate)
cc) 29 New Furniture (Flowers are appropriate)
dd) 30 Pearls or diamonds (Flowers are appropriate)
ee) 31 Time Pieces (Flowers are appropriate)
ff) 32 Garnet (Flowers are appropriate)
gg) 33 Amethyst (Flowers are appropriate)
hh) 34 Opal (Flowers are appropriate)
ii) 35 Coral or Jade (Flowers are appropriate)
jj) 36 Bone China (Flowers are appropriate)
kk) 37 Alabaster (Flowers are appropriate)
ll) 38 Beryl or Tourmaline (Flowers are appropriate)
mm) 39 Lace (Flowers are appropriate)
nn) 40 Ruby (Flowers are appropriate)
oo) 45 Sapphire (Flowers are appropriate)
pp) 50 Gold (Flowers are appropriate)
qq) 55 Emerald (Flowers are appropriate)
rr) 60 Diamond Jubilee (Flowers are appropriate)
ss) 75 Diamond (Flowers are appropriate)
tt) 80 Diamond and Pearl (Flowers are appropriate)
uu) 85 Diamond and Sapphire (Flowers are appropriate)
vv) 90 Diamond and Emerald (Flowers are appropriate)
ww) 95 Diamond and Ruby (Flowers are appropriate)
xx) 100 10 Carat Diamond (Flowers are appropriate)
6) How do I get my Flowers to last longer.
A little extra care can make a big difference for any size flower arrangement or fresh flower bouquet.
Most floral arrangements last 4-7 days or longer, depending on the flowers used and the care they receive. The Society of American Florists provides these tips for longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers:
For floral arrangements:
- Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods make flowers last longer but it is important to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than is specified on the packet.
- If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly mixed flower food solution. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into solution.
- Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions.
For loose bunches or boxed flowers:
- Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don't forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.
- Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist.
- Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower.
- Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.
- If you purchase loose flowers for your own arrangements you should also consider these tips:
- When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.
- When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.
Plant Care Tips: Green Thumb Not Required
Not only are green and flowering plants a great enhancement to any home or office decor, they are also beneficial to your health. The results of a study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) show that common houseplants are powerful, natural air cleaners. That’s all the more reason why you want to keep your plants healthy with the proper care.
Most plants come with care instructions specified for the type of plant. The Society of American Florists provides these additional general guidelines to keep most green houseplants thriving:
Keep plants in medium-light
locations - out of direct sunlight
Natural light is best, but some plants can also thrive in office fluorescent
light. Most flowering potted plants should be placed in areas with the most
light in order to maintain good flower color and promote the maximum number
of flowers to open. Foliage plants will do well under lower light levels and
can be placed in areas providing reduced light.
Plant soil should be kept
moist at all times
Plants should not be allowed to dry out or wilt. Be careful to avoid overwatering - do not allow plants to stand in water. Avoid
wetting plant leaves.
Avoid excessive heat or cold
Plants should be kept in a cool spot (between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit)
for best performance. They should be kept away from direct sunlight, heating
or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or
radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes plants
to dehydrate.)
7) Holiday dates for two years
| 2007 | 2008 | |
| New Year's Day | Mon, January | Tue Jan 1 |
| Martin Luther King Day | Mon, January 15 | Mon January 21 |
| Lincoln's Birthday | Mon February 12 | Tue February 12 |
| Chinese New Year | Sun February 18 | Thu February 7 |
| Valentine's Day | Wed February 14 | Thu February 14 |
| Ash Wednesday | Wed February 21 | Wed February 6 |
| Orthodox Lent Begins | a February 19 | Mon March 10 |
| President's Day | Mon February 19 | Mon February 18 |
| St. Patrick's Day | Sat March 17 | Mon March 17 |
| Spring Equinox | Wed March 21 | Thu March 20 |
| Palm Sunday | Sun April 1 | Sun March 16 |
| Daylight Savings Begins | A- March 11 | Sun March 9 |
| Purim | Sun Mar 4 | Fri March 21 |
| Good Friday | Fri April 6 | Fri Mar 21 |
| Easter | Sun April 8 | Sun March 23 |
| 1st Day of Pasover | Tue April 3 | Sun April 20 |
| Orthodox Easter | Sun April 8 | Sun April 27 |
| Secretary's Day | Wed April 25 | Wed February 6 |
| Cinco de Mayo | Sat May 5 | Mon May 5 |
| Mother's Day | Sun May 13th | Sun May 11 |
| Victoria Day (Canada) | Mon May 21 | Mon May 19 |
| Memorial Day | Mon May 30 | Mon May 26 |
| Flag Day | Thu June 14 | Sat June 14 |
| Father's Day | Sun June 17 | Sun June 15 |
| Summer Soltice | Thu June 21 | Sat June 21 |
| Canada Day | Sun July 1 | Tue July 1 |
| Independence Day | Wed July 4 | Fri July 4 |
| Civic Holiday (Canada) | Mon August 6 | Mon August 4 |
| Labor Day | Mon September 3 | Mon September 11 |
| 1st Day of Rosh hashanah | Thu September 13 | a September 30 |
| Fall Equinox | Sun September 23 | a September 22 |
| Columbus Day | Mon October 8 | Mon October 13 |
| Thanksgiving Day (Canada) | Mon October 8 | Mon October 13 |
| Yom Kippur | Thu September 7 | Thu October 4 |
| Bosses Day | Tue October 16 | Thu October 16 |
| Halloween | Wed October 31 | Fri October 31 |
| All Saint's Day | Thu November 1 | Sat November 1 |
| Daylight Savings Ends | Sun November 2 | |
| Veteran's Day | Sun November 11 | Tue November 11 |
| Remembrance Day (Canada) | Sun November 11 | Tue November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thu November 22 | Thu November 27 |
| Winter Soltice | Sat December 22 | Sun December 21 |
| Christmas Eve | Mon December 24 | Wed December 24 |
| Christmas Day | Tue December 25 | Thu December 25 |
| 1st Day of Hanukkah | Wed December 5 | Mon December 22 |
| Boxing Day (Canada) | Wed December 26 | Fri December 26 |
| 1st Day of Kwanzaa | Tue December 26 | Fri December 26 |
| New Year's Eve | Mon December 31 | Wed December 31 |
8) How does a wire service work?
Wire services have been a part of the American way of life since about 1917, when a group of florists in western New York State met to find a way to be able to exchange inter-city orders while being assured of payment and quality of flowers delivered. Thus was FTD born.
Today FTD and Teleflora are leaders in this business. Florists join one or both of these organizations and can be assured that their orders will be properly handled. Thanks, of course, to regular inspections of shops and books by teams of representatives. In essence, when you order something for out of town from Cosentino’s we call it in to a florist in that distant city. He fills the order, based on his own pricing. At the end of the month everyone reports to the service all the orders that were filled by his shop, during the month and, thanks to a wonderful computer system that figures discounts and rebates and various charges, every florist gets either a check or a bill.
9) Where Flowers Come From
Imports account for approximately 70% of fresh cut flowers sold in the
a) South America. Since the mid-1970’s, when a group of Colombians
built their first greenhouses, more and more of our flowers come from that
part of the world. Today we import nearly 2 million carnations - - every day
- - from
b)
c)
Around the world. Typically, many of our orchids arrive
from
| Top 6 Import Countries |
Top 6 Growing States |
||
| Cut flowers: |
Cut flowers: |
||
| |
59% |
California |
72% |
| |
19% |
Florida |
5% |
| European Union |
10% |
Washington |
4% |
| |
3% |
Hawaii |
4% |
| |
3% |
Oregon |
3% |
| |
2% |
Michigan |
2% |
10) Why don’t we just send staff out and pick wild flowers? Wouldn’t we be able to lower our prices?
a) Yes, we do sell Golden Rod and daisies that you could simply go out and pick. But, two factors prevent it; the cost of sending an employee out in the van for a trip to the countryside and the time to pick the flowers are primary. It is cheaper to buy them. Those products we bring in to the store from the market are free of insects. They have been greenhouse grown. Some folks might object to insects that might come along with those flowers picked out in the countryside.
11) Where does Cosentino’s get their flowers?
a) Fortunately Cosentino’s is a large enough florist that we do not need to depend solely on local wholesalers. Don’t get us wrong, local wholesalers (Syracuse and Rochester) provide us an important service. But, by “buying direct” we are able to get flowers faster and keep our prices low. We DO use local wholesalers for about half of our flowers. But, we also buy from a shipper in Miami, who air ships to us, from a company in California that FED Ex’s and from a company in Canada that delivers really fresh product to our door 3 times every week. For special needs we might call a friend at the New York Flower market or get it shipped in from a contact in Amsterdam, Holland. The world is our marketplace. It is all these contacts that allow us to have more and different product for you all the time and to meet your special needs. And, thanks to you, our customer, we sell enough flowers every day to make all of this work.
12) What are the State Flowers
Alabama Camellia
Alaska Forget-Me-Not
Arizona Saguaro Cactus
Arkansas Apple Blossom
California Golden Poppy
Colorado Columbine
Connecticut Mountain Laurel
Delaware Peach Blossom
Florida Orange Blossom
Hawaii Yellow Hibiscus
Idaho Syringa
Illinois Native Violet
Indiana Peony
Iowa Wild Rose
Kansas Sunflower
Kentucky Goldenrod
Louisiana White Pine Cone
Maryland Black Eyed Susan
Massachusetts Mayflower
Michigan Apple Blossom
Minnesota Lady Slipper
Mississippi Magnolia
Missouri Hawthorn
Montana Bitterroot
Nebraska Goldenrod
Nevada Sagebrush
New Hampshire Purple Lilac
New Jersey Purple Violet
New Mexico Yucca
New York Rose
North Carolina Dogwood
North Dakota Wild Prairie Rose
Ohio Scarlet Carnation
Oklahoma Mistletoe
Oregon Oregon Grape
Pennsylvania Mountain Laurel
Rhode Island Violet
South Carolina Yellow Jasmine
South Dakota Pasque Flower
Tennessee Iris
Texas Blue Bonnet
Utah Sego Lily
Vermont Red Clover
Virginia Dogwood
Washington Rhododendron
West Virginia Big Rhododendron
Wisconsin Wood violet
Wyoming Indian Paint Brush