Tip: How to Preserve and Repurpose Flowers

Fresh flowers hold special memories. They remind you of the time you spent choosing your wedding flowers to create that perfect centerpiece. They take you back to prom when pinning on a boutonniere seemed like the most daunting task. They signify favorite holidays, exotic travel destinations, and people close to your heart. Because flowers are so sentimental, you always wish you could do something to make them last a little bit longer. Well, you can! Pressing and drying flowers is a great way to preserve them. If you’re not sure how, here’s a quick reminder on how to press and dry flowers.

1. Press Flowers With Books

The most basic way to press flowers is by using books. First, arrange your flowers on a white piece of paper, making sure that they don’t touch. Flowers that touch will stick together after pressing. Then, cover your flowers with another white sheet of paper and place them in a book. Stack more books on top for added weight, and wait two to four weeks for the flowers to press.

2. Press Flowers in the Microwave

If you want to speed up the pressing process, you can also press flowers in the microwave. To do this, cut out two pieces of cardboard. Place three paper towels on the first piece of cardboard and arrange your flowers. Cover the flowers with three more paper towels and the remaining piece of cardboard and rubber band the entire thing together. Microwave for one to two minutes and then let cool for fifteen minutes. Repeat this process until the flowers are pressed and dry.

3. Press Flowers with an Iron

You can also press flowers in about five minutes by using an iron. Place flowers in parchment paper, and place this parchment paper between two paper towels. Then, make sure your iron is free of water and set it to medium heat. Press flowers with iron for ten to fifteen seconds and then let up. Do this continually for about three minutes.

For more information on this process, check out this post on how to press flowers.

4. Air Dry Flowers

If you want to dry flowers instead of pressing them, air drying is the most common method. You should start drying your flowers right after they begin to open. Clean the stems of leaves and then rubber band flowers of the same species together. Each bundle should have about ten flowers. Hang them upside down for two to four weeks, and then they’re ready to use! To better preserve them, you can lightly mist them with hairspray.

5. Dry Flowers in the Microwave

Like with pressing, you can speed up the drying process by using a microwave. For this, you need a desiccant like silica gel or cat litter to absorb moisture. Add some of your desiccant to a microwave-safe bowl, then put your flowers in and add more desiccant until they are covered. Heat in microwave for two minutes and check. If the flowers are not dry, heat in one minute intervals until they are completely dry.

After you’ve preserved flowers, what do you do with them? We’ve put together a visual to show you the variety of ways that pressed and dried flowers can be used to freshen up your beauty routine and decorate your home. Whether you want to maintain the shape of the flowers to create a lasting piece of art or bring out their scent in bath bombs or potpourri, the possibilities are endless. Plus, most of these suggestions are fast, easy, and perfect if your friends are the type that appreciate thoughtful homemade gifts.

Now that you know all of the things that you can do with flowers, maybe you’re next time you’ll get a mixed bouquet with blooms that are good for pressing and drying. Remember, flat flowers like violets, pansies, and geraniums can be pressed best, while more robust flowers like roses are best dried. 

Coupons for Flowers: 

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If you’re not the crafty type, don’t worry, there are other ways that you can repurpose bouquets, like donating them! From Flower Angels USA to Random Acts of Flowers, there are programs all across the country that facilitate flower donations to brighten hospital rooms and cheer up patients, and many will even come and pick them up from your doorstep.

Care Tips for Specific Flowers

ORCHID FLOWER CARE

Orchids are the most complex, advanced and successful family of flowers on the planet, with approximately 25,000 species occurring naturally throughout the world. Orchids are sensitive to sun, heat and drafts, so be sure and display your orchid arrangement away from direct sunlight, heat-generating appliances and fans. Since orchids drink in water not only from their stems but also directly through their blooms, you should also mist them with cool water, especially upon arrival.

Average Lifespan:7 days Seasonality:Year-round

Colors:White, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Burgundy and plenty of

bi-colored varieties.

Shop Orchids


TULIP FLOWER CARE

Tulips are one of the most popular flowers of all time and come in a variety of colors, heights and shapes. Be aware that tulips can grow almost an inch daily, even when cut. Tulips also naturally bend toward the light, so carefully consider placement to avoid a lopsided bouquet. When your tulips first arrive, it is best to keep them in the protective wrap while hydrating for the first 4-5 hours to help straighten and support the stems. Sign Up for a chance to get FREE Flowers at Teleflora.com, click here

Average Lifespan:5 days Seasonality:Year-round

Colors:Red, White, Pink, Fuchsia, Purple, Cream, Orange, Peach,

Yellow and plenty of bi-colored varieties.

December Birth Flower: Narcissus

The narcissus is the December birth flower and symbolizes good wishes, faithfulness and respect. The narcissus can often be confused with the daffodil, the birth flower for March, which is a type of narcissus. Although most narcissus flowers are spring flowers, there are several species that bloom in the winter, such as the paperwhite narcissus — making it appropriate as the birth flower for December.

The December birthday flower has a rich history. As a native of the Mediterranean, the narcissus was brought over to Asia where it became widely cultivated in China. From there, the narcissus made its way into Europe via European colonists and eventually made its way into North America. Today, the narcissus is mainly cultivated in Great Britain, Holland, and The Channel Isles.

Narcissus Meanings and Symbolism

The narcissus flower’s name is derived from Greek mythology. Narcissus was a young hunter who was famed for his attractiveness. He was so attractive that he, himself, was obsessed by his good looks. One day, when looking at his own reflection in pond, he leaned in to take a closer look only to fall in and drown. Therefore, the narcissus is known for being a symbol of vanity in Western culture.

However, in other cultures and organizations around the world, the narcissus carries on different meanings:

• According to the Victorian “Language of Flowers” giving someone a narcissus means that they are “the only one.”
• In Kurdish culture, the narcissus is a symbol of the new year.
• Similarly, in Chinese culture, the narcissus symbolizes the Chinese New Year because it is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. It is also a symbol of wealth and good fortune for the coming year.
• As a symbol of hope, the narcissus has become an emblem for cancer societies around the world.

December Birthstone

Turquoise and zircon are the birthstones of December.

Turquoise is a gemstone that is popular for its color. A symbol of good fortune and success, it is one of the earliest stones used in jewelry — even as early as 5500 BC. Upon excavation, mummified pharaohs have been found adorned with turquoise bracelets, and turquoise beads were found in ancient Mesopotamian ruins. The turquoise is also the national stone of Iran. In Native American culture, the turquoise is called “Chal-cui-hui-tal” which means “the highest and most valued thing in the world,” and is a large part of southwest American culture. Turquoise has a striking blue-green color that is derived from the combination of copper and iron that’s present within the stone.

Zircon is the secondary birthstone for the month of December. It is a mineral that is typically found as deposits in granite and metamorphic rock, and gemstone quality zircon are rare to come by. Zircon colors can range from red to brown and from orange to yellow. In the 1920s, a blue zircon gemstone was created by heating brown and yellow zircons. The most prized color of zircon is the red gemstone.

December Zodiac Horoscope

According to the zodiac horoscope, both the Sagittarius and Capricorn are born in December.

Sagittarians are characterized as optimistic and upbeat. They are always the first to see the positivity in all things and are known for their loyalty. They are also known for their cheerful personalities, as well as for their humor and wit and soliciting joy and laughter from people around them. Favorite hobbies include being outdoors, sightseeing and going on roadtrips. Sagittarians born in December are born between December 1st to December 22nd.

Capricorns are also characterized as highly pragmatic. They are known as being ambitious and will strive for perfection. Although they can sometimes be blunt when it comes to expressing their opinions, Capricorns have an easy temperament and are excellent at maintaining their composure. Similarly, they are great listeners and are dependable friends. Capricorns born in December are born between December 23rd to December 31st.

Famous Birthdays In December

• Louis Pasteur, French physician and the “Father of microbiology, December 27, 1822
• Georges Seurat, French post-Impressionist painter, December 2, 1859
• Woody Allen, Oscar-winning director, December 1, 1935
• Jane Fonda, American actress, December 21, 1937
• Gianni Versace, fashion designer, December 2, 1946

Do you have a December birthday, or know someone that does? From beautiful bouquets to gourmet birthday treats, check out our selection of truly thoughtful birthday gift ideas! 

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Bouquets Hand Arranged by a Local Florist

We are proud to offer beautiful hand-arranged bouquets and fast, reliable delivery by one of our local florists located across the US and Canada. Every Teleflora order is sent to a local florist as we believe that supporting our local businesses strengthens our communities. Our fresh bouquets are delivered in a vase, ready to be enjoyed immediately; unlike other companies, we never pack the arrangement in a box to be shipped across the country. That's the Teleflora difference!
Send Fresh Flowers for Every Occasion

With Teleflora, you can buy cheerful birthday blooms, thoughtful Mother's Day arrangements, romantic Valentine's Day bouquets and more. We offer a large selection for sympathy and funeral, including funeral bouquets, casket sprays and sympathy floral baskets for the home. With a huge variety of everyday arrangements, bestselling plants, centerpieces for a special party, wreaths and trees for a Christmas celebration, floral baskets and gourmet food baskets - you'll be sure to find the perfect gift for anyone on your list. You can shop for arrangements by type – does your recipient love Roses, Carnations, Daisies, Tulips or Lilies? You can shop by occasion, make a beeline for Best Sellers, or use our recipient guide to help you find the perfect gift. If you need help writing cards & messages our guide can help you pen the perfect sentiment. For ideas & inspiration, visit the meaning of flowers glossary.

Same Day Flower Delivery

Teleflora has been providing high quality services that have made people smile for the last 81 years. Sending gifts is easy with Teleflora, order online from your desktop, tablet or phone. If you need same-day flower delivery, be sure to place your order before 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, or by 12:00 PM on Saturday or Sunday (in your recipient's time zone) and we will deliver the arrangement the very same day.
Teleflora Bouquets Make A Wonderful Gift

Teleflora's celebrated Flowers-in-a-Gift collection includes arrangements that arrive in ceramic mugs, teacups, pitchers, mercury glass bowls or many other unique containers. Our unique Teleflora keepsakes are exclusive vases and containers that can be enjoyed for years to come. Shop our exclusive Collections to view elegant and artistic bouquets curated by our expert florists to fit a specific theme and occasion.
Order Flowers Online for the Best Deal

Looking for the best online promotions and deals? Send a Deal of the Day bouquet and feel confident knowing a local floral designer will create an unforgettable arrangement with their own signature style and flair. Designs will vary as our artisan florists work with the freshest, in-season blooms and their own personal inspiration - but you can be sure your bouquet will delight!

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Say Happy Birthday with Flowers at Teleflora.com

Say Happy Birthday with Flowers

Brighten their day with a perfect flower arrangement for the occasion. From a flower birthday cake arrangement to the Present Perfect collection featuring fresh flowers in cute gift boxes wrapped in tissue paper and ribbon, you can find exactly what you are looking for to get that special someone. We have birthday flowers for him and birthday arrangements for her, plus gifts for occasions like a Sweet 16 or Quinceanera. For an extra birthday treat, you can add an adorable stuffed animal, a box of luscious chocolates, or a balloon.

Give Birthday flower gifts for from $29.99 at Teleflora! http://coupon4share.com/store/teleflora.com

Teleflora's birthday flower arrangements come in all price ranges and are made up of multiple types of flowers, giving you ultimate shopping flexibility to find this year's birthday gifts. So, whether you'd like to send a dozen roses, an orchid flower, or a posy of pink and lavender blossoms, our florists are sure to offer the perfect birthday floral arrangement flowers for everyone in your life.

Need same-day flower delivery? Place your order before 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, or by 12:00 PM on Saturday or Sunday (in your recipient's time zone) and we can deliver your flowers that day. When you check out of your shopping cart, remember to set up a gift reminder so that next year you can wish them "Happy Birthday" with another magnificent birthday flower delivery from Teleflora!

How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh & Teleflora coupon code

Everyone loves having fresh flowers in their home, but it can be a real bummer when that bouquet you received from your significant other begins drooping after just three days. It’s even more difficult to keep your flowers looking perky and healthy when the weather is hot – especially without central air conditioning. However, there are a few ways to preserve those flowers for a few extra days:

Put Cut Flowers in the Refrigerator

Nobody is marveling at the beauty of your bouquets overnight, so stick them in the refrigerator! Like putting your fruits and veggies in the fridge keeps them fresher longer, the same goes for your flowers. Think about it – florists tend to store their flowers in large fridges, so why wouldn’t the same concept work for you? Clean out an area of your fridge and keep your bouquet fresh for up to four days longer than a non-treated bouquet!

Drop A Penny in the Flower Vase

Copper is a known antibacterial agent, and the bacteria that multiplies in the water is a contributor to the breakdown of cut flowers. Simply putting a penny in the vase protects the flowers from some of the bacteria, keeping them fresh for longer. Pairing this method with the refrigerator, your flowers will stay fresher for days.

Don’t Place Cut Flowers in Direct Sunlight

While your flowers need a little bit of sunlight, we tend to overestimate how much is necessary. They aren’t actively growing anymore, so sunlight isn’t as beneficial as it is when the flowers are still rooted in the ground. When you have cut flowers, their needs change – with temperature being a much bigger factor. For example, putting your flowers on a windowsill with direct sunlight tends to be hot. As you can deduce from the fact that your fridge keeps your flowers fresh, supplying them with extra heat won’t. Not only will this sun make the water deplete quicker, but it can even cause the vibrant colors on the petals fade as well. You should keep your bouquet away from heating vents too and away from the fruit that you keep on the counter – the gases released from the fruit can cause some flowers to wilt quicker.

Maintain Your Cut Flowers

Something as simple as trimming the stems every couple of days can go a long way. This takes off the dying ends of the flowers, so they can absorb more water. Be sure to cut them diagonally. In addition, you should also change the water daily or every other day, depending on the state of the flowers. Use lukewarm water for regular flowers, but cold water for bulb flowers. Sterilize the vase between fills as well. If you have a variety bouquet, like A Little Pink Me Up, there’s a good chance that some of the flowers will die earlier than others. If this is the case, remove the dead ones and pick out the leaves that have fallen into the water. Eliminating these from the bouquet will limit the amount of bacteria in the water.

Don’t Use the Entire Flower Food Packet

If your bouquet came with a packet of food, don’t use it all at once. Every time you change the water, sprinkle a little bit more in. This flower food typically consists of sugar, an acidifier, and bleach. If your bouquet didn’t come with flower food, never fear! You can make your own with a little sugar, citrus juice, and bleach.

Just a little maintenance will keep your flowers looking brand new, letting you enjoy them for more days that you could have imagined!

Exclusively for NEW customers: Save $10 OFF on $50+ bouquets with Teleflora coupon code. Offer valid through 7/31/2016. Click here

Flower Delivery from Teleflora with Coupon Code 2016

Bouquets Hand Arranged by a Local Florist

We are proud to offer beautiful hand-arranged bouquets and fast, reliable delivery by one of our local florists located across the US and Canada. Every Teleflora order is sent to a local florist as we believe that supporting our local businesses strengthens our communities.  Our fresh bouquets are delivered in a vase, ready to be enjoyed immediately; unlike other companies, we never pack the arrangement in a box to be shipped across the country. That's the Teleflora difference! Use Teleflora Coupon Code for 20% OFF Deal of the Day! Never miss such a chance! Valid until July 31.2016!Use Teleflora Coupon Code for 20% OFF Deal of the Day! Never miss such a chance! Valid until July 31.2016!

Send Fresh Flowers for Every Occasion

With Teleflora, you can buy cheerful birthday blooms, thoughtful Mother's Day arrangements, romantic Valentine's Day bouquets and more.  We offer a large selection for sympathy and funeral, including funeral bouquets, casket sprays and sympathy floral baskets for the home.  With a huge variety of everyday arrangements, bestselling plants, centerpieces for a special party, wreaths and trees for a Christmas celebration, floral baskets and gourmet food baskets - you'll be sure to find the perfect gift for anyone on your list.  You can shop for arrangements by type – does your recipient love Roses, Carnations, Daisies, Tulips or Lilies?  You can shop by occasion, make a beeline for Best Sellers, or use our recipient guide to help you find the perfect gift.  If you need help writing cards & messages our guide can help you pen the perfect sentiment.  For ideas & inspiration, visit the meaning of flowers glossary.

Same Day Flower Delivery

Teleflora has been providing high quality services that have made people smile for the last 81 years. Sending gifts is easy with Teleflora, order online from your desktop, tablet or phone. If you need same-day flower delivery, be sure to place your order before 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, or by 12:00 PM on Saturday or Sunday (in your recipient's time zone) and we will deliver the arrangement the very same day.

Teleflora Bouquets Make A Wonderful Gift

Teleflora's celebrated Flowers-in-a-Gift collection includes arrangements that arrive in ceramic mugs, teacups, pitchers, mercury glass bowls or many other unique containers.  Our unique Teleflora keepsakes are exclusive vases and containers that can be enjoyed for years to come.  Shop our exclusive Collections to view elegant and artistic bouquets curated by our expert florists to fit a specific theme and occasion.

Order Flowers Online for the Best Deal

Looking for the best online promotions and deals? Send a Deal of the Day bouquet and feel confident knowing a local floral designer will create an unforgettable arrangement with their own signature style and flair. Designs will vary as our artisan florists work with the freshest, in-season blooms and their own personal inspiration - but you can be sure your bouquet will delight! 

How to Build A Summer Garden

Whether you want to have access to your own gorgeous flowers every day or just want a pleasant reason to get outside and tend to your plants, flower beds are a great option. While flower gardens take some work to start, they’re relatively low maintenance throughout the summer months. Here are a few tips for getting your garden started:

Choosing A Garden Location
In order for your garden to flourish, you have to plant in the proper location in your yard. Flowers require different amounts of sun, so check out your flowers’ preferences before you start any planting. If your yard gets sun all day, then make sure you pick out flowers that can tolerate that much sunlight. If your garden location is more shaded, there are plenty of plant options that will flourish in the shade. If you want to go the extra mile, plant some shade loving veggies and really give your green thumb a test. It’s also handy to plant your garden in a location your hose can reach to make watering easy during the hot summer days.

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Prep Your Garden Soil
Be sure the soil in your future flower bed isn’t too sticky or sandy so your flower’s roots are able to absorb moisture and drain properly. To prepare the soil, add a couple inches of organic matter to the space you want to become your garden. Try some lawn clippings, compost or old leaves and till it into your soil. You want to make sure the soil is moist enough to form a ball in your first but falls apart if you drop it. Digging when the dirt is too dry or wet can ruin the structure, and it won’t be a good enough conductor of moisture to nourish your plant’s roots.

The Difference Between Perennials and Annuals
When shopping for flowers to plant, pay attention to whether they are perennials or annuals. Each type has its own benefits, but it’s best for a gardener to know what to expect from his or her plants. They each require different types of care as well.

• Perennials: Perennials are best for people who don’t want to spend a whole lot of time tending to their flowers. Their root system stays alive through the off-season, and they grow back every year with little maintenance. However, perennials tend to have a much shorter bloom period than annuals do and may not even bloom the first year that you plant them because they’re getting established in the soil in the garden.
• Annuals: Annuals need a bit more care than perennials do. They may require you to water, fertilize and sheer them more frequently. However, they usually stay in bloom all summer, as true fruits of your labor. They also work very well in pots if you don’t have enough space to plant a full garden.

Use Plants or Seeds for Your Garden?
There’s no shame in planting flowers that have already grown! Not only does this allow you to bask in fully bloomed foliage all summer long, but it’s also less time-consuming than nursing plants from little seeds. However, if you want that sense of pride that comes along with seeing the entire cycle of a plant’s life, you can purchase seeds at your local farmer’s market or nursery. Just be sure to closely follow your seed’s instructions to ensure the flowers bloom successfully. If you’re planting your entire garden from scratch, never let your seedlings dry out. Water them every day, unless it rains.

If maintaining a garden is too much or you just don’t have the space, check out Teleflora’s bestselling plants or zen succulents! You can easily create a low maintenance indoor garden to suffice your nature needs.