History of Floral Design

Every year on the last day of February (the 28th) we celebrate Floral Design Day, specifically set aside to recognize the creativity, innovation, ingenuity, and imaginative abilities of floral designers everywhere.

To honor the day, we're doing a quick look-back over the history of floral design, and the most important developments in the industry.

Egyptian Period (2800 B.C. to 28 B.C.)

> Flowers used as temple offerings, table centerpieces for banquets, or garlands and wreaths
> Common flowers: roses, poppies, and lotus blossoms
> Simplistic style we might call minimalism (clean lines, not a lot of clutter or clusters)

Greek Period (600 to 150 B.C.)

> Flowers used as adornments in garlands and wreaths
> Sometimes scattered on ground for ceremonies or events
> Common flowers: roses, hyacinth, iris, and lilies
> Cornucopia introduced, often shown with flowers spilling out to represent fruitfulness
> Most popular design styles: triangular and symmetrical

Roman Period (28 B.C. to 325 A.D.)

> More elaborate (yet!) wreaths, crowns, and garlands
> Used cornucopias and baskets as containers
> Fragrance an important focus

Byzantine Period (320 to 600 A.D.)

> Added fruit to flower arrangements
> Popular containers: goblets or large baskets
> Often used either mainly warm or cool colored flowers with other accent colors (for example, blue and purple with orange or yellow)

Baroque Period (1600 to 1775 A.D.)

> Development of the Hogarth Curve, S-curve design with flowers, by William Hogarth, English painter

French Baroque and French Rococo (18th Century)

> Symmetrical designs and the topiary became popular
> Common design styles: crescent shape or arc

English Georgian Period (1714-1760)

> Flowers used for fragrance in small, cramped houses of the period
> Development of the nosegay (also called the tussy-mussy)

Victorian Period (1820-1901)

> Language of flowers (meanings according to color or type of flower)
> Lavish, even over-the-top, designs
> Common flowers: tulips, dahlias, anemones, asters, and especially roses.

Colonial Williamsburg (1740-1780)

> Mixed floral bouquets
> Garden flowers (anemones, roses, lilies, tulips, daisies, sunflowers, snapdragons)
> Fan-shaped styles
> Fine, feathery material (grasses and foliage) used as finishing accents around the design
> Dried flowers and other materials used during fall and winter months

Modern Period (1910 to Present)

> Combination of European massed design style and Oriental line design
> Development of flower shows
> Popularity of "Dutch Style" (naturalistic garden-style design with parallel lines)
> Popularity of hand-tied bouquets with tropical flowers and other mixed blooms

Thanks to Serenity Stitchworks for its extensive research on the history of floral design.

Upcoming Bridal Show This Sunday

Greetings, customers, clients, and brides!

We at Paul Wood Florist in Old Town Fort Collins would like to invite you to join us at the 8th annual Starry Nights & Twinkle Lights Bridal Show at the Tapestry House in Laporte on Sunday, February 23.

The show runs from twelve noon to four o'clock and will feature an array of booths by various wedding vendors from florists to caterers to musicians to officiants to photographers and everything in between.

At our booth, our Paul Wood Florist wedding designer will have on display floral bouquets in a variety of popular colors, from purples and greens to coral and even aqua.

We're showcasing bouquets in themes from wildflower to rustic chic to formal elegance, and hand-tied style as well as formal cascade style.

We'll also have a number of rental items available to look at that you can use as part of your table decor.

Register here to attend the show, and look for our wedding designer, Sue Charles, at our booth this Sunday, to answer all your questions and discuss ways we can make your dream wedding come true!

National Chocolate Mint Day

If you're thinking that Paul Wood Florist in Old Town Fort Collins is the last place on earth to look for chocolates of any kind --- let alone with mint --- then you're missing out!

Come in today to browse our selection of specialty chocolates, including boxed mint chocolates, and celebrate National Chocolate Mint Day with us.

You might even find that a flower or two, with your chocolates, will sweeten the deal!

Celebrate "Random Acts of Kindness Day" with Flowers

According to the calendar, today is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Why not celebrate by buying flowers, a plant, or a dish garden for someone? Deliver them yourself, or have us deliver them to maintain your anonymity.

Think of today as a kind of pay-it-forward opportunity, as when the person in line ahead of you at the coffee shop buys your coffee for you, and you do the same for the person behind you. One act of kindness, however random and unexpected, can trigger so much more.

Call or visit Paul Wood Florist in Old Town Fort Collins today to trigger kindness for someone!

Valentine's Day Hours at Paul Wood Florist

Today is the day to celebrate love and romance! Thank you for joining us on our count-down to V-Day. We hope to see you in the shop soon!

Our hours today have been extended from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., to ensure that you have plenty of time to get in and pick up your orders or purchase something for your loved one(s).

Happy Valentine's Day!

1 Day to V-Day: Offerings Besides Floral Arrangements

With fewer than 24 hours to Valentine's Day, we want to tell you about other offerings we have available for purchase, besides flower arrangements, at Paul Wood Florist in Old Town Fort Collins.

This year, in addition to flower arrangements, we're offering . . .

> a wide selection of loose flower stems from which to create your own bouquet;

> wrapped single roses of all colors, with or without filler and greens;

> mixed hand-tied bouquets in all colors and price ranges, priced without a vase;

> green and blooming plants, and an array of available containers from which to choose; and

> dish gardens, in baskets or ceramic containers.

Keep these other options in mind, for the non-typical loved one in your life.

The time is now! Join us in celebrating love and romance!

2 Days to V-Day: Extras to Order with Your Flowers

Valentine's Day is the day after tomorrow. What if you remember that you need a little something extra to go with your flowers for your loved one?

Paul Wood Florist can help. Call or come in and make us your one-stop shop for all your Valentine's Day needs. We carry:

> Valentine's Day cards

> Balloons (Mylar, latex, and bouquets)

> Plush animals

> Chocolates

They say that the devil is in the details. Celebrate your loved ones in style, and let Paul Wood take care of the details!

3 Days to V-Day: How to Make Your Flowers Last

At three days out from Valentine's Day, it's important to remember that your flowers will last much longer with proper care and handling. The following Q&A is compiled by Chrysal Premium Flower Care.


Q: Why should I cut off 1-2 inches and lose stem length when 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch will do?

A: 75-85% of bacteria, organic matter, and germs are lodged in the bottom 1-2 inches of stem. It's important to open the stem tissue with a fresh cut so the solution can flow freely.


Q: Johnny put the flower packet on his Cheerios like sugar. Will he die?

A: Sachets are primarily sugar, but regardless, they are not recommended for human consumption.


Q: Is it necessary to rinse a vase before using it if it has been stored dry or never been used?

A: Yes. Dust and germs float around and settle on everything. It's the same concept as pulling rarely-used wine glasses out of the cupboard: you wash and maybe even polish them first.


Q: What are the two biggest flow-blockers that affect roses?

A: Bacteria and air bubbles.


Here's the bottom line.

1. Chrysal and flower food alone will not keep your flowers fresh, especially if you don't change the water in your arrangement.

2. Change the water in your arrangement every other day, or as soon as the water turns cloudy. You can even set the vase in a sink and run water into the vase for a few minutes until all the old water is washed out over the sides of the vase and the water is clear again. Remember to dry the outside of the vase before you set it back in the middle of your varnished oak table.

3. If you can remove the arrangement from the vase without destroying the design, wash the vase (inside and out) before you refill it with fresh water.

4. If you're comfortable with it, give flowers a fresh cut every three or four days. With a rose arrangement, it's easiest to remove each rose one at a time from the vase, cut off an inch of stem from the bottom, and return the rose to the vase before removing another. With smaller arrangements, you can sometimes gather all the flowers together in your hand, remove them from the vase, cut off an inch from the bottom of all the stems, and carefully return the flowers to the vase. Use a sharp pair of clippers or pruners, or even a good pair of scissors to make the cut; using anything blunted or dull will crush the flower stems and prevent them from drawing water.

4 Days to V-Day: Reminders

Paul Wood Florist is kicking off Valentine's Week in Old Town Fort Collins!

Remember to order early, and even arrange to pick up early, so you can be absolutely sure that your loved one gets the flowers he or she wants most.

Many of our popular flower varieties sell very quickly, and we have hundreds of customers this week, so don't wait until the last minute. Call or come in to the shop, or visit our website here to place your orders early.

Also remember that you can include an add-on (or two, or three . . .) with your flowers. Keep in mind things like boxed luxury chocolates, romantic cards, plush stuffed animals, and an assortment of other gift items, available at our store.

Doesn't your loved one deserve to spend the whole week celebrating love and romance? Don't wait until Friday to send flowers: declare your love right now!

5 Days to V-Day: Red Flowers (At Last)

For those of you who are traditionalists at heart, you've probably considered and dismissed all the other color options we've showcased so far in our countdown to Valentine's Day. That's okay. Sometimes the only way to say "I love you" is through red flowers, which is our focal point for today, the 5-day mark until Valentine's Day.

Red flowers, Teleflora says, indicate energy and power, both of which channel together with love to become a symbol of passion, love, and desire. A bouquet or arrangement of red flowers is the utmost in romance, and if your sweetheart is more traditional, think these flowers when you think Valentine's Day gifts:

> Alstroemeria (image courtesy of wholeblossoms.com)

> Anemone (image courtesy of shutterstock.com)

> Carnations (image courtesy of fiftyflowers.com)

> Gerbera daisies (image courtesy of fiftyflowers.com)

> Hypericum berries (image courtesy of fiftyflowers.com)

> Roses (image courtesy of wholeblossoms.com)

> Tulips (image courtesy of teleflora.com)

Note: It's best to order well in advance of the holiday rush so you can ensure that you get the flowers that will make your Valentine's Day as perfect as possible.

Disclaimer: Not all flowers pictured may be available. Always call to inquire for availability of specific flowers and colors. 

7 Days to V-Day: Featured 2014 V-Day Designs

We've got one week until Valentine's Day. That's 168 hours, or 10,080 minutes left, which isn't much time.

Today, we're highlight our 2014 featured Valentine's Day arrangements. These offerings are newly created by our designers at Paul Wood Florist in Old Town Fort Collins, and we wanted all of you to have the first opportunity to view and order them.

Admiration

Country Girl

Fifty Shades of Passion

First Love

Inferno

Love in the Air

Each of these designs is available on our website for you to order. Simply click on any of the arrangement names above to go directly to the ordering page for that arrangement.

And remember: the earlier, the better in terms of ordering and picking up or having your designs delivered!

10 Days to V-Day: Pink Flowers

There are more shades of pink than can be numbered, and flowers come in most of those shades. To kick off the 10-day mark until Valentine's Day, we're looking at the color pink.

Teleflora reports that pink flowers represent femininity, grace, and happiness, as well as innocence and joyfulness. Anything pink tends to be the second-most popular color (next to red) to send to a loved one as a symbol of romance and endurance. If you're looking for something softer and slightly less traditional than red, look at these pink choices:

> Alstroemeria (image courtesy of teleflora.com)

> Carnations (both images courtesy of fiftyflowers.com)

> Gerbera daisies (both images courtesy of wholeblossoms.com)

> Roses (top image courtesy of fiftyflowers.com; middle image courtesy of wholeblossoms.com; bottom image courtesy of flowermuse.com)

> Stargazer lilies (image courtesy of photobucket.com)

> Stock (both images courtesy of fiftyflowers.com)

Note: It's best to order well in advance of the holiday rush so you can ensure that you get the flowers that will make your Valentine's Day as perfect as possible.

Disclaimer: Not all flowers pictured may be available. Always call to inquire for availability of specific flowers and colors. 

12 Days to V-Day: Tropical Flowers (Bonus!)

If you've been following the blog for the past few weeks, you know that we've been counting down every fifth day to Valentine's Day (V-Day) with a different flower color, its meaning and significance, and sample flowers that come in that color.

Today, we're tossing in a bonus post to kick off the twelfth day until V-Day, and we're covering tropical flowers, in all their unique glory.

Tropicals are the utmost in contemporary and modern, for the loved one in your love who is decidedly different from everybody else. Think high-style, chic, and unexpected. If you want to make a statement both sophisticated and exotically vibrant, choose a design that includes tropicals, or a design that is nothing but tropicals. Even tropical foliage comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

No one who receives a tropical arrangement for Valentine's Day (or any other occasion) will ever be bored studying the design!

When you think tropicals, think of these possibilities, in an array of colors:

> Anthurium (image courtesy of wholeblossoms.com)

> Bird of paradise (image courtesy of teleflora.com)

> Dendrobium orchids (both images courtesy of wholeblossoms.com)

> Ginger (image courtesy of wholeblossoms.com)

> Heliconia (image courtesy of heliconias.net)

> Protea (top image courtesy of wholeblossoms.com; bottom courtesy of fiftyflowers.com)

Note: It's best to order well in advance of the holiday rush so you can ensure that you get the flowers that will make your Valentine's Day as perfect as possible.

Disclaimer: Not all flowers pictured may be available. Always call to inquire for availability of specific flowers and colors.