5 Reasons to Send Flowers

5 reasons to send flowers… Just because…  I love you…     I care…    It’s Thursday…    Your cat purrs …. The sun it shining…  You love me…

Flowers put a smile on your face…. Flowers make the receiver feel special, loved, considered, thought of, appreciated, adored, and worth your time. Who wouldn’t smile when they received flowers from you?

Flowers are like butter…with no calories! Women are just funny creatures… they like to be buttered up…Women love to be spoiled… treated like a queen…and to receive love through flowers! However, once women are butter… they melt!

Flowers talk. Sometimes it’s hard to express your feelings or you’re too far away to let others know how you feel. A bouquet of flowers can express what you cannot and also shorten the distance while separated.

Flowers show support. Sometimes a friends just needs a little reminder that you’ll be an open ear or a shoulder to cry on during the rough times. It’s also a good way to say that you’ll be there through the thick and thin.

Random Acts of Flowers are a great way to show kindness whether its for the neighbor, the teenage babysitter, a volunteer or stranger. It’s twice as nice when it’s random because it’ll make you feel nice too!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make someone’s day! Send Flowers!

Corsages of Yesterday and Today

Why do women (and some men) wear corsages?

        Historical portraits show single flower or a crown of flowers worn in a woman's hair. These as well as the crown of flowers that men wore, are the earliest corsages. Later photos show women with large cumbersome, and ackward bouquets of flowers off the shoulder or on a gown. Today’s corsage, worn on the shoulder, wrist, ankle, purse, shoe, or finger is lighter and easier to wear.

Corsages are worn for weddings, proms, formal events, Mother's Day, holidays, semi-formal occasions, memorials, graduations, anniversaries, award banquets, or for other special occasions. They are created with fresh, silk, or dried flowers, ferns, and ribbons. Depending on the situation and wearer’s style, they can be creative, elegant and/or fun.

In weddings, the corsage identifies members or family of the wedding party. In the past, mothers and grandmothers wore magnolia corsages that set them apart from other wedding members. Today, females may or may not wear corsages that match the bridal flowers. Some wedding corsages match the wedding colors rather than the bridal flowers and others are completely styled to the person, clothing color, or bridal choice.

Graduation corsages are usually symbolic of the class theme, color or motto. In the past they were always fresh flowers so that they could be “dried” for the baby book or scrap book. Today they are often silk so that class members can make them weeks in advance and for the ease of preservation for scrapbooks.

The Mother's Day corsage is usually an orchid, which represents love, beauty and strength as a sign of respect. It is usually matched to the color or the mother’s dress.

A Mother-to-be is honored with a corsage that is usually pink or blue for the baby's gender. If the gender is unknown, a pink/blue combo, green, or yellow is often used. Baby shower flowers are usually pastel colors.

Groups often wear corsages to symbolize patriotism, a memorial, awareness or their convictions to a cause. The flowers are often symbolic to the cause as well as the ribbons used to decorate the corsage. Causes are often identified by a color:

* Pink is most commonly associated with breast cancer awareness, birth parents, and childhood cancer awareness (alternative color: light blue)

* Yellow is known for support of our troops, MIA/POW, suicide prevention, adoptive parents, amber alerts, bladder cancer, spina bifida, endometriosis, and a general symbol for hope. A yellow ribbon with a heart is used to represent the survivors left behind after a suicide.

*Red is most commonly associated with the fight against AIDS and HIV, heart disease, stroke, substance abuse, MADD, DARE, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

*Burgandy is know for support of brain aneurysm, Cesarean section, headaches, hemangioma, vascular malformation, hospice care, multiple myeloma, William's syndrome, Thrombophilia, Antiphospholid Antibody Syndrome, and adults with disabilities

*The Purple color is a symbol of pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, domestic violence, ADD, alzheimer's, religious tolerance, animal abuse, the victims of 9/11 including the police and firefighters, Crohn's disease and colitis, cystic fibrosis, lupus, leimyosarcoma, and fibromyalgia

*The Lavender colors symbolizes general cancer awareness as well as epilepsy, and rett syndrome

*Periwinkle is a symbol of eating disorders and pulmonary hypertension

*Blue is a symbol of drunk driving, child abuse, Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), the victims of hurricane Katrina, dystonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), alopecia, Education, Epstein-Barr Virus, Save the Music, colon cancer (alternative ribbon color: brown), colorectal cancer (alternative ribbon color: brown), and anti-tobacco - particularly anti-second hand smoke (in Canada; alternative ribbon color: brown), I Love Clean Air

*Dark Blue symbolizes arthritis, child abuse prevention, victim's rights, free speech, water quality, and water safety

*Light Blue is a symbol of childhood cancer (alternative color: pink), prostate cancer, Trisomy 18, and scleroderma

*Teal is a symbol for ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers as well as sexual assault, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and tsunami victims

Green symbolizes childhood depression, missing children, open records for adoptees, environmental concerns, kidney cancer, tissue/organ donation, homeopathy, and worker and driving safety

*Orange is know for  leukemia, hunger, cultural diversity, humane treatment of animals, and self-injury awareness

*White is a symbol of innocence, victims of terrorism, violence against women, peace, right to life, bone cancer, adoptees, and retinal blastoma

*Pearl is a symbol for emphysema, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and multiple sclerosis

*Black is a symbol of mourning, melanoma, and gang prevention

*Brown symbolizes anti-tobacco symbol as well as a symbol of colon cancer (alternative ribbon color: blue), colorectal cancer (alternative ribbon color: blue)

*Grey is a symbol of diabetes, asthma, and brain cancer

*Silver Ribbon is a symbol for children with disabilities, Parkinson's disease, and mental illnesses such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders.

*Gold symbolizes childhood cancer and 50^th anniversary

*Lace ribbon and Queen’s Anne’s Lace is a symbol for osteoporosis

Pink and Blue together symbolize miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death due to SIDS or other causes

*Red, white, and blue used together symboize both the victims and heros of the 9/11 attacks, as well as patriotism and support of our troops and fireworks safety.

*Rainbow Colors symbolize gay pride and support for the GLBT community and their quest for equal rights.

Easter Cactus ... a poorly timed Christmas Cactus?

The Easter cactus, a symbol of rebirth, is often identified as a Christmas cactus with poor timing. It isn’t confused because of the time change or leap year… it is a tropical cactus that blooms during the Easter holiday. As a jungle cactus, it can stand more humidity and water than a desert cactus.

Besides blooming time, there is also a slight difference in the leaves. An Easter cactus has leaves that are wide and round and trimmed with a red tint. The Christmas cactus' leaves are pointed. Both plants’ leaves are joined together to form a long stem that produces flowers.

The Easter star-shaped cactus flowers can be red, pink yellow, white, or purple and have sharp or rounded edges.

Most Easter cactus are considered to be a house plant. It can only survive outdoors with a  hardiness zone of 10 and 11, including are of southern California, Hawaii and Mexico.

The care of the Easter cactus is much like that of the Christmas cactus. Both species require cool temperatures and reduced watering until the flower buds form. During bloom time, the cactus should be watered regularly so that the soil does not dry out. Do not fertilize the plants when they are blooming because this will interfere with flowering.

After Easter, the cactus should be given about a 30-day rest. Place it in a cool room and provide limited water. It's normal for a few leaves to be drop off during this time.

Want to share you plant with others? Propagate new plants by taking cuttings of cactus branches. Let the cuttings dry out overnight before planting them in cactus soil and you'll have a new Easter cactus plant.

The meaning of carnation colors

 

Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. The term "Dianthus" can be approximately translated to "flower of love" or "flower of the gods."

Each color of carnation has a meaning:

Light red carnations can signal admiration between lovers or those who mutually respect one another.

Dark red carnations convey deep love, passion and affection.

White carnations traditionally convey a pure love between lovers, family, or friends. They are also  symbolic of innocence, faithfulness,  gratitude and good luck.

Pink carnations usually represent motherly or sisterly love.

Purple carnations express unpredictability, spontaneity and capriciousness, power, luxury, and spiritual fulfillment. They are often used for ceremonial arrangements.

Yellow carnations reflect rejection, disdain or disappointment. They are not often paired with other colors.

 

Green carnations represent health, resilience, good fortune and youth,"

Solid colored carnations imply an affirmative response.

Striped carnations convey regret or refusal of an offer. They are often paired with a “loving” carnation as a kinder way of declining a lover’s affection.

January 2012

Thank you for your patronage in 2011.

Each year we strive to add new product to our current quality line and continue to give you quality service.

We will continue to accept orders on-line at our website  http://www.coppercountryflowers.com/ .
We will also continue to accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and Pay Pal as forms of payment. If your time is as hectic as many these days, shop our on-line store 24-7! shop.coppercountryflowers.com

Now that the snow has blanketed our world... check your houseplants for bugs! If you find gnats, bugs, or sacs, give us a call and we'll send you a homemade organic recipe from one of our wholesalers. Also, remove all deadleaves from the soil and fertilize as recommended.

Despite, recent reports, icy cold faucet water and ice cubs are not the best option for hydrating your plants. It can actually cause black rot in gloxinias and white rings on the leaves of African violets. Tepid or warm water is a much better option.

We look forward to helping you with your flower and plant purchases in the coming year. Please call if we can help advise what to buy or how to take care of it!

Jen and the Kukka Crew

Perennial Grave Care

If you just don't have time, energy, or ability to take care of your grave lot, let us help you out.

We place silk or fresh plants on graves in the Spring and remove them in the fall.

We water and weed fresh planters during the summer.

Ribbons of endearment are available to complement the planter.

We deliver to all cemeteries in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties.

Why stress when we can do the work for you?

 

Memorial Day Grave Flowers

Soon the snow will all be melted and flowers will be popping up all over the cemeteries. The Kukkakauppa offers planters and silk arrangements and delivery to local cemeteries. Personalized ribbons can be added for a nominal charge.

 Sillk hydrangea with blue bow ...
 perfect for anyone who loves blue.

Yellows, pinks, and whites offer a feminine touch in silks.

        Purple and orange "pop" for any memorial.

Hydrangea offer a true summer dream with pleasant memories.

Spring Time!

It's Spring... you can hear the birds chirping and see the snow melting... literally as it runs down the road ditches! The thought of digging into a garden and watching crocus, daffodils, and tulips blossom makes me want to plow the remaining snow off the gardens and lay a cold frame over them. 'tis the time of year when the gray-brown snow makes you yearn for the green grass.

With Spring comes proms in the high schools, weddings across the Copper Country, memorial services for those who passed on over the winter, and Easter! We're gearing up for all of them!

PROM DRESS SWAP.... a fundraiser for Calumet High School Band

The first annual prom dress swap was held in Calumet a couple weeks back. The girls excitedly tried on dresses at the historic Miscowabik Club (miscowaubik.org) while vendors, (such as the Kukkakauppa,) hawked their wares. From free "up-dos" at three salons, jewelry, tanning options, teeth whitening, tux options, and of course flowers.... the girls had the option to see/feel what Prom 2011 promises to offer!



A simple peruvian lily with leaves and bow adds grace to the prom dress.

A Daisy a Day... with ribbons and buttons, even the most simple daisy corsage adds smiles, warmth, and happiness to the prom-goer.

  Purple Monte Casino and a purple zebra print ribbon adds excitement to any dress!

Pretty in pink or any other color of rose... romance and a zebra ribbon in matching colors offers the fun of the wild side!

Sarah tries on a "hot" orange and purple dress with large gemstones across the bodice. How fun! Did she buy it? Or did sh choose one of the others she tried on???














SPRING WEDDINGS

Purple Passion. Less expensive carnations fill out a bouquet with more expensive calla lillies. Focus on the gorgeous callas and the you don't even realise your grandmother's carnations are what make them "pop".








Amorous Red and White gerbera daisies show their wilds side with bear grass circling the bouquet. Gerbera diaises come in many colors...pink, magenta, red, burgandy, white, yellow, orange, peach, rust, cream, and bicolor.

Lime green, royal purple and white hearld the beginning of Spring. Belles of Ireland, Callas, and Gilly Weed celebrate the end of winter and growth of a new season!















MEMORIAL SERVICES

Way up here in the north country, the deceased cannot be buried until the ground is thawed enough to dig. Thus, Memorial Day weekend, many services are held for those who have passed on during the winter. Watch in the coming days for our Cemetery markers of silk. We also offer freshly planted geraniums, ivy, marigolds, zinnias, and other summer plants for boxes and baskets that we deliver to local cemeteries! Perennial care is also available.

EASTER is April 24. We're taking orders for lilies, hydrangeas, bulb gardens, azaleas, and fresh cut arrangements. Need lilies for your church? Give us a call for our special church pricing.

Fall Flowers offer many possibilities

Fall is officially here as the beautiful golden, orange, and red leaves fall to the ground and trees take on the eery look of gray sticks reaching up to the ever darkening skies. So while there's threats of snow by the weatherman everyday...we have to make the most of what is left of autumn!


Cut the top of a pumpkin, hollow it out, add a plastic liner and some fresh flowers. The liner can be a plastic bowl or bucket. Be sure to change the water daily, (or at least every other day,) to keep the flowers fresh. And once the pumpkin starts to show signs of mold.... throw it out! You might also want to place a small plate under the pumpkin to insure that it doesn't stain your table as it starts to deteriorate. Silk fall leaves can be hot-glued to the plate to hide it.


Canning jars filled with fall flowers is a great way to celebrate the fall harvest season. Grouping jars with flowers, indian corn kernals, or other harvest items can add a country-atmosphere to your table. Apples, pears, and wheat stalks can compliment the jars.



Mums, daisies, fall lilies, dahlias, celosia, miniature indian corn, cattails, yarrow, hypericum, and curly willow twigs offer many options for your fall flower arrangements. Consider miniature pumpkins, gourds, and fall leaves, to your tablescapes to add even more of a homey warmth to any room!



Flickering candles with beautiful aromas of hazelnut cream, pumpkin spice, vanilla, and cinnamon apple pie scattered among the flowers can also bring a welcome addition to your fall treasures. You can also add pillars or votives (in glass holders,) to seasoned birch logs. Simply cut a piece off the bottom so that the log sits flat. Drill holes so that the candles will fit snuggly into the logs. Do not use green/freshly cut logs as they will leak sap. Also, be sure to not leave burning candles unattended at any time!



The options are many... why are you sitting there reading when you could be bringing the warmth of fall into your home! Get up... get gathering... and make some autumn memories!

Plenty to do this month in the garden!

There's plenty to do in the garden this month!
While you’re enjoying your favorite beverage in the summer months, your garden will be extra thirsty, too. Gardens will explode this month with color and fruit as well as pests and weeds! You can help the garden grow by not allowing them to dry out!
Need a spot of color in a section of garden? Add annuals and jazz it up. They can go straight from the pot into the ground. Check all annuals for dryness as new plantings need to establish their roots. Deadhead spent blossoms by snapping or snipping them off, to reinvigorate flowering annuals and you will be rewarded by more flowers and root growth.
Perennials can be planted all this month, so you must keep up on deadheading tasks.
Roses should be fertilized once per month throughout the summer.
Weeds continue to grow with the flowers, so spare no time to pull them out!
Thin plants to give them better air circulation and exposure to the sun.
Continue to keep adding to and turning your compost pile. If it becomes too dry, the bacteria will die, so give you heap a shower whenever it starts to get crusty.
Consider planting vegertables for fall harvest. Plant potatoes early in the month and sow seeds of leafy green and red vegetables: spinach, kale, Swiss chard, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, radishes, beets, carrots, peas, bush beans, onions and scallions.
Keep tomatoes and peppers off the ground, and harvest them as soon as they ripen so deer, rabbits, and other pests don't enjoy them before you can. Keep mulch around tomato plants.

Time to tidy up for Autumn

With the temperatures dipping below 40 at night, it's a hint that it's time to start tidying up for Autumn... and then the invariable 300 feet of winter snow!



Start with your potting shed. Remove any liquids that could freeze as the temps drop below 32 F. Transfer fertilizers from cardboard containers to plastic to prevent humidity damage and deterioration.

Plant those last bulbs for Spring blooming! Group at least 3 bulbs for maximum show effect. Consider hyacinths, crocus, tulips, and daffodils. You'll be happy you did when the last of the snow melts next Spring!

Clean your tools before hanging them up for the winter. Scrape off any excess mud or debris. Using a wire brush where necessary. Then wash with water and dry thoroughly.

If there's any rust on your tools, gently use steel wool. Don't forget your work gloves in this process!!!

Sharpen your tools that have a sharp edge with a file made especially for sharpening tools. Hold the tool steady against a solid object, such as a tool bench, and draw the file repeatedly across the edge at a 45-degree angle.

Sand wooden handles to remove any rough or splintery portions with sandpaper.

Spray metal parts with a penetrating lubricating oil or dip in your recycled oil to protect them from rust.

Store in a dry spot! And get out the seed catalogs to start dreaming of next year!

16 feet long and 4 feet high - a great way to greet wedding guests.... bride's mom exclaimed "Awe inspiring!"
Red rose bout with diamond chip
Red rose bout with bear grass and diamond chip
Centerpiece
Bride's bouquet of ivory and champagne

Simple Daisies and Pink baby's breath
Wild flowers and Herbs
Rose petal strew path to the wedding
Orchids and Roses...and oooh lalal

August 15, 2008

It's hard to believe that it's the middle of August. Our summer is slipping by with fall right around the corner. We've not really had any "warm" nights that you could leave the windows open and sleep with no blankets! I'm still waiting for summer.

Weddings have been great to us this summer. Be sure to see our photos of some of the bouquets, cake toppers, etc. that we have created. We enjoy the opportunity to create "dream come true" bouquets that brides gush "It's just what I had imagined it'd be...it's perfect!"

Roses are on special all this month. Only $20 per dozen for all wrapped roses. Have a vase already at home? This is perfect for you! Think red-yellow-pink-white-orange and/or two-tone! Just remember when you get them home to cut the stems at an angle before putting in water. Every three days change the water and add 1/3 of the food packet we include with all vased arrangments!

Fall flowers are starting to come in - sunflowers, dahlias, and mums! Need a pick-me-up or some color to add warmth to a room? The reds, golds, oranges, and browns of late summer are waiting for you!