Posted by: Guest Editor - Sarah Holland on May 20th, 2008

My name is Sarah, I work for the Flowers & Plants Association, and I’m here to offer hot tips and advice every few weeks on flower fashion trends, quick arrangement tips, and to answer any questions you may have about flowers or plants – care tips, what to have for your wedding day, what your Mother-in-law will like – you name it, I’ll answer it. Email your questions to sarah(at)flowers.org.uk.

After the recent shock secret wedding of Mariah Carey to Nick Cannon, we could be seeing a change to this mega-star who helped coin the term ‘diva’. Who would have thought that the woman who demanded her Jack Russell be flown in to the hotel she was staying at a cost of $1500, as well as a pink rose bouquet on arrival, would settle for a small, secret ceremony without a fanfare or thousands of guests?

Whether she will become more down to earth or not after her small-scale wedding, I’ve got the perfect diva for you to admire this month. She’s from-the-earth, beautiful, with a full body and a satiny-smooth texture – and doesn’t make too many demands (hey we’re talking about a diva here so there’re going to be one or two, right?). Like the stars, she likes the right water (but not like Madonna and her requirement of chilled kabbalah water) and the best conditions (but not a thousand-dollar hotel room) – but I guarantee you’ll get endless pleasure from her. Her name is Rose – and she comes in all colours to match your décor, your mood – or even your outfit!

Did you know that rose fragrance hides a scientific secret that aids ‘falling in love’? PEA, phenylethylamine, is a substance found in fresh roses, which helps give them their distinctive scent. PEA contributes to giving us the high and the euphoria of being in love. The effect of PEA has been described as a mood-altering chemical that is able to prolong feelings of sensuality. No wonder roses are a favourite at Valentine’s Day!

But they are perfect for Summer, too. They express our happy feelings sunshine brings in a way no other flower can. The Victorians used to have a meaning for every single colour of rose – so much so that you could have a whole conversation by just exchanging a few stems! Take this to another level and create wild, wacky mixtures of colour with roses just to let everyone know you’re in a good mood.

Roses are thirsty flowers and like just a little care and attention. When you get them home, take them out of their wrapping, and cut at least a thumb’s length from the stem at a slant with sharp scissors or a knife. Take off any leaves that will fall below the surface of the water, and stand deep in water for at least 4 hours. If the flower droops, remove more leaves, place in an inch or two of boiling water for a few moments, then plunge into deep, cool water. You can also wrap the heads individually in damp newspaper. Go crazy with your roses – make petal pictures, thread the flowers on a wire to make a necklace, cut down short to make a chic posy for your best friend.

Old divas die hard – I hear that after such a small ceremony Mariah and Nick plan to hold a large wedding ceremony after all – every year. Roses are a great flower to bring out her diva ways for her wedding bouquets – and to make you feel as pampered as a princess, too!

 

Filed under: Floristry, Flowers, Guest Posts, Valentine's Day, Weddings on May 20th, 2008

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