The aster is the September birth flower. Part of the daisy family, it is a composite flower, which means that it is made of a central core of tiny flowerheads surrounded by long petals. The aster is a wildflower with more than 600 species, with colors range from white to red and orange. However, the aster is known best for its striking bluish-purple color. This September flower is also one of the most colorful flowers of fall.
According to the ancient Greeks, the aster flower came to be when the Greek god, Astraea, was saddened by how few stars were in the sky. One night, she was so upset that she began to cry. As the tears streamed down her face and hit the ground, they turned into beautiful star-shaped aster flowers. In Greek, aster means “star.” read more
The peony is significant both historically and mythologically, and thus is tied to many different meanings and symbols. Common peony meanings include romance, prosperity, good fortune, a happy marriage, riches, honor, and compassion — but peonies can also mean bashfulness.
There are two common myths about the peony. In one, the peony is believed to be named after Paeon, the Greek physician of the gods. According to the legend, Paeon was a student of Aesculapius, the god of medicine. When Paeon used a peony root to heal Pluto — the first time this was tried — Aesculapius became jealous of his talents and tried to kill him. To save Paeon (and show compassion to him), Pluto transformed him into a peony, because he knew it was a flower that people would admire and praise. Thus, one peony meaning is compassion.
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The rose is a classic flower that is used to celebrate countless occasions. From receiving a single red rose from your first love, to giving mom a bouquet of pink roses to tell her thank you on Mother’s Day, there are different rose colors that are used to express different meanings.
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Just like getting rid of the hiccups, it seems everyone has a theory about how to keep flowers fresh longer. We took the five most popular theories and put them to the test — seven days in a controlled environment, under observation. It was like the hunger games, except with flowers. read more
Unexpected vet visits can be costly but avoidable if you are knowledgeable about toxic vs. non-toxic plants. Be proactive in order to keep your furry family members away from harmful foliage. Our guide on how to keep pets safe from potentially poisonous and toxic plants will keep Fido from barking up the wrong bush. read more
Influenced by our fall 2017 color palette, we are giving you Autumn inspiration with a natural twist. The florals featured in these mood boards are inspired by natural colors and are presented in an array of earthy neutrals, paired with bold color statements and patterns. This year’s colors include: Amber and Flame, Fig and Chestnut and Indigo and Persimmon. read more
Succulents are now seen in everything from boutonnieres to hanging planters. They are a trend that is taking over not just gardens, but wedding and home decor as well. Succulents are a type of plant that thrives in dry climates. Most succulents come from areas in Africa or Central America where it is hot and there is little humidity. Because they store water in their leaves,they can withstand long hours in the sun and little watering. read more
Wedding table numbers are a necessary element to every wedding. Because they guide guests to their correct seats, it is important that they are legible and noticeable. However, just because table numbers are fundamental, does not mean they have to be boring! There are several wedding table number ideas that you can choose from to take your wedding decor to the next level. read more
Being romantic is often easier said than done. Sometimes it’s all about being a little more thoughtful to push you in the right direction. Whether you’re married, engaged, or dating, there are plenty of ways to show your love and affection for your partner. read more
Choosing the perfect gift for your significant other can be a challenge! Sometimes it’s a struggle to find the balance between a meaningful and a practical gift, and if you’ve been with your special someone for years, you may feel like you’ve exhausted all of the options. But often the perfect gift is about more than the gift itself. It’s about expressing your love and appreciation for your partner.
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A beautifully arranged bouquet of flowers is one of the best surprises anyone can receive. But what do you do with the vase after the blooms have lost their glory? Of course, you can always use them for another arrangement, but there are so many other creative ways to use them. read more
Your home is a representation of you and should be decorated as such. If you haven’t already taken the Myers Briggs personality quiz, we suggest taking it. It will help you know yourself better, making your home decor a more direct reflection of you.
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A romantic picnic may be just the thing to help you celebrate your love this Valentine’s Day. It’s casual, fun, and gives you the opportunity to spend quality time with your date.
That’s why we’ve compiled the best romantic picnic ideas to help you create the perfect picnic. From picnic-friendly foods that are easy to make and take with you to drink ideas like pink rosé and sparkling champagne, these romantic ideas are sure to keep your love alive. read more