This week at FloraPodium
'Wedding & Events'
Inspiration Page
We try to give you a small glimpse into the world of Wedding and Events flowers in different ways; for instance by highlighting a special product that we think is particularly suitable for events, but also by offering interesting facts and news, but most of all by including photos of flower arrangements and decorations for inspiration. Have you seen or made something special and would you like to share it with us? Then send your photos to:
Blossom
The blossom season begins at the end of winter, early spring. In this period you can find lots of beautiful shrub varieties full of flowers. These are varieties that bloom before they give leaves, so that the ornamental value lies entirely with the flower (naked bloomer). Blossom branches are therefore gratefully used by painters, who like to capture the beauty of these varieties on canvas. Our buyer Vinnie has put a number of beautiful varieties on the FloraPodium!
Most shrubs are difficult to cut or trim. Some florists make small cracks in the bottom (with a hammer) of the stem, so that the coarse wood can still absorb fresh water.
FloraPodium, 28 January
Hamamelis intermedia "Pallida"
The early flowering Hamamelis is better known as "Witch Hazel" and is available in many different colors. The name "Witch Hazel" is of course not for nothing. In addition to the special flower shape, color and scent, some varieties have medicinal properties. Especially in North America Hamamelis was often used in the past for bruising and swelling. Today Hamamelis is still widely used in homeopathy.
Chaenomelis superba
Popularly, this beautifully flowering shrub is also called ornamental quince. The beautiful salmon / pink or white flowers are striking. The branches are very suitable as decoration at home, but the branches are also very popular at events. In the garden, ornamental quinces are essential in attracting bees. Some types of Chaenomelis produce fruits are edible in autumn (delicious for making jam, for example).
Forsythia intermedia "Spectabilis"
Forsythia is a profusely flowering shrub with cheerful yellow flowers; a beautiful shrub to bring a little cheerfulness into your home at the end of the gloomy, cold winter period. Forsythia is very beautiful alone in a vase, but also very nice to combine with other spring flowers!
In the Netherlands we also call the Forsythia "Chinese Bell". In recent years, the popularity of Forsythia in China has increased enormously. There is a lot of red and yellow in the colors of the Chinese flag and people want Forsythia in the house during the Chinese New Year. Many branches are already "pre-ordered". This year, the Chinese New Year falls on February 12, so the prices of the Forsythia will rise significantly during this period.
Magnolia grandiflora
When the Magnolia blooms in the garden, spring is really on its way. This flower is not only an impressive sight in the garden, but the magnolia is also a showpiece in the vase. The large, heavy, whimsical branches are a work of art in themselves when they are incorporated in a large vase or pot. In a large space it is a big, sturdy object, but the beautiful velvety flower also gives it a sweet and soft touch.
The Magnolia grandiflora is known for its large flowers, available in different colors. The star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is small-flowered and only available in white. The Magnolia is incorrectly called Tulip Tree. The real Tulip Tree is the Liriondendron tulpefera, a large deciduous tree.
Prunus avium
One of the most famous flower varieties is Prunus avium: the Cherry Blossom. This blossom does not really have a very special, particularly spectacular flower, but it is very popular in the market. The cherry blossom is the first available type of blossom, everyone is happy with this first spring feeling. It is also one of the cheaper flower types, which makes them indispensable in spring bouquets and arrangements. We use the Prunus avium as a cut flower, but this variety is grown for the cherry. The Prunus avium is sometimes confused with the later flowering Prunus serrulata. A beautiful double flowered blossom that is specially grown for floriculture.