Wild Hibiscus

Walk on the Wild Side with Hibiscus

Have you ever seen a wild hibiscus in flower? Or, better yet, have you watched one bloom in a glass of bubbly?

Hibiscus blooms added to sparkling wine
A Rosella bloom unfurling in sparkling wine. Source: Elle Decor

Rosellas, are a tropical annual, which are also known as Wild Hibiscus, Florida Cranberry, Royal Roselle, Red Tea, Guinea/Indian/Red/Natal/Jamaican Sorrel, Jamaica tea flower, Java Jute, Nubia tea, Pink Lemonade, Queensland Jelly Plant, and Sour-Sour. The plant, originally from South Africa, grows beautifully throughout tropical and subtropical regions of India, Australia and Southeast Asia.

If I’m really honest, I may have sold Rosellas as a Native flower at some stage over my career 🤔 I’m sure I’m not the first, nor the last to do this….The Hibiscus is often associated with Australian bush tucker, and has been popular with Indigenous Australians since being introduced here, so I guess I just assumed they had been native. They grow prolifically in Queensland and Northern Australia. Having grown here for thousands of years now, there are some differences in our plants characteristics from those in neighbouring countries.

The Hibiscus grows on the edge of forests and rainforests, and in sand dune regions. It is a hardy, drought resistant plant however it is sensitive to frost. Rosellas have a unique tart flavour, making them popular for use in jams, cordials, teas and as a decorative addition to your drink.

Rosella blooms
Source: A Kitchen Garden in Kihei Maui

Their botanical name is Hibiscus sabdariffa, and they are a member of the Mallow family. The seeds, leaves, fruits and even the roots of the Rosella are used in various foods. The fleshy red calyx, and the characteristic 5 petalled funnel shaped flower is perhaps the most popular part of the plant.

Hibiscus macaroons
Hibiscus macaroons. Source: Mushita

The product that has become internationally recognised is the Wild Hibiscus flowers in syrup, which were first produced by an Australian family business, headed by Lee Ethrington. After initially producing the wildly popular Rosella Jam for local markets, he then branched out to a range of Australian Bushfoods seeing the potential for both international guests and loving locals. Queenslanders were mad for the Rosella Jam, made from the Hibiscus growing all through the north of the state. Believe it or not, but according to their website, the moment of discovery that led to the creation of their most popular product, was entirely by chance:

“…Lee and partner, Jocelyn and their guests dropped a rosella flower into a glass of champagne (the flowers and other native fruits were always on hand for making the bushfood produce). Watching in amazement as the flower started to unfurl and look particularly special in the glass, the idea was sparked by Lee to create the first bottled whole hibiscus flowers in syrup.”

Rosella fruit stems
Rosella fruit stems. Source: Robin Powell

 

The flowers are preserved in a concoction of sparkling water and cane sugar and can be used up to 36 months after bottling. Due to the seasonal nature of the plant, demand was not being met, so they were forced to travel and establish a supply network across the Australasian tropical belt. Wow!

I think it is incredibly interesting to see flowers used in ways outside floral arrangement. We know that many creatures in nature find sustenance from flowers, so why not us too, right?

Fwf x

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Jane+Alex wedding-1642

A Bride’s Guide to Choosing the Right Epping Florist

Flowers are undeniably an important part of any wedding day. For a soon-to-be-bride, her wedding day is a special occasion where she carries an exquisite flower bouquet and is surrounded with the most beautiful blooms during the wedding ceremony.

 

Choosing the right type of flowers for a wedding can be challenging. This is where the expertise of an Epping florist comes in. Before you call the first Epping florist & flower delivery service you have found online, you need to remember a few things when choosing which flower shop in Epping to get your bridal flower from.

 

Why should you obtain the services of a florist?

 

While a bride can certainly design and style her own wedding bouquet, hiring a florist is practical in more ways than one. Sourcing flowers for your wedding is not as easy as picking the most beautiful blooms from a flower shop in Sydney. To make sure that you have a perfect bouquet to match your dress, a florist will do all the leg work for you.

 

A florist wll be responsible for taking those early morning trips to flower dealers, negotiate directly with suppliers and make last-minute decisions if the chosen flowers are not yet in full bloom.

 

The best Epping florists are experts in maintaining the freshness of flowers for a long period of time. An experienced florist is also skilled at various wedding flower arrangements, not only for the bouquet but for flower decorations for the reception tables and other areas in the venue as well. A florist will work until the wee hours of the morning to make sure all arrangements are finished before the start of the wedding ceremony.

 

Lastly, an Epping florist and flower delivery service will bring all flowers to the venue on time. With a florist taking care of all these things, a bride can focus on more important tasks before her wedding.
If you need a reliable and affordable florist and flower delivery service on your special day, let us know and call us on 02 9871 1666. Click here to check out our beautiful arrangements for all occasions.

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image of girl given a bouquet of roses

How to Choose a Florist in Macquarie Park

If you check out the top 25 florists near Macquarie Park, you will notice that all of them offer impressive flower arrangements and same day delivery services at affordable prices. Amidst the abundance of florists in Macquarie Park, you may be curious on how you can obtain the services of the best florists in NSW.

 

In this post, we will guide you through the process of choosing a florist:

 

 

  • Make a list of florists that operate in Macquarie Park

 

 

If you are a Macquarie Park resident, it is only sensible and practical to seek the expertise of a florist in the vicinity. Create a list of the top 25 florists near Macquarie Park. You can narrow down the list once you have established a few requirements and your budget.

 

Compare flower arrangements of at least 4 to 5 florists. This will make it easier for you to choose which florist meets your style.

 

 

  • Check out their portfolio

 

 

It is imperative to do your research before you make a decision on who to hire or buy flowers from. In the case of weddings, you need to request for photos of past flower arrangements. The style of flower arrangements should match your requirements. It may also be important for you to share your vision with prospective florists so they can get an idea of what you want on your big day. A skilled florist should be able to translate your vision into reality.

 

 

  • Have  clear budget

 

 

Have a clear budget. A sizeable proportion of the wedding budget is usually appropriated to the bride’s bouquet and other wedding flowers arrangements. Make sure to create a list of flower arrangements that are well suited for your budget. A florist should be able to recommend flower arrangements which best suit your budget.

 

Enlisting the help of a reputed florist for your wedding bouquet and flower arrangements can take the pressure off you and allow you to focus on other important tasks to be completed in preparation for your wedding day.

 

Try our same day delivery at Macquarie Park and everything we have to offer. To request for a quote, call us on 02 9871 1666 today.

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hele 7

Top 4 Ways to Choosing a Bella Vista Florist

If you want to make a lasting impression on your wedding day or any special occasion, it is a must to hire a florist to create marvelous and tantalising flower arrangements for you. If you live in Bella Vista and are looking to purchase flowers either for simple flower decorations at home or for grand occasions such as wedding days, then this guide will help to make the right choice easy.

 

 

  • Know your personal style

 

 

Once you have established your personal style, it’s rather simple and straightforward to narrow down your choices to the 10 best florists near Bella Vista. Also, make sure to familiarise yourself with the general terms used in flower decorating and arrangements.

 

 

  • Planning in Advance

 

 

For weddings and other important occasions you may need to book florists early on or you could be compelled to chose one who may not be among the best. As a general rule, the larger the order you need to place, the earlier it is to plan for flower arrangements.

 

You also need to consider seasonal availability of particular flowers you may have in mind and be prepared to consider substitutes, if the flowers you want are out of season.

 

 

  • Determine your budget

 

 

Ideally florist services as well as bouquet and flower arrangements should amount to

10% of your total budget. To avoid problems in the future, make sure to set aside extra cash for cases when you want to add more flower arrangements for your wedding. Remember to pick flowers which are in season only. Discuss your budget with the florist to see how best it can be accommodated.

 

 

  • Schedule a visit or interview

 

 

If you have the time, visit flower shops in Bella Vista to see their arrangements and flower displays. Ask as many questions as you can before you make a buying decision.
Are you looking for the best florist and flower delivery shop in Bella Vista? Click here or call us on 02 987 1666 to schedule an appointment for viewing our arrangements.

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Weeding out the bad wedding trends

The Effects of the Weeding Industry

I know what you are thinking….you think we have made a spelling error title, but I can assure you, it’s not.

The wedding industry is fuelled by fad and fashions, and we as florists are guilty of running with the herd when a trend takes hold, it is a business after all. The question is, are we making short sighted decisions based on profit, perpetuating the problem of glamorising the use of weeds.

What is a weed, anyway?

A weed is generally a term we use to describe ‘a wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants’.

The reality is, sadly, many of the plants florists use all over Australia, are restricted plants. A restricted plant is a plant that poses a threat to primary industries, the natural environment, livestock, human health and people’s livelihoods. They are invasive plants that need to be managed to ensure that they do not spread to unaffected areas of the state or country.

Cut flowers are often transported large distances before and after sale. This means that the damage restricted plants poses to the environment, rises substantially and so does the cost to the community and the environment in the greater sense.

Pretty pink pampas grass
Pretty pink Pampas Grass Source: Walmart

 

Pampas Grass wedding arbour
Gorgeous wedding arbour featuring Pampas Grass. Source: Hooray Magazine

While the current wedding trends favour Australian Native flowers, many florists are teaming these flowers with noxious weeds such as asparagus fern and pampas grass. Many florist pages I follow (read: drool over) regularly use things like Pampas grass in their gorgeous arbours. The scary thing about Pampas Grass is that each head contains up to 100,000 seeds!  These tiny seeds are easily picked up by the wind and carried great distances. If the plant then becomes established in an area, it takes over and restricts the growth of native plants. Pampas Grass is also a fire hazard.

Cotton bush, also known as Swan pods are also a restricted plant in some states. Here, in Sydney, you will pay top dollar for the lime green balls. Unfortunately the pods contain hundreds of seeds. What the concern is, is that when the floral arrangement is disposed of, those hundreds of seeds will have the opportunity to germinate, and therefore the plant may spread in a far wider sense than if the seeds were carried by wind and rain naturally.

Navy blue or black Privett berry

Another couple of favourites are Privett Berry, and doddavine. Despite being restricted plants, these are hot sellers in the flower market. Whether lime green, or ripened in a deep navy blue, the Privett berry provides a cost effective, and textured choice for bouquets and arrangements. But as you can imagine, when those tiny little berries begin to dry and drop off, they become sprinkles of destruction.

Strangleweed
Strangleweed Source Melbourne and Suburbs Wholesale Florist

Doddavine, which is also known as ‘Strangleweed’ grows everywhere, and in the Australian bush as the name suggests, it strangles everything in it’s path.

There is of course a way you can have your cake, and eat it too, so to speak. If you have your heart set on a restricted species, such as Pampas Grass, you can make sure that you source the product from overseas or that it has been treated by way of irradiation. Some venues and wedding planners may even insist on a treatment certificate to ensure that are able to continue to protect our beautiful environment.

It is certainly going to take some time, and it will be extremely hard to regulate but it seems that a change is coming. Now it’s time for us all to decide if we are going to run with the herd this time…or be left behind.

Fwf x

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Why Does Shops with Flower Delivery in Cherrybrook Offer the Best Value For Your Money

image of a young happy woman holding bouquet of beautiful pink peonies flowers

Sending flowers is one of the sweetest gestures one can make to show their affection. Whether you are sending a dozen flowers to your significant other or a flower basket for a family member, you need to make sure the flowers are fresh and properly arranged.

If you live in Cherrybrook, you may be wondering where the best florists are located. There are many flower shops in Cherrybrook and you can check out the physical stores, but seriously, who has the time for that? Lucky for you, the best flower delivery service in Cherrybrook is available online.

The Advantages of Flower Delivery Cherrybrook Online

If you’re looking for the best and freshest flowers in Cherrybrook, our Cherrybrook florist can style the arrangement you’re looking for. The beauty of ordering flowers online is that you can choose from a wide selection of flower arrangements that will certainly make all occasions sweet and unforgettable.

 

  • Customised Flower Arrangements

 

A major advantage of ordering flowers online is that customers are given the option to provide their special requirements or requests in terms of styling and arrangement. Customisation will cost extra but is worth every dollar when you see the surprise and appreciation expressed by the recipient of online flower delivery in Cherrybrook.

 

  • Flowers are the Best Gift for All Occasions

 

Different flower arrangements express a variety of feelings from the sender to the recipient. Nothing conveys deep affection like a bouquet of Ecuadorian roses. Make your mother’s birthday more memorable by giving her a pretty bouquet delivered in a vase of daisies, chrysanthemums, and lavender.

A reputable Cherrybrook florist can provide different arrangements for all occasions; from birthdays and graduations to expressions of sympathy for the loss of a loved one.

 

  • Speedy Delivery

 

What makes flower delivery in Cherrybrook more impressive than they already are? The fast delivery makes the cost of flower delivery worth every penny. If you want to make last-minute orders for a special occasion you almost forgot, Cherrybrook florist offers same day flower delivery. You can have flowers delivered at a recipient’s doorstep a few hours after ordering online.
Check out our unique and lovely flower arrangements by clicking here. Feel free to call our hotline on 02 9871 1666 for orders or for quotes.

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Why Should You Get Florist Delivery Services in Beecroft?

image of flowers with best wishes card

Gift giving is a beautiful tradition that we all practice to celebrate special occasions. Flowers are one of the most popular and thoughtful presents that we can give. Sending flower arrangements is an excellent gift idea as an acknowledgement of our feelings to loved ones.

So why should you send flowers in the first place?

You don’t need a special occasion to send flowers to loved ones. Flowers are Mother Nature’s presents that are innately beautiful. If you see beautiful flowers online, don’t hesitate to order from a reputable florist in Beecroft. They will send your order to the intended recipient the same day or when you want it delivered in the future.

Make someone smile with the simple but thoughtful gesture. You don’t have to be in celebratory mode to send out flowers to friends and family. If your significant other is having a bad day or if you simply want to be the reason for somebody else’s smile, go ahead and ask a florist near you to deliver flowers to your special someone.

Flowers are undeniably the best expression of apology to people you may have disappointed. There’s no more sincere way to show that you are genuinely sorry than a bouquet of beautifully arranged flowers from a trusted florist that can deliver your flowers straight to your love ones.

Flower arrangements are not only limited to happy occasions but are appropriate in times of difficulties, too. To show sincere sympathy to a bereaved family, friend or relative, there are specific flower arrangements for funerals. These arrangements are tasteful and elegant at the same time.

Acts of kindness may also be expressed by delicate and beautiful flowers from Florist with Flowers. Again, you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to show that you care for the people in your life. Pick at random from your address book or contact list and send them simple but elegant flower arrangements.

 
Now that you have more than one reason to consider Florist with Flowers delivery services in Beecroft, click here to view the amazing flower arrangements that are waiting to be delivered to people who matter to you the most. To place an order or for enquiries, you may reach us on 02 9871 666.

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Etiquette to Be Followed When Sending Flowers as a Gift in Sydney

image of bouquet of flowers

Flowers are undeniably excellent gift ideas for most special occasions. But did you know that there is also a list of rules to remember when it comes to sending flowers? Flower etiquette is unknown to most of us but here are things you need to remember.

 

  • Different flowers have different meanings

 

There are certain types of flowers that can only be arranged and sent for one specific occasion. In the case of funerals, it is best to stick with lilies as they are the perfect blooms to send to grieving family and friends. Furthermore, lilies have this unique quality in them that sets off a mood of peace and tranquility inside a room or indoor venue.

Before obtaining the services of the best flower delivery Sydney shop, make sure to check in with the bereaved family’s requests. Traditionally, funeral flower arrangements are displayed during a viewing or memorial service. The flowers accumulated are then transported to the cemetery during the funeral rites. There are families that may prefer receiving donations of money instead of flowers. In this case, it’s best to respect their request and not send flowers altogether.

 

  • Let your intentions shine through romantic, bespoke flowers

 

If your intention is to make a woman blush, it’s best to deliver a bouquet of flowers comprising red roses. You might be thinking that having flowers delivered to her workplace is a sweet gesture, but it’s actually not. Instead, request your flower delivery company in Sydney to send the bouquet of roses to your loved one’s home.

 

  • Sending flowers to the hospital

 

If you plan on sending a Get Well Soon flower arrangement to a family or friend, you need to check the hospital’s policy on receiving flowers within their premises. Whilst there are hospitals that allow the entry of flowers, there are also those that restrict them. To avoid wasting your money on affordable flowers in Sydney, make sure to call in and ask about their policies on blooms. There are some flowers that are not allowed within the premises due to possible allergic reactions or the risk of infection for patients.

Flowers are one of the best, unspoken expressions of love, care, and concern towards friends and family members. Surprise your spouse or loved one by sending a dozen roses or just a simple flower vase arrangement to people who matter the most to you.

 
Check out our wide selection of blooms and flower arrangements by clicking here. To place orders or if you need assistance, call us on 02 98711666 today.

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Naked man Orchid, just one of many examples of wonder, beauty and humour from Mother Nature

Freaky Flowers

This week I saw a post on Facebook that surprised me. After something like 18 years in the flower industry I have seen many spectacular blooms, but realistically, I probably haven’t even seen 10% of the beauty and wonder out there. But one flower that I have seen almost day in and day out, either in store or in gardens surrounding me, has surprised me this week, and I suspect I am not alone….

This is the post I saw on Facebook via several pages this week;

Strelitzia flowers resemble exotic birds
Source; Twitter

The Strelitzia, is also known as a ‘crane flower ‘ or ‘Bird of Paradise’ because of its likeness to an exotic bird. The explanation doesn’t go any further, and you are left to connect the dots yourself so if like me, you assumed it was simply the head of a gorgeous bird with showy plumes, I have now come to realise how very wrong we were. And now that the illustration has been shown to me, I can’t believe I never saw the whole bird body in flight before 🙄

Perhaps this is just a case of not seeing what is right below your nose, because as I said, Strelitzia flowers are readily available, both to florists and also as a common garden variety plant. But there are many amazing flowers that look like other things in the plant kingdom; they offer a combination of wonder, beauty and humour courtesy of Mother Nature.

Take for example Impatiens Psittacina, more commonly known as the Parrot flower. These dainty blooms look like a brightly coloured bird complete with fluttering wings and a long tail.

The Parrot flower resembles birds a flutter
Source; EarthPorm

Or check out these gorgeous babies all swaddled and cosy. Believe it or not but these gorgeous little cherubs are Anguloa Uniflora, also known as a Tulip Orchid, originating in the Andes regions around Venezuela, Columbia and Ecuador.

Source; Architecture n Design

This orchid variety (Habenaria-Radiata) is found throughout China, Japan, Korea, and Russia, and resembles a white egret with its plumage puffed out.

The White egret flower was so named as it resembles the bird with its wings out
Source; EarthPorm
White Egret birds with their wings outstretched resemble the orchids with the same colloquial name
Source; Tgonature Center

We also have the fascinating Monkey Faced Orchid, Dracula Simia, where each bloom appears to have a primitive face staring back at you. These orchids are rare and grow in South America, in the cloudy high altitude forests of southeastern Ecuador and Peru. Plus, when the bloom is fully developed, it smells just like a ripe orange 🍊 Well, fancy that.

Monkey Faced Orchid
Source: I Find Viral

Another Orchid, Orchis italica, is commonly referred to as the naked man orchid, and resembles a well….naked man. The Orchid is native to the Mediterranean.

Naked man orchids are native to the Mediterranean
Source; 1001 Gardens

By no means is this list exhaustive….there are so many weird and wonderful varieties of plants out there that look like something else.  If you have seen something fascinating, feel free to share it via our Facebook page- we love seeing all things weird, wild and wacky. Who knows, perhaps you can shed some light on something that has long been under our nose, that we haven’t quite ‘seen’ yet.

Fwf x

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Image of a daughter suprising her mum for Mother's Day with bouquet of flowers

What You Need to Know When Arranging for a Flower Delivery Service in Cheltenham

It’s almost the time of the year when people take the time to spoil their mums and express their appreciation for everything she has done. If you’re wondering how to make your mum feel special, you can never go wrong with gifting flowers for the occasion.

Of course, not just any flower will do and you will have to make sure that the flowers get to your mum fresh and on time for her special day.  If you aren’t sure which flowers to choose, expert florists in Cheltenham can help to ensure that your mum gets a beautiful flower bouquet for Mother’s Day.

Consider the following before making arrangements for flower delivery in Australia:

  • It’s important to consider your mum’s preference for flowers when deciding which flowers to get. If you know that she favours a particular kind, then that would be the best choice regardless of what anyone says. If your mum likes different types of flowers, then you can create a bouquet which will delight her.
  • What if you have no idea what your mum’s favourite flower is? Well, you can always opt for traditional favourites. Popular options include roses, carnations and of course, Chrysanthemum — the traditional Mother’s Day flower of Australia.
  • You can likewise take into account your mum’s personality and make decisions based on that. For example, if your mum has an outgoing personality and enjoys outdoor activities like gardening, then sunflowers are likely to be one of her favourites.
  • Choose flowers based on colour — each colour has a significance. For example, red roses have always been a symbol of love. If your mum prefers a particular colour, then you would want to take that into account as well.

There is no shortage of options in finding flowers that are most suitable for your mother on her special day. You need only to take the time to look around and consider the factors mentioned above.

Purchase flowers and arrange for delivery online

Are you looking for the quickest and most convenient way to get your mum Mother’s Day flowers? If so, the most convenient method is to shop online. Reputable flower shop businesses like “Florist with Flowers” have websites that showcase flower arrangements and other gift options for the occasion. You need only place an Order for bouquets Online for Mother’s day, and they will take care of the rest.

Make sure that you place an order for the flowers ahead of time to beat the rush and ensure the flowers you want are available. As the demand can often exceed supply just a few days before the occasion.

 

Are you looking to place an order for Mother’s Day flowers? Check out our beautiful selection of flower bouquets online or phone us today on 02 9871 1666. We would be happy to help you make sure that your mum gets the flowers that she deserves on this special day.

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