Gifting Made Easy with our fresh flower gift vouchers

Gifting Made Easy

When the madness of Christmas is firmly upon us, panic can start to sink in. Have we bought enough? Does each child have what visually appears to be equal? Have we gone overboard? Have we forgotten someone? Please for the love of God, don’t let me forget someone….

And sometimes, you find yourself with a list of people who may already have everything, or are just a bit ‘hard’ to buy for. There is someone like that in every family really isn’t there, and I bet that they end up with an assortment of the same presents each year…or perhaps a variety of gift cards.

Various gift cards make great presents

I think gift cards have an unfairly negative reputation. They can be seen as a lazy present, like you haven’t put any thought into the gift or some may think they are too restrictive, and prefer cash. Cash can so easily get swallowed up in day to day expenses, but this is far less likely with a gift voucher. And when you think about it, gift cards force you to buy something for yourself, from somewhere you perhaps wouldn’t purchase from usually.

And isn’t that exactly what a gift should be? Not something you need, but rather something you wouldn’t treat yourself to ordinarily.

Gift vouchers for fresh flowers with Florist with Flowers

Fresh flowers often fall into this category. They are the first expense to be cut from the office budget along with the cream biscuits…and the luxury scrapped from the household/grocery budget when things are get a bit tight.

Fresh flowers are still very much seen as a luxury for many people, and at busy times like Christmas where cash is slipping through your fingers, they can be something you go without yourself.

Long lasting native bouquets are so beautiful and long lasting. With a gift card, you could create something like this to fit a vase from home
Long lasting native bouquets are so beautiful and long lasting. With a gift card, you could create something like this to fit a vase from homeGifting Made Easy With

Gift cards are a wonderful idea for flower lovers at Christmas. And the greatest thing about them is they are flexible. Many people go away around the holidays so sometimes an arrangement can go to waste, but a gift card allows the recipient the gift of fresh cut flowers, when they are ready.

Imagine gifting someone a years worth of weekly flowers 🌺  🌺  🌺 …Gift cards with large dollar amounts can be used gradually to dress the home. The recipient can choose a variety of market fresh bunches or premium stems depending on what takes their fancy on the day.

Seasonal favourites- Sunflowers. Is there anything cheerier?
Seasonal favourites- Sunflowers. Is there anything cheerier?

They also make a great gift for corporate customers, business affiliates and amazing suppliers who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Florist with Flowers offer gift vouchers online at 3 different values that you can team with or without a fresh flower gift, or chocolates. Alternatively you can pop in-store to request a specific amount.

Like all vouchers, they are not redeemable for cash, but they are certainly redeemable for smiles 😁😄😃 I guarantee that after their first visit in-store to choose something, they will forever chase the feeling that fresh flowers brings to your home and your heart ✨🌈💖❤️💛💚💙💜

Flowers have a special kind of magic, that beckons us to live in the moment and enjoy the present… I think we all need a reminder to do that every once in a while.

Fwf x

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Pet Plants for Christmas

Christmas can be a time for giving handmade gifts, crafted with love. It can be a time for exchanging fun, gimmick gifts. Sometimes it can also be an occasion overrun with extravagance and consumerism. And sadly, it can also be a time that people give thoughtless gifts; gifts that require much, much more from the recipient than perhaps they had bargained for.

Do you remember the campaign “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas”? It was one of the most successful slogans in the world of animal welfare, because it is so true. Giving a pet as a present is a pretty big call. Sure, you may really think they want one but pets are extremely expensive, require adjusting your lifestyle, and taking on additional responsibilities. ALOT of additional responsibilities.

this puppy was awaiting a new home. Gloria, was one of 126,673 animals the RSPCA received in their 39 shelters across the country in 2012/13.
this puppy was awaiting a new home. Gloria, was one of 126,673 animals the RSPCA received in their 39 shelters across the country in 2012/13.

According to the RSPCA, last year alone, they accepted 130,000 animals from the community, which is incredibly sad.  And would it surprise you to know that the biggest reason given for relinquishing an animal is behavioural problems, which is often the result of a lack of triaining and a lack of exercise.

Choosing a pet is an incredibly involved decision, that takes a lot of time and consideration. It is a very personal decision that is best left to the person who will be left cleaning up the mess and wearing the costs. And the problem with getting an adorable baby animal is that they don’t stay that way forever. The reality is that when someone gifts you an animal, it is pretty unlikely that they’re turning up with a geriatric cross from the pound. So while the pounds continue to fill up with unwanted animals, the puppy farms continue to supply a steady stream of designer breeds.

Pet plants are our newest addition

Now, it probably comes as no surprise that Florist with Flowers do not specialise in cute and cuddly animals, BUT what we do specialise in is gorgeous, quirky giftware. Our newest additions are the only kind of animal you should buy and thoughtfully give away! These gorgeous ceramic pots come in a variety of animal shapes; elephants, llamas and even flamingoes, and they include a hardy, low maintenance plant. Too easy! You won’t find these babies online though, so pop in-store to browse our selection and pick the right pet for you.

The baby elephants are super cute and available in various colours

If however, you are looking for a gift to send to someone special this Christmas, our festive season range is available online now. Check it out here.

Merry Yuletide is a bright and festive bouquet of fresh flowers

Given Christmas time is such a frantic time of year, Florist with Flowers is able to organise fresh flower gifts, gift hampers that include fruit, chocolate and something to wash it all down with, and more. Talk to one of our friendly staff about any special requirements you may have.

Only 19 days to go!

Fwf x

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image of a Girl smiles a beautiful smile with Bouquet of field flowers

Flower Delivery North Sydney Tips when Gifting Flowers for Special Occasions

Gifting flowers is a beautiful way to show that we also celebrate important milestones and special achievements of our loved ones. Graduations, weddings, and birthdays are occasions that allow us to express our love to others. Sending flowers during special occasions such as graduations, weddings, and birthdays is a thoughtful tradition that will never go out of style.

If you are a novice at flowers gift giving, here are some tips and recommendations for every occasion:

 

  • For your beloved mother

 

Whether you are planning to send flowers for your mother’s birthday or Mother’s Day, make sure to choose a same day flower delivery option from a reputable florist servicing North Sydney. If you know what your mother’s favourite type of flowers are, go ahead and order a dozen for her. If you are clueless about her favourite flowers, light pink roses or white carnations are excellent flower options and are ideal when sending flowers not only to your mother but also to friends or relatives.

 

  • Flowers for Valentine’s Day

 

Florists in North Sydney NSW recommend sending vibrant red flowers to your significant other on February 14. On the other hand, if you want to express admiration for someone, a sunflower bouquet from a local flower delivery service in Sydney is highly recommended. Other flower options that you can choose for Valentine’s Day are tulips, lilies, and daisies!

 

  • Flowers for to celebrate birthdays

 

There is a specific selection of flowers for each month of the year. This guide will make it easier for you to pick the type of flower to send for birthdays of families and friends:

 

  • Carnation for January celebrants
  • Violet for February celebrants
  • Daffodil for March celebrants
  • Daisy for April celebrants
  • Lily of the Valley for May celebrants
  • Rose for June celebrants
  • Larkspur for July celebrants
  • Gladiolus for August celebrants
  • Aster for September celebrants
  • Marigold for October celebrants
  • Chrysanthemum for November celebrants
  • Poinsettia for December celebrants

 

Other buying tips to remember:

  • To ensure the freshness of flowers, make sure to purchase from the best local florist in North Sydney. It is extremely important to get your flowers from a local florist as it also shows your support for local businesses.
  • Keeping in mind that flowers come in a variety of colours, take note of the recipient’s favourite colour or match the colour based on the occasion.

Sending flowers is the sweetest thing that you can ever do to make occasions extra special and memorable for the recipient. Order a bouquet or flower arrangements today by calling us on 02 9871 1666. To browse our fresh and exciting flower arrangement selections, click here.

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Chickens and rabbits symbolise fertility and new life, which has significance for Easter. Easter eggs were also a integral part of ancient pagan festivals

Eggs, Rabbits, Chicks and Flowers – Gift Ideas for Easter with Traditional Significance

Have you ever wondered why we paint eggs at Easter, or why there are bunny rabbits, chicks and flowers everywhere? Easter as we all know, is a Christian holiday, however many of the traditions and festivities  predate Christianity, and were central to the Eostre Festival (an ancient Spring festival).

The story goes that Pope Gregory sent a 40 strong team of monks from Rome to England with the mission to covert the pagans to Christianity. It was quite the colossal task given that the pagans held their rituals and celebrations so close, that Augustine, the mission leader was advised to allow the pagans to continue their with their rituals, and instead to teach them the Christian philosophy and to somehow intregrate Christian ceremonies. Many of the pagan customs that had been associated with the celebration of spring were eventually absorbed within Christianity, and accepted as symbols of the resurrection of Jesus.

Traditional symbols of Easter predate Christianity and were originally associated with pagan festivities symbolising fertility and new life.
Traditional symbols of Easter predate Christianity and were originally associated with pagan festivities symbolising fertility and new life. Photo credit

We know that Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection occurs around the time of Jewish Passover, which coincides with the Northern Hemisphere’s springtime. Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox, where the hours of the day begin increasing. The equinox is viewed as a time of fertility and new life. This is why fresh cut flowers are still a popular gift to take to people over the Easter period. In fact many of the symbols we see in today’s Easter celebration are steeped in the traditions of the Easter/ Eostre festival; rabbits for example are a symbol of fertility and new life, which also coincided with the North’s spring.

Easter daisies are a lovely traditional gift
Easter daisies are a lovely traditional gift. Photo credit Homelife

There are many fresh cut flowers that make wonderful gifts, however if you are looking for something traditional or symbolic you cannot look past the humble “Easter Daisy”. Easter daisies are a perennial Aster. While there are many varieties of daisies, the Easter Daisy is dainty and pretty, and surprisingly as a plant it is incredibly hardy so makes a fantastic choice for the garden. Generally they flower for 3-4 months and look their best, as their name suggests, around Easter.

As a cut flower they last only around 5 -7 days, but what I find is often people cut the stems down to size to match their vase, but overlook stripping off the excess foliage and debris which will fall beneath the water line. This will DRAMATICALLY effect your flowers vase -life. Look for a bunch that has about half the blooms open, with nice green foliage. Cut the stems to the required length for your vase, and ensure you remove any foliage/flowers which will sit below the water line.

November lilies, Easter lilies, Longiflorum
November lilies, or Lilium Longiflorum are also known as Easter lilies in some cultures. Photo credit YouTube Star telegram video

In the Northern Hemisphere, what we Aussies know as November lilies or Christmas lilies are referred to as Easter lilies. For that reason many Europeans will look for the white trumpet shaped lilies for a traditional Easter gift.

Florist with flowers always stock a gorgeous variety of Phale orchids

Don’t want to give cut flowers? A house plant is always a great gift idea. Phaeleonopsis orchids are a stunning flowering plant which will give you months of pleasure. They do require some level of care and can be a touch fussy, particularly when they are too wet or too dry. The Spathiphyllum, or peace lily is an elegant house plant that is also incredibly forgiving for those who are not blessed with a green thumb. If you forget to water the lily plant, it will appear wilted and look miserable, but if you give it a soak overnight, they generally perk right up again.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our lovely loyal customers for making it such a great start to the new year. If you are celebrating this weekend we wish you a very Happy Easter.

Fwf x

 

 

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Who is Your Love Guru?

Valentine’s Day is a day that is about celebrating love; the love you have, the love you had, or perhaps the love you hope for. There is no perfect love, but every love is perfect in it’s own way, and as such, each love should be celebrated.

There is no recipe for success when selecting Valentine’s Day gifts. Making the right choice will depend on your listening skills and how attentive you are to your partner. As there is no ‘one size fit’s all’ solution, I suggest you choose your own love spirit to help guide your way.

Classic Valentino

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For traditional romantics, Valentine’s Day requires a few key elements;

  1. A Red Rose delivery- probably a dozen, generally long stemmed and preferably delivered to work! Perhaps this box of roses will fit the bill?
  2. Jewelry gift
  3. Dinner reservation; perhaps French, Italian or Seafood.

Nothing says romance than a dinner date that starts Champagne and ends with Souffle right? Valentine’s Day dining for hardcore fanatics should be fancy and fine. This means you will need to be organised so you don’t miss out on the venue of choice, or the table with the view!

Precious Parvati

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If your lover favours vibrant and/or tropical colourings, then a Bollywood inspired blend of blooms is probably more suitable like Beaming Beauty. Suitable flower choices could be; Orchids, Heliconias, Lotus, Water lilies,  Gingers, Anthuriums and Siam Tulips. Tropical blooms tend to weather the heat and humidity of a Sydney Summer better than softer, garden style blooms, as it is similar to their natural environment. This means that a bouquet with these ingredients will have a longer vase life- keeping you in the good books for longer!

Team your beautiful bouquet with a fun night eating with your hands at your favourite Indian or Sri Lankan restaurant. And finish the evening getting matching tattoos (Henna of course)!

Quirkier gift ideas for this love spirit could include; essential oils,  incense sticks or semi precious stones for attracting love and healing.

Mighty Aphrodite

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Sensual personalities may enjoy a mixture of tradition and creativity. They are open to new experiences, but like some classic elements also. Why not create a mixed bouquet of blooms that includes a cluster of romantic roses, but uses a rich blend of complementary colours. Something like Bold Charm from our menu would be perfect

Take your Aphrodite to a dinner date with a difference sampling Mexican street food, sipping Sangria and dancing the night away.

Massage oil could make an interesting gift, or maybe a one on one dance lesson.

Pure Cupid

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Some personalities are naturally attracted to neutral aesthetics; pure whites, creams, browns and greens. Whether you choose pure white roses, or a selection of natives is up to you.   Neutral colour tones go with every decor, which takes the stress out if you don’t know what kind of decorating style the recipient has. White roses would be a great choice if you are an engaged couple, or newly married. Check out White Rose Love Affair.  Alternatively, for more rustic charm choose a selection of wildflowers.

Stuck for date ideas? Maybe brunch at an Organic Cafe, or a picnic in the national park would suit this Valentine.

Knowing who you are buying for means you will know what kind of gift they will appreciate. If none of the above love spirits sound quite right, feel free to ring our team to discuss your ideas

Happy loving,

Fwf x

 

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Poinsettia- A True Christmas Star

So the carols are on, the decorations and tinsel are adorning the big shopping centres; put simply, the countdown is ON. We all know Christmas is on it’s way, and we all know that before you know it, it will be upon us. So while you are decorating your home, if you find you want to bring some of the outdoors inside, there are few plants that can give you that Christmas feeling as well, or as easily as the Poinsettia.

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The gorgeous plant, which is also known as “Christmas Star” with it’s brightly coloured star like display, is indigenous to Mexico and flowers throughout the Christmas period in the Northern Hemisphere; the Winter months. Here, it naturally flowers throughout the colder months as well, and you will notice the bright red, white, lemon, marbled and stunning pink flowers in many gardens throughout June- August. Poinsettias are forced to flower for Christmas here too by growing them in a controlled environment. Like many Winter and Autumn blooming plants, when the night temperatures start to drop, the days become shorter and the plants have access to less light, the plant begins to bloom. These factors are simulated in order to produce flowering poinsettias all year round.

The Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) belongs to a family of plants that produces a white sticky sap when the plant is cut or broken. This sap is poisonous and can cause allergic reactions to sensitive skin. All plants in the Euphorbia family produce this sap, so you must be mindful when pruning your plant and remember to ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS.

A closeup of a poinsettia flower cluster from the side. Many people confuse the bracts (red leaves) with the actual flowers; they're quite different. This macro shot shows multiple pseudanthia surrounded by a sea of red bracts (colored leaves associated with a flower). The flowers themselves are called cyanthia; the green tissue surrounding each flower is an involucre, a cluster of bracts (leaves) fused into a cup-shaped structure that contains multiple male flowers and one female flower within it. Emerging from the involucre you can see red filaments supporting yellow anthers on the male flowers, and you can even see some of the pollen grains. Also emerging from each involucre you can see a number of dark-purple structures supported by short stalks (that are about a tenth of the height of the filaments; I'm not sure what these are - they may be stigmas and styles, but I doubt it). The bright yellow, liquid-filled structures attached to the involucre are nectar glands filled with nectar to attract pollinators.
Image by Marc Perkins of actual flower. Many people confuse the coloured bracts as the flower of the Poinsettia plant.

Certainly the bright red Poinsettia is the most common and popular variety at Christmas time, however there are many more varieties today thanks to modern cultivation. The red star shaped ‘flower’ is not actually part of the flower at all; the flowers are the white/yellow insignificant clusters in the centre. These coloured ‘bracts’ are simply modified leaves. Knowing that after giving a Poinsettia it is likely to die back and re-flower during Winter, you can choose other coloured varieties to plant throughout your garden to add the desired colour, or give as gifts. Poinsettias make fabulous gifts as they are long lasting, and are available ina variety of sizes so they can fit almost any budget.

New varieties are constantly being created and experiemtned with. Currently, other varieties include, but are not limited to;

Euphorbia ‘Cortex White’ – Large creamy white bracts

Euphorbia ‘Silver Star Red’- Variegated cream and green leaves.

Euphorbia ‘Cortex Candy’ – Pale apricot blushed bracts

Euphorbia‘Cortex Pink’ – Velvet textured pale pink bracts

Euphorbia‘Cortex Lemon Snow’- Pale yellow bracts

Euphorbia ‘Galaxy’ has intense velvety red bracts.

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Poinsettias can grow right throughout NSW and QLD, in some cases as far as Cairns, throughout parts of South Australia and even in Northern coastal areas of Western Australia. The do not grow well in frost prone areas. Poinsettias are often left to their own devices, and as a result many specimens you see have grown tall and spindley. The way to get around this is to give the plant a hard prune after it has finished flowering and watch it re-shoot, become dense and flourish again when it becomes cold.

Keep you eye out over the coming weeks on our Christmas gift range but also our offerings in store.

Fwf x

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New Arrivals- Gift giving for New Mums and Bubs

Is it just me, or does every second person seem to be pregnant at the moment. A few Sundays ago, I remember every customer I had had between 9 and 11 had been in the family way at varying stages. One customer had come in to choose a gorgeous arrangement for her friend from mothers group who had just had her third bub, and she was standing there, mere weeks away from bringing her fourth into the world herself!

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People love to give flowers to new families, but there are a few things that can be overlooked when ordering, that you may wish to consider.

Babies have SUPER sensitive senses and whilst strong perfumes are hard on anyone’s system, this is especially so for the newly born, elderly and those with allergies. A newborns respiratory system is immature; it requires a lot of effort to breathe not to mention drink/eat and just get those little peepers open! When you throw perfume into the equation, it makes it that more difficult to breathe.

So our advice? It is best for bubs (and mummy) particularly if they are still in hospital in a confined space to avoid strongly perfumed flowers.

On the upside, there are SO many flowers that haven’t got any perfume anyway, but some seasonal favourites, certainly do! It would be best to avoid oriental lilies, hyacinth, freesias, tuberose, stock, johnquils, and even lavender.

variety of colorful freesias, colorful natural background ** Note: Shallow depth of field
Image via Flower Meaning
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Image via Dogoilpress
tuber
Image via Lake Nurseries
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Image via Sierra Flower Finder
Wedding VIdeo behind the scenes
Image via Sierra Flower Finder
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Image: Saga
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Image: Pixabay

Sometimes these flowers are barely noticeable in a large open space, but when put into a small hospital room with little or no natural air, it can be incredibly over powering.

If you are organising fresh flowers, make sure your designer knows they are for a new baby and request there is no perfume.

Many people tend to choose either pink tones or blue tones depending on whether it was a little girl or boy who entered the world. Imagine a hospital room full of just one colour tone! Try to think about mum, does she have a favourite colour or flower that you could design your arrangement around? Mum has just been through what can only be describes as a massive marathon, so perhaps bringing her a gift as a huge pat on the back will earn you some extra brownie points. Dads take note! Ever heard of the concept of a push present? Whether mum gave birth normally or via c section, I think it fair to say she has just endured a long 9 months, an has now just been through one of the most physically and emotionally demanding and draining days of her life. And you know what, she would probably do it all over again, with no hesitation after seeing that little bubs face! Have you thought of a special piece of jewelry, or voucher for a massage?

Alternatively, you could consider one of our other great gift ideas for new arrivals; nappy cakes, a unique tiered cake-like gift made entirely from baby essentials such as nappies, washers, singlets socks and a teddy! Or a baby essentials gift pack perhaps with everything in them from gentle shampoo and conditioner, body wash and oil to blankets, bibs and soft toys.

Know anyone about to pop? Check out our gift range here :-) or our fresh flower range here.

Fwf x

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Luscious Living House Plants- Caring for your Cymbidium Orchid

Aside from being spectacularly beautiful, Cymbidium orchids are a fantastic plant as they require very little from you when they are not in flower. That makes them a great house plant, and an even better gift.

The Cymbidium orchid is sometimes known as the Boat Orchid, and has 52 evergreen species. They generally live in tropical and subtropical regions of Northern Australia, as well as Asia, Borneo, the Phillipines, Malaysia, Northern India, and Japan. The climate in most Australian capital cities is suited to growing cymbidium orchids in a sheltered, shady area. This differs from many of the more tender tropical species of orchids such as the slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum) and moth orchids (Phalaenopsis), which need warmer/humid climates or hot house conditions outside the tropics.

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Image: Flower Pictures

Their blooms have a diameter between 5 and 10cm, and generally bud and bloom throughout the winter months from May, through til September. Each flower spike can have 15 or more flowers, and are available in a variety of shades including; white, cream, green, yellow, brown, pink, red, orange and even black. Flowers are incredibly long lasting, so whilst they can seem a tad expensive per piece, they do provide great value for money, with them lasting up to ten weeks. Some orchids produce up to four flower spikes from each bulb and have erect, fleshy leaves, and once they are in flower the plants can be brought indoors into a bright room where the blooms can be enjoyed for many weeks.

Some varieties of Cymbidium orchids are fragrant, (some of my favourites) and often these are cultivated varieties from China.

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Image: Event Scene

Cymbidium orchids are what some believe to be one of the easiest orchids to grow but sometimes they need a little encouragement to flower. I was always told in my floristry training, that Cymbidiums are best being neglected throughout the year until flowering time came, perhaps sitting them under the canopy of other plants to provide some shelter. This is somewhat true as Cymbidiums do not want hot harsh sun to burn their leaves, but rather filtered light throughout the day. Light is in fact the most important factor to getting your orchids to reflower; too little sunlight will reduce flowering.

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Image: Everything Orchids

Once the plant has ceased flowering, you should begin your fertilising program. Ideally use something like Dynamic Lifter pellets, and simply feed your plant with a light sprinkling approximately every 6 weeks. In the summer months you should switch to a flower promoter, and apply every fortnight. You can also divide your plant throughout spring, so that the plant is not over crowded. Be careful not to split the plant into too many small sections as it takes longer for smaller clumps to reflower.

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Image: Flower Power

Keep an eye on your plants foliage. Ideally your Cymbidium should have a light apple green foliage. And whilst lush dark green foliage may look attractive, it is usually a sign that the plant is getting to much shade.

Avoid positions where the plant will be ravanged by the elements, battered in strong winds or being in very exposed positions.

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Image: Flowers Pictures

Cymbidiums hate having wet or cold roots, so whilst the plant is in flower (throughout the winter months) you should reduce your watering. Poke a pencil into the pot and if the pencil appears damp when you remove it, the plant does not require watering. Cymbidiums are often tree dwelling, with thick water absorbing rots that help them survive. They should be planted in a coarse orchid mix making sure that the plant has plenty of drainage.

Whilst we are already in the throes of winter, it is not too late to invest in one of these beauties and enjoy their large, bright blooms and lush foliage.

Fwf x

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