The Top 5 Flowers for a Summer Wedding

Summer brings light, happiness, warmth, and most importantly- love! Summer is the most popular time of the year to get married. With all of the time, effort, and thought that goes into making your wedding day special, you want to make sure that your flowers are special too! Here are the top 5 flowers that are perfect for a summer wedding!

1. Café Au Lait Dahlia

These dahlias are the most romantic of them all! They make for beautiful arrangements and are in high demand for weddings. They  come in shades of creamy pink, blush, peach, ivory, champagne, and dusty rose!

2. Majolica Spray Rose

The majolica spray rose comes in beautiful shades of white, cream, and blush! Their gorgeous hues are soft and romantic. Their center is golden when they are fully bloomed and they look similar to a garden rose. The Majolica spray rose’s delicacy, grace, and beauty is what makes them a perfect choice for a summer wedding.

3. Delphinium

 

Delphinium adds just the  right touch of elegance and color to any wedding arrangement!They bloom from late spring into early summer. These elegant summer flowers come in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white!

4. Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a classic wedding flower. They bloom in blue, pink, white, or yellow throughout the summer! You do not need many stems of this stunning flower to make quite a statement on your big day. Timeless, elegant, romantic, and bold- Hydrangea is the perfect addition to any summer wedding arrangement.

5. Lisianthus

A gorgeous bloom, lisianthus comes in shades of pink, white, and purple. It also comes in bi-colors such as white-pink or blue-violet! Lisianthus carries many meanings, one of them being “the joining of two people for a lifelong bond,” which could not be more perfect for a wedding! It is also linked to devotion.

If you’re looking for the perfect summer flowers for your special day, we at The Flower Factory can work with you and use any of these flowers and more to make bridal bouquets and centerpieces!

The Flower Factory

18251 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, CA 91356

T 818.344.8400

 

 

 

 

Gladiolus: August’s Official Birth Flower

The official birth flower of August is the Gladiolus! It is one of the most gorgeous and vibrant summer flowers!  The  flowers grow from a tall spike lined with sharp leaves, like a sword! Which is how they got their nickname- “sword lily” that comes from the Latin name “Gladius” which means sword!

The gladiolus symbolizes love at first sight when given to someone, and that the giver’s heart is pierced with love.

The August birth flower symbolizes persistence, strength, grace, resilience, loyalty, faithfulness, and infatuation. The color of the gladioli also changes the meaning!

1. White- Innocence, purity, resilience
2. Red- Love, passion
3. Yellow- Joy, Radiance
4. Pink- Compassion, Infatuation
5. Purple- Grace, Charm, Adoration

With its gorgeous vibrant hues, and deep symbolism, the gladiolus is the perfect flower to give as a birthday gift for an August baby. Say Happy Birthday with a beautiful gladiolus arrangement!

The Best Flowers for Summer!

1. Dahlia

Dahlias come in a range of vibrant colors, sizes, and styles. There are 30 species and cultivars of Dahlias! These flowers bloom very beautifully and thrive in the summer. The common dahlia symbolizes inner strength, commitment to a person, and grace. It is also the birth flower of August!

 

2. Sunflower

Sunflowers are a classic summer flower due to their beautiful color, size, and boldness. More than 60 varieties of sunflowers are found around the world in different shades. They symbolize adoration, loyalty, and longevity and are a wonderful addition to any summer bouquet.

3. Peony

Peonies are a very popular summer flower! These beautiful flowers come in every single color except blue. They start to bloom in late April and bloom well-into late June! They symbolize good fortune and are the perfect flower to add to your summer arrangement.

4. Cymbidium Orchid

The cymbidium orchid is one of the most popular and desired orchids in the world because of the sheer beauty of the flower. There are 44 species of cymbidium orchids and they come in a plethora of colors! Cymbidium is native of tropical and subtropical Asia. They add elegance and beauty to any arrangement, their bold hues and tropical look make them an ideal summer flower!

5. Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera daisies bloom all year long, providing bright color all year round. Gerbera daisies bloom in blazing red, bright orange, sunny yellow and various shades of pinks! Pastel colors include pale to medium pink, soft yellows, peach and light purple.

6. Hydrangea

 

The hydrangea plant is native to Japan, they bloom from the late spring through the summer. There are around 70-75 species of hydrangea! They come in blue, pink, white, purple, or yellow.

 Because of The Flower Factory’s location in Tarzana, California we are fortunate enough to have these blooms all year round due to the warm climate! Stop by and take a look at our beautiful variety of these summer flowers.

 

Rose Color Meanings

Roses have been a significant flower for many occasions for over centuries. In fact, June is national rose month! The amount of roses and the exact color given hold a deep sentiment. Have you ever wondered what exactly each color symbolizes?

• Red- Love, Beauty, Courage, Respect, Romantic Love, Passion, “I Love You”
• Red (Single)- I Love You
• White- Purity, Innocence, New Beginnings, Resilience, Reverence, Humility, Heavenly
• Pink- Appreciation, Admiration, “Thank You,” Grace, Happiness,  Sweetness
• Yellow- Friendship, Happiness, Welcome Back, “I Care,” Appreciation, Joy
• Orange- Enthusiasm, Energy, Desire, Positivity
• Red & White- Unity
• Peach- Sincerity, Appreciation, Joy, Gentleness, Modesty, Gratitude
• Lavender- Enchantment, Love at First Sight
• Single (Any Color)- Thinking of You, Utmost Devotion
• Half a Dozen (Any Color)- Desire to be Loved, Cherished
• Dozen (Any Color)- I Care about You, Appreciation, Sincerity, Love
• Thirteen (Any Color)- Secret Admirer

Now the next time you give roses you’ll know what each color and amount represents! Send the right message with us!

 

31 Facts About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer. So, in the spirit of heightening awareness – and screening, The Flower Factory offers one fact about breast cancer for every day in October:

1.  The leading risk factor for breast cancer is simply being a woman. Though breast cancer does occur in men, the disease is 100 times more common in women than in men and women are at 200 times the risk of developing the disease compared to risk in men.
2.  Most breast cancer – about 85 percent – occurs in women who have no family history of breast cancer.
3.  About 5 to 10 percent of breast cancerscan be traced to specific, inherited gene mutations, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.
4.  Men can also get breast cancer. About 2,150 are diagnosed annually – or about 1 in 1,000 men.
5.  A woman born today has about a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute.
6.  The American Cancer Societyestimates about 2.8 million women with a history of breast cancer live in the U.S.
7.  While much progress has been made in breast cancer treatment and research, more work remains: Breast cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. Overall, cancer deaths are the second most-common cause of death for U.S. women, after heart disease.
8.  Another top risk factor for breast cancer: Simply getting older – 79 percent of new cases and 88 percent of deaths occurred in women age 50 and older, according to the American Cancer Society. Just fewer than 11,000 invasive cases occurred in women younger than 40, and just under 49,000 in women under 50. In women ages 50 to 64, invasive breast cancer was even more prevalent with more than 84,000 cases. Women over age 65 accounted for more than 99,000 cases last year.
9.  According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for 29 percent of newly diagnosed cancers.
10.  In the 1970s, breast cancer lifetime risk was one in 11 – compared to today’s one in eight. The good news is part of the reason is due to longer life expectancy and more detection through screening. Other factors include menopausal hormone use, changes in reproductive patterns and the increased prevalence of obesity.
11.  The oft-repeated one in eight statistic may mean something different thanyou think. The lifetime risk for women born today of being diagnosed with breast cancer is one in eight. But lifetime risk reflects an average woman’s risk over her entire lifetime, including the possibility that she may die from another cause before she would have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
12.  While non-Hispanic white women have higher rates of breast cancer incidence, African-American women have a higher incidence rate before age 40 and are more likely to die from breast cancer at every age.
13.  Women who are diagnosed with cancer before age 40 have a nearly 4.5-fold increased risk of developing another breast cancer.
14.  Women of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage are at higher risk of having BRCA mutation. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends testing for BRCAmutations for Ashkenazi Jewish women if they have a first-degree relative with breast or ovarian cancer or two second-degree relatives on the same side of the family with breast or ovarian cancer.
15.  Not everyone needs genetic screening for breast cancer. Only about 2 percent of women meet the guidelines for screening.
16.  Fewer than 1 percent of the general population have a BRCAmutation.
17.  Research suggests breastfeeding for a year or more slightly reduces overall risk of breast cancer – about a 4.3 percent reduction for every 12 months of breastfeeding. Why? One possible explanation: Breastfeeding often interrupts periods, meaning fewer menstrual cycles and less estrogen exposure. Others suggest that the reduced risk can be credited to structural changes in the breast after lactation and weaning.
18.  The risk of overweight women developing breast cancer after menopause is 1.5 times higher than in lean women. Obese women are at twice the risk of lean women.
19.  Herceptin, a breast cancer “smart drug,” can trace its roots to City of Hope: Scientists here developed engineered human proteins that led to monoclonal antibodies, the basis of multiple cancer drugs.
20.  The movement away from one-size-fits all screening doesn’t mean you should skip your mammogram. Talk with your physician to evaluate your personal risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society continues to recommend yearly mammograms beginning at age 40.
21.  Exercise reduces breast cancer risk for women of all body types – even lean women, according to Leslie Bernstein, Ph.D., director of cancer etiology at City of Hope.
22.  While the American Cancer Society recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week to manage risk, for some, even 30 minutes per week has been found to be beneficial, Bernstein’s research has found.
23.  Minimize alcohol intake to control risk. That means one glass of wine, one beer or one hard liquor drink per day. (Drinking seven drinks in one day and none the rest of the week is not OK.)
24.  The discovery of the BRCAmutation and its link to breast cancer celebrates its 20th anniversary this year – the same year scientists reported in the New England Journal of Medicine the PALB2mutation and its link to breast cancer.
25.  Only about 42 percent of women who undergo mastectomy choose to have reconstructive surgery, according to a recent JAMASurgery study.
26.  With eight out of 10 breast lumps discovered by women themselves, don’t underestimate the importance of a monthly breast self-exam. By becoming more familiar with your breast tissue and appearance, you will be more likely to notice changes should they occur. City of Hope recommends these tips for conducting a breast self-exam.
27.  If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, you’re up to four times more likely to develop a new cancer in the same breast or in the other breast.
28.  Quit smoking to control risk of many diseases, including breast cancer. Younger women who smoke have a higher risk of breast cancer than their nonsmoking peers.
29.  According to the National Institutes for Health, breast cancer survivors are at an increased risk of osteoporosis. Estrogen has a protective effect on bones, and reduced estrogen levels can trigger bone loss.
30.  Exercise is beneficial to breast cancer survivors. A June study in Cancer found only a third of survivors meet recommended activity levels.
31.  If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, a second opinion could save your life. NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers, such as City of Hope, have higher rates of survival for breast cancer.

The Flower Factory will be using breast cancer awareness month to urge women to participate in self-examinations and schedule mammograms for early detection.

What Your Favorite Flower Symbolizes

In Victorian times, each flower communicated some sort of sentiment much like they do today. Sending someone a floral bouquet with the hope that they love it and want to display it in their home or workplace is the intention of most givers. Sending something fresh and colorful to a loved one or friend on a birthday, anniversary or holiday is a customary practice in many parts of the world particularly the United States.

Flower Traditions from Around the World

Flowers have been the focus of celebrations around the world for centuries. Known for their beauty and healing properties, they’ve been used to flavor foods, enhance perfumes and cosmetics, adorn hair, and decorate homes and gardens. Whenever someone wants to send well wishes, they select a floral arrangement and card to send to a family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker.

Five Flower Hacks That Make Getting Flowers Even More Exciting

If you love the look of fresh flowers and want to enjoy them longer, you’re in luck. The following ‘hacks’ make it easy to keep your arrangement looking its best for as long as possible. Follow the tips listed here for better bouquet management.

Here are five flower hacks you’ll be excited to try out for yourself:

1. Make your own plant food using common household ingredients. Grab the lemon, sugar, and bleach to mix together and add it to a vase filled with warm water. It’s a quick way to keep your flower arrangement looking as good as the day you received it.
2. Take the last remaining buds and place them in a decorative tea cup. Don’t forget to place the saucer underneath it. Make colors tie together by selecting a cup in a similar color scheme as your arrangement.
3. Misting your flowers keeps them looking fabulous longer. Flowers draw their water a few different ways. It’s not only through the stems. A light mist now and then keeps flowers fresh longer.
4. Fruit and flowers don’t mix. Keep the two apart. Fruit emits a gas called ethylene which causes flowers to wilt quickly. If you don’t want that to happen, keep your bouquet far away from the fruit bowl.
5. Keep flowers away from appliances and other sources of heat. The bouquet dehydrates quickly which causes the flowers to wilt quickly. Although direct sunlight seems best, it’s not. As with artificial heat sources, natural heat dries out petals fast.

 

Now that you know how to protect your bouquet from wilting, you’ll enjoy the floral arrangement even more going forward. Place your gift in a visible location in your home or office away from high traffic areas where it might get knocked over. Also, keep it away from a sunny window and fruit as the objective is to keep your flowers looking great as long as possible.

The Best Flower Festivals in the United States

Flowers are the theme of many festivals around the nation. If you’re looking for something to do while you travel, you may want to look into traveling to one of the destinations on the list. A flower festival offers a fun and fragrant experience for people of all ages.

Portland Rose Festival

It may rain a lot in Portland but it helps roses blossom and grow into the beautiful flowers that they are. The Portland Rose Festival saw over 2 million attendees in over a hundred years and highlights the heritage of the Pacific Northwest. One of the most popular attractions at the event is the Grand Floral Parade. An IFEA World Festival & Event City, the Oregon city received recognition for making a difference as a community by serving its people well.

Cherry Blossom Festival

The nation’s capital serves as the backdrop for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Taking place in spring, the two-week event celebrates spring and commemorates Tokyo Mayor Yuko Ozaki’s gift of 3,000 cherry trees in 1912. People from all over the world travel to Washington, D.C. to take part in the celebration which offers Japanese performances, food, arts, and crafts.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Taking place in mid-March through mid-May at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, this festival is perfect for adults and children. From themed displays, interactive play areas for children, and the well-loved Flower Power Concert series, guests are thoroughly entertained by all things flower and garden-related.

A Sampling of What’s Offered

The three festivals listed above serve as a sampling of what to expect from flower and garden events nationwide. Each offers its visitors the chance to get to see, smell, and experience beautiful flowers in a new and exciting way.

Special Ways to Celebrate the New Baby in Your Life with Flowers

THE FTD® COLOR YOUR DAY WITH SUNSHINE™ BOUQUET

A new baby is a blessing. What they bring to a family is special. Celebrate their presence in your life with a thoughtful and meaningful gift. Flowers are a good idea any time of year. While the mother of the child is in the hospital giving birth, send a beautiful bouquet or plant her way.

Honor the new baby in your life with beautiful flower arrangements. There’s something special about a bouquet of fresh flowers. Some of the most popular bouquets offered are The FTD Girl Power Bouquet, The FTD Joyful Inspirations Bouquet by Vera Wang, Dreamland Pink Rose Bouquet with Vase, The FTD Boys Are Best Bouquet, and The FTD Color Your Day with Sunshine Bouquet. Each comes in its own vase and adorned with embellishments such as ribbons and balloons.

The FTD Girl Power Bouquet

A beautiful arrangement consisting of pink roses, pink Asiatic lilies, pale peach carnations, pale green mini carnations, and lush greens in a clear glass vase. Adorned with a pink satin ribbon, this bouquet is perfect for every woman and baby girl you know.

The FTD Joyful Inspirations Bouquet by Vera Wang

The color of the sky, this bouquet of light blue hydrangea is enough to brighten any new mother’s day. Welcome her new child into the world with this fashionable arrangement.

Dreamland Pink Rose Bouquet with Vase

Soft pink roses rest among pink Peruvian lilies. Each lily stem has three to five blossoms, ready to open. This bouquet comes in a classic glass vase. It’s ready to be put on display the way a new infant is for her family to see.

The FTD Boys Are Best Bouquet

Intended to welcome a new baby boy into the world, this bouquet consists of lavender roses, blue iris, lavender carnations, lavender daisies, white Asiatic lilies, and lush greens. A round whitewash woodchip basket holds the flower. A Mylar balloon announces “It’s a Boy!” in a thoughtful and memorable way.

The FTD Color Your Day with Sunshine Bouquet

Yellow roses, white spray roses, yellow cushion poms, white traditional daisies, white monte casino asters, and lush greens sit in a sunlit yellow paint can inspired vase. The arrangement lights up any room, the way a newborn child does.

Flowers symbolize growth. Give a new mother and her infant something bright and fresh to look at. A flower arrangement makes the perfect welcome gift for any baby girl or baby boy.