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Trimming the Stem  The first cut should be a ½” or more from the bottom of the stem. Use a clean, sharp knife to facilitate renewed uptake of water and nutrients. Thorns and Leaves Rose leaves function as the lungs of a plant. On their underside are pores, called stomata, that facilitate gas exchange. They allow the rose stem to breathe. Breathing encourages the flow of water and nutrients up the stem, allowing the cut flower to open and color up.  Leaves that fall below the waterline favor the growth of bacteria in the water. These leaves should always be...

The tulip is a member of the lily family. Tulips grow in the wild from Southern Europe to Central Asia (Himalaya Mountains) .  Tulips were cultivated in Istanbul in 1055. European travellers brought tulips to Europe from Turkey in the mid sixteenth century. From 1634 - 1637, tulips became a sought after commodity during “Tulipmania”.  The tulip was the ultimate status symbol. Bulb traders earned the equivalent of $40,000 a month.  If you could not afford the flowers, you commissioned an artist to paint the tulips for you.  Because tulips were frequently included in Dutch Golden Age paintings, they have...

Ecuador grows some of the best roses in the world.   Being on the equator allows for natural light year round.  Most of Ecuador’s rose farms are in the Andes Mountains at 2,000 - 3,000 meters above sea level.  Roses grown at high altitude have a longer growing cycle,  which is perfect for growing roses with long stems and big heads.  Ecuadorian rose stems can grow to be over 5 feet tall.  The rose heads are up to 2 inches larger in diameter than roses grown in any other countries.  The cold nights promote the development of contrasting hues on...

Cultivars flowers are packed and delivered in their original boxes.  The roses are packed at the farm in the high Ecuadorian Andes and the farm in Bogota, Colombia.  The Dutch lilies, tulips, amaryllis, peonies and ornithogalum are packed in Holland. Growers have worked for generations to fine tune the best way to pack their flowers for air travel. When you open the box, you will want them to pack everything that you ever need sent again. They are so secure! Multiple handling and repackaging of fresh cut flowers shortens their lifespan and is a wasteful use of resources.  We love...