Shop owner Mina Bolouri – Arjan Flowers and Herbs in Piedmont, CA, www.arjanflowers.com has a nice feature in the February 12, 2010 of Bay Area News Group publication. Mina has found the perfect way to follow through on her longtime interest in art while displaying her own talents as well.   Bolouri showcases the work of local artists and photographers on the walls of her shop providing a wonderful accent for her bounty of premium florals.

Mina’ shop, named after a meadow outside of her native Shiraz in Iran has coupled the peacefulness of the shop namesake with the intoxicating aroma of fresh seasonal flowers and herbs which she mostly procures from the San Francisco Flower Mart.  “I think nature is beautiful and if you stay true to the season you cannot go wrong” says Bolouri.

Member Florist Geranium Lake of Portland, Oregon, www.geraniumlake.com, stepped up and made a commitment!  They donated 10% of all Valentines proceeds to Mercy Corps and their mission to help Haiti.

Blooming flowers are a universal symbol of renewal, friendship, and love.  What better way to double your impact on those around you AND those who seem so far away!

Thank you Geranium Lake, for showing us that a little thought can go a long way.

For many, the Easter Lily, the traditional time-honored flower of Easter, is highly regarded as a joyful symbol of beauty, hope and life. The large, trumpet-shaped, fragrant white flowers make a meaningful gift that embodies the very essence of the celebration of Easter.

Tradition has it that the beautiful white lilies sprung up where drops of Christ’s sweat fell to the ground in his final hours of sorrow and deep distress. Churches, to this day, continue the tradition at Easter time by banking their altars and surrounding their crosses with masses of Easter Lilies, to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and hope of life everlasting.

Easter Lilies prefer moderately moist, well-drained soil and moderately cool temperatures.  Recommended daytime temperatures are 60o to 65o F. with slightly cooler night temperatures. The lily will thrive near a window in bright, indirect natural daylight, but avoid glaring, direct sunlight.

Water the plant thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry to a light touch, but avoid over-watering. For best results, remove the plant from container, and water thoroughly until water seeps out of the pot’s drain holes to completely saturate the soil. Allow the plant to air for a few minutes and discard the excess water before replacing it back into its container.

As the flowers mature, remove the yellow anthers before the pollen starts to shed. This gives longer flower life and prevents the pollen from staining the white flowers. When a mature flower starts to wither after its prime, cut it off to make the plant more attractive while you still enjoy the fresher, newly-opened blooms.

The Easter Lily bulbs are surprisingly hardy even in cold climates.   After the last bloom has withered and has been cut away, you can continue to grow your Easter Lilies, and even plant them outside in your garden to enjoy them for years to come.