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LOOKING AHEAD TO
VALENTINE’S
BY GEORGE EDGAR
Flowers are the
usual gift for Valentine’s Day. If you get cut flowers, be sure to make
them last as long as possible.
The most important factor in cut flower longevity is fresh water,
according to the Extension Service at the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln. “Change the water in the vase every day, or at least
every other day. Rinse the
stems off each day to remove stem rotting organisms which may grow in
the water. Keep the flowers
displayed in a cool environment, out of drafts.” (1)
Flowers and
flower colors have long been used to express one’s feelings or
sentiments. Red roses for
example express love and respect. Other sentiments can be conveyed by
other flower colors. The
following chart from the All-American Rose Selection website (2)
provides a list of sentiments associated with various colors:
ROSE COLOR
SENTIMENT OR MEANING
·
Red
Love and Respect
·
Deep Pink
Gratitude and Appreciation
·
Light Pink
Admiration and Sympathy
·
White
Reverence and Humility
·
Yellow
Joy and Gladness
·
Orange
Enthusiasm and Desire
·
Red and
Yellow Blend Gaiety and
Joviality
·
Yellow
Sociability and Friendship If you are going to
give a plant or cut flowers to your Valentine, be sure and cover it with
a paper sack when you take it to the car or take it from the car into
the house. Any green plant or cut flower will suffer if taken out of a
warm store or warm car if the air temperature is below 55 degrees F.
That short distance from the store to the car or from the car to the
house can damage a plant or flowers if not covered and they will not
last as long. If the air temperature is between 55 degrees F. and 36
degrees F. you need at least 1 paper sack. (Do not use plastic as it
conducts the cold.) Use two bags if the air temperature is between 36
degrees F. and 15 degrees F. Use 3 bags if the air temperature is 15
degrees F. or below. Also do not leave your plant or flowers in the car
while you go shopping. Make this purchase at your last stop and get them
into a warm house or office as soon as possible.
Most holiday
plants come wrapped and adorned with foil wrapping. These pot covers are
very pretty but they hold too much water near the plant roots. If the
plant is wrapped, simply poke three or four holes in the bottom of the
wrap or cut a slice in the bottom with a paring knife, so the water will
drain out into a saucer when watered.
The number one
problem most people have with indoor plants in the winter is over
watering. Plants do not use
as much water in the winter so make sure you check the soil before
adding water.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S Copyright 2016 Resources: (1)
Lincoln
Journal Star Newspaper Sunday edition, July 2008.
(2) www.rose.org/symbolism-and-color |