S is for Stock

I was doing so well for this A to Z Challenge, and then somewhere around N, things started going downhill. But hey, I'm still here doing the challenge so that says something, right?

So, being in the flower biz and already doing blog posts in the A to Z Challenge on iris and rose, I decided to share my favorite flower with you . . . stock, also called gillyflower. It’s native to Southwestern Greece and the Mediterranean.

The name doesn’t sound very appealing, but the beauty of it and the fragrance make up for it. Stock can have a single or double flower bloom on them, with a 1-inch diameter. It has a sweet, yet spicy fragrance to it.

The colors range from white, yellow, peach, pink, lavender, purple and burgundy.

Vase life is three days to a week, depending on how the recipient takes care of them. This flower is temperamental and fussy, which is funny to me considering stock is supposed to be a symbol of happiness and contended existence. The water must be changed everyday and any foliage needs to be removed below the water line. If not, a foul odor coming from the water will overpower the beautiful scent of stock.

pink stock in vase mixed with lavender roses

If you visit your local florist, ask if they have stock. If so, take a whiff of it's fragrant scent. Then, take a bouquet home or send some flowers to a friend to brighten their day.

Take a look at other A to Z Challenge Bloggers.

F is for Floral Arrangements

We've been busy this week, making floral arrangements for Easter time, so I thought I'd share some with you.

This arrangement is called Hoppy Easter and is one of my favorite things to make.

The design is by 1-800-Flowers, and just like the Santa Claus doggie was popular during the Christmas season, so is this puppy with bunny ears during Easter time.

This is an order from a man to his wife. He wanted a dozen roses added to it for her. Very sweet!






This pic is a lavender watering can with tulips, carnations, mini carns, daisies, and wax flower.








This is a ceramic containter made to look like grass.
Inside, I put daisies, wax flower, sweetheart roses, mini carns, a cute little chic, and a nest with baby eggs.











These roses aren't Easter-ish looking, but I had to share them with you guys. They 're called Circus Roses and are a yellow with an orange/hot pink edge. Gorgeous.


                  
                  
               Check out other blogs in the A to Z Challenge here.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that you have many blessings in the new year ahead.
One of my critique partners encouraged me to share my flower talent on my blog so I chose this cute little doggie. He was a hot item at the flower shop this holiday season.

He's made of white carnations, and he sits inside a brown wicker basket. Christmas greens (cedar, pine, and noble fir) and red mini carns surround him. He even has on a tiny pair of reading glasses. 1800Flowers came up with the design. He's super cute and fun to make!