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Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Garden Principle
I've had several gardens over the years, but each time they're overrun by weeds, and we end up eating whatever can survive. It usually starts after the first heavy rains after planting where the ground stays wet for several days. The next time I step out there, the weeds have taken over and I can't tell the difference between them and the seedlings. So I just have to let them grow alongside each other and from there it's completely out of control.
As a side note, last year I sent a Utah friend a picture of the lush vegetation on our property. She asked, "How do you water all that?" I could hardly contain my laughter! How do we water it all? Northwest Georgia is in the middle of a rain forest. Weeds and trees grow up spontaneously here; nature takes care of our watering.
Anyway... back to my garden story. This year, I decided it would be different. Along with setting several other goals and keeping them on a slip of paper in my back pocket, I set this goal: "I choose to find it easy and fun to grow a tidy garden full of delicious tomatoes, beans, squash, cucumbers and fresh herbs."
I began by training myself to be consistent. Instead of having my husband till the garden with a tractor, I dug it myself with a shovel. It's about 40 ft by 12 ft, and I did it all by hand. No, I didn't kill myself doing it either. For a couple weeks, I went out there and dug 15 minutes here, 15 minutes there. Digging in the dirt gave me an escape from my work for a few minutes. I could look out over our property and count my blessings - truly realizing just how "rich" we are. It brightened my mind and shifted my thinking to grateful abundance. Soon, I used my garden time as a way to deal with stress, solve problems, or get some quiet time for prayer and contemplation.
In time, I'd dug the garden. Planting came next. My three younger children wanted to be involved in that. We did the majority of it in an evening, and it was quite enjoyable. Gradually, I dug a little more garden space and set out a few more plants. Because I'd developed the habit of digging in my garden, it's been easy to continue it and keep the weeds out. So here we are several weeks into the growing season and my garden is still neat and tidy.
Here are a few insights I'm learning from this garden experience.
- First, small moves made consistently over time bring great results.
- Second, having a picture of the end result in your mind ( in this case: a clean tidy garden full of delicious vegetables) makes it easy to work with purpose.
- Third, my garden is symbolic of all the other goals I set at the same time. When I read them throughout the day, I remember that even though there may appear to be no "fruit" or even progress toward their outcome, they are forming and growing... just like my garden. If I give them just a little time and attention each day as I've done the garden, they'll materialize as well.
Feature Articles
Content Syndicated by www.IdeaMarketers.com 
Know Your Birth Month Flowers
Birth month flowers are those flowers that over the centuries have come to represent certain months. The next time you want to send flowers, remember what month it is then consider selecting a flower that truly expresses your feelings.
Exotic flowers in the Philippines
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Elegant Osiana Roses
Memorizing the right special date for every important person in your life could be fussing for some of us. But thinking for the perfect gift for them is even harder. However, the apricot roses will do the trick. This article suggests of the best apri
Flower Giving in the Philippines
Nowadays, giving a bunch of flowers to a girl is no more a common practice. Moreover, giving some blossoms to a girl is rarely done since many of us find it kind of impractical. However, handing flowers to that special someone should be a habit not o
Island Rose wins an Agora Award
Island Rose wins an Agora Award for outstanding achievement in entrepreneurship from the Philippine Marketing Association. The awarding ceremony was held at the Hotel intercontinental in Manila Philippines.
Pink Roses in the Victorian Era
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How the Flower Industry Works
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Stop! Don't Call the Florist This Thanksgiving! How to Make Your Own Holiday Centerpiece on a Budget
In this do-it-yourself era, why not learn how to arrange flowers like a pro and create your own holiday centerpieces and other festive floral arrangements? Learn something new, fun and rewarding AND save money at the same time!
Restaurant Flower Design
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Tips for Making Your Fresh Cut Flowers Last Longer
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Flower Exporters from Around the World
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How to Make Your Own Flower Arrangement
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Sending Farm Fresh Flowers
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Thinking of You
This article contains information about sending flowers by post to your close friends and on intimate romantic occasions such as Birthday's and other special like New Year.
Talking Flowers
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Ross Flowers counsels the inner athlete
Ross Flowers says the transition from high school to college will test a student-athlete like few high-stakes games ever could.
"In high school these players were the proverbial big fish in the little pond," said Flowers, a psychologist at UC Davis in Counseling and Psychological Services and for the Intercollegiate Athletics Department. "Suddenly, in college, they are the little fish in the big pond, and they are competing in a more concentrated talent pool of student-athletes."
Flowers, who counsels on average 15 student-athletes a week at UC Davis, says the college transition is the most frequent problem he encounters with student-athletes. Along the way athletes can lose their confidence or find solace in any of the numerous distractions in a college environment.
"When confronting a challenge like this," he said, "it is important to learn how to relax, focus, motivate oneself, manage your time and find positive, supportive relationships."
The balancing act for UC Davis student-athletes is all the more important these days with the university in the midst of its move to Division I that will become official in 2007-08.
"It's not that different, but our programs seek to be competitive at this new level," he said.
Overcoming his own hurdles
Flowers should know about the inner mind of the athlete. In high school, he won the 110-meter hurdles in Washington state in 1988 and 1989 and then became an All-American and Pac-10 champion at UCLA. Perhaps the greatest hurdle he cleared was recovering from stress fractures in his shins while a freshman at UCLA -- he has a titanium rod in his leg that stretches from his knee to his ankle.
"I felt like I was losing my identity as an athlete," added Flowers.
He had surgery during his sophomore year, and the ordeal gave him time for introspection about life beyond athletics. "I became more aware of my family life, spiritual life and values outside athletics. I integrated this back into my sport and became a better athlete and a more well-rounded person," he said.
Flowers went on to become the captain of the UCLA men's track and field team his senior year. Following graduation from UCLA, he competed nationally and internationally in the 110-meter high hurdles. And he earned his doctorate in psychology at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.
While at that university he coached the men's and women's track teams, which had never won a title before. But under Flowers they won six conference championships.
A firm believer in the powers of relaxation, Flowers often suggests deep breathing exercises as a way "to center oneself in the moment and clear away the distractions." He noted, "You focus only on what you can do and dedicate yourself to the present moment."
Flowers talks to student-athletes in both big and small groups as well as individual sessions in his North Hall Office. He works with coaches on particular issues facing teams and may speak to an entire squad about motivational issues.
"Ross has certainly made a positive impact to our program," said MaryClaire Robinson, women's soccer coach. "He brings a different aspect to the competition. We spend a lot of time preparing on the technical side, the team's shape and on tactics. Ross completes the picture in terms of the mental aspects of the game. While not tangible, these certainly make an impact on our student-athletes and the program's success."
Fear is a prevalent issue, whether it's about coping with failure or injury rehabilitation. "We talk about those fears and address them," said Flowers. "We discuss what is inside one's control, for example, how you can manage the pain of an injury."
Visualization is one tool he often uses with athletes. "We talk about envisioning each step of progress toward the desired goal. You close your eyes and paint a picture in your mind."
He said an athlete may use visualization techniques three to five times a day in the build-up toward the game or event. "That way you've done it 50 times in a week before you actually compete," said Flowers. He is also a believer in positive psychology, which, to oversimplify it, puts an emphasis on the strengths and virtues that constitute character. "We build the individual up based on their many talents and traits."
In counseling, Flowers notices a gender gap -- more female student-athletes make appointments than males. "Women tend to feel more comfortable talking individually about the issues they are dealing with," said Flowers, who often speaks to males in large group settings.
For Flowers, the parallels between sports and mainstream society are clear. "A lot of what happens in sports -- from the challenges to the adjustments and coping with success and failure -- happen in life. And so we teach our students to apply this knowledge and wisdom to their careers and lives beyond college."
'A rough situation'
Flowers arrived at UC Davis in 2001. A newly minted doctor of psychology, he served as an intern in the Counseling and Psychological Services unit where he started developing the sports psychology service. It grew into a full-time job and a consulting role to Intercollegiate Athletics.
Growing up in a Seattle neighborhood -- "a rough situation, what they call the 'hood,'" Flowers noted -- he fell in love with soccer and basketball. Then he started running track and setting records while earning a 3.5 grade-point-average, all of which prompted UCLA to offer him a full scholarship. Along the journey of his life, he has learned many lessons.
"It's important to understand the demands of balancing academics, athletics and a social life in a demanding environment," Flowers said.
Along his personal journey, one of Flowers' greatest sources of inspiration is the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. "You see confidence in him, whether inside or outside the ring. Look at how poised he was and how he carried himself. He did not let outside distractions affect him."
More Information on the Art of Drying Flowers
With summer in full bloom, so to speak, all of those lovely, colorful and endless varieties of blossoms are available for one of several drying methods. If you start soon, you could harvest a nice selection of flowers and foliage that will last throughout the summer and into the fall and winter seasons.
Overall, there are numerous ways to dry flowers. All are relatively easy so you can experiment to find the method(s) that gives you the best results. Some flowers dry better using one method versus the other so I've added several links to sites that explain the methods and that will also give you additional useful information.
I also suggest you check out my article, Storing Your Dried Flowers .
METHODS OF DRYING
SILICA GEL- This is by far the most expensive of the drying methods but the good news is, the gel crystals can be used over and over again. If you plan on doing numerous drying projects, the cost will equal out. But if you just plan on a one-time shot, I would suggest the next method.
BORAX & CORNMEAL MIXTURE- I use this method the most. It's easy and inexpensive. Purchase a box of 20 Mule Team borax and a bag of cornmeal. Mix 2 parts borax to one part cornmeal and place a layer in a container (I usually use a shoe box or a plastic deli pastry/pie container), and place the flowers to be dried on the mixture then cover with another layer of borax/cornmeal. Process can take from two to three weeks.
AIR DRYING- Another simple and inexpensive method. Depending on the type of flowers to be dried, you tie the flowers in a bundle and hang them upside down in a dry, dark room. A closet or utility room works just fine. Leave the flowers to dry for several weeks.
MICROWAVE DRYING-For a quick, easy and fast method, please visit this link Clemson University for "how to's" and suggestions for flowers that do well using this process. They also have information about the other methods as well.
Next, this link Drying Roses will tell you how to dry roses using either the drying method or silica gel. Garden Guides has a variety of tips for drying methods along with a list of herbs that dry well and flowers that can be pressed.
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Flower consumption
Some general rules to follow before consuming flowers:
- You must make a 100% positive identification. If you are unsure if you have picked the correct variety of flower for the recipe, do NOT eat it. Some flowers are toxic and some flowers only become edible after appropriate preparations. There are many sources available to help you identify and properly prepare flowers for consumption, make sure that the information is up-to-date and reliable.
- As you would with other foods, if you have food or pollen allergies, check with your doctor before consuming flowers to avoid allergic reactions.
- Always use flowers that have NOT been sprayed with pesticides. To accomplish this, you can either grow your own flowers or if you are purchasing flowers from a commercial grower, ask if pesticides were used in treating the flowers. Make sure the grower knows that you plan to consume the flowers.
- Do not use damaged or excessively dirty flowers. Check flowers for an overabundance of insects as this may be a sign of unsuitable flowers to consume. Wash flowers thoroughly (but gently) in cool water and dry them on paper towels.
- Always remember to remove the reproductive organs (pollen area) of the flowers if possible.
- Just because flowers are edible does not mean you should eat them at every meal. Marigolds and Daylilies for example, should be sensibly consumed.
- Do not serve edible flowers along with inedible flowers. Some guests may not know the difference and inadvertently eat an inedible flower.
Postharvest Biology and Technology of Fruits, Vegetables, and Flowers
Lurie (The Volcani Center)
Description
An increased understanding of the developmental physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology during early growth, maturation, ripening, and postharvest conditions has improved technologies to maintain the shelf life and quality of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Postharvest Biology and Technology of Fruits, Vegetables, and Flowers provides a comprehensive introduction to this subject, offering a firm grounding in the basic science and branching out into the technology and practical applications. An authoritative resource on the science and technology of the postharvest sector, this book surveys the body of knowledge with an emphasis on the recent advances in the field.
TopTable of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Post harvest Biology and Technology: An International Perspective
By: Gopinadhan Paliyath, Dennis Murr, Avtar Handa, Susan Lurie
2. Common Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers and their Quality Characteristics
By: Gopinadhan Paliyath, Dennis Murr
3. Biochemistry of Fruits
By: Gopinadhan Paliyath, Dennis Murr
4. Biochemistry of Flower Senescence
By: Ajay Arora
5. Programmed Cell Death During Flower Senescence
By: Ajay Arora
6. Ethylene Perception and Gene Expression
By: Willis Owino, Hiroshi Ezura
7. Enhancing Post Harvest Shelf Life and Quality in Horticultural Commodities using 1-MCP Technology
By: Susan Lurie, Gopinadhan Paliyath
8. Structural Deterioration in Produce: The Breakdown of Cell Wall
By: Pradeep Negi, Avtar Handa
9. Structural Deterioration in Produce: Phospholipase D, Membrane and Senescence
By: Gopinadhan Paliyath, Krishnaraj Tiwari, Haiying Yuan, Bruce Whitaker
10. Phospholipase D Inhibition Technology for Enhancing Shelf Life and Quality
By: Gopinadhan Paliyath, Jayasankar Subramanian
11. Heat Treatment for Enhancing Post Harvest Quality
By: Susan Lurie
12. The Role of Polyphenols in Quality, Postharvest Handling, and Processing of Fruits
By: Vasantha Rupasinghe
13. Isoprenoid Biosynthesis in Fruits and Vegetables
By: Andrew Schofield, Vasantha Rupasinghe, Gopinadhan Paliyath
14. Postharvest Treatments Affecting Sensory Quality of Fresh and Fresh Cut Products
By: Elazar Fallik
15. Polyamines and Regulation of Ripening and Senescence
By: Savithri Nambeesan, Autar Mattoo, Avtar Handa
16. Post-Harvest Enhancement of Phenolic Phytochemical in Apples for Preservation and Health Benefits
By: Kalidas Shetty, Ishan Adyanthaya, Young-In Kwon, Emmanouil Apostolidis, Byungjin Min, Paul Dawson
17. Rhizosphere Microorganisms and their Effect on Fruit Quality
By: Victor Olalde, Hortencia Mena-Violante
18. Biotechnological Approaches to Improving Tropical Fruit Quality
By: Miguel Gomez
19. Post Harvest Storage and Quality of Potatoes
By: Jayanty Sastry
20. Biosensor-based Technologies for the Evaluation of Quality
By: Barry Byrne, Neil Carolan, Richard O'Kennedy
21. Changes in Nutritional Quality of Fruits and Vegetables during Storage
Care
| Making your flowers last longer | Each cut flower variety has a different life expectancy. When buying flowers, be sure to ask your florist how long you should expect your arrangement to last. Whatever variety you choose, a little TLC will go a long way to keep your blooms looking fresh longer. Here are a few handy tips that can help add days to their beauty! | |
| Floral food and why you should use it | Floral food is a combination of additives that help to nourish the flowers and discourage bacteria from growing in the water. It is one of the best -- and easiest -- ways to extend the life of your flowers. It is very important to follow the directions on the package correctly. Improperly mixed floral food can do more harm than good. | |
| When your flowers arrive in wet foam | Keep the floral foam soaked in water. The floral food added at the time of design by your florist will stay active. | |
| When your flowers have woody stems and branches (such as Quince, Forsythia, or Lilac) | Cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place in warm water containing fresh floral food to promote flower opening. | |
| WARNING..regarding cats and lilies | According to the National Animal Poison Control Center, certain types of lilies can cause renal failure in cats that have ingested any part of the lily. We strongly suggest keeping lilies out of the reach of cats. For more information, contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at www.aspca.org/apcc or call 888-426-4435. It is important to note that lilies do not pose a problem for other pets or humans. | |
FLOWER/PLANT INFO
A little extra care can make a big difference for any size flower arrangement or fresh flower bouquet. Most floral arrangements last 5-7 days or longer, depending on the flowers used and the care they receive.
Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods provide sugars, balance ph and limit bacterial growth. It is important to follow the mixing directions on the food packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of water. Do not dilute with more water than is specified on the packet.
Check your arrangement daily to make sure it has plenty of clear fresh water. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife or scissors that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into warm solution or deeply and firmly back into floral foam.
Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or near appliances. Heat from appliances or hot and cold drafts cause flowers to dehydrate.
Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don't forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist. Remove leaves that will be below the waterline to deter bacterial microbial growth that will limit water uptake by the flower. Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife or scissors. Place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.
If you purchase loose flowers for your own arrangements you should also consider these tips: When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age. When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.
Flowers in the Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari Desert is one of the most inhospitable places in Africa. Most of the time, it is a place to wonder at the surrounding desolation and the vastness of Africa, but during the rains it is transformed into a startlingly beautiful, never-ending meadow. Khutse Game Reserve is a good place to catch this fantastic display.
The Kalahari covers more than two-thirds of Botswana. It is classed as a desert because of the low rainfall it receives, but underground reserves mean that it is mostly scrubby grassland rather than the typical sandy desert.
Visitors need to bring all their own equipment and need to be experienced in 4WD driving. San guides can be hired at the entrance to the park. They can show visitors how to live off the desert and the best places to see the flowers and animals in the reserve.
Khutse doesn't have the concentration of game that the other parks have, but visitors are still likely to see herds of antelope and ostrich as well as many smaller animals. Look out for the kori bustard, the world's heaviest flying bird. You can get pretty close before it bothers lifting its massive weight into the air.
To the north of Khutse lies the massive Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which was created to protect the lifestyle of the San Bushmen. It is still untouched and any expedition into it must be very experienced and well-prepared. You can expect to see a variety of animals throughout the year - wildebeest, antelope, lion, leopard and cheetah. You might also see some of the remaining San. Some continue to cling to their ancient nomadic ways, but many have been forced to lead a marginalised existence in shanty villages - a sad life for the original inhabitants of Southern Africa.
Visitors need to bring all their own equipment and need to be experienced in 4WD driving. San guides can be hired at the entrance to the park. They can show visitors how to live off the desert and the best places to see the flowers and animals in the reserve.
Khutse doesn't have the concentration of game that the other parks have, but visitors are still likely to see herds of antelope and ostrich as well as many smaller animals. Look out for the kori bustard, the world's heaviest flying bird. You can get pretty close before it bothers lifting its massive weight into the air.
To the north of Khutse lies the massive Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which was created to protect the lifestyle of the San Bushmen. It is still untouched and any expedition into it must be very experienced and well-prepared. You can expect to see a variety of animals throughout the year - wildebeest, antelope, lion, leopard and cheetah. You might also see some of the remaining San. Some continue to cling to their ancient nomadic ways, but many have been forced to lead a marginalised existence in shanty villages - a sad life for the original inhabitants of Southern Africa.
Table 1. Edible Flowers
| Common name | Scientific name | Flavor | Color | Comments |
| Anise hyssop | Agastache foeniculum | Anise | Lilac | Self seeding perennial |
| Apple | Malus spp. | Floral | White to pink | Eat in moderation since flowers contain cyanide precursors |
| Arugula | Eruca vesicaria sativa | Spicy | White | Annual; once flowers form the leaves become bitter |
| Basil | Ocimum basilicum | Herbal | White, lavender | Annual |
| Bachelor's button | Centaurea cyanus | Vegetal | White, pink, blue | Annual; petals are edible; the calyx is bitter |
| Bee balm | Monarda didyma | Minty, sweet, hot | Wide range | Perennial |
| Borage | Borago officinalis | Herbal | Blue | Annual; use with nasturtium; use sparingly -- diuretic effects |
| Broccoli | Brassica officinalis | Spicy | Green | Annual |
| Calendula | Calendula officinalis | Slightly bitter | Yellow, orange | Annual; most often used for color rather than flavor |
| Chamomile | Chamaemelum noblis | Sweet apple | White | Perennial; drink tea in moderation -- contains thuaone; ragweed sufferers may be allergic to chamomile |
| Chervil | Anthriscus cerefolium | Herbal | White | Annual |
| Chicory | Cichorium intybus | Herbal | Blue | Perennial |
| Chives | Allium schoeonoprasum | Onion | Lavender-pink | Perennial; avoid eating whole flower; taste can be overwhelming |
| Chrysanthemum | Chrysanthemum spp. | Strong | Perennial | Use the florets; strong flavor |
| Dandelion | Taraxacum officinale | Sweet, honey-like | Yellow | Perennial; use young flowers, mature flowers become bitter; flowers close after picking |
| Daylily | Hemerocallis spp. | Vegetal, sweet | Wide range | Perennial; may act as a diuretic or laxative; eat in moderation |
| Dianthus | Dianthus spp. | Sweet clove flavor | Wide range | Perennial; remove the narrow base of the petals (bitter) |
| Dill | Anethum graveolens | Herbal | Yellowish-green | Annual |
| Elderberry | Sambucus canadensis | Sweet | White | Perennial; do not wash flowers since it removes much of the flavor |
| English daisy | Bellis perennis | Mildly bitter | Pink | Perennial; ray flowers have a mildly bitter taste |
| Fennel | Foeniculum vulgare | Mildly anise | Yellow-green | Normally grown as an annual |
| Hibiscus | Hibiscus rosa-sinensis | Mildly citrus | Rose, red | Showy edible garnish |
| Hollyhock | Althea rosea | Vegetal | White, pink, red | Showy edible garnish |
| Honeysuckle | Lonicera japonica | Sweet | White to pale yellow | Perennial; do not use other honeysuckle flowers |
| Johnny-jump-up | Viola tricolor | Wintergreen | Purple and yellow | Annual; the petals have little flavor unless the green sepals are included; contain saponins and may be toxic in large amounts |
| Lavender | Lavendula spp. | Sweet, perfumed flavor | Lavender | Perennial; use sparingly due to intense flavor; lavender oil may be poisonous |
| Lilac | Syringa vulgaris | Varies | Lavender | Wide variation in flavor -- from no flavor to green and herbaceous to lilac |
| Linden | Tilia spp. | Honey-like | White | Frequent consumption of linden flower tea can cause heart damage |
| Lovage | Levisticum officinale | Celery | White | Perennial |
| Marigold | Tagetes patula | Bitter | Yellow, orange | Annual; Lemon Gem and Tangerine Gem have the best flavor |
| Mint | Mentha spp. | Minty | Purple | Perennial; each type of mint has its own unique flavor |
| Nasturtium | Tropaeolum majus | Spicy, peppery | Wide range | Annual |
| Okra | Abelmoschus esculentus | Vegetal | Yellow | Annual |
| Pansy | Viola x wittrockiana | Vegetal | Wide range | Annual; has a slightly sweet green or grassy flavor; petals have a mild flavor; whole flower has a wintergreen flavor |
| Passion flower | Passiflora spp. | Vegetal | Purple | Vine; showy flowers best used as a garnish |
| Pineapple sage | Salvia elegans | Sweet, fruity | Red | Perennial; flavor has a hint of mint and spice |
| Red clover | Trifolium pratense | Sweet | Red | Annual; raw clover flowers are not easily digestible |
| Rose | Rosa spp. | Perfumed | Wide range | Perennial: remove the white, bitter base of the petal |
| Rosemary | Rosmarinus officinalis | Herbal | Blue | Perennial |
| Sage | Salvia officinalis | Herbal | Purple-blue | Perennial |
| Scarlet runner bean | Phaseolus vulgaris | Vegetal | Purple | Annual; flower only last one to two days |
| Scented geraniums | Pelargonium spp. | Varies | Wide range | Perennial; the flavor is usually similar to the scent of the leaves |
| Signet marigold | Tagetes signata | Spicy, herbal | Yellow | Annual; may be harmful if eaten in large amounts; other marigolds are edible but have a tangy to bitter flavor |
| Snapdragon | Anthirrhinum majus | Bitter | Wide range | Annual; use as a garnish |
| Squash | Curcubita pepo | Vegetal | Yellow | Annual |
| Sunflower | Helianthus annuus | Varies | Yellow | Annual; flower is best eaten in bud stage when it has an artichoke flavor; petals of open flowers have a bitter- sweet flavor; pollen can cause a reaction for some people |
| Sweet woodruff | Galium odoratum | Sweet, nutty, vanilla | White | Can have a blood thinning effect if eaten in large amounts |
| Thyme | Thymus spp. | Herbal | White | Perennial herb |
| Tulip | Tulipa spp. | Vegetal | Wide range | Bulb; good stuffed |
| Violet | Viola odorata | Sweet, perfumed | Purple, white | Perennial; use candied or fresh |
Edible Flowers
Flowers have traditionally been used in many types of cooking: European, Asian, East Indian, Victorian English, and Middle Eastern. Early American settlers also used flowers as food. Today, there is a renewed interest in edible flowers for their taste, color, and fragrance. Edible flowers can be used fresh as a garnish or as an integral part of a dish, such as a salad. Squash flowers can be fried in light batter or cornmeal. Some flowers can be stuffed or used in stir-fry dishes. Edible flowers can be candied; frozen in ice cubes and added to beverages; made into jellies and jams; used to make teas or wines; minced and added to cheese spreads, herbal butters, pancakes, crepes, and waffles. Many flowers can be used to make vinegars for cooking, marinades, or dressings for salad. Herbal flowers normally have the same flavor as their leaves, with the exceptions of chamomile and lavender blossoms, where the flavor is usually more subtle.
Cautions
Not all flowers are edible; some may taste bad and some are poisonous. Eat flowers only if you are certain they are edible. Consult a good reference book. An extensive list of poisonous plants can be found at the following Web site: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/poison.htm. A flower is not necessarily edible because it is served with food. A partial list of edible flowers can be found in Table 1. The flowers of most culinary herbs are safe to use.
Additional flowers that have been reported to be edible include: Black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia; Cattails, Typha spp.; Clary sage, Salvia sclarea; Common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca; Coriander, Coriander sarivum; Fuchsia, Fushia x hybrida; Gardenia, Gardenia jasminoides; Garlic, Allium sativum; Garlic chives, Allium tuberosum; Gladiolus, Gladiolus hortulanus; Hyssop, Hyssopus officalis; Leek, Allium porrum; Lemon, Citrus limon; Marjoram, Origanum vulgare; Marsh mallow, Althaea officinalis; Mustard, Brassica spp.; Nodding onion, Allium cernuum; Peony, Paeonia lactiflora; Orange, Citrus sinensis; Oregano, Origanum vulgar; Pineapple guava, Acca sellowiana; Plum, Prunus spp.; Radish, Raphanus sativus; Redbud, Cercis canadensis; Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus; Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius; Spiderwort, Tradescantia virginia; Strawberry, Fragaria ananassa; Water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes; Water lily, Nymphaea odorata; Winter savory, Satureja montana; Yucca, Yucca spp.
Pesticides for use on fruits and vegetables have undergone extensive testing to determine the waiting period between treatment and harvest and potential residuals on food. Pesticides used on flowers and ornamentals have not been evaluated to determine their safety on food crops. Do not eat flowers from florists, nurseries, garden centers, or flowers found on the side of the road. Consume only flowers that you or someone else have grown specifically for that purpose. If you have hay fever, asthma or allergies, it best not to eat flowers since many allergies are due to sensitivity to pollen of specific plants. It's best to introduce flowers into your diet one at a time and in small quantities.
Growing Edible Flowers
Growing edible flowers is essentially the same as growing flowers for ornamental purposes. Most flowers require a well-drained soil with a pH around 5.5 to 6. Soil test. Use a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch to reduce weeds, conserve soil moisture, maintain uniform soil temperatures, and reduce the amount of soil splashed onto the plant during a heavy rain. Irrigate to keep plants actively growing and flowering; most plants will need 1 inch of water per week. If possible, avoid overhead irrigation because moisture on the leaf surface for extended periods of time can increase the chances of disease development. Irrigating with a soaker hose works well.
Chemicals for pest control should be avoided, if possible. Hand-pick harmful insects. Beneficial insects, such as lady beetles and praying mantids, can be used to decrease insect populations. Growing different flowers together provides diversity to support a good beneficial insect population and keeps pest problems low. Many gardeners locate their edible flower garden away from other plants to avoid chemical spray drift. Many edible flowers can be successfully grown in containers.
Harvesting Flowers
Flavor can vary with growing conditions and cultivars. Conduct a taste test before harvesting large amounts of a particular flower. Flowers should be picked in the cool of the day, after the dew has evaporated. For maximum flavor choose flowers at their peak. Avoid flowers that are not fully open or that are past their prime. To maintain maximum freshness, keep flowers cool after harvest. Long-stem flowers should be placed in a container of water. Short-stemmed flowers, such as borage and orange blossoms, should be harvested within 3 to 4 hours of use, placed in a plastic bag, and stored in a refrigerator. Damp paper towels placed in the plastic bag will help maintain high humidity.
Because pollen can distract from the flavor, it's best to remove the pistils and stamens. Pollen may cause an allergic reaction for some people. Remove the sepals of all flowers except violas, Johnny-jump-ups, and pansies. For flowers such as calendula, chrysanthemum, lavender, rose, tulip, and yucca, only the flower petals are edible. The white base of the petal of many flowers may have a bitter taste and should be removed from flowers such as chrysanthemums, dianthus, marigolds, and roses.
For Further Reading
- Belsinger, Susan. 1991. Flowers in the Kitchen; Interweave Press; Loveland, Colorado.
- Barash, Cathy Wilkinson. 1997. Edible Flowers: Desserts and Drinks. Fulcrum Publishing; Golden, Colorado.
- Barash, Cathy Wilkinson. 1993. Edible Flowers From Garden to Palate. Fulcrum Publishing; Golden, Colorado.
- Herst, Sharon Tyler. The Food Lover's Companion, 2nd edition. Barrons Educational Service, Inc.
- Kowalchik, Claire and William H. Hylton, editors. 1987. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Rodale Press, Inc.; Emmaus, Pennsylvania.
- Peterson, Lee Allen. 1977. Edible Wild Plants. Houghton Mifflin Company; New York.
- Shaudys, Phyllis V. 1990. Herbal Treasures. Garden Way Publishing; Pownal, Vermont.
GO! Smell the flowers
GO! Smell the flowers aims to make you think and laugh at the same time. Some task but we're getting there!
It works on many levels -first it is exactly what your are doing now - linking, discovering and sharing, maybe even when you should we working?
Ran by a Mr and Mrs combo, Jim and Emma based in Dubai, we find social networking a break from the norm and proof that we're all looking to rebirth the community feel that society can sometimes knock out of us.
When we resigned from the heights of corporate marketing to see the places we?d always wanted to see. We took a gamble, a journey into the unknown and time out to ask what it?s all about.
At Jims farewell lunch the Regional President of Jims company said?
We'd all love to get out of the rat race - We wish you look on your travels. Enjoy it when you smell the flowers?
At the time these words didn't mean alot to Jim who had previously bitten the heads of flowers rather than smelling them but as time moved on and countries were visited the phrase stayed with the couple as they joked about smelling the flowers.
Emma was adamant that Jim ?smelt the flowers?and they did exactly that with 10 months out which included a marriage proposal on Macchu Picchu, a beach blessing in Thailand and are now writing up their travels whilst back in the Rat Race!
The GO! Smell the flowers blog is a pre cursor to our book, GO! Smell the flowers, which aims to inform, entertain and enlighten people from all over our increasingly smaller world.
Why wait until you?re dead and pushing up flowers from the grave?
Life is too short and we endeavour to inspire people and help them discover their reason to be and be the best they can?or at least think about what they can change in their life for the better?..who doesn?t want that?
Maybe a change in YOUR life is due? It could be a career break, drinking and eating less, starting a new hobby, spending more time with the kids, saying no more or discovering the merits of a group hug. GO! Smell the flowers is not just a cue to head off around the world but making changes for the better to help people realise their dreams.
What about having the courage to write that book you've always wanted to? Blogcatalog can help you turn your blog into a book which is what we're well on our way to doing.
Happy linking and we hope to be part of your circle! Subscribe to go smell the flowers, buy lorry loads of flowers off us or at least link to us so we can help change the world. OK?
Now about that group hug!
Delivery and Shipping Information
- To confirm delivery of your order, please click here.
- All items sent via a local Teleflora or FTD florist may be delivered anywhere in the United States and Canada. All items sent via parcel service such as Fed Ex, UPS, or Airborne Express can be sent in the continental United States only unless otherwise noted.
- Arrangements to be delivered outside of the United States and Canada must be submitted 1 business day before the delivery date (more specific information on availability of delivery can be found on the floral arrangement "Info" and order form pages). Please visit our international flower delivery section to view the country you would like flowers delivered to.
- All floral arrangements, plants, and fruit baskets are delivered by a local Teleflora or FTD florist. All other items are shipped via a parcel service such as Airborne Express, UPS, or Fed Ex unless otherwise noted.
- There is a $7.95 service fee on all items delivered by local Teleflora or FTD florists.
- Shipping charges (i.e. UPS or Fed Ex) vary by item and are displayed on the order form and the right side of the product "Info" page.
- For same day delivery of all items delivered by local Teleflora or FTD florists, you must submit the order before 12 noon Monday through Friday in the time zone it is delivered in. Orders submitted after 12 noon would be delivered the next business day. Orders received on Saturday after 11 AM will be delivered on Monday. Sunday delivery is not available.
- All items sent UPS, Airborne Express, or Fed Ex must be submitted before 1 pm CT to be processed that same day, unless otherwise noted. Orders received on Thursday after 1 pm CT will be processed on the following Monday.
- Items shipped via Next Day Air are perishable and no other shipping option is available. Even if the order was placed well in advance of the scheduled delivery date, to ensure proper product quality it must be shipped Next Day Air.
Delivery and Shipping Information
- To confirm delivery of your order, please click here.
- All items sent via a local Teleflora or FTD florist may be delivered anywhere in the United States and Canada. All items sent via parcel service such as Fed Ex, UPS, or Airborne Express can be sent in the continental United States only unless otherwise noted.
- Arrangements to be delivered outside of the United States and Canada must be submitted 1 business day before the delivery date (more specific information on availability of delivery can be found on the floral arrangement "Info" and order form pages). Please visit our international flower delivery section to view the country you would like flowers delivered to.
- All floral arrangements, plants, and fruit baskets are delivered by a local Teleflora or FTD florist. All other items are shipped via a parcel service such as Airborne Express, UPS, or Fed Ex unless otherwise noted.
- There is a $7.95 service fee on all items delivered by local Teleflora or FTD florists.
- Shipping charges (i.e. UPS or Fed Ex) vary by item and are displayed on the order form and the right side of the product "Info" page.
- For same day delivery of all items delivered by local Teleflora or FTD florists, you must submit the order before 12 noon Monday through Friday in the time zone it is delivered in. Orders submitted after 12 noon would be delivered the next business day. Orders received on Saturday after 11 AM will be delivered on Monday. Sunday delivery is not available.
- All items sent UPS, Airborne Express, or Fed Ex must be submitted before 1 pm CT to be processed that same day, unless otherwise noted. Orders received on Thursday after 1 pm CT will be processed on the following Monday.
- Items shipped via Next Day Air are perishable and no other shipping option is available. Even if the order was placed well in advance of the scheduled delivery date, to ensure proper product quality it must be shipped Next Day Air.
Edible Flowers Selection and Storage
Edible flower selection
With the widespread use of pesticides by commercial growers, it's important to select edible flowers from a supplier who grows them specifically for consumption. Do not eat flowers obtained from a florist.Your best bet is to grow them yourself, so you know they are completely pesticide-free. However, many grocery stores and gourmet markets now sell edible flowers. If you are choosing homegrown flowers to eat, be certain you know your flowers as not all flowers are edible. Some can cause serious stomach problems and some are quite poisonous. Pick homegrown flowers in the morning or late afternoon when the water content is high.
Select flowers that are freshly-opened, perky and free of any bug-eaten or diseased spots. Normally, the petals are the only portion to be eaten, with the notable exception of safflower and crocus (saffron) whose stigma are prized as an herb.
Edible flower storage
Be sure to wash flowers thoroughly by bathing them gently in a bath of salt water. Perk them up by dropping into a bowl of ice water for 30 to 60 seconds, and drain on paper towels. Then carefully remove petals or other parts to be consumed.You may wish to trim off the whitish part of the petal where it connects to the stem as it can often be bitter. It's best to store flowers whole in a glass of water in the refrigerator until you need to use them. You can store petals for a day in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, but your optimum goal should be to use them within a few hours.
More About Edible Flowers and Edible Flowers Recipes:
• Edible Flower Storage and Selection• Edible Flower Cooking Tips and Hints
• Edible Flower History
• Edible Flower Flavor Chart
• Poisonous Flowers Chart
• Edible Flower Recipes
Edible Flowers Photo © 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Usage
In modern times, people have sought ways to cultivate, buy, wear, or otherwise be around flowers and blooming plants, partly because of their agreeable appearance and smell. Around the world, people use flowers for a wide range of events and functions that, cumulatively, encompass one's lifetime:
- For new births or Christenings
- As a corsage or boutonniere to be worn at social functions or for holidays
- As tokens of love or esteem
- For wedding flowers for the bridal party, and decorations for the hall
- As brightening decorations within the home
- As a gift of remembrance for bon voyage parties, welcome home parties, and "thinking of you" gifts
- For funeral flowers and expressions of sympathy for the grieving
People therefore grow flowers around their homes, dedicate entire parts of their living space to flower gardens, pick wildflowers, or buy flowers from florists who depend on an entire network of commercial growers and shippers to support their trade.
Flowers provide less food than other major plants parts (seeds, fruits, roots, stems and leaves) but they provide several important foods and spices. Flower vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower and artichoke. The most expensive spice, saffron, consists of dried stigmas of a crocus. Other flower spices are cloves and capers. Hops flowers are used to flavor beer. Marigold flowers are fed to chickens to give their egg yolks a golden yellow color, which consumers find more desirable. Dandelion flowers are often made into wine. Bee Pollen, pollen collected from bees, is considered a health food by some people. Honey consists of bee-processed flower nectar and is often named for the type of flower, e.g. orange blossom honey, clover honey and tupelo honey.
Hundreds of fresh flowers are edible but few are widely marketed as food. They are often used to add color and flavor to salads. Squash flowers are dipped in breadcrumbs and fried. Edible flowers include nasturtium, chrysanthemum, carnation, cattail, honeysuckle, chicory, cornflower, Canna, and sunflower. Some edible flowers are sometimes candied such as daisy and rose (you may also come across a candied pansy).
Flowers can also be made into herbal teas. Dried flowers such as chrysanthemum, rose, jasmine, camomile are infused into tea both for their fragrance and medical properties. Sometimes, they are also mixed with tea leaves for the added fragrance.
Symbolism
Many flowers have important symbolic meanings in Western culture. The practice of assigning meanings to flowers is known as floriography. Some of the more common examples include:
- Red roses are given as a symbol of love, beauty, and passion.
- Poppies are a symbol of consolation in time of death. In the UK, New Zealand, Australia and Canada, red poppies are worn to commemorate soldiers who have died in times of war.
- Irises/Lily are used in burials as a symbol referring to "resurrection/life". It is also associated with stars (sun) and its petals blooming/shining.
- Daisies are a symbol of innocence.
Flowers within art are also representative of the female genitalia, as seen in the works of artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe, Imogen Cunningham, Veronica Ruiz de Velasco, and Judy Chicago, and in fact in Asian and western classical art. Many cultures around the world have a marked tendency to associate flowers with femininity.
The great variety of delicate and beautiful flowers has inspired the works of numerous poets, especially from the 18th-19th century Romantic era. Famous examples include William Wordsworth's I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud and William Blake's Ah! Sun-Flower.
Because of their varied and colorful appearance, flowers have long been a favorite subject of visual artists as well. Some of the most celebrated paintings from well-known painters are of flowers, such as Van Gogh's sunflowers series or Monet's water lilies. Flowers are also dried, freeze dried and pressed in order to create permanent, three-dimensional pieces of flower art.
The Roman goddess of flowers, gardens, and the season of Spring is Flora. The Greek goddess of spring, flowers and nature is Chloris.
In Hindu mythology, flowers have a significant status. Vishnu, one of the three major gods in the Hindu system, is often depicted standing straight on a lotus flower.[11] Apart from the association with Vishnu, the Hindu tradition also considers the lotus to have spiritual significance.[12] For example, it figures in the Hindu stories of creation.[13]
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