2012-10-24 10:41
A remarkable project by a historically-inclined Italian botanist has revealed that the ancient Romans were absolutely bonkers about orchids.
You can hardly blame them, when these stunning ex… Read More
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Clare Florist Blog
clareflorist.co.uk/blog
All the latest news, articles and competitions from Clare Florist, the UK's leading supplier of next day flowers.
2012-10-22 11:32
Our Facebook competitions are always great fun. The number of entrants just seems to be going up and up, and people love commenting on the image of the bouquet which we ask them to share, ex… Read More
2012-10-18 11:20
So you think you’re pretty green-fingered? Are you green-fingered enough to enter the world cup, though?
If that doesn’t make any sense, then let me explain: nobody’s tal… Read More
2012-10-17 10:12
In this town we call home,
Everybody hail to the pumpkin song!
It's not Hallowe'en yet, but it's certainly not too early to start planning your celebrations. Of course, with Hallowe'e… Read More
2012-10-16 10:43
Today sees the award of the Man Booker Prize, possibly the biggest day of the year in the world of books. This year’s shortlist includes Bring up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel, who won t… Read More
2012-10-11 10:56
Now this is a ‘moist’ excellent idea! A notion to ‘dye’ for, one might say. We’ve all seen flower photos before, but ‘water’ way to do it!
Yep, th… Read More
2012-10-11 09:38
A few weeks ago, we reported here on the Clare Florist blog on a flower seller who’d run foul of his local council.
John Kidd, of Grantham, used to sell flowers from a stall set up in… Read More
2012-10-10 09:49
Not strictly a flower in this week’s weird-and-wonderful, but with a name like the dancing plant, we couldn’t resist featuring Desmodium gyrans.
A first glance at this plant and… Read More
2012-10-09 11:06
The Nordalea care centre, in Baltasound on the Shetland Isles, has been benefiting from the actions of a mystery donor.
The BBC recently picked up on this story, after hearing a message on… Read More
2012-10-08 11:15
Second Tuesday of the month, you know what that means!
This month, our prize on our Twitter Competition is the absolutely lush 'Sweet Candy' bouquet. We gave this bunch of flowers Read More
2012-10-04 09:43
Hello there! It’s The Poetry Society’s National Poetry Day today, so naturally here at Clare Florist we thought we’d celebrate the day with you by sharing a few of the best… Read More
2012-10-03 10:39
Artificial flowers at weddings are nothing new. Though fake flowers will never match the splendour of real blooms with real fragrant scents and real shapely petals, there is a ti… Read More
2012-10-02 10:22
Every year, in the town of Odense, in Denmark, there is a flower festival. Every year, they have a different theme: for example, this year’s theme was ‘Chinese cultural treasures… Read More
2012-10-01 09:58
And so October is here. Thirty short days remain to us until Hallowe'en, and by then we'll all be getting thoroughly accustomed to knowing where our gloves and scarves are at all times Read More
2012-09-27 11:19
Welcome, the first warmth of autumn.
Welcome, an orange glow so deep and pure that it seems to warm the room.
Welcome, a gorgeous arrangement of flowers which will light up your home.
The gl… Read More
2012-09-27 11:06
I, KENPEI [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2… Read More
2012-09-25 10:00
The RHS, of “we’re the RHS, come to our flower shows and gawp at the C-list celebrities we’ve roped in to turning up and waving” fame, have got a new project. But whi… Read More
2012-09-24 10:10
Laser-wielding robot flowers? Shiny rocket-powered space flowers? Flowers that can talk? When I saw a blog this morning on the Guardian website entitled ‘Gardens: the Shape of Things… Read More
2012-09-20 10:42
The word ‘bumble’ seems almost onomatopoeic. Bumble bees do rather seem to bumble, don’t they? Buzzing with wobbly wings from one flower to the next bobbing back and forth… Read More
2012-09-20 09:53
[Image Removed Upon Request]
Liquid nitrogen makes things very, very cold. So cold that any water in them, anywhere, gets instantly zapped into ice. So what if you were to take something f… Read More
2012-09-19 10:00
Whisper it, but this is one of those stories that, even if it weren’t supported by any scientific evidence, we’d still like to believe was true. Because, after all, what could be… Read More
2012-09-18 11:14
Vincent Willem van Gogh is widely remembered today as a great artist. Though never widely recognised in his lifetime, subsequent to his death many generations of art lovers have fal… Read More
2012-09-17 10:47
Imagine this…
You’re clinging to the side of a cliff among the snow-swirled peaks of the Spanish Pyrenees, one of only two cliffs in the entire world where you’re able t… Read More
2012-09-13 10:52
Is this an example of the council interfering where they shouldn’t, or do we need this kind of regulation to guarantee a level playing field for small businesses?
In Grantham, a man… Read More
2012-09-13 10:17
You’ll go bananas for these ‘grape’ fruit facts. No, really, they’re very a-peeling. How’d’ya like them apples?
It’s okay, I’ve stopped now… Read More
2012-09-12 11:09
After taking you on a brief tour of some of the stories in Greek mythology which feature flowers of various kinds, today we’re going to delve even further back into the swirling mists… Read More
2012-09-11 10:21
The robots are taking over! Breaking new developments from Harvard Univeristy might just mean the end of florists as we know them, as human florists up and down the country are replaced by t… Read More
2012-09-10 09:30
There’s nothing on television now. It’s bizarre. You can channelhop all you like, flick backwards and forwards across BBC and ITV and all the innumerable +1s, but you won’t… Read More
2012-09-06 11:50
We come across myths and folklore a lot when looking into flowers. Flower meanings especially tend to have very strong links to myth and legend, and of course flower festivals such as QiXi… Read More
2012-09-04 09:10
You know what’s not fair? I woke up ill this morning, that’s what. Well, I say ill, it’s just the flu really. And by the flu I mean more of well, more of a cold really. A s… Read More
2012-09-03 10:45
This year, apparently, was the longest pollen season for over twenty years. For a lot of us, that probably doesn’t mean a lot. Who notices pollen? But for around 15 million people in t… Read More
2012-08-30 11:14
There are plenty of ways to grow beautiful flowers, and professional gardeners, writers and bloggers up and down the country will happily rave to you about the best equipment, the latest cun… Read More
2012-08-30 11:03
It’s time to admit it; summer’s lease hath all too short a date. And as we slip from the warm blanket of August’s lie-in to the bright chill of September’s early rise… Read More
2012-08-29 09:47
After that pun-derful start, you probably want a brilliantly written blog post to make up for the groans. Well, apologies in advance; it simply isn’t going to happen.
That’s ri… Read More
2012-08-28 10:05
We thought we’d make this a two-parter. Tomorrow, check back in to the CF blog to get some nice ‘n’ easy beginners’ tips on creating your own fabulous topiary display… Read More
2012-08-27 11:29
In recent weeks we've shown you a whole range of great flower artists - the electrifying work of Robert Buelteman, the X-citing X-rays of Hugh Turvey, and the astonishing micro-macro photo w… Read More
2012-08-23 10:46
By Walter Siegmund (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Avalanche Lil… Read More
2012-08-23 10:15
A new bouquet is, to us at Clare Florist, a bit like the birth of a beautiful child. Well, without so much crying. Or worries about what colour to paint the baby’s room. Or the whole m… Read More
2012-08-22 11:14
We’ve made a little bit of a habit here recently of showcasing the best flower photography and artwork which we can find. If you haven’t been reading our blog in recent weeks (an… Read More
2012-08-21 09:40
The seventh day of the seventh lunar month is ‘Qixi’ – in Chinese, the ‘Night of Sevens’, also known as the Magpie Festival. This year, that date will fall on A… Read More
2012-08-20 10:15
A 'Titan Arum' blooming at Kew. Photo credit, James Morley.
The Titan Arum, the ‘corpse flower’ of western Sumatra, has a bizarre way of spreading its seed Read More
2012-08-16 11:39
Anyone remember Scrat? The hopeless little squirrel dude from the Ice Age movies, who was forever chasing his beloved acorn across the frozen wastes of the distant past.
Well, now… Read More
2012-08-16 10:41
It’s that day of the year. While students in Scotland are ahead of the curve, having got their Higher results last Tuesday (or, in some cases even earlier, owing to a slip-up by the SQ… Read More
2012-08-15 10:45
In an out-of-the-way parish tucked away amidst the hills of North Yorkshire, there’s a very special house. It isn’t by a main road, doesn’t sell itself to tourists, and mak… Read More
2012-08-14 11:09
Flower Power!
The Walt Disney company have had some pretty creative individuals on their books down the years. Whoever it was that first sketched Dopey the Dwarf, and the employee… Read More
2012-08-13 10:49
If you, like seemingly everyone else in civilisation, have spent the last two weeks sitting indoors, working your way through a small lake of tea every day, and doing absolutely no exercise… Read More
2012-08-09 10:36
Ardent fans of the Clare Florist blog (that’s you, right guys? …Guys?) may remember some outstanding flower photography which we showed you all a few weeks back, where flowers w… Read More
2012-08-08 10:10
Edible bus stops are set to spring up all over the country, after an initial success in Stockwell, South London.
But what the Dickens, I hear you cry, is an edible bus stop?
I… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
A couple of weekends ago, I was lucky enough to catch a preview screening of Juno, which was released on February 8th, in time for Valentine's Day. It's an offbeat comedy which tells the sto… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
This year the Chinese New Year, which is also a celebration of the beginning of Spring, falls on the 7th of February. The Chinese follow a lunar calendar and the New Year always starts on a… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
I don't know about where you are, but the weather here has been bitter lately, and though the days are getting longer I find myself wondering when I can hope to see the gentler temperament o… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
After enjoying an indulgent Pancake Day, it's time for the self-restraint of Lent to begin. Back in the fourth century, baptisms typically took place on Easter Sunday, so the six weeks of Le… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
This year Shrove Tuesday falls on February 5th. It marks the culmination of Carnival and is the last day before Lent. It has also become known as Pancake Day and many people now look forward… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
The New Year often heralds break ups but it's not long now till romantic Valentine's Day and the opportunity to express your love to that special someone. But don't be disheartened if you fe… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
I'm not making any new year's resolutions this year, but I do have a few new year's aspirations! More exercise is one, which I'm sure I'm in good company in aspiring to. I got off to a good… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
For most of us the holidays are now over and it's back to the grindstone, but if you find yourself feeling low, struggling to get up in the morning and packing in the biscuits at coffee brea… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Throughout the world, the dawn of each new year is welcomed with celebrations and is seen as a time to reflect on the year past and to consider the possibilities of the year ahead. New year… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Yep, you may still feel in want of some cheering festive lights but it's time to take down the decorations. In the early days of winter solstice celebrations people believed that tree-spirit… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Today I received a Christmas letter from my aunt in Wales, telling me how things have been going for her and her husband and my cousins this past while, and a card from my brother and his gi… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Did you know that boxing day is also the start of Kwanzaa? Established in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor at California State University, Kwanzaa is a relatively recent tradition… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Under the element of Fire, Sagitarians have strong, independent spirits as symbolised by the centaur. They are open-minded and love to travel, explore, and learn. Their ambitious and optimis… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Associated with Pluto, the god of the underworld, the Water sign of Scorpio is known as the most intense of the star signs. Scorpios are deeply passionate and sensitive individuals. They can… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Libras are born during the harvest time under the element of Air and their symbol is the scales of justice and balance. They have a naturally kind and gentle disposition and are harmonious a… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Some more fascinating tales of festive flora...
Holy Holly
Perhaps the best known Christmas plant, next to the Christmas tree,holly has has a long history of connection with winter festivals… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
As part of a new monthly blog feature I thought I'd look into the fascinating world of floral astrology, to help you chose the perfect bouquet for birthdays or other special occasions, with… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Leo, the Lion, is a Fire sign and the sign of the Sun. Leos are the most extraverted of the signs, confident and limelight-loving, but they are also generous and warmhearted. They are… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
The Winter Solstice (like the Summer Solstice and Spring and Autumn Equinoxes) is an astronomical event. It is the shortest day and longest night of the year, after which (slow though it see… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Actions, it is said, speak louder than words, and what do we say with flowers more often than “I love you”, but do you ever wonder what those words are around the world? I know a… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Noticed a proliferation of bright, emerald green clothing in the shops lately? Tall hats sporting a three-leafed clover? That's because March 17th is the day of St Patrick, patron saint of I… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
This simple recipe makes a wonderful natural hair tonic. Used as a rinse once a week, it conditions and nourishes hair, improving strength and shine. It also makes a lovely home-made gift. I… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
It's been a busy week here at Clare Florist with lots of beautiful bouquets being sent out in time for Christmas. Though it is Christmas which makes itself most apparent in the shops and on… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Held from the 8th to 13th of July, under variable weather conditions (which is as much as the British weather ever promises!), this year’s Hampton Court flower show saw a host of inter… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Today (December 13th) is my saint's day and though it's not widely celebrated here in my homeland, I discovered that in Scandinavian countries it marks the beginning of the Christmas celebra… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Have you ever tasted real homemade lemonade? I happened on some in a little café near Paddington station a few weeks ago and it was delicious, so I decided to make some of my own when… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
In addition to the famous Fringe and International festivals, Edinburgh hosts a yearly Jazz and Blues festival, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. It runs from the 25th of July… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Though winter, with its waning light, is a time of hibernation for many species, with most trees leafless and few flowers or fruits to brighten the landscape, those flowers, berries and foli… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Is it raining?
It’s St. Swithin’s Day today.
St Swithin’s Day, if it does rain Full forty days, it will remain St Swithin’s Day, if i… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Friday Is Flower Day !!!
That’s what they say in Holland.
It’s the day that the public pick up flowers for themselves. Not something thatusually happens in
Britain,most people bu… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
I'm off to the the Flower universe tomorrow, Aalsmeer, Holland.Will report back to you bloggers what I find on Monday.Pete Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
The ultimate summer flower, sunflowers not only resemble the sun with their bright yellow, round flower-heads, but are also famed for their habit of turning their heads towards the sun, whic… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
You may have been seeing lots of our jaw-droppingly drop dead gorgeous roses livening up various travel agents around the high street all over UK. What's the occasion? A little early for Val… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Despite its unpredictable weather, I reckon my home town, Edinburgh, is one of the best places to spend summer. Certainly many thousands of tourists seem to agree, as they flock to the small… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Be it a bouquet from your special somebody, or indeed even a particularly striking flower from a bouquet you have acquired for yourself, the usual 7 days lifespan of cut flowers are sure to… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
June 20th is Midsummer’s day, the longest day and shortest night of the year, when the sun reaches its yearly zenith. This is also known as the Summer Solstice and marks the offi… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Umm..that may have been ever so slightly exaggerated. Bonfire night was really nothing to do with the dead except for the fact that he is dead - although besides fireworks, the way we used t… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day in the US, marks the day the Declaration of Independence was signed back in 1776, declaring the US an independent nation from the rule of G… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
This week some of us shall be lucky enough to go and visit our flowers' beautiful home town, Amsterdam - it's time for the annual Horti Fair exhibition, the biggest trade fair in the field s… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
After learning about the Botanic Gardens Midsummer events I just had to see the ‘music playing plants’ for myself. “An interactive sound installation in which living plants… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Wow, did anyone know that Vanilla originally came from orchids?? Definitely something to remember for next time you indulge in some creme brulee!
For the orchid lovers of you out there, I'm… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
If you’re looking for something special to see-in the summer, how about taking advantage of the year's longest day by spending an evening in the Botanics. The Edinburgh Botanic Gardens… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Jewish Year 5768: sunset March 20, 2008 - nightfall March 21, 2008.
The important Jewish festival of Purim takes place on on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, according to the Jewish… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
I mentioned previouslyin this blog that Chrysanthemums get the royal treatment in Japan. In fact, the annual celebrationof the famous Chrysanthemum Festival in Japan falls in September, trad… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
Having lots of work on always makes me daydream of holidays and while I was indulging in such dreams with a little internet research I discovered that the Wildlife Trust runs some lovely sou… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
With all the excitements of the summer months, it's easy to forgetthat we're already into September and autumn is approaching faster thana blink. The shining flower of September, Aster, symb… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
The Jewish festival of Shavuot marks the occasion of the Jew’s receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai. It runs for two days and takes place seven weeks after the first day of Passover, thi… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
When trying to pick the perfect bouquet, besides choosing the variety that will send the right message, the biggest headache must be choosing the best colour or combination of colours! As Os… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
When I was looking up information on flower shows, I noticed that The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is running an environmental campaign, ‘Britain in Bloom’, encouraging comm… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
In the UK, Fathers’ Day is held on the third Sunday of June, making it June 15th this year. It began around a hundred years ago, as the important role that fathers play in the family s… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
It's only in recent years that developments in propagation have taken the exotic beauty of the orchid into the mainstream but it is in fact one of the oldest and most diverse of flower famil… Read More
2012-08-06 13:34
One of the most immediate impacts of flowers is their bright, uplifting colours. Did you know that there’s a form of alternative medicine called Colour Therapy, also known as Chromothe… Read More
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