This Saturday a magnificent exhibit is set to reopen at Harvard after an extensive renovation . The exhibit is world famous with pieces that are internationally known as the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, the “Glass Flowers." This unique collection of over 4,000 models, representing more than 830 plant species, was created by glass artisans Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, a father and son from Dresden, Germany. The commission began with only a few models in 1886 and continued for five decades.
Why Lilac Bushes Only Bloom For Two Weeks
Comment
For the Massachusetts area, this typically means that lilacs will be in bloom during the end of April until the second week of May, if we are lucky. Depending on the altitude and location of our lilac bushes we may loose blooms earlier while a shaded shrub may keep its blooms for a few days longer. Lilacs are shrubs not trees. The genus, Syringa, is so popular that over 1000 hybrids have been produced from the 25 species. Lilacs are increasing in demand and the shrubs are known for their longevity.
The scent of lilacs is so intriguing, it is sweet and intoxicating and very distinct. Every year I cut a few blooms to bring that scent inside the house with me. I also cut a bunch to give to my Mother on Mother's Day. Maybe one of the reasons that a lilac blooms for such a short period of time is to remind us not to forget our mothers. The lilacs remind us how quickly time passes and that we should enjoy every moment and be thankful for our mom's at the same time. This is my theory. In reality, why do lilacs only last for two weeks? If the shrubs are known for longevity, why hasn't someone produced a lilac bloom that is also known for its longevity?
Coral Peony in the shop!
1 Comment
We have been receiving beautiful Coral Charm Peonies from our local grower, the vibrant color is one that can only be replicated in nature. The large blooms are green house grown by a Farm in western Massachusetts and hand picked by our staff twice a week to be brought into the city for our clients.
These magnificent blooms start as coral buds that open to form a glowing chalices of a coral peach. With its deep green foliage, this color could hardly be more attractive.
Beacon Hill 87th Garden Tour
Comment
Just over a week away Beacon Hill Garden Club will host its 87th annual Hidden Garden Tour. On this tour you will be taken around historic Beacon Hill and be giving access to 10-12 Gardens around the hill. Tickets are available for purchase on their website aw well as in our store.
History of Mother's Day
CommentEvery day should be Mothers Day. Lets make sure we tell our moms and the mothers of our children how special they are to us. If you are a dad, it is our job to lead by example and show them how important Mother's Day is. Start from the very moment she wakes up to the the good night kiss. This year for example, I had my 6 year old help make breakfast and serve my wife in bed. The look on her face was amazing! And I have more surprises to come as the day goes on.
What I wanted to do today is take a look at Mother's Day. Ask anyone what the most important day of the year is to them and you will get answers ranging from their birthday to Christmas to Election Day. How many will say Mother’s Day? Unfortunately, I would guess very few. For some reason Mother’s Day gets overlooked or down played a bit. Yes, there are commercials all over reminding you to send flowers or buy mom candy… but where is the real sentiment? It is so much more than a gift, or saying Happy Mother's day, it is about truly letting our moms and wives know how much they are appreciated and cared for.
Perhaps one of the problems is that society has tried to make Mother’s Day a tribute to women in general. This is one of our greatest errors. We don’t make Father’s Day a tribute to men everywhere, no it is a day for dad. Though I will admit it doesn’t get the acknowledgment it should get either. But today is about Mother’s Day… and our moms… not just the mothers that gave birth to us, but the mothers of our children as well. Let's make sure we not only do something special for her but tell her how deeply she is cared for and appreciated this Mother's Day.
I cannot think of a more thankless job. I hate to even call it a job, but it is work, with long hours, no vacations and no pay. In the end if things don’t go the way they are suppose to then it is mom’s fault. “Well mom didn’t…” or “Where was your mother when you did this…” I have said it myself standing in a public place when I see a child act out, the first thought that runs through my mind is “Where is that child’s mother!?”
With that said, being a mom is also one of the most rewarding jobs there is. Ask almost any mother out there and they will tell you that there is not a more rewarding job/role to have then to be a mother. That pride… that feeling starts the moment they find out that they are pregnant, it as if life now has a deeper meaning… and if you watch, if you pay attention you will see the woman you once knew become one of the most amazing women you will ever meet.
Without moms where would we be as a society? It is safe to say that our society would be significantly smaller, colder and more ill-mannered. It is our mom that teaches us how to nurture and how to love. It is through her guidance that we as individuals learn how to be empathetic and sympathetic to those around us. How many times have you been in a public place and seen a child get hurt and 3 or 4 moms run to the aid of that child. Obviously they are all not the child’s mother, but there is a need there… a willingness to make sure those around them are alright.
I look at the moms that I know, and I think they are all amazing in their own rights. I know that there are many days that if I was in their position I would’ve stayed in bed and covered my head with pillows to block out the existence of all around me… but a mom won’t do that. Even if a mom is sick she is up taking care of those she loves. Moms are self sacrificing… it is in their nature. I don’t think it is a trait that females are born with though… I think it is a trait that they acquire when they have a baby. Moms will go without just to make sure that their children… their husbands… their families are taken care of and have everything they need.
Moms also have the innate ability to make everything alright. You can have the worst day of your life, when you were little you’d come home from school sad over a fight that you had with your best friend at school. Mom would listen to you, wipe away your tears… and tell you how much she loved you and tell you she knew that tomorrow you and your friend would be okay… she’d give you a cookie and everything was okay. When you got older all it took was a phone call to mom, she would listen to you and her words would take all of the pain away. Moms never stop… they never get a day off… they are never really rewarded or credited for all they do.
This year, on this Mother’s Day take the time to thank your mom, and if you are a dad, the mother of our children. Let her know how much she means to you. While in the end moms believe the greatest reward for all they have done is seeing their children turn into happy successful adults… they could all use a little acknowledgment a love from us along the way.
Follow us on Instagram @rouvalisflowers
CommentWant to stay updated with Rouvalis Flowers? Fresh new content added daily, follow us on Instagram. If you would like to tag us in a photo use hashtags #rouvalis or #rouvalisflowers. Don't forget to order your Mother's Day flowers either, we only have a few more days?
Borrowed in Blue
Comment
A dreamy collection of soft and fragrant blue hyacinth, muscari, hydrangea and tweedia.
The spectacular Promenade
Comment
The hills are alive with the colors of spring, gathered together are cymbidium orchids, double petal tulips, French ranunuclus, anemones, tweedia and fragrant lilacs* and sweet peas.
Popular Arrangements for Mother's Day
Comment
This arrangement is perfect for Mother's Day with its shades of deep purple hydrangea, Early Grey roses, rich anemones and fragrant sweet peas and lilacs are arranged in a white glass vase. Since its release its one of our best sellers!
Mother's Day
Comment
Mother’s Day is a holiday honoring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world. The American incarnation of Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. Jarvis would later denounce the holiday’s commercialization and spent the latter part of her life trying to remove it from the calendar. While dates and celebrations vary, Mother’s Day most commonly falls on the second Sunday in May and traditionally involves presenting mothers with flowers, cards and other gifts. Keep a look out for our Mother's Day Collection!