Flower of the month: garden roses

First, I can't believe it's already July! 2014 is flying by!

This month, let's celebrate roses, one of my favorite flowers to arrange with and arguably the most popular flower of all time. There are hundreds of types of roses in so many colors. They traditionally thought to have a beautiful scent, but unfortunately, most varieties available these days for commercial purposes have no scent at all (to lengthen vase life). If you like your roses to have that sweet fragrance, I recommend purchasing garden roses (sometimes referred to as cabbage roses or old-fashioned roses).

As for purchasing roses at the grocery store or at the flower market, I look for outer petals that are beginning to unfold and check to see if the middle of the rose is slightly firm to the touch, with a closed swirl of petals. Then when I get home, I condition them immediately to maximize their life. I cut the stem at a sharp angle, remove thorns and any leaves with will be below the water level, dip the stem in Quick Dip and then immediately, place in a bucket of stem with tepid, clean water.

One of the most beautiful, peaceful space in downtown Evanston--Merrick Rose Garden:

New York City's Flower District

Manhattan's flower district on 28th Street, between 7th and 6th Avenues, is quite impressive. It comprises of wholesalers with storefronts offering greens, branches, potted plants, local/imported cut flowers, silk flowers or tropicals. In addition, there are vendors selling floral supplies and vases. If you are visiting and looking for a fun, relaxing activity in NYC where you can surround yourself with beautiful flowers you may not have seen before, I highly recommend checking out the area. Most, if not all, of the vendors will sell to anyone off the street and not exclusively to resellers. The best time to go is around 10am after the morning rush (note that some shops may be closed by noon since they open way before dawn). For those in the floral trade, be prepared to swoon at the flowers readily available to NYC florists.  

Just some of my favorite photos from my visits:

dahlias and I think, gomphrena

blue thistle and ornamental peppers at G Page

late fall sunflowers and hydrangeas

blooming spring branches

ranunculus (March's flower of the month)

astilbe adds such a charming texture to any arrangement (photo taken at Dutch Flower Line)

mango calla lilies 

more pretty hydrangeas

a vendor specializing in different types of high-quality roses--A Rose by Harvest

Paris in the springtime

"Though I often looked for one, I finally had to admit that there could be no cure for Paris"

- Ernest Hemingway

I wholeheartedly agree with Ernest. Paris is incomparable, especially for a flower enthusiast. Since the 19th century, Paris has had open markets and flower carts as their culture dictates that flowers are not just for special occasions, but rather an everyday part of life. My photos of spring blooms when I was there this month last year: