Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love can be expressed in so many ways, and one of the most common ways is by giving flowers to your loved ones. Valentine’s Day is a holiday that commemorates the love in our lives but the origin of this specific holiday actually dates back to a long time ago during the Ancient Roman Empire. Valentine was serving as a Roman Catholic priest, and he was also secretly performing marriage ceremonies for soldiers of the Roman Empire. During this time in history, marriage of any young soldier was illegal. Even though, Valentine knew he was breaking the law to marry young couples, he took the risk for love. Once he was revealed to have repeatedly broken the law, he was put in jail. While Valentine was there, he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. He wrote her a letter confusing his love to her, and he signed the letter ‘From Your Valentine’. Sadly, on February 14, he was executed; thus, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on this day every year to honor his devotion for love and to remember to celebrate the love in our own lives as well. Furthermore, giving flowers, whether a traditional one dozen red roses or an extraordinary box of orchids, is an excellent way to express your feelings on this special holiday.

Written By:  Mary Coffee , Texas A&M Student

Happy New Year!

White roses are a great floral choice for this time of the year. Since they symbolize new beginnings, they are great for the start of a new year. These classic flowers can be paired with many types of filler flowers, such as Queen Anne’s Lace, baby’s breath, and aster. Either as a single rose or an entire bouquet, this fresh look will help enhance any room’s atmosphere. Celebrate 2012 with a room full of white roses!

Written By: Mary Coffee, Texas A&M student

The Poinsettia is the most widely tested consumer plant on the market today, proving the myth about the popular holiday plant to be false:

-Scientific research from The Ohio State University has proved the poinsettia to be non-toxic to both humans and pets.  All parts of the plant were tested, including the leaves and sap.

-According to POISINDEX, the national information center for poison control centers, a child woud have to ingest 500-600 leaves in order to exceed the experimental doses that found no toxicity.

-A study from the Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University found that out of 22,93 reported poinsettia exposures thre was essentially no toxicity significance of any kind.  The study used national data collected by the American Assocaition of Poison Control Center.

-As with any non-food product, however the poinsettia is not meant to be eaten and can cause varying degrees of discomfort:\; therefore, the plant should be kept out of the reach of young children and curious pets. 

Reprinted with permission from the Society of American Florists.

The Bougainvillea Plant

The bougainvillea plant was first discovered by a French naturalist and explorer in 1768 who named it after another French explorer named Admiral Louis-Antoine de Bougainville.

Bougainvilleas are thorny, evergreen vines that climb vigorously over other plants and structures. They can grow up to 12 meters in height. The blooms that make the plant so recognizable are not true flowers; they are found in small clusters and are surrounded by the colorful bracts, or modified leaves, which we call the blooms. The flowering of the bougainvillea plant varies according to the climate. The leaves are deep green or variegated, placed alternately along the stems.

These spectacular sub-tropical plants are favored in many countries around the world as ornamental garden plants. They thrive in warm climate areas in the garden, but can also be grown in cooler areas if a sunny, warm position is selected. Bougainvilleas do well in hanging baskets, where their long vines and flowers hang down.They prefer well-drained, fertile soil that is often dry. They love warmth and hate wet feet. Because the plants are drought tolerant, they are an ideal garden choice in a wide range of climates.

Happy Halloween!

With the word ‘Halloween’, the first image that pops into most people’s mind is a pumpkin. The perfect seasonal vegetable is used in so many ways. From a classic jack-o lantern to pumpkin pie, the uses are endless. If only there was a way to incorporate pumpkins in a floral arrangement, then that design would certainly raise the bar for seasonal decoration.

Actually, after a little bit of research, I have found that you can add pumpkins to any floral arrangement. Even though the pumpkin-on-a-stick is actually an ornamental eggplant, it looks like the perfect little pumpkin. With the addition of these little guys, any floral design can quickly become a conversation piece in an instant.

Submitted By:  Mary Coffee, Texas A&M Student

Football season is definitely here, and what a great way to add a special touch to any football party than by adding the colors of your favorite team in a floral arrangement. Since there are so many flowers that come in just about every color, this is a great idea for any team colors. For instance, chrysanthemums, gerber daisies, carnations, and roses are all great choices when playing with color options. All you need to do is simply choose your favorite team then choose the flowers that correspond to that team’s colors.  Your guests will appreciate the effort and beauty of the “team arrangement” it is another way guests in your home will see the passion and support for your team!!

Written By:  Mary Coffee, Texas A&M student

If the dog days of summer have you howling for some refreshment, why not float some flowers? Daisy-shaped flowers, like gerberas and daisy chrysanthemums, float well on water. Whether a crystal bowl or mixing bowl, enjoying floating fresh flowers on your table or desk can refresh us through this hot summer month.

During the hot summer months, most people stay inside to keep cool. One way to enjoy staying inside is to incorporate flowers in main rooms of your home. Since there are so many combinations of floral arrangements that can be done, sometimes it is hard to decide which flowers to put together. The flowers you choose should go along with the style of the room as well as the color scheme. For an elegant, classic style of a room with black and white color palette, a vase full of lilies, roses, and hydrangeas in soft pastel colors will enhance the room’s splendor. For a bright room either from brightly painted walls such as yellow or from several windows that physically lighten up the room, vibrant flowers in red, orange, yellow, and fuchsia of the selection of gerbera daisies, goldenrod, Peruvian lilies, and chrysanthemums will boost the aesthetic of the room. Furthermore, rooms that have more muted colors such as browns and beiges can create a focal point by adding a vase of bold flowers, such as irises or sunflowers. Moreover, a room is not quite complete without an addition of flowers to freshen it up.

FTC Offers Consumer Tips for Valentine's Day

For consumers who are searching for love or already in a relationship, the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, has information that may be particularly handy around Valentine’s Day.

Looking for love online?
Millions of Americans use online dating and social networking sites to meet people. But scammers also use these sites.  They look for targets of any age and in any location, whom they can convince to send money in the name of love.  The FTC encourages people active on dating sites to use their heads as well as their hearts, and to learn more about how to spot the signs of an online dating scam.

Sending flowers?
Flowers can say “I’m thinking of you” on Valentine's Day, and your local florist is likely just a phone call away.  Or so you might think.  But some unscrupulous telemarketing firms pose as local florists, charging unsuspecting customers higher fees and taking business away from legitimate local businesses.  Consumers shopping for flowers around February 14 – or any time – should consider the consequences of dealing with a business in an undisclosed location and beware of hidden costs.

Checking Your Financial Compatibility?
Couples should never underestimate the importance of having a compatible approach to managing their finances.  They can test their “fiscal attraction” with this timely quiz.

The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a new video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by more than 1,800 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/02/valentines.shtm

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and you are having a hard time thinking up ideas on what to give your special someone. What would be perfect to show how much you really care about him or her?

Flowers!  Of course, this classic and forever loved by gift shows how much you care. Now the only question is: What kind should I buy?

First, a dozen long-stemmed red roses make a good start. This is common yet beloved symbol of affection.

However, if the person, you are trying to impress is a more flower savvy person, then maybe getting his or her favorite kind of flowers would be more personable and would show that you are paying attention to details.

Some unusual yet beautiful flowers that you can buy as something different are sunflowers, tulips, and orchids.

If you are planning to have a romantic dinner then get a sweetheart centerpiece for your table. These specific centerpieces are made for just a two-person table. You can pick her favorite colors in the centerpiece. Spray roses, mini carnations, and baby’s breath make a good combination for this arrangement.

Whatever combination you choose, do it with love! It is Valentine’s Day after all!

By:  Mary Coffee

Texas A&M Student

The poinsettia is the most widely tested consumer plant on the market today, proving the myth about the popular holiday plant to be false.

-Scientific research from The Ohio State University has proved the poinsettia to be non-toxic to both humans and pets. All parts of the plant were tested, including the leaves and sap.

-According to POISINDEX, the national information center for poison control centers, a child would have to ingest 500-600 leaves in order to exceed the experimental doses that found no toxicity.

-A study from the Children'sHospital in Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University found that out of 22,793 reported poinsettia exposures there was essentially no toxicity significance of any kind.  The study used national data collected by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

-As with any non-food product, however, the poinsettia is not meant to be eaten and can cause varying degrees of discomfort; therefore, the plant should be kept out of the reach of young children and curious pets.

-Do place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day.  If direct sun can't be avoided, diffuse the light with a shade or sheer curtain.

-Do provide room temperatures between 68-70 degrees F. Generally speaking, if you are comfortable, so is your poinsettia.

-Do water your plant when the soil feels dry to the touch.

-Do use a florist sleeve when transporting it.

-Do fertilize your plant AFTER THE BLOOMING SEASON with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.

-Don't place plants near cold drafts or excessive heat.  Avoid placing plants near appliances, fireplaces or ventilationg ducts.

-Don't expose plants to temperatures below 50 degrees F.  Poinsettias are sensitive to cold, so avoid placing them outside during the winter months.

-Don't overwater your plant, or allow it to sit in standing water.  Always remove a plant from any decorative container before watering and allow the water to drain completely.

-Don't expose your plant to chillling winds when transporting it.

-Don't fertilize your plant when it is in bloom.

Why send Thanksgiving flowers? 

Thanksgiving is a holiday with a long history in North America.  It is often associated with the Pilgrims of Massachusetts, but some claim the first Thanksgiving actually held on this continent took place in 1578 in Newfoundland, when English explorer Martin Frosbisher held a ceremony to give thanks for having survived his failed attempt at finding a northern passage to the Orient.  After this first celebration, other variations on Thanksgiving occurred in locales across North America.  Some were occasions for giving thanks, while others owed their origins to the harvest festivals that were common in Europe at the time.  By the lat 1800's, Thanksgiving was enshrined as a national holiday in both Canada and the United States.

For most people food is the primary focus of this holiday.  In fact, the imagery of Thanksgiving is filled with nature's bounty-gourds and squash, turkey and cranberries.  Those images often translate to your home's decor in the form of centepieces and other decorative accents.  Small gourds and pumpkins are often used to adorn the table.  Parents of young children may also add a special craft made at school.  Acorns and leaves are common ornaments.  But, flowers are often overlooked as decorative elements for the harvest table. Flowers are associated closely with other holidays-think of the lily at Easter or the poinsettia at Christmas-but the notion of Thanksgiving flowers is not as commonplace.  The vivid palette of colors that emerges in fall is ideal for a floral arrangement gift.  There is no need to limit the gift to a centerpiece.  Flower arrangements outside and in the common areas of your home add a welcoming touch that your guests will certainly appreciate on any day of the year.

Thanksgiving flowers, or fresh fall flowers, come in many varieties an colors, providing almost limitless options for arrangements.  The combination of deep autumn reds, oranges and yellows can be found in traditional Thanksgiving flowers like chrysanthemums, sunflowers and gerberas.  Others include carnations, solidago, monte casino and marigolds.  But, you are not restricted to Thanksgiving flowers only.  Roses and lilies are also available in fall colors and add a touch of classic beauty to any arrangement.  And don't forget to accent your Thanksgiving flowers with other holiday touches-wheat, acorns, oak leaves, small gourds, corn cobs  or even a pumpkin vase.

When choosing Thanksgiving flowers, keep these tips in mind:

You should use a round centerpiece for a round table and a long centerpiece for a rectangular table.

Add candles to your centerpiece to soften the mood.

If you have a large table, use a few small arrangements to complement the main centerpiece.

Many florists offer stunning wreaths made of Thanksgiving flowers and other fall accents for delivery.  A wreath for your door provides a warm welcome to your home.  Try Thanksgiving flowers or baskets as a hostess gift.  Wheter it consists of a bouquet in a traditional vase, a glass hurricane and candle, a cascading cornucopia or a beautiful arrangement in fall colors, you will be received with great thanks.

Submitted by Shane Leeth, Eufloria Flowers

Rainbow roses, a unique and incredible new concept for roses.  They will bring a smile to all that receive a beautiful bouquet.  Order yours today from a professional TSFA member florist.

TSFA President Debbie Woltmann AAF TMFA featured her floral design skills at the State Fair of Texas in the Texas Dept. of Agriculture's Food and Fiber Pavilion.  She created beautiful floral displays before a crowd of fairgoers.

Woltmann paired flowers according to color, character and occasion with Texas wines.  "The Texas State Florists' Association is honored to partner with the Texas Dept. of Agriculture in promotion Texas flowers and wine", Woltmann said.  They are a natural fit.  TSFA handed out flowers to those enjoying the presentation.

Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said "We all participate in agriculture at least three times a day-breakfast, lunch and dinner".

For more information on Texas flowers, contact Richard De Los Santos, state marketing coordinator for horticulture with TDA, at (512) 463-7472.  To learn more about pairing wine and flowers at home, contact TSFA President Debbie Woltmann at (979) 836-3566.

Beautify your home with flowers and plants produced right here in the Lone Star State, Summer, fall, winter or spring-whatever the season, there's always a reason to bring home beautiful blooms and greenery to brighten your world with the natural beauty and color Texas has to offer.  When it comes to selecting the hardies, greenest and healthiest plants for your home and garden, GO TEXAN.

When you GO TEXAN and purchase Texas agricultural products, not only are you going home with some of the best homegrown products Texas has to offer-you're also doing your part to strengthen our state's economy by providing valuable financial support.

Look for the GO TEXAN logo to spot plants grown in Texas, and show your Lone Star pride!

Sometimes we have trouble putting our feelngs into words when we expierence the loss of a friend or loved one.  Feel free to use these phrases and write what feels natural and comfortable to you. Your friend or loved one is going to appreciate that you are acknowledging their grief and honoring their loss.

-Below are some card message suggestions to include on your floral enclosure card:

-Please accept these flowers and hear the words we are not able to speak.

-My thoughts and prayers are with you.

-Thinking of you in these difficult times.

-May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.

-Our hearts are filed with sorrow.

-We're sharing your sorrow.

-With Deepest sympathy.

-In loving memory.

-With heartfelt condolences.

-Fondest remembrances.

-May you take comfort in knowing there is one more angel above us.

-Gone but not forgotten.

-May these flowers in some way help to express our heartfelt sympathy.

-Especially for you at this difficult time.

-Peace, Prayers and Blessings,

-With loving memories of "name of deceased".

Lily Plants are long, narrow leaves covering a single stem.  At the top, they divide into three to seven stems, each with a single bud.  Open flowers are six-pointed, white and trumpet-shaped.  The fragrant blooms can last seven days to three weeks.

To care for the plants, keeps watered regularly and keep soil well drained.  Plants in bloom need lots of water and prefer a well-lit location out of direct sunlight.  Remove the yellow anthers to prevent staining of white petals. 

Ask your Texas florist for a beautiful plant or bouquet.

Cat Lovers:  According to the ASPCA, llies are considered to be highly toxic to cats.  While the poisonous component has not yet bee indentified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.  Texas State Florists' Assn. recommends keeping lilies out of the reach of cats.  It is important to note that the lilies do not pose a problem for other pets or humans.

Whether in like a lion or a lamb, celebrate the longer and warming days with some indoor sunshine:  fresh flowers!

Bright yellow gerbera daisies look like glowing suns in a florest green vase.  Yellow alstromeria paired with white mini-carnations might remind you of a spring field coming into bloom.  Yellow lilies can be combined with white chrysanthemums for another spring combination.

Call you local Texas florist for other spring floral ideas!

Courtesty of www.flowerpossibilities.com

The rose is a representative of love in all forms.  Roses became a popular Valentine's Day Flower in the 17th century.  The popularity of a rose as a Valentine's Day flower stems from the belief that the red rose was the favorite flower of Venus-the Roman Goddess of Love and Beauty, hence the rose is dubbed as the flower of love and passion.  Valentine's Day is Sunday this year, so order early.  Surprise her with a delivery at work on Friday!  

Welcome, General Information, Deceptive Listings

Not Just for Spring, cut tulips are most abundant from about December through May, but they may be found year-round due to a new technology that sustains bulbs in cold to delay the extended availability.

Cut flowers are lovely and fun way to greet guests at your front door.  For a wonderful welcome sign, attach a basket of fresh flower to your door knocker, hang just a few stems with a beautiful bow, or fill some milk bottles with your favorite flowers and set them on the front steps.

Create a great first impression in your entrance hall or foyer with small bouquet in a crystal pitcher or an umbrella stand filled with a few dramatic long stems.

Sports on your linen napkins?  A single or double stem placed over the spot makes a great "stain remover."  Or use fresh napkin rings at your next summer barbicue.  Simply bend the stem around the napkin, slip knot, and clip off the excess.

For the dining table, go for something intimate and intriguing.  Put a single, short stem in a shot glass or individual mini-vase and set one at each place setting.  What a great way to give every guest a fragrant favor to take home.

Printed with permission of flowerpossibilities.com

Share the beauty of Texas-Grown Flowers and Texas Wines.  Team up your favorite flower with your favorite wine.  Examples are:

Gerbera Daisies are nature's happiest flowers.  They have met their match with Chenin Blanc, Texas' friendliest wine.  The Gorgeous, sun seeking face of the Gerbera Daisy is understandably drawn to the Chenin Blanc.  It's Bright, heavenly and it lights up a room.

Lily:  The Lily doesn't mind company, but it's perfectly capable of standing on its own.  It can blend with the colors of the garden or just hang around the house.  If it were a wine, we're sure it would be the Sauvignon Blanc-pairing wonderfully with seafood and poultry, but perfect for quiet siping. 

Two Texas Treasurers pairing part of the toast a rising star through the Texas Department of Agriculture's GO TEXAN program.

Homecoming Mum Time in the Big State of Texas

Kitchen Spice Recipe

Caring for your Floral Vase Arrangements

Following the annual convention of the Texas State Florists' Association (TSFA), to be held July 24-26th, dozens of Texas florists will rearrange the many floral displays, place them in vases and then deliver over 500 bouquets and arrangements to the patients of the Dallas Veterans Hospital.

"We are so delighted to know that patients and the hospital staff at this amazing hospital will have an opportunity to enjoy the most magnificent floral arrangements our professional florist members can create" explains Pat Shirley-Becker AIFD TMFA, President of the Texas State Florists' Association.  "This is part of the excitement of the convention every year, wherever it is held, that the 700 Texas florists who attend the convention annually, knows that their creations are not going to waste, but will have a glorious second life at local hospitals.  For more information, telephone the Texas State Florists' Association at 800.375.0361.

Species of Tillandsia are bromeliads found in the deserts, forests and mountains of Central and South America, Mexico and the southern United States.  Thinner-leafed varieties tend to grow in rainy areas, while plants with thicker gray leaves can thrive in drier regions.  These "airplants" use specialized cells called trichomes to prevent water loss and gather nutrients from the dust, decaying leaves, insect matter and other falling debris.  Traveling across the Americas, you can spot Tillandsia species growing on trees, rocks and cliffs.

Drivers who follow green, yellow and red traffic light cues are more successful than those who don't.  Some plants cue their pollinators with a similar strategy: a part of the flower, or even the whole flower, changes color as a result of being pollinated.  From a distance, bees notice a plant's differently colored blossoms and quickly learn to visit flowes that are brimming with nectar and pollen and spurn others that have run out of rewards.  Like paint-by-number, this pollinate-by-color strategy gets the job done more efficiently, helping plants to make seeds and bees to gather food.  The strategy is successful, for at least 393 plant species across 78 different plant familieis that are known to provide color cues.

Get your colorful plant from a professional Texas State Florists' Association member listed on this site.

Plants can't get up and walk--but they do move.  Many plants have a built in clock, and their flowers open and close on a daily schedule.  Others move in response to a stimulus such as light or touch.  The sweetly scented moonflower vine works the night shift, relying on moths to pollinate flowers.  Some flowers close on a rainy day or when temperatures plummet or spike.  Plant leaves, too, fold and unfold, on a daily schedule or sometimes in defense. 

Purchase your plants from your local professional flower shop!

In a rainforest ecosystem, water is not limiting, but sunlight and space are scarce commodities.  Some plants avoid the crowd on the forest floor and opt for a high-rise residence on tree limbs where their specialized abilities give them an advantage.  Plants that grow directly on other plants but are not parasitic are called epiphytes.

Epiphytes produce their own food using photosynthesis, as do other green plants.  Some have specialized roots for dangling in the air; others lack roots and absorb moisture and minerals through specialized cells called trichomes.  Orchids, ferns and bromeliads, including Spanish moss, are common tropical or subtropical peiphytes. 

Call your local TSFA Professional Florist to order beautiful Orchids, ferns and bromeliads!

Like carnivorus plants, so-called "ant plants," or myrmecophytes, have found a unique way to get an edge in a competitive world. In nutrient-poor habitats, these plants welcome ant colonies by providing housing in swollen tuber-like stems.  In return, the ants provide them with a nitrogen-rich nutrient source.  Where plants are plaqued by aphids or other plant-eating insects, some plants speicies offer resident ants a "defense contract" in the form of food for services.  The ants chew on overgrowing vines and attack feeding insects and other herbivores, and the plants pay the ants in nectar or bits of protein called Beltian bodies.  No matter what the details, these "mutualistic" relationships benefit both ant and plant.

A rose is a traditional flower given on Valentine's Day.  It conveys the many emotions and holds meanings based on the color.  Below is the meaning of different colors of roses to help you choose the one that gives the perfect expression of your feelings.

Red Roses: Red roses are the most popular Valentines Day flower.  The color red stands for eternal love, passion, courage and respect.  Symbolically a red rose conveys romantic love and enduring passion.  At times, red roses are also used to convey non-romantic messages such as "Congratulations" or "Job Well Done". 

White Roses:  Pure white roses are symbolic of purity, turth, innocence, reverence and silence.  These roses are used to convey "I Miss You' or "Your're Heavenly". 

Yellow Roses:  Yellow roses symbolize friendship, celebration, joy, hope, freedom and also jealousy.  But on the occasion of Valentine's Day these are used to convey "Let's Be Friends".   Yellow roses may also be used to say "I Care", "Welcome Back", "Get Well" and "Remember Me".

Pink Roses: Pink roses are quite popular as Valentine's Day flowers as these convey the feeling of "Thank You", "You're So Kind" and "I Love You" in a way that can be considered either romantic or friendly.  Generally speaking, pink roses symbolize admiration, gentleness and sweetness and are associated with friendship and marriage.

Peach Roses: On Valentine's Day, peach roses convey a message of desire and excitement.  At other times, peach roses symbolize admiration, gentleness and sweetness and are associated with friendship and marriage.

Lilac Roses:  These depict the sender has fallen in love at first sight with the recipient.

Coral Roses:  Coral roses express desire with their passionate color.

Orange Roses:  Orange roses communicate enthusiasm and desire of the sender for the recipient.

Combination of Roses:  Some people like to give a combination of colors that convey several different emotions.

Red & Yellow Roses:  A bouquet of red & yellow roses conveys a message of happiness and celebrations.

Red & White Roses:  A combination of red & white roses indicates bonding and harmony.  It helps convey the message of "Together we Stand".

Yellow & Orange Roses:  This combination is used to say, "I am passionate about you".

Find your local florist here, telephone and place your order for Valentine's today!

According to the results of a new study, floral scent can trigger sweet dreams!

By analyzing the sleeping patterns of 15 women during 30 nights, a team of German researchers found that the smell of roses leads to pleasant dreams. After entering the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, scents of roses and rotten eggs were pumped under the subjects' noses for ten seconds.  Afterwards, scientists woke them up and aksed them to reveal the content of their dreams.

It seems that women who were exposed to the smell of roses had pleasant emotions, whereas those who were exposed to the bad smell of rotten eggs experienced the opposite while sleeping.  In women who weren't exposed to any of the scents, no difference was found.

Researchers now believe that the findings may show the way to aid people who suffer from nightmares.  Their study has been presented at the 2008 American academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Annual Meeting, held in Chicago.

Studies carried out in the past have shown factors like sound and pressure of vibration have an impact on dreams. 

Enjoy the scent of roses!  Here's hoping it leads you to pleasant dreams.

Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples marked the start of the Christmas holiday season at the Ronald McDonald House of Austin where Texas growers donated poinsettias and Christmas trees.  "The Ronald McDonald House of Austin provides a loving home-away-from home to families whose children are faced with critical injuries or life-threatening illnesses," Commissioner Staples said.  "We hope these freshly cut Texas Christmas trees and poinsettias will make this house feel more like home to these families". 

At the event, Commissioner Staples encouraged Texans to take advantage of the Lone Star State's Poinsettias.

Continue to enjoy your fresh cut flower arrangement after purchase by:

-Checking the water level as soon as possible.

-Change the water in a vase arrangement on the second day and continue with this care tip throughout the life of your arrangement.  If your arrangement is in foam, add water until foam is completely soaked.

-Place in a cool location, out of sunlight, drafts and off TV sets.

To Care for flowers that are not arranged:

-Remove all foliage from the stems below the water line, then re-cut each stem diagonally, and place in luke warm water.

To care for your Texas Grown green plant:

-The plant prefers moderate tempatures.

-Fertilize following directions on houseplant fertilizers.

-Water when plant's soil is dry to the touch.

-Remember to remove decorative containers before watering-this will allow the plant to drain.

-Light is essential for healthy plants, however, protect from direct sunlight.

Questions:  contact your local professional florist.