Modern mom – She’s hipper than you, always has the latest editions of “Vogue” and “Vanity Fair,” and knows what’s “hot” before everyone else. For mothers that are always keeping up with the latest in fashion and design, shopping for flowers online is a surefire way to match the right bouquet to her contemporary style. This Mother’s Day, trends point towards simplicity and taking a break from the hectic pace of life. Monochromatic bouquets such as french tulips and dendrobium orchids or potted orchids have a very modern look. Short arrangements have a very hip appearance when placed in small round or square vases.

A “cause” for celebration – She is a nurse, chef, therapist and best friend all rolled into one. If you recognize this “super” mom, choose a flower arrangement that also makes a difference. Select a bouquet that gives back to a charity of your mom’s choice, such as one from the ProFlowers Pink Ribbon Collection, which raises money and awareness for breast cancer. For mom’s who are a little more eco-friendly, chose an organic arrangement or go for a beautiful flowering plant or bulb garden that will be admired long after Mother’s Day.

A mother like no other – A free-spirited mom lives in the moment and never misses a beat; she loves to get creative and always has a paintbrush or camera close by. A great way to mirror your mom’s unique personality is to add some personal touches to your gift. Collect old pieces of broken china and porcelain to create a unique mosaic vase or let your inner artist out by painting a flower clay pot with a personal message or design. Any “original” mom will love this unique work of art, whether it’s outside in the garden or inside on the windowsill.

A twist on the traditional – Dinner at six, coffee at seven and bedtime at ten. For moms and grandmothers who tend to stick to their everyday routine, there are many time-honored, traditional floral arrangements to choose from. Graceful bouquets of pale pink roses, purple butterfly asters or white lilies are ideal for Mother’s Day. Presentation is everything, so add a little twist by wrapping a cylindrical or hourglass vase in a sheer fabric or cloth and securing it with a pretty ribbon.

Whether her style is traditional, modern or just plain over the top, www.proflowers.com has an arrangement that is sure to suit any mom this Mother’s Day.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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A behavioral study conducted at Harvard University shows people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety and feel less depressed when flowers are present in their home. “Other research has proven that flowers make people happy when they receive them,” says Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., who conducted the study. “What we didn’t know is that spending a few days with flowers in the home can affect a wide variety of feelings.”

To help those good feelings last as long as possible, check out the Flower Doctor’s hotline sponsored by The Flower Promotion Organization at (888) FLOWRMD (356-9763) for tips on keeping cut flowers looking their best. Throughout the month of February, the hotline plays recorded tips by horticulturist Dr. Bridget Behe, a professor of horticulture at Michigan State University, on the care and handling of cut flowers. The hotline will be live from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST on Feb. 14 and 15, with cut flower experts on hand to answer questions. Dr. Behe also answers e-mail questions from flower lovers through www.flowrmd.com and www.flowerpossibilities.com year-round.

Here are some pointers for your Valentine’s Day blooms:

Q. How do I keep my fresh cut flowers alive as long as possible?

A. Re-cut the stems -– about one additional inch -– with floral clippers or sharp knife. Dissolve commercial flower preservative in warm water and immediately place the flowers in the solution. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from drafts.

Q. When re-cutting, is it better to cut in warm or cold water?

A. Warm water is best.

Q. Which cut flower lasts longest?

A. Flower life is a function of genetics and environment. Generally, though, chrysanthemums and carnations last the longest.

Q. Does removing leaves harm the flowers?

A. No. In fact, removing leaves that will be under water will help reduce bacteria and fungi growth that can harm the stems and shorten your enjoyment period.

Q. Is a vinegar and water solution better than floral food?

A. No. Nothing extends the life of a cut bloom as well as a measured amount of commercial floral preservative dissolved in warm water.

The Flower Promotion Organization also offers recipes for creative floral arrangements on its Web site, www.flowerpossibilities.com. This Valentine’s Day, consider something unique, like this recipe for romance:

Roses to Go

Materials – for small take-out container:

* Small Chinese food take-out container

* Five stems “classy” red roses

* One stem brown hypericum berries

* Floral clippers and floral preservative

Directions:

* Thoroughly wash the container. Fill with water that has been treated with floral preservative.

* Insert the fresh cut flowers. Cut the stems short so that just the rose blooms peer out over the Chinese food take-out container.

* Cut the hypericum so that their berries are a bit taller than the roses, then insert them among the roses.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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1. Decipher the Secret Language of Flowers this Valentine’s Day
2. How to Choose the Perfect Bouquet for Mother’s Day
3. Romantic Gifts: Show The One You Love How Much You Care

Don’t muddle your colors — Color can play a key role in choosing the right flower gift to express your feelings. If you are looking to cheer up a single friend or show a little appreciation this Valentine’s Day, chose paler colored roses such as yellow, pink or peach. Similar to the popular red rose that symbolizes passion and true love, the purple rose can also be given as an expression of enchantment or new love. The purity of the white rose naturally lends itself to meanings of innocence and loyalty, and is the perfect gift to send to a beloved who is far away.

One or a ton — The secret meaning of a rose can also be affected by the way in which it is presented. Offering someone a single rose versus a bouquet can speak volumes about the message that you are trying to convey. A single red rose traditionally means that you are deeply in love with someone while a mixed bouquet containing both red and white roses signifies unity. For people with marriage on their mind, two roses entwined to form one single stem is said to represent a deep commitment and hints at an engagement or intention to marry.

Getting fresh — If you put a lot of time and effort into choosing the right flower gift on Valentine’s Day, you want to make sure that they last and that what you ordered is what gets delivered. The easiest solution is to choose flowers from a company such as ProFlowers, who eliminates middlemen to ensure that your bouquet is as fresh as possible and sends the message you intended. Other ways to keep your flowers at their best are to cut off about one inch of the stems and a keep them in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and drafts.

Whether it’s friendship, true love, or just a simple “thank you,” www.proflowers.com has an arrangement that is sure to help you say exactly what you mean — with flowers.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Related posts:

1. Giving Flowers this Valentine’s Day? Read this First
2. How to Choose the Perfect Bouquet for Mother’s Day
3. Romantic Gifts: Show The One You Love How Much You Care