When Gertrude Stein wrote “a rose is a rose is a rose” in a poem published in 1922, she had no idea what a thicket of thorns was in store for the rose industry and the present day florist. Ordering roses from a florist can be a daunting task!
In the midst of winter, spring can't seem to come early enough. But we can still daydream about the warm weather and all the wonderful flowers the season will bring. And forsythia or golden bells is one of the first signs of spring!
Even though it's still winter here in Canada, it's never too early to start thinking about gardening. Dahlias with their beautiful, bright blooms would be perfect in any garden, adding colour, visual interest and texture to the landscape.
We are pleased to announce the re-opening of the store in Sarnia, Ontario. The beloved Grower Direct store was closed in July 2012 after the owners, Richard and Joan Platt, decided to retire after 17 successful years. The new store will open Feb 6, 2013.
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers announces the 2013 Cut Flowers of the Year, including stock "katz cherry blossom," "Amethyst" coral berry and "Super Green" Ranunculus.
The bleeding heart (dicentra spectabilis) is one of the most recognizable and beloved garden plants. They have an old-fashioned charm about them that is so loveable. it's only of the many reasons they are a cottage garden favourite.
There is no place quite like home. Thousands of plant species call Hawaii home. About 90% of Hawaii's native plants are not found anywhere else in the world. And unfortunately, many of the species have become endangered or threatened.
Brace yourself! It's flu season! Either you or someone you know is sick with the dreaded flu. As you know, being sick isn't fun. It's the worst feeling in the world. But flowers can make things better!
A handy guide of flowers and plants that are safe for pets (cats and dogs), including african violet, bachelor's button, bamboo, boston fern, camellia, christmas cactus, gerber daisy and more!
The water lily is a genus of 70 aquatic flowering plants found in freshwater areas in temperate and tropical climates around the world. Water lilies are characterized by their attractive, showy flowers and shiny leaves that float above the water.
You shouldn't need a reason or a special occasion to send flowers. Flowers can be enjoyed anytime of the year. But if you need convincing, here are some reasons why you should send flowers just because...
The humble carnation (dianthus) is often overlooked and dismissed at the floral shops because they are seen as old-fashioned, unrefined and even "cheap." But in recent years, with new flower varieties, things have been looking up for the carnation.
Love makes life worth living. It is definitely worth celebrating, especially if you are married to the love of your life. Celebrating special occasions can strengthen the relationship and deepen the love. Flowers are the perfect gift to say I love you!
The petunia is one of the most popular summer garden plants, blooming prolifically in the summer until fall. They are easily recognizable with their showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and hairy, and somewhat sticky foliage.
We love roses! All shapes, sizes and colours! Even though there are thousands of varieties available, we still get excited when we hear about new rose varieties! Here are some Beautiful New Rose Varieties for 2013!
It may be winter now, but it's never too early to start thinking about the spring or summer garden. Just thinking about flowers can brighten up your day. Hydrangeas are always fun to grow because they have the uncanny ability to change colours!
From all of us here at Grower Direct, Merry Christmas to you and your family. May the holiday season bring you peace, love and happiness. Spend this joyous occasion with friends and family.
Floral Industry Responds to Sandy Hook Tragedy. All of us at Grower Direct is deeply sadden by the events that took place on Dec 14, 2012. We express our sincerest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims.
The anemone, also known as windflower, is a genus of about 120 species of flowering plants native to temperate climates. It is in the same family as the buttercup. Depending on the species, the plant may bloom in the spring or in the summer.
Here at Grower Direct, we always get excited to hear about new flower varieties, especially when it comes to roses! In 2013, rose lovers can look forward to the new Flower Carpet Pink Splash rose from Tesselaar Plants.
'Tis the season for giving. Every year, the Johnson family tries to find a way to give back to the community. This is a story of a boy from Garden City, Missouri, who is making it his goal to fill all the graves in the local cemetery with flowers.
After the poinsettia, the christmas cactus is the second most popular plant of the season. With its brightly coloured flowers that typically bloom at Christmas and its low-maintenance nature, it's easy to see why this plant is so beloved.
Like the name implies, tropical flowers grow in the tropical regions of the world. Florists enjoy using tropical flowers in their flower arrangements to add colour, texture and visual interest to floral arrangements, especially in wedding bouquets.