Give your paperwhites a shot to keep them short

Paperwhites (Narcissus tazetta) are popular indoor plants for winter. Unlike other narcissus, paperwhites don’t require a chilling period, so forcing them is as easy as putting the bulbs in water and waiting. The fragrant flowers bloom within about 2-3 weeks of planting, for almost instant gratification.
A problem with paperwhites, as with many bulbs planted in pots, is that they grow quite tall and all of their weight is at the top. Researchers in the Flowerbulb Research Program at Cornell University have come up with an unusual solution to this top heavy problem: Alcohol. When paperwhite bulbs are grown in a dilute solution of alcohol, the plants reach a height of 1/3 to ½ their normally expected growth - but the flowers remain normal size and last just as long. Why they thought of giving their paperwhites a nip, I don’t know. But it appears that the resulting water stress on the plants is just enough to stunt their growth, but not interfere otherwise.

How to Stunt Paperwhites with Alcohol

1. Pot your paperwhites in stones and water, as you normally would.
2. Once the roots begin growing and the green shoot on top reaches about 1-2", pour off the existing water.
3. Replace the water with a solution of 4 - 6% alcohol, as described below.
4. Continue to use the alcohol solution for future watering.

You should see results in a few days.

How to Make the Alcohol Watering Solution

• The alcohol content needs to be less than 10%, or your plants will overdose and severe growth problems will occur. Many liquors are only labeled as "proof", not percentage of alcohol. Don’t confuse the two. To determine what percentage alcohol you have, divide the proof in half, So and 86 proof bourbon is 43% alcohol.
• You can use any hard liquor (vodka, tequila, whiskey...) or rubbing alcohol. Don’t use wine or beer because they are too high in sugar.
• Check the bottle for the percentage alcohol.
• You will have to do some math to get the different concentrations of alcohol down to 4-6%. To convert your booze to 5% alcohol, just divide the percentage alcohol by 5 and then subtract 1. That will tell you how many parts water to mix with your 1 part alcohol. Ex: 40 divided by 5 = 8: 8 minus 1 = 7... 7 parts water to 1 part alcohol.Or simply use this chart:

  Convert Existing Alcohol to a 5% Solution for Watering

  
  10% Alcohol = 1 Part Water to 1 Part Alcohol
  15% Alcohol = 2 Parts Water to 1 Part Alcohol
  20% Alcohol = 3 Parts Water to 1 Part Alcohol
  25% Alcohol = 4 Parts Water to 1 Part Alcohol
  30% Alcohol = 5 Parts Water to 1 Part Alcohol
  35% Alcohol = 6 Parts Water to 1 Part Alcohol
  40% Alcohol = 7 Parts Water to 1 Part AlcoholAnd so on.

On the Second Day of Christmas....

The "Twelve Days of Christmas " has always been a favorite Christmas song of mine...I remember singing it with my sister during the holidays....but this year I thought I would give it a new twist. From now until December 22nd we will be giving something away to our customers who visit our store each day...no we will not be giving away French Hens, Pipers Piping or Golden Rings however there will be something different every day for twelve days....here we go day two.....

On the Second Day of Christmas...

my "Real Local Florist" gave to me....

not Two Turtle Doves, but

Two stems of lilies and 2013 floral calendar.....

Stop in at TK & Brown's to receive your gift.

Offer is only valid in store on 12.11.2012

Watch for tomorrow's gift

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On the First Day of Christmas....

The "Twelve Days of Christmas " has always been a favorite Christmas song of mine...I remember singing it with my sister during the holidays....but this year I thought I would give it a new twist. From now until December 22nd we will be giving something away to our customers who visit our store each day...no we will not be giving away French Hens, Pipers Piping or Golden Rings however there will be something different every day for twelve days....so lets get started.

On the First Day of Christmas...

my "Real Local Florist" gave to me...

not a Partridge in a Pear Tree, but

One Red Rose & a 2013 floral calendar.....

Stop in at TK & Brown's to receive your gift.

Offer is only valid in store on 12.10.2012

Watch for tomorrow's gift

 

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The Day of Infamy

Not only is December 7th special because it is my birthday, it is a special day of remeberance to honor those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. On August 23, 1994, United States Congress, designated December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day. It is a tradition to fly the Flag of the United States at half-staff until sunset in honor of dead patriots.
My Dad served in the United States Navy on the USS Nevada during World War II and was stationed at Pearl Harbor & Normandy, he was 37 years old when he signed up for duty.
I remember how he would tell his war stories to myself, my sisters and to all of the grandchildren and especially to my son... always being so proud of his country and his family.

My sisters & I even found all of the "love letters" he sent to my Mom during his tour.

When he died in February of 1992, he was living in Arizona and somehow when the burial arrangements were being made, as it all happened so quickly we never had military honors for him.

That bothered me for 20 years, so this past March, Mike, the wonderful man in my life took me, my son Paul and his girlfriend to the Veterans Memorial Cemetary in Arizona to give the proper military honors to my Dad. The Navy and all of the Veterans performed a wonderal ceremony, we brought the flag that was given to my son after my mom died and they inspected it, opened it then refolded and presented it once again to my son.

The veterans gave  the 21 gun salute and taps was played....after 20 years it was final, Dad was given the honors he well deserved.
This Christmas we should all take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the season and say a prayer for those who are less fortunate, who live with the threat of bombs everyday, who are battling inner demons or terminal illnesses, for our brave soldiers and for their families. 

As it was so rightly said by the late John Lennon in his song Imagine.

" Imagine all the world living in peace..and the world will live as one"

Peace & Love to all, Terri

Poinsettia Legend & Facts

The Legend of the Poinsettia
Poinsettias were first introduced to the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett, amateur botanist and first ambassador to Mexico. He introduced the plant to the United States when he brought some cuttings to his plantation in Greenwood, South Carolina.
December 12 is National Poinsettia Day, an official day set aside to enjoy this symbol of holiday cheer. It was established upon the death of Mr. Poinsett to honor him and the plant he made famous. He died in 1851.
Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where they grow wild. The enchanting legend of the poinsettia dates back several centuries, to a Christmas Eve in Mexico when a little girl named Pepita had no gift to present to the Christ child. Her cousin Pedro urged her to give a humble gift. So, on her way to church she gathered some weeds she found along the road. As she approached the altar, a miracle happened: The weeds blossomed into brilliant flowers. Then they were called Flores de Noche Buena - Flowers of the Holy Night. Now they are called poinsettias.

Poinsettia Varieties
Poinsettias are a longstanding favorite, with between 70 million and 80 million typically sold for the holidays.
While the standard three- to six-bloom red poinsettia is the most popular, there are several other sizes, shapes and colors available.
Colors can range from creamy white to shades of pink and orange to the traditional red. Also available are marbled bracts of pink and white as well as pink flecks on red. Poinsettias can be purchased in miniature sizes, trees, hanging baskets and even as fresh cut flowers. Ask your florist for color options.

Toxicity Myth
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. 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 by Children's Hospital 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.

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At a loss for words this holiday ...we're here to help

This is the time of year that we are sending cards & gifts to our family, friends & business associates. As we are taking an order at the flower shop, there is always a pause when we ask what message would you like on the enclosure card.

We have solved the problem by supplying you with a list of sentiments that you can use when you are sending your flowers ,gifts, and cards.

 
 
Remember to always order your flowers from your local professional florist they have the knowledge and design talent to properly service your order.

 



 

CHRISTMAS SENTIMENTS

1. Wishing you a very merry Christmas.
2. Wishing you the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace of His love at Christmas and always.
3. May the miracle of Christmas fill your heart with warmth and love.
4. May this glorious day of our Savior’s birth resound with hope and peace on earth.
5. Wishing you the love, peace, and joy that the true meaning of Christmas brings.
6. Wishing your family peace and love at Christmas and always.
7. May you have the spirit of Christmas which is peace, the gladness of Christmas which is hope and the heart of Christmas which is love.
8. May the timeless message of Christmas fill your heart and home with joy today and throughout the coming year.
9. (Funny) ‘Tis the season to put mistletoe on the handle of your purse so you can kiss your money good-bye! Hope your holiday is well spent.
10. ‘Tis the season to be jolly – May your Christmas be filled with all the things that make you smile!
11. (Funny) A Christmas Query – If we turn back our clocks one hour every October, why can’t we turn back our scales 20 lbs. every December? Have a Light-Hearted Christmas
12.  (Funny) A Christmas Reminder: Don’t try to borrow any money from elves – They’re always a little short! (Hope your Christmas joy lasts a long time!)
13. When I count my blessings, I count you twice. Merry Christmas.
14. Wishing you joy and love this holiday season. May your home and hearth be filled with warm and laughter. Merry Christmas.
15. A Special Christmas Wish – May peace, hope, and love be this season’s gift to you!
16. (Funny) A heartfelt Christmas Wish for you May all your Christmas lights come on the first time you plug them in! Have a Bright Christmas
17. As you wrap each gift with loving hands and decorate the tree, may the beauty of this season make a lovely memory. Merry Christmas.
18. At Christmas play and make good cheer for Christmas comes but once a year.
19. Blessings of the season to you and yours.
20. Celebrate the Season
21. Christmas Dreams–dreams of good little girls and boys, eight small reindeer pull a sleigh, and Santa Claus leaves piles of toys beneath the tree on Christmas Day. May the joyful dreams of childhood be yours again this holiday.
22. Christmas creates in every soul a dwelling place for beauty. Have a wonderful holiday.
23. Christmas is more than a holiday. It is an opportunity for our family to give thanks for the gifts of friendship and love we share with you.
24. Christmas is so special and so are you! Merry Christmas!
25. Christmas reminds me that people like you are an expression of God’s love for us. Christmas Blessings
26. Christmas time – When people want their pasts forgotten and their presents remembered! Have a Memorable Holiday
27.  Looking forward to making many wonderful Christmas memories with you this year.
28. (Funny) All I want is you this Christmas, but jewelry is always nice too.
29. Christmas! That exciting time of year when we feel extra close to everyone! (Especially at the mall!) Happy Holidays
30. Santa is sure to fill your stocking but absolutely NO ONE can fill your shoes! Merry Christmas with love
31. (Funny) For the holiday season, here are those three little words you’ve always longed to see… NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED.
32. Gather us together, Lord, in fellowship so sweet to celebrate your gift of love that has made our lives complete. Merry Christmas.
33. Best wishes and glad tidings this holiday season. May yours be a season of joy and merriment.
34. Funny) May your turkey be plump, your presents many, and your nights filled with the joy of what you’re sure by now is more nog than egg. Merry Christmas!
35. Happy Holidays – Wishing you all the little delights of Christmas

 

 

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What's new at TK's....cypress trees & candles

Miniature cypress trees are a great way to accent your home for the holidays. You can use them on your dining room table to create a table scape and they are the perfect size for a mantle or as an accent piece anywhere in the home. I have an old farmhouse and I use them on my breezeway window sill intermingled with lanterns, it adds such a charming touch.

They are a great hostess or teacher gift or for a loved one that may be in a convalescent home.

The trees can be potted in any type container, I like to use a glass cube with cranberries surrounding the plant, but you can use pottery, silver, milk glass, basically whatever is going to compliment your holiday decor.We just received a shipment of the trees and will be offering them in the glass cube for $14.99.

The individual plants without a decorative container are $7.99 each.

Stop in to pick up yours today & receive a free calendar.

 

We also have a brand new line of candles that I just love &; I'm sure that you will too! These candles are different from the traditional LED ones, the flame looks so real that you have to touch them to see if they are real! I can't wait to use them at home in my windows during the Holiday Season!
At the present time we have ivory pillars in 5 & 7 inch, they have a very light vanilla fragrance.
The 5" pillars are $35.00 and the 7" are $45.00
They are available for rental for weddings as well.




















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