Madonna Floral Arrangement
Flowers have figured highly in paintings. One particularly nice example from the painters of the low countries is the “Madonna in Floral Wreath”.
Rubens’s Madonna in Floral Wreath (with the collaboration of Jan Brueghel the Elder) represents a picture within a picture of Madonna encircled by a floral arrangement and cherubs. This is good of example of the physical realism of low country painters, breaking with the tradition of ethereal treatment of spiritual figures. It uses the talents of Rubens (1577-1640) and Jan Brueghel the Elder, Rubens painting the figures and Brueghel the floral decoration.
November 26, 2006
Born in 1492
Many decorative plants we know today come from the Carribean. Christopher Columbus found the people of the Carribean cultivating bromeliads and subsequently took them to back to Spain.
Columbus wrote in his journal:
A thousand different sorts of trees, with their fruit were to be met with, and of a wonderfully delicious odor. It was a great affliction to me to be ignorant of their natures, for I am very certain they are all valuable; specimens of them and of the plants I have preserved.
Chamaedorea or bamboo palms and their products are used extensively in the floricultural and horticultural industries and come from Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica. These are excellent for indoors, some supplying rich greenness and others an elegant sparceness with their undulating upright stems.
Prior to the 1950s, cycads (Zamiaceae: Ceratozamia, Dioon, Zamia) had been exploited as popular as ornamentals due to their beauty, rarity and toughness. Although many cycad species are exported by Mexico, countries such as Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. All cycads are regulated by CITES, which has encouraged their horticultural production.
November 21, 2006
Garden Animal Figurines
Terra cotta ornaments and planters, with an aged patina, give a classic sophistication to a garden. The Garden Relics line includes classic planter designs, several different finials and angels, as well as small birds and rabbits, and can be found like treasures at the Secret Flower Garden.
November 20, 2006
Closeout Sale 30% off all gift items
To make room for new stock we are selling all current unique gift items for 30% off. These include art deco vases, hand blown glass vases, deco bronze receptacles, gothic garden ornaments, oriental items and other assorted gifts.
November 19, 2006
Floating Flower Bowls
For a quick and easy way to dress up the Thanksgiving table or create a romantic atmosphere, floating flower bowls are hard to beat. Float some dendrobium orchid blossums on the water of a clear wide vase, and add a floating candle or two for effect.
Candles are romantic. Water is the element of emotion. Fire represents passion. Combine this with the sensuality of orchid flowers and nature’s most basic elements combine for a romantic evening at home.
Candles, blossums and vases are available at the Secret Flower Garden.
November 17, 2006
Profitability of Small Garden Centers
This article lets you in on a secret of niche retailing.
The Garden Center Experience
By Anita Campbell on May 25, 2004
The Experience Economy by Joseph Pine II and James Gilmore suggests that we have entered an age when consumers expect an “experience” when they shop. Having good products and excellent service is no longer enough. Consumers want to be drawn into the offering so that they feel pleasurable sensations and emotions when they shop. They want it to be memorable.It seems that savvy owners of independent garden centers have read The Experience Economy. Gardening has become the ultimate consumer business. Independent garden centers, virtually all of them small businesses, have found a way to be profitable and compete even against the mammoth chains, by creating a shopping experience.