Sep052011

Flowers For Butterflies

By lynn | September 5, 2011 | Posted in Aerial Green Blog | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Every year the Horticulture building at our Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck is completely transformed to an indoor oasis for the fairgoers.   Local landscapers and florists donate their time and talent to creating a mixed garden of all sort of spaces to enjoy; whatever their whim to that year’s theme, which this time was “Inspired by Nature”.   I always try to create something using found & recycled things, and a display that also delivers a little message of awareness.   So, this year I chose the monarch butterfly as my subject; creating a meadow garden as I thought a butterfly might love.

The Concern For Butterflies

Like much of our wildlife; it’s becoming difficult for monarchs too.  Between development, farming, and chemical use; they are losing their areas and their all important, milkweed plants.  Milkweed is to them as eucalyptus is to the koala bear, only more.   More than ¾ of all flowering plants and over 1/3 of our food crops depend on butterflies, bees, and many other pollinators for fertilization.

The Flower Display & Show

Surrounding a secret fountain, I combined asclepsia (butterfly flower) along with larkspur, snapdragons, cattails, and a hoard of grasses and fuzzy millets & herbs.   Accented with a life-size, sign with assorted directions for the 50 butterflies I added.

A look inside the butterfly display

The big picture

A sign for the monarchs

Thursday evening in the live, design show; I decided to carry through the theme by creating human size butterfly bouquets for giveaway.  Everyone loves wildflower bouquets and butterflies!   I was awarded the blue ribbon for my display with kudos for the message it brought, but what really made it special was the amount of butterfly info flyers taken.   Meaning the signs were read and someone, somewhere is going to have a butterfly waystation and maybe plant some milkweed.  Or at least, won’t cut it down next year.  Now that is the real award and reward for me.

Butterfly Info

Watch for the monarchs in our area this autumn when they start their massive migration.  Our lattitude is 41 degrees so the migration should start this coming weekend if the weather turns cooler.

A rest area stop on goldenrod

I have dedicated one of the store windows to monarchs with all things butterfly that you will just love; click here to send one of our signature butterfly arrangements.

Visit MonarchWatch.org for everything you ever wanted to know about monarchs and how to create your own little, waystation.

One of my secret, favorite, places locally is the Rainbows End Butterfly Farm in Pawling, NY; a wonderful compound where you can walk among the butterflies yourself.    Walking with butterflies; is one of the better things in life that actually doesn’t cost or require a wing and a prayer.    A great deal

 

 

 

Be uplifted,  Lynn

 

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Aug232011

For The Love of Local Grown Flowers

By lynn | August 23, 2011 | Posted in Aerial Green Blog | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

The local grown flowers for the tri-state are now at their peak.  They are breathtaking, vibrant, and just a flower lover’s dream.  Each week I anticipate the new cuttings; waiting to see what is available.  And, somehow they always seem better than the previous weeks.  Just so many varieties like zinnias, dahlias, sunflowers, gladiolus, hydrangea, and the list goes on.  And then the herbs; its daily aromatherapy for all who enter the shop.  Why would anyone want the inferior, imported flowers?  There is positively, absolutely no comparison; for more reasons than one.

Flowers Are For SniffingWillow always accompanies me to the flower market and we have a grand time. A wonderful little extra I love is watching her sniff and nuzzle from bucket to bucket- with no fear from me towithhold her. Last week as I sniffed and nuzzled the lavender, she settled on some millet foliage and snacked away. This of course would be out of the question with imported flowers because of the chemical use, and I thought how children love to do the same thing and how fearful I would be to see a little face nuzzling in a Colombian daisy. Flowers were made to be nuzzled and sniffed up close on impulse, not from afar or washed first.Wheat...Grasses...Queen Anne's Lace

A Favorite Flower?

While Willow seems impressed with the giant, millet & sorghum (aka bunny tails-hmm an obvious maybe for a greyhound?); I think this year I am most impressed with the coxcomb.  That odd, out of this world shaped flower that does not really look like a flower at all, but yet a wild, rippled, ladies fan.  The soft velvety heads seem to tease you to pet them like a puppy’s ear-they are irresistible. The colors further entice another of our senses in the strongest burgundy, the hottest pink, and the coolest greens.   Nature in its glory, but oddly with no two ever similar in size or form.   Ranging in size from 3” to 7” they each have their own personality and dry perfectly; making them a good choice for dried flower designs-especially wreaths.

Velvet Flower...the Coxcomb

 

Flower Lore

The generic name is derived from the Greek ‘kelos’ meaning burned, they are commonly called woolflower & velvet flower.  The English definition of coxcomb is a ‘conceited dandy who is overly impressed by his own accomplishments.’  How odd, because they do dominate the cooler for attention, bowing I think only to the giant sunflowers.   They do redeem themselves by being very medicinal for multiple ailments and their leaves a food akin to spinach.

Sunflowers-Chocolate for Honey Bees

Enjoy the Season

Our local crops usually run into late October or later depending on the weather.  And then, they are gone for another year.  I can’t stress or encourage you enough to enjoy them while they are here.  They are magnificent, last incredibly long, support our local farms & economy, and of course -feed the butterflies.

Echinacea-For the Love of Butterflies

For the love of them all,

Enjoy…   Lynn

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Aug062011

A Little Good & Green Party Idea

By Willow | August 6, 2011 | Posted in Willow Says Blog | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Unleash Your Creativity

As a “green” greyhound I think differently than most, and one step farther with the view from my world.  Every day is an experience for me so I always have the what if-the why not- the maybe.   I think nothing is impossible, with no limits to leash your creativity and…your dreams.  Great ideas & experiences I think come along that way.  I suggest for everyone to always say “what if” {not to be confused with what sniff :) } and to think always, outside the box-no matter what .   During our party event and wedding consultations, I listen intently at the many details so to add my input, and especially pay close intent to the menu!

The Wedding Yummies

 I have an idea, and it is just a perfect one I think. {for all worlds concerned}  I began to wonder at what happens to all these luscious leftovers, as unlike canine menus, nothing is ever, ever left.  (we graciously even clean our own plates!)  But humans always leave so much untouched.  Is it just left and tossed?  It can’t be just forgotten?  Who would forget yummy food?  So, how unique would it be to have small boxes for the guests to each take home the wedding tidbits?   Whether their own plate, the unserved bites from the kitchen, or the cake.  This could be the best reminder of the wedding; favors are cool but food rocks.

Good and Green

So I searched my idea and found decorative, earth friendly, boxes that easily could be labeled with the event name or couples names if a wedding; with a note like “bring the celebration home “(and to maybe share with the ‘entire’ family-hint hint).   Or how about this-another idea could be to use the little boxes for the unserved food & cake; sending it to a human, homeless shelter.  Even if there was a little extra serving charge; how really cool would that be!    How good would they feel to know they gave to those who had less, and there was nothing wasted; I mean it was paid for anyway right?

yummie box

 Of course, I am working out the details of another idea-the meat bones from all the steak dinners.  If I could just figure how to gather all those afterward for the canine shelters, now that would be grand!

Look for more of my ideas here and visit me on our Facebook Page.  Remember, green is good, and good is green.   And both are easy.

Always dreaming, Willow

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Jul042011

Willow On The Web

By Willow | July 4, 2011 | Posted in Willow Says Blog | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Me & My Ted

Today I don’t have to go to work-yay!  Lynn & I get to stay home, working on our writings and lay like broccoli.

 This day is about freedom; and it is a very precious thing-believe me I know.  I bet  you didn’t know that Lynn renamed me Willow  because in the Language of Flowers it means ‘freedom’.  I really had no freedom as a youngster; I like to run now and again but dog racing is not just running-we had no freedoms execpt out to the track for that couple minutes.    When you’re contained all day- that racetrack was our few minutes of freedom so we almost looked forward to it and ran like the wind.  But it is a shortlived high as the track is round and just brings you back to where you started.

We understand what your human Sigmund Frued said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result”  Hmmm   We racers kinda understand this quote, but we never gave up on our dreams that some time maybe the racetack would not be round that day.

So today I understand all the fanfare, and I celebrate too because there is nothing more important than being free to choose how you live, and how you play.  I am free to play, explore, sniff,  and lay like broccoli.  Among other things I now  have  5 beds, 3 baskets of stuffies, yummy organic food, salon appointments, couture clothes,  my own blog, an email, and a teddy bear!     Hip Hip Hooray for Independence!!      I love it.

Watch for my Willow Says Facebook Page soon, until then email me  Willow@goodolddaysflorist.com    My own email-so very cool.

  Happy 4th       Always dreaming, Willow

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Jul032011

Flowers For The 4th of July

By lynn | July 3, 2011 | Posted in Aerial Green Blog | Tagged , | Comments (0)
A festive 1960 Schwinn in our window display

“Nothing good is ever easy”, and if it is… then it usually is not worth anything.

I  Wondered

When I began this ‘eco-green American thing” with my business, as is offhanded remarked to me; I had no idea how I would do it,  I just knew I had to do something or change careers.  As a serious environmentalist and avid user of everything natural; I one day began to wonder about my flower business. I am an inquisitive person and I asked to myself; when did those fragrant, American Beauty roses stop being available and what about those big, fluffy CA carnations?  I thought about all the wedding cakes I had decorated with flowers- was that a good thing to do?  And what exactly is floral foam anyway?  I really could not answer myself and I am a florist!

 So I researched; which led me deep into EPA reports, US trade agreements, product manufacturers, and organic chemistry.  You know, sometimes you just overlook that which is everyday in front of you.  We all do it. I was not really prepared for the answers and astonished at what I found out, for many reasons, but two mainly.  The massive, toxic, chemical use; and that almost zero of all the everyday florist products were made in America any longer.  Even worse, there was no import duty on fresh flowers.   I had a lapful with more than one issue to deal with; operating a green business, offering eco friendly products, and patronizing my own country.  It was a major epiphany for me.

Celebrate Imports

This weekend we celebrate with all sort of fanfare, the independence of our America.  We celebrate our freedom from controlling people and countries; we celebrate our beautiful land with its magnificent National Parks.  Our Native Americans knew, and still know.  They fought to protect it long before anyone else, and today I believe are more astute than we are.  I wonder this weekend if we deserve to celebrate and how proud those who fought years ago would be of us; or instead would they be just a little ashamed for what we have allowed to happen-for ease and money.    In my industry, nearly 80% of the flowers sold anywhere in the US are imported; along with chemicals and everything from petroleum based plastics and card holders to foams, are filling our beautiful American lands- landfills that is.  What a travesty for a Nature thought of business and I was a contributor.

American Flowers

So, I chose not to participate as such any longer and did what I had the American freedom and power to do with my business-change it.  I was a little idealistic at the difficulty and the extra labor it would entail, but I have a passion and I just knew I could do it.  Now 10 years later, I have an eco- florist and I have fought and won my own independence from the imported flowers and all the rest.  I searched out American farms from NY to CA and my coolers are filled with over 30 varieties every week.  From May to November it escalates upwards to 60+ with our Eastern season in full swing.  The US has much stricter chemical regulations, and the life of these true, freshly cut flowers is triple; and….the money stays here supporting our country.

Worth the Cost?

Many think a higher cost; and yes they are a little more expensive.   However, the quality is like night and day to the imports.  I would bet on one of my CA Eufloria roses against a Columbian rose any day of the week for beauty, scent, and longevity. So, is 50 cents more for a rose really that hard to swallow?  Not according to anyone through my doors; the quality is obvious and I am so happy to hear it.  There has not been one informed person in 10 years that has not praised the flowers and gladly paid their worth.

A magnificent CA rose in the car door. A perfect “Meet & Greet”

Along the way, I have and still do learn a lot; nothing good is ever easy.   American flowers are alive and well for this 4th of July; and the next time you want a bouquet I hope you will declare your own independence and ask for eco friendly, American grown flowers.
Then celebrate your freedom of choice, because you can.

Curious Fun     American Bouquet map                               Happy 4th!  Lynn

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Jun142011

Treasures And Flowers

By lynn | June 14, 2011 | Posted in Aerial Green Blog | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

As an artist and naturalist, I love what I do; but the reason I have done what I have with my business is a mission.  A mission of awareness to give a voice to those living things that have none; and the hope some will hear it.  In today’s world I know it is really hard to think beyond your own issues, and we all have a plate full- but there are some out there that need our attention more than our own.    Our wild horses are one of those issues.

Eastern Wild Horse- Assateague Nat'l Seashore Maryland

In 1971, Congress passed the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act, granting federal protection to America’s wild horses and burros as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West”.  America’s wild horse population has dwindled to fewer than 33,000 when in the 1800’s it was over 2 million. There are now more wild horses in government holding pens than remain in the wild, with many of the remaining herds managed at population levels that do not guarantee their long-term survival. And still, the round-ups continue. *    They are penned under the control of the Bureau of Land Management until sold and sent to slaughter.

We are taking one of our last, few, national treasures to sell the meat to foreign countries, and all for money.  I fear history repeating what happened to our magnificent buffalo.  I don’t understand this obsession to control Nature.  To me, capitalism is at its worse when it involves unsuspecting animals as they cannot speak up and have a say for themselves.   What are they thinking?  What would they say to us?

On  May 30 the House Appropriations Committee approved an amendment that prevents horse slaughter in the U.S.  It prohibits funding inspections for horse slaughter plants in the U.S.; and without them the meat cannot be sold.  However, the bill comes to the full House for vote this week-most likely this Wednesday June 15; and there are many in and out of government trying to repeal this; those who see only money.

I do what I can, and so can you.  It doesn’t have to be about money unless you want it to be.  The American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign has a quick and easy, composed, letter that you can add your name to.  They will also give you the name of your local representative and telephone number with a quick script to call in.  Donations are of course always welcome but it is your voice that is really needed.

If  you have a horse lover graduating or with a birthday or for no reason at all; I have also put up a flower arrangement in my Flowers For A Cause to benefit the AWHPC.  If we all were to do whatever we can no matter how small; collectively a difference can be made in the world with those voices heard; and maybe things just might be righted.

Your thoughts? I welcome your comments and ideas and will forward them to the proper ears.

Click here to visit AWHPC  

Click here to our benefit arrangement

*courtesy of the The American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign –AWHPC.  Dedicated to preserving the American wild horse in viable free-roaming herds for generations to come, as part of our national heritage. Its grassroots efforts are supported by a coalition of over forty organizations.

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Apr172011

The Easter Rabbits aka Ground Bunnies

By Willow | April 17, 2011 | Posted in Willow Says Blog | Tagged | Comments (0)

As you all know, I was a racing grey and now retired.  I guess long ago, rabbits were used to practice and then entice us around the race; but today it is just a stuffed sock thing.   However…it must be ingrained in me because I have an obsession with them and anyone else who acts like them.  So Lynn makes it easy and we just call all of them “ground bunnies’.

On our walks I know when she says “oh Willow! a ground bunny”, I come to attention!   Being a sight hound I quickly scan the area and lock in on what she sees.  Boy if I was off leash I would have a happy play chase.

Easter is when a lot of baby ground bunnies are bought as pets.  This is not a real good thing because they are not really a cuddle pet like me.  But they are sort of  like me in that they need to be trained and attended to and not just kept in a cage.    I know how that is-boredom is wild and frustrating.

So, obviously I like all ground bunnies, but i think the  fuzzy ones are the best to bring home    Lynn & I call them ‘stuffies’ and I looove them.  In the shop I see and investigate all new additions.  There are grass ones, fuzzy ones, and clay ones in all sizes and personality.   When you visit the shop I will introduce you to a couple of the  take home ground bunnies I like  for you and yours.  But for now, below are some pictures of them because I think they would be your favorites too and you may just adopt one.    Happy Happy Easter

The funniest Ground Bunny of them all!

love  Willow  :)

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Apr172011

Natural Easter Egg Dyes

By lynn | April 17, 2011 | Posted in Aerial Green Blog | Tagged , | Comments (0)

I recall my Mother always having one of those little box kits to dye eggs for Easter.  Such excitement & mystery that little box held for me.  Still today, it is a harbinger of Easter and  I can’t picture the holiday without seeing racks of them in all the stores.  They are only dried forms of commercial food coloring, but they sure held a magic for me, and still do.   Even though I now  know about artificial food coloring and dyes, the appeal of the box is hard to resist- as is many of our traditional, non eco minded products.

It really isn’t easy being green sometimes  because all these wonder innovations were created to save us time; and time is now more important than anything I believe.   I began to wonder how eggs were dyed before the magic box came to be.  Turns out all you need are fruits and vegetables and….of course the time.   So below I list what you need to have a wonderful, egg dying evening with no thought to all the must dos and hurry-ups.   Only just how blue your egg is turning.   Send me pictures of your ‘onion’ egg creations and I will post them for all the box people to envy!

Blue….red cabbage & blueberries

Green….spinach

Orange…carrots, paprika, yellow  onion skins

Red…red onion skins, cherries, beets

Violet….red wine,hibiscus tea, red onion skins

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Apr042011

Spring Newsletter is Here!

By Willow | April 4, 2011 | Posted in Willow Says Blog | Tagged , , | Comments off

Hi Everyone,

 It is me Willow!  Our new Spring Newsletter is here and Lynn & I filled it with all sort of fun things and tips.   Don’t miss it-click below or at the lower right-make sure you max the screen!.  And….if you love it please tell us!  Go to Tell Us in our About Us catagory !     xxoo    

Newsletter  Spring pg 1

Newsletter Spring  pg 2

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Mar072011

St. Patrick’s Day Green Flowers For “O”Willow

By Willow | March 7, 2011 | Posted in Willow Says Blog | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Green,  green, green.  Lynn & I love green for obvious reasons.  I am an eco-girl too and even though my pedigree goes back 150 years to England and Ireland; I won’t have a green carnation on my collar for St. Patrick’s Day.  People come in and out of the store all day for green flowers; and we love green carnations but sadly….. do not and will not have them.

99% of all carnations come from faraway places grown with chemicals I can’t pronounce; and like my food ingredients, if I can’t pronounce it and it flew a gazillion miles to get here-we won’t buy it and I surely will not eat it.  Years ago before I came, there were still some farms in Cally growing them. (my  rendition of California for those not in the know-I’m getting cool right?)

Today, it seems they all went out of business and nearly all carnations come now from South America.  And you know how we feel about those imported flowers.  To compound it even more, a dye is added to the poor, exhausted things to turn them green.   Poor, poor carnations.  It must feel just like a forever layer of theater make-up to them.   We have heard that a few SA farms are becoming ‘eco’ certified-but I need to check them out before we buy.  Sometimes big businesses do what is called ‘greenwashing’ just to be in the limelight (no St. Pat pun intended ) and try to be cool.  Hmm….not very nice or cool.  I know old habits are hard to break, but things aren’t made or grown here like they used to, and we need to know how it is now ….because no one really lets us in on it.

So….for all those ladies and gentlemen celebrating the day, we are offering pretty American roses with  the slightest hint of natural green.  Oh, and there are other gifts for the day too, like fresh shamrocks, fairy leprechauns, and more real -not fake green flowers.
I can’t wait to see everyone and…I love St. Patrick’s time because Lynn makes cabbage with veggie sausages.  Yum-I asked her for the recipe to share with you.  Recipe- the vegan sausages rock!

Love, Love

Willow

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