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How to Make Beautiful and Durable Floral Crowns For Special Events

Pink and white rose crown

Flower crowns are an elegant addition to weddings and other special events, adding a touch of natural beauty and whimsy to the occasion. Creating your own can be a fun experience, too. With the right blooms and a little creativity, you can craft an accessory that perfectly complements your style and celebrates the magic of fresh flowers. Let the experts here at Cascade Wholesale Florist in Everett, Washington — your go-to destination for quality flowers — guide you through the process of making the perfect DIY flower crown.

Materials for flower crown

Gather Your Materials

To begin your flower crown journey, gather the materials you’ll need. You’ll want to have some floral wire, floral tape, wire cutters, and a hot glue gun on hand — and of course, the star of the show: fresh flowers. They offer unmatched beauty and fragrance, adding a natural and vibrant element to your accessory.

Pink flowers in green containers

Choose Beautiful Blooms with Hearty Dispositions

The secret to a stunning flower crown lies in selecting the right blooms. From romantic roses to delicate daisies, vibrant sunflowers to elegant orchids, choose blooms that resonate with your style and the overall theme of your event.

Assembling flowers for a crown

Prepare Your Flowers For Assembly

Once you have your beautiful blooms in hand, it’s time to prepare them for your flower crown. Begin by trimming the stems, leaving a couple of inches to work with. Removing excess foliage ensures that your flowers remain the focal point and reduces any unnecessary weight. This step allows you to highlight the unique nature of each individual flower.

Hands wrapping floral tape on wire

Construct the Base of Your Flower Crown

Using the floral wire, create a circular base that fits comfortably around your head. Secure the ends by twisting them together, ensuring a snug fit. If desired, you can wrap the wire with floral tape for added comfort and a polished look. Add ribbons or other elements to personalize your crown without overwhelming the blossoms.

Tattooes hands adding flowers to crown

Add the Blooms to the Base

Now it’s time to bring your flower crown to life! Select a bloom and attach it to the base, starting from one end and working your way around. For larger flowers, use floral wire to secure them in place. For smaller flowers or delicate petals, a dab of hot glue will do the trick. Embrace your creativity by mixing and matching different flowers, colors, and textures.

Purple and white flower crown

Make Any Final Adjustments

Once you’ve attached all your blooms, take a step back and admire your creation. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the flowers are securely fastened. Trim any excess wire or stems that may be visible, creating a polished and cohesive look. Remember, the allure of a flower crown lies in its organic and imperfect beauty.

The beauty of fresh flowers is undeniable, and by creating a DIY flower crown, you can showcase their allure. Whether you choose vibrant and bold blossoms or opt for a more delicate and romantic arrangement, your crown will add sophistication and glamour to your special day. The experts at here at Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington have everything you need to bring your vision to life. 

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How to Keep Flowers Fresh During Summer Weddings & Events

Red, white, and pink dahlias

Planning a summer wedding or event can be a fun and exciting experience. Still, the season’s hot weather can pose a challenge — something we have experience with at Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington. Flowers are more prone to wilting and losing their freshness as temperatures rise. However, with the proper care and preparation, you can ensure that your blooms stay vibrant and beautiful throughout your special day. 

Red and yellow summer flowers

Choose Hearty Flowers That Can Handle the Heat

One smart way to ensure your arrangements stay stunning throughout the event is to select blooms known for their durability. Roses, orchids, lilies, and sunflowers are great options for summer weddings. These flowers have a longer vase life and are less likely to wilt quickly. Discuss your choices with us beforehand to ensure you’re selecting the most suitable varieties for your specific arrangements.

Couple buying flowers at market

Plan Your Flower Purchases Wisely

Ordering your blooms as close to the event date as possible will reduce the amount of time they spend in unfavorable conditions. Once your flowers are delivered, it’s time to rehydrate and store them in a cool, dark area until you’re ready to start arranging. Make a plan for when you want to arrange your flowers, factoring in how long it will take you to create all of your floral arrangements, bouquets, and designs for the event. 

Pink and red roses in large vases

Maintain a Proper Hydration Regimen For Fresh Blooms

Hydration is crucial for keeping flowers fresh. Before arranging, trim the stems at an angle and place them in a bucket of clean water. Allow them to hydrate for a few hours or overnight before using them in your arrangements. Ensure the water level is sufficient to cover the stems but not too high that it touches the petals. It’s also important to remove any foliage on the stems. This step helps to prevent bacteria from contaminating the clean water and makes arranging your blooms easier. 

Pink flowers in vases

Keep Flowers As Cool As Possible

Flowers are sensitive to heat, so keeping them cool as much as possible before and during the event is essential. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or placing them near things such as warm windows, air conditioning vents, or heaters. Before your event begins, store the arrangements in a cool room or refrigerator. However, it’s crucial to do your research to ensure your blooms are able to withstand a refrigerated environment or extreme temperature difference as you set up for your event. 

Pink summer flower bouquet

Mist and Refresh Blooms Regularly

Throughout the day, mist your floral arrangements with water for additional hydration. Use a spray bottle filled with clean water and lightly spray the petals, taking care not to saturate the blooms. You may benefit from setting a reminder if you have other tasks to attend to. If any flowers start to wilt, remove them and replace them with fresh ones to maintain the overall appearance of your arrangements. 

Woman carrying pink flower arrangement

Designate a Team to Keep Flowers Fresh

On the day of your event, delegate the responsibility of monitoring and refreshing the flower arrangements to someone you trust. Doing so will ensure they are well taken care of while you enjoy your special occasion. Provide them with instructions on misting and replacing any wilting flowers to keep everything looking fresh and vibrant.

Following these tips from Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington, will ensure your DIY flower arrangements stay lush and beautiful throughout your summer wedding or event. 

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Flowers in Unique Places: Styling Your Home or Event with Unexpected Blooms

Flower arrangement with peacock feathers

Flowers have the power to transform any space into a lush oasis, including the interior of your home for your next event or party. And by choosing to buck the norm and opt for unexpected arrangements, you can infuse your space with an incredibly luxe and unique ambiance. So don’t be afraid to go beyond red roses in centerpieces; many other options lend sophistication and originality to a room. The floral experts here at Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington will provide you with everything you need to create artistic and aesthetically unique floral arrangements that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Pink and green flower arrangement

Embrace Unconventional Flower Arrangements

Perhaps the easiest way to level up your creativity is to break away from traditional bouquets and explore asymmetry, varying heights, and contrasting textures to create an artistic and modern look. Unconventional arrangements can be achieved by grouping flowers of different sizes and shapes together or incorporating unexpected elements such as lighting, beadwork, or even feathers. Don’t be afraid to experiment and let your artistry bloom.

Flowers in teapot

Explore Vessel Options That Break The Mold

Another easy yet essential key to creating unique floral displays is to think beyond traditional vases; countless vessel options can elevate the aesthetic of your arrangements. Consider using vintage bottles, repurposed drinking glasses, ceramics you sculpt yourself, or vessels made of vines or branches. The container you choose can add character and charm to the overall aesthetic, making the arrangements even more unique.
Bathroom decorated with flowers and plants

Nature-Inspired Bathrooms That Infuse The Space With Life

Surprise guests by bringing the beauty of nature into your bathrooms with fresh flowers. Transform these spaces into serene retreats by adding small vases or hanging plants with delicate and verdant blooms. You can also place a simple arrangement of wildflowers on the bathroom vanity or hang eucalyptus branches from the shower head for a refreshing and fragrant experience. If you can do so safely, adorn light fixtures with floral wreaths to bring in an element of lighting design.
Flowers installed on wall

Blooms as Texture Boosting Wall Art

Why limit flowers to vases when you can turn them into sophisticated wall art? Embrace your DIY prowess by designing floral-based pieces to add dimension to the room’s vertical space. For example, you can create a floral wreath using dried or preserved flowers and hang it as a focal point in your living room or bedroom. You can also decorate the walls with fresh flower installations for an even more unexpected aesthetic element.
Yellow flowers hanging with bottles

Suspended Floral Installations To Add Floral Magic

For those looking to add a touch of magic to their home, consider incorporating suspended floral installations. These creative displays can instantly usher in whimsy and glamour. For a simpler option, hang flower-filled glass orbs from the ceiling to create captivating focal points in your living room or dining area. Alternatively, construct a vertical garden using hanging planters filled with vibrant, cascading blooms.

Let the flower gurus at Cascade Floral Wholesale help you turn your home into a verdant and beautiful nature scape highlighted by unexpected blooms.

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The Ultimate Guide to DIY Spring and Summer Floral Wreaths

It’s time to spring into warm weather, sunshine, and the most colorful gardens and floral home decor. Spring is here, and summer is just around the corner! There is no better time of year to create a fresh flower wreath for your front door to welcome these vibrant seasons and celebrate the natural beauty around us. While a front door wreath looks gorgeous, it is also a delightful way to welcome friends, family, and even yourself into your home. Here at Cascade Floral Wholesale, our DIY experts are sharing a few tips, tricks, and a complete step-by-step guide for how to make a fresh floral wreath. 

Five Tips for Making a Spring or Summer Wreath Using Fresh Flowers

Before diving into the construction of your wreath, it’s important to note a few key things while planning your unique design. 

fresh summer flowers

Choose your flowers wisely 

The first thing you need to do is select your faovrite seasonal blooms. Start by choosing a color that coordinates with your home for a polished look. Then, consider the types of flowers that are in season and can withstand the sun and heat. Roses, daisies, sunflowers, and peonies might be a good place to start.

grapevine floral wreath

Use a sturdy base

After deciding on your flowers, you’ll need a sturdy base to fasten them to. It is crucial that the material you choose can hold the weight of all the fresh blooms. A few good choices that can fit any style or design are a grapevine wreath, a wire wreath form, or even a foam wreath.

Eucalyptus

Add greenery

No floral design is complete without a touch of greenery, even wreaths! Adding eucalyptus, ferns, or ivy to your wreath creates brilliant texture and color variation. Lush and luxurious greenery will also help fill in any gaps between your flowers for a lovely, full, finished look. 

Bright and vibrant summer flower wreath

Consider your color scheme

As you finalize your flower and greenery choices, keep in mind your color scheme and style. Whether you want bright, bold colors or muted pastel hues, coordinating a cohesive palette and style will ensure your wreath looks polished and professional. Click here for more tips on selecting the perfect color palette and complementary colors for your floral design.

Floral Wreath DIY Glue Gun

Arrange and fasten your flowers without a mess 

You don’t have to be a professional florist to create a stunning DIY floral wreath for your home. The best tip is to keep your workspace clean and take your time. Whether you use floral wire or hot glue to secure your stems, do so discretely and hide your method. Don’t use too much wire or glue, as this can make your wreath look a little messy. Finally, before fastening anything to your wreath, experiment with different flower and greenery placements to find the perfect one. That way, you won’t have to take anything apart, and you can keep each stem looking as fresh and clean as possible.  

Step-by-Step Guide for Making a Spring or Summer Wreath Using Fresh Flowers

Materials Needed:

  • A Sturdy Wreath Base 
  • Floral Wire or Hot Glue Gun
  • A Variety of Fresh flowers and Greenery
  • Wire Cutters
  • Ribbon 

DIY Floral Wreaths

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut the stems of your flowers to about 2-3 inches long and the stems of your greenery to be the same. Then, arrange your florals to find the perfect positioning for each stem. 

Step 2: Attach greenery to the wreath base using floral wire or hot glue. Layer the greenery around the wreath, securing it in place as you go. Make sure to cover any gaps between the foliage with more pieces to create a full and luxurious look.

Step 3: Once you have added the greenery, it’s time to add the flowers. Start by placing the largest flowers first, and secure them in place with floral wire or hot glue. Layer the smaller flowers around the larger ones, covering any gaps.

Step 4: Add the finishing touches! Tie a long piece of ribbon to the top of your wreath to hang it on your door. Once you have added your greenery, flowers, and embellishments, step back and admire your hard work and creativity. 

Designing and making a seasonal floral wreath to welcome spring and summer is fun and beautiful. Whether you are creating a wreath for your own front door or as a gift for Mom on Mother’s Day, or as a birthday surprise for a loved one, your friends at Cascade Floral Wholesale are here with all of the tips and supplies you might need. 

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Crafting the Perfect Homemade Floral Gift for Mother’s Day

Mother's Day flowers, card, and wrapped present

Mother’s Day is a lovely annual occasion to celebrate and appreciate the special bond you share with your mom. While you might already have Mother’s Day traditions or a fun day planned, thinking of the perfect gift for mom year after year can get a little difficult. That’s why your friends at Cascade Foral Wholesale are sharing fun, colorful, creative, and unique gift ideas for Mother’s Day that you can make yourself! Gifting Mom something that you have made with your own hands is certainly a thoughtful gesture that will show how much you care and love her. 

Flower Cards

Homemade Card with Flowers

Nothing says “Happy Mother’s Day” like a card, and why buy one when you can make one? An easy craft that the kids can even enjoy is making mom a homemade card with colorful markers or crayons and fresh flowers. Glue the stems to the front of the card or petals to the inside. Get creative with pictures, patterns, and interesting designs. Then, write a sweet note to your mom telling her all the things you love about her or what you appreciate most. Nothing can beat a homemade card from the heart. 

Corsage on a woman's lapel

Mother’s Day Corsage

A beautiful corsage is a classic Mother’s Day gift that will never go out of style. Whether worn on her lapel or wrist, a corsage is an excellent option for moms who love to dress up and appreciate timeless, sophisticated styles. To make a Mother’s Day corsage, start by choosing her favorite flowers and colors or something symbolic. Then, gather the blooms and tie them together with floral tape. Add a ribbon for a personal touch and elegance. Your mom is sure to love and cherish her new Mother’s Day accessory as she wears it all day long. 

Mom and daughter wearing flower crowns

Floral Crown & Garland

Pamper your mom like the queen she is this Mother’s Day with a beautiful homemade crown of fresh flowers. From matching family crowns to one of her own, this gift is ideal for the mom who likes to have fun and get creative. Additionally, if you’re planning a Mother’s Day tea party, adorn her seat at the table with a luxurious floral garland. As the guest of honor, her chair should be the most beautiful, like a queen’s throne.

Colorful spring wreath for mom's front door

Spring Wreath for the Front Door

A wreath is a beautiful way to welcome spring and celebrate Mother’s Day. You can make a quaint and colorful spring wreath for your mom’s front door by using fresh flowers and greenery. Start with a wreath form and cover it with moss or greenery. Then, add flowers and embellishments to create a charming and welcoming design. Finally, hang the wreath on your mom’s front door for a fresh Mother’s Day surprise. Each time she comes home, she’ll think of you and your love.

Kid kissing mom on the cheek and giving her flowers

Bouquet for Brunch

Presenting your mom with a beautiful bouquet of fresh-cut stems is a wonderful way to begin a Mother’s Day brunch. This thoughtful gesture will undoubtedly make your mom feel loved and appreciated and fill her heart with joy. Arrange her favorite spring blooms in an ornate vase or a seasonal basket, or wrap them in rustic-looking paper for a natural yet chic look. Whether she loves a good centerpiece or always has fresh flowers in her home, this is the perfect homemade Mother’s Day gift.

Child making pressed flower art

Pressed Flower Art

Pressed flower art is a brilliant way to preserve the beauty of flowers for years to come and is a spectacular idea for a Mother’s Day gift. No matter your age, you can create pressed flower bookmarks, framed artwork, or even jewelry using your mom’s favorite blooms. Making pressed flower art is as easy as it sounds. After pressing the stems inside a heavy book, you can glue them to cardstock to create a new bookmark for the mother who loves to read, frame them for the mom who loves handmade home decor, or, if you’re feeling ambitious, create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces! 

Let your gift stand out this Mother’s Day by putting time, effort, thought, and, of course, flowers into it! Whether making something your mom can use or cherish or something that will simply brighten up her day and make her heart full, Cascade Floral Wholesale has the best flowers for your homemade gift. It’s time to get creative and make something truly special for Mom. 

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Tips for Incorporating Stunning DIY Flowers Into Weddings and Events

Garlands of flowers

Flowers are an essential element of any special event or celebration, such as weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, and engagement parties. They add a touch of elegance, romance, and natural beauty to the decor and help create a cohesive and memorable style. If you’re planning to DIY an upcoming special event, incorporating flowers is the perfect way to personalize your celebration — and we here at Cascade Floral Wholesale can help you pull it off without a hitch.

Wedding centerpiece with hydrangeas

Centerpieces for All Special Events
One of the most common (dare we say best) uses for flowers at special events is alluring centerpieces. These can range from tall and dramatic to short and round and can be styled in a variety of ways to match your event’s theme, style, color palette, or other floral decor. For example, if you’re planning a rustic outdoor wedding, consider using wildflowers, greenery, and earthy elements like wood or moss to create a natural and organic centerpiece. If you prefer a more modern and chic look, consider using monochromatic flowers, geometric shapes, or metallic accents. The possibilities are endless.

Flowers adorning chandelier

Flower Accents for Engagement Parties
There are so many opportunities for floral creativity at engagement parties. A great opportunity to add some fresh and elegant flower accents is the drink and dessert table. While you look back on candid photos of guests mingling and making toasts, you will appreciate the extra attention to these gorgeous flower details. You can also create miniature arrangements or “centerpieces” for cocktail tables to elevate the look and feel of the engagement party. If you are really looking to create a posh or sophisticated atmosphere, DIY a few hanging floral installations, such as ornamenting chandeliers with blossoms or suspending floral hoops. Accent with string lights for a romantic and whimsical ambiance.

Friends at bridal shower wearing corsages

Wearable Florals for Bridal Showers
Wearable blooms, such as corsages and boutonnieres, are a great way to incorporate DIY flowers into your bridal shower. Whether you’re a part of the wedding party creating these special accessories for the bride or groom, the entire wedding party, or a few honorees, they add a posh touch of elegance and sophistication. Customize the blooms to match the shower’s color scheme or the wedding’s floral theme. Be sure to check out our guides for putting together corsages and boutonnieres for step-by-step instructions on creating your own wearable blooms. 

Boho wedding altar with blooms and pampas grass

Wedding Ceremony Altar Pieces
If you’ve attended a loved one’s wedding, then you know that the ceremony floral designs are a major focal point during the event. When designing wedding altarpieces, go for big, bold flower arrangements that draw guests’ eyes to the main event. These flowers should complement or match the style of the rest of the wedding as well as additional floral designs, such as centerpieces, bouquets, and accent arrangements. Once the ceremony has ended, have the fantastic altarpieces moved into the reception so you can further admire them. A lovely place for these arrangements might be on either side of the sweetheart table. 

FLoral arch with pink roses

Baby Shower Floral Arches
Instead of balloon arches for a baby shower, go for a more eco-friendly option that showcases the beauty of the natural world. Consider using pink, blue, green, or yellow flowers; you can even customize the colors and blooms to match your theme, such as using white or pink peonies for a baby girl shower or blue hydrangeas and succulents for a baby boy shower. Colors like yellow and green make for excellent gender-neutral options, a wonderful way to celebrate all new life. The floral arch can then serve as a backdrop for your baby shower photo booth — a great way to capture fun candid shots.

Incorporating DIY flowers into your special events can be a fun and creative way to personalize your celebration and add a touch of natural splendor. No matter the occasion, flowers are the backbone of stunning centerpieces, wearable blooms, ceremony pieces, and creative statement designs. To get started, shop your style at Cascade Floral Wholesale

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Fresh Spring Flowers and Accents for Easter Centerpieces

Elegant Easter Centerpiece

Spring is such an uplifting season thanks to the warming weather, perfect for decorating with fresh and colorful flowers inside just as Mother Nature has done outside. Additionally, Easter is the ideal seasonal occasion to create beautiful centerpieces that will bring both joy and festive energy into any space. Wondering how to get started? Let the floral professionals here at Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington fill your mind with serious decor inspiration. To that end, here are some ideas and tips for designing Easter centerpieces with fresh spring flowers and accents.
Tulips in many colors

Choose a Color Scheme
The first element you need to tackle is creating the right color palette for your arrangement. For a cohesive and polished look, select a scheme for your centerpiece that harmonizes with the occasion. Pastel shades of pink, yellow, and purple are popular choices for Easter, but you can also mix in some bright colors like orange or even blue for a more eclectic look. The choice is yours.
Flowers and Easter eggs

Select the Flowers
Bearing your color palette in mind, the next step is to figure out exactly which blooms you want to star in the centerpiece. Fortunately, there are many radiant spring flowers to choose from, such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and of course, lilies. Consider the size and shape of each flower when selecting them, as well as their fragrance and durability. This will help you assess which blossoms play well with one another.
Daffodils, ribbons, and egg

Add Some Accents
To make your centerpiece more visually interesting and dynamic, add some accents; popular options include greenery such as eucalyptus, spring berries, sprigs of pussy willow, or Easter-themed elements like eggs or bunnies. Fresh herbs like rosemary or lavender can also add a pleasing and earthy scent to your arrangement, adding to the overall ambiance.
Flowers in mason jars

Choose the Container
The container you use for your centerpiece can have a big impact on its overall look, so make sure the aesthetics align with that of the arrangement. A simple vase or mason jar can work well for a rustic or casual feel, while a more elaborate vase or urn can add a touch of Easter elegance. Be sure the vase or container color aligns with the blooms and doesn’t clash with or overpower them.
Person making floral centerpiece

Arrange the Flowers
Finally, it’s time to bring together the centerpiece as a whole. Start by arranging your greenery and/or accent elements in the container, and then add the flowers in a balanced and nuanced manner. Vary the heights and textures of the blooms for visual interest, and make sure to keep the stems hydrated to ensure a longer-lasting arrangement.
Tulip and daffodil easter centerpiece

Show Off Your Creation
Now that you’ve created the perfect centerpiece for your Easter celebration, it’s time to set it in a place of honor where everyone can admire your handiwork: in the middle of the table, of course. Or, if you’ve just been following along to get some serious Easter inspo, get in touch with us here at Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington. We have everything you need to create a centerpiece worthy of such an important holiday.

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How to Prep and Care for Your Special Event Flowers

Flower care

A lot goes into floral design, from selecting a style to bringing the blooms to life and enjoying them with friends and family. With so much effort and beauty, it’s no secret that we want these flowers to last. While creating a jaw-dropping floral design for a special occasion, event, or home is fun, it also involves patience and time. After searching for the perfect blooms at Cascade Floral Wholesale, the first step is to ensure your flowers live long, healthy lives by prepping your stems. Then, once your blooms have been arranged, and your pieces have been finalized, caring for these fresh stems is just as important as putting them on display. Learn from the experts here at Cascade Floral Wholesale about how to prep and care for your event flowers in six easy steps.

Trim and clean flower stems

1. Give Your Stems a Fresh Cut

Clean the stems by removing any thorns, leaves, and foliage. While this makes the stems easier to work with, it also helps extend their healthy life by eliminating any bacteria living on the foliage. This first step is a win-win!

Next, trim the bottom of your stems at a 45-degree angle to allow them to soak up as much water and floral food as possible. Cutting a straight line across the stems will result in your flowers standing flush at the bottom of your vase, which hinders their ability to hydrate properly.

Hydrate flowers in water and floral food

 

2. Food & Water

Before jumping into floral design, it’s crucial to prepare a clean bucket of water and flower food to revitalize your blooms. Once cleaned and trimmed, place each stem into the bucket so they can drink up all the healthy goodness and thrive in your designs. Allow your fresh flowers to soak for two-four hours prior to arranging.

Cutting flower stems for design

3. Cut to Size for Your Floral Designs

One can bet that these fresh flowers will be too tall to create a handheld bouquet and certainly too large for a corsage, boutonniere, floral crown, etc. This means you will need to cut your flowers to size by measuring them against any floral foam, oasis, floral hoop, or even your wrist or lapel, depending on your creation. As mentioned, always make your cuts at a 45-degree angle to keep the blooms fresh.

Storing flower arrangement on shelf

4. Store Your Design

After you have created and finalized your floral designs, it’s time to store them before your event. For designs like bouquets that are not already in floral foam or a vase, keep their stems hydrated in miniature vases or floral water tubes. The best places to house your finished products are in a cool space, preferably a flower cooler. However, if you don’t have this luxury, have no fear! Any refrigerator or chilly location will be just fine as long as your flowers are kept away from direct sunlight, drafty areas, and hot climates. You can also cover your floral designs with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to help keep them fresh and hydrated.

Watering Flowers

5. Water Your Flowers 

The easiest way to keep your flowers healthy and thriving before and after an event or occasion is by watering them. While some floral designs are more straightforward to water than others, it is still critical to replenish your blooms with fresh, clean, and cool water every day. For vase arrangements, empty the old, dirty water before adding new water. Floral designs created in foam or oasis can soak up fresh water poured from a watering can. Easy peasy!

Opening flower blossoms

6. Open Your Blooms

If you are creating an arrangement or floral design for immediate use at an event, you want your blooms to be as full and luxurious as possible. If your flowers have yet to fully blossom by the day of your occasion, gently spin the stem between your palms or carefully shake it. Another tactic to expedite the blooming process for your flower is to expose it to direct sunlight or low heat from a blow dryer. Please note that these processes trick your buds into blooming prematurely and, therefore, can accelerate their entire lifespan.

Any event or special occasion would be incomplete without vibrant blooms bursting with celebration and love. Not to mention, nothing is worse than putting in hard work and effort and watching your blooms wilt prematurely. By taking the proper steps and giving your fresh flowers from Cascade Floral Wholesale a little TLC, you and your friends and family can admire and enjoy your floral designs to their fullest potential.

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Tips for Coordinating Flower Types and Greenery for DIY Arrangements

Multiple flower arrangements in various colors

Understanding the complexities of design and preparing your flowers and greenery for arranging your bouquet might be easier than you think. While flower arranging is an art, by utilizing helpful tips from the experts, it will be a project that is both fun and simple. The three most critical factors to thoughtfully sort through when planning your bouquet or floral collection for an event is the color palette, shape and seasonality of your flowers, and the fresh greenery to enhance and highlight each bloom. Our experts here at Cascade Floral Wholesale are here to offer the best advice for floral selection techniques so that you can design your own stunning arrangements in no time.

Colorful bouquet of orange, pink, green, white and more flowers

Color Matching and Palette Selection

The most obvious factor to consider when planning floral arrangements is color combinations for creating your perfect theme. Whether a vintage, chic event with shades of blush, burgundy, and green or a bright summertime bouquet with vibrant orange, yellow, and blue, the combinations can seem endless. Deciding on a strict aesthetic will help guide you toward blooms that match or complement one another and create an ideal color palette.

Once you have nailed down a particular look, feel, style, or theme, it’s time to find flowers that enhance each other. Highlight Mother Nature’s natural beauty by consulting the color wheel. Utilizing complementary colors, or those opposite each other on the wheel, will help create a bold and dramatic look. Cascade Floral’s Summertime Brights or Rustic Fall mixes provide the perfect collection to achieve this aesthetic. The flowers included in these packages are also ideal for triatic bouquets that use three colors equidistant on the color wheel. For a more intricate use of this idea with a softer contrast, you could use split-complementary colors, or the adjacent colors to its complement. One example of this is pairing yellow with shades of red and blue instead of its natural complement of purple. If you are looking for a more cohesive, trendy, or sophisticated look, analogous or monochromatic colors are ideal. Analogous colors are any three colors that are connected, while monochromatic colors refer to the different shades of a single color. Our Classic White, Intoxicating Burgundy, and Luscious Lavender mixes offer a great assortment of flowers for analogous or monochromatic arrangements.

Beautiful luxury bouquet of winter flowers, round, fluffy, pink, peach, white, and silver.

Seasonality and Shapes

Another vital factor for creating a magnificent flower collection for an arrangement is to find stems that complement each other’s shape, size, and seasonality. For instance, pairing summer sunflowers and gerbera daisies with winter berries might not look right. Instead, the wide petals of gerbera daisies can pair beautifully with smaller roses. Additionally, the star-shaped vibrancy of gerbera daisies can poorly contrast with the softness and fullness of the beloved hydrangea if you’re not careful. Luckily our pre-selected flower combos are hand-picked to perfection, considering seasonal flowers that perfectly enhance each shape and size to create flawless dimension and cohesions to your bouquets.

Bouquet of fresh greenery

Fresh Greenery

The final element or finishing touch to any floral arrangement is adding greenery. Take some time to appreciate the accents these supporting greens provide. Greenery’s soothing natural elements provide a backdrop for the flowers, making the main attraction pop and shine. Greenery also works wonders for adding unique shapes and textures to spice up an arrangement.

From a mix of various green leaves to a single selection of your favorite to subtly complement the flowers, there are many directions you can go in. One of the most popular types of greenery to incorporate into bouquets for weddings and home décor is eucalyptus, which comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, flexibility, and hues. Simply stated, you can’t go wrong with eucalyptus. Salal is another example of a versatile or go-to stem of vibrant green leaves, especially if you want something compact and rich. A pro tip for choosing unbeatable greenery is to match the seasonal trends of your arrangement. For example, if you make a brightly colored summer bouquet, monstera leaves may be an ideal choice to support that fresh and vivid summertime feeling.

While making your own bouquets and arrangements can feel like you’re flying solo, the experts at Cascade Floral Wholesale are here to provide not only quality radiant blooms and fresh greenery but pro tips and advice as well. Before getting started on your next floral project, be sure to check out our collection of DIY Flower Combos and Shop Your Style today.

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Creating Warm Winter Arrangements with Radiant Red Flowers

Red flowers arranged artfully in a modern red vase and white accent flowers

The winter months can often feel drab and dreary, especially once all the holiday décor has been packed up and stored away for another year. However, the cheer brought into our homes during the holiday season doesn’t have to end once January begins. The beauty, joy, and comfort we find in seasonal flowers may come from Christmas centerpieces, lovely poinsettia plants, and holiday arrangements sent by far-away loved ones, all of which can include rich and radiant red blooms and even those mimicking Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year, Viva Magenta. Although red is a festive hue, it can also lift our spirits through January, symbolize love in February, and remind us in March of the warmth that is coming soon in spring. This winter, send homemade red flower arrangements to friends and family or brighten your home with your own creations with fresh red blooms from Cascade Floral Wholesale.

Bright and gorgeous bouquet of lovely red flowers in woman hands. No face, close up photo

The Symbolism of Winter’s Best Red Flowers

  • Amaryllis – A symbol of radiant beauty, the tall and sturdy red amaryllis also represents strength and determination. 
  • Anemone – Simple yet striking, the red anemone symbolizes love.
  • Anthurium – Exotic and tropical, the red anthurium bloom represents happiness and hospitality.
  • Aster – a symbol of undying devotion, this daisy-like bloom is a popular flower in Greek mythology.
  • Carnation – Soft, subtle, and pretty, the red carnation is a symbol of admiration.
  • Dahlia – A natural statement flower, the red dahlia symbolizes commitment.
  • Rose – The ultimate symbol of love and romance, the fragrant rose comes in various red hues, perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Bunch of fresh flowers in marsala colors. Boho style

Adding More Seasonal Favorites

When curating the best collection of red flowers for a winter arrangement, be sure to collect variations of red hues that will add stunning dimension. Accenting your seasonal red flowers with bundles of refreshing greenery and white winter blooms will also help bring your arrangement to life. Incorporate hints of blue, purple, or burgundy flowers to create a serene, relaxing, and moody feel, perfect for a cold winter’s evening. For a romantic Valentine’s Day surprise, include red, white, or pink lilies, especially stargazer lilies, and sweet pink flowers that add a touch of grace, femininity, and adoration.

Christmas decoration with carnations, chrysanthemums santini, brunia and fir. Christmas spirit and mood

Incorporating a Touch of Winter

As December’s end nears, the winter season is only beginning. This means seasonal elements and accessories, like pinecones, winter berries, cinnamon sticks, dried oranges, dried cranberries, and even white flocking, are still “in!” Add these winter touches to your arrangements and bouquets for extra warmth, coziness, and texture. Get creative by thoughtfully placing these items among seasonal blooms in arrangements, inside a clear vase for decoration, or on the same shelf you display your winter flowers for a put-together winter look.

If you’re looking for a great way to spruce up your home and banish the winter doldrums, you can’t go wrong with rich red flowers! After the Christmas tree, stockings, Santa Clauses, reindeer, and other holiday items are put away, your home can feel quite empty, bare, or simply cold. Brighten it up with your favorite warm red flowers. Check out our selection of gorgeous winter blooms here at Cascade Floral Wholesale.

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A Joyful Guide to Holiday Decorating with Winter Berries

Winter berries

Homemade holiday decorations make your home feel a little cozier, warmer, and personal. At Cascade Floral Wholesale, creating brilliant arrangements, wreaths, garlands, and more live décor for your home or special event is what we’re all about. There is nothing more festive or versatile during the holiday season than winter berries. From American Holly and Winterberry to Hypericum and Brunia Berry, the tiny red, green, white, or silver berries add a new texture and dimension to just about anything.

Fun Ways to Decorate for the Holidays with Winter Berries

Winter floral arrangement with hypericum berries

Accent Flowers with Berries

 Holiday and winter floral arrangements bring life to our dinner tables, add a refreshing touch to our living rooms, or brighten up a loved one’s day when presented as a gift. This season, red, white, green, and silver berries are cheerful additions to seasonal flower designs, especially those made of lush greenery, crisp white blooms, and radiant red flowers. Because of their small, compact size, winter berries will entice the eye when nestled among large petals and fluffy textures.

Red hypericum berries in a vase

Arrange Berries in a Stylish Vase

Whether you love a classic holiday look with lots of greenery or a minimalistic aesthetic, berries bring a warm and festive touch to any space, no matter your style. Collect only a few stems of winter berries to place in a tall, sleek vase for a perfect minimalist look, or brighten a bundle of eucalyptus, ruscus, magnolia foliage, myrtle, cedar, or pine with pops of festive berries.

Putting winter berries in Christmas wreath

Adorn Holiday Wreaths & Fresh Garland

Holiday wreaths for your front door or above your fireplace are usually decorated with fresh evergreens, pinecones, flocking, and ribbons of all sorts of patterns and seasonal hues. The same can be said for garlands that hang above doorways or lay across a mantel or table. Like the floral arrangements and ornate vases, winter berries are always a wonderful addition. However, you can also create wreaths and garland straight from winter berries, creating a clean, put-together, bright, and energizing wreath or string of garland for your home.

Decorating the Christmas tree with winter berries

Decorate the Christmas Tree

One of our favorite holiday trends is swapping a few ornaments on your Christmas tree for holiday blooms and berries. Leaning into Mother Nature’s gifts and the fresh, crisp look, feel, and scents of the outdoors is simply magical. While meticulously adorning your Christmas tree with red and white flowers or a collection of red, white, and silver berries, the tree topper surely needs to match the rest of the tree. Gather your favorite winter berries and fasten a luxurious homemade design to the top of your Christmas tree.  

Welcoming and inviting place setting with winter berries

Dress Your Holiday Dinner Table

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without several family dinners and gatherings with friends and loved ones. When it comes time to set the table, wow your guests with a small but impactful detail on their place setting – a small stem of winter berries. With the range of styles, shapes, and colors of berries available, you can coordinate your dishes and linens to offer a beautiful and inviting place for your guests to sit back, relax, and enjoy a meal together.

Tying hypericum berries to Christmas gifts

 Enhance Your Gift Packages

 The final stage of holiday planning and decorating is wrapping presents. Whether you are looking to impress or make your gifts stand out among the rest for a White Elephant or Secret Santa, don’t rely on fancy wrapping paper to do the job. Instead, turn to winter berries for the perfect gift accent to make your presents look elegant and festive.  

Kids crafts with winter berries

Enjoy Arts & Crafts with Your Family

 Winter berries are exceptional plants that can be utilized for a wide range of arts and crafts. From decorative accents that turn homemade Christmas gifts into pieces of art to a fun sensory project for kids, berries are perfect for holiday crafting. Fasten a small sprig to a coffee mug cozy, tie some around a sweet fragrant candle, add a pop of color to cinnamon sticks for decorating gifts or table settings, or have your kids glue each tiny berry to a paper Christmas tree to mimic red, white, and green ornaments. Let your creativity and imagination run wild with winter berries this holiday season.  

Flowers and greenery often steal the spotlight in arrangements and home décor almost all year round. The joy we feel during the holiday season deserves to be celebrated with something different and exciting, like winter berries. Find your favorite berries for holiday decorating and flower bouquets at Cascade Floral Wholesale.

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DIY Pumpkin Flower Arrangement for Thanksgiving

Flowers in a pumpkin. Bright autumn background. Colorful autumn card. Pumpkin with fresh flowers. Autumn flower arrangement. Autumn bouquet.

Bring the beauty of fall into your home with a charming and easy-to-make pumpkin floral arrangement. It’s a simple and festive way to decorate your home with fall’s beauty. A warm and welcoming floral bouquet of the season’s gorgeous rich color palette is a great way to celebrate autumn, spruce up your home, and add simple elegance to your Thanksgiving table. 

autumn floral bouquet in a pumpkin vase for Halloween. Table setting for wedding

How to Make a Pretty Pumpkin Floral Arrangement

How to make a Thanksgiving centerpiece - step by step: flowers and accessories.

Tools you’ll need: 

  • Small to medium-sized pumpkin (select one with a level bottom, so the pumpkin doesn’t lean to the side)
  • Pumpkin carving knife or a regular sharp knife
  • Flower clippers or sharp scissors
  • Narrow vessel (tall shot glass or skinny vase) to place inside the pumpkin
  • Gorgeous fresh seasonal blooms of different sizes, colors, and textures 

How to make a Thanksgiving centerpiece: bouquet of flowers in pumpkin.

How to make the flower bouquet

  1. Carve a hole in the top of the pumpkin large enough for the glass vase (or vessel holding the flowers) to fit inside. 
  2. Scoop out all the seeds and save them for later (to roast for a snack, add to salads or smoothies, or dry them and let the squirrels, deer, and birds enjoy them).
  3. Fill the vase with ½ to ¾ of water and place it inside the pumpkin. You do not want water to sit directly within the pumpkin itself – it will get messy quickly. You can also place a water-saturated piece of floral foam into the bottom of the vase instead of water.
  4. Once the vessel is in, you can begin designing your bouquet. Start with filling in the greenery first. Seeded eucalyptus or silver eucalyptus are great options for starting with. Fall leaves and branches are also excellent design choices.

Beautiful bouquet of flowers: white, pink and burgundy peonies

           You can also create the flower arrangement in the vessel before you put it into the pumpkin if you prefer.

          5. Add sturdy flowers, followed by berries or other filler florals to fill in the spaces and complete the look. Since this is a centerpiece, you’ll want the arrangement to be viewable from all sides. Turn the pumpkin as you work to ensure it’s balanced and full all around. 

 

Tips for success: 

  • Use a flower frog to secure stems and assist in creating a rounded and balanced arrangement. A flower frog is an object made of metal, wood, ceramic, or plastic with evenly spaced holes for placing flowers into. 

Vintage metal flower cage used for arrangements

  • Place the vessel you’ve selected to go inside the pumpkin on top and trace around it with a sharp knife. Then using the tracing as a guide, cut deeper and carve out the pumpkin meat to create a hollow center so that that vessel will fit in snugly.
  • Use a spoon to scoop out the pulp – it works great at hollowing out pumpkins.
  • If using floral foam, leave it in water until it stops releasing bubbles. This is how you know it’s completely saturated. Don’t force or push the foam under the water; let it sink naturally. 
  • If you don’t have a flower frog, no need to go out and buy one – just use floral tape (or any thin tape) to create a grid over the opening of the vessel.
  • Make sure to cut the stems of your flowers at a 45-degree angle before placing them in water or floral foam. Place the longest stems in the center at different angles to create a domed look.
  • Make a trio of pumpkin bouquets with different-sized pumpkins for a more festive fall-inspired look. 
  • Use white pumpkins to elevate the design and give contrast to the richly-colored fall florals.
  • Paint the pumpkin a fun color or add succulents instead of flowers for a fun, chick look. 
  • Don’t fuss too much about the design. Looking carefree and fuss-free is the goal of the arrangement and what makes it charming. 

Decorated pink pumpkin with succulents, flowers and leaves at the greek garden shop in October. Vertical.

Non-carving method: 

Choose a level pumpkin of any color and place a block of water-saturated floral foam on top, pushing down onto the stem until it’s secure. Start building your arrangement laying a base of greenery to cover the foam. Build arrangement and fill in any areas showing the foam, so it’s fairly well concealed. 

Beautiful autumn bouquet in pumpkin on table

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DIY Floral Arrangements for Your Wedding

Arranging artificial flowers vest decoration at home, Young woman florist work making organizing diy artificial flower, craft and hand made concept.

With the availability of quality wholesale flowers from Cascade, having fresh blooms for creating DIY wedding flowers is a dream come true for budget-friendly and cost-conscious brides. Doing it by yourself can be overwhelming, which is why we are providing you with essential tips for DIY wedding flowers.

Modern table's centerpiece for summer wedding. A lot of greenery being composed into stunning arrangement. Step by step, tutorial.

6 Tips for DIY Wedding Floral Arrangements

Choosing Your Flowers

  1. While modern shipping allows for access to almost any flower at any time of year, it is easier and more cost-effective to choose flowers that are in season. Seasonal flowers will be more readily available, affordable,  and replaced easier if anything should occur to your bouquets right before the wedding. Fresh, seasonal blooms T also stay healthier for a longer period of time, looking more beautiful and appealing during the wedding.
  2. It is also important to understand the limitations of the flowers you choose. Some blooms may wilt quicker than others, and other blooms may need more water or sunlight than others. By understanding what each flower needs, you can care for them properly to keep them bright and blooming. Having this knowledge can help you select hardy flower varieties that will maintain the look you want.
  3. Our final tip for deciding which blooms to choose is to keep it to only a few varieties. All of your arrangements can be created with just three flowers –  a primary bloom, a secondary bloom that complements it, and a tertiary bloom that helps fill out the bouquet. These three flowers can be used across all of your arrangements, changing their positions and filling them in with greenery to create different variations.  

Florist at work. Woman making bouquet of pink roses

Preparing for Assembly

  1. Assembling bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces requires more tools than just flowers and vases. Making sure you have all the required tools and materials when the flowers arrive is crucial. To hold flowers in place and arrange them, floral tape, floral wire, floral foam, and twine are helpful to have on hand. For decorations and embellishments to make your flowers pop,  use ribbons, lace, or twine. To keep the flowers fresh, have a spray bottle of water nearby so you can periodically mist your floral arrangements.
  2. It r helps to make a plan for your fresh flowers ahead of time, so you know how many you will need for your wedding. Count the number of bouquets, centerpieces, and boutonnieres you plan to have and then how many flowers will be in each one. This will help you determine the number of individual flowers and greenery you will need so you aren’t left with too many or too few.
  3. Making a gorgeous wedding bouquet and centerpieces is not as easy as many think and often takes time and practice. Online tutorials are a great place for tips and advice on how to best prepare your flowers. Pick a tutorial that shows an arrangement like the ones you want to use and practice with your tools before getting started. It is important to remember that complex or time-consuming arrangements can lead to anxiety or frustration and simple arrangements often look just as beautiful and a lot easier to prepare.

Florist at work: How to make modern table's centerpiece for summer wedding. A lot of greenery being composed into stunning arrangement. Step by step, tutorial.

Cascade floral offers all the flowers you need for DIY arrangements that best fit your budget. Check out our selection today or contact us directly so we can help you make your wedding day special and memorable. 

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Flowers in Fashion

Beautiful young woman in nice blue dress posing on colorful wall of flowers. Fashion photo, nice hair, big smile

New York Fashion Week 2022 just ended, and we were surprised by how many amazingly gorgeous floral-inspired designs we saw on the runway. For example, stunning floral prints in Caroline Herrara’s collection and the beautiful dresses inspired by actual flowers showcased on runways from Loewe and Dion Lee, where pieces in the shape of anthurium blooms and monstera leaves gave off a stunning yet cool tropical vibe. Intrigued by seeing flowers prominently displayed on fashion runways, we wanted to research the history of fashion and flowers to see just how long this trend has been around.  

Asian woman wearing traditional japanese kimono

Flower designs have been a staple of fashion for centuries. After all, everyone loves flowers, and they are a naturally occurring source of beautiful and vibrant colors. Flower prints in clothing are believed to have first appeared on silks thousands of years ago in Asia. They were eventually adopted into the west, appearing on men’s and women’s fashionable garments, with popular flowers such as peonies, tulips, daisies, carnations, and more. One of the most interesting things about the history of floral designs in fashion is how new technology has allowed designers to incorporate flowers in many different and artistic ways. The discovery and trade of foreign flowers and the advancement of manufacturing processes helped advance the beautiful progression of designs from classic woven patterns of silk to the jaw-dropping designs of today. It is amazing how the beauty of flowers has transcended time and remains just as fashionable today as it did over a thousand years ago.

The influence of flowers in fashion can be seen beyond the use of literal depictions of flowers on garments. Many of the world’s top fashion designers are inspired by how a flower grows, which they incorporate into their designs. Many designers are also inspired by the stunning colors of flowers, from vibrant to light, rich to pastel, and speckled to gradient. 

Blooming gorgeous lady in a dress of flowers in the rainforest

Often, a designer will use real flowers to enhance or showcase their designs on the runway. In the spring fashion show of 2020, Prabal Gurung’s models carried woven bags filled with flowers. Similarly, Alexander Mcqueen created gowns of real flowers that graced the runways. Chanel had a look several years ago at dresses inspired by white roses, and bouquets of real white roses were held by the models to compliment the dress. It seems like flowers and fashion naturally go hand in hand.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Chiara Boni La Petite Robe during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Gallery II at Spring Studios on September 11, 2018 in New York City.

Many floral prints and floral-inspired fashion options are available today for men and women. From delicate floral designs to all-over flower patterns and traditional flower images to abstract ones, there’s something for everyone’s sense of style. Floral trends change yearly, but the floral print will never go out of style and will always impact fashion, as we see floral patterns in some form or another every spring and summer. 

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Interesting Facts About the Rose

White and red rose

Roses are the most popular flower in the world. Nearly everyone loves this beautiful, magical, and, some would say, perfect bloom. Its long and rich history is intimately linked with humans, and the rose has been used to symbolize love, beauty, war, politics, and more.  Here are some cool and interesting facts about the beautiful and immaculate rose that you may not know.

pink rose in summer garden

  • While the most popular color of rose is red, they come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes. here are over 150 different types of roses and thousands of cultivated hybrids s. Roses grow as climbers, groundcovers, and shrub-like plants, and they can be found on every continent.

 

  • Roses grow across the globe, but the countries that produce the largest amount of roses (billions each year!) are The Netherlands, Ecuador, Columbia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Due to ideal weather conditions, Ecuadorian roses are considered the best as the climate allows for them to grow vibrant, large varieties, including new and rare crossbreeds of blue roses.

 

  • Roses are one of the oldest flowers known, with fossils that date back 35 million years. Evidence suggests roses were being cultivated nearly 5000 years ago by Japanese, Chinese, and Greek civilizations. This makes roses the oldest flower to be cultivated specifically for ornamentation. Amazingly, the oldest living rose today is over 1,000 years old and can be found growing on the side of Hildesheim Cathedral in Germany. 

 

  • Some roses are edible. Creative chefs, baristas, and bartenders use rose petals and rose extract for cocktails, teas, jellies, and as a flavoring in meals. A common ingredient made from roses is rose water, which comes from soaking rose petals in water. Roses found in a typical bouquet, however, are not to be consumed. Only roses specially made for human consumption should be ingested.

 

  • Each rose color has unique and interesting hidden symbolism. The classic red rose has the well-known symbolism of romance, beauty, and love. Bright fiery orange roses are associated with passion, excitement, and romance, while a softer peach shade represents sincerity and gratitude. White roses signify sympathy, which is why they are often seen at funerals, but they also represent innocence and purity, making them common at weddings as well. Pink roses are used for expressing admiration, elegance, and joy.

 

  • In 1986, Ronald Reagan declared the rose the national flower of the United States. Georgia, New York, Iowa, North Dakota, and Washington, D.C have a type of rose as their official state flower, as well.

 

  • The largest rose ever was grown by Nikita K. Rulhoksoffski, a Californian rose grower, and it was 33 inches in diameter with a 6-foot stem. This rose was five times larger than a typical large hybrid rose and was so big it couldn’t stand upright on its own and had to be displayed on the floor.

Closeup of rose bush flowers in summer garden during blossoming after rain

If you are now inspired to get your hands on some roses to create decorative floral centerpieces or bouquets, then check out our rose selection. Along with filler blooms, assorted flowers, and fresh greenery, Cascade Floral Wholesale has the best, high-quality, and long-lasting blooms around.

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All About the Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe plant with orange flowers, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, potted Kalanchoe

What Is a Kalanchoe Plant?

Kalanchoe plants are a type of plant that belongs to the succulent family. There are 125 known Kalanchoe varieties, with the most popular being the Kalanchoe blossfeldiana. The plants vary significantly in appearance, but most display brilliantly colored flowers, which makes them so charming. . The flowers bloom in bunches and range in colors from pink, red, white, orange, or yellow.

As members of the succulent family, Kalanchoe have the typical thick leaves and numerous stems. The plants vary in size, with most reaching up to one to two feet in height and width. However, some treelike species can grow up to 20 feet tall. Kalanchoes bloom for about eight weeks from late autumn to late winter and, as a result, are often seen with other festive houseplants around the holidays. Take note –  kalanchoes are potentially toxic to pets and should be kept well out of their reach.

Kalanchoe plant with orange flowers, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, potted Kalanchoe

Why Kalanchoes Make Great Houseplants 

Kalanchoe plants are easy to maintain, and they are loved for their many colorful flowers and unique shapes. Due to their low maintenance requirements, they make ideal houseplants. While the most common and easiest to care for, Kalanchoe is the Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, other popular and beautiful varieties  include:

  • The panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa).
  • Paddle plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora).
  • Mother of thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana).

These Kalanchoe plants are ideal container plants and grow well indoors when properly cared for.

Three colors pots with thee colors medical plants kalanchoe with flowers close up on trendy pink background, bright colors concept

How to Care for Kalanchoes  

Kalanchoes originate from tropical and humid climates, so despite the fact they usually bloom in winter, it is best to keep them in 60-85 degree temperatures as they cannot withstand cold temperatures. If your Kalanchoe has not bloomed yet, ensure it is in a location that receives a significant amount of sunlight. Keep bloomed Kalanchoes in a place where they receive moderate sunlight will keep the flowers blooming longer.

As with most succulents, Kalanchoes do not require as much water as other houseplants. Every few days, check to ensure the soil surface levels are dry before watering the soil to avoid overwatering and leaving water blemishes on the leaves. To encourage blooming, use a clean pair of scissors and cut away smaller blooms at the base of a cluster.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is native to the island of Madagascar

Interesting Facts About the Kalanchoe 

  • Kalanchoe plants originate from Southeast Asia and southern Africa and are most prevalent in Madagascar.
  • They were brought to Europe from Madagascar around 1930 by a German man named Robert Blossfield, who is the namesake of the most common Kalanchoe plant, “blossfeldiana.
  • The name “Kalanchoe” comes from the Chinese phrase “Kalan Chau,” which translates to “that which falls and grows,” in reference to the way it spreads.
  • Kalanchoe plants symbolize endurance and lasting affection because of their long-lasting period of blooming.
  • A unique characteristic of Kalanchoes is they have new cells growing on the interior part of their petals which helps make them bloom. These cells also grow on the petal’s exterior to help the flowers close.

Kalanchoe potted plants in four colors of red, yellow and white powder grown in the garden

How to Get a Kalanchoe to Rebloom

The Kalanchoe is known as a “short-day” plant, just like the Christmas cactus, so to get your kalanchoe to rebloom, you’ll need to expose it to lower light levels that mimic shorter days. . Time this with the changing of the seasons as the days get shorter in the late fall. Over the course of a month, begin watering the plant less, if at all. Expose the plants to only eight or nine hours of light a day. Then, put it in a closet in complete darkness for the rest of the time. Once you start to see flower buds, move the houseplant back to its bright light position, and resume watering the plant as you would normally.

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How to Decorate Your Home with Succulents

Miniature succulent plants (succulent cactus) at the garden

Succulents are appealing, colorful plants that add charm and chic living decor to any space. Their thick, fleshy leaves and interesting shapes make them particularly decorative and eye-catching. These hardy plants are easy to take care of and can survive moderate amounts of neglect. Succulents easily adjust to low lighting and humidity levels, so they are perfect for new plant parents or those who travel a lot. If you want to add some greenery and touches of chic decor to your home, then decorate with succulents! 

Here at Cascade Floral Wholesale, we list 8 ideas for sprucing up your interior with succulents. 

Arrangement of red green Echeveria and Zebra plant succulent flowering houseplants in square pot planter and sunlight shadow background

How to Make Decorative Succulent Containers

 

Clay pot of various of flowering echeveria, sedum succulent plants centerpieces beside window

Mix of green echeveria, crassula succulent plant centerpiece arrangement in blue ceramic pot on white table top ,blue background

Add succulents to ornate bowls or thrift shop finds for wonderfully unique table centerpieces.

Colorful DIY round concrete pot with beautiful green, pink and red succulent plants decoration on a white wooden shelf on white wall background near glass window. Four unique painted cement planters.

Three cute face ceramic plant pots with red and green succulent plants on white wooden shelf isolated on white wall background with copy space. Small modern DIY cement planter trendy decoration.

Fill small decorative pots with one succulent each for an eye-catching artsy display perfect for a shelf or windowsill. 

Geometric glass florarium vase with succulent plants and small cacti in a concrete geometric pots on wooden rack. Small garden with miniature cactuse, echeveria, crassula. House indoor plants.

mini succulent garden in glass terrarium

Fill a geometric terrarium with succulents for an interesting contrast of sharp lines and soft curves. 

Wall arrangment of cacti and other plants on white wall outside.

Add succulents to small planters that attach to the wall for a colorful and instant wall art decor. 

Colorful cactus wreath hanging on rustic wooden wall.

Add succulents to a wreath to hang on your front door. With a few seasonal elements, such as sunflowers, fall leaves, and greenery, you’ll have the most interesting fall wreath in the neighborhood. Succulents work with any seasonal decor, too. 

The succulent terrarium in a white porcelain cup pot

House plants grown in recycled mugs, tea cups, sugar bowl and tea pot displayed in sunny window, recycle, reuse, upcycle for sustainable living and gardening.

Repurpose all those unused coffee cups in your cupboard by filling them with succulents. Cute and ornate, you’ll wish you’d thought of this sooner. 

The succulent terrarium in a glass vase

Mini-succulents in glass terrariums.

If you have an old fish bowl lying around, fill it with various colorful succulents instead of fish. Succulents will last much longer and won’t need as much care!

Succulent terrarium planted in a pine tree bark

Various types of succulent cactus plant in wooden box

Find an interesting piece of wood or log with a hollow space and add succulents to it to bring it to life in a new decorative manner. You can do the same with an old wooden box, such as a cigar box, to create a colorful display of ornate succulents. 

Cactus pot. Concrete pot. Two modern geometric concrete planters with painted with succulents plant on white wooden shelf isolated on white wall background.

Any decorative pot or item you find with a hollow space can hold succulents. Get creative! Find attractive bowls, cups, dishes, or other decorative items at a thrift shop or in your garage. The shapes and sizes of things into which you put succulents vary greatly, which makes them versatile to fit any room or space. From table centerpieces, coffee table decor, hanging planters, shelves, and windowsills, there are plenty of spaces and areas these lovely little plants will enhance. 

Tips for Planting Succulents 

  • For small pots, you’ll want succulents that are slow growers indoors. Types like Haworthias, Sempervivums, Echeverias, Crassulas, and Gasterias are great options. A small pot is typically 7 inches or less in diameter.
  • Make sure the pot you select has drainage holes.
  • Find a potting soil specifically for succulents, such as a Cactus Mix. It should be light, well aerated, and has good drainage.
  • To keep the succulent and pot size in scale, select a pot no larger than one and a half sizes larger than the size of the succulent. 
  • Pour soil into the pot until the succulent sits above the pot’s rim. 
  • If you want the look of tightly-packed succulents, place each succulent close to one another in a manner that looks good to you. Just keep the base of the plants sitting above the rim of the pot.
  • Do not water your succulents immediately after potting. Wait about a week before they have their first drink; this will ensure any roots damaged during the potting process have healed.
  • Use a squeeze bottle with an angled straw or long narrow tip to water tightly packed succulents to ensure the water gets into the soil and not all over the place.
  • Small succulents in small pots will require more frequent watering as there is not much soil to retain the moisture, and they can dry out quickly. 
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How to Create Stunning Floral Arrangements with Zinnias

up close of pink Zinnia

Zinnias are loved by both florists and gardeners for their attractive, full shape and colorful varieties. They are easy to grow and care for and look amazing in arrangements with other florals or on their own. Because the zinnia is a hardy bloom and easy to grow, it is often used as a filler flower and considered more of a ‘basic” flower. Here at Cascade Wholesale Flowers, we think zinnias are spectacular with some truly gorgeous varieties, such as Zinnia Oaklahoma, Purple Prince, Peppermint, and Cactus-Flowered Zinnias. 

A summer zinnia flower branches isolated on white background

Zinnias are a genus of the sunflower plant in the daisy family, and there are 22 recognized types of zinnias, with zinnia elegans being the most popular. Native to Mexico and Central America, zinnias are named after German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn, who discovered these colorful blooms and imported them into Europe. 

Pink yellow and red zinnias

 

Different types of zinnias vary in appearance and size and have either single- or double-formed petals. The zinnia elegans variety most closely resembles the dahlia due to its numerous, doubled-rolled petals. In fact, zinnias are often used as a substitute bloom for the dahlia. 

To bring out the beauty and brightness of the lovely zinnia, use the below floral arranging tips to make this underrated bloom shine! 

Bouquet of zinnia on the table on a blue background. Flowers in a vase. Copy space.

Leaves the stems long

Unless you are creating a traditional mound-shape arrangement, leave the zinnia stems long to allow for interesting shapes, forms, and dimensions within the design. Plus, there’s just something about longer stems that make them appear more elegant yet more naturally wild at the same time. 

zinnia flowers in bucket on white background

Remove all the leaves from the stem

To highlight the interesting shape, line, and elongated form of the stem, it must be clean and free of all foliage. Removing all the leaves accomplishes this as well as enhances its linear quality. The natural curve of the stem does a great job of adding motion, action, and a dynamic quality to the design. 

Bouquet of zinnia flowers

Leave open spaces

Your instinct may be to group zinnias close together to create a voluminous mound of colorful petals, but leaving ample space in between individual stems produces the appearance of depth and openness while allowing the flowers to “breathe.”  An open arrangement such as this also allows the eye to fall upon each bloom, taking in its individual beauty rather than competing with an overabundance of petals. 

Flower bouquet in vase in a garden setting

Pair zinnias with skinny filler flowers and greenery

Most zinnia varietals have broad, smooth petals that are layered upon each other to create a full, ruffled look. To highlight this characteristic, avoid placing similarly wide-petaled blooms, such as hydrangea, roses, and daisies, next to zinnias, or the design might start to look overly poofy and monotonous. Instead, use finely-textured filler flowers and greenery such as celosia, globe thistle, feather eucalyptus, bear grass, Queen Anne’s lace, or baby’s breath. The contrast between the thin and the wide, the light and the heavy, and the flat texture with non-flat is what will make your design exciting and full of interesting energy.

Multi-colored zinnia flowers close-up on wooden table

Use double-flowering zinnias

Voluminous, globe-shaped, double-form blooms like Oklahomas, Queens, and Zinderellas are the best types of zinnias to use as they are gorgeous, lush, and eye-catching. These large, spherical blooms are perfect focal flowers, while single-petal varieties work well as secondary flowers in an arrangement. 

Close up of zinnia flowers in vase

Using the above design tips is a great way to start experimenting with creating striking designs with the unique shape, texture, and colors of zinnias. You just might find this under-the-radar-bloom is your new favorite flower to work with!

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How To Create Beautiful Mason Jar Floral Arrangements

white gardenia flowers on wooden desk in mason jar

The simple yet classic mason jar has had a Renaissance of sorts as it’s seen everywhere these days and used in all manners of creative ways, such as decorative lighting, candle holder, plant jar, and a holder for anything you can imagine. If you’re a fan of Pinterest, then I’m sure you’ve seen many charming floral arrangements made with mason jars. We love them, too, which is why we are sharing some great tips with you on how to make beautiful mason jar flowers for your home or gifts to friends. 

Flowers in jar, beautiful bouquet on table on gray background

Economic and lovely mason jar arrangements allow you plenty of room to use your creativity to make a variety of styles. Use the below tips as a starting point to then let your creative side bloom!

7 Simple Steps to Make a Mason Jar Flower Bouquet

1. Gather your foliage, blooms, and filler flowers. Trim the stems to a 45-degree angle and clear all leaves and debris off any part of the stems that will be in the water. 

2. Start with your foliage. Place a few stems of foliage into the mason jar so that each cut end rests against the side of the glass while the top part rests against the lid. These two anchor points help keep the stems in place.

Flower in Glass Jar

3. Add the focal flower. Any large bloom makes an excellent focal flower, such as a zinnia, dahlia, garden rose, sunflower, pom-pom mum, or large lisianthus. The focal flower is going to be the “front” of the arrangement, although it can still be viewed from all sides. 

4. Add secondary flowers. Smaller than the focal flower, secondary flowers should complement the focal flower by having a similar form or color. However, this is also where you can play with a variety of colors and shapes to see how it works in the design. 

White and pink daisy bouquet in mason jar on table background, fresh flower

5. Add a line element. Add height and volume to your arrangement with a long stem placed either vertically to draw the eye upwards or diagonally to draw the eye outwards. This is an optional step, but a tall stem helps make the arrangement appear fuller and bigger than it actually is. 

Colorful flowers. The bouquet in a decorative glass jar stands on the trunk of a tree. Brick wall in the background.

6. Add filler pieces. Add filler flowers or greenery to fill the empty spaces and create more volume and fullness to the arrangements. 

7. Add additional items. To bulk out your bouquet even more, add a few more filer flowers, sprigs of greenery, twigs, berries, etc., anything you’d like. 

A small bouquet of spring flowers in a mason jar on a wooden background. Still life photography

Take a Final Look

Once all of your pieces are in, take a final look and adjust as you see needed. The goal is to create a beautiful flower arrangement that appears full and colorful. What’s great about mason jar arrangements is that any type of floral piece or greenery looks amazing within it. Feel free to use what you have lying around, or fill it with blooms, wildflowers, or twigs you’ve picked up in your backyard. Simple and inexpensive but highly charming, mason jar arrangements make great gifts. 

Glass jar with pink purple flowers on a white wall background. Interior decorating.

Additional Decor Tips: 

If you want to add a little pizzazz to your mason jar, wrap a colorful ribbon around the neck and tie a bow, or loosely wrap a piece of burlap around the jar’s body and secure it with twine for a beautiful farm-style look. Other ideas are to paint the jar, add glitter, glue on lace, or decorate with stickers. 

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How to Arrange Ranunculus Blooms

Beautiful fresh blossoming single salmon colored Ranunculus flower on the grey wall background, close up view

Beautiful, dainty, and striking, the ranunculus is one of our favorite blooms! Their paper-thin petals and lovely hues give them a timeless, classic look that evokes romanticism and femininity. A popular bloom frequently used in weddings, ranunculuses are great for everyday bouquets as well. If you’re ready to try your hand at creating a stunning arrangement with ranunculus blooms, then keep reading. The floral designs experts at Cascade Floral Wholesale have step-by-step instructions for working with the resplendent ranunculus!

Beautiful fresh ranunculus flowers on white background

About Ranunculus

Also known as a “buttercup,” the ranunculus flower is native to Southwest Asia and was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. The Ranunculus is distinguished by its numerous thin, crepe paper-like petals that wind tightly around its center until it is in full bloom, where the outer petals expand. Each ranunculus blossom sits atop a curvy stem, and the flowers come in white, yellow, cream, orange, red, purple, and pink colors. Keep ranunculus stems away from kids and animals as fresh ranunculuses are poisonous. 

Florist at work. Woman making bouquet of persian buttercup flowers (ranunculus)

Preparing the Ranunculus Stem

Strip each stem of any foliage that will fall below the water line, and then cut the stems at a 45-degree angle an inch or so from the bottom. Since the stems are hollow, they may split or become too soft when placed in water. To prevent this, wrap a string around the base of each stem just above the point you plan to make your cut. Once the leaves have been removed and the stems given a fresh cut, place them in a vase of room-temperature water that has added floral preservative. Allow the stems to sit in the water for at least 2 hours before being stored or worked with.

Bright Pink Yellow Peach Orange Ranunculus Fowers on White Backg

Tips for Creating an Arrangement with Ranunculus

Once you’ve selected the vase, fill it with warm water and add flower food. Starting on one side of the vase, place in a ranunculus stem and then place a second one on the opposite side. Go back and forth from side to side, adding greenery and other florals (if you like) to ensure the arrangement stays balanced. As the stems are curvy, work with the curve instead of against it. Placing the stems so they curve slightly outward and over the rim of the vase produces a nice effect where the flowers face you. Remember, not every stem will be fully bloomed, so leave room between them to allow space for when the buds are fully opened. 

As ranunculus stems are long and curvy, the flower makes it top-heavy, so they will need to be supported. The best way to do this is with a vase that has a long thin neck. Just a few fresh ranunculus stems and a piece of greenery in a bud vase are striking.

To easily create a full and balanced arrangement, use the chicken wire, tape-grid, or mason-jar technique. To add dimension and intrigue, cut the stems to varying lengths. If you need to fix drooping stems, place them in plastic straws. This works best if the straws can be hidden by the vase or in a full arrangement with plenty of other stems obscuring the plastic straws. 

Beautiful fresh ranunculus flowers in kitchen sink

Maintaining Your Arrangement

Keep your beautiful arrangement of fresh ranunculuses away from direct sunlight, hot or cold drafts, and pets. Every two days, give the stems a fresh cut with sharp scissors, change the water, and put in more floral nutrients. With proper care, ranunculus can last for 12 days!

For all your flower needs and DIY floral projects, Cascade Floral Wholesale is there for you! 

Beautiful fresh ranunculus flowers on color background