Flowers In Focus - Mimosa

Acacia Mirandole

The highlight of a January morning is when we get our delivery of Mimosa. The vibrant yellow coloured balls and intoxicating floral scent helps this become a firm favourite with us and our customers. It’s only available for a short time which helps to make it even more special.

We use Mimosa in arrangements and bouquets but it’s equally as lovely when bought as a bunch for a vase.

Originally it was only found in the warm climates of Africa and Asia but it wasn’t long before Botanists and scientists took specimens and around 1820, managed to cultivate them in other parts of the world. Acacia trees started to pop up in France, Australia and Italy. It has been so well received in France that it a focal flower used in celebrations and parades in Spring.

The meaning of ‘Mimosa’ is tied to “sensibility” and is often connected to philosophers or problem solvers.  It also means to literally “expand” your life whether referring to family, career or travel planning.  In other cultures, mimosa is tied to “sensitivity” and is given in small bouquets as a gesture of mourning or sympathy.  In the United States, the pretty yellow spheres have become symbolic as the official flower to “Women’s Day”.

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Flowers in Focus: Hyacinths

It may be cold but spring has definitely arrived here! The shop is full of baskets and planters bursting with hyacinths, daffodils and muscari.... and the smell is incredible! 

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Origins

Commonly called Hyacinths, these are bulbous flowering plants from a small genus of Hyacinthus. The origins of this name comes from a Greek mythological figure 'Hyakinthos'. It is said that Hyakinthos and Apollo were taking turns throwing a discus. To impress Apollo, he ran to catch it but was struck by the discus as it fell to the ground and died.  Apollo did not allow Hades (God of the Dead and Riches) to claim the youth, instead he made a flower, a hyacinth, from the spilled blood. 

Caring for your hyacinth plant

To get the most enjoyment from your hyacinth plants in the home, place them in the coolest location possible. To ensure the soil stays compact and supportive, do not give it much water. For outside planting they are happy in the shade or sun, just make sure the roots don't dry out. Plant food is not necessary as they contain all the nutrition they need in the bulb. 

We have bouquets of blue or white hyacinths available on the webshop.