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Arranging flowers for a Memorial Day bouquet is not only fun and practical it can transform your celebration of the day so much more special. Memorial Day commemorates and recognizes those men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Although, it wasn’t offically declared a federal holiday until 1971, Memorial Day originated shortly after the end of the Civil War.
Celebrated on the last Monday of May each year, Memorial Day is usually observed by hosting family gatherings, visiting memorials or cemeteries, and watching parades.
The varieties of flowers that you use and how you arrange them depends entirely on your tastes. For an arrangement with a traditional theme, consider arranging red roses and white daisies and carnations in a blue glass vase. Use only a few large-budded roses throughout the arrangement along with equally-sized daisies and small carnations. Let the flowers’ leaves peek through the arrangement to break up the dichromatic arrangement.
Let’s Talk about Daisies with Mr. Bokay
The April birth month flower is the daisy — beautiful, fun and long lasting. They have an innocence and simplicity about them that makes them perfect in an arrangement or alone in a vase by themselves. Did you know there are many different types of daisies? They each have their own individual personality to share. Here are a just few of them:
Gerbera Daisy
Gerbera daisies are so perfect, they hardly look real. They bloom in nearly every color, except true blues and purples, vary greatly in shape and size and can produce fantastically large flowers on long, thick, sturdy stems. Their center is sometimes yellow, green, black or the same color as the petals. The gerber goes great in garden, high style, formal and tropical floral arrangement or by itself in a vase, all one color or mixed. Its fun, colorful personality works well as a gift for a celebration of a milestone or event. Gerberas are delightful in bridal bouquets. Mini gerberas are great for corsages, boutonnieres and handheld bouquets.
Shasta Daisy
Always eye-catching, the Shasta daisy stands on sturdy stems growing 24 inches to 36 inches tall, has a long-lasting vase life, and some varieties even have double blossoms. Horticulturalist Luther Burbank developed the Shasta daisy while experimenting with hybrid daisies in California. He named it after Mount Shasta because its pure white petals reminded him of the color of the snow. The Shasta has magical qualities. When I look at Shasta daisies, I feel joy in my heart. They are perfect for country casual, country chic or urban chic interiors. One of my favorite ways to display Shasta daises is to place them in colorful vases or small containers lining the center of a table.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums have long been associated with fall, but they’re available year-round. The flowers occur in various forms, and can be daisy-like, decorative, pompons or buttons. In addition to the traditional yellow, other colors are available, such as white, purple, red, salmon, green, rust and butterscotch. Spray chrysanthemums at times are referred to as pompons. They are long lasting and come in a variety of sizes and varieties, some with the bright yellow center, some with green, always stunning. Chrysanthemums add vibrancy when mixed with others to create lush arrangements, perfect for gifts of happiness.
Call us or stop by the shop for any questions you might have.
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Mr. Bokay's Spring Selection - Fragrant Flowers for the Spring
As Spring is now among us all- The general enthusiasm among the masses is to wish that the garden miraculously begins to revive before June. I have compiled a beautiful list of scented plants coming into bloom around this time of year. As well as those varieties that are more well-known such as the daffodil, lily of the valley, and bluebells. I even tried to find a few that may be new to you.
- Hyacinthus Orientalis comes in shades of white, pink and blue, and have a heavenly fragrance. Plant in containers in or near the house for full appreciation of their fragrance.
Daffodils - The different types of daffodil, and several with wonderful aromas. Two are 'Bridal Crown', which has sweetly scented, double, white flowers, and 'Minnow', which has clusters of fragrant flowers with creamy yellow petals and lemon trumpets.
Lily of Valley produces tiny delicate white bells, which have a stunning fragrance.
- Bluebells have scented nodding bell-shaped flowers that can range in colour from violet-blue to pink and white. Although hard to find these days, the aroma of a carpet of bluebells in a woodland setting has to be experienced to be believed.
- Cowslip brings about a very nodding fragrant yellow/green long bell-like flowers on tall stems. Other Primula varieties also available:
- 'Bon Accord Cerise' is a scented double variety with a sweet perfume of honeysuckle
- 'Crathes Crimson', another double, has sweetly scented, button-like flowers that are shaded yellow at the base of each petal.
Violets - the traditional English violet, long-famed for its fragrance, produces scented blue or white flowers in early spring. Other varieties are also available, some of which are also fragranced:- Viola 'Eastgrove Blue Scented', which has with gently scented lilac flowers
- Viola 'Maggie Mott' has superbly fragranced large flowers.
Winter heliotrope (Petasites fragrans) produces attractive fragrant purple flowers early in the New Year.Sweet woodruff (Sweetscented Bedstraw, Galium odoratum) has small white scented flowers in the late spring. Its foliage also has the aroma of cut grass, which becomes stronger when the leaves are dried.
- Wallflowers (Cheiranthus) range in colour from creamy white, to shades of yellow, red and purple. Most varieties are fragranced.
- Clematis - several varieties of clematis produce fragrant flowers in spring:
- Clematis armandii is a tall climber (9 ft) with long evergreen leaves that are covered with fragrant white flowers in early spring
- Clematis montana var. rubens 'Elizabeth' produces pale pink flowers and has a scent of vanilla.
- C. montana var. rubens 'Tetrarose' is a long-flowering variety with deep mauve-pink flowers and a spicy fragrance.
Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) is a rampant climber producing 1-ft long flower heads with sweetly-scented blue/lilac blooms in May/June.- Akebia (Akebia quinata) is a semi-evergreen climber, producing small and fragrant pink/purple flowers in April/May.
- Lilac (Syringa) can form a small, medium or large shrub, depending on the variety. In May/June, it produces large fragrant clusters of flowers in a range of colours from white and cream to pink and all shades of deep purple.
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How To Turn April Showers Into May Flowers
April Showers Bring May Flowers
The two "P" words,"Practice and Performance" are the "showers and flowers" of the art of practicing the piano. As a musician preps for a concert, I find the analogy of glorious spring flowers and glorious recital performances very comparable.
Just as one carefully decides which plants to include in a garden, one must also carefully choose appropriate song for a successful performance.
Soil prepared = fingerings and pedalings prepared, analysis started. A careful gardener makes sure the soil of her garden is prepared by tilling, fertilizing, and watering. A musician is obliged to conduct the careful preparation by diligently marking fingering, pedaling and cadences.
Plants placed in the soil = slow practice begins with hands and feet alone. As tiny plants are placed in the soil to start taking root, a musician begins steps of carefully learning the notes and keys to the music
Plants are watered = encouragement from teacher, colleagues, family and friends. New plants cannot exist without water and pianists learning preparations cannot succeed without the "you can do it!" encouragement of those in their lives. Our Mr. Bokay motto "Yes We Can", your satisfaction is guarenteed.
· Plants take root = understanding of the piece comes together, parts together practice begins. As a new plant takes root, it becomes strong. A pianist practices carefully, the new music becomes strong, just as the roots of a budding plant.
· Plants buffeted by April showers (or rain, heavy wind and hail) = frustration over the number of repetitions needed to learn a cadential phrase or a difficult pedalling start to creep into the practice routine. Plants reeling in the wind of a storm stay in place because their roots are deep. Music studied carefully survives the occasional doubts and frustrations of completing the learning process.
· Plants bask in the sun and start to bud = the slow repetitions with the metronome, the careful work to avoid making a mistake more than three times starts to bring success with what was originally a difficult piece. The arrival of spring buds indicate a plant has survived and persevered through storm and trial. Playing a piece in for the first time its entirety after careful work over many months elicits the joy of a new formed bud.
· Plants send out more roots and buds start to open = soundscapes are chosen to enhance the beauty of the notes now starting to sound like beautiful music. The glory of opening buds displays an inner beauty of a plant, something that has been hidden. When a soundscape is chosen for a piece, it suddenly takes on a new life.
· Buds become flowers = the diligent practice pays off and the full piece is played for the teacher with success. Ah, the beauty of a full blossom. Music carefully learned and played successfully for the teacher who has nurtured it and encouraged you from the beginning is a moment of beauty.
· Plant shows its full beauty and glory with every perfectly formed flower surrounded by beautiful foliage = the music chosen, carefully practiced, nurtured through storm and doubt, now comes to full bloom and is shared with family and friends. Glorious is the moment you become a concert musician.
Shop Online For Easter Flowers
There's no better way to greet the Easter and spring season than with vibrantly colored springtime flower arrangements throughout the house. Mr. Bokay offers a variety of lovely blooms Easter centerpieces, and gift baskets. No matter of the decoration of the rooms it will be possible to discover the perfect flower arrangement to match your needs and personal taste. That right there is the Mr. Bokay Difference.
For most of us, whenever we consider Easter the first thing which usually comes to mind will probably be the traditional candy Easter egg. This fabulous concoction of delicious chocolate which youngsters of every age group enjoy. However the true meaning of Easter revolves around religious theme so that Christans can mark the rebirth of Jesus Christ and a celebration of life born-again.
At the beginning of spring you will see the young buds begin to transform into their very first dainty blooms and with these magnificent yellows, blues, and reds people can't help but genuinely feel the warmth of the season. It's such a real demonstration of new life rekindled. Decorating your place with flowers for Easter you need to begin by deciding on the right flowers to occupy the room. Be sure to select the best and most perfumed blooms since these will spice up almost any room.
Easter is not complete without white Easter lilies the flower that implies resurrection. White calla lilies produce a most suitable arrangement when put them on your dining room table or perhaps as a welcoming arrangement positioned in the hall. White lilies are a wonderful choice when you're hoping for a very simple, stylish and minimal appearance with your Easter floral decorations.
In contrast if you're looking for bright and vivid splashes of color, then you really can't go far wrong having a vivid and bright bouquet of tulips put in a classic vase. In the words of flowers, Tulips communicate love, passion, and belief." Tulips appear in a wide choice of colours from basic brilliant yellow, red and blue to crimson or virtually black. If combined together in complementary or contrasting colors these make wonderful centerpieces for any room.
Azaleas and daisies give a very inviting feeling to a room. Their beautiful coloured flowers lend an air of softness and sophistication wherever they are displayed. When presented in large Easter flower bouquets they attract the eye and give a lift to any room in smaller arrangements they give a more discrete lift to the room and are ideal when spread around the room so that their scent lifts the senses.
When you shop for your Easter flower arrangements online you are never far away from the best flower specialists in the land. Visit them to get the best deals on flowers and plants from the most trusted online retailers. Enjoy searching for the floral arrangements you need from the comfort of your living room then benefit from having your flowers fresh from flower specialists.
Easter & Passover Flowers
 In Christianity, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is known throughout the world as a celebration of spring. Passover celebrates the freedom of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Mr. Bokay Flowers & Greenhouse 800-350-7251 |
What fresh flowers were purchased for Easter/Passover? | |
| Mixed flowers | 34% |
| Daffodils/Iris/tulips | 15% |
| Roses | 9% |
| Carnations | 8% |
| Chrysanthemums/daisies | 5% |
| Lilies | 5% |
| Orchids/tropicals | 1% |
| Other flowers types (breakdown not available) | 23% |
OK, so technically Winter has not ended, but for most of us, we are already dreaming of warmer, softer breezes and the first signs of spring.
After several long months of frigid and snowy weather most people become anxious for signs of spring. Crocus are considered by many to be the first spring flowers, there are many minor bulbs that bloom even earlier.
These plants are usually short in stature and have smaller flowers, but when planted in mass, they are as effective and powerful in the landscape as larger flowering bulbs such as tulips and daffodils.
Minor bulbs are often overlooked in favor of the showier larger bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths that bloom later in the year, but minor bulbs have a very useful and important place in the home landscape because they extend the season of bloom, giving every gardener a “jump on spring” and a longer time to enjoy flowering bulbs.
Like other spring flowering bulbs, they are best purchased and planted in the fall, so while you may not be able to go out and buy them today, you can certainly print this article out and be ready to buy the bulbs as soon as they become available later in the year. Knowing ahead of time what you want to buy is a great advantage because you will have the benefit of having the best selection before bulb suppliers run out of stock.
So without further ado, here are a few harbingers of spring to look for in gardens over the next few weeks, or to consider planting in your yard or garden this fall.
Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa luciliae) Glory-of-the-snow come in several colors, but each has similar characteristics. These are exceptionally hardy bulbs and so easy to grow that no special attention is necessary. They are ideal for naturalizing in the landscape. Blue: Flowers are star-shaped, vivid blue with white centers. Plants are useful in rock gardens, for naturalizing, and in the foreground of borders and walkways. White and pink cultivars are also available. Bloom Time: Feb – Mar
Hardiness Zone: 3 – 8
Height: 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm)
Planting Depth: 4 inches (10 cm)
Bulb Spacing: 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm)
Light Requirements: Sun to partial shade Pink: Large, star-shaped, soft violet-pink flowers on 4 inch (10 cm) stems. Ideal underplanting for blue hyacinths or yellow daffodils. Bloom Time: Feb – Mar
Hardiness Zone: 3 – 8
Height: 4 inches (10 cm)
Planting Depth: 4 inches (10 cm)
Bulb Spacing: 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm)
Light Requirements: Sun to partial shade White: Pure white star-shaped flower clusters on 10 inch (25 cm) stems. Bloom Time: Feb – Mar
Hardiness Zone: 3 – 8
Height: 10 inches (25 cm)
Planting Depth: 4 inches (10 cm)
Bulb Spacing: 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm)
Light Requirements: Sun to partial shade Not sure of your climate zone? Use our Climate Zones Map | Glory-of-the-snow blue 
Glory-of-the-snow pink 
Glory-of-the-snow white 
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Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) Yellow, buttercup-like flowers have the fragrance of honey. Single flowers appear very early in the spring, often through the snow, over fine green or bronze foliage. These bulbs may bloom as early as January. Because the flowers are low to the ground, they are best used in a mass for naturalizing, near walkways, and are ideal in borders, rock gardens. Bloom Time: Jan – Feb
Hardiness Zone: 4 – 8
Height: 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm)
Planting Depth: 4 inches (10 cm)
Bulb Spacing:3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm)
Light Requirements: Sun to partial shade
Attributes: Fragrant | Winter aconite 
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Common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) Plants may bloom in January. Flowers stems are about 6 inches (15 cm) tall and bear solitary, drooping, white blooms with green spots on the inner segments. These bulbs look best when planted in clumps or naturalized along heavily trafficked areas. One of the earliest flowering bulbs, sometimes popping through the snow, these frosty-white bell-like flowers seem impervious to cold weather. No special care is necessary and galanthus may be left alone for years making them ideal for naturalizing. Bloom Time: Jan – Mar
Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
Height: 6 inches (15 cm)
Planting Depth: 4 inches (10 cm)
Bulb Spacing:2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm)
Light Requirements: Sun to partial shade | Common snowdrop 
Common snowdrop
Galanthus nivalis flore pleno 
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Netted iris (Iris reticulata) Lightly-scented flowers are usually violet-purple, although white, yellow, and light-blue cultivars are available. Foliage is delicate and grassy. They multiply rapidly and are excellent for rock gardens and sunny borders. One of the earliest irises, these low growing varieties are very early blooming, flowering from February through early April. Easily forced in the house for Christmas flowers. Bloom Time: Jan – Mar
Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
Height: 3 – 9 inches (7.5 to 22.5 cm)
Planting Depth: 4 inches (10 cm)
Bulb Spacing: 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm)
Light Requirements: Sun to partial shade
Attributes: Fragrant | Netted iris 
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Spring snowflake (Leucojum vernum) Spring snowflakes are among the easiest bulbs to grow. Three species flower at different times, the earliest is L. vernum (see note below). Drooping, bell-shaped flowers are dainty and cheerful! Flowers are white, except for small, green spots on the petal ends. Leaves are dark green, glossy, and strap shaped. They are best planted in clumps in naturalized areas. The lovely snow flake survives being buried in snow; look for blooms as early as February. Excellent for a border, near water or naturalized in grass. No special care is necessary for these bulbs, and they flower best if left undisturbed for several years at a time. Note: Do not confuse spring snowflake with summer snowflake (L. aestivum) or autumn snowflake (L. autumnale) that appear in different seasons! Bloom Time: Feb – Mar
Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
Height: 6 – 12 inches (15 to 30 cm)
Planting Depth: 4 inches (10 cm)
Bulb Spacing: 4 inches (10 cm)
Light Requirements: Sun to partial shade
Watering Needs: Regular water, needs good drainage | Spring snowflake 
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Conclusion Now many of you may really enjoy winter. My sister is one of them. She just can’t get enough snow, skiing, and below freezing temperatures. I, on the other hand, really look forward to more hospitable weather, but no matter which type you are, if you plant some of the above mentioned bulbs this year, next year, you will have some very beautiful new flowers and plants to enjoy, just about the time you think winter will never end! | 
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Mr. Bokay Loves an 'Educated Consumer'
There is always a difference between using a REAL local florists vs. calling up Telemarketers who know absolutely nothing about flowers.
Why would you want to trust that special arrangement to some guy sitting behind a computer terminal that doesn't know a gerbera from a gigabyte?
And how come it's so hard to figure out the actual local florists from the weeds of affiliate companies pretending to be 'your' local flower shop?
Click the link to view our frequently updated customer appreciation site that is dedicated to providing consumer information to answer those very questions. Along the way, we'll highlight some of the seemingly deceptive and misleading advertising practices used by faux local florists to confuse, misdirect and plain-old fool the gift-giving public. We'll also provide resources to help you find real local florists.
It's tactics used by deceptive floral wire service affiliates, the ones that generate the letters we receive from defrauded and deceived consumers, that prompted us to create this site. A quote from one recent letter sums it up:
"What should have been a simple, sincere gesture of sending flowers was cheapened by the actions of this (order gatherer) company. Despicable."
Tips to Avoid Being Fooled by Flower Order Gatherers- Check the Home and About Us pages for the physical address of the business.
- Ask 'What is Your Address?' when you call on the phone. If they decline to provide it, consider calling another florist.
- Check the Contact Us page for a local phone number. It should match the area code of the location to where your flowers are being delivered. If the contact information consists of an email address only, be suspicious.
- Call the local phone number. If it is answered 'Flower Shop' without providing the name of the florist, ask which shop you've called. If they provide a different answer than the one you've dialed, you may have reached a gatherer/broker.
- On the phone, ask for the business' location and driving directions. If they fail to provide these details, consider calling a different florist.
- Ask the florist to itemize all charges. Be especially cautious about companies that charge relay fees, same-day fees, service fees, shipping fees and handling fees. Local florists generally charge for delivery (which you also pay through a broker) but the other surcharges are completely avoidable when ordering direct from the florist who will actually make your arrangement.
- Google the phone number. If it appears under many different business names with different locations, be suspicious.
- Be aware that just because an ad or website name says "City Name Florist", it doesn't mean the company is located in or actually delivers to that city.
- If following a link from a search engine ad, find the site's home page. Order gatherer sites often contain directory-like links named after states, provinces and cities. Each page will appear virtually the same except for the city name.
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Flowers Deliver Happiness 7 Days a Week
With today’s high-tech and fast-paced lifestyle taking its daily toll on our lives, experts advise exercise and other personal lifestyle changes to relieve stress. According to behavioral research conducted at Columbia University in New York, nature provides us with a simple way to improve emotional health – flowers. The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.
“What’s most exciting about this study is that it challenges established scientific beliefs about how people can manage their day-to-day moods in a healthy and natural way,” said William Pressman-Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Botany at Columbia University and lead researcher on the study.
Research Findings
A team of researchers explored the link between flowers and life satisfaction in a 10-month study of participants’ behavioral and emotional responses to receiving flowers. The results show that flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods.
- Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All study participants expressed “true” or “excited” smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring in all age groups.
- Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Specifically, study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction.
- Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers led to increased contact with family and friends.
“Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy,” said Dr. Pressman-Jones. “Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being.”
Sharing Space
The study also explored where in their homes people display flowers. The arrangements were placed in areas of the home that are open to visitors – such as foyers, living rooms and dining rooms – suggesting that flowers are a symbol for sharing.
“Flowers bring about positive emotional feelings in those who enter a room,” said Dr. Pressman-Jones. “They make the space more welcoming and create a sharing atmosphere.”
