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Meaning of Rose Colors
Holiday Calendar Dates 2022-2026
Holiday Determination Methods
Meanings of Flowers
Flowers of the Month
Birthstones of the Month
Wedding Anniversary Symbols
Flower Care and Handling
Plant Care Tips
How Do Wire Services Work?
Where Do Flowers Come From?
Why We Don’t Pick Wild Flowers?
State Flowers


Meaning of Rose Colors

We are often asked what the various rose colors mean, especially in regard to love/hate relationships.

A RoseAlways denotes Love
Deep Red RoseBashful, shame
A Pink RoseGrace and gentility
A Red RoseRespect and courage
A White RoseI am worthy of you
A Yellow roseDecrease of Love, Jealousy
Red and White togetherUnity

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Holiday Calendar Dates 2021-2026

Holiday Name 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
New Year’s DayJan 1Jan 1Jan 1Jan 1Jan 1
Orthodox ChristmasJan 7Jan 7Jan 7Jan 7Jan 7
MLK DayJan 16 Jan 15Jan 20Jan 19Jan 18
Chinese New YearJan 22Feb 10Jan 29Feb 17Feb 6
Lincoln’s BirthdayFeb 12Feb 12Feb 12Feb 12Feb 12
Valentine’s DayFeb 14Feb 14Feb 14Feb 14Feb 14
President’s DayFeb 20Feb19 Feb 17Feb 16Feb 15
Ash WednesdayFeb 22Feb 14Mar 5Feb 18Feb 10
Washington’s BirthdayFeb 22Feb 22Feb 22Feb 22Feb 22
St Patrick’s DayMar 17Mar 17Mar 17Mar 17Mar 17
Spring EquinoxMar 20Mar 20Mar 20Mar 20Mar 20
Palm SundayApr 2Mar 24Apr 13Mar 29Mar 21
Daylight Savings BeginsMar 12Mar 10Mar 9Mar 8Mar 14
Passover BeginsApr 5Apr 22Apr 12Apr 1Apr 21
Good FridayApr 7Mar 29Apr 18Apr 3Mar 26
Holiday20232024202520262027
Easter SundayApr 9Mar 31Apr 20Apr 5Mar 28
Orthodox EasterApr 16May 5Apr 20Apr 12May 2
Cinco de MayoMay 5May 5May 5May 5May 5
Mother’s DayMay 14May 12May 11May 10May 9
Victoria Day CanadaMay 22May 20May 19May18May 24
Memorial DayMay 29May 27May 26May 25May31
Flag DayJun 14Jun 14Jun 14Jun 14Jun 14
Fathers’ DayJun 18Jun 16Jun 15Jun 21Jun 18
Summer SolsticeJun 21Jun 21Jun 21Jun 21Jun 21
St. Jean Baptiste QuebecJun 24Jun 24Jun 24Jun 24Jun 24
Canada DayJul 1Jul 1Jul 1Jul 1Jul 1
Independence DayJul 4Jul 4Jul 4Jul 4Jul 4
Civic Holiday CanadaAug 7Aug 5Aug 4Aug 3Aug 2
Holiday20232024202520262027
Labor Day U.S.Sep 4Sep 2Sep 1Sep 7Sep 6
Labour Day, CanadaSep 4Sep 2Sep 1Sep 7Sep 6
Grand Parent’s DaySep 10Sep 8Sep 7Sep 13Sep 12
Fall EquinoxSep 23Sep 23Sep 22Sep22Sep 23
Rosh HashanahSep 15-17Oct
2-4
Sep
22-24
Sep 11-13Oct
1-3
Yom KippurSep 24-25Oct 11-12Oct
1-2
Sep 20-21Oct
10 -11
Columbus DayOct 9Oct 14Oct 13Oct 12Oct 11
Thanksgiving Day CanadaOct 9Oct 14Oct 13Oct 12Oct 11
HalloweenOct 31Oct 31Oct 31Oct 31Oct 31
Daylight Savings EndsNov 5Nov 3Nov 2Nov 1Nov 7
Election DayNov 7 Nov 5Nov 4Nov 3Nov 2
Holiday20232024202520262027
Veterans Day USNov 10Nov 11Nov 11Nov 11Nov 11
Remembrance Day CanadaNov 11Nov 11Nov 11Nov 11Nov 11
Nat’l Childs Day CanadaNov 20Nov 20Nov 20Nov 20Nov 20
Thanksgiving Day USNov 23Nov 28Nov 27Nov 26Nov 25
HanukkahDec 7-Dec 15Dec 25-Jan 2Dec 14-Dec 22Dec 4-Dec 12Dec 24-Jan 1
Winter SolsticeDec 21Dec 21Dec 21Dec 21Dec 21
Christmas EveDec 24Dec 24Dec 24Dec 24Dec 24
Christmas DayDec 25Dec 25Dec 25Dec 25Dec 25
Boxing Day CanadaDec 26Dec 26Dec 26Dec 26Dec 26
New Year’s EveDec 31Dec 31Dec 31Dec 31Dec 31

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Holiday Determination Methods

A holiday is a day in which a government, individuals, or religious groups have deemed the day of special significance. It is a day for commemoration and celebration. Every holiday is either deemed a fixed day or it is considered a moveable holiday in which it varies year by year. Below you will find a list of the main holidays and how to determine when each holiday lands each year: 

Holiday NameDetermination Method
New Year’s Day, U.S & CanadaJanuary 1, Always
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed)3rd Monday in January
First Celebrated in 1986
Chinese/Lunar New YearBased on Chinese Calendar
Lincoln’s Birthday, U.SFebruary 12, Always
Valentine’s DayFebruary 14, Always
President’s Day, U.S (Observed)3rd Monday in February
Family Day, Canada (Alberta)3rd Monday in February
Ash Wednesday46 days prior to Easter Sunday
Orthodox Lent BeginsBased on Orthodox Religion
Washington’s Birthday, U.SFebruary 22, Always
St. Patrick’s DayMarch 17, Always
Spring EquinoxFirst Day of Spring, on or near March 21
Palm Sunday7 days prior to Easter Sunday
Daylight Savings – Begins, U.S & Canada 2nd Sunday in March
Jewish Passover
Pesach
Based on Jewish Religion and Calendar
Good Friday (Holiday in Canada)2 Days prior to Easter Sunday
Easter SundayFirst Sunday after First Full Moon after Vernal Equinox
Easter Monday (Holiday in Canada)Day after Easter Sunday
Orthodox Easter SundayBased on Orthodox Religion
Cinco de MayoMay 5, Always
Mother’s Day2nd Sunday in May
Victoria Day, CanadaMonday prior to May 25
Memorial Day, U.SLast Monday in May
Flag Day, U.S.June 14, Always
Father’s Day3rd Sunday in June
Summer SolsticeFirst day of Summer, on or about June 21
St. Jean-Baptiste Day (Quebec)June 24, Always
Canada Day, CanadaJuly 1, Always
Independence Day, U.SJuly 4, Always
Civic Holiday, Canada1st Monday in August
Labor Day, U.S1st Monday in September
First Celebrated in 1882 and 1883 On September 5, not the first Monday in September
Labour Day, Canada1st Monday in September
Grandparent’s DayFirst Sunday in September after Labor Day
Fall EquinoxFirst Day of Fall, on or about September 22
Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah
Based on Jewish Religion and Calendar
Yom KippurBased on Jewish Religion and Calendar
Columbus Day, U.S2nd Monday in October
Thanksgiving Day, Canada2nd Monday in October
Daylight Savings Time Ends, U.S & Canada 1st Sunday in November
HalloweenOctober 31, Always
Election Day, U.SFirst Tuesday, After First Monday in November in Even Numbered Years
Veteran’s Day, U.SNovember 11, Always
Remembrance Day, Canada (Alberta)November 11, Always
Canada’s National Child DayNovember 20, Always
Thanksgiving Day, U.S4th thursday in November
HanukkahBased on Jewish Religion and Calendar
Winter SolsticeFirst day of Winter, On or about December 21
Christmas Eve, U.S & CanadaDecember 24, Always
Christmas Day, U.S & CanadaDecember 25, Always
Boxing Day, CanadaDecember 26, Always
New Year’s EveDecember 31, Always

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Meanings of Flowers

What do various flowers mean in the Language of Flowers? Used for more than a century, the book written by Kate Greenfield in the 1890’s is sort of a bible for this.  Based on the meanings of Victorian Times, Greenfield listed more than a hundred flowers in her book.  We give the most used ones.

AcaciaChaste love
African MarigoldVulgar minds
AnemoneI am forsaken
Bachelor ButtonsSingle Blessedness
BegoniaDark Thoughts
BluebellsConstancy
Calla LilyMagnificent Beauty
Carnation, RedAlas for my poor heart
Carnation, StripedRefusal
Carnation, YellowDisdain
China AsterVariety
Chrysanthemum, YellowSlighted Love
Chrysanthemum, whiteTruth
DaffodilRegard
DahliaInstability
Forget-me-notTrue Love
Fox Gloveinsincerity
GladiolusStrength of Character
HeliotropeDevotion
Hyacinth, PurpleSorrow
Hyacinth, WhiteLoveliness
Hyacinth, BlueConstancy
IrisMessage
IvyFriendship and Fidelity
Lilac, WhiteYouthful innocence
Lilac, PurpleFirst Emotions of Love
Lily, WhitePurity and modesty
Lily of the ValleyReturn of Happiness
MarigoldGrief and Despair
MistletoeI surmount difficulties
NasturtiumPatriotism
ParsleyFestivity
Pea, SweetDeparture and lasting pleasure
Poppy, RedConsolation
RanunculusYou are radiant
SnapdragonPresumption
SunflowerHaughtiness
Tulip, RedDeclaration of Love
Tulip, YellowHopeless love
ZinniaThoughts of Absent friends

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Flowers Of The Month

MonthFlowerBotanical NameSymbolic Meaning
JanuaryCarnationDianthusCapriciousness
FebruaryVioletViolaFaithfulness
MarchDaffodilNarcissusRegard
AprilSweet PeaLathyrusI think of thee
MayLily of ValleyConvalariaHumility
JuneRoseRosaLove
JulyLarkspurDelphinium Ardentattachment
AugustGladiolusGladiolusSplendid beauty
SeptemberAsterCallistiphus Daintinesselegance
OctoberCalendulaCalendula GriefJealousy
NovemberChrysanthemumChrysanthemum OptimismCheerfulness
DecemberNarcissusNarcissus Conceitself love

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Birthstones of the Month

January Garnet
February Amethyst
March Bloodstone or Aquamarine
AprilDiamond
May Emerald
June Pearl
July Ruby
August Peridot
September Sapphire
October Opal
November Topaz
December Turquoise

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Wedding Anniversary Symbols

YearsSymbols  (Flowers are appropriate for all)
1Plastics, Clock or Paper
2Calico, Cotton or China
3Leather, Crystal or glass
4Silk, Fruit or Flowers
5Wood or Silverware
6Iron, wood, or candy
7Copper or wool
8Linen, lace or pottery
9Pottery or willow
10Tin, aluminum or diamond jewelry
11Fashion jewelry or accessories
12Linen, silk or jewelry
13Lace or furs
14Ivory or gold jewelry
15Crystal or glass
16Silver hollowware
17Furniture
18Porcelain
19Bronze
20Platinum or china
21Brass or nickel
22Copper
23Silver plate
24Musical instruments
25Silver
26Original Pictures
27Sculpture
28Orchids
29New Furniture
30Pearls or diamonds
31Time Pieces
32Garnet
33Amethyst
34Opal
35Coral or Jade
36Bone China
37Alabaster
38Beryl or Tourmaline
39Lace
40Ruby
45Sapphire
50Gold
55Emerald
60Diamond Jubilee
75Diamond
80Diamond and Pearl
85Diamond and Sapphire
90Diamond and Emerald
95Diamond and Ruby
10010 Carat Diamond

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Flower Care and Handling

How do I get my Flowers to last longer? A little extra care can make a big difference for any size flower arrangement or fresh flower bouquet.

Most floral arrangements last 4-7 days or longer, depending on the flowers used and the care they receive. The Society of American Florists provides these tips for longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers:

For floral arrangements:

  • Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods make flowers last longer but it is important to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than is specified on the packet.
  • If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly mixed flower food solution. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into solution.
  • Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions.

For loose bunches or boxed flowers:

  • Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don’t forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.
  • Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist.
  • Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower.
  • Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Place the flowers in the vase solution you’ve prepared.
  • If you purchase loose flowers for your own arrangements you should also consider these tips:
  • When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.
  • When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.

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Plant Care Tips

Plant Care Tips: Green Thumb Not Required. Not only are green and flowering plants a great enhancement to any home or office décor, they are also beneficial to your health. The results of a study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) show that common houseplants are powerful, natural air cleaners.  That’s all the more reason why you want to keep your plants healthy with the proper care.

Most plants come with care instructions specified for the type of plant. The Society of American Florists provides these additional general guidelines to keep most green houseplants thriving:

Keep plants in medium-light locations – out of direct sunlight
Natural light is best, but some plants can also thrive in office fluorescent light. Most flowering potted plants should be placed in areas with the most light in order to maintain good flower color and promote the maximum number of flowers to open. Foliage plants will do well under lower light levels and can be placed in areas providing reduced light.

Plant soil should be kept moist at all times
Plants should not be allowed to dry out or wilt. Be careful to avoid overwatering – do not allow plants to stand in water. Avoid wetting plant leaves.

Avoid excessive heat or cold
Plants should be kept in a cool spot (between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit) for best performance. They should be kept away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of appliances or radiators. (Appliances give off heat, which causes plants to dehydrate.)

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How does a wire service work?

Wire services have been a part of the American way of life since about 1917, when a group of florists in western New York State met to find a way to be able to exchange inter-city orders while being assured of payment and quality of flowers delivered.  Thus was FTD born.

Today FTD and Teleflora are leaders in this business.  Florists join one or both of these organizations and can be assured that their orders will be properly handled. Thanks, of course, to regular inspections of shops and books by teams of representatives.  In essence, when you order something for out of town from Cosentino’s we call it in to a florist in that distant city. He fills the order, based on his own pricing.   At the end of the month everyone reports to the service all the orders that were filled by his shop, during the month and, thanks to a wonderful computer system that figures discounts and rebates and various charges, every florist gets either a check or a bill.


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Where Flowers Come From?

Imports account for approximately 70% of fresh cut flowers sold in the United States Today, at Cosentino’s, you may find flowers and greens from around the world.  Communications, computers and transportation have made this possible.

a)     South America.  Since the mid-1970’s, when a group of Colombians built their first greenhouses, more and more of our flowers come from that part of the world. Today we import nearly 2 million carnations – – every day from Colombia .  Nearly a million roses come every day from Ecuador .  The main production in South America is in lilies, carnations, roses, daisy mums and alstroemeria.  Why?  Land values are cheaper.  An acre near Bogota sells for about $3000.  Recently one of our suppliers in California knocked down his greenhouses and sold the land for $450,000 and acre.  The climate is better and there are 12 hours of sun and 12 hours of night, year round.  Labor tends to be somewhat less expensive and there is plenty of it.  Just a few of the reasons. 

b)     Canada .  Wow, Canada is north of us and they ship flowers to us?  Why?  Basically, on the Niagara peninsula, at the western end of Lake Ontario there is an area, probably 5 miles wide and 25 miles long, that has moderate temperatures and a very high light situation that is very conducive to growing.  Add to that the fact that after WW 2, many Dutch families immigrated to this area and followed their family tradition of greenhouse growing and you have a very productive area.  An area in western Canada , the Vancouver area, offers very much the same situation.

c)      Around the world.  Typically, many of our orchids arrive from Singapore and Malaysia .  We get delphinium and liatris that have been grown in Zimbabwe , in Central Africa.  Some of our foliage comes from Mexico and certainly Anthurium and Birds of Paradise are from Hawaii.  Costa Rica has recently entered the realm of producing flowers for shipment around the world.  Now add to that mix, carnations from San Remo, Italy , exotic wild flowers from Australia and mini carnations from Israel and you begin to realize why there are so many choices throughout the year.

Top 6 Import Countries
(2004)
Top 6 Growing States
(2003)
Cut flowers:Cut flowers:
Colombia59%California72%
Ecuador19%Florida5%
European Union10%Washington4%
Canada3%Hawaii4%
Costa Rica3%Oregon3%
Mexico2%Michigan2%

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Why We Don’t Pick Wild Flowers?

Why don’t we just send staff out and pick wild flowers?  Wouldn’t we be able to lower our prices? Yes, we do sell Golden Rod and daisies that you could simply go out and pick.  But, two factors prevent it; the cost of sending an employee out in the van for a trip to the countryside and the time to pick the flowers are primary.  It is cheaper to buy them. Those products we bring in to the store from the market are free of insects.  They have been greenhouse grown.  Some folks might object to insects that might come along with those flowers picked out in the countryside.

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State Flowers

AlabamaCamellia
AlaskaForget-Me-Not
ArizonaSaguaro Cactus blossom
ArkansasApple Blossom
CaliforniaCalifornia Poppy
ColoradoRocky Mountain Columbine
ConnecticutMountain Laurel 
DelawarePeach Blossom
FloridaOrange Blossom
GeorgiaCherokee Rose
HawaiiHawaiian hibiscus
IdahoMock Orange
IllinoisNative Violet
IndianaPeony
IowaWild Prairie Rose
KansasSunflower
KentuckyGoldenrod
LouisianaMagnolia
MaineWhite Pine Cone
MarylandBlack Eyed Susan 
MassachusettsMayflower
MichiganApple Blossom
MinnesotaLady Slipper
MississippiMagnolia
MissouriHawthorn
MontanaBitterroot
NebraskaGoldenrod
NevadaSagebrush
New HampshirePurple Lilac
New JerseyViolet
New MexicoYucca 
New YorkRose
North CarolinaFlowering Dogwood
North DakotaWild Prairie Rose
Ohio ScarletScarlet Carnation
OklahomaOklahoma Rose
OregonOregon Grape
PennsylvaniaMountain Laurel
Rhode IslandViolet
South CarolinaYellow Jasmine
South DakotaPasque Flower
TennesseeIris
Texas BlueTexas Bluebonnet
UtahSego Lily
VermontRed Clover
VirginiaAmerican Dogwood
WashingtonCoast Rhododendron
West VirginiaRhododendron
WisconsinWood violet
WyomingIndian Paintbrush

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