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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 Rose | Always denotes Love |
| Deep Red Rose | Bashful, shame |
| A Pink Rose | Grace and gentility |
| A Red Rose | Respect and courage |
| A White Rose | I am worthy of you |
| A Yellow rose | Decrease of Love, Jealousy |
| Red and White together | Unity |
Holiday Calendar Dates 2021-2026
| Holiday Name | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 | Jan 1 | Jan 1 | Jan 1 | Jan 1 |
| Orthodox Christmas | Jan 7 | Jan 7 | Jan 7 | Jan 7 | Jan 7 |
| MLK Day | Jan 16 | Jan 15 | Jan 20 | Jan 19 | Jan 18 |
| Chinese New Year | Jan 22 | Feb 10 | Jan 29 | Feb 17 | Feb 6 |
| Lincoln’s Birthday | Feb 12 | Feb 12 | Feb 12 | Feb 12 | Feb 12 |
| Valentine’s Day | Feb 14 | Feb 14 | Feb 14 | Feb 14 | Feb 14 |
| President’s Day | Feb 20 | Feb19 | Feb 17 | Feb 16 | Feb 15 |
| Ash Wednesday | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Mar 5 | Feb 18 | Feb 10 |
| Washington’s Birthday | Feb 22 | Feb 22 | Feb 22 | Feb 22 | Feb 22 |
| St Patrick’s Day | Mar 17 | Mar 17 | Mar 17 | Mar 17 | Mar 17 |
| Spring Equinox | Mar 20 | Mar 20 | Mar 20 | Mar 20 | Mar 20 |
| Palm Sunday | Apr 2 | Mar 24 | Apr 13 | Mar 29 | Mar 21 |
| Daylight Savings Begins | Mar 12 | Mar 10 | Mar 9 | Mar 8 | Mar 14 |
| Passover Begins | Apr 5 | Apr 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 1 | Apr 21 |
| Good Friday | Apr 7 | Mar 29 | Apr 18 | Apr 3 | Mar 26 |
| Holiday | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
| Easter Sunday | Apr 9 | Mar 31 | Apr 20 | Apr 5 | Mar 28 |
| Orthodox Easter | Apr 16 | May 5 | Apr 20 | Apr 12 | May 2 |
| Cinco de Mayo | May 5 | May 5 | May 5 | May 5 | May 5 |
| Mother’s Day | May 14 | May 12 | May 11 | May 10 | May 9 |
| Victoria Day Canada | May 22 | May 20 | May 19 | May18 | May 24 |
| Memorial Day | May 29 | May 27 | May 26 | May 25 | May31 |
| Flag Day | Jun 14 | Jun 14 | Jun 14 | Jun 14 | Jun 14 |
| Fathers’ Day | Jun 18 | Jun 16 | Jun 15 | Jun 21 | Jun 18 |
| Summer Solstice | Jun 21 | Jun 21 | Jun 21 | Jun 21 | Jun 21 |
| St. Jean Baptiste Quebec | Jun 24 | Jun 24 | Jun 24 | Jun 24 | Jun 24 |
| Canada Day | Jul 1 | Jul 1 | Jul 1 | Jul 1 | Jul 1 |
| Independence Day | Jul 4 | Jul 4 | Jul 4 | Jul 4 | Jul 4 |
| Civic Holiday Canada | Aug 7 | Aug 5 | Aug 4 | Aug 3 | Aug 2 |
| Holiday | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
| Labor Day U.S. | Sep 4 | Sep 2 | Sep 1 | Sep 7 | Sep 6 |
| Labour Day, Canada | Sep 4 | Sep 2 | Sep 1 | Sep 7 | Sep 6 |
| Grand Parent’s Day | Sep 10 | Sep 8 | Sep 7 | Sep 13 | Sep 12 |
| Fall Equinox | Sep 23 | Sep 23 | Sep 22 | Sep22 | Sep 23 |
| Rosh Hashanah | Sep 15-17 | Oct 2-4 | Sep 22-24 | Sep 11-13 | Oct 1-3 |
| Yom Kippur | Sep 24-25 | Oct 11-12 | Oct 1-2 | Sep 20-21 | Oct 10 -11 |
| Columbus Day | Oct 9 | Oct 14 | Oct 13 | Oct 12 | Oct 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day Canada | Oct 9 | Oct 14 | Oct 13 | Oct 12 | Oct 11 |
| Halloween | Oct 31 | Oct 31 | Oct 31 | Oct 31 | Oct 31 |
| Daylight Savings Ends | Nov 5 | Nov 3 | Nov 2 | Nov 1 | Nov 7 |
| Election Day | Nov 7 | Nov 5 | Nov 4 | Nov 3 | Nov 2 |
| Holiday | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
| Veterans Day US | Nov 10 | Nov 11 | Nov 11 | Nov 11 | Nov 11 |
| Remembrance Day Canada | Nov 11 | Nov 11 | Nov 11 | Nov 11 | Nov 11 |
| Nat’l Childs Day Canada | Nov 20 | Nov 20 | Nov 20 | Nov 20 | Nov 20 |
| Thanksgiving Day US | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Nov 27 | Nov 26 | Nov 25 |
| Hanukkah | Dec 7-Dec 15 | Dec 25-Jan 2 | Dec 14-Dec 22 | Dec 4-Dec 12 | Dec 24-Jan 1 |
| Winter Solstice | Dec 21 | Dec 21 | Dec 21 | Dec 21 | Dec 21 |
| Christmas Eve | Dec 24 | Dec 24 | Dec 24 | Dec 24 | Dec 24 |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 | Dec 25 | Dec 25 | Dec 25 | Dec 25 |
| Boxing Day Canada | Dec 26 | Dec 26 | Dec 26 | Dec 26 | Dec 26 |
| New Year’s Eve | Dec 31 | Dec 31 | Dec 31 | Dec 31 | Dec 31 |
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 Name | Determination Method |
| New Year’s Day, U.S & Canada | January 1, Always |
| Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) | 3rd Monday in January First Celebrated in 1986 |
| Chinese/Lunar New Year | Based on Chinese Calendar |
| Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S | February 12, Always |
| Valentine’s Day | February 14, Always |
| President’s Day, U.S (Observed) | 3rd Monday in February |
| Family Day, Canada (Alberta) | 3rd Monday in February |
| Ash Wednesday | 46 days prior to Easter Sunday |
| Orthodox Lent Begins | Based on Orthodox Religion |
| Washington’s Birthday, U.S | February 22, Always |
| St. Patrick’s Day | March 17, Always |
| Spring Equinox | First Day of Spring, on or near March 21 |
| Palm Sunday | 7 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 Sunday | First Sunday after First Full Moon after Vernal Equinox |
| Easter Monday (Holiday in Canada) | Day after Easter Sunday |
| Orthodox Easter Sunday | Based on Orthodox Religion |
| Cinco de Mayo | May 5, Always |
| Mother’s Day | 2nd Sunday in May |
| Victoria Day, Canada | Monday prior to May 25 |
| Memorial Day, U.S | Last Monday in May |
| Flag Day, U.S. | June 14, Always |
| Father’s Day | 3rd Sunday in June |
| Summer Solstice | First day of Summer, on or about June 21 |
| St. Jean-Baptiste Day (Quebec) | June 24, Always |
| Canada Day, Canada | July 1, Always |
| Independence Day, U.S | July 4, Always |
| Civic Holiday, Canada | 1st Monday in August |
| Labor Day, U.S | 1st Monday in September First Celebrated in 1882 and 1883 On September 5, not the first Monday in September |
| Labour Day, Canada | 1st Monday in September |
| Grandparent’s Day | First Sunday in September after Labor Day |
| Fall Equinox | First Day of Fall, on or about September 22 |
| Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah | Based on Jewish Religion and Calendar |
| Yom Kippur | Based on Jewish Religion and Calendar |
| Columbus Day, U.S | 2nd Monday in October |
| Thanksgiving Day, Canada | 2nd Monday in October |
| Daylight Savings Time Ends, U.S & Canada | 1st Sunday in November |
| Halloween | October 31, Always |
| Election Day, U.S | First Tuesday, After First Monday in November in Even Numbered Years |
| Veteran’s Day, U.S | November 11, Always |
| Remembrance Day, Canada (Alberta) | November 11, Always |
| Canada’s National Child Day | November 20, Always |
| Thanksgiving Day, U.S | 4th thursday in November |
| Hanukkah | Based on Jewish Religion and Calendar |
| Winter Solstice | First day of Winter, On or about December 21 |
| Christmas Eve, U.S & Canada | December 24, Always |
| Christmas Day, U.S & Canada | December 25, Always |
| Boxing Day, Canada | December 26, Always |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31, Always |
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.
| Acacia | Chaste love |
| African Marigold | Vulgar minds |
| Anemone | I am forsaken |
| Bachelor Buttons | Single Blessedness |
| Begonia | Dark Thoughts |
| Bluebells | Constancy |
| Calla Lily | Magnificent Beauty |
| Carnation, Red | Alas for my poor heart |
| Carnation, Striped | Refusal |
| Carnation, Yellow | Disdain |
| China Aster | Variety |
| Chrysanthemum, Yellow | Slighted Love |
| Chrysanthemum, white | Truth |
| Daffodil | Regard |
| Dahlia | Instability |
| Forget-me-not | True Love |
| Fox Glove | insincerity |
| Gladiolus | Strength of Character |
| Heliotrope | Devotion |
| Hyacinth, Purple | Sorrow |
| Hyacinth, White | Loveliness |
| Hyacinth, Blue | Constancy |
| Iris | Message |
| Ivy | Friendship and Fidelity |
| Lilac, White | Youthful innocence |
| Lilac, Purple | First Emotions of Love |
| Lily, White | Purity and modesty |
| Lily of the Valley | Return of Happiness |
| Marigold | Grief and Despair |
| Mistletoe | I surmount difficulties |
| Nasturtium | Patriotism |
| Parsley | Festivity |
| Pea, Sweet | Departure and lasting pleasure |
| Poppy, Red | Consolation |
| Ranunculus | You are radiant |
| Snapdragon | Presumption |
| Sunflower | Haughtiness |
| Tulip, Red | Declaration of Love |
| Tulip, Yellow | Hopeless love |
| Zinnia | Thoughts of Absent friends |
Flowers Of The Month
| Month | Flower | Botanical Name | Symbolic Meaning |
| January | Carnation | Dianthus | Capriciousness |
| February | Violet | Viola | Faithfulness |
| March | Daffodil | Narcissus | Regard |
| April | Sweet Pea | Lathyrus | I think of thee |
| May | Lily of Valley | Convalaria | Humility |
| June | Rose | Rosa | Love |
| July | Larkspur | Delphinium Ardent | attachment |
| August | Gladiolus | Gladiolus | Splendid beauty |
| September | Aster | Callistiphus Daintiness | elegance |
| October | Calendula | Calendula Grief | Jealousy |
| November | Chrysanthemum | Chrysanthemum Optimism | Cheerfulness |
| December | Narcissus | Narcissus Conceit | self love |
Birthstones of the Month
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Bloodstone or Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Pearl |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal |
| November | Topaz |
| December | Turquoise |
Wedding Anniversary Symbols
| Years | Symbols (Flowers are appropriate for all) |
| 1 | Plastics, Clock or Paper |
| 2 | Calico, Cotton or China |
| 3 | Leather, Crystal or glass |
| 4 | Silk, Fruit or Flowers |
| 5 | Wood or Silverware |
| 6 | Iron, wood, or candy |
| 7 | Copper or wool |
| 8 | Linen, lace or pottery |
| 9 | Pottery or willow |
| 10 | Tin, aluminum or diamond jewelry |
| 11 | Fashion jewelry or accessories |
| 12 | Linen, silk or jewelry |
| 13 | Lace or furs |
| 14 | Ivory or gold jewelry |
| 15 | Crystal or glass |
| 16 | Silver hollowware |
| 17 | Furniture |
| 18 | Porcelain |
| 19 | Bronze |
| 20 | Platinum or china |
| 21 | Brass or nickel |
| 22 | Copper |
| 23 | Silver plate |
| 24 | Musical instruments |
| 25 | Silver |
| 26 | Original Pictures |
| 27 | Sculpture |
| 28 | Orchids |
| 29 | New Furniture |
| 30 | Pearls or diamonds |
| 31 | Time Pieces |
| 32 | Garnet |
| 33 | Amethyst |
| 34 | Opal |
| 35 | Coral or Jade |
| 36 | Bone China |
| 37 | Alabaster |
| 38 | Beryl or Tourmaline |
| 39 | Lace |
| 40 | Ruby |
| 45 | Sapphire |
| 50 | Gold |
| 55 | Emerald |
| 60 | Diamond Jubilee |
| 75 | Diamond |
| 80 | Diamond and Pearl |
| 85 | Diamond and Sapphire |
| 90 | Diamond and Emerald |
| 95 | Diamond and Ruby |
| 100 | 10 Carat Diamond |
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.
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.)
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.
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: | ||
| Colombia | 59% | California | 72% |
| Ecuador | 19% | Florida | 5% |
| European Union | 10% | Washington | 4% |
| Canada | 3% | Hawaii | 4% |
| Costa Rica | 3% | Oregon | 3% |
| Mexico | 2% | Michigan | 2% |
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.
State Flowers
| Alabama | Camellia |
| Alaska | Forget-Me-Not |
| Arizona | Saguaro Cactus blossom |
| Arkansas | Apple Blossom |
| California | California Poppy |
| Colorado | Rocky Mountain Columbine |
| Connecticut | Mountain Laurel |
| Delaware | Peach Blossom |
| Florida | Orange Blossom |
| Georgia | Cherokee Rose |
| Hawaii | Hawaiian hibiscus |
| Idaho | Mock Orange |
| Illinois | Native Violet |
| Indiana | Peony |
| Iowa | Wild Prairie Rose |
| Kansas | Sunflower |
| Kentucky | Goldenrod |
| Louisiana | Magnolia |
| Maine | White Pine Cone |
| Maryland | Black Eyed Susan |
| Massachusetts | Mayflower |
| Michigan | Apple Blossom |
| Minnesota | Lady Slipper |
| Mississippi | Magnolia |
| Missouri | Hawthorn |
| Montana | Bitterroot |
| Nebraska | Goldenrod |
| Nevada | Sagebrush |
| New Hampshire | Purple Lilac |
| New Jersey | Violet |
| New Mexico | Yucca |
| New York | Rose |
| North Carolina | Flowering Dogwood |
| North Dakota | Wild Prairie Rose |
| Ohio Scarlet | Scarlet Carnation |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Rose |
| Oregon | Oregon Grape |
| Pennsylvania | Mountain Laurel |
| Rhode Island | Violet |
| South Carolina | Yellow Jasmine |
| South Dakota | Pasque Flower |
| Tennessee | Iris |
| Texas Blue | Texas Bluebonnet |
| Utah | Sego Lily |
| Vermont | Red Clover |
| Virginia | American Dogwood |
| Washington | Coast Rhododendron |
| West Virginia | Rhododendron |
| Wisconsin | Wood violet |
| Wyoming | Indian Paintbrush |
