The Bouqs Co.

September 6, 2018

The History Behind Memorial Day Poppies

You may have seen poppies worn at Memorial Day parades or events or seen crepe paper versions for sale, but you might not be aware that the vibrant red flowers represent a rich patriotic tradition–both in the US and in Europe. The poppy tradition can be traced back to World War I. Entire villages were destroyed in battle, but after a long, dark winter full of atrocities, red poppies began cropping up in battlefields across the continent. After the war, the flower became known as this symbol of life lost and new hope in the face of tragedy. Here’s a bit of background on the tradition of Memorial Day poppies and how it all started with a poem.   The Red Poppy Origins Historically, the poppy represents new life—during World War I, red poppy seeds scattered in the wind, as the war raged on. The seeds lie dormant in the ground and were germinated by disturbances in the land—such as the brutal fighting during World War I. The practice of wearing poppies was inspired by a 1915 poem, written by a Canadian soldier, John McCrae. McCrae lost his friend, Lt. Alexis Helmer, during the Second Battle of Ypres in Belgium […]

September 6, 2018

Hypoallergenic Flowers for Those with Allergies

For many, allergies can be more than just a nuisance. Instead of fresh air and new beginnings, those with allergies see springtime as the onset of wheezing, sniffling, itchy, watery eyes, and general discomfort. Allergies can really take a strain on your lifestyle – especially if you love flowers.  Fortunately, there are floral alternatives for those who are allergic to common springtime blooms. While many flowers are aggravating for allergy sufferers, there are just as many that can liven their garden or home space without irritating their senses.  And, no they’re not made from silk or plastic! Here are a few of hypoallergenic flowers to consider for those flower-loving folks with seasonal allergies.   Lilies You can’t go wrong with any member of the lily family. These guys aren’t officially pollen-free as a species, but it’s relatively easy to remove the pollen before taking these lovely blooms indoors. Additionally, some lily bulbs are bred with no or low pollen. Try calla lilies for their unique cupped shape or Asiatic lilies in their variety of colors like red, orange, and pink. Hydrangeas The hydrangea is one of our faves. We use it in some of our best Bouqs–its big, bushy blossoms […]

September 5, 2018

A Guide on Buying a Corsage or Boutonniere

Boutonnieres and corsages are staples at proms, weddings, and graduations. But outside of those events, they aren’t frequent florals in today’s society, at least not compared to traditional bouquets. For this reason,  there can be a lot of questions surrounding them. Questions like, where should I buy? How should I put it on? Why do we wear them at all? We’ll walk you through the answers to all of these questions (and more!) From which side of the jacket to pin a boutonniere to how to buy a corsage and where to store it, we’ve got you covered.   Corsages: What, Where, When, and Why A corsage is a miniature bouquet of flowers worn around the wrist for a formal occasion.  Traditionally, a corsage is given to a woman by a date and should coordinate with her attire. The word “corsage” is French and originally referred to the bodice of a dress, where the flowers were once pinned. In ancient times, flowers were worn to special events to ward off evil spirits. Eventually, as fewer people worried about evil spirits ruining their prom night, the tradition slowly evolved to a gentleman showing respect to his date’s parents by offering a […]

September 5, 2018

Gorgeous Plants That Bloom in the Fall

The year’s most colorful season brings along with it stunning changes in nature. Let us embrace this season with vigor and find relief from those sticky summer days. From pumpkin flavored everything to soft cashmere sweaters, fall is the ultimate time of year to discover new seasonal colors and flavors. When the leaves start to change colors, and we update our nail polish shades, plants of the floral variety start to don their own fall ensembles. Let’s take a look at some of the most breathtaking plants that bloom in the fall.   Cheerful and Bright Tulips Although tulips bloom just about year-round, this time of year the tulip thrives! Appearing in just about any color you can imagine, these beauties have a near perfect symmetrical petal. With its versatile shape and petite size, the tulip makes an excellent accent to all your fall decor.  Plus, the tulip has a signature soft and sweet scent that will remind you of a perfect and sunny autumn day. The Pretty Pansy Delicate and sweet, the pansy appears in cool shades that are reminiscent of a calm autumn evening. Hang this flower in decorative hanging baskets, so the blooms cascade out in a […]

September 4, 2018

6 Ideas for Guys Buying Valentine’s Day Flowers

Sure, Valentine’s Day might have been invented to sell greeting cards, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great excuse to celebrate that special person in your life. Everybody likes a little romance now and again, and what better way to say “I love you” than with flowers. Here are a few things every guy needs to know about buying Valentine’s Day flowers.   1. Red Roses Aren’t the Only Valentine’s Day Flowers Out There Yeah, yeah, roses are red. And apparently the epitome of romance. They also come in pink, white, and yellow. But, they’re a little tired as a Valentine’s gesture. Unless your gal is the type that wants a bunch of petals sprinkled across the house when she comes home, you’re better off looking for a bright, fresh bouquet with a little more personality. 2. Avoid Flowers That Suggest the Dreaded Friend Zone Okay, if you’re shopping for your mom or a platonic gal pal—no need to worry too much about misrepresenting yourself. Additionally, if you’re married or in a long-term relationship, a gorgeous arrangement of any type of flower is bound to be appreciated. However, in the early stages, we all tend to overanalyze every little […]

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