Tuesday, October 23, 2012

A closer look at Gerberas

It's one of the most popular flowers, considered a "happy flower" and comes in an amazing array of colors!

Some say the floral meaning of Gerberas stem from the general daisy family.  These meanings include innocence and purity.  Daisies are also a classic symbol of beauty.  However, the Gerbera variety holds an added meaning of cheerfulness which stems from the assortment of colors available.

On a regular basis, we are growing and are trying new gerberas so that we can offer the best varieties possible.  They come in a mini size, standard size and even in bicolors.  

It typically takes about 16 weeks to plant gerberas from seeds and for them to grow and fully bloom.  In addition, each one has its own unique name.

When it comes to making Gerberas last, bleach is your best friend!  We've seen it firsthand.  If a Gerbera is drooping over, a touch of bleach will most times add new life. 

Here's something else you may find interesting, we cut most of our flowers at a tight stage but Gerberas are different.  They must be cut at its finished stage of development.  

Friday, October 19, 2012

Read more about Skyline's Stock




Stock is known for its smell and of course, in a good way.  It's a wonderfully fragrant flower.  At Skyline, we grow them in all sorts of colors--  white, fuchsia, lavender, blue (it looks more purple to the average person), cream, light pink, dark pink and apple (a very light pink).  


Stock is used many times in wedding bouquets and arrangements.  People who are getting married love this flower since it comes in a pure white color and is unique.  In fact, some say 
stock is a symbol of a happy life and represents lasting beauty.  The floral meaning brings a bond of affection that tells the person receiving it that they will always be beautiful to the party that gave it to them.  

It takes about 15 weeks for us to plant stock and for them to grow to the size needed for the cut flower industry.  Typically, the flower grows 28 plus inches. 

Stock is also called gillyflower or Virginia stock.  As with any other flower, change it's vase water frequently and be sure to remove any foliage below the water line.  It is native to Southwestern Greece and the Mediterranean.





Friday, October 12, 2012

A closer look at Skyline's Dahlias

The bright, vivid colors and rich, deep foliage--  just a couple of the many reasons Dahlias stand out among the spectacular flowers that are out there and available to customers.

What makes Skyline Flower Growers unique when it comes Dahlias, we grow some of them year round which is rare for growers.  However, we have others that are only grow on a seasonal basis, typically grown between late May/June and November.



If you walk our farm, you can find our Dahlias grown in greenhouses and tunnels.  They typically take 12 weeks to grow and are cut when fully open and blooming.

We recommend keeping the water as cold as possible to make the Dahlias last as long as possible.  In fact, some of our farmers market employees tell customers to put ice cubes inside their vases to kept the water cold, cold.  It's a simple trick that seems to make a big difference!

As far as the symbolism behind Dahlias, some say when given as a gift the dahlia flower expresses sentiments of dignity and elegance.  Some also say it's the symbol of commitment and bond that lasts forever.  Dahlias are used in many flower arrangements as well to celebrate love and marriage.


Thursday, October 11, 2012

A beautiful mix of flowers!



 

Wheat                                                                      Sunflowers
 
  
Seafoam Statice                                        Pink Oriental Lilies 
 
 
Asiatic Lilies in our beautiful fall colors!
 
 
Gomphrena 
 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Tulips are back!


We're producing our Skyline Tulips once again.  
Ask your Sales Representative for more information.
 

Wheat
 

Sunflowers
 

Yellow & Orange Asiatic Lilies - Perfect for the fall
 

Dahlias