Have you seen Table Dance? Yes, that's the name of this flower

It's one of Skyline's newest lilies and it's big and beautiful.  This beautiful lily is called "Table Dance."  Its name seems to get as much attention as the beauty of this flower.  Table Dance is described as a gorgeous, sugar pink with white coloring in the middle of the flower.  It does have a slight fragrance to it.

 

What flower signifies dangerous pleasure?

When you walk in a room with Tuberose, it's easy to know they're there because of the flower's fragrance.  It has long been cherished for its sweet fragrance.  In the language of flowers, Tuberose signify both dangerous pleasure and voluptuousness. 

For more on Tuberose, CLICK HERE.

Stephanotis on the Vine

We are always trying new things and looking to find ways to provide more options to our customers.  We are now cutting and selling Stephanotis on the vine.  It will be about three feet long.  For more information about this contact your Sales Representative.

Symbolism of Celosia

The Celosia flower seems to have a mixture of meanings!  To some, it represents a certain foolishness.  To others, they represent a joyous, uncomplicated affection. These feather-like blossoms make wonderful floral gifts, as they are not only unique in appearance, but they can also be expressive of strong feelings of attachment.

Given their bold hues, it would be hard to ignore the symbolism of each of the common colors and how they may correspond to what you are trying to express. To some, the bright scarlet blossoms can symbolize courage, passion and vitality.  Orange is sometimes associated with creativity and boldness of spirit; while yellow can mean cheerfulness, happiness and peace.

Eyeliner - LA Hybrid Lily

We hope you will try out one of Skyline's newest lilies.  It's an LA Hybrid called Eyeliner.  The lily is white with what appears to be purplish/black spotting.  Its name may have come from the purplish/black line that outlines the edge of the pedals.  This lily does not have a fragrance to it.  

Coxcomb - "Unfading Love"

It's a pretty unique flower at Skyline and certainly stands out from the rest. The symbolic meaning of Coxcomb is "unfading love."  For you hopeless romantics, this may be the flower you want to give.  In Southeast Asia, the Coxcomb is used as a nutritious leafy green vegetable.

For a look at a video on this, CLICK HERE.

Popular - Cafe au Lait Dahlia

Did you know we're growing more and more Cafe au Lait Dahlias these days?  We have them in shades of pink and peach.  They're a popular flower especially among brides because of the color and size.  They're considered Dinner Plate Dahlias.  Whatever they're used for, they're sure to stand out and bring beauty to an area!

Flower Growers versus Florist

The flower industry, just like many industries across the United States, keeps changing.  To make it easier on you, we want to make sure you know the difference between a flower grower and a florist.  We are the starting point in the cut floral industry; we are the ones passionate about growing and distributing the flowers.  We can give you information on all the different flowers we grow.  Better yet, you can get a good look at them on our website:  www.skylineflowers.com.

While we grow a variety of flowers at Skyline, we don't grow them all.  Our pricing does change depending on the market.  It's kind of like produce, you may notice at the grocery stores those prices fluctuate depending on supply and demand.  This is why we can't quote you prices any further out than two weeks prior to your date of pick up.

Most people are also used to flowers being open and blooming when they see them.  We do cut some of our flowers open such as Gerberas.  However, most of the other flowers that you buy from the farm will need a few days to open such as our Lilies and Freesia.  We cut most of our flowers tight so they are not ruined when we ship across the U.S.

If you have questions such as how many stems of flowers do I put in a vase?  How would you arrange these flowers? Those are questions perfect for a florist.  Florist take away a lot of the guessing work when it comes to arranging flowers.

Sunflowers - Loyalty and Longevity; Passionate Flowers

They're considered some of the HAPPIEST of flowers and are gifts of radiant warmth!  What is the meaning and symbolism behind them?  Some say they include loyalty and longevity.

They are unique in their ability to provide energy in the form of nourishment and vibrance, an attribute which mirrors the sun and the energy provided by its heat and light.

No flower can lift spirits quite like sunflowers can. Bright and cheery, bold yet comfortable, with brilliant yellow petals that surround the flower's center.  Sunflowers have an unmistakable sun-like appearance that has made them a PASSIONATE flower choice for many.

If you have these at home in a vase, be prepared to water them off.  They drink that water very quickly.

Debate over Hydrangea's symbolism

It seems there remains some debate over the hydrangea's symbolism and meaning.  Some connect it to vanity and boastfulness (perhaps reflecting its abundance of petals and lavish, rounded shape) and others suggesting that a bouquet of hydrangea expresses the giver's gratefulness for the recipient's understanding.

Still others suggest it represents anything that's sincerely heartfelt.  Despite the variation in flower meaning, it's considered the 4th wedding anniversary flower which possesses enduring grace and beauty.

Symbolizes a HAPPY LIFE!

It's amazing to see the fields of stock and we grow the beautiful flower in a rainbow of colors.  In the language of flowers, stock symbolizes a happy life and contented existence.  Its sweet, heady-scented blooms is native to Southwestern Greece and the Mediterranean.  Stock is also referred to as gillyflower or Virginia stock.

A closer look at the Mother's Day Rush

Have you have taken a behind the scenes look at Skyline's packing facility?  

If not, here's your chance to see what goes on during the Mother's Day Rush!

Mother's Day is almost here!

Mother's Day for the flower industry is comparable to Christmas in the retail industry.  Our employees are working around the clock to get our flowers across the United States on time.  It's an exciting time for us and there's a lot of work and love put into the bouquets we create for our customers.

We believe there's no better way to show your mom you love her than with the gift of flowers!  When choosing the right flowers, take into consideration your mom's favorite flowers and colors.  If you don't know that, you can look into the symbolism and write that meaning in a card.  Flowers are sure to make her smile.

Paul Mitchell's 2013 FUNraising event

For the past six years, Skyline has donated flowers to Paul Mitchell's FUNraising event. It raises money for numerous charities and we are a proud sponsor. Stephanie Goldberg represented Skyline and is our President, Joe Goldberg's daughter. :) Skyline believes in giving back to the community!!!!

Language of Flowers - Red, Pink & White Gerberas

The symbolism behind our red, pink and white gerberas.  Plus, how to make them last as long as possible.  All you need to do is add a touch of a household product.

Language of Flowers - Dahlias

What does San Franciso, Mexico and Japan have to do with Dahlias?  Find out in this video.

Huge Snapdragons & Yellow Craspedia - Beautiful to see on the farm!

What you may not know about Dahlias

The Dahlia's allure has a far reach.  It is San Francisco's official flower, an official emblem of Mexico and considered in Japan to be a sign of good taste.

In the language of flowers, Dahlias symbolize dignity and elegance and are also thought to express an eternal bond between two people.

They are also said to be the perfect gift to give a couple on their 14th wedding anniversary.  

Language of Flowers - Skyline Flowers - Snapdragons

Language of Flowers - Snapdragons

Language of Flowers - Skyline Flowers - Star of Bethlehem

Allium - You're Perfect & Elegant

The allium flower's perfectly round shape and range of colors make it an ideal choice for any flower arrangement, and its traditional meaning makes it a good addition to the bridal bouquet as well.

In the language of flowers, allium typically means "you're perfect and elegant!"  There are others who also say it stands for unity.  

Ultimate symbol of friendship!

The color yellow receives so much attention simply because it conveys the feeling of warmth and sunshine!  Also, the color is the ultimate symbol of friendship. 

So, if you are someone who really longs for a long-lasting, inspirational friendship, go out of your way and nurture it.  Gift a bunch of yellow gerberas.  For sure, it will add an extra zing to your comradeship.   

Viburnum - Delicate Attentions

Typically, we tell you the meaning of flowers is something about love, friendship or passion but Viburnum is unique.  Viburnum flowers often symbolize delicate attentions to a subject. This meaning can apply to a number of subjects or special occasions. It may be used on its own as a symbol or combined with other blooms.

Delicate attentions can be taken to mean caution should be used. This may mean to tread lightly around the subject or around a person. It may also mean to keep stronger feelings in check for a time.

This may also be taken to mean that feelings should be restrained. Restraint may be urged when some feelings of love are not returned. It may also indicate a wariness of a situation or a shy feeling heart.

Delicate attentions may also indicate loyalty or devotion to someone. Someone may first be expressing love or want to take the next step. This flower meaning indicates that they are feeling ready to do so.

Skyline's Newest Pink Oriental Lily

Here's a look at Skyline's newest Pink Oriental Lily.  It is big, beautiful and a bright pink.  It's called Carribean.  It also has that nice fragrance that Pink Oriental Lilies are known for having.  

In the language of flowers, Pink Lilies stand for wealth and prosperity but are seen as a symbol of youth and acceptance as well.  Also, their appearance may lead our thoughts to feelings of hope and aspirations.    

Daffodil - Token of Forgiveness

Daffodil's have meanings of faith, honesty, truth, forgiveness and forthrightness. They are ever vigilant in returning each Spring and with their return, we are reminded that their beauty is capable of following on the shirttails of even the harshest winters (or tribulations). 

Give Daffodils to someone as a token of forgiveness or give them away as a token of appreciation for their honesty.

Star of Bethlehem - No water needed for this flower

If you're one of those people who don't like changing the water in your vase, this flower may be just for you.  For the first time, Skyline is growing the "Star of Bethlehem."  We're growing it in orange, gold and white.  To make it last the longest, put the flower in water for two to three hours and then pour the water out.  You don't need to add water again.  It doesn't get any easier than that.

In the language of flowers, some say this beautiful flower means "hope."

Gerberas - symbolize "beauty and innocence"

Gerberas also referred to as Gerbera Daisies symbolize "beauty and innocence."  They stand out amongst all flowers for their lovely beautiful blooms as well as the wide range of colors.  Some also say Gerbera Daisies represent joyful emotions. Gerberas are also considered great flowers for adding a dash of color to any room or garden.

Remember to help Gerberas last as long as possible, change your water every two days and add some bleach.  They seem to come to life again when you add bleach to your vase.

St. Patrick's Day is almost here.... Are you ready?

We wanted to give you some ideas for flowers that would be perfect for St. Patrick's Day.  Skyline's green Ranunculus and Super Green Roses came to mind.

However, DID YOU KNOW? The actual color of St. Patrick is blue. Green became associated with St. Patrick's Day during the 19th century...AND...The very first St. Patrick's Day parade was not in Ireland. It was in Boston in 1737...DON'T YOU FEEL SMARTER.

Sweet William - Grant me one smile?

Sweet William is known for its spicy fragrance and flower experts differ in their interpretation of the "true meaning" of this flower.  

Some say a gift of Sweet William requests, "Sweet lady, grant me one smile!"  Others say it means gallantry, finesse and perfection.

At Skyline, we grow the fragile flower in numerous colors including in red, pink and white.  

Bird of Paradise

Photo shot by Tom Flowerman

It seems there are many meanings for the Bird of Paradise Flower.  Some say it's given today from a woman to a man as a symbol of faithfulness.  Others say its common meanings include Freedom, Good Perspective and that something strange and wonderful is about to occur.  Either way, it seems you can't go wrong.

Craspedia equals "Good Health"

We typically call them Craspedia or Billy Balls...  but they're also referred to as Billy Buttons or Drumsticks.  Whatever you call them, they're bright and unique.  They also look beautiful in bouquets.  

So what do they stand for????  Some say they stand for "Good Health."  They are apparently native to New Zealand and Australia.  You can also find them in green or brown.  For a look at Skyline's Craspedia, CLICK HERE.

Skyline's President named local Rotary Club President Elect

No matter our location, Skyline is a firm believer that it's important to get involved in our community and give back. 

Skyline's President, Joe Goldberg, is now the President Elect for the Rotary Club of Santa Maria (noontime). For a look at the article, CLICK HERE.

More on Skyline's Nipomo, California location

Skyline Flower Growers nursery in Nipomo is a 65 acre farm tucked away in the beautiful hills of the Central Coast of California, a short two miles from the ocean, where we grow a large variety of fresh cut flowers and greens.  The Nipomo facility has more than two million square feet of greenhouses and shade houses where we grow our many varieties of flowers that we offer to our customers.  

Our hydroponic growing ranges use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques that are cutting edge in the flora culture.  Our computerized system closely monitors what's called the electric conductivity or EC.  It determines the nutrient levels so we can adjust what's needed to get a superior plant and we recycle our water as part of our effort to better the environment.  Our greenhouses and shade houses control the climate, adjusting the temperature and humidity to create the best conditions.  In addition, the near perfect weather of the Central Coast of California allows us the flexibility to grow inside or outside as needed.  

Do you know your baby's birth flowers?

Birth flowers for each month

Birth Month	Birth Flower	Flower Color	Flower Meaning
January	Carnation or Snowdrop	Black, Dark Blue or Red	Fascination; Devoted Love / Consolation; A Friend in Adversity
February	Violet or Primrose	Violet, Sky Blue or Yellow	Modesty; Faithfulness; Virtue / Young Love
March	Daffodil or Jonquil	White or Light Blue	Regard; Devotion / Affection Returned; Sympathy
April	Daisy or Sweet Pea	Yellow, Red and Colorless	Innocence; Youth; Purity / Goodbye; Blissful Pleasure; Departure
May	Lily of the Valley or Hawthorn	Yellow, Red and Green	Sweetness; Humility; Return of Happiness / Fertility; Hope
June	Rose or Honeysuckle	Light Blue, White and Cream	Love / Devoted Affection
July	Larkspur or Water Lily	Green, Russet and Red	Laughter / Purity of Heart
August	Gladiolas or Poppy	Orange, Red and Light Green	Strength of Character; Sincerity; Generosity; Natural Grace / Eternal Sleep; Imagination; Oblivion
September	Aster orMorning Glory	Brown, Deep Blue	Symbol of Love; Daintiness / Talisman of Love; Affection
October	Calendula or Cosmos	White, Yellow and Varied	Joy / Modesty
November	Chrysanthemum	Dark Blue, Red and Yellow	Cheerfulness; You're a Wonderful Friend; Rest; Lovliness; Abundance; Wealth
December	Narcissus or Holly	Indigo, Green, Greenish-Blue	Stay as Sweet as You Are; Egotism; Formality / Foresight, Good Wishes

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Lilacs - symbolize the first emotions of love

First Lilac of the season - Santa Monica Farmers Market.

Courtesy of Tom Flowerman

Skyline grows what's considered "mild climate lilacs."  The color is that of a pale tone of a violet and has a fragrance described by some as a sweet, mild perfume fragrance.  While the ones we grow are beautiful, they are small in size if you compare them to lilacs grown in South Dakota.  However, the ones in that state could be difficult to put in arrangements because of their size.  To grow lilacs, they require a certain amount of chill hours (below 36 degrees).  A lot of fruits are like that as well.  

In the language of love, lilacs are known as the 8th wedding anniversary flower and the state flower of New Hampshire.  They are also frequently considered a harbinger of spring, with the time of their bloom signaling whether spring will be early or late.  It also symbolizes the first emotions of love, while white lilacs represent youthful innocence.

A closer look at our farmers market locations

This gives you a look at our farmers market locations!

What to do with flowers AFTER Valentine's Day!

We found numerous articles on "What to do with your flowers after Valentine's Day!"  To check them out, CLICK HERE.  We believe the best thing to do is take a picture and keep it for memories.  Remember you can always tag us or post those pictures on our Facebook page.  To do that, CLICK HERE.

History and Meaning of Tulips

(The Flame Tulip)

Finding out the history and meaning of flowers can be interesting and it seems there are many who have different views.  From what I've seen, tulips originated in ancient Persia and Turkey. In this region, it became fashionable for men to wear tulips in their turbans. It is from this practice that tulips derive their name. Tulip means turban in Persian. 

Here's an interesting article I found on tulips, CLICK HERE.

Tulips - Significance and 11th Wedding Flower

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Skyline is cutting numerous kinds of tulips in all different colors.  We have regular tulips, french tulips, peony tulips and parrot tulips.  

There is much symbolism that surrounds tulips.  Generally, it means perfect LOVE.  However, like many flowers the different colors of tulips also carry their own significance.

Red tulips are most strongly associated with true love, while purple symbolizes royalty. The meaning of yellow tulips has evolved somewhat, from once representing hopeless love to now being a common expression for cheerful thoughts and sunshine. White tulips are used to claim worthiness or to send a message of forgiveness. Variegated tulips, once among the most popular varieties due to their striking color patterns, represent beautiful eyes.

In addition, tulips are known as the 11th wedding anniversary flower.    It's said that the tulip's velvety black center represents a lover's heart, darkened by the heat of passion.  A tulip bouquet is said to represent elegance and grace.

Extraordinary, flamboyant, fascinating - there are some many words that could be used to describe the beautiful Flaming Parrot Tulip.  The plants range in height from 12 to 28 inches, with the average size being 16 inches.  The parrot tulip has the same basic bowl shape of other tulips but with a more rounded and softer, wavy edges to the petals.  In fact, each flower grows individually on its own stem from the base of the plant.

The tulip is truly an incredible flower.  It's past is steeped in romance and has been a muse for art, poetry and passion.  The Tulip has obsessed nations taking flower power to the extreme.  It is known as the "Queen of Bulbs."

Valentine's Countdown

The countdown is on to Valentine's Day.  

It's hard to believe it's already February 1st of 2013.  We want all of our friends to know we're here and ready to answer questions.  You can always find good information on our website as well:  www.skylineflowers.com.

Beautiful Hyacinth and what it symbolizes

HYACINTH (GENERAL) - Games and Sports, Rashness, Flower Dedicated to Apollo
HYACINTH (BLUE) - Constancy
HYACINTH (PURPLE) - I am Sorry, Please Forgive Me, Sorrow
HYACINTH (RED OR PINK) - Play
HYACINTH (WHITE) - Loveliness, I'll Pray for You
HYACINTH (YELLOW) - Jealousy 

Did you know the number of roses expresses a particular meaning?

1 Rose	Love at the first sight. The single rose, whatever its color, depicts utmost devotion to a single person. "All my deepest affections are concentrated in you".
2 Roses	Mutual feelings, especially if they are red in color speak of two people who are deeply in love and together form their own happy little world.
3 Roses	Stand for the three words in "I Love You", and seek to convey this very simple yet powerful message
5 Roses	I love you very much
6 Roses	I love you, I miss you. Speak of tthe need to be loved and cherished.
7 Roses	I'm infatuated with you
9 Roses	Together as long as we live
10 Roses	You are pretty
11 Roses	You're my treasured one. To assure someone that he or she is truly and deeply loved.
12 Roses	Be my steady
13 Roses	Forever friends. Also indicate that there is a secret admirer waiting to be discovered.
15 Roses	I'm really sorry
20 Roses	I'm sincere towards you
21 Roses	I'm committed to you
24 Roses	You're always on my mind. Stand for the twenty-four hours of the day, and say that the loved one is thought of during every hour of the day.
36 Roses	I'll remember our romantic moments. Speak of a romantic attachment
40 Roses	My love is genuine
44 Roses	Pledge a constant and an unchanging love.
50 Roses	Signify a love that has ripened well, and has never been regretted.
99 Roses	I'll love you till the day I die
100 Roses	I'm totally devoted to you. Signify a happy union of two loving souls till death or till a hundred years.
101 Roses	You're my one and only
108 Roses	Will you marry me?
365 Roses	I love you every single day. Speak of a love that has remained constant and true throughout the year
999 Roses	My love will last till the end of time
1001 Roses	Speak of a faithful love that will live on forever.

NORCAL features Skyline in its newsletter

NORCAL Featured Member of the Week       Behind the success of Skyline Flower Growers Written by Monica Quintero, Skyline's Promotions & Marketing Director    The Goldbergs passion for flowers all started during the Great Depression back in the 1930's and even today, in this tough economy the family business keeps expanding. Skyline Flower Growers has three farms in Oxnard, Nipomo and Camarillo, California. There are also wholesale locations in Seattle and Spokane, Washington. What has been the key to success during these hard times in our country? Just like with any another company, it's hard to pinpoint one area. I want to share with you what I've seen.  Over the years, successful companies typically have strong leaders. The owners of our company, Joe and Tom Goldberg, not only work hard but are caring and compassionate about their employees. Most successful people usually have workaholic type personalities. Yes, they both fit that category and I say that with a smile, but there are many who don't take the time to make sure their employees are shown the appreciation they deserve. A perfect example, our Skyline year-end holiday party. There are many businesses these days that have cut those holiday events to save money. These are hard times and we understand some companies have to do that to stay afloat, but the Goldbergs feel it's important to reward employees for hard work. They even go above and beyond holding it at a nice restaurant, giving gifts and recognizing those who work tirelessly for Skyline. Actually, there are numerous employees who work countless hours. I've never worked for a company where so many people work so hard without complaining and again, I think it's because of the strong leadership. It's also a company that believes in giving back to the communities around them. It's something Joe and Tom have been doing for years but before I came along, no one knew and that didn't matter to them. For the past four years, they have taken a group of kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Maria Valley to a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game. Last August, 50 kids took advantage and their tickets, transportation, food and drinks were covered by Skyline's owners. Joe is also very involved in the Rotary Club of Santa Maria and is serving as President Elect this year. This passion for flowers also seems to run in their blood. There are four generations of Goldbergs involved in the family business. Joe and Tom are brothers and owners of the company. Their father, LeRoy Goldberg, still stops by the Oxnard farm almost everyday. Joe and Tom's sister, Susan Robertson, is the Sales Manager of the Oxnard location. Joe's son Patrick runs the Spokane distribution center while his other son, Gerald, runs the Seattle facility. Tom's daughter, Johanna Reyes works in the Skyline Flower sales department in Oxnard. The company is rich in history and it's a great story for another time.  You can also read about it here: http://skylineflowers.com/Family_History.html.  There was also a great article written about the Goldberg family in the January issue of Bloomin' News: http://bloominnews.com/pdfs/BNews-Winter2013-web.pdf. An interesting video that gives you some insight into Skyline's history: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FJldlHM7NE. So, is the success of a business due to those laws of attraction everyone talks about? Will good deeds be rewarded with good? I'm not sure, Skyline has had its ups and downs like many other companies and for that matter, like many people in life. Either way, some of these things seem to be playing into this recipe for a business that's thriving in this tough economy. At the very least, I hope to have opened your eyes to the way some Californians run their businesses. It truly is the small things that make a big difference!  We are always posting lots of good information about our company on our social media sites. Here's a link that will make it easy for you to find them and connect with us: http://skylineflowers.com/Social_Media.html. Valentine's promo:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NfC0_eol68

Did you know Tuberose symbolize voluptuousness?

It's one of the most fragrant flowers around, so if you love strong scents you will love Tuberose.  Some describe the flower as exotic, spicy, floral and sweet.  The scent has been used in many perfumes.  

Each stem has multiple blooms and each bloom is beautifully white and in an elegant trumpet shape.

Tuberose is also used traditionally in Hawaii to create leis.  Today, the oil is used in aromatherapy as an aid to sleeplessness and anxiety.  If you look up the meaning of the tuberose, some say it symbolizes voluptuousness.  

Anemones appear to be such a delicate flower, almost as if they are made out of tissue paper, and come in some amazing, bright and vivid colors.  Skyline grows them in fuschia, pink, purple, red and white.  The experts here at Skyline say like most of our flowers, they take between 100 to 120 days to grow.  Of course, it always depends on what mother nature brings our way.  

The colorful flower belongs to the family of buttercup and it generally represents anticipation.  It's said the tranquil, lovely flower will help soothe someone's nerves.  Behind many of the flowers, there are interesting stories.  

Anemones are also thought to bring good luck and protect against evil.  Legend has it that when the anemone closes its petals, it's a signal that rain is approaching.

Stephanotis - "Marital Happiness"

When you walk into the Stephanotis greenhouse on Skyline's farm in Nipomo, you feel like you're in heaven.  It smells breathtaking, it's a sweet smell that's not too strong.  

It's also amazing to see the vines that produce the small but beautiful and fragrant, white flowers.  What makes them unique, most of the flowers on our farms are planted in the ground or in pots but not these.  There are rows of vines throughout the greenhouse which allow the stephanotis to bloom.  Inside, you will find warm and humid conditions which are ideal for this fragrant flower.

They are a popular component of bridal bouquets and boutonnieres.  Along with it's white beauty, it said to symbolize "marital happiness."  It's also associated with luck and prosperity.    

Matsumoto Asters - "beautiful crown"

Matsumoto Asters have a delightful daisy-shaped bloom with a yellow center and comes in all sorts of colors including light pink and dark pink, red, purple, peach, lavender, pale yellow and white.  It typically takes about 10-12 weeks to grow.  The stem of these flowers typically have a spray of several flowers, averaging three to five blooms.

The unique flower is also referred to as the China Aster, Florist Aster, Callistephus and Rainbow Aster.  Its botanical name means "beautiful crown" in Greek and refers to the showy, solitary flower heads.  

It's also said to be an ideal gift for a wife or a husband since it symbolizes contentment.

Gorgeous Alstroemeria symbolizes friendship

It's a stunning flower that resembles a miniature lily.  Alstroemeria is often also called the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas.  It takes us several months to grow the gorgeous flower on our Skyline farms.  As far as it's history, Alstroemeria is said to have been discovered by Baron Claus von Alstromer, a Swedish baron, who collected the seeds on a trip to Spain in 1753.

We grow the popular flower in a range of colors -- from white to golden yellow, light pink and dark pink, red, orange, peach and lavender.  It has several meanings including symbolizing friendship and devotion.  The Alstroemeria's leaves grow upside down with the leaf twisting as it grows out from the stem, so that the bottom is facing upwards.  It's much like the twists, turns and growth of friendship.

It's also considered the 30th wedding anniversary flower for symbolizing magnificence of pride, beauty and devotion.  Some say the twisting leaves represent the complex nature of marriage.

Alstroemeria flowers have no fragrance and typically have a vase life of about two weeks.  One other interesting note, not all Alstroemeria have striped petals.

Find out about the meaning of roses!

Valentine's is right around the corner and the most popular flower to give on this day of love--  beautiful roses!  At Skyline, we grow a variety of roses and spray roses inside one of our greenhouses.  It typically takes them 40 days to grow.  In addition, Skyline grows garden roses on our farm under hoop houses.  The garden roses take about 50 days to grow depending on the weather.

Roses are known as one of the most enduring symbols for love and appreciation and the color of the flower gives it an added meaning.

Here's a list for you:

Red - Red roses are the traditional symbol for love and romance.  Throughout time, it has been one of the easiest ways to tell someone you "love them."

Pink - Pink roses are often given as an expression of admiration.

Yellow - Yellow roses are thought to evoke a feeling of warmth and happiness.  It's typically associated with true friendship and is also a symbol of joy and friendship.

White - White roses represent innocence and purity.  They are traditionally associated with marriage and new beginnings.

Orange - Orange roses often symbolize passion and excitement and are an expression of blooming romance.

Lavender - Lavender roses are considered a perfect symbol of enchantment.  It's used to express feelings of love at first sight.

Peach - Peach roses are a message of sensitivity and are used to extend sympathy.

Skyline Freesia

Freesia takes us longer to grow than most flowers here at Skyline.  It takes us about six months to produce the gorgeous flower but to us, it's worth it and we're well-known for growing top notch freesia.  In fact, Skyline is one of only two large-scale growers of freesia in California.

In the language of flowers, freesia is said to symbolize innocence and friendship.  It's also known as the 7th wedding anniversary flower and symbolizes trust and fidelity as well.  Some say it's an antidote to the proverbial saying that the seventh year of marriage provokes restlessness.  Representing faithfulness through the seasons, it's a traditional reminder of love's honorable character.

It's also one of the most fragrant flowers.  Some describe it as a light and sweet scent, others say it smells like Fruit Loops.  The floral scent is often used in soaps, lotions and perfumes.