There is Ethics attached to the business of flowers. When I heard this first time, the only thing that struck my mind was that it must be something related to the Floral arrangements and colour. Which is to say that ethics are to be followed in sending a particular colour to an occassion only. Like white flowers on a funeral which would resemble peace. But the meaning did not get completely absorbed by my untrained brain and I kept on thinking over it as to what it really did mean.
It was only yesterday when my friend sent me a link for the BBC coverage of the Valentines day that I really got to know its meaning. And I must day that the meaning was deep and needs particular attention and religious consideration.
One serious concern being addressed to, these days, all across the nations around the world is that of Green Environment. This became famous recently by the potentially hazarduous effects Ozone depletion and the causes attached to it are being considered particularly with high priority. For the same reason, airlines across the world are facing a major problem at hand. To turn Green.
Secondly, the sustainability of any kind of development is also being kept in mind with the foundation & initiation of any major or minor project. Sustainability accounts for a development that can sustain for as long as the human race. The word gained popularity when people started facing major issues related to their daily lives and the government realised the economic setback that would be led if its not quickly and rationally handled.
Ethical flowers means just that. So when you send a gift to someone or when you receive one, how many times do you think about the process involved behind the production of the gift and the series of (perceived coincidences) events that lead those gift to land in your lap? At least I do not very often give it a thought. The only thing that matters is did the gift make me happy? And in 9 out of 10 cases it does. Ethical flowers is a perception for people to understand the production of flowers in a sustainable environment which would drive you to buy flowers which have been grown keeping the environment green. The BBC coverage of ethical flowers explained as to how this could degrade the environement. The coverage case studied the flowers being sold in UK on the Valentines day and observed where they were actually brought from. And in what conditions they were basically grown.
The two countries in focus were Holland and Kenya. While in Holland, the flowers are grown in an artificially heated Green House, Kenya does intensive Farming of Roses. The process adopted in Holland had a sustainable degree attached to it since it is not at all harming the environment in any sense and using minimal resources to do so. Thus, keeping the environment green and sustainable. Kenya, on the other hand, owing to intensive huge farms was found to degrade the soil and environment due to such a farming procedure and there were some serious water concerns too. Thus it has followed a non-sustainable and anti-green approach towards the cultivation.
Now, BBC went upon asking people about what they think of the Flowers being grown and their purchase. The cusotmers seemed to be indifferent of wherever they grow as long as it brings smile to their faces. And even if it doesn't nobody actually cares about the procedure being followed towards their farming. However, on asking experts, they suggested to buy the roses from Holland which have a Green Tag attached just to be a part of the Sustainable & Green environment drive being followed and push back all practices that may hinder this drive.
Ethical flowers becomes popular by the promotion of a UK online florist called Athenaflowers.com. They promoted these flowers and helped generate awareness of the importance that our environment holds.
Well, so now, that you understand the importance of our environment, do you think you should take a look at the Green Tag attached to teh gift you buy?
(Let me also say here that nothing is done in this world without a monetary purpose and so I think may have been the purpose of Athenaflowers too. I shall discuss this economic angle in my next post)
15 March, 2008
07 March, 2008
The e-business of Flowers & Trends
With a Farewell to the Valentine day recently, it is not the end of love season. In fact, it never is. At least not if you look at the growing competition in the Online Florist segment.
It is Spring and people look forward to sending flowers to their dear and loved ones. And the upcoming Mothers day in UK is another occasion round the corner that gives the Online Florists an uninterrupted ride till the Mothers day of May knocks again.
But when it comes to ordering and sending flowers to your pals out there, the mind is really confused as to whom to choose. Search in Google for Online Flower Delivery and you get more than 2 Million results! And I can bet this number would increase. But why is this horde for flowers? Well, its not just the Flowers but every other e-business.
But the main concern is of the customer. No doubt with so many options at his disposal, a customer has loads of options to choose from. But does it make things easy, or confuses the customer about whom to believe and who not, and who is the best merchant to purchase the product as per reasonable prices (no doubt every one claims to be one). Unlike the travel segment, the online flowers can not be compared, as one floral arrangement can be very different than the other. However, here is what I think is more important. It is always good to buy through the affiliates. So while you want to buy flowers of 1800flowers but want more discount than what it is offering, than, search for an affiliate of 1800. Purchasing with affiliates is beneficial, in terms that they tend to offer more discounts out of their commissions earned. So while there is a $50 charge for an arrangement at 1800, who get 15% commission on $50, decide to part with 10% discounts, offering them to the customers.
The benefit is that while you are getting the same 1800 flower arrangement that you wanted to, but at a lower rate when you buy it from the affiliates!
Isn't this amazing? Yes, it is. The benefit to a merchant is, that next time a customer buys, it will directly come to 1800 flowers (as this is what 1800 may believe). Thus, its like getting its reach increased around the globe and increasing its popularity.
The benefit to affiliates is that the customer would most probably come to the affiliate rather than the Merchant itself as they get good discounts on an affiliate site for the same product.
It is Spring and people look forward to sending flowers to their dear and loved ones. And the upcoming Mothers day in UK is another occasion round the corner that gives the Online Florists an uninterrupted ride till the Mothers day of May knocks again.
But when it comes to ordering and sending flowers to your pals out there, the mind is really confused as to whom to choose. Search in Google for Online Flower Delivery and you get more than 2 Million results! And I can bet this number would increase. But why is this horde for flowers? Well, its not just the Flowers but every other e-business.
But the main concern is of the customer. No doubt with so many options at his disposal, a customer has loads of options to choose from. But does it make things easy, or confuses the customer about whom to believe and who not, and who is the best merchant to purchase the product as per reasonable prices (no doubt every one claims to be one). Unlike the travel segment, the online flowers can not be compared, as one floral arrangement can be very different than the other. However, here is what I think is more important. It is always good to buy through the affiliates. So while you want to buy flowers of 1800flowers but want more discount than what it is offering, than, search for an affiliate of 1800. Purchasing with affiliates is beneficial, in terms that they tend to offer more discounts out of their commissions earned. So while there is a $50 charge for an arrangement at 1800, who get 15% commission on $50, decide to part with 10% discounts, offering them to the customers.
The benefit is that while you are getting the same 1800 flower arrangement that you wanted to, but at a lower rate when you buy it from the affiliates!
Isn't this amazing? Yes, it is. The benefit to a merchant is, that next time a customer buys, it will directly come to 1800 flowers (as this is what 1800 may believe). Thus, its like getting its reach increased around the globe and increasing its popularity.
The benefit to affiliates is that the customer would most probably come to the affiliate rather than the Merchant itself as they get good discounts on an affiliate site for the same product.
12 February, 2008
Flowers for every occasion...flowers for every mood
Being on the same page really helps dudes. In a way that while you might be trying to pass on a different message, the interpretor may get something actually the opposite and the chances are fat for this to happen in case of flowers. Now adding a card or gift to your bouquet can really make things easier for you. Here, you can actually communicate the message you want.
Let me tell you about a beautiful floral arrangement known by a funny name: tussie-mussie. Tussie-Mussie is a beautiful arrangement of flowers where one flower (commonly rose) is surrounded by fragrant herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and rue tied together tightly. Its actually a beauty. Such arrangement is still common in Weddings. Take a look at the picture.
During the Victorian Era, Tussie-Mussie were carried by the Judges into their courtrooms to protect against "goal fever". And even today, judges at England's highest court Old Bailey, follow this tradition by carrying a tussie-mussie into court six times a year.
Another peculiar thing related to these tussie-mussies is that they were carried close to the nose to ward off the stench in the streets and the plague!. Aromatherapy, it seems was invented here when people used to cover pungent herbs on the floors of homes to protect the gentlefolk from germs.
Tussie-musssie found a special place in Floriography & were even given to the intended by suitors at the beginning of a courtship.
Botany and related researches have always cached floriography with more ideas.
Let me give you a few examples of what flower stands for what meaning:
Lesley Bremness is a Garden designer who lists the meanings of all the flowers here. Just check these out and you will be amazed.
Shall bring more interesting facts in my next post.
Till then smell a rose ;)
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Let me tell you about a beautiful floral arrangement known by a funny name: tussie-mussie. Tussie-Mussie is a beautiful arrangement of flowers where one flower (commonly rose) is surrounded by fragrant herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and rue tied together tightly. Its actually a beauty. Such arrangement is still common in Weddings. Take a look at the picture.
During the Victorian Era, Tussie-Mussie were carried by the Judges into their courtrooms to protect against "goal fever". And even today, judges at England's highest court Old Bailey, follow this tradition by carrying a tussie-mussie into court six times a year.
Another peculiar thing related to these tussie-mussies is that they were carried close to the nose to ward off the stench in the streets and the plague!. Aromatherapy, it seems was invented here when people used to cover pungent herbs on the floors of homes to protect the gentlefolk from germs.
Tussie-musssie found a special place in Floriography & were even given to the intended by suitors at the beginning of a courtship.
Botany and related researches have always cached floriography with more ideas.
Let me give you a few examples of what flower stands for what meaning:
| angelica: | inspiration |
| carnation: | pure love |
| clover (4 leaf): | happiness |
| daffodil: | regret |
| jasmine: | amiability |
| lilac: | love's first emotions |
| marigold (African): | vulgar minds |
| poppy: | sleep and dreams |
| rose (white): | innocent love |
| ivy: | wedded love |
| wild strawberry: | perfection |
Lesley Bremness is a Garden designer who lists the meanings of all the flowers here. Just check these out and you will be amazed.
Shall bring more interesting facts in my next post.
Till then smell a rose ;)
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Affiliate & Earn Money from Home
11 February, 2008
A SneakPeek at the History
Lets begin it with as long back as the records speak. One reason is because I want to begin from the beginning; about the earliest known significance of flowers and herbs.
It has been known to you and me, now, passed on by our fathers and grand fathers and great grand fathers, the medicinal properties which many herbs carry with them.
Owing to such valuable properties, flowers have been used extensively for commercial purposes like making perfumes, pastes, creams and what not.
Not only the medicinal properties, but since time immemorial, people have admired the beauty a flower carry with itself and has been used in expressing emotions – thousands of them. You would be amazed to know that these expression of emotions have been categorised to have a language of their own and is termed as “Floriography”. Floriography was particularly used during the Victorian era when people used to exchange flowers considering the occasion and the meaning they carry. Not only this, flowers have also been used for religious purposes and one knows what flower to carry to a religious procession, in a church, to a temple and the likes.
Do you know that the language of flowers was as important to people as being "well dressed” during Victorian era? Ya, that’s true history has it all there. Infact, the recognizable scent of a particular flower, plant or perhaps a scented handkerchief sent its own unique message.
Those were the times when Flowers adorned almost everything… hair, clothing, jewelry, gowns, men’s lapels, home décor, china, and even stationery. Even today, ladies love to flaunt florally decorated hair. And that not the end, if a man wishes to pass on a sweet message to a lady without saying anything, all he has to do is carry a rose bud! Sounds so pleasing.
While Floriography is almost forgotten now, during the latter part of the 19th century and the early 20th, flowers were used to convey messages of love or dislike depending upon which ones are being presented, their sizes, how they were held, or also grouped together. They always a carried a meaning (not that they do not do it now but the interpretations have vanished).
How you send your bouquet also had a special meaning (today we see Online Flower Delivery but does it carry any meaning? Of course, it means sweetheart I am far away and could only send them online).
The way you present a flower had meanings of its own:
An upright position represented a "positive thought;
The opposite direction had a negative meaning.
Several dictionaries were published and written in account to explain this language to everyone, but guess who could have used such a dictionary the most – Of course yes… the lovers.
From here, we come to learn that "ROSES" symbolized love, in general. But the important thing is that each variety and color had his own meaning.
The "LILY," generally symbolized beauty, but since it too has many varieties, thus many diversified meanings.
What if lover’s used two "different" dictionaries--- with each possibly having its own nuances? Yes, both would be in a real fix. And this could even lead to probable confusions.
The significance for correct info can no doubt be ignored in such a case then.
I plan to take this further in subsequent posts.
Web Directory - a great family friendly directory offering full web services.
It has been known to you and me, now, passed on by our fathers and grand fathers and great grand fathers, the medicinal properties which many herbs carry with them.
Owing to such valuable properties, flowers have been used extensively for commercial purposes like making perfumes, pastes, creams and what not.
Not only the medicinal properties, but since time immemorial, people have admired the beauty a flower carry with itself and has been used in expressing emotions – thousands of them. You would be amazed to know that these expression of emotions have been categorised to have a language of their own and is termed as “Floriography”. Floriography was particularly used during the Victorian era when people used to exchange flowers considering the occasion and the meaning they carry. Not only this, flowers have also been used for religious purposes and one knows what flower to carry to a religious procession, in a church, to a temple and the likes.
Do you know that the language of flowers was as important to people as being "well dressed” during Victorian era? Ya, that’s true history has it all there. Infact, the recognizable scent of a particular flower, plant or perhaps a scented handkerchief sent its own unique message.
Those were the times when Flowers adorned almost everything… hair, clothing, jewelry, gowns, men’s lapels, home décor, china, and even stationery. Even today, ladies love to flaunt florally decorated hair. And that not the end, if a man wishes to pass on a sweet message to a lady without saying anything, all he has to do is carry a rose bud! Sounds so pleasing.
While Floriography is almost forgotten now, during the latter part of the 19th century and the early 20th, flowers were used to convey messages of love or dislike depending upon which ones are being presented, their sizes, how they were held, or also grouped together. They always a carried a meaning (not that they do not do it now but the interpretations have vanished).
How you send your bouquet also had a special meaning (today we see Online Flower Delivery but does it carry any meaning? Of course, it means sweetheart I am far away and could only send them online).
The way you present a flower had meanings of its own:
An upright position represented a "positive thought;
The opposite direction had a negative meaning.
Several dictionaries were published and written in account to explain this language to everyone, but guess who could have used such a dictionary the most – Of course yes… the lovers.
From here, we come to learn that "ROSES" symbolized love, in general. But the important thing is that each variety and color had his own meaning.
The "LILY," generally symbolized beauty, but since it too has many varieties, thus many diversified meanings.
What if lover’s used two "different" dictionaries--- with each possibly having its own nuances? Yes, both would be in a real fix. And this could even lead to probable confusions.
The significance for correct info can no doubt be ignored in such a case then.
I plan to take this further in subsequent posts.
Web Directory - a great family friendly directory offering full web services.
08 February, 2008
FLOWERS - A NECESSITY
Today, I start this blog with an idea. And the idea is flowers. To write about them. How they are sold, how they are bought online and how online florists make both ends meet. Its a very interesting industry and have developed tremendously online. Although this may not be an appealing reason but owing to my keen interest in flowers from as long back as I remember I studied this subject in College too. Graduated with Botany as my main subject. But since, Botany did not seem to serve my purpose of earning the bread, I had to later pursue MBA.
Anyway, the blog is not about me. Its about flowers which somehow form a part of our lives in one way or the other. Every human is enchanted by the flora around us and its generally seen that countries with rich flora have a cleaner atmosphere, healthy people and are more prosperous in terms of economy too. The stats also speaks volume, otherwise the 'go green' drive wouldn't have caught the acceleration it did.
Countries striving hard to turn to green atmosphere and this is reflected in the development and endeavors across the world to get rid of environ-unfriendly products. This is necessary from 'the sustainable development' perspective too.
While we do not actually do something to turn our atmosphere green, people buying flowers, admiring them and feeling content is a common view even on busy roads. And most important of all, flowers ARE for every occasion that you can think of. Whether its a birthday, you want to ask forgiveness from someone, you want to befriend someone, you want to cheer-up someone, you want to just wish good luck, you want someone to get well soon, you want to congratulate someone, you want to empathize, sympathize, show gratitude or whatever you can think of, flowers are just there waiting to be used in the best possible way, to bring smile on someone's face, to make that person special.
So, here we are, researching on flowers and updating everyone and how has technology driven this beautiful natural product. How easy it is to touch the nature with both hands and smile across and to know the real worth life is all about.
Anyway, the blog is not about me. Its about flowers which somehow form a part of our lives in one way or the other. Every human is enchanted by the flora around us and its generally seen that countries with rich flora have a cleaner atmosphere, healthy people and are more prosperous in terms of economy too. The stats also speaks volume, otherwise the 'go green' drive wouldn't have caught the acceleration it did.
Countries striving hard to turn to green atmosphere and this is reflected in the development and endeavors across the world to get rid of environ-unfriendly products. This is necessary from 'the sustainable development' perspective too.
While we do not actually do something to turn our atmosphere green, people buying flowers, admiring them and feeling content is a common view even on busy roads. And most important of all, flowers ARE for every occasion that you can think of. Whether its a birthday, you want to ask forgiveness from someone, you want to befriend someone, you want to cheer-up someone, you want to just wish good luck, you want someone to get well soon, you want to congratulate someone, you want to empathize, sympathize, show gratitude or whatever you can think of, flowers are just there waiting to be used in the best possible way, to bring smile on someone's face, to make that person special.
So, here we are, researching on flowers and updating everyone and how has technology driven this beautiful natural product. How easy it is to touch the nature with both hands and smile across and to know the real worth life is all about.
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