Did you know?

Administrative Professionals Day formerly known as Secretary's Day is an unofficial holiday observed on the Wednesday of the last full week of April, or Administrative Professionals Week (formerly known as National Secretaries Week).

This week was created in 1952 in conjunction with the National Secretaries Association to recognize the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and other administrative support professionals. The goal was to encourage more people to consider careers in the secretarial/administrative support field.

The first official period of appreciation took place during the week of June 1-7 in 1952, with Wednesday, June 4, 1952 designated National Secretaries Day.

In 1955, the observance date of National Secretaries Week was moved to the last full week of April. The name was changed to Professional Secretaries Week in 1981, and became Administrative Professionals Week in 2000 to encompass the expanding responsibilities and wide-ranging job titles of administrative support staff.

Over the years, Administrative Professionals Week has become one of the largest workplace observances. The event is celebrated worldwide, bringing together millions of people. In the United States, the day is often celebrated by giving gifts such as flowers, candy, trinkets, lunch at a restaurant, or time off.

Top picks for indoor plants

Plants are commonly known for converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, but certain plants are also good for ridding our air of indoor contaminants.

Three common types of household toxins are Benzene-based, Formaldehyde-based and Trichloroethylene-based.

• Some sources of Benzene-based toxins include detergents, plastics, tobacco smoke and synthetic fibers. A few of the best plants to remove these toxins are the Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily), Gerbera Daisy and Alglaonema (Chinese Evergreen).

• Formaldehyde-based toxins originate from such items as carpeting, furniture, cleaners and paper products. Bamboo plants, Philodendrons, Ivy and Golden Pothos are just some green plants that are best for the removal of these toxins.

• Inks, varnishes, adhesives and paints are a couple examples of where Trichloroethylene-based toxins may come from. Plants associated with the removal of these toxins include Dracaena, Gerbera Daisy, Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily) and Chrysanthemum.

Flowering Facts about Tulips

o Tulips are from Holland, right? Not exactly. Tulips are actually from Turkey.

o The Tulip is the national flower of Turkey.

o Tulip means Turban in Turkish.

o Tulips require a sandy soil. A sandy soil is necessary because tulips require a good drainage system.

o Tulips symbolize imagination, dreaminess, perfect lover and a declaration of love.

o Fresh out of onions? Use your Tulip bulbs instead! Tulip bulbs are a good replacement for onions in cooking.

o When you see a tulip that looks like it has stripes it is actually a virus that causes that. Not to worry, it’s grown that way on purpose.

o Tulips have a beautiful color and charming aroma; however tulips come in every color except blue and black.

o It’s been said that if you add a little sugar to the water of your vase your tulips will live longer.

o Tulips work well in tall, straight vases although can be arranged in a fan shape in a low, wide bowl.

o Tulips also conform to the shape of the container, straight up if in a tall container, twisting to fit into a flat or irregular shaped vase.

o An interesting fact about tulips is that they actually continue to grow after being cut, up to an inch or more, best to cut them under water.

o Do not place your tulips in direct sun, and keep them away from heating vents or drafts.

o Penny for your thought…. If you would like your tulips to stand straight up as an arrow, don’t forget to drop a penny in your vase!

Behind the Tradition...

Prom flowers have been a long and popular tradition. Both the corsage and the boutonniere have existed for many years and are essential for a successful prom.

It's customary for the man to buy the corsage for his date. The corsage can be worn as a pin-on or on the wrist. It's also a good idea to know what color dress your date is wearing so that the corsage you choose does not clash.

Traditionally girls buy the boutonniere for their dates. A boutonniere is worn as a pin-on and placed on the right lapel.

Corsages and boutonnieres can be made in many different styles using a variety of flowers such as, roses, orchids and carnations. If you are undecided what flowers to choose roses are the number one favorite! The great thing about roses is that they look great, smell great and act as a perfect fall back choice if you can't decide what to choose.

So remember, the key to a successful prom is to enjoy yourself, have a wonderful time and prom flowers are one great way to ensure that happens!

How To Make Your Cut Flowers & Arrangements Last Longer:

Is light important?
Yes. The more light the better, but be careful of too much heat from direct sunlight or strong indoor lights.

Is humidity important?
Yes. Flowers prefer a humid environment. Avoid drafty spots near air conditioning vents which tend to dry out flowers.

Do cut flowers need a clean environment?
Yes. The vase should be absolutely clean. Always use “flower food” with a germicide and remove any foliage below the water line to avoid bacteria growth.

Is “flower food” important?
Yes. It provides the nutrition the flowers would receive if they were still on the plant.

Should I cut the stems of my flowers?
Cut off about 1/2” of stem with a sharp knife, preferably under water, before placing them in your vase. When cutting stems, be sure not to “strip the bark” from the stem because It protects and extends the life of the flower.

How else can I prolong the life of cut flowers?
Leave on as many leaves as possible, but not below the water line. And remove yellowing leaves to keep your flowers looking fresher longer.

Flowering Facts about Lilies...

DID YOU KNOW ?

1. Lilies have been cultivated for over 3000 years.

2. Feng Shui believers hold the Lily as an emblem of summer and abundance.

3. The Chinese culture believes the lily to mean “Forever in Love.”

4. In Europe lilies were used as a remedy against a wide range of diseases and ailments.

5. In Greek poetry, the lily stood for tenderness, and there is a Greek myth that tells us how the lily was born from the milk of the goddess Hera.

6. Lilies are decorative and fragrant flowers, and are available all year long. Which makes them a great gift designed by themselves or mixed with roses and other high styled flowers.

7. To prolong the flower’s life it’s best to remove the pollen by pinching them together and pulling them up and out of the Lily.

8. Lilies produce large quantities of pollen. To remove pollen from clothes lightly brush off the pollen with a toothbrush or a craft pipe cleaner,
this will prevent staining.

9. Lilies are one of the most popular flowers in the UK, next to the Rose. Globally, Lilies are ranked fourth amount the flowers in popularity.

10. There are numerous varieties of Lilies. Among the Lily varieties only groups like the Asiatics and Orientals are the most popular flowers and the most widely grown.