That he addressed flowers at all seems something of an aberration in his work. As he organized and manipulated this subject, he sometimes used the silk-screen process to create numerous images of the same flower that vary dramatically in size. At another time he produced a series of prints, each of a different flower. He emphasized process and repetition and thus challenged long-held ideas about the role of the artist.The Warhol images, which are among his least-known and least-studied works, have been loaned by The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh and the Sonnabend Gallery in New York. They range in date from the 1960s, when Warhol first emerged as a painter, to 1986, and represent the surprisingly various and often whimsical ways in which Warhol dealt with this subject.

They include Do It Yourself (Flowers) of 1962; examples from his best-known series of silk-screen paintings; Flowers, of 1964 and 1965; hand-colored prints of the 1970s; and several lyrical and lively silk-screen Flowers of 1986.Flowers are among O'Keeffe's best-known works. Those in the exhibition are from the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum's permanent collection, with the exception of four that have been loaned from private collections. Included are the never-before-seen and earliest-known flower painting by O'Keeffe, a watercolor of 1903, and her decidedly provocative abstract flower pastel of the late 1910s, Blue Flower. Also included are numerous examples of her depictions of this subject in oil from the 1920s and 1930s, the two decades in which she explored this theme most frequently, moving easily between representation and abstraction.A catalogue accompanies the exhibition and will be available at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Shop. The contributors to the catalogue are Barbara Buhler Lynes, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Curator and the Emily Fisher Landau Director of the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Research Center; Heather Hole, Assistant Curator, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum; Neil Printz, editor of the Andy Warhol catalogue raisonn?; and John Smith, Assistant Director for Collections, Exhibitions, and Research at The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh..

It is simply creating a mental picture or scene that can help soothe and relax you. But what picture can be more soothing and relaxing than an image of flowers.So, just imagine your favorite flower. Are you smiling yet? You are definitely in a different mood.There is no doubt that beautiful surroundings provide us with a special environment that helps us thrive. Flowers are an easy and affordable way to add a splash of color and emotion into your life..

This flower has special meaning in my heart. I associate it with my best friend who I lost to a car accident when we were both 17.Flowers definitely bring an emotional response and we remember our happy and sad times through them.The first time I inhaled the sweet fragrance of a carnation I was enthralled. It happened when my father, took us to Greece to visit his parents. As a 7 year old, this strange land captivated me. I vividly remember my first response when we made our way up the hill where my grandparents' house was, to find myself staring up at the handing grapes from the porch roof and the carnations which were planted along the edge of the porch.Blood red, I can still recall their sweet aroma.

They were the pride and joy of my grandmother who nurtured them and allowed me to help care for them. I had been instantly impressed by this glorious flower, not having seen it before.If you are a woman, most of your flower memories may be romantic ones. Can you recall the first time you received flowers? Or the time when you were impressed the most with your date's thoughtfulness?The first time I received flowers was at the early stages of the internet. I loved meeting and chatting with people from around the world and one such person was Rowan from London. We hit it off right away and till this day have remained good friends.

I was at work when a courier came in with a gigantic bouquet of flowers. When the receptionist came into my office to usher me to the reception not for a minute did I think they were for me. But they were. The gesture was so unexpected, so thoughtful, it will remain in my heart forever.What are your flower memories?.

The very color of a flower may have a profound effect on an individual.Flowers and Their MeaningsContrary to what you may have been told, there are no specific meanings that are associated with flower types or colors. When giving the gift of flowers, people tend to personalize the experience by offering the types and/or colors that carry a significant meaning to the person or occasion. Due to the widespread belief, however, that certain meanings are attached to particular flower types, the Society of American Florists has composed a list of flower/meaning associations, in accordance with their histories.Meanings according to type:Anemone - Fragility; Apple Blossom - Promise; Baby's Breath - Festivity; Begonia - Deep Thoughts; Camellia - Graciousness; Daisy - Innocence; Forget-Me-Not ? Eternal Remembrance; Holly - Domestic Happiness; Lilac - First Love; Orchid - Delicate Beauty;Meanings according to color:Pink Rose - Friendship; Red Rose - Passion; Red & White Rose - Love and Unity; Yellow Rose - Zeal; Purple Tulip - Royalty; Cut FlowersAs a result of the mounting global market and technological advances, an abundance of flower varieties are available throughout the year. Some of the most beautiful and diverse arrangements contain a mixture of fresh cut and other types of flowers or plants. Contained within this section are some of the more common varieties that are available through most local florists.One of the more classic flowers ? the rose ? is available in a variety of genres, including the tea rose, the sweetheart rose and the spray rose.

The nearly 120 arrays of roses that retailers commonly carry contain all shades of the spectrum, such as those of the red, pink, purple, orange, coral, peach and white families. The style of growth, as well as color, may differ from type to type. For example, tea roses will open from three to four inches, with stems spanning 12 to 30 inches in length; whereas the stems of spray roses may contain several flowers each.The variety and type of rose will determine its life span, but most will typically live between four and seven days after cutting. Due to their delicate nature, stems should be placed in the vase very gingerly. In order to reduce the build-up of bacteria, any foliage that is apparent immediately above the water line should be removed.

For maximum life expectancy, stems should be re-cut every two to three days.Lilies may also be referred to by variety, such as in the case of the Asiatic Lily or Oriental Lily. These flower types can be recognized by their trumpet-shaped petals and can reach six inches in diameter. The height of their stems can reach up to three feet and may sport four to eight blossoms. Their color varieties include white, yellow, pink, red and orange.Due to their poisonous nature ? specifically concerning the members of the feline family - the National Animal Poison Control Center recommends keeping all forms of lilies out of the reach of your household pets.Tulips ? known by no specific variety names ? grow as single blossoms, containing six petals each. Variations include those of the lily-flowering, double flowering, fringe-petaled and ruffled parrot genres.

The color array includes white, yellow, pink, peach, orange, red, lavender and purple, as well as a bi-color variety.The orchid, also known as cymbidium, dendrobium, oncidium, cattleya and phalaenopsis, are available in a variety of shapes and sizes ? the largest of these being cymbidiums. Including all varieties, there are currently over 17,000 species which span the globe.Personal preference will dictate which flower, color and/or arrangement is most suitable for that special someone in your life, as well as which room of the house in which to display the arrangement.The Growing Popularity of WildflowersWhile these were once seen as mere weeds, the misunderstood wildflower has recently gained popularity, as a result of the botanical education that's been offered by a variety of gardening experts. Wildflowers serve a purpose beyond that of simple beauty, as evidenced by the fact that small country gardens containing these types of flowers are known to attract birds and caterpillars. Growing such a garden is beneficial, both to the senses and to the area wildlife.Among the more popular wild flowers are honeysuckle, foxglove, red campion, lesser celandine, herb Robert and forget-me-not. Certain areas of the world have developed such an appreciation for wildflowers that the uprooting of them is illegal.

Many people agree with this, since they tend to think of it in terms of preventing the removal of the landscape's natural beauty..

You may be able to grow a sun lover in partial shade, but you may get fewer flowers or weaker growth. Place it in a spot where it can really shine!Each year literally hundreds of new annual flowers are presented to gardeners. Some are distinct improvements based on the region where the flower was cultivated and some are not.Inside each cell in green plants are microscopic worlds that trap and convert some of the energy in light, mix it with water and carbon dioxide, and turn it into a simple sugar. It is this sugar that plants use to grow, flower, and set seed. The best light for plant growth is sunlight.

But almost since the invention of electric lights, researchers and gardeners have tested various methods to study plants and grow them. Artificial sunlight has the great advantage of being controllable. Whereas some days might be too sunny or cold or windy to provide the right light for delicate seedlings, the intensity and duration of artificial light can be fine-tuned. However, for the typical gardener and flower grower, mother nature provides all the sunshine, water and elements needed to grow beautiful flowers.Enjoy yourself in your garden!.

You may choose a tall vase of all Calla Lilies or Tulips. You may also decide to send a flower basket or blooming plant. Men like flowers too! Consider an elegant vase of all white flowers for the special man in your life. Men are also drawn to vibrant flowers in reds & blues. Even the manliest of men appreciate the beauty of flowers.

Your local florist can also provide Gourmet Gift Baskets for Valentine's Day delivery. What a treat to receive a beautiful basket full of delicious chocolates, coffees, teas, snacks, etc. Gift Baskets can also contain bubble baths, lotions, candles. Ask your local florist for specific contents available for gift baskets.Don't forget that you can also add "Special Touches" to your arrangement. Plush Animals and Mylar/Latex Balloons are popular additions to a floral arrangement or gift basket.

Your local florist can add a personalized message to your gift. Flowers are the ultimate expression of love, and your message can tell your Valentine exactly how you feel about them! It is suggested to order your flowers in advance (a week ahead) of this busy holiday to ensure best selection and timely delivery. Remember, to get the best value when purchasing flowers, you should always call a real local florist. "Order Takers" charge you a fee to process your order. Often a portion of your money is absorbed by these "Order Takers", decreasing the value of your arrangement! By dealing with a florist directly, you get a better value & professional service!.

Even if they are dried appropriately, the colors will be faded. You can get a fresh cut bouquet freeze dried to perpetuate the true colors, but it must be done by a professional and can be expensive. Silk flowers will not wilt, mold, or fade on your wedding day or over the years that pass. If you choose to have a silk flower wedding, you can plan and order your bouquets far in advance of the wedding. Most brides are very busy in the month before the wedding.

Having to coordinate with a florist to have fresh cut flowers delivered to the wedding venue is just one more pressure point on the countdown. Also, if the fresh cut flowers do not look like you envisioned, when you get them it is often too late to change anything. When you order your silk flower bouquets as far in advance as six months before the wedding, you have plenty of time to ask for changes or to order extra pieces if other honored guests appear on your list. Finally, in terms of the wedding budget, a silk flower wedding can be more economical than fresh cut flowers. The flowers you like are always "in season." Prices are not bumped by seasonal changes.

Also, because you will be able to order at a time that you wish to, you can pay for the flower expense months ahead of other expenses that will necessarily come right before the wedding.Whatever choices you make about your wedding flowers - silk flower or fresh cut - a good wedding flower designer will help you create beauty in your wedding bouquet..

Single blooming varieties have three standards and three falls, doubles have six falls and peony-type blossoms are downward sloping with nine or more falls. Cultivars with red-violet flowers include the "Royal Banner", the "Velvety Queen", and the spectacular, dark red-violet "Laughing Lion". Hardy in zones four through nine, rhizomes can be planted from October to March. However, Japanese Iris grown from seed are smaller but bloom with exquisitely elegant flowers. The Japanese Iris is an extremely beautiful waterside plant that exhibits breath-taking reflections when placed near water's edge, During summer, many gardeners pot Japanese Iris and place them at ponds edge or in shallow tubs of water.

However, in winter pots need to be removed from standing water to keep rhizomes from rotting. When planting Japanese Iris in a perennial garden, mulch helps retain the abundant moisture they love as well as controlling weeds.Japanese Iris do best in acidic soil in full sun to part shade. Rhizomes are typically planted 2-inches deep and 18 inches apart. Plants should be lifted and divided every three to four years, either after flowering is finished or in the fall.Although the Japanese Iris is beautiful in all its variations, the unusual patterns and shapes of the red-violet cultivars add distinction to any perennial garden..

The leaves are lance-shaped and 3-5 inches long. The upper leaves form like a hood of sorts about the flower. These wild flowers prefer moist, shady ground and flower from June through September.The day flower tends to open in the morning and looking somewhat "alert". In the afternoon, or after the bees have visited and fertilized it, the petals roll up and quickly wilt into a wet, shapeless mass which will leave a sticky blue fluid on your fingers if you touch it.SPIDERWORT; WIDOW'S or JOB'S TEARS (Tradescantia Virginiana) - Spiderwort familyThe Spiderwort's flowers are purplish blue in color but on rare occasion they can be white. There's usually several flowers about 1-2 inches wide, and usually contain clusters of drooping buds between long, blade-like bracts at the end.

This one can grow from 8-36 inches tall, and has long blade-like leaves. It prefers rich, moist woods, thickets or garden space, and it flowers from May through August.Like its relative the dayflower, the spiderwort opens for part of a day only. In the morning it is wide awake and pert; early in the afternoon its petals have begun to retreat and wither away. New blooms appear each day throughout the season though.WILD HYACINTH, SCILLA or SQUILL. QUAMASH (Quamasia kyacinthina; Scilla Fraseri of Gray) - Lily familyThe Wild Hyacinth tends to produce many pale violet blue flowers, though once in awhile they can be white.

There tend to be equal groups of 6 flowers on long, oblong-shaped branches. The plant tends to grow 1-2 feet tall, and has grass-like, short leaves. These wild flowers prefer meadows, prairies and stream banks, and they bloom from April to May.These wild flowers tend to be low maintenance, and they propogate on their own, without being invasive. In addition to attracting bees, the Wild Hyacinth also tends to attract ants, wasps, flies, butterflies, and beetles.Whether you prefer to start your flowers from seeds or potted starter plants, wild flowers are a wonderful addition to any type of garden. Creating a stand alone wild flower garden is also a fantastic way to make a great, naturalized impression in large or unused areas of your landscape.Watch for future articles where I'll introduce you to many other wild flowers in a variety of other colors too!.

For a more serene setting, purple trachelium or blue hydrangea work well. Soft pastels can help create a caring, nurturing atmosphere. Don't be afraid to experiment with more unusual flowers like lisianthus, peonies, or ranunculus and see what works for you. A "garden" bouquet consisting of many types of flowers can add a country-like feel to a room while a "European-style" bouquet of 2-3 types of flowers can add elegance and sophistication. Items from around the house such as water pitchers, teapots, urns, and oil and vinegar containers can serve as eclectic vases.Americans have traditionally bought flowers only on special occasions, while Europeans have long known that beauty like flowers should be enjoyed regularly, not just when we have guests.

Not only do flowers add color and aroma to a living room, kitchen, or dining room, they also lift our spirits and stimulate an emotional response. New schools of thought such as "flower therapy" suggest various color combinations help stimulate memories and generally improve our moods. A study by Rutgers University confirms that flowers do in fact make people happier, even men! If you don't have the time to buy fresh flowers from florists, pick some up on your trip to the supermarket. Or get flowers from the grower on websites like www.beyondblossoms.com, which ships FedEx so you don't need to be home for delivery. You'll be surprised how just a few stems can go a long way towards completing a room..