Entries are now being taken for The Gosford City Garden Competition there are several categories available to enter in.

* Champion Residential Garden

* Best Echo Friendly Garden

* Best Residential  Front Garden

* Best Residential Rear Garden

* Best Commercial Garden

* Best School Garden

* Best New/Renovated Residential Garden

* Best Theme or Specialty Garden

* Best Feature in a  Domestic Garden

* Best Patio or Balcony Display

* Best Nursing Home /Retirement Village/ Over 50s Garden

* Best Residential Neighbour Garden

Entries Close Monday 6th September 2010

Judging Tuesday 7th- Friday 10th September 2010

Presentation Thursday 23rd September 2010 from 6.30pm at The Erina Room The Hive Erina Fair

Open Gardens Sunday 26th September 2010

Boydita Flowers Delivered is proud to be a sponsor of The Garden competition once again this year.When you go to the presentation night be sure to have a look at the great design we will have there.

Wishing all competitors the very best.

For more information you can visit Gosford City Councils Service Centre at Erina,Gosford, Kincumber or Woy Woy.

With the hundreds of sizes,shapes and colours flowers come in,Floral arrangement are a great gift to customise.When it comes to gift giving carefully selecting the Flower varieties and colours you send will result in thoughtful customised gifts people will appreciate and enjoy recieving.

The first step is  to consider the preferences of the person who is recieving the gift.

For example

* What colour does the recipient like?

* Does the recipient have any favourite flowers?

* What are the recipients hobbies?

* What kind of message do you want to convey?

All these and more can be used to customise that Floral Gift for that special someone to make it a truly personal gift.

What is the best way for a man to make a lasting impression on a woman?

Recent customer research shows the answer to making memorable impact is right under his nose through flowers.In fact the study shows that 92% of women can remember the last time they received flowers, and 89% say receiving flowers make them feel special. If the way to a mans heart is through his stomach,then the pathway to a women’s heart is through her senses.

“Flowers are a sensual gift that can express any emotion so simply with just a little knowledge and a phone call to the florist”

For great advice on how to send just the right message to the woman in your life,a new girlfriend that someone special, Mum or a good friend give the friendly Professional team at Boydita Flowers Delivered a call on 0243677496.

Anzac Day 25th April is probably Australias most important national occassion.It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australia and New Zealand forces during the First World War.Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

Laying of Wreaths

Flowers have traditionally been laid on graves and memorials in memory of the dead.The traditional Laurel Wreath is made using Laurel leaves as the base. Laurel is used in mark of honour. The spray created at the base of the wreath traditionally consists of Red Poppies as they have been recognised as the flower of remembrance. Rosemary is an ancient symbol of remembrance and is used to compliment the poppies. Rosemary is also worn on Anzac Day and is of particular significance for Australians as it is found growing wild on the Gallipoli Peninsular. A  Least We Forget  Ribbon is placed acrossthe wreath high on the left and low on the right symbolising the rising and the setting of the sun, East to West.

When placing your order this year be sure to advise the friendly Team at Boydita your school,group or organisations colours to enable us to include these in the wreath.

Nature holds the secret to business success according to the latest research. Idea generation, creative performance and problem solving skills improve substantially in the workplace enviroment with flowers and plants.

Frequent Flowers:

A colourful collection of blooming flowers can bring the beauty and serenity of nature into your office or home.

Fact:

Its a fact 89% of people agree that a person who gives a gift of flowers is sophisticated.

Did you know:

The last full week in April is Administrative Professionals Week,also known as Professional Secretaries Week.

Tip:

Try Flower Power, send Flowers to recognise an employee for a job well done or to express appreciation to a valued client.

You can shop online 24/7 at www.flowersdelivered.com.au.

MJ Ryan Happiness expert and author of the Random Acts of kindness book series, has coupled her expertise on the power of gratitude with her love for flowers to create Random Acts of Flowers, a list of her favourite reasons to send a floral Gift.

I see flowers as a way to capture special moments and emotions in life. says Ryan. People truly and fondly remember when they get flowers and you will continue to feel Thanked throughout your relationship long after you send them.

Here are Ryans Top 10 Random Acts of Flowers

* One who makes a Difference:

Think of the car pool mum,scout leader,local volunteer. who makes an everyday difference in your life. A surprise Bouquet is a convenient informal way to say Thank you for mailing my life easier.

* Wedding Arrangements:

When asking a friend to join your wedding party or expressing Thanks to a shower Hostess, ask your Florist to help make it special by delivering an arrangement in advance of the big day.

Best Friend Boost:

Send a celebration’s bunch to a best friend who lands a dream job,a sibling who receives a promotion at work,or a friend who reaches a personal milestone. Show them you care about their success.

A Moment of Calm:

Help someone dealing with a hectic time in their life relax with a tranquil gift of flowers. Your Florist can give you ideas on soothing colours and styles, and help you deliver that”moment of calm”. The recipient will be impressed by your thoughtfulness.

Life Lessons:

Surprise your child’s teacher or tutor with eye popping arrangement for his/her desk Ask your child to put his/her favourite teaching moment on the gift card to make the memory last a life time.

Life Guard Reward:

Send Flowers to say Thank your Baby sitter or pet sitter as a surprise Thank you for safely guarding your most prized possessions.

A beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood:

Welcome to a new Family or delight an elderly neighbour who does not get out much with a colourful flowering plant or fresh flowers for their kitchen. Its a great way to break the ice,meet a friend and show you care.

* Fresh Squeeze:

Don’t wait for Valentines Day to say “I love you”Research shows that people like to receive flowers when they least expect it.Send a surprise floral hug to make your romance spontaneously blossom. Or on your Birthday send flowers to your Mum to thank her for all shes done for you.

* Delivery is in the Details:

Show your appreciation to your hair stylist who always manages to fit you in during a pinch,or Doctor who spends those extra minutes to shoe he/she cares.

* Declare you care

Send a bouquet to celebrate a friend who has recovered from an illness or a new mum on her first day back to work. It will be a beautiful reminder of your friendship and support.

Flowers are the perfect expression of Gratitude and appreciation and they deliver a message with sincerity and care.The new research shows that these positive characteristics also attributed to the giver. Giving Flowers is an act of kindness and the results are anything but random.

Florists are experts in many areas  but they cannot read minds. So if you have a specific flower or colour preferences be sure to communicate that to your florist and do not worry if you are unfamiliar with the names of the thousands of flowers available. By following a few simple steps you can order flowers from a florist with confidence.

* When ordering floral gifts. describe the recipients personality type as well as his or her favourite hobbies or colours if you know them. Your Florist can match the floral arrangement with the recipients personality.

* Tell your Florist if the gift is for a special occasion (Birthday,Anniversary or other personal milestone). He or She can offer suggestions on how to best celebrate with flowers.

* If the flowers are for decorating or entertaining, describe the environment where the arrangement will be placed so your florist can create an arrangement that compliments the style and colours of your home.

* Consider bringing in your own vase or container for an added personal touch. Ask the Florist for specific colours or colour themes.

* Let your florist know if you prefer a mixed Floral arrangement or an arrangement made up of just one flower type.

* Provide your Florist with the necessary basic information- The name, full address and phone number of the recipient,the delivery date,your card message and payment information.

Whether sending flowers across the country or around the corner, your florist provides the expertise ,convenience and service to days on the go consumers are looking for.

Each state and territory in Australia, and the nation, has selected an endemic Australian native flower as its emblem:

Only two state emblems can be easily found as cut flowers: the Waratah (NSW) and the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw from WA. The national floral emblemAcacia pycnantha can sometimes be found as a ‘flowering foliage’ crop in spring.

NSW - The Waratah

Botanical Name: Telopea speciosissima

The Waratahs are borne on the waratah tree,which is native to eastern NSW. Other species that are sometimes used as cut flowers are T.oreades found in Gippsland Vic and T truncata found in Tasmania. The latter two species are not as showy as T speciosissima and are more commonly used as garden plants or in breeding programs. Waratahs are a much loved spring flower in Australia particularly in NSW where they are the state flower. They are also the official flower of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Waratahs bear large red flowers in spring. Each flower head is surrounded by red to bronze bracts and is made up of dozens of individual florets that open from the outside in. The tightly packed buds in the centre of the flower can often have a blue appearance. Each thick woody stem bears one flower at the top,surrounded by slightly silky green leaves. Selection breeding has resulted in white,cream or pink flowers but these are rare as cut flowers.

Waratahs are only available for a few weeks, from late winter to spring.

What to look for:

*Flowers with the least number of open florets, as long as some are open

* Leaves that are fresh and green

* Avoid flowers with a blue tinge

Flower Care:

* Keep cool whenever possible

*Remove leaves from lower half of stem

* Re cut 2cm from each stem with sharp secateurs and place in cold water

* Never bash or split stem ends

* No preservative, place in cold water with a few drops of bleach. The sugar preservatives cause excess nectar production

* Waratahs are very sensitive to ethylene.Keep them away from fruit, car exhausts and cigarette smoke.

Interesting Facts:

Telopea is derived from the Greek telopos meaning seen from afar and refers to the great distance from which the crimson flowers are discernible. The specific name speciosissima is of the Latin adjective speciosus meaning beautiful or handsome. Waratah the aboriginal name for the species was adapted by early settlers at Port Jackson, which was renamed Sydney.

Its time again for the presentation of  awards for the Gosford City Garden Competition judging has been taking place since the 15th September and on Thursday 1st October the announcements of the winning entries will be held at a gala dinner at the Gosford/Edogawa Commemorative Gardens .

In line with our regions current focus on water conversation, the 2009 Gosford City Garden competition is themed around ecological sustainability,innovation and creativity.Highly regarded as best practice within the industry,the competition aims to simulate enthusiaasm and interest in various types of gardening and ecologically sustainable practices, with the objective to publically acknowledge and reward the efforts of those who enter.

With Judges from the Australian Institute of Horticulture, the competetion attracts a wide range of businesses and community groups including schools,retirement villages,community centres and local industries.

All the team at Boydita Flowers Delivered wish all enterants the very best of luck and look forward to the announcement of the winners.

Each year Boydita Flowers Delivered sponsors a beautiful large floral design for the presentation evening. This year is no exception and we will again design a beautiful native design featuring  some truely beautiful waratahs, kangaroo paw and a selection of native flowers all able to be grown on the Central Coast.

For any further information you can click here to learn more.

The use of wreaths,especially constructed from Laurel Leaves continues a tradition that dates back to antiquity.

The Greeks gave a wreath of Laurels to winners in the Pythian games and beginning in 776BC to victors in the Olympic Games. The most favoured origin for the practice is rooted in Greek Mythology.

The Romans adopted the laurel wreath and its association with success,placing them on the heads of successful military generals during a triumph.A public celebration in ancient Rome to welcome a returning victorious commander and his army.

War often incorporate a laurel wreath as part of a commemorative  embellishment,and fresh wreaths containing laurel may be placed on memorials by dignitaries on important days such as Remembrance Day and Anzac Day.The fact that the tree is an evergreen is further symbolic suggesting fidelity to the memory and recognition of sacrifice made by the nations youth.Red poppies are included in memory of the  fields where the battles took place. Rosemary is also used as a symbol of remembrance.

Boydita Flowers Delivered can customize a Laurel Wreath to include your club or school colours including a least we forget ribbon.