Iconic Easter Florals and What They Represent
Easter is a meaningful time representing new growth and fresh beginnings – including beautiful blooms. In Australia, Easter is all about families. Flowers are a beautiful way to decorate for the holiday or let loved ones know that you’re thinking of them. There is a selection of different flower varieties that are iconic to this holiday – find out what they are and what they signify, then order yours from Amazing Graze for same-day flower delivery this Easter period.
Tulips are heavily associated with Easter and are widely known to signify perfect love – their unique, bell-shaped blossom also bears a heavy resemblance to an Easter egg. Different colours of tulips represent different feelings: red signifies true love, yellow represents happiness and cheerfulness, white sends a message of forgiveness or a clean slate, and purple symbolises royalty.
Daisies are a gorgeous, delicate symbol of purity, innocence and gentility. Their wildflower-esque appearance gives them a beautiful, whimsical feel. Daisies commonly bloom in shades of white and yellow, both colours reminiscent of the Easter period. They are beautiful on their own but can also be the perfect complement to other blooms in a big bouquet.
Daffodils
Daffodils are a bright, beautiful reminder of new beginnings and rebirth, similar to other floral bulbs. In England, they are often referred to as ‘Lent lilies’ because they have long been strongly associated with Lent. Gifting daffodils to a loved one is thought to show them that they are the only one for you; superstition says a gift of daffodils will ensure your happiness together.
Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons are native to sunny areas, which means they are abundant in Australia. They are a common symbol of beauty, optimism and energy. Like tulips, different rhododendron colours mean different things. Red is associated with passion and sensuality, pink shows sympathy or is intended to bring calm to the recipient, and yellow evokes positivity and happiness. They are commonly found in wedding bouquets and can be the perfect addition to a bright, cheerful bouquet.
Although known as Christmas lilies here in Australia, most parts of the world refer to these beautiful blooms as Easter lilies. Apart from smelling glorious, lilies are a strong symbol of purity and resurrection. They are often given as a gift of gratitude or associated with motherhood. Lilies are one of the most popular flowers to gift at Easter; they are beautiful on their own as well as in a bouquet with other varieties.
Let a loved one know you’re thinking of them this Easter, or get a jump start on your Easter decorating with help from Amazing Graze. Take advantage of our same-day delivery every day apart from public holidays – or chat with one of our expert team members for help finding the perfect plants or flowers for your needs.
Celebrate National Scone Day with a 3-ingredient Scone Recipe
Dear reader, you probably wouldn't know, that the 30th of May is not just your regular Monday, it is National Scone Day. Yes, for the love of scones, we made it to the National Food Calendar! Above all, when most of us are still reminiscing about the glamorous and dizzying Regency London high society, we can’t help planning a vintage tea party for our next chitchat girls date.
The ‘Scone Story’
Scones are the trusty treats of an English afternoon tea. The tradition of these buttery baked goods can date back to the 16th century in Scotland. Despite all the varieties, scones were originally prepared with oat flour, baked on stones and later on griddles. The shape of a scone was as big as a medium-sized plate. People then cut it into wedges when serving.
Nowadays, you can easily find this treat in your local bakeries, corner cafes, Amazing Graze Tea Rooms, and any supermarket. Each country has its own version of the ‘best scones’. With raisins or not, no matter how you like your scones, these buttery, fluffy, sweet and sometimes savoury classics are not to miss on your to-bake list.
3 Ingredient Scone Recipe
We know, baking can be quite intimidating especially when it comes to a traditional treat like scones. But hey, rest assured. The good news is we’ve found and taste-tested this super easy recipe by the talented Carly Jacobs for you. With just 3 pantry ingredients and in 5 simple steps, voilà, delicious scones are ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of self-raising flour
- ⅓ cup of butter
- 1 cup of milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Place the flour and butter in a mixing bowl and then use your fingertips to rub the flour and butter together until the mixture forms fine breadcrumbs.
- Make a well in the centre of the mixture and add 1 cup of milk. Mix until the mixture forms a soft dough, adding an extra dash of milk if the mixture is dry.
- Lightly flour your benchtop. Transfer the dough to the floured surface and knead until smooth. Pat the dough down with the palm of your hand until it’s about 2cm thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out scones. If there is dough leftover, pull it together and repeat the process. You should end up with 15 scones.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the scones have risen and the tops are golden. Transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm.
It’s time to show off your new scone-baking skill
Nothing beats our favourite love language: sharing food. Now that you know how to bake scones, what’s a better excuse for hosting a tea party that makes your friends feel like Bridgertons? Imagine an afternoon tea at home: chitchat, laughter accompanied with freshly baked scones, fresh flowers, some fine teas in vintage-looking tea-ware… Speaking of which, is the essence that determines the whole feel and theme of your tea party. Tell me I’m not alone, just like what a coffee mug can do, a pretty delicate teacup set always makes your tea taste somehow different! Yummier, to be exact ;) Agree with me?
If you still haven’t got your own tea set sorted but fancy one, look no further. We’ve saved you from the hassle of running across antique stores and struggling to find a complete set. This Cristina Re Blush Stripe Tea Set is an unfailing match for you. Simple yet elegant, the pink and gold combo is sure to impress you and your guests. If you’re looking for something a bit more vintage, the Charlotte Rose Teacup & Saucer Set is the one. We also have a limited edition of their Louis Leopard Luxury Set available.
Another element that can’t be left out in a nicely arranged tea party is flowers. Fresh flowers not only help you add up the colour theme, but they also carry meanings. If you’re celebrating your besties, consider including bright freesia, yellow roses and rare orchids that symbolise joy and optimism; or if you’re honouring your mums, have a look at daylilies, chrysanthemums and carnations, which explain all the virtues of motherhood… Fresh blooms are indeed more than just an accessory.
Take it to another level
Sometimes we just can’t be bothered prepping, hosting and cleaning up. There is an option we’ve got for you to fulfil your ‘an afternoon in Regency’ fantasy. All you need to do is just get dressed up, walk down the road to Rose St, and get well served. Amazing Graze Tea Rooms is there, open 7 days a week for your next high tea date.
Oh, and another PSA: sitting next to the tearoom is Amazing Graze Flowers. Who doesn't dream of an afternoon tea surrounded by beautiful blooms? Let us help you decorate your sweet high tea with some fresh flowers. Level up your high tea experience with our daily bouquet, easy!
The Best Gift Ideas for 520 Day
While most of the world celebrates one single Valentine’s Day on February 14th, lovers in China celebrate a second Valentine’s Day on May 20th, or 5/20.
In Chinese, ‘520’ is phonetically similar to ‘I love you', as 5-2-0 in pinyin is wǔ èr líng, while 我爱你, which is "I Love You" in Chinese, is wǒ ài nǐ, prompting China’s youth to start observing an unofficial lover’s day in mid-May.
Soon enough, the trend caught on amongst older generations – now, although it’s not an officially observed holiday, it is a day widely dedicated to romantic love. If you celebrate 520 Day, here are some of our favourite gifting ideas.
A bit of romance
Red roses are a classic symbol of romantic love. In ancient Greek mythology, roses are a recurring symbol of love, constantly appearing in stories alongside Aphrodite and Cupid, two of the most notable figures of love in mythology. More recently, Shakespeare famously wrote roses into the story of Romeo and Juliet as a symbol of romance and beauty. Nowadays, red roses are commonly given on anniversaries, Valentine’s Day and 520 Day.
A bit of bubbly
What better way to celebrate a romantic day alongside the love of your life than with a gorgeous bottle of champagne or Prosecco? We love Chandon Vintage Brut – or for something more affordable, you can’t go wrong with Organic Hill NV Sparkling PF. We recommend pairing your sparkling with strawberries and – if you’re feeling extra indulgent – caviar. Pack it all into a picnic basket, take your partner to a stunning location, and tuck in.
A bit of plush
Gift your partner something cuddly to snuggle with at night when you’re not around. A teddy bear or plush animal is a sweet gesture that will make them think of you whenever they see it. Choose a toy in their favourite colour or pick their favourite animal to show them how well you know them.
A bit of everything
How can you decide on just one gift for someone who deserves everything? We suggest a gift basket. Choose one with a variety of different things your lover loves – some services will even let you customise your basket so you can be sure that the recipient will love every single thing inside. For extra pizazz, purchase a bouquet of their favourite flowers as well.
Be prepared with the perfect gift for this 520 Day. Take advantage of our same-day plant and flower delivery service to get your bouquet delivered safely on time.
Why you should always have fresh flowers in your home
We’re firm believers in keeping fresh flowers in the home at all times, and not just because they look beautiful. There are a plethora of incredible benefits to having fresh bunches throughout the home – find out why.
Boost your productivity
Research has revealed that fresh plants and flowers can significantly boost your productivity levels and creativity while you work. They can also increase cognitive performance, helping us perform better while we work from home. Place a bunch on your work desk and swap them out whenever they’re looking tired – we suggest choosing stimulating colours like red and blue to keep you alert while you work.
Decrease stress
Welcome your guests
Make your guests feel like they’re stepping into a gorgeous oasis when they enter your home. Place a bunch of fresh flowers in your entryway, dining room, guest room – anywhere your guests will be spending time. They don’t have to be extravagant; even something as simple as a few bunches of baby’s breath can go a long way to boosting the ambience of your space and making giving guests a luxurious experience in your home.
Aid the healing process
Are you recovering from an illness or surgery? Fresh flowers can actually help you heal! A study carried out in 2009 showed that patients who had flowers placed in their hospital rooms while recovering from surgeries had significantly lower blood pressure, pain ratings, anxiety and fatigue than other patients who did not have fresh flowers in their room.
Cultivate a particular mood
Different varieties and colours of flowers can make people feel certain ways. White flowers tend to bring a sense of calm, while brighter colours stimulate the mind and help to perk you up. We recommend placing white and pastel-coloured flowers in calmer rooms like bedrooms and bathrooms. Bright bunches, on the other hand, should be placed in the living room and dining room to stimulate conversation or in the home office to keep you switched on while working.
We want to help you curate your ideal environment in your home using fresh flowers. To find the right flowers for your needs, contact the expert team here at Amazing Graze today. Take advantage of our same-day plant and flower delivery if you need fresh flowers in a pinch.
Decorating Your Home and Garden this Autumn
Autumn has officially arrived in Australia – leaves are beginning to turn from green to orange to brown, temperatures are dropping by the day, and beach umbrellas are being packed away. This time of year also means transitioning from bright, summery florals to more autumnal hues and hardier plants. Here are our top tips for sprucing up your home and garden using autumn plants and flowers for the new season.
Embrace autumn bouquets in your living room
While summer is about bright, flashy hues, autumn ushers in more muted tones and earthier shades. Decorating your home with autumn flowers is a great way to add a touch of colour and beauty to your decor. Dahlias, chrysanthemums and alyssums are all great choices for autumn arrangements.
Dahlias are one of the most versatile autumn flowers. They create an eye-catching display with a range of sizes, shapes, and colours. What's more, their symbolism represents wealth and elegance as well as love or involvement.
As the most typical flower for Mother’s Day, chrysanthemums bloom at their best from March through May, in a variety of colours, including traditional fall colours like orange and yellow. Symbolically, chrysanthemums represent various words in a different colour, where a pink one for honest love, a red one for motherly love and gratitude and a yellow one for sorrow and neglected love.
Also known as the “carpet of snow”, alyssums add a touch of elegance to any arrangement with small and delicate blooms. With the meaning of “worth beyond beauty” and “sweetness of soul”, this aromatic bloom emits a tranquil, spiritual vibe that promotes emotional equilibrium in the home or workplace.
Add easy-to-care plants to your home office
Sandwiched between blazing summer and chilly winter, autumn is the “cooling-off” season, which leads to a challenging period for indoor plants. However, two carefully picked plants will easily survive and thrive with shortening days.
Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, also known as Snake Plant or Dracaena Trifasciata, is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to display a pop of hardy greenery in the room. It requires medium to bright indirect light while can also tolerate low indirect light and it will survive with watering every three to four weeks. More importantly, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue could tell you that it’s time to water as the plant will start wrinkling when it's thirsty. With its ability to clean the air and remove toxins, this plant is a perfect housewarming gift indicating persistence, happiness and good luck.
As one of the most indestructible indoor plants, Zanzibar Gem, also called the ZZ plant, Zuzu plant, etc., is the perfect gift for those who want some greenery in their room with little or low attendance. As sunlight will yellow the leaves, Zanzibar Gem is best to keep under indirect light and it only requires watering monthly (Don’t be panic, it could survive up to two or three months without water!), only increasing frequency with increased light. Moreover, you do not have to worry about repotting it as it grows incredibly slow. Symbolically, Zanzibar Gem is associated with dedication, and steady growth and is thought to bring good fortune and luck in Chinese Feng Shui.
To help you get a jump start on your autumn decorating, take advantage of our same day plant and flower delivery service across Melbourne. Chat with one of our friendly team members using our online chat feature if you need help finding the plants or flowers that will best suit your home and garden.
International Women’s Day Flowers
On International Women’s Day, it’s important to not only appreciate, but celebrate all the women around you. Read our post here to know which flowers to gift, as well as some ways to spend the day.
Meaning of Colours in Flowers
We’ve covered what different coloured roses mean, but do these meanings apply to other flowers? In this post, we explore the meaning of different flower colours and which are best to gift on certain occasions.
Last Minute Valentine’s Day Flower Gift Guide
We’re well and truly into 2022 and just like that, Valentine’s Day is already around the corner!
How to Buy Roses for Valentine’s Day
There are an abundance of flowers to choose from, so what makes roses so special? Roses have traditionally always been associated with strong emotions such as passion, love and sincere admiration.
What is Galentine’s Day, and How To Celebrate It?
Wanting to get a better idea of what Galentine’s Day actually is, and the best way to celebrate it? Read our ultimate Galentine's Day guide here.
Feel Good with Flowers
“Stop and smell the roses...”
You might think that saying is a little overused or even a bit of a cliché. But perhaps the reason we hear it so often is because it’s genuine healthy advice.
Through many scientific studies, it’s been proven that flowers can make you feel better. They’ve been recognised for their ability to actually reduce stress levels and contribute to a noticeable lift in mood. Whether it’s the smell, the colours, or the grace and beauty in a simple bouquet, they’re known to bring a smile to the face and quiet joy to the heart.
Let’s take a closer look at the science behind flower power.
The Concept Of Biophilia
Long before the words coronavirus or quarantine were part of our daily vocabulary, people have been studying the concept of biophilia. This little word stands for something much more significant than you might think. It refers to the idea that humans have an instinctive predisposition to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. For as long as we’ve been on this planet, humans have sought out a relationship with the flora and fauna growing on it. That means that we’re drawn to fresh flowers and plants for a reason - they make us feel more connected and at ease.
Connecting With Nature
Since we know that our brains need a connection with nature, it’s easier to understand why prolonged periods of time indoors can make us feel a bit blue. As the sun starts to shine a little brighter this spring, we recommend getting outdoors and immersing yourself in nature. As the end of the year gets closer, the blossoming of the jacarandas is coming closer as well. Not only will these striking purple flowers make you feel joyful, but the strong fragrance wafting through the trees is known to bring energy and feelings of exhilaration to those who smell it. Other easy to find mood-elevating florals include jasmine and lavender.
Flowers With Purpose
Bring a little bit of happiness back into the home by introducing more plants, florals and natural fragrances. Not only will they make you feel happy when you see them, but they will act as a constant reminder to get outside and enjoy the spring sights and smells. There’s nothing more fun than a bunch of colourful roses like in our Fairy Floss Bouquet and they’ll wake up your space with soft sweet scents. Or, maybe opt for a flowering orchid that will brighten up your home for months to come.
Nip your gloomy mood in the bud. Keeping your home full of fresh and beautifully smelling flowers is a known way to reduce stress and increase joy and gratitude and this year that’s something we could all use a little more of. At Amazing Graze Flowers, we offer same-day delivery across Melbourne for a full range of floral varieties.
For a quick mood-boosting pick me up, speak to our team of experienced florists today at 03 9374 2929.
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