Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera)

Nelumbo nucifera, known by a number of names including Indian lotus, sacred lotus, bean of India, or simply lotus. Botanically, Nelumbo nucifera (Gaertn.) may also be referred to by its former names, Nelumbium speciosum (Wild.) or Nymphaea nelumbo. This plant is an aquatic perennial. Under favorable circumstances its seeds may remain viable for many years, with the oldest recorded lotus germination being from that of seeds 1300 years old recovered from a dry lakebed in northeastern China.

A common misconception is referring to the lotus as a water-lily (Nymphaea), an entirely different plant as can be seen from the centre of the flower, which clearly lacks the structure that goes on to form the distinctive circular seed pod in the Nelumbo nucifera. It should also be noted that water-lilies come in colors of white to yellow where as the lotus only in hues of pink.

Native to Greater India and commonly cultivated in water gardens, the lotus is the national flower of India and Vietnam.

Floristry

Floristry is the general term used to describe the professional floral trade. It encompasses flower care and handling, floral design or flower arranging, merchandising and display and flower delivery. Wholesale florists sell bulk flowers and related supplies to professionals in the trade. Retail florists offer fresh flowers and related products and services to consumers.

Floristry is a term that refers to the cultivation of flowers as well as their arrangement, and to the business of selling them. However, the floral industry is the basic drive behind floristry. Florist shops, along with online stores are the main flower-only outlets, but supermarkets, garden supply stores and filling stations also sell flowers.

Floral Design or floral arts is the art of creating flower arrangements in vases, bowls, baskets or other containers, or making bouquets and compositions from cut flowers, foliages, herbs, ornamental grasses and other botanical materials. Often the terms "floral design" and "floristry" are considered synonymous. Florists are people who work with flowers and plants, generally at the retail level. The term is not to be confused with floristics (the study of distribution and relationships of plant species over geographic areas.). Floristry is also not to be confused with horticulture which more broadly relates to the cultivation of flowers and plants.

The Flower Garden

by Wayne Jarus

A blur of color in the wind Fertile soil as nature’s palette A fragrance so seductive we think of sin A gardener’s work must begin Work the soil before he sees A blur of color in the wind Damp earth the gardener’s canvas Spring warmth brings the seed to sprout A fragrance so seductive we think of sin A fiery sun nurtures the seed to begin Emerald leaves open to feed and bring A blur of colour in the wind A palace of wild beauty within The gardeners reward of toil is A fragrance so seductive we think of sin And within this plot of raging color The worker’s castle for months to stay A blur of color in the wind A fragrance so seductive we think of sin.