Episode #403- Flower Spice
Episode 403 Flower Spice
J explores the flower known as "Stock" in this episode of Life in Bloom- let's travel to the flower fields located in the Lompoc Valley- the perfect place to grow Stock Flowers- it's amazing beautiful -and the fragrance is Incredible!
Stock Flowers - also known as Gilly Flower - take center stage in this episode - you'll join J as he visits a family farm where they grow stock - as well as other flowers, we'll create a "stock field" in a vase, and conjure a cocktail with a similar spicy scent!
“The intoxication of fragrances casts its magic spell on me.” ― Avijeet Das
"One of the most memorable experiences of my flower life was the day I visited a field of stock flowers in bloom. Of course the visual sensation of the rows of flowers, segregated by color, as far as the eye could see was something to behold. But what really got me was the cool breezes blowing that magnified the fragrance of the stock fields in bloom. I was overcome with emotion from the experience...”
“The experience elevated my awareness and appreciation of this amazing flower and I’m compelled to share more about Stock flowers with you now.
Featured Flower: Stock
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthiola_incana
- The scientific name of stock is matthiola incana [MATH-E-OH-LAH IN-CANE-AH]
- Stock is a species of flowering plant in the cabbage family Brassicaceae.
- Common names include Brompton stock, common stock, hoary stock, ten-week stock, gilly-flower, and perfume plant.
- Colors include white, cream yellow, pink, red, or purple.
- Its scent is described as both sweet and spicy, not to mention incredibly pleasant.
- Stock is a cool weather flower that blooms from early spring into summer. The summer heat stops stock from blooming, as it needs temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in order to produce blossoms.
- The flowers range in color from basic shades of white, pink, lavender, and rose as well as coming in deeper jewel tones of red and purple.
- The flower retains its shape and color for a long time, as a cut flower.
- Not only do stock flowers look excellent in a vase, the cut blooms continue to relinquish an amazing fragrance to enjoy indoors.
Arranging Stock Flowers
J shares his favorite tips and tricks for arranging Stock Flowers. Stock is easy to use- and the results are easy to achieve with J's simple tips. J uses different colors of Stock - to create several examples of flower arrangements that will look great in your home or creative space!
A Visit to Joseph & Sons
J visits his Flower Friends- the Ortiz Family- and talks with Joe Sr. about growing Stock, Larkspur and other flowers- 2nd Generation Flower Farmer Tony- (Joe's Son)... shares his thoughts about flower farming. J and Tony talk Snapdragons- and talk about this 'barking flower'... It's always Fun with Flowers and J!
Flower Cocktail - Clove Screwdriver
The fragrance of Stock blossoms reminds me of clove - so what better ingredient to include in a cocktail…”
Stay tuned for a Web-Exclusive Video- Behind the Bloom - as J arranges a companion bouquet of Stock Flowers to accompany the Clove Screwdriver! COMING SOON!
MOCKTAIL Version: Simply omit the Vodka- and just go with Fresh Squeezed OJ and Clove Bitters... YUMMY!
https://vinepair.com/cocktail-recipe/the-clove-screwdriver-recipe/
INGREDIENTS
2 ounce of vodka4-6 oz of orange juice depending on serving glass
1 teaspoon of clove simple syrup or to taste1 cup of ice
Sliced orange, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Fill serving glass with orange juice, vodka, and clove simple syrup. Stir mixture to combine.
Serve garnished with a slice of orange.
Arrangement at Joseph & Sons
J couldn't resist all the beautiful flowers at Joseph and Sons- so he takes a few minutes to create a beautiful arrangement on Location at Joseph & Sons - using all the different types of flowers they grown and ship all across the USA!
Stock Colors Bouquet/Arrangement
Today I want to show you one of my favorite colors in the Stock flower… and this arrangement is inspired by the amazing fields of Stock- that grow in blocks of colors... We'll feature Stock- and one of my Favorite FernTrust Foliage selections- Foxtail Fern...
Spray Stock with Chrysanthemum
An innovation in Stock production is Spray Stock- as the flower buds- the bud is removed and it results in many smaller bud formations on one stem... thus- "Spray Stock"... these stems have several blooms- atop a single stem- and J pairs them with matching Chrysanthemums- and curly willow- to provide the structure- for these narrow glass vases... Join J and learn more his favorite flower arranging tips!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this episode focused on the flower known as Stock. And I hope you will seek it out to experience it’s sweet and spicy fragrance to enjoy arranging in your home. For Life In Bloom, I’m J Schwanke.