Episode #509 - A Bloom for All Reasons
Episode #509 - A Bloom for All Reasons
The Calla Lily is the featured flower in this episode. J shares flower lore behind this classic flower. We’ll see Callas of all colors – including black. J creates a unique crescent shaped Calla bouquet to carry, shows you how to arrange Calla Lily blooms inside a bubble bowl, and fabricates a composite calla bouquet. Also: a Calla Lily cocktail.
Calla Lillies are the focus of this episode of Life In Bloom. We’ll visit a Calla Lily grower, I’ll create a unique crescent shaped bouquet, show you a couple of Calla Lily tricks - and we’ll mix up a Calla Lily cocktail.
“The calla lilies are in bloom again. Such a strange flower—suitable to any occasion.” ― Katherine Hepburn - Stage Door (1937)
One of my favorite questions to ask friends, dinner guests, or even new acquaintances is “What your Favorite Flower?” It elicits lots of different responses - which also provides a little hint- (for me) of what this person is like…
A Popular Answer is frequently the Calla Lily… the Calla Lily is certainly a Stately Flower- it’s more classic in construction n- and may even be seen as “art nouveau“ – characterized by its sculptural organic shape, or arching curving lines- or sensual ornamentation…
Calla lilies were often clutched in the hand of loved one- lying in death’s repose… In cartoons- when someone died- they were always clutching calla lilies- Or that’s what I remember…
Callas were a favorite of one my long time flower friends- Debbie Sennetz- she inspired me to follow my passion for flower design- and become a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers- her Favorite Flowers were Calla Lilies- and favorite animals were Penguins… whenever I see either- I immediately think of her!
So today- we dedicate this Episode of Life in Bloom- to the Calla Lily… let’s learn more about this Elegant and Regal Flower…”
Featured Flower: Calla Lily
Flowers for this segment furnished by : Sun Valley
Here is additional Trivia and Facts about Calla Lilies I discovered in my research...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zantedeschia
https://www.thespruce.com/grow-calla-lily-indoors-1902501
https://www.costafarms.com//plants/zantedeschia-calla-lily
- Zantedeschia is the scientific name of the Calla Lily, native to Southern Africa
- members of the genus are neither true Lilies nor true Callas
- Zantedeschia species are rhizomatous, herbaceous, perennial plants
- The name of the genus was given as a tribute to Italian botanist Giovanni Zantedeschi
- Calla Lilies take the form of a solitary pseudanthium or false flower, with a showy white or yellow spathe - a specialised petal like bract - shaped like a funnel with a yellow, central, finger-like spadix, which carries the true flowers
- Calla Lilies are grown in commercial production for cut flowers in California, Colombia, New Zealand and Kenya
- The Calla Lily was a favourite subject of the painter Georgia O'Keeffe.
- A wide variety of colors have been cultivated incusing white, pink, coral, maroon, orange, and yellow
- Deep Maroon Calla Lillies are often referred to as black in color
- In the garden of frost-free climates, calla lily acts like a perennial, but in colder climates it's treated as a tender bulb that can be stored over the winter until the following spring.
- Calla Lily are also grown as a houseplant - place in a sunny window, for good results.
A visit to a Calla Lily Farm
When I created the CA Grown Experience - featuring Flower Farms throughout California- I visited a Calla Grower... and although we didn't include this in the Episode on Public Television it's great viewing- and gives a little more information about how these amazing flowers are grown by our Friends at Callaco- Enjoy!
https://ubloom.com/blog/2010/09/16/the-ca-grown-experience-on-ubloom-visits-callaco/
Bloom 365 Tip- Callas are a high moisture flower –
Calla Lilies have great water retention and they last a long time out of water... in fact they are ideal for Boutonnieres , Napkin Rings, or even pinning into an arrangement- where there’s not water supply…
Calla Crescent Bouquet
This is a fun project that shows how you can create a contemporary and modern bouquet that would be ideal for a wedding, bridesmaid bouquets, or even prom or homecoming dance... I show you how it make it step by step! Enjoy!
Calla Lily Cocktail
The Calla Lily Cocktail is a historic classic cocktail- often served on board passenger steamer ships- and it's a classic- I hope you enjoy this tasty cocktail..,. named after this elegant flower!
Calla Lilly
Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 oz. dry vermouth (Dolin)
1/2 oz. Lillet blanc
1/2 oz. Benedictine
1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
2 dashes absinthe or pastis
Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly and strain into a chilled flute or wine glass. Serve.
The Black Calla Lily
Flowers for this segment were furnished by: Black Callas from Kennicott Brothers Wholesale , FernTrest Foliage: Foxtail and Lily Grass
Almost from time immemorial, people have asked if there is a flower that exists in nature that is black in color. There are many flowers in nature that give the impression of being black in color, however, black flowers are not truly black, but variations of dark purple, deep burgundy, maroon, or even red. That said, Calla Lilies from nature can easily create an impression of a black flower…
Callas are long lasting flowers- too… with high moisture content- that allows them last longer than many other types of flowers.
Let’s use some Black Calla Lilies to create a stately gathering- that can be placed in a vase – and enjoyed for quite a long time…
Calla Bowl
This simple Calla Bowl- looks complex- yet it's very easy to recreate- So much so that I featured it in my Fast and Easy Flower Lessons on uBloom.com- This is a collection of arrangements that are simple and easy- and make you look like a pro... to see them all- visit this link...
https://ubloom.com/flowers/video/fast-easy-flower-lessons/
Composite Calla Lily
I've created many types of composite flowers on Life in Bloom- an Orchid, Gladiolus, and Roses- and this one is probably the most extravagant - it's large scale- and take a little bit time- and also a bit of an investment in Beautiful Callas... it's also fun to watch... so please enjoy the Composite Calla Lily Bouquet! It's elegant and exciting!
Viewer Feedback from Kenneth Brownson
Let’s take a look at some Flower Fan Mail…
Today I have a charming and colorful arrangement to share with you from viewer Kenneth Brownson - it’s great the way you can appreciate all of the different flower types here, too…
Kenneth and I have become modern pen pals- and he’s shared several wonderful stories of his flower career with me… He told me he didn’t have any Foliage- so he just relied on gravity… with these lovely flowers he received as a gift… Ken’s stories have brought me so much Joy… Thanks for being my flower friend Ken!
I so ENJOY seeing pictures of your flower arrangements - known around here as “Schwankes” after a viewer’s nickname. Send them to j@ubloom.com - the letter j at the letter u- bloom.com and watch for more Schwankes on upcoming shows”
I hope you have gained an appreciation for the Calla Lily, whether they are currently in bloom or not. These beautiful and truly unique flowers always make a lovely statement. For Life In Bloom, I’m J Schwanke.