With today being Leap Day and with St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, the thoughts of unique and lucky were in my head. And the perfect feature flower for such a day - Bells of Ireland. Cultivated for its spikes of flowers, Bells of Ireland represent good luck and you can never have too much good luck, plus they are available all year long.

Common Name: Bells of Ireland, Shell Flowers
Botanical Name: moluccella laevis (mo-lu-KELL-a LEE-vis)

Bells of Ireland are a  fragrant, lime green colored flower. A member of the mint family, the blooming stems can be cut and used in fresh or dried flower arrangements. Bells of Ireland have numerous shell-like blooms that are about 1-2" in diameter, sometimes with small white flowers inside. They are tall about 24-30". The stems of Bells of Ireland are covered with tiny thorns which may irritate the skin.  Many designers use gloves when designing with this flower. They are also phototropic, which means they will bend toward the light, giving each stem a whimsical curvature.

Interesting Fact: Although, Bells of Ireland are associated with  St. Patrick's Day, the only association that the flower has with Ireland is the name. They were first cultivated in Belgium in the late 1500.

Let us know what you think about Bells of Ireland.

_So you find yourself with a beautiful arrangement of flowers from your Valentine. That's great news! It is scientifically prove that the presence of flowers increase feel good emotions, overall life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manor. Flowers are the easiest way to improve our emotional health.

The average life of a fresh floral arrangement is usually about 4-7 days. Of course this will vary depending on where your flowers came from and how you care for them. Here are some tips to help keep your flowers looking as beautiful for as long as possible.

• Keep the flowers hydrated. Add water with flower food to the vase or foam that hold your flowers. If you don't have any flower food your local florist can provide it for you. If the flowers are in a vase, completely change the water every 2-3 days and re-cut the stems.
  

•  When re-cutting stems use a sharp knife (this will reduce the crushing effect on the stem, making it easier for the flower to drink) or very sharp clippers and remove 1-2 inches from the bottoms, remove any foliage that will fall below your water line and place the flowers back into a clean vase with fresh water and flower food immediately.

• Keep the flowers cool. Flowers kept cool last longer. Place them out of the sun and away from vents or appliances that give off heat. Heat causes flowers to dehydrate. Ideal home temperature should be about 65-70 degrees F.

• Don't store your flowers in your home refrigerator. I know what your thinking, why not? My mom use to do it. Well foods in you refrigerator give off a gas called Ethelyn. Ethelyn will actually cause your flowers to die faster. Some flowers are more sensitive than others. Regardless, leave the flowers out where they can be enjoyed.

If you have any other flower care questions we are happy to answer them, just leave your comments below.

_What does Valentine's Day mean to you? Well to me it means work, work and more work, but that is a good thing. Flowers are big business on Valentine's Day. Consumers will spend 1.8 billion on flowers given this holiday. Research shows that men also love to receive flowers for Valentine's Day, so ladies don't forget your sweetie. I think flowers should be given and received by all on this wonderful holiday. Of course, I am a little bias. 

The Rose became a popular Valentine's Day flower in the 17th century from the belief that the Red Rose was the favorite flower of Venus - the Roman Goddess of Love and Beauty and hence it is dubbed as the flower of love and passion. When purchasing roses for your love, remember that each color conveys a different meaning:

Red - Love & affection, Romantic & Abiding Love, True Love, I Love You, Desire, Courage & Passion, Congratulations, Job Well Done, Respect & Appreciation, Honest Beauty, Courage & Passion, Bliss to Marriage

White - Purity & Innocence, Reverence & Humility, Heavenly & Honor, Everlasting love, Marriages and New Beginnings, I am worthy of you, Beauty & Youthfulness, Remembrance

Pink - Grace & Elegance, Admiration for beauty and refinement, Sweetness

Yellow - Friendship and "I care", Unbridled joy, Promise of a new beginning, Gladness, Delight, Warmth, Good Luck, Welcome Back, Remember Me, Dying Love

Orange - Fascination, Passion & Desire, Enthusiasm & Energy, Pride, "I am so proud of you"

Lavender - Love/Enchantment at first sight, Regal majesty and splendor, Wonder & Impossibility

Peach - Modesty, Closing of a new deal, Great cheer, Sincerity & Genuineness, Sympathy, Gratitude and Thankfulness

Even though roses are a beautiful, traditional flower to give on Valentine's Day, we are seeing the increase of other blooming like gerbera daisies, tulips and lilies becoming more popular for the holiday. In my opinion as long as you give/receive flowers this Valentine's Day, I'm happy.

Will you be sending or hoping to receive flowers this Valentine's Day? Answer our poll below.

At Blooming Envy we are dedicating the whole month of February to celebrating LOVE! To kick things off, I designed a non-traditional, Valentine's Day wedding, vision board. Who say Valentine's Day weddings have to be red and white? You can have fun, play with other romantic colors and really turn ordinary into extraordinary. What do you think? Leave your comments below.