Polish Flowers: A Complete Guide
Introduction
Poland, famed for its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture, also has beautiful flora. Polish flowers are a feast for the eyes and a voyage into the country’s natural splendor. This thorough reference explores Polish flowers’ historical relevance, cultural symbolism, ecological importance, and the many ways they have affected Polish customs and artistic manifestations.
Polish folklore, traditions, and identity have always included flowers. Their transitory beauty and profound symbolism have been appreciated. The Cornflower, a national symbol of resilience and patriotism, and the Red Poppy, connected with remembrance and war sacrifices, are famous blossoms. These flowers embody Polish pride and spirit.
Poland’s diversified geography—from the Baltic coast to the mountains—has produced a remarkable variety of native plant species. Poland’s native flowers adapt well to their environments, from delicate alpine flowers in the Tatra Mountains to hardy seaside plants. These indigenous gems show us the country’s unique biodiversity.
The Rich Floral Heritage of Poland
Poland’s history, culture, and identity are entwined with its floral heritage. Flowers have always symbolized national pride, endurance, and remembering. Poland’s rich flora has influenced its art, folklore, and cuisine. Explore the fascinating world of Polish flowers and their cultural and historical significance.
Polish Flower Culture History:
Polish folklore, literature, and religion have always celebrated flowers. Their beauty and symbolism have been admired. Polish tapestries, sceneries, and poems have featured flowers. They’ve been used to express feelings, celebrate events, and honor national heroes.
Flower Rituals and Celebrations:
Polish ceremonies include flowers. Floral arrangements celebrate weddings, religious occasions, and festivals. “Wianki,” flower-and-herb wreaths, symbolize purity, fertility, and protection from evil spirits. Festive wreaths are floating on waterways as offerings to water spirits.
National Resilience Symbol: Cornflower
Poland’s national flower is the blue-petaled cornflower (Centaurea cyanus). It symbolized the nation’s independence and resilience. The Cornflower, the symbol of various Polish liberation uprisings, has become a national symbol of Poland’s indomitable spirit and tenacity.
Remembrance’s Red Poppy
The Red Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) symbolizes wartime sacrifice and remembering. It symbolizes Polish independence and fallen troops. The Red Poppy’s brilliant red petals recall the nation’s history of tragedy and heroism. It is worn on Independence Day and celebrations honoring veterans and war victims.
Polish Folklore Flower Symbolism
Polish tradition abounds with floral legends. The forget-me-not symbolizes lifelong love and fidelity. Sunflowers represent vigor and optimism with their bright disposition and lofty size. These floral symbolisms have been passed down through centuries, enriching Polish culture and promoting a strong appreciation for nature.
Polish Literature and Art: Flowers
Flower symbolism has inspired Polish painters and writers. Flowers have been beautifully woven throughout art, from traditional Polish pottery to ancient manuscripts with botanical imagery. Polish poets Adam Mickiewicz and Juliusz Słowacki employed flower imagery to provoke emotions, reveal hidden meanings, and glorify nature.
Honoring Floral Heritage
Poland’s floral history and native flora appreciation are being preserved. The University of Warsaw Botanic Garden and Wrocław Botanic Garden preserve and display diverse plant species. Environmental groups and schools promote Poland’s floral diversity and ecological practices.
Iconic Polish Flowers
Poland has several famous flowers. These flowers represent Polish pride, resilience, and remembering. The Cornflower and Red Poppy are Poland’s most recognizable flowers.
The Cornflower: A Symbol of Resilience
The bright blue Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) has become a symbol of Poland’s fortitude and struggle for independence. The Cornflower became a symbol of Polish resistance and resilience through terrible times. Its blue colour symbolizes hope, solidarity, and the pursuit of freedom. Art, literature, and patriotism have lauded the Cornflower’s Polish heritage.
The Red Poppy: A Symbol of Remembrance
Polish tradition memorializes slain warriors and independence fighters with the Red Poppy (Papaver rhoeas). Its brilliant red petals recall the nation’s history of tragedy and heroism. The Red Poppy’s relationship with remembrance and commemoration makes it prominent at ceremonies, memorial events, and national holidays like Independence Day. Polish people honour those who died for their country by wearing the Red Poppy.
Cultural Significance
Polish identity is tied to the Cornflower and Red Poppy. These flowers stir emotions, symbolise national pride, and remind Poles of their history of resilience and sacrifice. Traditional paintings, pottery, and folk embroidery, as well as current designs and cultural expressions, feature them.
Celebrations and Symbols
Poland celebrates with cornflowers and scarlet poppies. Cornflowers and Red Poppies are worn on Independence Day to honour the nation’s freedom struggle. The flowers also decorate wreaths and floral arrangements at dead soldier monuments and gravesites, symbolizing remembering and appreciation.
Inspiring Art and Literature
Polish poets and painters are influenced by the Cornflower and Red Poppy. Poems, paintings, and sculptures feature these blossoms. They evoke emotions and preserve Poland’s collective memory by symbolizing perseverance, fortitude, and enduring spirit.
Conserving and Preserving
The Cornflower and Red Poppy are culturally significant, thus their natural habitats are protected. These flowers are part of Poland’s biodiversity and native flora protection initiatives. These renowned flowers are conserved by environmental groups and government programs.
The Cornflower and Red Poppy symbolize Poland’s history, resilience, and remembering. These flowers symbolize Poland’s efforts, sacrifices, and pride. Their cultural significance and symbolism inspire and connect generations, creating a rich heritage and identity.
Native Flora of Poland
Poland’s diverse topography and climate support many native plant species. Poland’s native flora displays the country’s natural beauty and richness in its woods and meadows. Explore Poland’s native flowers’ traits, habitats, and conservation initiatives.
Białowieża Forest: Majestic Lady’s Slipper Orchid.
The Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) and biodiversity thrive in the Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its bright yellow petals and slipper-shaped bag, this unusual flower attracts nature lovers. This exquisite orchid is conserved in the Białowieża Forest.
Alpine Flowers in the Tatras
The Tatra Mountains, Poland’s highest, have a distinct alpine ecology with diverse native flora. These rough mountain settings support delicate alpine flowers like the Tatra Avens (Dryas octopetala) and Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum). The Tatra National Park preserves these mountain treasures for future generations.
Aquatic Plants in Pure Mazurian Lakes
Aquatic plants abound in the Mazurian Lakes’ many lakes and streams. Submerged species like the Horned Pondweed (Zannichellia palustris) and Water Lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna) flourish in clean water. Native aquatic plants improve freshwater environments by providing habitats for aquatic creatures.
Resilient Baltic Sea Plants
Poland’s Baltic Sea shoreline has hardy coastal flora that survives sand dunes and salt spray. Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum) and Yellow Horned-poppy (Glaucium flavum) thrive in coastal areas. They stabilize dunes and shelter coastal fauna.
Pieniny National Park: Alpine Meadows and Wildflowers
Pieniny National Park in southern Poland is famous for its wildflower-covered alpine meadows. The Alpine Aster (Aster alpinus) and Carpathian Bellflower (Campanula carpatica) grow in the park. These colorful alpine wildflowers attract pollinators and create a lively habitat.
Conserving and Preserving
Poland’s biodiversity depends on preserving its native vegetation. Conservation awareness, endangered species protection, and habitat restoration are underway. National parks, botanical gardens, and nature reserves preserve and display Poland’s native flora, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty and importance.
Poland’s flora showcases its ecological wealth and natural heritage. These plants, adaptable to many settings, enhance Poland’s landscapes and boost biodiversity. Poland conserves and preserves its native flora for future generations.
Seasons of Blooms
Poland’s seasons showcase different flowers and natural beauty. Poland’s flora displays a mesmerizing cycle of life from spring’s vivid colours to summer’s cozy warmth, autumn’s crisp hues, and winter’s quiet beauty. Let’s examine Poland’s seasonal flowers.
Spring: Colours and Scents
Spring in Poland is a season of regeneration as nature wakes up from winter. As flowers bloom, the landscape turns bright. Spring begins with bright crocuses (Crocus spp.) and delicate snowdrops (Galanthus spp.). As the season develops, brilliant tulips (Tulipa spp.), fragrant lilacs (Syringa vulgaris), and daffodils (Narcissus spp.) fill gardens and parks with their delicious aroma and beautiful landscape.
Summer: Prosperity
Summer in Poland is full of flowers. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators visit blooming meadows and gardens. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) and poppies (Papaver spp.), notably scarlet corn poppies, dot the fields. Lavender (Lavandula spp.) fields and roses (Rosa spp.) climb trellises and decorate gardens.
Autumn’s: Warmth Mosaic
Polish autumn foliage turns crimson, orange, and gold. Autumn flowers join the trees’ fascinating metamorphosis. Chrysanthemum spp. blooms brighten gardens and cemeteries. The delicate autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) and daisy-like asters (Aster spp.) bloom.
Winter’s: Peaceful Beauty
Winter in Poland brings snow and cold, yet the flora remains beautiful. Seasonal greenery comes from evergreens. Snow-covered pines, spruces, and firs (Pinus, Picea, and Abies) form a winter paradise. Hellebores (Helleborus spp.), commonly known as Christmas roses, bloom in winter, bringing colour and optimism to the cold.
Nature’s Glory
Poland’s blooming seasons bring many events. Poland’s diverse flora is showcased in flower festivals, horticulture displays, and competitions. These events commemorate nature and promote environmental awareness and Poland’s natural heritage.
Poland’s flora showcases nature’s splendor in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season’s blooming delight and reminds us of life’s cycles
Famous Polish Gardens
Poland’s seasons showcase different flowers and natural beauty. Poland’s flora displays a mesmerizing cycle of life from spring’s vivid colours to summer’s cozy warmth, autumn’s crisp hues, and winter’s quiet beauty. Let’s examine Poland’s seasonal flowers.
Spring: Colours and Scents
Spring in Poland is a season of regeneration as nature wakes up from winter. As flowers bloom, the landscape turns bright. Spring begins with bright crocuses (Crocus spp.) and delicate snowdrops (Galanthus spp.). As the season develops, brilliant tulips (Tulipa spp.), fragrant lilacs (Syringa vulgaris), and daffodils (Narcissus spp.) fill gardens and parks with their delicious aroma and beautiful landscape.
Summer: Prosperity
Summer in Poland is full of flowers. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators visit blooming meadows and gardens. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) and poppies (Papaver spp.), notably scarlet corn poppies, dot the fields. Lavender (Lavandula spp.) fields and roses (Rosa spp.) climb trellises and decorate gardens.
Autumn’s Warmth Mosaic
Polish autumn foliage turns crimson, orange, and gold. Autumn flowers join the trees’ fascinating metamorphosis. Chrysanthemum spp. blooms brighten gardens and cemeteries. The delicate autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) and daisy-like asters (Aster spp.) bloom.
Winter’s Peaceful Beauty
Winter in Poland brings snow and cold, yet the flora remains beautiful. Seasonal greenery comes from evergreens. Snow-covered pines, spruces, and firs (Pinus, Picea, and Abies) form a winter paradise. Hellebores (Helleborus spp.), commonly known as Christmas roses, bloom in winter, bringing colour and optimism to the cold.
Nature’s Glory
Poland’s blooming seasons bring many events. Poland’s diverse flora is showcased in flower festivals, horticulture displays, and competitions. These events commemorate nature and promote environmental awareness and Poland’s natural heritage.
Poland’s flora showcases nature’s splendor in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season’s blooming delight reminds us of life’s cycles.
Wildflower Wonders
Poland’s various landscapes are filled with stunning wildflowers. Wildflowers are abundant in meadows, mountains, woods, and coastal areas. Let’s explore Poland’s most beautiful wildflowers.
Field of Poppies: Beauty in Red
The poppy (Papaver spp.) is a Polish wildflower symbol. Red flowers cover fields and meadows, resembling a scarlet sea. The beautiful corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) stands out with its swinging petals. These red blossoms dancing together are stunning.
Orchids: Forest Gems
Poland’s woodlands hide exquisite orchids. The wooded floors are enchanted by these exquisite blossoms. With its slipper-shaped pouch and yellow petals, the Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) is a beauty. The Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera) and Bird’s-nest Orchid (Neottia nidus-avis) are very beautiful orchids.
Alpine Treasures
Polish mountains are home to several alpine wildflowers that thrive in difficult conditions. Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum), with its velvety white blossoms, symbolizes raw beauty and tenacity. Alpine Aster (Aster alpinus) and Carpathian Bellflower (Campanula carpatica) brighten rocky slopes, while Mountain Avens (Dryas octopetala) blooms with lovely yellow flowers.
Baltic Flowers
Poland’s Baltic Sea coastline has unusual wildflowers that can endure harsh coastal conditions. In the sandy dunes, the Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum) grows, adding colour with its spiky leaves and blue blossoms. Yellow Horned-poppy (Glaucium flavum) flowers brighten seaside landscapes.
Meadow Marvels—Nature’s Colour Palette
Poland’s meadows display a seasonal array of wildflowers. Meadows bloom with flowers, from the delicate pink and purple Meadow Cranesbill (Geranium pratense) to the lively yellow Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare). Meadows are filled with beautiful wildflowers like the Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) and Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra).
Wildflower Preservation
Poland’s wildflowers are beautiful and essential to the ecosystem, feeding and sheltering many insects and animals. Nature reserves, conservation programs, and awareness efforts are protecting these floral gems. Appreciating and protecting Poland’s wildflowers preserves them for future generations.
Wildflower Wonderland exploration
Visiting Poland’s wildflowers is mesmerizing. The country’s different landscapes offer a floral kaleidoscope whether walking through meadows, climbing in the mountains, or strolling along the shore. Poland’s wildflower paradise has something new to see every season.
Floral Festivals and Events
Poland celebrates its rich floral heritage with vivid flower festivals. These events celebrate Poland’s flora and offer cultural interaction, artistic expression, and community engagement. Let’s explore Poland’s top flower festivals.
Kraków Flower Festival
Annually, Kraków hosts the Flower Festival. With exquisite floral arrangements, vivid displays, and captivating scents, Main Market Square becomes a floral heaven. Locals and visitors visit the event to see a variety of flowers, plants, and gardening supplies. Workshops, exhibitions, and gardening demos let visitors experience the bright environment and nature.
Kazimierz Dolny Rose Festival
Kazimierz Dolny’s Rose Festival honors the queen of flowers, the rose. The town’s gardens blossom during this delightful summer festival. Rose-lined streets invite visitors to smell and admire these ageless blossoms. The festival includes rose-themed art exhibits, rose cultivation seminars, and musical performances. Rose lovers and admirers will love the Rose Festival.
Lily Festival, Giłycko
Giżycko’s Lily Festival celebrates the region’s beautiful water lilies. Lilies are shown and exhibited at this annual festival. Visitors can see water lilies in bloom, view art inspired by them, and learn about their significance. Nature enthusiasts and those interested in Poland’s aquatic flora will enjoy the festival’s boat trips, performances, and educational programs.
Złota Sunflower Festival
Złota’s Sunflower Festival commemorates sunflowers’ beauty and agricultural value. In late July, sunflower fields are at their peak during the festival. Visitors can enjoy sunflower-themed seminars, sunflower mazes, and sunflower-seed treats. Traditional music, folk dances, and handcraft shows enhance the floral festivities.
Wrocław Tulip Festival
Wrocław’s colourful Tulip Festival celebrates spring and tulips. The Japanese Garden hosts the festival, where thousands of tulips provide a stunning display. Visitors can meander winding paths, admire the perfectly organized tulip beds, and admire these renowned blossoms. Cultural concerts, art exhibitions, and children’s activities make the festival a family-friendly event that inspires and delights.
Beautiful Flowers
Poland’s floral festivals and events allow visitors to experience the beauty of flowers. These events promote community and nature appreciation. Kraków’s Flower Festival, Kazimierz Dolny’s Rose Festival, Giżycko’s Lily Festival, Złota’s Sunflower Festival, and Wrocław’s Tulip Festival all celebrate Poland’s natural beauty.
Healing Powers of Polish Flowers
Polish flowers are stunning and soothing. Traditional medicine and herbal therapies have employed these floral beauties for millennia to improve health and well-being. Polish flowers like chamomile and lavender have medicinal properties.
Chamomile (Matricaria)
Chamomile is a soothing flower. It’s a popular herbal infusion in Poland for digestive issues, relaxation, and skin irritations. Chamomile’s lovely white blossoms alleviate inflammation, muscle spasms, and indigestion, menstrual cramps, and insomnia.
Calendula officinalis
Calendula, or marigold, is a bright orange flower with powerful medicinal powers. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatories in their petals promote skin health and wound healing. Polish traditional medicine uses calendula salve or cream to treat small cuts, burns, and skin irritations. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties make it useful in natural skincare.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is loved for its scent and stress-relieving properties. It is widely grown in Poland for its relaxing benefits. Essential oils, herbal drinks, and sachets employ lavender flowers. In traditional medicine, lavender induces sleep, calms anxiety, and relieves headaches. It is applied topically to relax muscles and improve skin.
(Hypericum perforatum)
St. John’s Wort, a bright yellow flowering herb, has been used for ages to treat numerous diseases. Polish people use it to treat depression and boost mood. St. John’s Wort may increase serotonin synthesis, a neurotransmitter linked to happiness and well-being. Due to drug interactions, it should be used cautiously as a tea or pill.
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Cornflower has beautiful blue flowers and therapeutic benefits. T tea for eye health is popular in Poland. Its infusion soothes and reduces eye tiredness and discomfort. Cornflower tea is diuretic and is known to enhance urinary tract health.
Nature’s Healing
Polish flowers are known for their inherent therapeutic properties. These flowers relate Polish herbal medicine to herbal infusions, skincare products, and traditional cures. Before utilizing these flowers medicinally, visit a healthcare expert.
Culinary Uses of Polish Flowers
Polish flowers beautify the environment and provide flavor and scent to food. These flowers have long been used in Polish cuisine to enhance elegance and flavour. Let’s investigate Polish flowers’ culinary uses, from floral-infused drinks to floral garnishes.
Sambucus nigra (elderflower)
Polish cuisine loves elderflowers for their delicate perfume and sweet taste. Elderflower cordial, a pleasant drink, is made from the elder tree’s creamy-white blooms. Summertime thirst-quencher elderflower cordial is diluted with water or sparkling water. It can also flavour jellies and jams, drinks, and desserts.
(Borago officinalis)
Polish cuisine uses borage, a culinary flower with bright blue star-shaped blossoms. Salads, soups, and summer drinks taste great with the cucumber-like blooms. Borage flowers are a refreshing garnish or ingredient. Borage vinegar, used in salads and marinades in Poland, is made from them.
Calendula (Marigold)
Marigolds are edible and therapeutic. Marigold flowers give colour and flavour to salads, grains, and soups with their peppery, acidic petals. Orange petals can flavour oils and kinds of vinegar or be sprinkled on foods. Marigold petals can be added to bread, pastries, and herbal drinks.
Tropaeolum majus—Nasturtium
Nasturtium blossoms’ brilliant colours and peppery flavour lend zest to dishes. Nasturtium petals provide colour and spice to salads. Stuffed with savoury ingredients, the blossoms can garnish appetizers and canapés. Nasturtium leaves are peppery and can be added to salads or pesto.
Syringa vulgaris—lilac
Lilac blossoms smell wonderful and taste sweet. IT blossoms can flavour syrups, sugars, and honey. Lilac syrups sweeten pancakes and drinks. Candied lilac petals decorate cakes and pastries.
Flavouring Flowers
Polish cuisine uses flowers to enhance flavours. From elderflower cordial to borage-infused salads, culinary flowers add beauty and flavour. Use edible, pesticide-free flowers in moderation when cooking. Polish flowers can make any dish taste better with a little creativity and floral inspiration.
Ethical Floral Practices
In recent years, the floral business has become more conscious of the social and environmental impacts of flower cultivation and sales. Poland, with its rich floral tradition and booming flower business, is now promoting floral ethics. Let’s discuss Poland’s ethical flower practises.
Sustainable Cultivation
Poland’s ethical flower farming practices minimize flower production’s environmental impact. Promote organic farming, reduce pesticide and fertilizer use, and conserve water. Sustainable flower farms safeguard biodiversity, soil health, and the environment.
Fair Labour and Trade
Fairtrade in the floral sector ensures fair wages and safe working conditions for farmers and workers. Polish ethical flower farms provide fair compensation, suitable working hours, healthcare, and education to workers. Fairtrade flowers help flower farmers and employees.
Local Flowers
Ethical florists also use local and seasonal flowers. Locally cultivated flowers lessen long-distance transportation emissions. Supporting local flower producers benefits the local economy and traditional farming practices. Seasonal flowers also foster a closer relationship with nature and showcase their beauty.
Responsible Sourcing
Responsible sourcing and supply chain traceability are ethical floral practices. This includes using ethical flower growers. Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and organic labels provide shoppers assurance that their flowers were ethically and sustainably grown.
Floral Waste Management
Ethical florists reduce floral waste. Flower businesses, event organizers, and people are advised to compost or donate surplus flowers to nursing homes, hospitals, or charities. Eco-friendly packaging and encouraging flower container recycling can also reduce environmental impact.
Consumer Knowledge
Positive transformation in the floral sector requires consumer understanding of ethical floral practices. Education efforts can assist customers examine the social and environmental effects of their floral purchases. Consumers can promote ethical flower growth and floristry by supporting them.
Growing the Future
Poland’s floral sector is becoming more environmentally friendly, community-minded, and worker-friendly. Poland is growing its floral sector through sustainable farming, fair trade, local and seasonal flowers, responsible sourcing, trash management, and consumer awareness. A more ethical and sustainable floral sector can benefit the environment and those who work in and appreciate flowers via collective efforts.
Blooming Tapestry
Polish flowers combine beauty, scent, and culture. Poland is full of botanical beauties, from famous Polish flowers to stunning native flora and seasonal blooming. Its gardens and wildflower landscapes are stunning, and its floral festivals and activities celebrate the variety of blooms. Polish flowers have medicinal and culinary purposes. Sustainable, fair trade, and ethical floral practices are increasingly growing in popularity. Poland cultivates a flourishing future by embracing its floral resources. Polish flowers create a floral tapestry that delights the senses and enriches lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What flowers symbolize Poland?
A. The forget-me-not, cornflower, poppy, lily of the valley, and red poppy are Polish symbols.
Q. Poland’s native flowers?
A. Poland’s native flowers include the oxeye daisy, bluebell, primrose, spotted orchid, and lady’s slipper orchid.
Q. Polish flowers bloom when?
A. Species and areas determine Polish flower blooming seasons. Some species bloom in autumn, but spring and summer are the predominant flowers blooming seasons.
Q. Which Polish gardens are famous?
A. Poland’s prominent gardens include Warsaw’s Royal Łazienki Park, Kraków’s Wawel Royal Gardens, the Jagiellonian University Botanic Garden, and Wojsławice’s Arboretum.
Q. Are Polish wildflowers protected?
A. Polish conservation regulations safeguard rare or threatened wildflowers. Respect and preserve wildflowers and their environments.
Q. What traditional medication uses Polish flowers?
A. Traditional Polish medicine uses flowers. Calendula heals skin and chamomile relaxes. Lavender calms and St. John’s Wort relieves depression. Many flowers have specific applications, like cornflower for eye health.
Q. Polish flowers: edible?
A. Polish flowers can be cooked. Elderflower, borage, marigold, nasturtium, and lilac. Before eating, make sure the blossoms are edible and pesticide-free.
Q. What is floral ethics?
A. Ethical floristry promotes sustainability, fair trade, ethical sourcing, and waste control. These practices reduce environmental impact, promote worker fairness, and promote mindful customer choices.
Q. How can I promote flower ethics?
A. Choosing sustainably grown and locally obtained flowers, fair-trade flowers, minimizing floral waste, and learning about the floral industry’s social and environmental impact encourage ethical floral practices.