If you’re getting married this summer or are decorating your home, check out the flower trends for the season below.

Flowers
The 2 most used flowers this season are orchids and wildflowers. Orchids are available in several different types and have a wide range of colors, and give off a tropical feel. Wildflowers can have an almost country touch to them and are available in soft or bright colors. Using several different wildflowers in a centerpiece allows you to tie in many colors or themes all at once.

The Earth
Earthy and natural colors and themes are very popular this summer. Use a green, brown, soft blue and cream color palette to create a calm and relaxed environment in your home. Keep the arrangements simple with only a few flower stems and even less greenery, if any at all. Some ideas of flowers and greenery that will help you achieve this look are bamboo, orchids, bells of Ireland, calla lilies, and pussy willow.

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Certain flower types have specific needs or require special care. Below are a few examples. Remember, you can always ask a local florist for floral tips and advice.

Lilies - When the lily bloom opens and produces stamin, make sure to remove them! Be careful, the stamen has a pollen which can stain clothing.

Calla Lilies - Handle these flowers as little as possible. Be especially careful not to touch the flower heads. Callas are extremely sensitive toheat, so avoid placing them next to heat ducts, appliances, even the refrigerator.

Gerbera Daisies - Gerbs are extremely sensitive to bacteria, which causes their stems to bend. Make sure to thoroughly clean the vase and keep the water clean and fresh. If your daisies do start to bend, clean the vase, change the water, and re-cut the stems.

Orchids - Orchids do best cut as a full stem instead of a single bloom. If your orchids wilt, try placing them in warm water for a few minutes. With cymbidium orchids, it is very important to support the stem, otherwise they won’t get enough water. Use a tall, thin vase when arranging.

Irises - With these flowers, start with cold cold water instead of the usual lukewarm. Even add a few ice cubes to the vase to chill the water temperature. Be very careful not to touch the tips of your irises!

Tulips - Tulips have a longer life when they are placed with only other tulips. Placing them with other bulbous flowers, daffodils for example, shortens their vase life.

Roses - When removing foliage from roses, be very careful not to damage the stem itself. Do not remove the thorns wither, as this also hurts the stem/bark. Damaging the bark leaves the rose susceptible to disease. Roses are a very thirsty flower, so change their water and food everyday!