Petal Power Wales

16/08/2024

This flower is the gorgeous dahlia. It is a genus with over 40 different species and thousands of varieties, in just about every size, petal shape, and colour you can imagine. These gorgeous flowers, planted in late spring, bloom from July through the first frost.
The dahlia is Mexico’s national flower. It holds spiritual significance, as it dates back to the Aztecs. Native to South America in the mountainous regions of Mexico and Guatemala. Back in the mid 1500s, King Philip II of Spain sent botanists to these regions, and they discovered a variety of dahlia now known as the Tree Dahlia, which have long, hollow stems used to carry water by the Aztecs. Hence, its native names water cane, water pipe, and water flower.

Besides using the stems as water pipes, the Aztecs used this tuberous plant for food and medicinal purposes such as treating epilepsy. Then, dahlias were introduced to England in the early 1800s and it is believed that they were some of Queen Victoria‘s favorite flowers.

As is common in the world of flowers each colour of dahlia carries different meanings; including beauty, eternal love, inner strength, dignity, and kindness. Depending on the flower color, context, and culture, dahlias symbolize themes of celebration, relationships, and resilience.
Have a wonderful day ❤️

15/08/2024

Every bouquet I make is my favourite bouquet.
But I really didn't want to hand this one over 🤣

For the wonderful Kath and Hywel who were married at the stunning Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama - Coleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru

If you like what you see please give me a little like and a share ❤️

09/08/2024

I used this delicate beauty for the first time last week, it's Trachymene coerulea commonly known as Didiscus. Isn't it beautiful! Like a finely embroidered doily.

It takes its name from the Greek "trachys" (rough) and "meninx" (membrane) referring to the fruit. The specific name coerulea means blue, in reference to the colour.
Plants of this family often exhibit strong or pungent smells, many grown for food, flavoring and medicinal reasons.

Available in hues of indigo, lavender, pink and white. It looks a lot like Queen Anne’s Lace, the two are actually not as close in relation as the laceflower is to its parsley family members.

What do you think of this one?

26/07/2024

This flower needs no introduction. Gypsophilia commonly known as babies breath, which is apt for this little beauty.
The flower’s name is a combination of two Greek words, "gypsos" and "philos", which translate to “chalk-loving”. This alludes to it’s natural habitat.
In the Victorian language of flowers, it was often used to signify a pure heart and a gentle spirit.
In traditional medicine, it is known for its potential healing properties, such as soothing respiratory ailments and promoting relaxation.
The spiritual meaning of gypsophilia is innocence, purity, and everlasting love.
Have a perfect day.

25/07/2024

Beautiful colours for this bridal bouquet.
Would you choose bright wedding flowers for your day?

19/07/2024

I am sharing my latest blog post today.
A gorgeous blue and peach wedding theme at the wonderful St Tewdrics House
Please take a little looksie.
Tell me what you think.
https://www.petalpowerwales.co.uk/blog/blue-and-peach-wedding-flowers-south-wales

12/07/2024

How beautiful is this flower!? Do you know what it is? Message in the comments and I will let you know. It's gorgeous!

05/07/2024

This is the gorgeous delphinium. It gets its name from the Greek word “delphis,” which means dolphin which refers to the shape of its closed flower buds; they look a bit like the nose of a dolphin. Delphiniums are also known as larkspurs, which is an annual species of delphinium.

According to Greek mythology the delphinium originated from the blood of the Greek god Aias (also known as Ajax), a Trojan war hero who was killed during combat. As the flowers blossomed from his blood, its petals became inscribed with the letters “Ai” which means alas in Greek.

It carries the meaning of 'openness to new experiences and overall positivity'.
Have a great weekend 😊

21/06/2024

Something a little different this week because I don't think any of you saw my blog post the other day.
Let me know if you want to see more photos of this gorgeous wedding day ❤️

17/06/2024

Hey! It's a new week and I have posted a new blog.
You need to read this if you are getting married or just like looking at pretty flowers and lovely people ❤️
https://www.petalpowerwales.co.uk/blog/outdoor-south-wales-wedding-flowers-at-llechwen-hall

Images by Timea Danci Photography

14/06/2024

Those with a June birthday have the beautiful rose as their birth flower.
You probably know some of the things they symbolize: love, royalty, beauty, sensuality, secrecy, and mysticism. They are also associated with achievement and perfection.

Roses feature in a number of legends in ancient Greek mythology, particularly in relation to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. As a result, the Romans made the rose a symbol of beauty and love — a sentiment that endures to this day.

In the Roman Empire, roses symbolised vanity. Emperors were known to shower their guests with rose petals during lavish dinners.

But a rose could also mean secrecy or confidentiality. The term “sub rosa,", which literally means "under the rose," dates back to ancient times when the Romans would hang roses from the ceilings of banquet halls. It meant that what was said under the influence of wine would remain confidential.

The rose also became the symbol of the civil wars that took place in 15th century England, which would become known as the Wars of the Roses. The House of Lancaster chose the symbol of a red rose, while the House of York chose a white rose.

Many years later, the two roses were combined into one symbol. The Tudor Rose became the "Rose of England," which continues to be one of the most identifiable symbols in the UK.

07/06/2024

The scientific name for this beauty is digitalis, you will all know it as foxglove. It's one of the most common wild flowers in existence.

From bright pink to purple and coral, to more low-key shades including peach, cream and apricot, there is something to suit all. The tall flowers tend to face upwards, in order to showcase their decorative speckled throats.

It carries the meaning of stateliness and youth
The scientific name digitalis, is a reference to the presence of powerful chemicals that can heal heart conditions if taken correctly but can kill if taken in large amounts. Thus, foxglove flowers are symbolic of both healing and harm.

FYI All parts of the foxglove are poisonous to humans, dogs, cats and horses. The National Capital Poison Center warns against planting foxgloves where children and pets may have access to any part of the plant, including the flowers and seeds.

Have a wonderful day 🙂

31/05/2024

Something a little different for today's
Happy anniversary to this beautiful couple, Chloe and David.
"From start to finish, Anne-Marie was amazing. There was no worry or anxious thought in my mind on my wedding day. I knew I could fully trust that my flowers were going to be exactly as I wanted, and to no surprise, when I was walking down the aisle, it was all wonderful. Thank you so much to Anne-Marie for making the process so easy and peaceful, and I just loved my bouquet! It was so special. Could not recommend enough.”

Got to love a good review. And a couple who dance down the aisle with happiness.

If you want to see more of this beautiful day here is the link:
https://www.petalpowerwales.co.uk/blog/margam-orangery-wedding-south-wales-with-chloe-and-david

28/05/2024

Did you see this wedding I posted about last week? I don't think you did 🤷‍♀️

It was such a beautiful day at Margam orangery wedding . I wrote a blog about it. Please read and let me know what you think.
https://www.petalpowerwales.co.uk/blog/blossoming-love-a-colourful-spring-wedding-at-margam-orangery-south-wales

All the beautiful images are by Aga Tomaszek

24/05/2024

These are eustoma or lizianthus. I am using these in this weekends beautiful wedding.
They are available in white, pink, dark pink, purple/blue, green, apricot ... I could go on. There is also a bi variety which is white with a coloured edge.
Lizianthus has plenty of meanings. It is the birth flower of Sagittarius' everywhere. Represents the joining of two people for a lifelong bond.
They also carry the meanings appreciation, charisma, charm, confidence and gratitude behind them. So, if you want to show your appreciation for someone or say thank you, or if you have a friend that's bold and outgoing then a bunch of flowers that includes lizianthus would make a perfect gift. 🤗

23/05/2024

I cannot wait!

For you all to read this blog hot off the press today!
This wedding was sooo beautiful and you all know I love this venue Margam orangery wedding
Please read and let me know what you think.
https://www.petalpowerwales.co.uk/blog/blossoming-love-a-colourful-spring-wedding-at-margam-orangery-south-wales

All the beautiful images are by Aga Tomaszek

17/05/2024

Even though these look like crepe paper they are real flowers, they are Icelandic poppies!
The petals of these gorgeous blooms are like tissue paper which means that they look like they are glowing when lit by the sun! Delicious!
Have a wonderful day 😀

12/05/2024

Such a beautiful day 😍

10/05/2024

This is the gorgeous Convallaria majalis commonly known as Lily of the Valley. Other names include May bells, Our Lady's tears, and Mary's tears.
Sweetly scented and highly poisonous, and expensive for us florists to buy but oh so gorgeous.
It symbolizes chastity, purity, happiness, luck and humility.
Enjoy the sunshine!

08/05/2024

Blooms towards the camera!

I see so many bouquets held with blooms towards the sky, missing out on all the gorgeous dimensions and textures that elevate your photos.

When I deliver your bouquet there is a pin in the back so you know which is the front, and I will give you a lesson to show you how to hold your bouquet.

The easiest way to remember:
Stems to belly button.
I refuse to say the rude version, although I will tell you if you want to know. Ask in the comments 😜

03/05/2024

Obviously, this flower needs no introduction. With its gorgeous blue-violet hue, Lavender is a revered symbol of healing, strength, and resilience, its history steeped in centuries of admiration and use for its various beneficial properties.

This enchanting flower is much more than its delightful fragrance and stunning appearance, and it has been a beacon of healing and a symbol of serene purity, devotion, grace, and luxury since ancient times.

The calming essence of Lavender is renowned for its ability to soothe the mind and body, making it a quintessential component in aromatherapy practices aimed at reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing sleep quality, and bringing solace to those grappling with insomnia.

Its rejuvenating effect is a balm to the soul, providing tranquillity and relaxation and aiding individuals in navigating life's tribulations.

Moreover, Lavender is a testament to the regenerative power of nature. Its oil is rich in antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, accelerating the healing wounds, acne, and various skin conditions.

29/04/2024

New blog time!

I have written a blog that will help you find your perfect wedding florist. The 5 questions you should be asking, all accompanied by images from this wonderful wedding day. Gosh, I have loved looking back at these cuties, and Ben ❤️
Have a look and let me know if you think I should add anything.
https://www.petalpowerwales.co.uk/blog/five-questions-to-ask-your-professional-south-wales-wedding-florist-

Images by Natalie Takes Photos Photography
Venue Canada Lodge and Lake
Hair and makeup

26/04/2024

During this wonderful season we can enjoy the seductive scent and beauty of the syringa, commonly known as lilac.
Choose white, pink, violet, dark blue or purple-blue. Each colour carries it's own meaning. White lilacs symbolize purity and innocence. Violet lilacs symbolize spirituality. Magenta lilacs symbolize love and passion. Lilac, the colour for which this flower is named, is a light purple that symbolizes a first love. This colour is also used to make softly fragrant perfumes, full of relaxation.
Lilacs have a deep-rooted history originating in ancient Greek mythology. It was said that Pan, the god of forests and fields was hopelessly in love with a nymph named Syringa. One day he was pursuing her through a forest and, afraid of his advances, she turned herself into a lilac shrub to disguise herself.
Have a great day ☺️

19/04/2024

This is my favourite flower. This many petaled beauty is called ranunculus. It carries the meaning "You are charming and attractive".

Ranunculus are also known by the name Coyote Eyes. According to Native American Legend, it earned this name when Coyote was throwing his eyes into the air and catching them again to entertain himself. It seems that Eagle suddenly swooped down and snatched Coyote’s eyes from mid air. Unable to see without his eyes, Coyote plucked two buttercups from the field and fashioned them as new eyes. So the moral of the story is don't play with your eyeballs 😂😂😂

17/04/2024

I'm back y'all!
My first wedding of the year was at the wonderful Rosedew Farm earlier in March.
Congratulations Kate & Jo. So glad you had a wonderful wedding day ❤️

12/04/2024

This flower is one of the birth flowers for April. This is Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as Sweet Pea. It's Latin name roughly translates to "fragrant pea."
They have a beautiful delicate and airy appearance with ruffled petals that resemble tiny butterflies. They are known for their stunning scent.

In literature and art, sweet peas are often associated with sentiments of appreciation, gratitude, and blissful pleasure. Different cultures have different meanings - in Victorian England sweet peas were often given as a sign of departure or goodbye. In Greek mythology, sweet peas were believed to be a symbol of eternal life.

Available in a variety of colours including pink, purple, white, and even bi-colours like blue and white or pink and red. There are over 200 different varieties, each with their unique colour and fragrance.

Did you know that sweet peas are edible too! You can add the flowers or the young shoots to salads, use the dried flowers to flavour teas or desserts, or even try making sweet pea flower syrup for a unique and refreshing addition to cocktails. But do not eat the seeds! They are toxic.

Have a wonderful day!

08/04/2024

Let's start the week with a bang!

I have been meaning to capture this wedding in a blog for too long. The perfect advert for a wedding in Cardiff city centre. Go check it out.

https://www.petalpowerwales.co.uk/blog/cardiff-city-the-perfect-wedding-destination

Suppliers:
Photographer
Dress
Earrings
Hair .hairdesign
Make up
Food and
Ice cream
Cake

Looking for the perfect city centre wedding destination? Look no further than Cardiff city centre, the vibrant capital of Wales. Be inspired by the beautiful wedding of Hetal and Greg on a perfect summers day.

05/04/2024

This is the beautiful Iris, both the common name for these flowers as well as the name of the plant genus.
These flowers share their name with the Greek goddess Iris who acted as a messenger between gods and humans, between heaven and earth. One of her jobs was to guide the dead to their final resting place and forever home. Therefore, Greeks often used iris flowers at funerals and gravesites. By planting irises around a grave, people hoped to summon the goddess so she could help guide their loved ones to heaven.
It holds various meanings, encompassing hope, wisdom, chivalry, and reverence and each colour carries a different meaning.

Have a great day.

29/03/2024

Happy Good Friday from my very own Easter bunny.

Misty did not like this photo shoot, every year I drag this photo from the archives and think I should make a new crown for him, maybe this year?
No animals were harmed in the making of these images.

Hope you get cuddles and chocolate this weekend. Whatever you choose to do, I hope your heart is full.
See you on the other side 🐰🐰