Flowers
Of The
Hour

No longer are brides limited
to a few, standard blossoms.
Flowers have entered the
modern era — with new
varieties, new colors
and international,
overnight shipping.

Gerbera 'Fleur'

BY JUNE HICKS

IF ortunate is today's bride when it comes to
flowers — the world's blooms are at her
fingertips.
Gone are the days when you could only
find chrysanthemums in the fall; tulips, daffodils and irises
in the spring. Not only did growers learn to force these
plants into bloom almost year around, but the world of
cut flowers has gone international. Fresh flowers from
numerous countries are flown to the United States almost
overnight.
Some African countries now produce and ship
unusual flowers and foliages. Orchids come from Thailand
and Shanghai. Hawaii ships orchids, too, as well as exotic
tropicals like bird-of-paradise, anthurium and protea.
The Netherlands flower market at Aalsmeer, however,
has become the major clearinghouse for much of the
world's production, and the Dutch have been hybridizing
and introducing many new flower varieties.
Alstroemerias (which resemble tiny lilies) now come
in 10 different varieties and a wide range of luscious colors,
including yellows, reds, oranges, pinks, and roses. A few
years ago, hardly anyone had heard of these flowers; now
they're frequently found in bridal arrangements.
Dutch growers have also been hybridizing lilies to
improve holding and shipping qualities. About 12 stunning

6 BRIDES 1989

Freesia 'Miranda