With Christmas just around the corner, the proverbial question of what to get colleagues and business acquaintances always springs to mind.
The ubiquitous Christmas "arrangement" is popular. But let's be honest: Have you ever been overjoyed receiving an arrangement featuring cedar boughs, a fake snow-covered candle phallically placed in the middle and the surprise of a stuffed Santa plopped somewhere amidst the greenery? I thought not.
So why not be a little more creative this year and send something that is beautiful, will last for weeks and is about the same price as a basic arrangement.
For my money, there can be no better way to florally celebrate Christmas than with amaryllis, paperwhite narcissi, orchids and yes, even the basic poinsettia.
If you fall into the Martha Stewart category, you'll have fun buying and decoratively planting amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs.
It takes anywhere from four to six weeks for amaryllis to bloom, so now is the time to purchase bulbs and plant them for that perfect gift.
Many stores will have amaryllis already planted and nearly ready to bloom.
Blooms can last up to three weeks as long as the plant is kept away from direct sunlight and heat vents.
For paperwhites, all you need do is fill a container with small rocks, place the bulbs on the rocks and fill the container with water to just below the base of the bulb. It's that easy.
The main problem with paperwhites, however, is that they grow so tall they need to be staked -- unless you add a little alcohol (1 part alcohol to nine parts water) to the water to make much smaller stalks.
Orchids and poinsettias make welcome gifts this time of the year as well.
Both are highly sensitive to the slightest touch of cold, so make sure that they are well wrapped prior to delivery.
And please. Once your poinsettia starts to loose it's leaves and look ratty, throw it out!
