Via Wikipedia…

Sarracenia (pronounced /ˌsærəˈsiːniə/ or /ˌsærəˈsɛniə/) is a genus comprising 8 to 11 species of North American pitcher plants. The genus belongs to the family Sarraceniaceae, which also contain the closely allied genera Darlingtonia and Heliamphora.

Sarracenia is a genus of carnivorous plants indigenous to the eastern seaboard, Texas, the Great Lakes area and southeastern Canada, with most species occurring only in the south-east United States (only S. purpurea occurs in cold-temperate regions). The plant’s leaves have evolved into a funnel in order to trap insects, digesting their prey with proteases and other enzymes.

The insects are attracted by a nectar-like secretion on the lip of pitchers, as well as a combination of color and scent. Slippery footing at the pitchers’ rim, aided in at least one species by a narcotic drug lacing the nectar, causes insects to fall inside, where they die and are digested by the plant as a nutrient source.

Here are some Sarracenia that is available in store right now.

Sarracenia Farhamii

Sarracenia Farhamii Hybrid

Sarracenia Flava

Sarracenia Leucophylla Hybrid

Sarracenia Stevensii

Also, you can learn all about the Sarracenia genus and how to take care of them here:
http://www.sarracenia.com/faq.html

To add more flora variety to your coming Chinese New Year decorations, our growers from Cameron Highlands just sent us some of the most exciting pot plants we’ve seen this year.

One of them is this snail-shell-looking ‘Begonia Rex Escargot’ or more commonly called simply as ‘Escargot’.

Via Finegardening.com…

Botanical Name: Begonia ‘Escargot’ bah-GO-nyah
Genus: Begonia

‘Escargot’ is an extremely popular Rex hybrid begonia that is quickly becoming a household name. Its moniker reflects the snail-shaped curl located where the base of the leaf meets the leaf stem. The intriguing foliage can stand on its own but also mingles beautifully with other foliage plants and brightly colored blooms.

Care: Provide organic, sharp-draining soil in shade with lots of humidity. Water when soil is dry to the touch. Avoid soggy conditions, but do not allow plants to wilt. Do not over-fertilize. Remove dead leaves promptly and keep the soil surface free of debris to avoid disease problems.

It’s now available in store! Drop by and have a look!

Wishing all my Muslim friends, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri,
Dengan Ingatan Tulus Ikhlas, Maaf Zahir dan Batin.

Sketch by YowChuan@meshio.com

'Organic Butterflies on Roses' Bridal Bouquet

Here is a bridal bouquet with pretty earthy hues of green dendrobiums and creamy champagne roses for a pre-wedding photo-shoot session. I always love to pair some dendrobium orchids with flowers of softer look such as roses, because it brings out an edgy touch to the overall feel of the bouquet. Don’t you think that the green dendrobium orchids in the bouquet resemble so much like butterflies?

Sometimes, I have clients who requested for artificial butterflies in their bridal bouquet and wedding centerpieces to complement their garden or fairy theme. You know, those butterflies made of wires, nylons, and tons of glitters. As I have always believed in using natural ingredients in floral designing, I usually prefer to substitute these artificial butterflies with orchids because it’s more organic and natural. Moreover, it is more cost-effective to use natural substitutes than artificial factory-made ones.

Below are some of the pictures taken during the weekend at my grandma’s organic farm. She’s an expert when it comes to growing organic vegetables. My grandma did all the plowing and planting all by herself despite of having an eye-condition that affects her vision. Every morning and evening without fail, she tends to her garden so that we could have fresh, chemical-free, home-grown vegetables on our diet. I especially love the harvesting part! Enjoy the pictures!

Organic Birds Eye Chillies

Organic Okra Plant

Organic Long Bean Plant

Organic Chinese Greens

Organic Vegetable Harvests

My best friends are tying the knot today! A sweet bouquet for the bride filled with luscious imported fresh cream roses accented with pink eustomas. I called it ‘My Strawberry Parfait’ because it looks so edible and soooo deliciously sweet!

My Strawberry Parfait

Congratulations to the lovely couple, Justin and Gracie!

This year also mark my 10th year of friendship with the couple! Time flies but I sure hope we all stay happy and healthy forever. =)

Cheers and lots of hugs to the newly wed!

On another note, thank god the bad haze had toned down a little bit. The past two weeks was dreadful! Have a great day y’all!

Summer’s here! Enjoy the season with new designer bags full of vibrant colors and eye-popping designs. Here are three of my fav must-have floral-inspired designs for this summer!

Marni Printed Canvas Tote

The Perfect Casual Tote!

I love love love the washed-out vintage look of the canvas. The floral prints are timeless and the leather straps look durable enough to endure heavy lugging for those of us who loves to carry lots of stuff in our bags. This darling sure goes well with jeans and a small white T, or bikinis for a beach vacation!

Valentino Rose Vertigo Leather Shopper

The Perfect Valentino Rose!

First off, this picture doesn’t do justice to the beautiful bag. The color of this bag is absolutely gorgeous and I love the ruffled trim roses at the front. The design emulates a blooming rose with flowing petals and the soft, supple leather is definitely to-die-for! Perfect for work – it’s sure to steal some eyes in the office. The best thing is, this rose is going to last longer than three days. Oh how I heart Valentino!

Christian Louboutin Mount Street Bag

The Perfect Satin Evening CLutch!

What I love most about this stunning fuchsia CLutch (yes, pun intended) is the signature shoe-fastening at the top and of course, the overall soft look of the ruffled petals finishing. The material and color are equally drool-worthy. This clutch spells feminine and elegance at the same time. Carry it along with you to any formal evening event or dinner, and I am sure it won’t disappoint!

So what are your fav summer must-have bags?

Updated: Last Call for Mother’s Day Delivery. Due to the overwhelming response, we have extended the order cut-off time to 12pm MYT (Sunday, 9 May 2009). Delivery Time will be after 6pm today.

Note: We regret to inform you that we have sold out all dendrobium orchids and lilies. However, we still have carnations available.

Have a great day y’all!

LeFiores Exclusive Hand-Painted Watercolor Card

Here’s wishing all the great moms Happy Mother’s Day from LeFiores!

This Sunday (May 10, 2009) is Mother’s Day. Brighten your mom’s day by sending her an eco-friendly vase bouquet from our signature collection.

Fresh Carnations by LeFiores.com

We have just included Carnation Sprays to our collection in conjunction with this special day!

Free delivery to Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur and Melaka for only RM90!

To order Carnation Sprays, please complete the order form or email me at [ammie@lefiores.com] for details.

Note: Colors will depend on availability of supplies.

Order submission cut-off date for Mother’s day is Saturday (May 9, 2009) 12am MYT.