September Flower: Aster

Aster Flowers are a symbol of powerful love and come in many colors including red, pink, purple, and white. They are similar to daisies and are perennials that like cooler climates. They bloom in the fall when most other flower seasons are done. These flowers are perfect for a Montana wedding.!
Planting and Care

• Asters prefer climates with cool, moist summers, especially cool night temperatures.
• Select a site with full sun to partial sun.
• Soil should be moist, well-drained, and average to humus-rich.
• Plany asters in early- to mid-spring. Fertilize soil prior to planting.
• While the plant can be grown from seed, germination can be uneven. You can start the seeds indoors during the winter by sowing seeds in pots or flats and keeping them in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 weeks. After 4 to 6 weeks, put the seeds in a sunny spot.
• Set seeds one inch deep.
• Many gardeners purchase a potted plant from the nursery.
• Space asters 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the type. 
• Water plants in well. Add mulch after planting to keep soil cool and prevent weeds.If you're replanting shoots, use vigorous, young shoots to ensure best growth.
• Add a thin layer of compost with a 2–inch layer of mulch around the plants every spring.
• If you receive less than 1 inch of rain a week, remember to water your plants regularly during the summer. However, many asters are moisture-sensitive; if your plants have too much moisture or too little moisture, they will often lose their lower foliage or not flower well. Keep an eye out for any stressed plants and try a different watering method if your plants are losing flowers.
• Stake the tall variesties in order to keep them upright and remember to pinch the young shoots to encourage bushiness.
• Cut asters back in winter after the foliage has died.
• Divide every 2 to 3 years in the spring to maintain your plant's vigor and flower quality.

 The other September Flower is the Morning Glory and is a symbol of affection.
Morning glories are annual climbers with slender stems, heart-shaped leaves, and trumpet-shaped flowers in pink, purple-blue, magenta, or white. They have a beautiful shape before they unfold in the Sun and romantic tendrils that lend old-fashioned charm.
In warmer areas, train climbers over a pergola or arch, or use as dense groundcover. The vine grows quickly up to 15 feet in one season, and can self-seed fairly easily, too.
The flowers bloom from early summer to the first frost. Their big, fragrant, colorful flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
~Information retrieved August 25, 2014 from Old Farmers Almanac

House Plant Trouble Shooting

 ~Browning of leaf tips and edges...hot or dry air, drafts, improper watering, uneven soil moisture, excessive fluoride in water... move plant increase humidity, correct watering, check drainage, scratch top of soil.

~Leaves all turn yellow... over watering, root rot, too much light... reduce water, check drainage or repot, reduce light or move plant.

~Lower leaves turn yellow...pot-bound, old age, lack of nitrogen... re-pot, remove yellow leaves, fertilize.

~Yellowing of Leaves...especially new grown... waterlogged soil, lack of acidity...correct watering. check drainage water with iron sulfate solution.

~Colored leaves turn green... too little light... move plant or add light.

~Brown or silvery spots on leaves... sun scalded or fertilizer burn... provide shade or keep fertilizer off leaves. 

~Brown or yellow dead spots in leaves... Ringspot virus... Take clippings and get rid of infected plant.

Don't forget to  check back for Part 2 of trouble shooting house plants!

Flower Attitude

According to Society of American Florists,

People who give flowers as gifts are most likely to be perceived as thoughtful (77%) and sincere (57%).

"Flowers are the number one gift of choice for romantic situations and also housewarming parties."

  Consumers relate flowers to the sensory and emotional aspect.

• 64% of consumers believe the color of flowers adds to the impact of a gift
• 60% of consumers believe sight and smell can improve moods
• 56% of consumers believe flowers are an emotional gift
• 56% of consumers believe flowers make people feel special
• 53% of consumers believe the fragrance is important
• 32% more consumers indicate they will purchase flowers as gifts than in previous years despite current economic conditions.