new beginnings with the sign of life year after year

Think  new life. Think blooming flowers. Think Spring as new life emerges from winter’s hibernation. Tulips are always a sure sign that spring has arrived.

But to have the joy of blooming flowers in the spring, the flower bulbs need to be planted in the fall.

Autumn is the time for planting the bulbs that will burst into bloom come spring. Its delayed gratification but the cheery appearance of tulips and daffodils an end of a bleak winter is worth the wait.

The best part. Planting flower bulbs doesn’t take much effort. You dig a hole, and drop in the bulbs and cover with soil.

Give you guests flower bulbs for a unique wedding favor that will bloom year after year reminding them of your special day.

He who plants a tree, plants a hope….

Did you know 2 mature trees provide enough oxygen for a family of 4?

Half of the world’s forests have disappeared.

 Tree planting is the most cost effective way to reduce the CO2 in the atmosphere and cool down the earth’s temperature.

Planting 30 trees will remove a person’s carbon debt for that year.

 What can you do?

Small changes in your life routine can add up to big differences in helping to help the earth. It is difficult to believe that one person and planting one little tree can make a difference. But it can, and planting trees is an easy, fun way to contribute to greening your town.

 The presentation of a tree at a special event is a tremendous gift. A wonderful opportunity to inspire, promote and plant trees for a Greener Tomorrow. By giving Trees as Favors at their Weddings, brides and grooms will set an example and possibly inspire their guests.  Meaningful gifts create “growing memories” that last a lifetime.

 “In all things of nature there is something of the marvellous.” – Aristotle

Who knew? Why not spread some LOVE around at your wedding by giving your guest memorable favors of basil in adorable eco boxes .

grow herbs and memories

The ancient Romans believed that the mere smell of basil inspired love. Thus, a woman seeding true love needed merely to hand the object of her affection a spring of basil, and he would be here forever.
Its name comes from the Greek word for “royal”, basilikon. a perennial in warm climates, it is easy to grow and thrives in containers. its small white flowers should be be pruned in order to induce vigorous growth of the tasty leaves.

Celebrate basil in your wedding receptions with food, plants for centerpieces and sprigs for good luck.

Bridal showers are perfect venues to celebrate the immortal properties of basil with games and gifts.

. The Kitchen Bridal Shower

Ask guests to choose gifts the bride will need to establish an the kitchen of her dreams. Gifts might include: tools, utensils, cookware, bake ware, appliances, gadgets, linens and cookbooks. A Kitchen Shower is the perfect occasion to go potluck. If your kitchen can manage, request that a few dishes be brought assembled but uncooked. When your guests arrive, pop their culinary creations into the oven and serve wine in the kitchen while you enjoy the aroma of what is soon to come. Guests might also bring along their signature recipe, written on a card to present to the bride.

- perfect for a “herb” shower with a culinary touch

Basic Pesto Sauce
- 1/3 cut fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
-pinch of salt 
- 1/2 cup pine kernels 
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  – 1/2 cup olive oil
Blend the basil leaves in a blender. Add the garlic and olive oil and process for a few seconds. Gradually add the pine kernels, Parmesan cheese and salt. The consistency should be thick and creamy.

This quantity of pesto sauce is sufficient for 1 pound cooked, drained pasta. Mix 2 tablespoons pesto with the pasta and serve on individual plates with an extra spoonful of pesto on each helping.. 

For money and success.  Soak Basil  in water for 3 days, then sprinkle about a place of business. Also used for purification and protection and to remove obstacles in love and create harmony.  Dispels melancholy and attracts friends. It just doesn’t get any better than that.

For more herb ideas for fall weddings check it out at: Plant a Memory favors & gifts

growing trend in centerpieces for weddings

Bring Mother Nature in and inspire your guests with living potted flowers and herbs.  The remarkable thing about using plant centerpieces is that they are a growing symbol of your new life together, inspirational for your guests and project your eco-commitment from this day forward.Gerber Daisies are our favorite potted plants because their brilliant colors pop on the reception tables. Forget-me-not’s, roses and lavender are attractive centerpieces. These flowers work well because they are a popular nursery plant which makes them easy to find. Rosemary and   basil are wonderful plotted herbs and are guest favorites, with an abundance of “green” points due to their culinary popularity and familiar scents.

Advantages of potted plant centerpieces in your wedding:

- They are surprisingly affordable from your local florist / nursery or can be planted far in advance

- Potted flower or herbs as centerpieces are unique table name/number holders

- There is no risk of the flower getting fatigued with weather and sitting for long periods of time.   They can be arranged days in advance, avoiding the last minute rush.

- Plants can be placed in decorative containers and finished with complementary ribbon to complement your colors or theme.

- They are available in a massive selection of colors, sizes, shapes that can tie in with the overall style or theme.

     Flowers and herbs embrace the something “green” trend in 2009 as we become more aware of the natural world around us. Complement with eco-friendly seed favor guest gifts for a wedding they will remember forever.

Sheila Sheffield,
Plant a Memory for a greener tomorrow.

best fall wedding favors

Since we have been offering tulip bulb wedding favors they have been the most popular fall wedding favour we offer.

Wedding Planner’s Advice

by Shelley Waugh
The outdoor wedding is more popular than ever, they’re very different from the traditional indoor affair and offer more options, with only the weather as a variable.

Ten tips for an outdoor wedding either at a venue or in your back yard.

1. BUDGET: Have an exact budget or specific dollar amount when you meet with your wedding planner. Make a prioritized list of what is necessary to create your wedding the way you envision it. This will help in deciding between calligraphy invitations and live music. It can be disappointing to make big plans and then have to cancel them because they’re not affordable.

2. DATE: Planning the date is extremely important. Have several in mind, since popular wedding months such as May, June, September and October may limit the choice of dates. Depending on where you live, winter weddings for better value. They can be spectacular at this time of year.

3. COMFORT: Remember to ensure your guests’ comfort by considering weather conditions on the big day. If hot, have ushers offer ice-cold water bottles as guests are seated, or print your wedding program on a hand-held fan to keep your guests cool.  Colorful paper umbrellas shade the sun and add beautiful color as well.

4. BACKUP PLAN: What if it rains? The ideal outdoor wedding location should have an indoor plan just in case. However, an outdoor tent is another option, but only for light to moderate rainstorms. Or, the couple might have the ceremony outside and reception inside as a way to minimize the risk of bad weather.

5. PLAN FOR WIND: Windy conditions can wreak havoc on attire, hair, and décor. If the location is typically windy, avoid fabrics such as chiffons or silks. Also, advise your hairstylist that your wedding is outdoors so she/he can design an appropriate style for you and the bridal party. While unity ceremonies are important, wind can have an ill effect on the traditional unity candle. More recent ideas include the sand ceremony and water ceremony.

6. DECOR: With natural beauty all around, outdoor weddings often use fewer decorations. Some to be considered, however, include an arch or trellis, strings of lights or lanterns in the trees, torches, and luminarias or farolitas. A flower petal walkway dense with deep colored rose petals creates a dramatic contrast to green grass. Note: for weddings on grassy areas, ensure the sprinkler system is disabled so guests don’t receive an unwanted shower!

7. FOOD: A reception with food stations with delicious and beautiful options that are prepared and refreshed on a continual basis. Guests can enjoy the reception without worrying if the food is getting cold or that they’ll miss a served food course.

8. BUGS: One way to limit bug disturbances is to use citronella candles placed around the border of the event disguised with red rocks or other natural elements just in case.

9. SUNLIGHT: Couples who consider timing their outdoor wedding to a beautiful sunset should ensure that chairs are oriented away from the sun so it won’t shine directly in the eyes of their guests during the ceremony.

10. ATTIRE: If hot weather is in the forecast, wear light fabrics to avoid unnecessary overheating or perspiration. Brides wearing trains should consider the ground they will be walking on to avoid grass and dirt. An aisle runner can be helpful in avoiding stains. Consult a makeup professional for makeup that won’t cake, streak, or shine and will hold up well for photographs and throughout the event.

Tips and photos courtesy: Wedding Planner at the L’Auberge de Sedona in Sedona, Arizona, that offers luxury accommodations, fine dining, wedding facilities and spa treatments. Visit www.lauberge.com.

We loved this article because it discusses REAL issues. Don’t forget to thank you guests with a touch of nature , eco favors.

 Regards, Sheila
Plant a Memory for a Greener Tomorrow!

outdoor weddings are taking off!

In 2011 outdoor weddings are extremely popular. Let nature be your decorator at a venue where you can enjoy the great outdoors.

We can help our planet by planting trees:

Did you Know? One large tree provides oxygen for up to 4 people?

Plant a tree save the earth

Earth Day Quiz: http://holidays.quiz.kaboose.com/60-kids-what-s-your-earth-iq