lilies

Easter Lilies Poisonous to Cats
Flowers

Kitty Lovers, Just Say "No Thanks" to Easter Lilies!

I've shared doggy dangers lurking in your Easter basket, but I wanted to remind you about a popular holiday flower that should never be brought into a home that includes cats.
by

I've shared doggy dangers lurking in your Easter basket, but I wanted to remind you about a popular holiday flower that should never be brought into a home that includes cats.


Easter lilies are one of the most poisonous flowers for kitties. In fact, just one or two leaves or flowers can fatally harm a feline so, even if you think your pet will show no interest in this plant, please take no chances. This lily (along with Tiger, Asiatic, and other varieties) causes depression then vomiting, loss of appetite, and loss in body weight with the first symptoms showing up within 30 minutes . . . and acute renal failure coming at about 48 hours post-ingestion.

While lilies are non-toxic to dogs, horses, and (most likely) lil chicks, please brush up on other poisonous plants and have the ASPCA poison control hotline handy. Don't hesitate to rush any pet you fear has gotten a hold of a dangerous stem or blossom to the doctor immediately!

Casa Quickie: Lose the Lily Mess
Flowers

Casa Quickie: Lose the Lily Mess

Lilies brighten any space, but the fragrant blooms have a dark side.
by

Lilies brighten any space, but the fragrant blooms have a dark side. As soon as the beautiful blossom opens, an ugly pile of pollen appears — staining everything it touches. Luckily lily lovers can still covet their bouquets, just without the pesky cleanup.

Inside the flower, lilies have two parts to their stamen: the filament (the long spiky part) and the anther (the dusty crescent shaped part on top). The anthers are the culprits of the mess, and simply removing them from the filaments solves the problem instantly. Use your fingers and a tissue to gently pop them off as soon as the bud opens. If pollen falls on the flower itself, use a q-tip to gently remove the color. Repeat the steps as the other buds open and enjoy stargazing once again.

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Kitty Lovers, Just Say "No Thanks" to Easter Lilies!
Flowers

Kitty Lovers, Just Say "No Thanks" to Easter Lilies!

I've shared doggy dangers lurking in your Easter basket, but I wanted to remind you about a popular holiday flower that should never be brought into a home that includes cats.
by

I've shared doggy dangers lurking in your Easter basket, but I wanted to remind you about a popular holiday flower that should never be brought into a home that includes cats.

Easter lilies are one of the most poisonous flowers for kitties. In fact, just one or two leaves or flowers can fatally harm a feline so, even if you think your pet will show no interest in this plant, please take no chances. This lily (along with Tiger, Asiatic, and other varieties) causes depression then vomiting, loss of appetite, and loss in body weight with the first symptoms showing up within 30 minutes . . . and acute renal failure coming at about 48 hours post-ingestion.

Please brush up on the ASPCA toxic plant list (and have their poison control hotline on hand) and rush any pet you fear has gotten a hold of this stem to the doctor immediately!

Source

Flowers

Flowers 101: Calla Lily

Since so many of you expressed your unabashed love for calla lilies I thought it would be a fantastic flower to feature as the flower of the week.
by partysugar

Since so many of you expressed your unabashed love for calla lilies I thought it would be a fantastic flower to feature as the flower of the week. A very versatile flower, the calla lily is scientifically known as zantedeschia - a genus of 28 floral species native to South Africa that derives its name from a 19th century Italian botanist named Giovanni Zantedeschi. It consists of a funnel shape colored leaf that surrounds tiny flowers. The leaves are broad and narrow shaped and attach to the stem at the base of the plant.
Thought of as a weed in many parts of the world, calla lilies grow continuously for long periods of time when watered and fed regularly. They can also thrive in many soils and habitats and can survive minor frosts. For planting they require full sun to partial shade and wet soil moisture. They bloom in the summer, but need a winter rest period for successful re-bloom. Traditionally calla lilies are white although they have been hybridized to come in a variety of colors. The white were originally considered a funeral flower, but in pinks, yellow, lavenders, and golds, they are perfect for weddings - they are also known to be quite hearty and have long lasting bloom.