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Letter to the editor

Laurels crown prize-winning Tampa florist

By Times Staff, Wires
Published October 27, 2007

It's the floral version of "Iron Chef," so maybe we should call it "Steel Magnolia." Ian Prosser, owner of Botanic International Florist in Tampa, won first prize in the 40th annual Sylvia Cup competition, an Olympics-style competition for professional florists. Eighteen contestants from the United States and Canada were given two hours to work on a surprise design challenge: a bridal bouquet, wedding centerpiece and hairpiece/body flowers, all in the theme of "California Dreaming in the Sixties." The competition was at the annual convention of the Society of American Florists in Palm Springs, Calif. Prosser is a former judge of the Sylvia Cup. It was the first time in 20 years he'd entered a competition.

Give the gift of gardening lore

Here's a charmer: The Curious Gardener's Almanac: Centuries of Practical Garden Wisdom, by Niall Edworthy (Perigee, $16.95). This is a compendium of facts, legends, lore and wisdom. Where else will you learn that Salome hid the head of John the Baptist in a bed of basil, or that valerian was used to treat shell shock during World War I? There are poems, quotations, tips, dos and don'ts, lists, recipes and much more. Holiday gifts, anyone?

First tree for White House holidays

This year's Christmas tree in the Blue Room at the White House will come from Mistletoe Meadows in Laurel Springs, N.C. The tree will be harvested in late November and shipped to Washington.

A stinky approach to pest control

Trying to get rid of moles, voles, gophers, rabbits, armadillos and ground squirrels? Mole Pop'rs claim to be a nontoxic way to deal with the pests. The Pop'rs are molded pellets that you insert into the ground. Moisture activates them, and they release odors that rodents hate, so they'll beat feet out of there. The pellets won't hurt children, wildlife or pets. A tub of 100 pellets is $10.95 plus shipping at www.intromarkstore.com.

Arranged to make guests squirm too

You can make this floral arrangement before the Halloween party starts. You'll need an 8-inch-diameter glass salad bowl and a 4-inch-diameter clear glass condiment bowl. For flowers: Three stems each of orange carnations, orange spray roses, orange freesia, purple statice, rosemary and lemon leaves. Buy enough gummy worms to fill the salad bowl, about four cups. Soak floral foam and cut a piece to fit in the condiment bowl and extend about an inch above the rim. Cut flower stems to 6 inches in length and arrange in the foam. Set the condiment bowl in the salad bowl and fill the space between them with gummy worms.

Compiled by Times homes and garden editor Judy Stark

[Last modified October 26, 2007, 12:20:41]