La Gazzetta Italiana Gardening 2016 | Page 2

Welcome to La Gazzetta Italiana Benvenuto! In my yesteryears, all mothers and ladies wore Easter corsages. In current times, the corsage, whether it be roses, orchids or tulips on the wrist or dress, seems to be passé. I chatted with Frank DeNigris of May Floral in Mayfield Heights. He’s been a florist for 26 years and guesses the store would be lucky to sell 15 or 20 corsages for Easter. DeNigris explains a lot of people simply don’t get dressed up anymore. Years ago corsages cost an arm and a leg, and orchid prices were out of sight, yet, they were everywhere. Even the drugstores went into the flower business and sold tiny wrist corsages at more affordable prices. Though the corsage is now mostly history, Easter flowers will always be a way to celebrate renewal. Tulips, irises, and daffodils will remain favorite plants and table centerpieces. Of course, the Easter lily is at the top of the list. White is traditional and represents love and hope. There are more colorful lilies, like the speckled tiger. Another popular Easter flower and plant is the daisy which represents purity. The floral moguls added dyed varieties to the mix. Everyone loves the range of colors of tulips including the deer that raid my garden! Tulips symbolize a variety of love. I believe nothing says Easter and unrequited love more than yellow daffodils. I also believe the purple hyacinth symbolizes the religious background of the season and forgiveness, and we all need that. Roses are always popular, whether pink, yellow or peach. We appreciate their beauty. Other Easter favorites are the hydrangea expressing gratitude, chrysanthemum for truth and the dainty and elegant orchid symbolizing love, strength and beauty. I love the azalea plant. It represents everything from good health to passion. And, in their finest glory, you have to see them lined up and down the Spanish Steps in Rome. Whether it’s a passé corsage, a table centerpiece, flowers in a vase, or a lily plant, it’s the season of the Triumph of the Cross. Easter flowers are always a way to celebrate renewal. May all the joys and blessings of this glorious season be yours. We prayerful y support faith, guide hope, and foster remembrance of loved ones. Your Trusted Family of Catholic Cemeteries All Saints, Northfield All Souls, Chardon Assumption of Mary, Brook Park Calvary, Cleveland Calvary, Lorain Elmhurst Park, Avon Holy Cross, Akron Holy Cross, Brook Park Holy Trinity, Avon Resurrection, Valley City Saint John, Cleveland Saint Joseph, Avon Saint Joseph, Cleveland Saint Mary, Berea Saint Mary, Cleveland Saint Mary, Cuyahoga Heights Saint Mary, Elyria Saint Paul, Euclid Paul Sciria, Managing Editor Take out a subscription to La Gazzetta Italiana! It's a great gift idea... Sign up today at www.LaGazzettaItaliana. com.... Share with family and friends! SUBSCRIBE ONLINE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND Faith, Hope and Remembrance LA GAZZETTA ITALIANA | MARCH 2016 PS: We are excited to feature Italian immigration in April’s issue. Do you have photographs of your immigrant ancestors? We would love to publish them! Please send all photos to [email protected]. Deadline to submit is March 15. SUBSCRIBE TO LA GAZZETTA ITALIANA Catholic Cemeteries Association www.clecem.org ­2 Buona Pasqua! Happy Easter! THIS MONTH'S CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Spitalieri Ben Lariccia Serena Scaiola Anne Robichaud Pamela Dorazio Dean Tony Marotta Stella Compiseno OTHER WRITERS IN THIS ISSUE www.LaGazzettaItaliana.com Computer Tablet Margie Miklas Prof. Philip DiNovo Ilaria Massacesi Smart Phone LA GAZZETTA ITALIANA | MARCH 2016 ­3