For all fellow lovers and admirers of flowers here is some background information about flowers. This will help give your flower gift giving and buying a greater context.

Asters There are over 600 species of asters, most popular being Monte Casino. Ancient societies believed that odor of its leaves, when burnt, drove away serpents. While this might not be as applicable today, perhaps its connotation is still relevant: Giving asters means, "I am not sure whether you have been faithful to me". Be careful who you send asters to! Meanings: charming, patience

Bells of Ireland Although name suggests these flowers come from Ireland, they originated in western Asia. Bells of Ireland have a spicy/peppery scent and are part of mint family. They stand for good luck. Meanings: good luck, whimsy

Carnations Turn of century dandies would not leave house without a white or red carnation in buttonhole of their suit. With end of this tradition and fact that carnations are so easily cultivated and grown, flower has lost some of its popularity. However, carnations are not only beautiful and long lasting flowers, they also send a message: When you receive a red carnation bouquet, it means, "My heart aches for you" and when you receive white carnations sender is saying: "I am still available." Meanings: fascination, devoted Love

Chrysanthemum Imagine, chrysanthemums have been cultivated in Chinese gardens for almost 3000 years! The name chrysanthemum comes from Greek chrysos (gold) and anthos (flower). Today some of meanings associated with this flower are: innocence, cheerfulness and loyal love. Meanings: cheerfulness, innocence

Dahlias The dahlia is national flower of Mexico and this is also its birthplace. An old Aztec document states that Aztecs used dahlias as a treatment for epilepsy. Only in 19th century did flower come to Europe where it was bred and cultivated into today's varieties. Meanings: dignity, elegance

Iris Did you know that there are so many different varieties of iris that they can be grown wild year round, in water and on land? Iris was most significant in history as emblem of France -- Fleur-de-Lis -- established in 11th century by king of France. Today, it is state flower of Tennessee and its meanings are faith, hope and wisdom. Meanings: faith, hope, wisdom

Lilies Lilies have been associated with many ancient myths. They are mentioned in Old Testament, and in New Testament, and symbolize chastity and virtue. Even today, lilies are associated with purity and faith.

Meanings: purity, faith Peruvian lilies or alstroemeria are named after Swedish botanist Baron Klas von Alstroemer. He brought flower seeds back from a trip to South America in 18th century. Meanings: friendship, devotion

Pumps are available in both submersible and external (out-of-pond) models. For smaller pond (up to 1000 gallons of water), a submersible pump is more economical and practical option. Submersible pumps can be placed directly in pond and require relatively little installation. They are free of distracting noise, and for smaller ponds, can easily be utilized to drain your pond (if you hook up a hose to output flow).

In old days, main disadvantage of submersible pumps was that pump seal could rupture and release oil coolant into water. However, this is not case nowadays, because newer pumps are magnetic-driven, and no longer require coolant. “Mag-driven” pumps are slightly more expensive, but they have added advantage of consuming less electricity.

Pumps are sized by gallons per hour (GPH) output at one foot of lift or height. Manufacturers usually offer charts that break down power of each size pump according to incremental heights of one foot. It is recommended that you circulate your body of water at least once every 2 hours. Therefore you will need to size your pump to ensure that it has half GPH rating as volume of your pond in gallons. For example, if you have a 1000 gallon water feature, you will require at least a 500 GPH pump.