The jasmine plant has long been a favorite of many people in the areas of the world where it thrives, often because of the beauty of the small flowers that only bloom in the evening when the temperature cools. Jasmine flower tea is another popular use of this “gift of God” – the Arabic definition of the word – for its very pleasing aroma as well as its healing properties. Jasmine flower tea has been used in Asia for centuries not only for its extraordinary aromatic qualities but for its calming, sedative properties.

The making of flowering tea is an old tradition that combines the beneficial aspects of herbal tea with the added attraction of watching dried flowers come to life when placed in heated water. Jasmine flower tea is one of the more popular plants to use, and the small flower buds create an interesting visual display as they release their fragrant and homeopathic essence.

The art of making flowering tea is a well-respected craft that has been handed down through many generations of Chinese artisans. Carefully selected combinations of flowers and other flora are woven together in a time-honored tradition to create a unique show of regeneration, as the flowers spring to life in the water during the steeping process.

These skilled artisans are very adept at weaving these elements together in a specific manner to allow the buds they create to unfurl in just the right way. The dried buds that are the result of their handiwork can be used individually in a tea cup, or several can be combined in a teapot. The resulting visual show is often considered to be as important as the botanical benefits of the plants and flowers themselves. The symbolic genesis that takes place can serve as a method of prayer and worship of the “gift of God” that jasmine flower tea provides.

This ancient art form has become more appreciated around the world in modern times. The making of flowering tea has been part of a growing understanding of the importance of using the plants and flowers that are omnipresent in nature for nutritional support, for healing, and for the physiological benefits that these elements provide.

The increasing interest in studying the regenerative role that herbs and plants play in human health has led to a better grasp of their beneficial qualities. The importance of antioxidants is understood more today as science and cultural tradition begin to find a common ground in the study and application of the many natural characteristics found in the botanical world. The ability of herbs, flowers, and plants to support continued good health when they are included in a daily dietary program is founded in solid scientific research as well as the traditions of folk knowledge that has stood the test of time.

At first thought, a flower auction may not sound very interesting, however, the Aalsmeer auction is fascinating.

First, the sheer size is staggering. The building is the second largest in the world in terms of floor space, covering 990,000 m² (10.6 million sq ft). It is located not far from Schipol airport, so the flowers can be shipped quickly, all over the world.

The auction building needs to be massive because of the 48 million plants and flowers that pass through each day! That’s a turnover of 16 million Euros worth of blooms and leaves, daily. Each year, FloraHolland auctions over 12 billion flowers from around the globe.

As a visitor to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, you walk on a pedway above the warehouse floor and watch the organised chaos and an endless parade of colourful flowers pass by below.

The process begins, the night before the auction, at the nurseries. FloraHolland works with tens of thousands of growers in The Netherlands and around the world. At 5:00 pm the plants are packed and loaded onto trolleys. The growers fill out an electronic delivery form and the plants are on their way to the auction building.

At 10:00 pm the plants arrive at the auction and are scanned into the system. The grower takes the empty trolleys back to the nursery to fill for the next day.

The flowers and plants are taken immediately to the refrigerated area. They are grouped by variety and refrigerated at the correct temperature for each type of plant.

At 4:00 am quality inspectors do random checks to ensure the quality listed, by the grower on the electronic form, is correct. Once the plants are inspected, they are ready for the auction clock.

At 6:00 am the auction begins. There are six auction sites across the Netherlands, including the Aalsmeer site. There are 13 auction rooms and a total of 40 auction clocks at the various auction buildings. Buyers from around the world fill the auction halls.

The auction clocks are projected on huge screens. They show a photo of the flower or plant and all the information the buyer needs to know. It is a reverse auction, so as the clock counts down, the price goes lower. A buyer can stop the clock at any price point and say how many bunches of the plant they want to buy at the current price. The price continues to drop until every bunch is sold.

By 11:00 am, the sold plants move to the distribution area where they zoom around on motorised trolleys and are deposited onto carts organised by buyer. Once the buyer’s order is complete the cart(s) are wrapped and loaded onto trucks for shipping. The flowers are delivered on the same day to locations all over the world.

This cycle continues each and every weekday all year long.

If you have a passion for plants, or are simply interested in how the mechanisation of this huge distribution network functions, the Aalsmeer Flower Auction is definitely worth a visit. It’s an easy early morning daytrip from Amsterdam.

Today, many people lead extremely busy and stressful lives. Sadly, the hours of the day are not spent doting on friends and family as in the past. Family and friends often emigrate due to work commitments, and staying in touch with them has to take on a new slant. Regular postal services are becoming increasingly unreliable.

Save time ordering online

For those who do not have much time to spend in shops finding the perfect gift or live a long distance from their family and friends, a new option has become available. International florists provide tasteful and beautiful flower arrangements that can be accompanied by gifts and greeting cards. An international flower delivery service provider will be contactable online, by phone or through one of their stores for any information needed to place a flower delivery order.

Ordering flowers for international deliveries is easy. The floral relay companies are well equipped to handle every order with the professionalism required.

International flower deliveries are very reliable and punctual as most work with partners worldwide who create and deliver the bouquets or hampers. This ensures both efficiency and product quality.

How it works

Orders for international flower deliveries can be made through an online catalogue, at a florist’s shop or telephonically. Delivery instructions and requests will be noted when the order is made, following which the branch located closest to the recipient will be notified of the relevant details, create and deliver the order.

Safe online transactions

Flowers may be chosen directly from the website catalogue and secure orders and payments are immediate.

Clients ordering online save a lot of time and can shop from the comfort of their home or office. Detailed catalogues which include images and handy search functions allow users to find an appropriate arrangement or gift quickly and easily.

Guaranteed quality and delivery

Most flower delivery services are guaranteed, allowing clients to send their gifts without concern. Guarantees demand that the products delivered be of good quality, condition and to full retail value. If the bouquet does not arrive in peak condition, the order should be replaced promptly.

Deliveries can be made to most areas and even remote locations. If the recipient is not at the specified location, the delivery service will leave a note for the recipient to contact them and to make an arrangement for re-delivery. Please ensure that the recipient’s contact details are correct.

International flower deliveries enable those that are separated by long distances, those that are unable to find the time to spend looking for suitable and meaningful gifts to send a gift of their liking. Trusted and guaranteed delivery services make this a viable option to send a gift to someone abroad.