New Beginnings
March is almost here which means the arrival of Spring. This is the perfect time for …
March is almost here which means the arrival of Spring. This is the perfect time for new beginnings. And how fitting it is that the birth month flower for March is the daffodil, with the meaning - New beginnings!
My new beginnings:
I’m updating my website. I love the changes I’ve already had made (thanks Mel!) that give it a fresh new look.
I’m working on a project that I’ll be able to share soon.
I’m learning more about gardening.
I hope to do some floral tourism and get some great photos.
What ‘new beginnings’ do you have planned for this year?
How the Snowdrop Gets it's Name - it may not be what you think ..
Using flowers to express yourself is the language of flowers, or floriography.
It’s well known that a red rose symbolises love, but what’s not as well-known is that most flowers have a sentiment they convey. You may be surprised to learn
Just like every month has a gemstone associated with it, every month also has one or two ‘birth month flower/s’. January’s birth month flowers are the carnation and the snowdrop.
Today’s focus is on the snowdrop.
Snowdrops are one of my favourite flowers. They are simple, pure, and elegant, and I love their symbolism.
One of the first flowers to bloom in the new year, in the language of flowers snowdrops have been given the very appropriate meaning of ‘hope’. They give us hope that the long, cold, dark, winter days are coming to an end, and hope for what a new, brighter season will bring us.
It’s commonly thought that snowdrops were named ‘snowdrops’ because of the way their pure white bloom pushes its way up through the snow. But they are actually named after earrings. Yes - earrings! This goes back as far as the 15th century when ladies often wore white, drop-shaped earrings, known as ‘ear drops’ . Do you see the resemblance between a ‘snowdrop’ and an ‘eardrop’?
This January as well as enjoying going for long walks spotting snowdrops out in nature, why not treat yourself - or someone with a January birthday to a pair of pearl earrings to remind them of their birth month flower.
Maison de Camille pearls
A great place to get pearl jewelry is from Maison de Camille . She has a wide selection of styles and prices for you to choose from.
What's Old is New Again
Using flowers to express yourself is the language of flowers, or floriography.
It’s well known that a red rose symbolises love, but what’s not as well-known is that most flowers have a sentiment they convey. You may be surprised to learn
Just like every month has a gemstone associated with it, every month also has one or two ‘birth month flower/s’. January’s birth month flowers are the carnation and the snowdrop.
Today’s focus is on the carnation, which ties in well with January’s gemstone, the garnet.
I have a special memory of carnations. When my husband and I had our first apartment, he would come home every week with half-a-dozen red carnations, put them in glass coke bottles, and place them all around our apartment. Nothing fancy - single stems in recycled bottles - but that simple act created a happy memory that has lasted for years.
The carnation is a very under-appreciated flower. Once a prized favourite among elite society, somewhere along the way carnations fell out of favour. They gained a reputation for being old-fashioned, common and unrefined. But, as tends to be the case, things have come full circle, and what’s old is new again. The carnations of today are quickly becoming a fan favourite. If you’re not on the carnation bandwagon yet, here are five reasons why you should quickly jump onboard:
Layers upon layers of dainty ruffled petals give the carnation a soft, dreamy feeling. Their fragrance is a bit sweet and a bit spicy, yet oh-so subtle.
Carnations are affordable, and affordable is never a bad thing.
Carnations have one of the longest vase lives of any flower, giving you an even bigger bang for your buck.
Carnations are available year round so you never need to be without them.
No longer do carnations come in just the standard old red, white or pink. Growers are cultivating and producing new show-stopping varieties. The new editions come in a wide spectrum of colours and hues that are vibrant and trendy. One of the most popular colour choices during the winter months is a deep, dark burgundy - very reminiscent of a stunning garnet.
Carnations are filled with symbolism. As well as being the flower for the month of January, it’s the flower to celebrate first anniversaries, and the national flower for Monaco, Slovenia and Spain. And let’s not forget about the language of flowers.
In general carnations symbolize admiration/affection, while a pink one symbolizes gratitude/mother’s love, red ones love/passion, and white ones innocence/sweet & lovely.
I hope this helps you look at carnations in a different way, and as January is a great time for new beginnings, how about making this the year you start your love of carnations.
One of my favourite places to find beautiful jewelry - garnet or otherwise - is Maison de Camille . This is a woman-led business, that began during the 2020 Pandemic. Kerri-Lee and her team create meticulously handcrafted pieces in their Vancouver, Canada, workshop.
Five Flowers That Express Surprising Sentiments
Using flowers to express yourself is the language of flowers, or floriography.
It’s well known that a red rose symbolises love, but what’s not as well-known is that most flowers have a sentiment they convey. You may be surprised to learn
Using flowers to express yourself is the language of flowers, or floriography.
It’s well known that a red rose symbolises love, but what’s not as well-known is that most flowers have a sentiment they convey. You may be surprised to learn what some of those expressions are.
If you know someone who is going through a sorrowful or tough time you could say “My thoughts are with you”, by giving them a bunch of calendula. These cheerful looking orange or yellow flowers are certain to brighten any room.
After having a wonderful visit with someone, nothing could be better than giving them a bouquet of delicate and fragrant sweet peas to say “Thank you for a lovely time.”
This next one has to be one of my favourite sentiments a flower has - “There is sunshine in your smile.” Which flower expresses that? The yellow tulip.
A unique way to thank someone for their support would be to give them a petunia plant. It expresses the sentiment “Your presence soothes me”.
And to round up my top five is the pansy, which simply says “I’m thinking of you”.
If learning about how these flowers can express your sentiments has caught your interest, stay tuned as I’ll be sharing more about how to communicate with the language of flowers through the upcoming months. To not miss out on anything, just pop your email address into the ‘subscribe’ box on my home page, or email me directly. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Meaningful Flowers For November Birthdays
If you know someone with a birthday in November and want to give them some flowers, no matter what flowers you give them, they’re going to be well received. But why not make your gift extra special by choosing flowers with a meaningful message.
If you know someone with a birthday in November and want to give them some flowers, no matter what flowers you give them, they’re going to be well received. But why not make your gift extra special by choosing flowers with a meaningful message.
Here is some information specifically related to the month of November:
Birth Month Flower:
Chrysanthemum - Cheerfulness
Zodiac:
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) Geranium - Friendship
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) Carnation - Admiration/Affection
Birthstone:
Topaz - Golden brown
Seasonal Flowers:
Asters - Patience
Chrysanthemum - Cheerfulness
Personal touch:
Consider the person you are giving the flowers to. Try adding into your bouquet, their favourite flower or flowers in their favourite colour.
To note:
You don’t need to include all of these suggestions. Pick what works for the message you want to send, and you’ll have created a unique and meaningful gift for that lucky November birthday person.
Thoughts Of Absent Friends
I read recently that this summer there was a big increase in the number of people who started growing zinnias. I found this interesting, as I fell into that category. While I am not a gardener at all, this year I did have a little plot in a community garden - and I did try growing zinnias.
I read recently that this summer there was a big increase in the number of people who started growing zinnias. I found this interesting, as I fell into that category. While I am not a gardener at all, this year I did have a little plot in a community garden - and I did try growing zinnias.
At first I wasn’t going to grow any because they tend to come in big, bold colours and I prefer pastel colours, but the meaning of zinnias won me over - ‘thoughts of absent friends’. I’m sure most people who started growing zinnias this year wouldn't have known that, but I like the fact that in a time when we’ve been separated from so many friends, the flower with the meaning ‘thoughts of absent friends’ is the one people were attracted to.
I was really pleased I did decide to go ahead and plant the zinnia seeds. They were super easy to care for and flowered abundantly. But the best surprise was how long they last after they’re cut and put in a vase. They still look great even after three or four weeks.
And it turns out I’m wrong about them only coming in bright colours. Flower breeders now have gorgeous pastel coloured varieties. Click HERE to take a look at some of the options Floret Farm grows.
Next year, why don’t you try growing a few zinnias in a pot or in your garden. Or support a local flower farmer or your neighbourhood florist by buying a bunch or two. And then while basking in their beauty, spend time thinking of your friends.
Meaningful Flowers For July Birthdays
Do you know someone with a birthday in July? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that will create a meaningful message.
With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with a July birthday.
Do you know someone with a birthday in July? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that will create a meaningful message.
With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with a July birthday.
Birth month flower:
Every month has one or two flower/s associated with it - its birth month flower/s.
Flower: Larkspur Meaning: Levity/Lightness
Flower: Water lily Meaning: Purity of heart
Zodiac:
Every zodiac sign has a flower that represents it.
Sign: Cancer Date: June 21 - July 22
Flower: White Rose Meaning: Eternal love/Innocence
Sign: Leo Date: July 23 - August 22
Flower: Sunflower Meaning: Adoration
Colour:
Use June’s birthstone for colour inspiration.
Stone: Ruby Colour: Red
Seasonal Flowers and their meanings:
Choose flowers locally in bloom during the month of July.
Flower: Meaning:
Dahlia Dignity/Elegance
Hydrangea Perseverance
Larkspur Levity/Lightness
Lily Beauty
Top tip:
You don’t need to include all these flowers. Pick what works best for the message you want to send and you’ll have created a unique and meaningful gift for that lucky July birthday person.
Meaningful Flowers For June Birthdays
Do you know someone with a birthday in June? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that create a meaningful message.
With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with a June birthday.
Do you know someone with a birthday in June? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that create a meaningful message.
With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with a June birthday.
Birth month flower:
Every month has one or two flower/s associated with it - its birth month flower/s. (June has just one.)
Flower: Rose Meaning: Love
Zodiac:
Every zodiac sign has a flower that represents it.
Sign: Gemini Date: May 21 - June 20 Flower: Lavender Meaning: Devotion
Sign: Cancer Date: June 21 - July 22 Flower: White Rose Meaning: Eternal love/Innocence
Colour:
Use June’s birthstone for colour inspiration.
Stone: Pearl Colour: White
Seasonal Flowers and their meanings:
Choose flowers locally in bloom during the month of June.
Flower: Meaning:
Rose Love
Peony Happy life
Sweet peas Thank you for a lovely time
Hydrangea Perseverance
Lavender: Devotion
Lupins Imagination
Cosmos Harmony
Top tip:
You don’t need to include all these flowers. Pick what works best for the message you want to send and you’ll have created a unique and meaningful gift for that lucky June birthday perso
Learn more:
You’ll find more about meaningful birthday flowers in my previous posts:
Meaningful Flowers for February Birthdays
Meaningful Flowers for March Birthdays
Meaningful Flowers for May Birthdays
Have you ever bought a bunch of flowers, taken them home, popped them into a vase and the next day they look sad and wilted? It’s so disappointing. And while no-one expects flowers to be ever-lasting, they should stay looking fresh and healthy for several days - or even weeks.
Do you know someone with a birthday in May? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that will create a meaningful message.
With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with a May birthday.
Birth month flower:
Every month has one or two flowers associated with it - its birth month flower/s.
Flower: Lily of the valley Meaning: Return to happiness; Sweetness
Flower: Hawthorn Meaning: Hope
Zodiac:
Every zodiac sign has a flower that represents it.
Sign: Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Flower: Poppy Meaning: Remembrance
Sign: Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Flower: Lavender Meaning: Devotion
Colour:
I’ve chosen colours for this month that are a reflection of its birthstone and the flowers that are in season during this time of year.
Birthstone: Emerald Colour: Green
Flowers in that colour: Hellebores (tranquillity); Chrysanthemum (cheerfulness); Zinnia (thoughts of absent friends); Gladiolus (strength of character); Bells of Ireland (good luck);
Seasonal colours: Light purple, light pink, light blue
Seasonal Flowers and their meanings:
There’s an abundance of flowers that are available all year long - roses (love), carnations admiration/affection), lilies (beauty), alstroemerias (friendship/devotion), gerberas (cheerfulness), lisianthus (appreciation/gratitude), chrysanthemums (cheerfulness), and snapdragons (graciousness/strength).
Combine these with flowers that are in bloom during the month of May: Astrantia (strength/courage)’ Anemone (anticipation); Freesia (friendship); Forget-me-not (remembrance); Lilac (memories of first love)
Personal touch:
Consider the person you’re giving the flowers to. Try adding into your bouquet flowers in their favourite variety or favourite colour.
Top tip:
You don’t need to include all these options. Pick what works best for the message you want to send and you’ll have created a unique and meaningful gift for that lucky May birthday person.
My Suggestion:
If I were to give flowers to a friend with a birthday in May, my bouquet would include: A mix of greenery representing May’s birthstone; Freesia for friendship; Astrantia to represent the strength of the friendship; Anemone for anticipation of the year ahead, and Hellebores for a sense of tranquillity.
If you would like to know about meaningful flowers for February, March, and April birthdays follow the links below:
Meaningful Flowers for February Birthdays
Celebrating April Birthdays With Meaningful Flowers
Do you know someone with a birthday in April? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that create a meaningful message. With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with an …
Do you know someone with a birthday in April? Are you planning on giving them some flowers? An easy way to make your gift extra special is to choose flowers that create a meaningful message.
With knowing just a few things, your floral gift can be personalized specifically for someone with an April birthday.
Birth month flower:
Every month has one or two flowers associated with it - its birth month flower.
The flowers for the month of April are:
Sweet peas: meaning ‘blissful pleasures’ and ‘thank you for a lovely time’
Daisy: meaning ‘innocence’
Zodiac:
Every zodiac sign has a flower that represents it.
Aries (March 21-April 19):
Honeysuckle: meaning ‘pure happiness’
Taurus (April 20-May20):
Poppy: meaning ‘remembrance/restful sleep’
Colour:
I’ve chosen colours for this month that are a reflection of its birthstone and that represent this time of year.
Birthstone:
Diamond: colour ‘white’. An array of flowers come in the colour white. A few are roses, carnations, alstroemeria, tulips, daisies, sweet peas.
Seasonal Colours:
Pink: symbolizing the buds in bloom. Flowers - tulips, sweet peas, spray roses, gerberas.
Pale blue: symbolizing the spring sky. Flowers - hydrangea, delphinium, tweedia.
Seasonal Flowers and their meanings:
Year-round availability:
There is an abundance of flowers that are available all year long:
Roses (love), carnations (admiration/affection), lilies (beauty), alstroemerias (friendship/devotion), gerberas (cheerfulness), lisianthus (appreciation/gratitude), chrysanthemums (cheerfulness), and snapdragons (graciousness/strength)
Seasonal flowers:
Combine flowers that are available all year long with those that are in bloom during the month of April:
Sweet peas (blissful pleasures/thank you for a lovely time), tulips (perfect love), freesia (friendship), daffodils (new beginnings), and anemone (anticipation)
Personal touch:
Consider the person you’re giving the flowers to. Try adding into your bouquet flowers in their favourite variety or favourite colours.
Top tip:
You don’t need to include all these options. Pick what works best for the message you want to send and you’ll have created a unique and meaningful gift for that lucky April birthday person.
My Suggestion:
If I were to give flowers to a friend with a birthday in April, my bouquet would be a big bunch of seasonal blooms.
White freesia to represent friendship, white anemone for anticipation for the year ahead, and pink and white sweet peas to wish a year of blissful pleasures. The white represents April’s birthstone and the pink a seasonal colour.
Happy birthday to everyone with a birthday in April! x
PS - If you’ve ever wanted to get a tattoo of your birth flower (like I have), check out THIS article.
Top 6 Flowers for Easter and Their Meanings
Every flower has a meaning attached to it. When you know what those meanings are, you can make flower choices that are perfect for every occasion. Here are six meaningful flowers for ....
Every flower has a meaning attached to it. When you know what those meanings are, you can make flower choices that are perfect for every occasion. Here are six meaningful flowers for Easter:
1 Lily:
A white lily is a very traditional flower for Easter. They represent hope and love.
2 Daffodils:
As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, daffodils have the meaning of new beginnings and rebirth - very symbolic for Easter.
3 Crocus:
When crocus bloom in early spring you can’t help but smile, the meanings of gladness and mirth are a perfect fit.
4 Gerbera Daisy:
Gerberas, with their daisy-like faces blooming in an array of colours, are considered a happy flower. Gerbera's meaning is cheerfulness.
5 - Iris:
An iris has three main petals. Their meaning has three parts - faith, hope and wisdom.
6 - Tulips:
The general meaning of tulips is perfect love, but every colour also has it’s own meaning: red - declaration of love, pink - caring, purple - royalty, yellow - joy; white - purity.
Suggestion for Easter bouquet:
My Easter bouquet would be a mix of simple, seasonal, spring flowers. Tulips and daffodils plus a few pussy willows - like little bunny tails.
To note:
Daffodils contain a sap that leaks into the water and clogs up the stems of other flowers causing them to wilt quickly. To avoid this happening, cut the daffodils stems and place them in a bucket of water. After several hours, take the daffodils out of the water but do not recut the stems. Place them straight into the vase of mixed flowers.
Meaningful Flowers for Anniversaries
Anniversaries are important moments in life, and what better way to celebrate a special day than with a big, beautiful bouquet of meaningful flowers.
Traditionally when we think of anniversaries we think of marriage; but you can also celebrate anniversaries of friendships, years in business, or …
Anniversaries are important moments in life, and what better way to celebrate a special day than with a big, beautiful bouquet of meaningful flowers.
Traditionally when we think of anniversaries we think of marriage; but you can also celebrate anniversaries of friendships, years in business, or any other important milestones in life.
Whatever the anniversary is, flowers are a wonderful way to acknowledge it, and choosing flowers that have specific meanings will make that acknowledgment even more special. Here are my suggestions for anniversary flowers.
Flowers for first ten anniversary years:
Every anniversary year has a flower assigned to it. This is a great place to start when choosing flowers.
1st - Carnation - Affection; 2nd - Lily of the valley - Return to happiness; 3rd - Sunflower - Adoration; 4th - Hydrangea - Perseverance; 5th - Daisy - Innocence; 6th - Calla lily - Magnificent beauty; 7th - Freesia - Friendship; 8th - Lilac - Memories of first love; 9th - Bird of Paradise - Magnificence; 10th - Daffodil - New beginnings
Flowers with special meanings:
Next think of what the anniversary is for, and what message you want to send. Here are flower suggestions for four types of anniversaries:
Marriage: Celebrating your anniversary is a way to remember one of the most important days of your life and to reflect on your life as a couple and the individual attributes that you love and admire about each other. Roses, with their meaning of love, are always popular for a wedding anniversary bouquet, but there are plenty of other choices.
Ranunculus - Radiant charm; Carnation - Affection; Sunflower - Adoration; Calla lily - Magnificent beauty; Freesia - Friendship; Lilac - Memories of first love; Stock - Lasting beauty; Alstroemeria - Devotion
Years in business: Only half of new businesses survive the first five years, so every year you are open deserves to be celebrated. You can also use the day to thank your employees, customers, and family and friends who have supported you.
Allium - Prosperity; Peony - Good fortune; Hollyhock - Ambition; Alstroemeria - Devotion; Pink roses - Appreciation; Hydrangea - Perseverance
Remembering the passing of a loved one: Recognizing the passing of a loved one on an annual basis gives us a chance to remember everything we loved about them, keeping that connection between past and present.
Forget-me-not - Memories; Poppy - Remembrance; Cosmos - Peacefulness; Pink Carnation - I will always remember you; Zinnia - Thoughts of an absent friend
Success in stopping an addiction: Stopping a harmful addiction is no easy feat. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication and is something worth acknowledging each year.
Chamomile - Energy in diversity; Borage - Courage; Clematis - Mental beauty; Aster - Patience
Whatever anniversary you’re celebrating, I hope you’ll be inspired by this list of meaningful flowers for anniversaries when deciding what flowers you’ll choose for the occasion.
If you would like to know the flower for an anniversary after 10 years, or like a flower suggestion for a specific type of anniversary, please let me know in the comments below and I’d be happy to help you.