It's National 'What' Day?
Throughout history and across all cultures, flowers have been given as gifts. In fact around the world, one of the most popular gifts to give is flowers. The reasons why:
It’s been a while since I have done a blog post. I’ve had lots going on with the release of my book A BOUQUET OF WORDS Express Yourself Through the Language of Flowers.
Everything about writing and publishing a book has been a new experience for me. I’ve learned so much including that once the book is written and published the work is not done. Now it’s time for marketing! (I’m working on that.)
What I want to share with you today is some upcoming dates that you might find interesting.
It’s all the rage nowadays to have ‘National Days’. You can find days for everything from ‘National Creative Ice Cream Flavours Day’ (July 1st), ‘National Pet Rock Day’ (September 1), to ‘National Joy Day’ - which isn’t about being joyful, but about celebrating everyone with the name ‘Joy’ (December 7)!
It’s no different when it comes to flowers. Several have their own ‘National’ day.
There are three in the upcoming months. These are great days to share flowers with others and introduce them to the language of flowers. In November and December you have:
November 10: National Forget-me-not Day
Forget-me-not - Remembrance
While forget-me-nots are not in bloom at this time of year, you could find a card with an image of these delicate blue flowers and send them to someone to let them know you are thinking of them.
December 12:National Poinsettia Day
Poinsettia - Good cheer
If you are attending a holiday party, a poinsettia with its meaning of ‘good cheer’ makes the perfect hostess gift.
December 19: National Holly Day
Holly - Domestic happiness
Do you know anyone getting married or moving into a new home? Giving a bunch of holly would be a wonderful symbolic gesture
In A Bouquet of Words you will find a calendar of ‘National Flower Days’ throughout the year.
(I guess I squeezed in a bit of marketing with that last sentence 🙂.)
Click HERE to order A BOUQUET OF WORDS Express Yourself Through the Language of Flowers
A Love for True Blue Flowers
Our next step along the floral rainbow is the colour blue. Blue flowers benefit our mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, by producing a calming effect that in turn slows down our metabolism and thoughts.
Only 10% of flowers come in the colour blue – that makes them …
Our next step along the floral rainbow is the colour blue. Blue flowers benefit our mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, by producing a calming effect that in turn slows down our metabolism and thoughts.
Only 10% of flowers come in the colour blue – that makes them the rarest of colours to find. But they do exist, so don’t buy any that are fake or dyed. ‘True blue’ flowers are definitely the only way to go.
Blues can range in shades from soft and pale to rich and vibrant. What you choose, and what you pair it with can create an impact ranging from a peaceful calm, to a sophisticated elegance.
So once again as we talk about how to incorporate a specific colour flower into our arrangements, I’d recommend turning to nature for inspiration.
Spring: Spring is all about the return of blue skies, sunshine and white fluffy clouds. Blue, yellow and white creates a feeling of freshness and openness. An arrangement with these colours would be perfect in the kitchen to greet you first thing in the morning.
Summer: An idyllic summer day is warm and lazy where the pace slows down as you lounge at the edge of a pool. A mix of soft and medium blues paired with eucalyptus greens creates a warm, relaxed feeling. This would be a perfect combination for the bedroom.
Fall: Fall arrives and the days start getting cooler and shorter, yet we’re not quite ready to let go of summer. Blues, dark pinks and oranges make a great combination to transition from summer sunsets to cozy evenings in your home. A vase in your entrance way will be a beautiful greeting as you come through the door earlier and earlier each evening.
Winter: Winter means cold, clear, crisp weather with time spent indoors. Rich vibrant blues, deep purples and dark greens create a warm, glowing feeling. This is perfect in the living room for when you gather with family and friends.
Some of my favourite blue flowers are cornflower, tweedia, nigella, hydrangea and delphinium. If you are unfamiliar with any of these, have a chat with your local florist who should be able to help you, or please message me with any questions. I’d also love to know your favourite blue flowers.
PS - My very favourite blue flower is one that is too tiny to really use in flower arrangements. It’s the very sweet and dainty forget-me-not. But starting in the spring, keep your eyes open as you go for walks as you’ll often see them blooming in your neighbour’s gardens.