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| Photo by Leonardo Wong on Unsplash |
{This is a collaborative post}
I think you're either a cut flower person or you're not. I'm not massively nowadays, I can totally appreciate their beauty and I love to take photographs of flowers growing, especially when visiting National Trust properties but it is rare for me to have cut flowers in the house.
If I do, it will normally mean spring has arrived and I picked up some cheerful daffs cheap at the supermarket, someone has sent me a thank you bouquet that I have spread between a few vases across the house, or that it is my anniversary and my hubby remembers how much I love our wedding flowers, stargazer lilies.
Choosing Flowers as a Gift
I do enjoy sending flowers though, as so many of my friends and family really appreciate flowers. I think as you get older and have everything you need, flowers can be a lovely decadent gift that you may not give yourself and are therefore appreciated at special times.
Some of the fun for me in sending flowers is trying to match up the perfect ones for the recipient, and not being too distracted by what I like or don't like. For example, my Nan loved big chrysanthemums as they are bold and bright and reminded her of my Grandad as he grew them, but I detest the smell. Even so, they would still always be my go-to flower for her as it is about making her happy.
The Significance of Flowers
There is a lot of historical and cultural significance to certain flower types and colours. My Mum would still say you should never give red and white flowers together as it represents the blood and bandages, this folklore having originated in the First World War. I'm told there are still even some people that believe red and white flowers mixed together and given to someone who is poorly, act as a death omen. For myself, I really like white and red mixed together, but I'd be wary to give them as a gift if I didn't know the person's beliefs.
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| Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash |
Remember that as long as you put thought and love into your flower choice, you probably won't go far wrong and of course, you can always seek expert advice too. I've heard good things about this florist in Sydney, but realistically there is a florist on every street corner, so there is bound to be one close to you who you can chat to.
Here are a few more pointers to help you make your choice, as flower type and colour can signify different things, but don't get too wound up in it, as it might be that your best friend adores yellow carnations and if so, feel free to give her some as they will mean love and friendship from you, not the traditional disappointment that many might believe.
Colours -
- Yellow flowers symbolise friendship
- Red or pink flowers symbolise love, romance, energy or passion
- Blue, white or green flowers (foliage) can be seen as calm, peaceful and tranquil flowers
Types of Flowers -
- Gerbera - cheerfulness
- Roses - love and affection
- Yellow/ orange roses - friendship
- Red roses or tulips- romantic love
- Pink roses - admiration
- Red carnations - admiration
- Pink carnations - gratitude
- Yellow carnations - disappointment
- White carnations - pure love or remembrance
- Red poinsettia - good cheer for the new year
- Lillies - can signify humility and devotion, but are often given at funerals to signify innocence of the departed
- Daffodils - truth and forgiveness
- Peony - a happy marriage
- Daisies - great as a heartfelt apology
- Gardenia - joy
- Forget-me-nots - exactly that, staying friends forever
Have fun, after all, gift-giving should be a joy and not a chore. Happy flower choosing friends!
