Happy Valentine鈥檚 Day! Roses are red, violets are blue, guess how many flowers are sold to me and you? I read somewhere that around this time of year, more than 110 million roses are sold in the United States, most of them coming from California, and some coming from Colombia. And when you figure in all the other beautiful flowers that are shared on this special day, the numbers of flowers are staggering! But so nice to think about, after the frigid temperatures of last week!
In the language of flowers, roses are without a doubt the kings of romance. They show up in literature, poetry, and art as the flower that expresses the message of the heart. But they are not the only flower that can convey a message of love and affection! Floriography is the language of flowers: what would you like to express?
Tulips have long been highly prized from ancient days in Turkey, and while we associate them with spring, they also declare love and bring the message of new beginnings; a great flower choice for a romance that is just budding!
Carnations express beauty and pride. Red says love and admiration, while the delicate pink carnation is symbolic of a Mom鈥檚 eternal love. White carnations send a message of pure love and innocence.
Love is joyful and exuberant, and chrysanthemums send a message of joy and fidelity. Sunflowers with their cheery faces say 鈥淚 adore you!鈥� The stately bird of paradise also expresses joy.
Elegant orchids carry several messages: they send the message of thoughtfulness, mature charm and beauty, and femininity. Because of their graceful structure, they also represent strength. Calla lilies send a message of admiration of beauty. Gladiolas speak of remembrance.
Ivy expresses deep married love; jasmine sends the message of deep love and, with its heady fragrance, the message of sensuality.
When words can鈥檛 say it, the hydrangea tells of your heartfelt emotions and gratitude for the gift of the person you are sending them to; blue violets are the flowers of affection and faith. Alstromeria is the friendship flower, saying you treasure the recipient. And the fragrant, delicate ruffled sweet pea says the receiver brings you pure bliss!
If you feel that roses best say what you would like to say, remember that in the language of flowers, the color is significant. Red, of course, means love. White says innocence and a fresh start. Pink says happiness, and orange, desire. Were you swept off your feet? Lavender is love at first sight. The delicate hues of yellow or coral say friendship.
But really, the fun of floriography aside, anyone would enjoy getting any kind of flowers, because they say you care! And that鈥檚 the very best message of all.
My Sweet Pea鈥檚 birthday was on Valentine鈥檚 Day, so I wish her the most beautiful, delicate and fragrant bouquet of heavenly blossoms; I love you, Mom, Happy Birthday. Miss you so.
The Yorkton and District Horticultural Society invites you to visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca to see what鈥檚 new and coming up on the horticultural calendar. Don鈥檛 forget, the 9th Annual Seedy Saturday happens on Saturday, February 23, 2019, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at SIGN on Broadway.
Have a great week! And to my sweetheart, Happy Valentine鈥檚 Day and all my love, Keith!
