Archive for the 'Plant & Flower Meanings' Category

Flowers That Represent A Zodiac Sign

Monday, August 25th, 2008

Ask the Expert: What flower represents the zodiac sign capricorn?
I'm trying to find out if there's specific flowers that represent each zodiac sign.  For example, there's flowers that represent each birth month, so I'm trying to figure out if there's specific flowers for the astrology signs.  Jenn

How Sending Carnations Says More Than You Think

Friday, August 22nd, 2008

How can you not love receiving carnations when you know what their fabulous flower meanings? Carnations of all shapes and colors have for years been my favorite flower. I was peering through the FSN flower meanings pages and decided to see what carnations represented. Let’s just say that I was very pleasantly surprised.

A carnation in itself represents fascination, woman’s love and pride. Red carnations say “my heart aches for you” and represent admiration. White carnations represent pure love, woman’s good luck gift, sweetness and loveliness. Pink carnations (my absolute favorites) mean “I’ll never forget you.” Though there are at least half of a dozen more colors of carnations, I mention these three for a reason.

My first Valentine’s Day with my honey brings up great memories of red, white and pink carnations. He and I had only been seeing one another for about seven (7) months. He knew which flower was my favorite but could not remember which color. In an effort to get it right, he presented me with a Valentines Day card and a small can of carnation milk—a drawing of red, white and pink carnations being right on the label.

Tickle Me Pink Carnations Arrangement.jpg

Tell her just how sweet she is to you with the Tickle Me Pink carnations arrangement.

One random day the next fall I walked him to his car to say goodbye. Here he remembered the three pink carnations that he’d snatched for me when he learned that his mother’s shop was refreshing their selection of fresh flowers. It was this random event that burned into my memory how much he thinks of me even in the little things. For this and so many other reasons I can look at him and say “I’ll never forget you” the way the meaning of his pink carnations gift spoke to me.

The next Valentine’s Day went just as smoothly because by then he had quite a grasp on which carnations were special to me. He presented me with a bouquet of pink carnations and another sweetly worded card. I still have those flowers and the card in a box with the can of Carnation milk and other valuable objects from our years together.

I can’t make your own flower memories for you but I can say that the flower meanings of carnations go a long way toward sending the right message to your sweetheart. Not a floral designer by trade? It’s ok. Do what I do and contact your local florist to help create a carnation arrangement that speaks the words your heart can’t find the strength to say.

The Virtuous Virgo Zodiac Flowers

Thursday, August 21st, 2008

The love of my life is a Virgo. I find him charming and unique but often have trouble finding charming and unique birthday gifts. My love shares a birthday with my mother which makes finding two unique gifts even more of an adventure. Thankfully for all with multiple Virgo birthdays, I have discovered the solution.

A flower arrangement designed with forget-me-nots, gladiolus, and violets will make any woman feel incredibly special. When I explain to my mother that her chrysanthemum gift is actually in line with her astrological sign, she will appreciate the creativity it took to select an arrangement and enjoy having something beautiful to lighten up her home.

My sweetie’s gift is a bit trickier but I hope this will help all women needing a clever gift for men. Celebrating both our anniversary and his birthday during the Virgo period between August 22 and September 22, a unique gift will help make both occasions feel special and fun. Very few men expect to receive flowers on their birthdays, anniversaries, or at any other time. Adding a dash of whimsy to the day by having a zodiac flowers arrangement delivered is certain to spice up the conversation around the dinner table. Be careful! Make sure your fellow has an easy-going sense of humor because jovial jabs at work are just as likely to follow.

For Virgo men and women with children, selecting arrangements or small flowers with which to decorate a home are a fabulous treat for parents. Planting or decorating with flowers alongside a giggling child makes a birthday an even more special and enjoyable day. I know that our daughter will be thrilled to play in the dirt with her father. I can already hear her chipper laugh as he lifts her by her waist to hang a potted arrangement near our porch swing. I share these same memories with my grandmother and my heart melts with joy when I dream about those simple moments together. Besides, in his mind, it’s one less thing for him to mow.

Visit your local florist today and design the astrological flowers arrangement that is right for your Virgo!

africanviolets.jpb Violets for my Virgo

orangegladiolus.jpg Gladiolus are a beautiful and unique gift idea!

Wild About Wyoming's State Flower

Wednesday, August 6th, 2008

Welcome to Wyoming! How can you not feel warm and fuzzy inside when even the official Wyoming State website declares "Wyoming Welcomes You" in flowing bold letters? There is so much to love about Wyoming but part of the beauty of the state is found in the natural wonder of rolling mountains, streaming rivers, and handsome natural attractions at every glance.

Remaining true to these natural roots, Wyoming adopted the Indian paintbrush (Castilleja linariifolia) as the official state flower in 1917. The Indian paintbrush is a vibrant, gorgeous and colorful flower that shoots from the earth with fiery red determination which definitely explains why it's often called Prairie-Fire. Indian paintbrush make quality additions to gardens, bold additions to home décor, and are sure to add a bold pop to a boring day.

Castilleja linariifolia may be difficult to say but you won't have to worry about that when gazing at Indian paintbrush with your beloved because these brilliant wildflowers leave you speechless! For fiery personalities that love to stand out in the crowd, wow them by complimenting their flair for brilliance with an arrangement inspired by the bold colors of Indian paintbrush from a Wyoming florist or contact your local florist to create something that dazzles the eyes and warms the heart.

I was digging around to see if any of our florists in Torrington, Wyoming could help me gather Indian Paintbrush for my garden when I ran across this fantastic picture. Enjoy!

Wyoming Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja linariifolia)Gorgeous natural Wyoming Indian Paintbrush

Photo provided by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center of the University of Texas at Austin.

My August Birth Month Flower–Glad To Have Gladiolus!

Thursday, July 31st, 2008

Fiddling with the zodiac signs to create an awesome gift idea can be loads of fun. I have several special occasions to celebrate in August so gift ideas run short as July winds to a close. Thankfully for all, my father has reached the age where it is forbidden for another year to mention his fifty-something birthday. The good people in my family still like to make everyone feel special on their birthday so we tend to sneak-attack him with a gift that he can't refuse; all the while chocking it up to a random present or involving my family in the celebration of my anniversary (also the 28th).

I struggle to find a flower arrangement that will satisfy the rugged tastes of the men in my life but the brilliant thing about fathers is that it truly is the thought that counts. For many years my father would send a single carnation to my sister and me on Valentines Day. Because of this, last year I sent him a single carnation along with his favorite John Wayne movie newly printed onto DVD. We'd both seen "El Dorado" at least one hundred times and a single flower is kind of boring alone. However, it was the understood memories of both that made Daddy forget the law against celebrating his birthday and enjoy the day with his family.

This year is a bit different. I've decided to do for Dad's birthday what I did for my mother but with an extra special touch. I looked up the birth month flowers for August which are gladiolas and poppy. Not wanting to give poppy to my pappy this year, I asked my local florist if she could create a very manly arrangement using gladiolus as the focal flowers. This will be easy because the flower meanings of gladiolus are strength of character, sincerity and generosity. My father embodies these qualities better than most. Gladiolus are also the flower of the gladiators. Who doesn't think of their father as the strongest man in the world?

Because my father loves certain war medals, I ebayed my heart out until I found the one that he talks about almost incessantly. My florist June and I have discussed a wonderful arrangement that includes his favorite medal amidst a batch of his birth month flowers. This year I'm absolutely certain that August will be a month of surprises and one that Dad will enjoy with us again. I'm hoping that he'll forget the young-at-heart 50+ and become like a kid again when he sees his unique birthday gift.

Gladiolus Add Sincerity and Character To The Meaning of Flowers

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

If pictures are worth a thousand words, how many words are flowers worth? Every individual attaches some special memory or memories to the many types of flowers in their lives. Whether it was the focal flower in the bouquet that he delivered with the engagement ring, the sympathy flowers that made mourning easier, or simply the creative gesture of a loved one who somehow just knew that a little boost would turn the day around, there are thousands of memories to delve into when we pass flowers in the grocery store, garden, or local flower shop.

Some flowers, though, have very particular flower meanings and can be sent to express a very specific feeling or message. The birth month flower of August is gladiolus so which better to share? This beautiful, tall blossoming flower represents some very pleasant flower meanings making a gladiolus arrangement the perfect gift to send a message to a guy or a girl!

Express sincerity with a gladiolus bouquet. Sometimes it takes just that little extra to push through the "yes" decisions in our minds. Being completely sure of the sincerity of the sender is the difference between "99% sure that you're the one for me" and "I'd follow you to the ends of the earth." Avoid any confusion by ensuring your sincerity with an arrangement of gladiolus.

Express strength of character with gladiolus flowers. Integrity, strong ethics and values, and high moral fiber are qualities that every person looks for in a partner. Make your best qualities shine through. Highlight those strong qualities in another person who needs reassurance of their wonderful self. Gladiolus are the perfect flowers for subtly expressing strength of character.

Sincerity and strength of character are wonderful character traits. Why not put them on display with the help of a fresh gladiolus arrangement from your local florist? The catalog of personal memories along with the flower meanings of gladiolus and many other flowers truly does beg the question…how many words are pictures of flowers worth?

So Glad It’s Summer Gladiolus Arrangement.jpg Gladiolus arrangements envigorate any summer day!

Flower Color Meanings–The Colors of Our Lives

Tuesday, May 13th, 2008

Colors Associated With Flower Meanings

Flowers come in a plethora of colors and meanings. With so many colors representing a variety of emotions and feelings, it is often difficult to remember the different meanings associated with special flower colors. Breathe easy now! This handy guide to flower meanings by color will help send the right message for every occasion!

Red – Love, power, desire, seduction

Red has long represented true love, a thirst for power, intensity and desire, and passionate seduction. In nature, red is associated with heat, fire, and strength. Red catches the eye, grabs attention, and stimulates the mind. A dozen red roses arrangement is a typical gift between lovers. The "bloodthirsty" intensity and drive of a powerful executive makes a red flower arrangement the perfect gift.

**Red, pink, and white are common colors selected for Valentine’s Day arrangements.**

**Red and green are common colors used during the celebration of Christmas.**

Orange – Enthusiasm, energy, warmth, harvest, confidence

Orange is a very brazen color in nature. It is often associated with the fall harvest celebrations, warmth and energy of a fire, and chipper enthusiasm. Orange flowers make a bold statement and draw a large amount of attention.

Yellow – Friendship, joy, natural energy, brilliance, warmth

Yellow is the color most commonly associated with friendship. Yellow flowers may be used to celebrate a new friendship or to slow the development of a romantic relationship. Yellow is a vibrant color whose brilliance is often associated with natural energy and warmth like that of the sun. Yellow flowers stimulate feelings of joy and make excellent gifts for cheering up someone who is down or brightening the day of a loved one.

Green – Fertility, wealth, health, youth

Green these days can mean anything from environmentally friendly to financially wealthy. Green flowers represent all of these feelings from the fertility and fresh green sprouts of nature to the vitality and spritely youth of someone.

Blue – Tranquility, trust, peace, rest

The opposite of red, blue is a very calming color. The meaning of blue flowers is rooted in tranquility, trust, peace, and rest. Dark blue is also an elegant color that represents expertise and trust. Blue flowers are often sent to someone who needs a reprieve from anxiety, stress, or worrying. Blue is a very popular color in nurseries as it promotes rest and sleep.

Purple – Royalty, power, devotion, success, pride, good judgment

Even the great Emperor Caesar Augustus wore purple because of its strong ties to royalty, pride, and power. Purple can also represent good judgment especially in financial decisions. Purple flower arrangements are excellent gift ideas for women in charge or to send a message of confidence for a special boost.

White – Purity, innocence, fresh start, reverence, simplicity

Brides, babies, and angels of lore all wear white. This is no surprise as white represents purity, innocence, spiritual reverence, untarnished nature, and simplicity. A fresh arrangement of white flowers is a unique way to celebrate the birth of a baby, the fresh beginning of a marriage, and more.

Black – Power, mystery, farewell

Black is a mysterious color that draws attention because of its brooding and secretive nature. Perplexing, the mysteriousness of black also lend to its power and appeal because of such great intrigue. Alternatively, black can also represent death, dying, or departure and goodbye. Black flowers are not found in nature but flowers that appear black or black cultivars are very popular as over-the-hill gifts, sympathy announcement flowers, or to announce the end of a relationship. While black flowers are normally associate with negative things, recent design trends allow black to be used with other colors such as red, sprigs of white, silver-tipped flowers, and more to accentuate a room or accompany an elegant gift such as jewelry.

**Black and orange are used to celebrate Halloween.**

Brown – Warmth, nature, practicality, stability, dependability

Like orange, brown flowers represent warmth and nature but in an understated tone as opposed to the energy of orange. Brown flowers may be used in conjunction with the giving of chocolate, a new pet, or to celebrate a fall wedding or harvest.

Peach – Wisdom, appreciation, gratitude

A blend of pink and orange, peach captures the best of the meanings of both colors. Peach represents the warmth and appreciation of orange with the tenderness and romance of pink.

Coral – Desire, love

Coral is a unique color that represents love but especially desire. Coral flower arrangements are an excellent gift for revealing intense desire to a loved one but in a more creative way than traditional reds and pinks.

Dark red – Beauty, love

Dark red is an intense version of the romantic color and represents a bolder expression of beauty and love.

Pink – Romance, grace, playfulness, sweetness, sincerity

Pink is a delicate color that is often used in flower arrangements to express romance, sincerity, and a sweet nature. Much like the personality of a little girl, pink conveys playfulness, grace, and an adorable quality that is perfect for wives, girlfriends, or daughters.

Lavender – Femininity, tenderness, elegance, delicate

The softer side of purple, lavender is much like pink is to red in that it captures the intense qualities of purple such as elegance and lofty ambition but lends itself to the more tender interpretations of femininity, delicate nature, grace, and supple beauty. Lavender flower arrangements make excellent wedding centerpieces, prom flowers, and more when the graceful attraction of a woman is to be celebrated.

Sending Roses - What Message Do They Give

Thursday, January 3rd, 2008

The Flower Shop Network Newsletter for January goes out next week. Beth Roberts has once again created an inspiring and informative newsletter. If you enjoyed her Power of Red Flowers, you'll enjoy The Meaning of Roses. Beth takes us on a journey exploring the meaning of roses and their significance in history and in other cultures. Take a sneak peek and enjoy the journey to the world of roses.  I knew red roses symbolize love; but, who knew a rose in full bloom symbolized the maturity of love.  I'm interested in your opinion of the newsletter, so don't hesitate to comment.

Overcrowded Garden - World of Flowers

Friday, November 23rd, 2007

An interesting post on Dirt called My Overcrowded Garden caught my eye this morning. In this post Amy ponders the issue of a mature garden. Reminiscing the introduction of particular plants to the garden and the difficult decision of whether to eliminate some of the plants. What struck me were the memories and sentiments attached to those flowers.  She planted Shasta Daisies because they were her mother favorite. She described the excitement of purchasing new plants and the way a planted tree can mark the passage of time.

Yesterday, I spent the day with my family enjoying an abundance of food, laughter and conversation. We drug out the family photo albums; viewing pictures of my parent’s home and it’s landscaping (which changed several times over the years). Every pictured was accompanied by a memory of particular plant, flower or shrub. Memories like my sister crashing into the juniper at the end of the driveway or the arborvitae that was so big, we had to use a tractor to remove it. Plants and flowers have come and gone over the years but those memories will always be with us.

My garden is due for an over haul this spring. Of course there are memories galore related to this garden. But I have pictures to remind me. Whether from the garden or in a beautifully arranged in a vase plants and flowers seem to create strong emotions. That is why her post caught my eye. Amy doesn’t just enjoy plants and flowers; she lives for them. Yesterday and today made me think, “What would the world be like with out flowers?” I can’t imagine, nor do I want to, a world without flowers. I may rearrange my flower garden but I will always have a one.

Think about the way flowers have touched your life. Flowers remind me that the world is a good place. Certain flowers remind me of a particular place, person or time. How have flowers played a part in your life?

Celebrate the Casablanca Lily

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007

Last week my senses were bombarded with the sights, sounds, tastes and feelings (emotional not physical) of the 4th of July. I know many people who delight in the smells associated with the 4th, however my olfactory system seems to ignore the acrid scent of the fireworks or the sweet smoky smell of barbecue. After a week of feeling ignored my sense of smell received a long awaited treat. With every breath, the intoxicating aroma coming from the Casablanca Lilies that were blooming in my garden captivated my nose.

With the delicate and fragile look of these substantial white blooms, many underestimate the powerful rich scent of the Casablanca lily. The heavenly aroma of this oriental lily has an inviting quality drawing you into any personal or public, small or large, casual or formal celebration. In fact, celebrate is the meaning of this flower. Alone or mixed with other flowers, the Casablanca Lily is a fantastic way to celebrate daily life or special occasions.

I cut the Casablanca Lilies in my garden taking them inside so the aroma can drift throughout my house. During the winter when everything is blah and I need a pick me up, my local florist supplies me with this wonderful flower. I encourage you to experience the beauty and enticing aroma of the Casablanca Lily.

Here are a few ideas:
During a stressful weak - entice co-workers to celebrate the workday by placing a vase of Casablanca Lilies on your desk or at Christmas include Casablanca Lilies in your centerpiece arrange.

Let me know how you celebrate with Casablanca Lilies.