Congratulations, you made it through the longest January everrrrrrr!! Blimey it wasn’t easy was it!? Luckily February is a short month so it’ll be spring time before we know it. Warmer, longer days, bulbs budding up and the promise of good things to come.
February is of course the month of love with Valentine’s Day coming up. This can be between lovers, friends and the most important form of them all, self-love! It’s not all about couples, especially this year, it’s important to treat yourself too!
Now I made the decision to not sell fresh flowers this year, for a number of reasons but mainly because I wanted to focus on my cut flower patch & I don’t have anything growing yet. However that doesn’t mean I won’t be encouraging you to make someone's day with flowers.
Red Roses are the obvious choice, but they absolutely aren’t the only choice! Why not sending something a little more meaningful. Did you know many flowers have symbolic meanings and were sent to give the recipient a message? This was particularly popular in Victorian England when flowers are plants were used to send codes messages, allowing the sender to express feelings which could not be spoken aloud.
So, what are you trying to say?
I love you
It’s no surprise that many red flowers carry the symbolism of love, roses are what we tend to think of but did you know tulips are a much more seasonal and therefore sustainable option whilst also sending the message of deep passionate love. Daffodils and Narcissus both are symbols for unrequited love whereas yellow roses are often used to represent a less romantic but a love between friends.
I’m sorry
If you’ve got some making up to do this Valentine’s Day, the purple Hyacinth is associated with sorrow and a request for forgiveness. Along with white tulips which are thought to symbolise forgiveness and sincerity. Why not give these as a planted bulb arrangement so you can keep and reuse the bulbs if another apology is needed.
So proud of you
2020 was a hard a year, and the start of 2021 hasn’t exactly been easy either. Maybe you’d like to show someone how proud you are of how they’ve coped and battled through? Amaryllis is a beautiful symbol of determination! They’re known for taking a long time to open up and bloom, it’s this dedication of looking after such plant that’s the reason they’re named after a timid shepherdess amaryllis who apparently waited 30 days outside Alteo’s door to win his affection.
You’ll get through this
Maybe you know someone who’s struggling right now, sadly in these weird Covid times, I’m sure we all know someone who’s actually struggling a bit! Gladioli flowers get their name from ‘Gladiolus’, the Latin word for ‘sword’ due its shape and sharp point. Therefore it’s unsurprising that gladioli are used as symbols of strength.
Happy Galentine’s Day
Like I said before, I’m a firm believer that Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples! Show you’re gal pals you’re thinking of them with Alstroemeria aka Peruvian Lilies. These are super long lasting blooms which come is a whole range of colours so you’re sure to find a variety all your friends will love. What’s even better is these can be grown all year round in the UK, making them a more sustainable option too. Check out Crosslands Flower Nursery who ship nationwide and font of all knowledge when it comes to these beauties!
I hope this have given you some ideas to step away from the traditional red rose and try something different this valentine’s day. If you have a flower with a special meaning to you I’d love to hear the story behind it.
Take Care
Adele xx
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