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Victorian era Language of Flowers

Using the Victorian Language of Flowers to Apologize

May 2, 2023

My dear reader, if you’ve been following my articles, you should know by now that the Victorian Language of Flowers is not all romantic picnics and declarations of love. One of the other most widely acknowledged uses of this unspoken language is to convey apologies and express remorse. While there are not as many flowers associated with professing apology as there are with love, there are still several flowers that can be used to express regret and seek forgiveness in addition to the flowers that represent words to customize to your apology.

One of the most classic flowers associated with apologies is the white lily. White lilies are often used to express sincerity and humility, making them an ideal flower to include in a bouquet when apologizing. Additionally, the yellow tulip is often associated with forgiveness and can be included in the bouquet to express a desire to reconcile.

To add more depth to the message, one can also include flowers that represent gratitude and admiration for the person being apologized to. Pink carnations, for example, symbolize appreciation and admiration and can be included in the bouquet to express gratitude for the person’s forgiveness.

In addition to the white lily and yellow tulip, there are other flowers that can be used to express apologies and seek forgiveness. Here are a few examples:

– Hyacinth – A purple hyacinth symbolizes deep regret and can be included in a bouquet to convey a heartfelt apology. It represents a desire to make amends and make things right.

– Pink Roses – While white roses are often associated with apologies, pink roses can also be used to express regret and remorse. Pink roses symbolize grace and elegance, making them a beautiful addition to any apology bouquet.

– Peonies – Pink and white peonies can also be used to express apologies and seek forgiveness. They represent a desire to make amends and a willingness to work towards reconciliation.

– Forget-Me-Nots – These charming blue flowers are often associated with memories and can be included in a bouquet to convey a message of “please don’t forget me.” Forget-me-nots represent a desire to make things right and a hope for forgiveness.

– Orchids – Orchids are a unique and elegant addition to any apology bouquet. They represent love, respect, and admiration, making them an ideal flower to include when seeking forgiveness.

Ultimately, the choice of flowers to include in an apology bouquet will depend on personal preferences and the specific message that one wishes to convey. By choosing flowers that represent sincerity, humility, and a desire for reconciliation, one can create a meaningful and heartfelt apology that truly speaks from the heart.

A bouquet with white lilies, yellow tulips, and pink carnations would create a beautiful and meaningful arrangement that conveys the message of “I’m sorry.”

In conclusion, while the language of flowers is often associated with love, it can also be used to express apologies and seek forgiveness. By choosing the right combination of flowers and their meanings, one can create a bouquet that truly speaks from the heart and conveys the message of regret and remorse.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Expressing Sympathy

The Most Popular Occasions to Give Flowers

December 15, 2015

There are many occasions that make people want to give flowers, such as birthdays, graduations, holidays, and successful artistic or job performances. We love that men and women, young and old, enjoy the beauty of flowers so much that they want to share them with those who are special to them.

Flowers make perfect gifts to express the feelings of the heart because they’re beautiful, just like the thoughts that go with them.

If you’ve ever wondered why most people give flowers, you’re going to find out. We’ve put together a list of the most popular occasions to give flowers in case you’re looking for a reason to brighten someone’s day with a lovely bloom (or two or three).

Saying “Thank You”

We can think of more than a handful of reasons one might want to say “thank you” to another, including “thanks” for babysitting, a ride home, lunch, or a job recommendation. Some nice flowers to give if you want to say “thank you” include roses, chrysanthemums, irises, and sweet peas.

A Wedding Anniversary

Giving flowers for a wedding anniversary is a tradition that many married people take part in. It can be all kinds of fun to see your spouse’s beautiful face light up when receiving beautiful flowers. Offering flowers for a wedding anniversary, as a symbol of your ongoing love, is a sweet and caring gesture that shows you want to continue to give from your heart to a marriage that’s so important to you.

Sending Sympathy

It can be difficult to see someone in pain, so many people like to do what they can to cheer up another by sending flowers for sympathy. The hope is that the recipient might focus on the beauty of the flowers for just a bit and find joy in their heart, for at least a moment, even if they’re dealing with something horrible. You could send sympathy flowers to someone who has lost a loved one or a beloved pet, or who is grieving for another reason.

Other popular occasions that call for sending flowers include a baby’s arrival, a date, and Mother’s Day. Do you regularly send flowers for any other events or special times in life? We’d love to hear about your experiences and what types of flowers you send.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Anniversaries, Expressing Sympathy, Graduation, Mother's Day, New Baby, Occasions, Saying Get Well Soon, Saying I'm Sorry, Saying Thank You

Help Out a Harried Mother with Hyacinth

February 28, 2015

There is no job more fulfilling, or certainly more demanding, than that of raising children. For every endearing moment there are twelve others that have even the most dedicated parent wondering why they’ve chosen to breed. While flowers won’t help with the early mornings, endless tasks and constant demands of childrearing, a vase full of fragrant hyacinths can be a spot of peace and beauty where little ones run amok. These spring-blooming bulbs are small but mighty and a little vase in just the right place can have all the rejuvenating effects of a mid-day nap.

The flowering bulbs of the hyacinth plant are native to the Mediterranean and Middle East, where there were cultivated ornamentally and integrated culturally into festivals and holidays like the New Year, Nowruz, which celebrates the spring Equinox. Through trading routes, the hyacinth bulb was brought to the Netherlands, where it continues to be propagated commercially today and shipped as bulbs all around the world.

Large, strap-shaped leaves are the first thing to peak out of the bulb and lovingly wrap the stocky stem as it emerges with bell-like, pendulous flowers. Available in purple, pink, blue and white, the small flowers are long and open up into a star shape, completely covering the stem and emitting a strong, sweet scent. Both calming and flowery, the fragrance of a hyacinth is uniquely floral and hard to breath in without wanting to close your eyes ad breath deeply.

In the Victorian language of flowers, they hyacinth was said to send a message of kindliness and playfulness- a good sentiment for someone in a stand-off with a three-year-old to have.

Hyacinth bulbs are traditionally planted outside in the fall and are one of the first flowers to peak through the snow each spring. They can be “forced” by placing in soil in a container in winter and brought in from a cold place to warm in February. The are available this time of year, therefore, as both a potted plant as well as a cut flower at your local florist. Choose stems that are long with flower that are just beginning to peak out towards the bottom, as bloom open upward towards the top.

In a house full of children, it’s important to note that the actual bulbs of the hyacinth are toxic, so choose cut stems of these beauties and arrange them in a round vase with a few hypericum berries or cheery gerber daisies for an arrangement that is safe for both looking, smelling, and (just in case) eating as well!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Expressing Sympathy, New Baby, Seasonal

Send Seeds of Forget-me Nots for Anniversaries of Loss

January 6, 2015

It is hard to know how best to comfort someone.
We are often at a loss for words when someone has suffered a loss, but fresh flowers are able to say so much when we cannot and therefore are often sent as comfort during the first few weeks. While these fresh wounds will heal with time, certain anniversaries can tug at the scab of loss as they pass each year. Comfort someone who is going through a calendar of grief with a note or phone call to remind them that they are in your thoughts, and never underestimate the healing power of flowers. A package of forget-me-not seeds fits easily inside an envelop and can be mailed across distances to honor someone’s memory or offer comfort on a sad anniversary.

The name says it all.
The blue-flowered, delicately blooming forget-me-not has the distinction of symbolizing both remembrance and love in the Victorian language of flowers, where it has long been planted or presented as a plant of comfort and companionship in the presence of loss. While sprigs or stems of the forget-me-not may be relatively hard to find throughout the year, and potted plants of it might only be available in the spring with blooms are at their best, the seeds of the forget-me-not plant are surprisingly easy to grow and are a great way to send love and food memories of friends and loved ones through the mail.

Forget-me-nots are surrounded by myths and stories. The name is said to have come from the diminutive nature of the dainty plant. Small and unassuming, it was said to have almost been forgotten when all the other plants were being named. Symbolically, it has been found in the courts of exiled kings and German poets, but its pleasures are best enjoyed in a garden that gets a fair amount of shade.

Growing forget-me-nots in a pot is simple. Sow seeds in a container with a potting mix high in organic material and keep moist. They love shadier areas and soil that never dries out completely. Since most are perennial, they are a great addition to a memorial garden, where they will come back each spring and bloom with beautiful blue flowers. Many cultivars have a sunny, yellow center, giving them both a calm and cheering effect. Trim back blooms once they are finished to encourage new flowers throughout the summer. Small and unassuming, forget-me-nots make a great groundcover and will spread slowly each year to fill out an area.

While flowers can never fill in a loss, they can certainly be a great way to honor the memory of someone you’ve lost while comforting a friend who may need help each year with their memories. Consider adding some to a stamped envelop for a message of love and remembrance.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Expressing Sympathy, Funerals, Occasions

Freesias for an Epic Fail

December 18, 2014

For all the times you bring your ‘A’ game, it’s surprising how one little oops can bring you down. Forgetting it’s trash day or missing a deadline at work can sometimes be remedied with a sigh or a shrug, but once in a while you really muck it up. Missing a special anniversary, botching a big project or a spectacular dressing down from the boss are hard to shake off and can stick with you like a wad of gum in the hair. Apart from going back in time, there’s not much to be done but make your apologies and move on, hopefully learning from whatever mistakes were made to get you here. When you find yourself in this situation, the perfect flower to help fuggetaboutit are freesias. Light, breezy, fragrant and completely ignorant of what a screw-up you are, freesias can help take the sting out of self-loathing and give you something lovely to look at when you can barely stand the sight of yourself.

Freesias are members of the iris family and native to parts of Africa. Their fresh, floral fragrance and dainty, trumpet-shaped flowers have made them an ornamental favorite since the 19th century. Specifically bred for their scent and color from two different species, the resulting cultivars come in golden yellows, soft oranges, pastel purples, pinks and pure white. The flowers are cup-shaped and open upwards with their faces towards the sun along a delicately arched branch that droops sensuously backwards. Blooms open onwards towards the tip, often with a smaller, secondary stem off to one side.

Freesias are available year round from most florists and last about a week and a half in a vase arrangement. Consider dumping out the old water after a few days and adding fresh to add a few more days to these beautiful blooms.

The scent of freesias are the perfect flower to get the stink of failure off of you. Fresh and floral with a sweet, underlying allure, this fragrance has found its way into lotions and perfumes across the ages and around the world. The white flowered varieties have a slightly peppery scent, unique to the color and mixing this one with the more sugary smell of the colored cultivars gives a simple bouquet of freesias a complex smell that is almost distracting- a good thing when trying to forget the mess you’ve made of your life. Breathing them in reminds you that lovely things can arise from a pile of crap and that you, too, can find nourishment from an utter and complete failure.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Expressing Sympathy, Freesia

Goldenrod for Good Fortune and a Bit of Encouragement

November 20, 2014

Into each person’s life, a little rain must fall. Sometimes it comes in sprinkles of annoyance like car trouble, tax problems or dental surgery. Other times in waves of misfortune like health problems, lost love and missed opportunity. While words of advice are tempting, they are often ill-timed no matter how meaningful, but any encouragement is certainly welcomed and necessary when someone you love is standing under a cloud. Flowers are just the right thing to say in this situation, and few are as perfectly-worded as goldenrod. Also known by its Latin name, Solidago spp., this native American wildflower is both cheery and stately and will help a person to hold their head up when life has got them down.

Growing wild in the meadows and prairies of North America, the goldenrod has a certain devil-may-care look about it that sends a message of encouragement and makes one want to dust themselves off and move on. Hardy and long-lived, they have a surprisingly graceful look lent by the feathery flowers that top the tall stems of this plant. At their prime in mid summer through late fall, this flower can be found at a florist year round and are both economical (at a dollar or less a stem) as well as highly ornamental.

A perennial plant related to sunflowers, the bright yellow plumes of goldenrod form at the tops of tall, straight stems that can reach 1 to 3 feet. The leaves are quite small and dainty and cover stems that branch slightly towards the top. The rich, golden color that is sometimes used to describe other things like paper or paint has the unique quality of tempered sunshine and is bright without being garish. Small individual flowers line the feather-like tops to form the floral plumes and will last for at least two weeks in a vase or centerpiece arrangement. A handful of goldenrod stems alone in a tall, glass vase are beautiful and elegant on their own, but also look amazing mixed with other flowers like dahlias or sunflowers.

Wrongly accused, this plant does not irritate allergies as sometimes believe, since its pollen is too small to do much harm. Through guilt by association, it happens to flower at the same time as many grasses and ragweed, which are the actual culprits.

In the Victorian language of flowers, goldenrod is said to carry the message of good fortune and encouragement. Its warm color and sturdiness are a great symbol of support and will hold up well over time- reminding friends that they will, too.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Expressing Sympathy, Occasions, Saying Get Well Soon, Saying I'm Sorry, State Flowers

Kalanchoe for a Kid in Crisis

October 30, 2014

It’s a miracle we make it into adulthood alive.
All the dumb choices, narrow misses and blind luck that get us through our adolescence can sometimes run us smack up against our worst enemy- ourselves. Success, failure, love and loss are amplified at that age, and it takes a couple of decades on Earth to finally realize that yes, this too, shall pass. If you know a young person that’s struggling with the transition into life as a human being, sometimes a little nature can be a big reminder of that great, big world out there, and how both beauty and life and all the good and the bad that comes with it, are a part of the experience. If you are looking for a potted plant that can say all that, look no further than the kalanchoe.

Known for its showy red, orange, pink or yellow flowers, the Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is the most common species and can be found at your local florist or garden center as a potted plant. Easy to grow in a sunny window and tolerant of both neglect and and sudden moves, this plant is perfect for a tempestuous teenager that might have a hard time bearing the responsibility of a more finicky plant or find the eventual decay of cut flowers a bit too macabre. A strange, yet striking succulent from Madagascar, parts of Africa and pockets in Asia, there are over 125 different species of this small, flowering plant. In the Victorian language of flowers, it is said to symbolize celebration and popularity, which (though they would never admit it openly) top the list of desires for most folks in that age bracket.

Most kalanchoe have large, thick, waxy leaves that are broad and green with the unique ability to develop new growth from the edges or from a single cutting of an old leaf. This ability to not just survive, but flourish after injury or disruption is a great reminder that change, while sometimes painful, is necessary for growth. A particular species known for this trait has the nickname, Mother of Millions, and produces tiny versions of itself along the margins of the leaf that will eventually fall of and grow into full size plants. Another unique cultivar, called the Panda Plant, is a narrow-leafed kalanchoe covered in white fuzz with black spots, resembling a panda bear’s markings.

Able to store water in their leaves like other succulent plants, the kalanchoe is well adapted for periods of change and unfavorable conditions. They will do a great job reminding a kid in crisis that they, too, have this ability.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Expressing Sympathy, Occasions

Snapdragons for Someone Who Just Can’t Catch a Break

September 3, 2014

Some folks in life just seem to draw good fortune and lucky breaks to them like waves on a shore, while others seem to be tossed about in the currents of outrageous fortune, bobbing up to barely catch a breath before being pulled under once again. If you know someone currently getting knocked down by one wave of misfortune after another, snapdragons are the perfect flower to encourage them to get up again, while letting them know that there are people on the shore cheering them onward. Few things in life are as discouraging as a series of unfortunate events, but a well timed gift of flowers from someone who recognizes your struggle and wants the best for you are a lifeboat in a tempest.

Snapdragons are said to symbolize graciousness, strength and forbearance in the language of flowers. While an annual, meant to survive only one season, this flower is able to withstand both the blazing heat of the summer sun and the chilly nights of early fall at altitude. As a cut flower, the snapdragon adds both length and lushness to an arrangement in a vase and hold up beautifully as a bouquet. Colors range from deep scarlet to a pastel pink or golden yellow, with many colors showing more than one hue in each individual bloom that lines the stem. Hardier than they look, snapdragons will last for a week or more in a vase with clean water and are, at times, undervalued- costly only around a dollar per stem, though they are certainly worth much more.

Tall and regal, this flower can reach a height of between 2 and 3 feet. The individual flowers are shaped somewhat like the head and face of a dragon and appear to open up their mouths when squeezed from the side, hence the name “snapdragon.” Each of these flowers surround the stem, opening up from the bottom to the top. Both fierce and lovely, this flower will remind the receiver to hold their head high and be brave through whatever storm life may send them.

Native to the New World, the snapdragon looks great mixed in with other wildflower such as solidago, eryngium or any of the asters or daisies. For a softer look, consider the delicate lisianthus along with some wispy curly willow.

Help someone who finds themselves in a sea of trouble with the sturdy snapdragon. You’ll be surprised what a few flowers can do at just the right time.

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Heal Homesickness with these 3 Potted Plants

August 28, 2014

The acute pangs we feel in response to a longing for home are so innate in the human psyche that almost every language has a word for feeling homesick. Whether you are the one missing or someone you love is longing to be back there with you, much comfort can be found in a phone call, care package and pretty potted plant that will sit on the windowsill of a new place. Plants make any place feel a bit homier and as they are cared for and grow, they will be a constant reminder that it is possible to thrive in a new place. Here are three potted plants that help heal homesickness.

Florist’s CinerariaCineraria
It is hard to feel down while looking at daisies. The florist’s cineraria is a small, round plant that is literally covered with tiny purple and white sunflower-like flowers. Available year-round at garden centers and florists, they are usually sold in 6-inch round pots that can be put in a room with even very low light where they will flower for a month or more. Delightful and pleasant to look at, these plants are said to represent the joy one feels in the presence of the receiver in the language of flowers and will let them know that they are missed, while reminding them that they, too, can flower in even the dimmest of places.

FernsFern
In the language of flowers, all ferns are said to represent shelter and sincerity. While not a flowering plant, the frilly fronds of ferns are lush and primordial, reminding us that the passage of time in a human lifespan is but a blink and a nod to the life on this planet and that this time of separation and longing will also pass. There are many different ferns to choose from depending on the location, and most will do well in a room with a window. Try the easy Boston fern for brighter rooms, or the fuzzy and fascinating rabbit foot fern for something a little different.

CactusCactus
Prickly and unapproachable looking, a cactus is a surprisingly good companion. With more than 2,000 different kinds to choose from, it’s easy to turn this succulent plant into a collection. Short echinocactus or taller epiphyllum cactus all grow and bloom in bright, sunny windows and serve as companionable houseplants. In the language of flowers, they represent endurance and warmth, reminding us that life will exist in even the most inhospitable climates, and with the right adaptations, some things even grow to thrive there.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Expressing Sympathy, Occasions

DIY Dish Gardens are a Delightful Office Gift

July 15, 2014

Shopping for coworkers is never easy, but promotions, retirements, new babies and get well soon’s happen a lot in a busy office. One of the joys of giving plants or flowers is that there is not an occasion when they won’t be received as a thoughtful and appreciated gift. Flowers dazzle and delight for the week or two they remain fresh, but why not pick up something for your colleague that the whole office can enjoy for many years to come with a few houseplants? Green, indoor plants not only add aesthetic value, they are also shown to reduce indoor air pollution by filtering toxins out of the ambient air during the process of photosynthesis. A mixture of several different kinds of houseplants together in a container is called a dish garden, and whether your office is bright and sunny or a little limited on windows, these do it yourself combination of houseplants are easy to put together and sure to please.

Low Light Environment
Many of the houseplants we enjoy come from tropical areas with fairly consistent, warm temperatures that grow in the understory of other larger trees. This makes them uniquely suited for inside our homes or offices with fairly consistent conditions as well. While all plants need some amount of light, there are several houseplants that tolerate lower levels than others. If your coworker works in a cubicle with little access to natural sunlight, there are several good choices that can be mixed together in a basket or container that will thrive in a low light environment.
PothosPothos– Sometimes called Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pothos, this shade tolerant, vining plant with heart-shaped leaves makes a great addition to a dish garden because of its trailing nature. Over time it will cascade down the side of the container or can be trained up a string to grow up a wall.
ArrowheadArrowhead– A popular houseplant with tall, upright leaf stems and arrowhead shaped leaves, many cultivars of this plant exist. Some have colorful stripes or colors along the margins of the leaves and look great next to pothos in a container. You can plant them together or simply put one small plastic pot of each in a basket and top with some sphagnum moss (available at a garden center or craft store) for decoration.

High Light Environment
If your colleague has scored an office with a window or simply lights up the room with their own personality, try out one of these amazing light-loving houseplants.
HoyaHoya– A fun, climbing vine, this plant loves a lot of light, but needs very little water or care in case your coworker has a perpetually full inbox. Give it a bright window and something to climb over like the handle of a decorative basket where you can add some colorful Croton plants or Dracenea. If you are lucky, you may get to see it blooming one day with large, pink clusters.
Jade PlantJade Plant– This succulent plant has round, fleshy leaves on stems that bend and turn over time to create a classic form. Placed in a sunny window, this plant will thrive with very little care and last them though retirement.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Expressing Sympathy, Greenery, New Baby, Saying Get Well Soon, Saying I'm Sorry, Secretary's (Admin Professional's) Day

Azaleas for Helping to Heal After a Miscarriage

April 6, 2014

There are occasions in life when one is at a loss for words, worrying if anything they say may add to the hurt rather than the healing; these are the time to send flowers.

Azaleas, a symbol of womanhood, convey the message “take care of yourself” in the language of flowers and will speak for you in a time like this when you want to reach out in comfort but aren’t sure exactly what to say.

Unfortunately, losing a baby before it is born is a heartache that more than one in four women and their partners will experience in a lifetime. A small pot of azaleas will not only let them know you are thinking of them in this time of loss, but in warmer climates, can be planted outside in memorial.

Azaleas are small, flowering shrubs that are related to Rhododendrons and are often sold by florists and garden centers as potted houseplants. The flowers can be white, pink or red, with newer varieties in coral and orange becoming more common recently. When buying or ordering azaleas to be sent as a gift you can ask that they be potted in a pleasant basket or other pretty container with sphagnum moss and a bow.

With filtered sunlight and regular watering, these plants make excellent houseplants and will grow for years inside in a sunny room or by an East or North-facing window. They prefer acidic soils and can be helped along with a fertilizer with a low pH (often labeled as “for acid-loving plants”) or a bit of water run through old coffee grounds.

In Zones 8-10, these lovelies will grow outside in the landscape. Depending on which species it is, they will flower in the spring or the fall and may be deciduous or evergreen, so ask the florist to include a tag that gives information specific to the cultivar.

The azalea evolved on several different continents, with species native to Asia and the Americas. Featuring heavily in eastern art and poetry, the azalea is often associated with womanhood and the ability of women to forbear loss. The Korean poet, Kim Sowel, captures this poignantly in his poem, “Azaleas.”

Azaleas

When you turn away from seeing me,
and go,
gently, without a word, I shall send you away.

From Mount Yak in Yongbyon,
azaleas
I shall gather an armful and scatter then on your way.

Step after step away
on those flowers placed
before you, press deep, step light, and go

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Expressing Sympathy, Funerals, Saying I'm Sorry

Geraniums are Best for Getting that Foot out of Your Mouth

April 1, 2014

All night long you tossed and turned over that asinine thing you said, but you’ll sleep easier with a pot of geraniums ready for the next time you see the person your big mouth has offended. According to the language of flowers, these friendly plants convey the message of both friendship and stupidity, reminding both the giver and the receiver that we aren’t always at our best, but that we’ll certainly try harder in the future.

Geraniums come in a wide variety of colors and species, but there are three main distinctions: zonal, ivy and regal geraniums. Zonal geraniums are hardy, sun-loving plants that your florist or garden center will sell in late spring and early summer. They can grow both inside and outside, though are very sensitive to cold, so be sure to tell the person you’ve offended to bring them inside in the fall.

The ivy geraniums have lovely, trailing stems and daintier flowers. They look amazing in a hanging basket and will spill down the side of containers for a very European look. The regal geraniums, sometimes called “Martha Washington” geraniums, have larger, fanciful blooms and lovely leaves. Save these for an occasion when you’ve really stepped in it.

All of the different geraniums have a distinctive scent, but not in the flowers themselves. The thick leaves of these plants give off a spicy, pleasant smell when rubbed. Some cultivars have been bred with a specific scent, such as rose or mint and are called scented geraniums. Citronella geranium, or “Mosquito Plant” is an example of this, but don’t give this one as an “I’m sorry” gift in case they tell you to bugger off.

Geraniums have been around a long time as popular bedding plants for a sunny garden container. One of their greatest attributes is that they also grow inside in a sunny window as a houseplant, frequently surprising you with bright red, coral or white blooms, regardless of the weather outside. This means you can keep a few on hand in pretty pots around the house if you find yourself needing to apologize frequently for putting your foot in your mouth. Perhaps they can also serve as a reminder to think before you speak:)

Geraniums are surprisingly easy to find and very easy to grow. Like friendship, they need a little maintenance from time to time, which includes removing the spent blooms to encourage new flowering. They do best when they are put in a place with direct sunlight and can be surprisingly drought tolerant and forgiving of poor treatment. Let’s hope your friend is the same!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Any Time, Expressing Sympathy, Saying I'm Sorry

Best Flowers for Getting Over a Breakup

March 30, 2014

Into each life, a little heartbreak must fall, so when it does, be ready with a vase of Proteas. Sometimes called Sugarbushes, these amazing tropical stems come in a wide variety of colors and shapes and are one of the most unique flowers on Earth. The tall blooms are wild and exotic looking and come in a wide range of colors, sizes and textures. Their diversity will remind you that, while there are many more fish in the sea, there’s just one of you- and she deserves flowers.

Native to a widespread geography of Pacific islands and southern Africa, the large, solitary flowers grow in bright reds, pinks, oranges and yellows. With large buds that resemble artichokes, the flowers open up in a dazzling array of color revealing different sizes and hues of petals and fanciful stamens that can’t help but make a gal smile. Some blooms are the size of limes, while others can be as large as a grapefruit and last several weeks as they slowly open.

With such bold texture, color and size, a single stem alone looks amazing in a vase and will remind you that, at times, the simple elegance of the solitary life is something to be enjoyed. If you’d like to pair it with another exotic stem, consider the stately bird of paradise or lovely leucadendron.

In the language of flowers, Protea are said to convey courage in the face of adversity. Perhaps this come from their thick stems, which hold the flowers upright and strong even several weeks after cutting. The leathery leaves will remind you to have a thick skin, but are still soft to the touch and often have lovely colors themselves, oftentimes a bright, cheerful green with one shade on the top and another on the bottom, adding complexity to this already beguiling flower.

Named after Proteus, the son of the Greek god Poseidon, this flower has become associated with change and versatility. According to legend, this sea-god Proteus was said to have the ability to foretell the future, but would often change his shape and identity in order to avoid having to do so. This ability is ascribed to the changing nature of the sea and tides and has lead to the adjective in English, protean, meaning flexible or ability to adapt- all great characteristics to keep in the forefront when making a fresh start after a break-up.

With ancestors dating back to Gondwana some 300 million years ago, the Proteas are some of the oldest flowering plants on Earth and have adapted to a range of environments over time. If time heals all wounds, then a vase of beautiful Proteas will certainly help speed the process along.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Any Time, Expressing Sympathy, Greenery, Occasions, Saying Get Well Soon

All About Stargazer Lilies

September 4, 2012

Lilies are a beautiful and versatile, and a perfect flower to give for so many different occasions. Calla lilies, Lily of the Valley, and the Casa Blanca lily, are just a few examples of the dozens of lily varieties that make beautiful bouquet additions. The Stargazer lily is a beautiful lily that has become wildly popular as additions to floral arrangements, or even as the main attraction.

Created in 1978 by California lily breeder, Leslie Woodriff, the Stargazer lily is a relatively new kid on the block in terms of lily history. Stargazers were given their name because their blooms look up towards the sky. The Stargazer lily is known for its pink, red and white petals and a beautiful scent. The Stargazer lily is so new that it doesn’t have its own specific meaning, but it is typically used in a celebratory manner. Lilies in general are typically looked at as a symbol of love and purity, especially the white lilies, such as Calla lilies and Easter lilies.

With their vibrant and exotic looking petals, the Stargazer lily is an excellent option for celebrations such as graduations, engagements, new babies, housewarming gifts, and birthdays. A word of caution: lilies are toxic to cats, so be sure to keep lilies out of reach of feline friends. Here are a few of our favorite Stargazer lily arrangements:

If you are looking for a simple and elegant look, then a bouquet of all Stargazer lilies makes a stunning impact. They also look gorgeous with other flowers, such as roses, and are a great look for a significant other. For the bride who loves Stargazer lilies, or loves pink and red, they are a perfect flower for a wedding bouquet. Their broad blooms make for a full and lush arrangement that will beautifully complement the brides attire, without competing with it.

The FTD Simple Perfection Flower Bouquet

For a flower that is all at once beautiful, vibrant and elegant, you cannot go wrong with the Stargazer lily.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Anniversaries, Any Time, Easter, Expressing Sympathy, Flowers by Type, Funerals, Graduation, Holidays, Lilies, Lily of the Valley, Mother's Day, New Baby, Peace Lily, Saying Get Well Soon, Saying I'm Sorry, Saying Thank You, Valentine's Day, Weddings

The Right Summer Flowers: Mokara and Dendrobium Orchids

August 22, 2012

The great thing about summer flowers is that, because they are in season, you can often snag them up for a bargain! One fantastic bargain to grab are orchids, specifically, mokara and dendrobium orchids. Unlike their planted counterparts, mokara and dendrobium orchids are spectacular for a perfect summertime bouquet.

Mokara orchids come in a stunning array of  shapes and colors, including pink, orange, purple, red, yellow and burgundy. Mokara orchids are hybrid orchids, and boast anywhere from 8-12 blooms on each stem. Dendrobium is a large genus of orchids that was established in 1799 and contains almost 1,200 species of flowers. The Dendrobium name comes from the Greek words for tree and life, and translates to “one who lives on trees.”

There are currently between 21,000 and 27,000 different accepted species of orchids, and so there are many different symbolic meanings of orchids as a whole. Generally, orchids are considered a symbol of love, beauty or royalty. In Ancient Greece, orchids were symbols of virility and fertility, and during the Victorian era in Europe, the orchid symbolized elegance and luxury. Pink orchids symbolize love and affection and are typically given on the 14th wedding anniversary.

Orchids are a perfect gift to give to a loved one in just about any situation – a birthday, anniversary, congratulations, or just because! Because summertime is when they bloom, it is a perfect time to snap up some of the best pricing available!

A bouquet of mokara orchids, such as this one, features a vibrant array of gold, orange and hot pink mokara orchids. This bouquet of in-season orchids is normally about $40 and is now only $30.

If you tend towards dendrobium orchids, a beautiful bouquet such as this one, which features jade green, white, and bi-colored purple and white blooms, is a gorgeous option. Like the mokara orchid arrangement, dendrobium orchid bouquets are running about $10 cheaper than their usual price.

And if you can’t decide between the mokara and dendrobium orchid, there are lovely bouquets that blend both, so that you can have the best of both worlds!

Orchids are a timeless and universal flower that are perfect for just about any person, and any situation. Summertime is the perfect time to snap these beauties up for a bargain!

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Anniversaries, Easter, Expressing Sympathy, Father's Day, Flowers by Type, Funerals, Graduation, Holidays, Memorial Day, Mother's Day, New Baby, Occasions, Orchids, Saying Get Well Soon, Saying I'm Sorry, Saying Thank You, Secretary's (Admin Professional's) Day, Valentine's Day, Weddings

Beautiful Flowers for Tribute

June 13, 2012

Losing a loved one is never an easy time in one’s life, but beautiful flowers for tribute are a wonderful way to commemorate their lives. To really honor the life of the departed, displaying a personalized tribute flower arrangement is a way to keep their memory alive. Flower companies are becoming increasingly better at creating tribute arrangements that are meant to pay tribute to the likes and hobbies of those who have passed, to offer a special touch to their memorial celebration.

Elegant Flowers for Tribute

If the person who passed was known for their elegance, then an elegant tribute flower arrangement is the perfect way to honor them. This stunning bouquet is a pink theme, with gladiolus, roses and Asiatic lilies, all in shades of soft pink. The arrangement comes in a beautiful clear glass gathering vase, wrapped with vibrant greens.

If you are looking for something a little less pink, this graceful tribute wreath features a lovely mix of red roses, carnations, gerbera daisies and burgundy mini carnations nestled atop a foundation of snow white chrysanthemums.

The Sports Tribute

If your departed loved one was a sports lover, then a sports-related tribute arrangement is a great way to remember them. If you are having a memorial event in their honor, these sports arrangements help set the mood to being one of a celebration of life. This baseball tribute arrangement features a large baseball made of white chrysantehemums and red mini carnations, nestled on top of a bed of green moss.

If the deceased was a football fan, this football arrangement is a stunning likeness of the old pigskin. A bronze chrysanthemum football features white mini carnation laces, settled on top of vibrant green moss.

The FTD American Football Tribute

The Patriotic Tribute

If your deceased loved one served in the military, or was just an enthusiastic patriot, an arrangement that displays the red, white and blues of our country is a wonderful way to remember them. This eye-catching flag arrangement features red carnations, white chrysanthemums and dyed blue chrysanthemums, arranged to look like the American flag. The stars on the flags are beautiful white roses, to create a gorgeous visual impact.

Saying goodbye to someone you hold so dear is one of the hardest life events that anyone will experience, but the healing process begins with the paying tribute to their lives. Let one of these beautiful tribute arrangements be a part of your memorial event.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Expressing Sympathy, Funerals

Sympathy Flowers for the Home or Office

June 8, 2012

When we think of sympathy flowers, we often think of the big wreaths and standing arrangements that are present at the funeral service. If you are looking to send something personal to the home of someone who is grieving the loss of their loved one, a large arrangement can overwhelm a personal home. Likewise, if your office wants to give a coworker sympathy flowers at work, a small, tasteful arrangement is in order. Here are a few of our favorite sympathy flowers for the home and office:

Lilies

The lily is the classic symbol of purity and simplicity. Available in 6, 8 or 10-stem bouquets, this elegant arrangement is a subtle way to let someone know that you are thinking about them in their time of grief. The bouquet comes arranged in a white ceramic vase, adorned with a silver cross. This is a versatile bouquet because it is modest enough to send to someone’s home, or give a coworker at the office, but it is also a great option if you are looking for an arrangement to send to a funeral home or church.

Plants

Keeping within the symbolism of the lily, this beautiful peace lily plant is a wonderful option if you are opting to shy away from flowers. These plants come nestled in a beautiful white ceramic planter with a white ribbon that says, “comfort.” This lovely lily features a serene white blossom, accompanied by contrasting dark green leaves, for a beautiful, eye-catching look.

The Orchid

Orchids are unmatched in their ability to bring simple elegance to any space they inhabit. This pristine, white phalaenopsis orchid plant stands gracefully in a white ceramic pot. It is the ultimate symbol of love and peace and the perfect choice to convey sympathy. The orchid is a potted plant and so will live as long as it is cared for, making it a beautiful way for those who are grieving to remember their lost loved one.

The FTD White Orchid Planter

While finding the perfect bouquet to convey sympathy can be a tough and delicate process, the sentiment is always appreciated. Whether you choose a simple orchid or a full bouquet, the recipient will feel comforted to know that you are thinking of them.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Expressing Sympathy, Funerals, Lilies, Peace Lily

The Right Pet Sympathy Flowers

February 24, 2012

Pet sympathy flowers are an excellent gesture for someone who has just lost a pet. These days, many families consider their pets to be another member of the family. Because of this, the loss of a pet can be just as devastating to some as losing a human family member. Often, people who lose a pet feel a unique sense of powerlessness if they were dealing with a terminally ill pet with whom they were not able to verbally communicate. Recognizing and acknowledging their pet as a significant member of the family, and thus a significant loss, can be a tremendous means of supporting someone who has lost a beloved pet. Here is a list of the right pet sympathy flowers to send to someone who has suffered the loss of a pet:

  1. The a-DOG-able™ Sympathy Basket by 1-800-Flowers is a stunning gift basket made specifically for those who have just lost a dog. White carnations are assembled in the shape of a dog, complete with a little dog face, and surrounded by a mix of poms, asters and other vibrantly colored flowers, reminiscent of the rainbow bridge. The bouquet is around $60, and you can order it through 1-800-Flowers.
  2. The Cat Plaque also by 1-800-Flowers is a resin plaque of a sweet cat, accompanied by the message “Beloved Pet,” and accented with embossed flowers. This would be a great choice for someone who has just lost their cat, especially if accompanied by one of their stunning, vibrant yellow rose bouquets, with yellow roses being the symbol of friendship.
  3. The Rainbow Bridge Bouquet – many are familiar with the famous Rainbow Bridge Poem, a poem that speaks of the lovely place where pets go after they pass and wait to one day be reunited with their loving owners. Any bouquet with a mix of the beautiful colors of the rainbow, and the poem attached to it, would surely serve as a sweet memento for any grieving owner. Simply call or visit your local florist and ask for the most colorful arrangement they can put together.

One thing to remember is that often, if someone has lost a pet, there is a good chance that they have another, so be sure that any flowers you order are either non-toxic, or kept out of reach of other household pets. For a list of plants and flowers that are toxic to pets, consult the ASPCA website.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Expressing Sympathy, Occasions

What Kind of Flowers to Send when a Child Dies

February 20, 2012

When the unthinkable occurs to a friend or loved one, it can be difficult to know how to best express your sympathy. The death of children is especially difficult to deal with for all involved. When a parent loses a child, whether young or adult, it can be tough to know what flowers to choose, especially if dealing with the shock of an unexpected death. Here is our simple guide on the best flowers to send in sympathy of the death of a child, by age:

    1. Death of a Baby – The death of a baby is a particularly tragic event, whether expected or unexpected. Because babies are considered to be pure of soul, the symbolism would be white. Consider a simple bouquet of white lilies, roses or calla lilies for a beautiful touch.
    2. Death of a Toddler or Young Child – By the time a toddler or young child dies, chances are good that you will have gotten a better feel for his or her personality and likes. In general, brightly colored flowers in pastels or primary colors are considered the best option for sympathy flowers for children. If you knew that the child liked a specific type of doll or stuffed animal, you might include a miniature version within the bouquet to personalize it. Some good options are gerber daisies, cornflowers, dahlias, carnations, chrysanthemums and roses.
    3. Death of a Teen – Much like the death of an adult, the flowers that you choose can depend largely on the personality of the deceased and manner of death. If the death was due to illness, for example, you may choose to send flowers along with a donation to an applicable charity. In general, consider sending a bouquet that reflects who the deceased was in life. Did they have a larger-than-life personality? Consider large and vibrant blooms such as sunflowers or large calla lilies. Did they love sports? You might choose flowers in the color of their favorite sports team. Choosing flowers that reflect who they were in life is a great way to pay your respects to them.
    4. Death of an Adult Child – There are a lot of options when choosing flowers for the death of an adult child. Again, you can’t go wrong by picking flowers that are symbolic of who the deceased was in life. If the adult lost their life while serving in the military you might look at bouquets with vibrant red, white and blue colors, to represent the country they died protecting. Of course if you happen to know the favorite flower of the deceased, this is an excellent choice as a way to honor them. If the deceased adult also had children of their own, the children might appreciate a mini-bouquet that matches the one you bought their parent so that they have an extra keepsake.

      Once you have settled upon the perfect bouquet, it is time to write the sympathy card. What do you say to someone who has just lost their child?  The main thing to keep in mind is that, not only is the parent often in shock at the death of their child, they tend to fear that their child will be forgotten, so try to avoid using  past tense when writing the sympathy card. Keeping the conversation in the present-tense, “Brittany’s laugh always makes me smile,” or, “Kevin has the biggest personality” is a way to help the newly grieving parent know that their child is not going to be forgotten now that they are gone. If you are truly at a loss for words, a simple, “I’m here for you whenever you need me” is more than sufficient. Picking flowers for parents who have lost their child is never emotionally easy, but with this guide we can help remove some of the guess-work and enable you to focus on supporting the parents.

      Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Expressing Sympathy, Funerals, Occasions

      Funeral Flowers: How to Express Sympathy, Send Condolences and Offer Solace

      February 26, 2010

      The hurt and pain of losing a loved one often has friends and family of the bereaved not knowing how to act or what to say; sometimes even being present doesn’t seem to help – as sensitive as you try to be, you may say the wrong thing, and nothing seems to help ease the suffering of the bereaved. Even the truest and most supportive friend may find themselves in this position. Most peoples around the world use funeral flowers to express sympathy for the bereaved and for those grieving. Flowers add beauty to a service or visitation, and offer comfort, solace and a measure of peace and hope to those who were close to the deceased.

      funeral flowers, sympathy flowers, bereavement flowersIn advance of the visitation you can send flowers to the funeral home, mortuary, or place of worship; sprays, wreaths or casket sprays are appropriate here. Be sensitive to the religion of the deceased; most religions accept flowers as part of the funeral tradition, though Mormon funerals do not accept crosses. Followers of Judaism receive flowers at the home of a close family member, after the funeral, never before (since they serve as a reminder of the life recently lost.) Orthodox Jews and Muslims may not welcome flowers at all. Hindu funerals don’t include flowers (though they’re welcome as a symbol of love and concern.) Buddhists do not appreciate red flowers, but other colors are welcome. To be safe, ask a family member or person arranging the funeral what’s the most appropriate action here.

      funeral flowers, sympathy flowers, bereavement flowersA spray, sometimes called a standing spray, is a floral arrangement that’s usually placed on an easel, and is designed in such a way as to be viewed from one side only. A wide variety of flowers is appropriate for sprays and wreaths; from light colored traditional flowers that symbolize peace (for example lilies) , to bright colors and contemporary flowers. Standing sprays often celebrate a life of accomplishment, and wreaths signify eternal life; choosing flowers and colors, perhaps arranged in a shape meaningful to the deceased, is an ideal way to give thanks for the life of the departed. Also appropriate for the funeral home or mortuary is a traditional arrangement, often in a basket or a vase. Flowers from the visitation will be transported to the memorial service or grave site, so please, please, please, ensure your arrangement arrives at the mortuary or funeral home well in advance of the service. If your arrangement won’t arrive in time for the first visitation, arrange for it to be sent directly to the memorial service.

      If sending flowers for the service itself, always send them so they arrive in time, so they don’t inconvenience. These arrangements can also include the favorite flowers of the deceased, in their favorite color if available. Larger flowers are often preferred for floral arrangements at the service; these may include roses, Orientals, tulips, stock, chrysanthemums, carnations, lilies, and gladiolas. Casket sprays are traditionally provided by the closest family members.

      peace lily, funeral flowers, sympathy flowers, bereavement flowersAfter the service you may want to send flowers in a basket or vase, or another floral gift, to the home or office of the bereaved. A popular gift at this time is a flowering plant, which will last longer than a floral arrangement, and offer peace and solace to the bereaved for longer. A peace lily would be appropriate here as a sympathy plant. Whatever flowers you send, they’re sure to give comfort and solace, and offer emotional support to the bereaved, especially when coupled with a written message expressing your heartfelt condolences.

      Our favorite online florist sells some graceful sympathy flowers, including a graceful floral tribute arrangement and a comforting peace lily in a basket. They offer same day delivery in the US and Canada.

      Comments: 0 Posted by: Categories: Chrysanthemum, Expressing Sympathy, Funerals, Gladiolas, Larkspur / Delphinium, Lilies, Peace Lily, Poppies, Roses, Tulips
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