When we give the gift of flowers, we usually look for the prettiest, healthiest, longest-lasting blooms. Perhaps we even try to match the flowers to the home décor of the recipient. There is renewed interest, however, in the meanings of certain flowers. Whether you share this interest or not, if the person receiving your floral gift is up on their plant meanings, your bouquet could take on a whole new meaning!

Attributing meanings to different flowers first became popular during Victorian times, when courtships began with much less immediate personal contact, and communication was governed by very strict and complicated social rules. Some of these attributes have stayed in place, such as red roses for love, and white for purity, but most fell out of fashion over the years.

With renewed interest in gardening and related activities, these symbolic meanings are now increasingly popular.

Next time you receive flowers, look a little more closely. There may be a hidden meaning, in the flowers themselves.

Comments? hmkstaff@hmk.on.ca