I am such a lucky lady. Three times this past week, I received bouquets of flowers. This means three people thought of me and chose to do something that would brighten my day or make my birthday a special occasion. All three were surprise gifts.
I love flowers. One look at my yard, you can tell. One observation of my environmental lessons, you can tell. One look at my photography, you can tell. I’d rather have a garden full of flowers than a garden full of food. I guess my soul needs more sustenance than my body!
There’s just something about flowers that make me feel good. And, I’m not picky. I’m not the type that demands roses or huge arrangements or exotic blooms. I am happy with mums and sunflowers. Of course, roses are nice. My husband does buy me roses at least a few times a year. But, he appeals to my practical sense as well. They are from the floral dept. at the grocery store! And, you know what? That’s just fine with me! This year I got orange roses and white mums from him. It was over a week ago and the bouquet still looks great on my kitchen table. I learned yesterday (by accident from a florist’s Instagram post) that orange roses mean passion and enthusiasm. When I told my husband that, he said well you have both of those. Of course, we know that red roses connote love but I’m also partial to yellow roses. Today, this shade of rose means joy, friendship, and caring. Yellow used to symbolize jealousy. I’m glad the meaning has changed. I just like yellow anything – it’s such a cheerful a color! I am sure that’s why I also enjoy the mums and sunflowers in bouquets. The yellow just pops and says, “be happy!”
Whilst writing this post, I began to wonder what the meaning was behind mums and sunflowers, as well as the tulips, zinnias, and daffodils, that often grace my yard and table. So, I did a little spontaneous research.
Chrysanthemums
These have long been a favorite flower of mine. We used to fill our front garden bed at our first house with a dozen of these hardy plants in late summer. Having little money at the time, we bought small plants and with a little love and care, they almost always grew exponentially and put on a show by October. Chrysanthemums, or mums as most people call them, convey fidelity, optimism, long life and cherished friendship. Mums make a great gift, in my opinion. I’ve been a giver as well as a receiver of them.
Sunflowers
I wasn’t sure what I’d find, or even IF I’d be able to find, information on the meaning of sunflowers. But, the same source used above divulged that sunflowers mean warmth, adoration, and dedication. What a great meaning! Surely, such a simple flower should be given more often as a gift! I’ll think about giving sunflowers more often in the future.
Daffodils
This is a spring time favorite also known as narcissus. I love all the different hues and even shapes that daffodils come in. I also like that deer tend to leave them alone. Daffodils symbolize rebirth and new beginnings. I’m not sure but it seems like the meaning of these blooms is connected to the time of year we see them (spring). My favorite daffodil is probably the ‘King Alfred’ variety, just because it has a link to my Saxon past!
Tulips
Tulips are fun because there are so many of them, but they are not a favorite. They seem so short lived, both in the yard and in a vase. Supposedly, tulips represent perfect love. This connotation is new to me and a meaning that does not really fit the short lived bloom, in my opinion. But, they are fun to see in the spring when we need some added color in the landscape. I like deep, vibrant, saturated color instead of pastels, so you can be sure my garden has red, deep purple, and even black-toned tulips.
Zinnia
I had to refer to a different website to see what the meaning was behind the zinnia flower. Zinnia’s symbolize endurance. This is so fitting as you plant these in the spring, by seed or six pack from the local store, and for almost six months you have wonderful, cheerful, colorful blooms. My butterfly friends all seem to enjoy them as well! They are among my favorite annuals. Zinnia’s can be cut and brought in t cheer your house in the heat of the summer and still continue to look great in the garden until we get a hard frost. Now, that’s endurance!
I love flowers! No matter whether you give credence to the meaning behind these colorful, living bringers of cheer or not, you will always brighten someone’s day when you give them! Try it! You’ll see!
The Apples in My Orchard 