Just for Fun: Hidden Messages in Flowers!

The idea of coding messages in flowers is such a fun one! Victorians originally started doing this as a way to send secret love notes, before email and the delete button were invented. It can be such a delight to arrange a bouquet of flowers that not only looks good, but means something in a secret language for your loved ones. We are looking at the meanings of flowers and their suitability for different holidays throughout the year. Remember that this isn’t a hard and fast guide -- only a fun way of seeing the beautiful flower through new eyes!

For Mother's Day

• Heather and lavender indicate admiration, something you are sure to feel for your Mom
• Holly represents domestic happiness, and is a defence and protection also.
• Moss represents maternal love and charity
• Nasturtium represents maternal love also; its secondary meanings are conquest, victory in battle, charity and patriotism … all qualities necessary for the running of a household!
• Orchid flower bouquets represent love, beauty, refinement and are the symbol of a beautiful lady
• Peach is for longevity
• Strawberries represent perfect goodness … and are a tasty edible addition to a flower bouquet!

For birthdays

• The bells of Ireland represent good luck -- a nice way to start another year of life!
• Baby's breath represents everlasting love -- as much for friends as for lovers
• Cattails are supposed to represent peace and prosperity
• Chrysanthemums are one of the ultimate friendship flowers -- they simply say "You're a wonderful friend!"
• Forget-me-not flower bouquets are a symbol of memories -- remember the past on the eve of the future
• Forsythia is a symbol of anticipation -- of good things to come, hopefully!
• Sunflowers represent loyalty and good wishes

Valentines

• Pink roses mean perfect happiness
• Stephanotis represents marital bliss!
• A single, full bloom rose is a symbol of mature love, no matter what the ages of the couple
• Magenta zinnia also represents lasting affection
• Giving primrose flower bouquets tells a person that you can't live without them