(a cheat sheet for bouquet building)

‘Flowers are the music of the ground. From earth’s lips spoken without sound,” -Edwin Curran

A flower garden brings a bit of paradise closer to home. Whether wild or tamed, watching a flower grow from seed to blossom is one of nature’s many gifts. They bring color to your landscape, butterflies to your door and fragrances highly coveted by candle makers and perfumeries for centuries.

In the Victorian Era, flowers were often gifted to represent words considered too intimate to speak. Their symbolism enabled many suitors to woo a sweetheart with little risk but great meaning. 

Red roses may be the flower we most commonly associate with love but there are many more blooms that can speak on behalf of your heart.

Here are just a few to help you build your next bouquet:  

Asters: Daintiness and charm 

Camelia: Love, devotion and care. According to TASTE OF HOME, camelias were thought to mean “my destiny is in your hands” in Victorian times. 

Carnation: Captivation and distinction

• White carnations symbolize purity and luck
• Pink means gratitude
• Red means love - the deeper the shade, the deeper the affection. 

Chrysanthemum:  Unrequited love

Daffodil: New beginnings. They bloom at the very start of spring as a gentle reminder of perseverance and rebirth. 

Gladiolus: Integrity and strength of character - they are also the forty year anniversary flower for those fortunate enough to celebrate!

Marigolds: The ‘herb of the sun’ is said to represent strength, power and the light that lives within all of us. 

Nasturtiums: Heroism, patriotism and victory in struggle.

Pansy: Forbidden love in the Victorian era. The word pansy derives from the french word ‘pensee’ meaning ‘to think’ making it the perfect flower for secret admirers.

Peony: Goodwill, best wishes and care - a flower for loved ones recovering from an illness, hardship or loss.

Poppy: Hope for a peaceful future- they’re often worn in support of our Armed forces. Poppies are resilient and have bloomed in many fields lost to chaos and destruction.

Roses: Love of all kinds:

• Red: passion
• Orange: desire
• Yellow: joy
• Lavender: enchantment
• Pink: elegance
• Peach: sincerity
• White: innocence
• Ivory: grace

Sunflower: Loyalty and longevity. A flower that follows the sun, they’re a gift that brings joy and encourages looking for the positive in any situation. 

Tulips: Devotion!

• Red: everlasting love
• Pink: confidence and joy
• Purple: royalty
• White: forgiveness
• Yellow: cheerful thoughts and adoration