Giving Flowers
Sometimes it appears that flowers are much less well-regarded than they employed to become, usually viewed as cliché or the last-minute option found in sad little bunches at petrol stations and it appears they can even have a stigma attached to them.
Why is it that flowers have slipped in our estimations? I think it's time for a flower revival: everyone should give more flowers and crucially, inject a little more imagination and thoughtfulness into the act. Here's how:
Flower Gifts
It's hard to think of a more versatile gift: from the simple posy of free field flowers that say "I was just thinking about you" to a gorgeous designer bouquet with a somewhat grander statement, flowers can suit all sorts of moods, occasions and women.
At the florists
When you walk into a florists, don't feel pressured to go for a ready-made bouquet- you can just make your own selection and have the florist put it together for you.
Men very frequently go for red roses because they have been told that these are the flowers that mean romance, but don't be tied down by such limiting ideas. Of course if your wife loves roses then it would be wise to include some, but flowers change with the season so take advantage of those in season- they're at their best and they cost much less too!
Make use of the florist's expertise- they are a wealth of information on the best combinations of flowers, how to make a small posy look bigger, which flowers have the best scents, which flowers are in season etc.
Flower Ideas - Name
For ideas on which flowers to buy consider things like your wife's name- are there any flowers that sound like that? Also does her name actually mean flower? You can easily check with one of the online baby databases.
Flower Ideas - Birth Month
What about the month she was born in? Did you know that there is a traditional flower for every month of the year? Take a look at the Birth Month Flower Table below:
January -- Carnation
February -- Iris
March -- Daffodil
April -- Daisy
May -- Lily of the Valley
June -- Rose
July -- Larkspur
August -- Gladiolus
September -- Aster
October -- Calendula
November -- Chrysanthemum
December -- Narcissus
Flower Ideas - Places
Perhaps there's a place which holds some significance for your wife e.g. where you spent your honeymoon. Find out which plants or flowers originates from there or are indigenous to that place.
The beauty of a gift like this is that every time it blooms it will remind her of the time you had together and of you.
Flower Ideas - Favourites
Giving flowers that are her favourite colour or even her favourite flower is a simple idea that's sure to become a winner!
Don't Cut the Flowers!
Some women don't like cut flowers so find out beforehand. Of course, this doesn't mean that you can't buy flowers, you can still buy a potted house plant, a flowering plant for outdoors or even seeds.
Plant Gift Ideas
There are too many plants to list but here are just a few ideas I thought of that would make thoughtful presents.
For someone who has a Scottish connection: Heathers, thistles.
For someone who loves to cook: Olive tree, chilli pepper plant or strawberry for the kitchen.
For someone who loves fragrances: Lavender, verbena, jasmine or rosemary plant.
For someone who forgets to water plants: Flowering cactus.
For someone who has dry skin: Aloe Vera.
For someone who is interested in growing her own vegetables or herbs: Organic vegetable seeds.
For someone who likes the low-maintenance option: Flowering bulbs in pretty pots.
