Flowers have been shown to dramatically brighten our moods at home and at work, transforming the energy of our physical spaces and infusing them with life, colour and exuberance.
Whether incorporated at special events, in museums, galleries, city streets, coffee shops or just as a part of your home interior, the aesthetic, mood boosting effects of beautiful blooms are widely recognized and utilized all year round.
As a gift, flowers can say things that words often can’t. They are the universal way we say “I love you”, “Thank you”, “Congratulations”, “I’m thinking of you”, “I’m sorry” or “I care”. They are a little song we sing to each other when words have failed us and are there during some of the happiest and saddest moments of our lives, quietly cheering us on.
We’d all like to invite more beauty and joy into our lives and the good news is we don’t have to be professional flower arrangers or florists to bring the magic of nature indoors!
Blossoms for the Occasion
A specific meaning or feeling exists behind almost every kind of flower on the planet. There is even an entire subject dedicated to this called Floriography, which literally means ‘the language of flowers’. To make a heartfelt statement, consider choosing flowers to match the specific message you wish to convey.
Romantic Flowers
The red rose earned its reputation as ‘the queen of all flowers’ in Ancient Greece. Nothing makes as much of a statement to your loved one as a bouquet of red roses. It is still the classic choice, symbolising everlasting love.
Pink tulips, or any pink flower including roses also symbolize blossoming love and are not quite as ‘serious’ as the red rose. They are great for dating or for relationships that are still young. Lilac flowers are also an excellent choice as traditionally they symbolize a new love.
Gardenias are quintessentially romantic and were a traditional way to say ‘you are lovely’ in the old days. They symbolize a secret love as well as sweetness and purity.
Remember that different colours will indicate completely different meanings. Yellow for example symbolises friendship and so will not be suitable for a partner.
Birthday Flowers
For birthdays, the ideal choice would be to go for the recipient’s favourite flower or colour. If this is not known, a unique idea is to surprise them with a flower correlating to their month of birth. For example, jonquils or daffodils are recommended for someone born in March, while you can treat someone born in June with honeysuckle or roses. You might think that choices are limited for those born in the coldest months, but if you look around you’ll find that there are some great winter options.
Get Well Soon Flowers
A bright, colourful bunch of flowers can work wonders to lift moods and brighten up a dreary hospital room or the home of someone special when they are recovering or feeling unwell. However, remember that some hospitals may not allow flowers due to allergies so double check before you order. Also, remember that the fragrance of some flowers are very strong and may be too overwhelming for a recovering patient.
Chrysanthemums, roses, and carnations are all great choices and are also good for avoiding potential allergies in hospitals. Daisies and Sunflowers are cheerful and uplifting and make fantastic choices to brighten up the home of someone recovering from illness. Always steer clear of Lilies for hospitals due to their high pollen content.
Sympathy Flowers
Sympathy flowers are sent to the home of the bereaved to express condolences. White lilies are associated with times of loss and are also displayed at funerals. They represent resurrection and renewed innocence for the departed as well as the start of a new chapter. Similarly, white roses indicate a new beginning and a time to move on with remembrance. Pure orchids give a clear message of your support and love.
Mothers Day Flowers
Pink Carnations are the traditional, leading gift for Mothers Day, although any kind of pink flowers are also a great choice as they symbolize a mothers eternal love. Pink roses and tulips are also very popular and express a similar sentiment.
Bouquet Styles
Flowers come in a variety of different styles and you’ll ideally want to have a couple of ideas before contacting your supplier. Below are some style ideas, though this list is not finite!
Hand Tied
The most simple style of all. Hand arranged and designed so they can be put straight into a vase of water. However, they are not usually suitable for hospitals, funerals or as sympathy flowers.
Presentation Bouquets
These are arranged in a flat style, usually wrapped in Kraft paper and are on trend. They are ideal if you enjoy arranging your own flowers. Not ideal for office deliveries or hospitals as they are bulky to carry.
Vase designs
The receiver won’t have to do anything except find a good place to put them. If acrylic, these are great for both office and hospital deliveries.
Floral foam arrangements
Fantastic as gifts. Based in moisture foam, these can be turned into anything including tin buckets, baskets, mugs, jugs, hat boxes and even handbags. Be creative! Suitable for hospital deliveries, funerals and as sympathy gifts.
Planted Bowls
These are very decorative, and obviously stay alive so are great for people who love to nurture their own flowers and keep them long term! They can be a mix of both flowers and greenery depending on what you fancy. Succulents are particularly on trend at the moment.
Choosing a supplier
Whether you are looking to bring some colour and warmth into your home or are planning to send a beautiful bouquet as a gift to that special someone, there are a huge number of local and online florists who can deliver straight to your door in a variety of styles, like the ones listed above.
Flowers can be bought from Florist shops, street stalls, supermarkets, event florists or studio (independent) florists. Do some research beforehand and make sure you choose a reputable, respected company and remember to stay within your budget!
If money is tight, remember that you can get some great deals by using voucher codes and online deals. For example, you can get 15% off with Flowercard here and send a unique floral gift to someone special.
And if all this talk of flowers has you excited to get out and do some gardening of your own, remember to check out our top gardening tips to get your garden ready for the spring!
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