YORKTON - Valentine’s Day is just past, gardeners! This day is full of special memories for me, it was my darling Mom’s birthday. She was my wonderful Mom, our amazing gardening teacher, devoted friend, and constant inspiration. My precious Dad always got Mom flowers for her birthday, she loved red and white carnations, a classic pairing for the time, but he always asked the florist to include one perfect red rose. That red rose became a symbol of him, long after he was gone, in any bouquet of flowers that we got for Mom for any occasion.
Red roses are the number one top choice for romantic Valentine’s Day bouquets; I read that more red roses are sold on that day than any other day of the year. And it stands to reason, since red roses stand for love and passion. But pink roses mean admiration. Yellow roses friendship. White roses purity and innocence. And really, whatever the colour, they will be treasured and appreciated!
Mom always loved carnations, and they are still a wonderful flower that may have been left behind over time, wrongfully so! They are beautiful, hardy, long-lasting, and sometimes we are still lucky enough to get carnations that have the heady clove fragrance. They’re a great flower because their ruffled petals come in so many colours. Guess what: they symbolize the giver’s fascination with the receiver! What a romantic message, to send a flower that says, “You fascinate me.” Wow. The meaning of the colour of the flowers is similar to roses, but pink carnations mean admiration, so they’re a perfect choice for a sister, auntie, or friend that you want to recognize on Valentine’s Day..
Look under “E” for elegant, and that description would fit the beautiful orchid. Whether choosing cut stems or a potted orchid, they send a message of refined beauty, strength and admiration. Don’t let potted orchids scare you; the flowers last a long time and are very easy to care for if we just remember that they like bright but indirect light, and need moisture but not too much. That gentle swoop of a stem of blooming orchids is breathtaking, very serene and Zen.
Smile, sunshine! Sunflowers have become a popular choice in recent years not only for the Thanksgiving table but for weddings or anytime! And why not? The meaning of the sunflower is loyalty, and their cheery petals extend the message of happiness.
Daisies represent innocence and cheerfulness, and would make a perfect accent to other flowers. Imagine the airy look of daisies set among the stately beauty of roses. Part of the fun of flowers is putting them together in interesting ways. I once saw a picture of a bouquet of dark purple mums with deep mauve roses: a surprising combo, but my goodness, it was so pretty!
While flowers are excellent Valentine’s Day gifts, don’t think they’re the only option. Consider sending a succulent. They come in all shapes and sizes, and they are very easy care. The lovely echiveria looks like a rose; some can be quite large. Their powdery muted shades make them unusual and beautiful additions to a home.
Thank you to our friends at YTW for their fine work. Visit the hort society at www.yorktonhort.ca . Till next time, Happy Valentine’s Day. If your Valentine is with you, celebrate with flowers. If they are not, remember them with flowers, for the joy they brought to your life. Happy Heavenly Valentine’s Birthday, Mom. Happy Sweetheart Day, darling Keith! I love you both. Happy Valentine’s Day, gardeners! Have a great week!
