For centuries, flowers have symbolized fertility, love, marriage, and
romance. The Victorian Era ushered in a time of proper etiquette among
the upper class in England during Queen Victoria’s reign (1837-1901).
Among the many rules and customs, there were expected behaviors that
prohibited outright flirtations, questions, or conversations between
others. Soon it became popular to use flowers to send secretive
messages. Flowers were often utilized to relay positive messages of
interest, affection and love. Flowers could also send a negative
message and at times, the same flower could have opposite meanings
depending on how it was arranged or delivered. Years ago, it was
possible to have an entire conversation using only floral bouquets to
pass on non-verbal messages.
A few years back when I was working on my Masters at
Canisius,
a gentleman and I were just getting to know each other. By Valentine's
Day we had accomplished two successful dates and a number of enjoyable
phone conversations. He asked me out to dinner on Valentine's Day at
The Left Bank and
arrived at the door with a bouquet that was absolutely stunning.
Presented with lace ferns were: white lilies, asters, gardenias and Shasta daisies, lavender gladiolas and snapdragons, red poppies, light
pink double cabbage roses and (the clincher) a red trillium. He knew I
was raised as a student of both domestic and native WNY horticulture.
Needless to say, I was both speechless and impressed. His sister
informed me that he had gone to the library to research and procure an
entire bouquet of flowers where each bloom and color had meaning.
February in Buffalo, NY rendered the death of these pretties less than 2
weeks later. The bouquet was accompanied by Turkish
delight chocolates (made with rose jelly) and a bottle of Stoli Vanil.
'Because chocolate is customary and in case you didn't like chocolate,'
he said. This guy covered EVERY base, but didn't have to break the
bank on a bouquet. I definitely LOVED it but kind of felt bad. Gladiolas in February for Valentine's Day in
Buffalo? I can't imagine what that cost! Even though I know the red trillium came from his grandmother's sun room (making it a possible
impossibility AND hands down, priceless); lets face it- flowers are a
tremendously more expensive near Valentine's Day than any other time of
the year.
Here are some unique ways to give flowers that won't die:
Rose Gold Rose Thorn Earrings by Beth Coiner $125:
Thai Tribal Lotus Flower Cuff Bracelet $46:
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2. Floral Literature/Epherma:
Farmer's Almanac $9.99/year
Vintage 1909 German Lithograph of French Floral Upholstery Design $28
Encyclopedia of Roses: $29.95 on Amazon
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Floral Clothing:
Betsey Johnson Rose Dress: $128
Dolce & Gabbana Carnation Print Dress: $2545
Vintage 1990s Silk Floral Burnout Velvet Dress: $88
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4. Floral Scents:
Cool Water's Sea Rose $29
Tom Ford's Violet Blonde: $70
Bond NYC's Chelsea Flowers: $280
