Say it with flowers; Bouquet may send message, depending on different factors.Byline: Lynne Klaft LUNENBURG - Roses, carnations, daffodils, chrysanthemums ... flowers, the gift of love, especially on Valentine's Day, have special meanings in themselves. During the Victorian Age, people used to use flowers as a symbol to express their feelings, with different varieties and colors conveying different sentiments. Today, roses, the most popular Valentine's Day gift, especially red ones, say "I love you." White roses signify eternal love, innocence, secrecy or silence, according to the Web site www.pioneerthinking.com. For happiness or friendship, pink or yellow roses will work. Sonia M. Caissey, owner of The Bloomery Bloom´er`y n. 1. (Manuf.) A furnace and forge in which wrought iron in the form of blooms is made directly from the ore, or (more rarely) from cast iron. on Electric Avenue in Lunenburg, says roses are still the most popular purchases for Valentine's Day, with any kind of cut flowers in a vase coming in a close second. "We can get any kind of flower that you might want, but you have to order early if it is something special like proteas, ginger or a bird of paradise bird of paradise, common name for any of 43 species of medium- to crow-sized passerine birds of New Guinea and the adjacent islands, known for the bright plumage, elongated tail feathers called wires, and brilliant ruffs of the males. ," she said. "Something special" might apply to more variations of meaning, from other aspects of the flower besides color: Thornless roses, for example, mean love at first sight. On the other hand, a single rose in full bloom full bloom the stage of a crop when two-thirds of the plants are in flower; the crop is mature. says "I still love you." A perfect rosebud may represent beauty and youth, tea roses can mean "I'll always remember you" and a rose leaf offers hope. A bouquet of roses mixed with baby's breath promises the recipient everlasting love. While roses are popular, carnations, in general, convey bonds of affection, health and energy, and fascination. Positive sentiments are attached to specific carnations: Pink-"I'll never forget you," red-"my heart aches for you," and white-innocence and pure love. Solid color carnations say "yes!" while striped ones mean "no," with yellow carnations signifying rejection and disdain. Chrysanthemums are "cheerful" flowers and say, "you're a wonderful friend." However, red ones say, "I love you," white ones signify truth and yellow represents a slighted love. Gardenias say "you're lovely;" gladiolus gladiolus: see iris. gladiolus Any of about 300 species of flowering plants of the genus Gladiolus, in the iris family, native to Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean and widely cultivated for cut flowers. tells of love at first sight; forget-me-nots mean true love and memories; red or pink hyacinths say "let's play;" and jonquils ask for a return of affection. Flowers which might send a negative, or at least a mixed message, include begonias, which mean "beware;" pink larkspur Larkspur, city, United States Larkspur, city (1990 pop. 11,070), Marin co., W Calif., a prestigious residential suburb of San Francisco near Mt. Tamalpais; inc. 1908. The region's scenic beauty and excellent beaches attract many visitors. , which mean fickleness; monkshood monkshood: see aconite. or mock orange flowers which represent deceit; and the bachelor's button - celibacy. And the thorny cactus? Of all things, it means endurance and warmth. The lowly - and sometimes despised by perfect lawn aficionados - dandelion dandelion [Eng. form of Fr.,=lion's tooth], any plant of the genus Taraxacum of the family Asteraceae (aster family), perennial herbs of wide distribution in temperate regions. says wishes do come true. Whatever the message, to make sure a valentine's bouquet lasts for a long time, Turkey Hill Garden Club member Linde G. Sacksen recommends several preventative measures. "Keep your flowers as cool as possible, especially during the night. You can even put them in the refrigerator, if they fit in there," said Mrs. Sacksen, noting humorously that with the price of oil these days, most homes are kept cool at night in New England. "Give them a slanted cut on the bottom stem. If you can manage it, make the cut under water, and keep them under water. Repeat this after a day or two. "And you can put a little sugar into the water if the flowers don't come with a little packet of powder to extend their life. The sugar nourishes the flower," Mrs. Sacksen said. Don't forget to trim all flower stems of leaves that will be submerged in your vase's water because the leaves will rot and deteriorate the stems, decreasing the life of your bouquet. Rose thorns do not have to be trimmed. For plants, Mrs. Sacksen has the Rule of the Knuckle. "Stick your finger into the plant's dirt up to the first knuckle. If you feel any moisture, don't water. If dry, water your plants well, and then leave them alone for a week," she said. Herbs send tasty message Herb plants, unlike most of their showier flowery flow·er·y adj. flow·er·i·er, flow·er·i·est 1. Of, relating to, or suggestive of flowers: a flowery perfume. 2. Abounding in or covered with flowers. 3. counterparts, also have meanings as gifts but may also be enjoyed with food. Allspice allspice: see pimento. allspice Tropical evergreen tree (Pimenta dioica) of the myrtle family, native to the West Indies and Central America and valued for its berries, the source of a highly aromatic spice. - compassion Bay leaf - strength Basil - best wishes Fennel fennel, common name for several perennial herbs, genus Foeniculum vulgare of the family Umbelliferae (parsley family), related to dill. The strawlike foliage and the seeds are licorice-scented and are used (especially in Italian cooking) for flavoring. - worthy of praise Feverfew feverfew: see chrysanthemum. - protection Garlic - courage and strength Lemon balm - brings love Lavender - devotion Mint - protection from illness Marjoram marjoram or sweet marjoram (mär`jərəm), Old World perennial aromatic herb (Marjorana hortensis) of the family Labiatae (mint family), cultivated in gardens for flavoring. - joy and happiness Rosemary - remembrance Sage - wisdom and long life Thyme - strength and courage. ART: PHOTO CUTLINE: Linde G. Sacksen sits among the flowers available at The Bloomery in Lunenburg. PHOTOG pho·tog n. Informal A person who takes photographs, especially as a profession; a photographer. : LYNNE KLAFT |
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