Flowers

Flowers have long been the most basic of gifts. They can say anything from, “I love you,” to, “Goodbye,” to, “Good luck,” to, “Good riddance.”

Over the years, flowers have been adopted as symbols for intentions, so it can be wise to choose carefully:

Anemone symbolises expectation.

Baby’s Breath symbolises innocence. It is usually used as a filler in bouquets and corsages.

Calla lily symbolises magnificent beauty. This may be an good flower to include in a gift of congratulations or appreciation.

The carnation can have several meanings, depending on colour. Pink carnations symbolise boldness, red ones symbolise love, white ones symbolise talent, while yellow ones symbolise disdain.

Christmas rose symbolises scandal. (ooh!)

Chrysanthemum symbolises wealth, abundance and truth, an ideal flower to wish someone the best of luck in future ventures. Yellow chrysanthemums symbolise a slighted (disrespected) love.

Daffodils symbolise regard. Daffodils are also the flagship flower for Cancer Research. They are a safe flower to use as a generic gift.

Daisy symbolises the concept of sharing your feelings. It is also another safe flower to use as a generic gift. An amusing girl-to-girl gift would be a daisy chain crown, or a small cluster for her hair.

Delphinium symbolises swiftness and lightness.

Fig symbolises idleness. This may be a sweet and humourous gift for summer vacations or annual leave breaks you spend together.

Foxglove symbolises insincerity.

Freesia symbolises innocence.

Gardenia symbolises purity and joy. This may be a nice gift to the mother of a newborn.

Iris symbolises faith and wisdom. It can also be used to communicate friendship and trust.

Larkspur symbolises infidelity. (What a subtle way to break the news.)

Lavender symbolises distrust, but it is also used in aromatherapy for relaxation purposes. This may be a good gift for the stressed out working woman.

Lilac symbolises love’s first emotions. May be ideal in stale situations when you want to show her that you want to renew and revitalise your relationship.

Lily is a symbol of majesty, truth and honour.

Lily of the Valley are cute little flowers that symbolise happiness.

Magnolia symbolises love of nature.

Marigold symbolises grief, but their beautiful orange-gold colour can brighten up any room.

Mulberry says “I shall not survive you”.

Orchid symbolises love and beauty, and is also the national flower of Singapore. Orchids have an exotic feel about them and would make a stunning gift for women who love to travel to tropical lands.

Peony symbolises bashfulness, ambition and determination. They would make an ideal gift of congratulations or good luck.

Raspberry symbolises remorse. This may be nice to include in a bouquet when saying, “I’m sorry.”

Red poppy symbolises consolation.

Rhododendron symbolises danger.

Roses symbolise love, joy and beauty. Yellow roses can either symbolise jealousy or friendship.

Stephanotis symbolises marital happiness. May make a beautiful engagement present.

Stock symbolises lasting beauty.

Sunflowers symbolise adoration when the stems are short, and haughtiness when the stems are long.

Sweet pea symbolises departure.

Tulip symbolises love and passion.

Flowers are sweet and can be meaningful, although because they are so widely-used, they can also be considered a generic gift. If it is a gift from you alone, flowers may be appropriate if she is a good friend and does not have a jealous partner.

Flowers can be a fantastic addition to decor gifts such as vases and furniture. When it comes to presentation, they add that extra touch of style and caring attention to detail.