Gifts That Speak for Themselves

by Carole McCray

The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used herbs and flowers as floral symbols and conveyors of messages.  An admiring maiden might have stitched a sprig of thyme for “courage” on a cloth resembling a handkerchief and presented it to her brave knight.  Shakespeare used flowers extensively to convey special sentiments in his plays and sonnets.  The practice became popular during the Victorian Era and was known as florigraphy, the language of flowers.  In lieu of a greeting card or ready-made gift that are sometimes not specific enough or very unique, give a garden gift with a message.  You will find flowers, herbs, trees or shrubs at your Growise Center to help you express your special sentiments to someone.

Create a floral message to MARK SPECIAL HOLIDAYS

Mother’s Day—to remember Mom, a grandmother, special aunt or godmother.

Father’s Day—for Dad, a grandfather, favorite uncle or godfather who enjoys cooking.

Plant a terracotta planter or multi-pocketed strawberry barrel with these herbs and plants. 

Lavender—devotion
Sage—domestic virtue
Thyme—happiness; courage
Basil—good wishes
Rosemary—remembrance
Parsley—joy
Sorrel—parental affection
Marigold—affection
Pansy—thinking of you

To Celebrate a Wedding, Wedding Anniversary or Engagement, fill a hanging basket with some of these plants.

Cascading plants:

Periwinkle—sweet recollections
Ivy—wedded love; fidelity; marriage
Ivy Geranium—bridal favor
Verbena x hybrida— enchantment 

Annuals: 

Blue Salvia—thinking of you
Marigold—joy
Pansy—tender, pleasant thoughts
Pink Dianthus—fascination
Sweet Alyssum—worth beyond beauty 

Place herbs in a window box container or large terracotta pot.

Basil—good wishes
Lavender—luck
Oregano—joy
Rosemary—remembrance
Sage—health
Savory—interest
Tarragon—lasting interest

CELEBRATE a Newborn’s Arrival

Your Growise Center has a wide selection of containers—some suitable as keepsakes.

Basil—good wishes
Burnet—a merry heart
Dittany—birth
Oregano—joy and happiness
Parsley—festivity
Sage—good health
Sorrel—parental affection

A Friend’s Birthday

Spearmint and Peppermint—warmth of feeling
Lavender—loyalty
Oak leaf scented geranium—true friendship
Peppermint scented geranium—cordial feelings
Strawberry scented geranium—gentle goodness
Rose scented geranium—preference
Scented geranium, Grey—recall
Camomile—may all your wishes come true

Give a collection of lavenders in a large container or fill it with an assortment of scented geraniums.  Mints should be in different pots as they spread rapidly.

Express Condolences

Bergamot (Bee Balm, Monarda)—compassion; sympathy

Campanula—grief
Daisy—I share your sentiments
Delphinium—Heaven
Lady’s Mantle—comfort
Purple Hyacinth--sorrow
Strawflower—remembered always
Pansy—you are in my thoughts

Express Get Well Wishes

Camomile—energy in adversity
Fennel—strength
Lemon thyme—enjoyable activity
Red salvia—energy
Sage—good health
Yarrow-health

SENTIMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH SHRUBS AND TREES:

Arborvitae—tree of life
Cherry tree—good education
Dogwood-undiminished love
Holly—good wishes; domestic happiness
Juniper—protection
Lilac—first emotions of love

Rose—red—love; white—innocence; pink—happiness and friendship; yellow  - joy and gladness; burgundy—appreciation

Always include a card to the recipient to explain the meaning of the flowers or plants in your gift.

A housewarming, new job, graduation, a friend moving away or the loss of a pet are other ideas.  Visit your Growise Center to select flowers, herbs or trees to convey your special message.  Your unique gift will speak a language of its own.

Happy Anniversary or Happy Mother’s Day or Happy Birthday

Lavender-devotion
Sage—long life
Basil—good wishes
Oregano-joy
 Pansy—thinking of you