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Language Of Flowers

by Dawn Oldfield, CCMGA Public Relations Chairperson

Does your garden tell a story? Not just the tree you planted when your first child was born, or perhaps the rose you planted to honor a loved one who passed away. Or the herb or vegetable garden that hints that you like to cook? What do the plants in your garden say?

The language of flowers has been recognized for centuries in many countries. From the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese, through mythologies, songs, and folklore - they even play a role in William Shakespeare’s works. These cultures are peppered with flower and plant symbolism. The Victorians were known for delivering messages to their sweethearts through little bouquets with secret meanings.

This winter, when you’re sipping your tea or hot cocoa, reading your favorite gardening books and dreaming of spring gardening, think about the plants you’re considering. Not only if they’ll do well in our 8b zone, but what do they mean?

If you planted an Oak tree when your child was born (or just for shade from the fierce summer sun), it means strength. A dark red crimson rose means mourning. A white rose can mean heavenly.  If you planted aloe, it means grief (plus it is said to be a soothing treatment for sunburns).

I need flowers and nature the way people need food. The beauty they bring to my garden and the peace they bring to my soul after a hard day is a form of sustenance, as well as comfort to me. I can look at the pink Comtesse du Cayla rose we planted to honor my husband’s grandmother when she passed with joy. Pink roses mean happiness. Her smile and laugh were infectious. She was one of the happiest people I know. And, like her, this rose is strong – it is the only one of the many we had planted that has survived rose rosette disease! The hollies say this is a home of domestic happiness, and the ferns we planted in our new shade garden last year tell a tale of magic, fascination and the secret bond of love.

Here is a list of a few plants and their meanings that do well in North Texas:
Amaryllis – Pride
Aster- Symbol of love, daintiness
Begonia – Beware
Black-eyed Susan – Justice
Bluebell – Humility
Butterfly Weed – Let me go
Camellia Pink – Longing for you
Camellia Red – You’re a flame in my heart
Camellia White – You’re adorable
Chrysanthemum - Red – I love you
Chrysanthemum Yellow – Slighted love
Chrysanthemum White – Truth
Clematis – Mental beauty, while evergreen Clematis means poverty
Columbine – Folly
Coreopsis – Always Cheerful
Crocus – Cheerful Gladness
Cyclamen – Resigned
Daffodil – Regard or unequaled love
Daisy – Innocence or loyal love
Daylily – Chinese emblem for Mother
Gardenia – You’re lovely or secret love
Geranium – Folly or Stupidity (the latter in my case because I buy several every spring convinced I can keep them alive in the summer)!
Hibiscus – Delicate beauty
Honeysuckle – Bonds of Love
Iris – Faith, trust, valor
Ivy – Fidelity and love
Snapdragons – Deception
Magnolia- Nobility, love of nature
Marigold – Grief, jealousy
Pansy – Thoughts
Pine – Humility
Salvia (blue) – I think of you
Salvia (red) – Forever mine
Violet – Watchfulness
Willow – Sadness
Yarrow – Everlasting Love
Zinnia – Thoughts of absent friends

Almost since the beginning of time, herbs have held a place of importance in the garden for their healing properties. We love the herb garden near our kitchen for the flavor in our meals as well as its fragrance.  

Here are some herbs and their meanings that you may want to consider for your kitchen garden:
Basil – Good Wishes
Bay Tree – Glory
Chives – Usefulness
Dill – Power against evil
Marjoram – Joy and happiness
Mint – Virtue (be sure to plant in a container as mint is delicious but invasive!
Oregano – Substance
Parsley – Festivity
Rosemary – Remembrance
Sage – Wisdom
Savory – Interest
Sorrel – Affection
Spearmint – Warmth of sentiment
Tarragon – Lasting Interest
Thyme – Courage, strength

The language of flowers has a rich history, so have fun with it in your garden! At the end of the day, what you grow in your garden should be about simplicity, sincerity, being kind to our planet, and planting what brings you joy.

Happy gardening!

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