There’s been an enormous change in public perception of Valentine’s Day in recent years.
Valentine’s Day and Plants
Bring out that smile!
Flowers have long been synonymous with ‘bringing a smile’ on Valentine’s Day, but this recent shift in perception has created an opportunity for many other unique and beautiful plants to shine on this special day.
Succulents and air plants in glass or ceramic containers are incredibly popular, easy to care for and long-lived, so they make a terrific gift for gardeners and non-gardeners alike.
People who do garden will love cheery miniature roses, pretty primulas like ‘Sweet 16’ or double red Belarinas, and ‘FrostKiss’ series of hellebores. Better yet, combine the best of early spring blooming plants into a mixed garden and it will provide weeks of enjoyment!
Houseplants
Kids love small windowsill plants and miniature blooming houseplants that they can care for and, if you’d like to brighten your co-workers’ day, bring them each a 4” potted spring bulb or fragrant ‘Bridal Crown’ narcissus… they’ll love it!
Orchid plants
Locally grown orchid plants are, perhaps, the best buy for value – they can last for months as long as they are placed near an east or north window, kept humid, and not over-watered. Local anthuriums, with their heart-shaped white, red, or pink flowers (a perfect fit for Valentine’s Day) are also incrediblylong lasting and so easy to care for.
Gifting Cut Flowers
In the cut flower world, tulips rule, especially in a simple glass vase. Spring flowers, such as daffodils and iris mixed with tulips and pussy willows, are a real treat too, and fragrant lilies, stocks, and freesias add a magnificent perfume to any home or office. With so many great local growers providing world-class product, the range of flowers in BC today is amazing!
Flower ideas
Roses are still the most recognized Valentine’s flower and red is still the favourite colour, but there are also so many other beautiful colours, like pure white, pink, yellow, salmon, orange, mauve, and bi-colours, like the red and white ‘Sweetness’. Roses are more expensive because of the worldwide demand for the day, but a single rose or 3’s and 6’s are still much appreciated, no matter the cost.
Why Flowers for Valentine’s Day?
Still think it’s a bit cliché to give flowers on Valentine’s Day? In today’s somewhat challenging world, science is discovering new and important relationships between plants and people. Here are five points condensed from the research of Dr. Jeannette Haviland-Jones of Rutgers University.
1. Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. Study participants expressed true or excited smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring in all age groups.
2. Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious, and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction.
3. Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers led to increased contact with family and friends.
4. Flowers are a symbol for sharing. The study explored where in their homes people displayed flowers. Once received, arrangements were placed in areas of the home that are open to visitors – such as foyers, living rooms, and dining rooms, suggesting that flowers make a space more welcoming and create a sharing atmosphere.
5. People who buy more flowers are happier. Once learning the study results, participants in all age and gift categories reported that they would be buying more flowers in the future.
Now granted, we’re biased, but this Valentine’s Day we encourage you consider giving a living gift or bouquet of fresh flowers to your loved one. We truly believe it will make their day, and when you see their smile, it will make yours too!
You can also order flowers with us anytime at www.mintercountryflorist.com!
