Styled On

With the sun streaming into our office and beautiful blooms from Blue Water Flowers on Casey's desk, everyone is feeling happy to see spring finally show its face. Since we'll all be picking up a fresh bouquet on our way home today (and perhaps even picking up new seeds for our terrariums, too), here is a quick guide to what the stems you choose really mean.

Lilac
The lovely, fragrant lilac represents the beautiful sadness of love; they bloom in spring and are gone all too soon. These are perfect to have around the house during times of separation from the ones you love as a reminder of your shared affection.

Lily
The regal purity of the white lily symbolizes innocence, and has long been associated with femininity. Keep these by your bedside for a lovely morning greeting.

Lavender
While lavender is a bloom used frequently in fragrances, during the Victorian era, giving a gift of lavender meant, "I don't trust you." Next time you pick up a wildflower bouquet, check for the purple sprigs and think twice about what exactly you mean to say.

Ranunculus
The ranunculus, which means "little frog" in Latin, tells its recipient that they are rich in charm and attraction. Fellas, this is a good one to give your lady, and with over 250 species including the delphinium and the buttercup, you can't miss.

Hydrangea
This beautiful, bushy bloom grows particularly well in wet climates and makes a great centerpiece, but sending someone a hydrangea in Victorian England meant they had been boasting. Tsk tsk. 

Yellow Rose
The yellow rose (of Texas, or otherwise) is certainly not the most popular in its family – perhaps because it signifies jealousy. A multi-faceted rose, it can also represent home or domestic happiness.

Rosemary
While perhaps not technically a flower, rosemary symbolizes remembrance.  Hang fresh sprigs in your kitchen to dry and use for cooking later on. 

What will you include in your next bouquet?

Shop for your sweetie now!

All histories and meanings taken from The Meaning of Flowers: Myth, Language and Lore, by Gretchen Scoble and Ann Field.