Flower of the Week

Camellia

In the eyes of the Chinese, the symmetrical petals of the camellia flower reflect the spirit of a lady, and the calyx holding the petals represents the young man who will protect her. The calyx of most plants remains after the petals have dropped, but the camellia's calyx falls with the petals when the flower dies. This symbolizes an everlasting union between lovers. In many parts of China, the camellia is considered the most favorable flower to be worn by young people to attract a marriage partner. 

Camellias became the height of fashion as a corsage in 1940s America. In Temple City, California, the first Camellia festival was celebrated in 1945, with people gathering to admire vast floats of flowers. Annual camellia festivals spread across the United States in this decade and in the 1950s. 

Unlike some flowers, which can have negative as well as positive meanings, camellias always symbolize good fortune. Not only are they emblems of love, but they are also lucky, especially when presented to a man. 

The beauty of Camellia flowers inspired Victorian lovers to choose them to express decoration, but different flower colors varied in meaning:

The pink camellia: "I long for you"

The red camellia: "You are a flame in my heart"

The white camellia: "You are adorable"*

*Excerpt from The Secret Language of Flowers, by Samantha Gray

Real Weddings: Mike & Laura

We have such a lovely wedding to share with you guys today! Mike and Laura held their wedding at Laguna Gloria, with an intimate seated dinner in lieu of a large reception. Their colors were beautiful shades of blue and green, which fit with Laguna Gloria's peaceful, natural setting gorgeously. 

Flower of the Week

Poppies

Papaveraceae

Long symbolic of eternal life, poppies were placed in ancient Egyptian burial tombs. The ancient Greeks offered poppies to Demeter, the goddess of fertility, and Diana, goddess of the hunt. Greek athletes were given a mixture of poppy seeds, honey, and wine. The Romans also believed that poppies could help to heal a broken heart.

Flower of the Week

Lilac

Syringa vulgaris

[image source]

According to Greek mythology, Syringa was a beautiful nymph who captivated Pan, the god of the forests and fields. Pan chased Syringa through his domain until, finally, Syringa was exhausted and could only escape by turning herself into a plant - the fragrant flower we know now as lilac.

Lilac's meanings of first love and youthful innocence arise from its flowering time being a harbinger of spring. Purple-flowering lilacs convey the first emotion sof love, whereas white or pink flowering lilacs are associated with youthful innocence.  In Russian folklore, cradling a newborn beneath a lilac bush would bring the child wisdom. In parts of the Mediterranean, lilac is closely associated with the festival of Easter because it so often blooms around that time. Lilac is also the flower for eighth wedding anniversaries. *

*Excerpt from The Secret Language of Flowers by Samantha Grey

Flower of the Week

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

We got this beautiful Lily of Valley into the shop and have been happily breathing in its scent all week long. With May almost upon us, what better excuse did we need to feature it as our Flower of the Week?

Traditionally a symbol of the arrival of spring and of the month of May, Lily of the Valley is the subject of multiple cultural legends. In the Christian tradition, these lilies are known as Our Lady's Tears - the flowers having sprung from the Virgin Mary's weeping eyes during the crucifixion of Jesus. In religious artwork, they are a symbol of humility. 

In the Victorian language of flowers,  Lily of the Valley was a symbol of sweetness, humility, happiness, and purity of heart. It is also sometimes carried by brides for luck, in addition to the traditional something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. 

Expert Advice from Elizabeth: Paper Whites

Today's Expert Advice is about forcing bulbs!

Paperwhites are easy to force into bloom indoors. Unlike other Narcissus species, Paperwhites do not require chilling to promote bloom. The bulbs begin to grow as soon as they are planted, with flowers appearing in 3–4 weeks.

Start with your potting soil and any container you wish to use - we love these simple pots, which are easy to find at any garden store.

Paperwhite bulbs are usually purchased in a garden center - don't worry about looking for a specialty shop. Your local store should have them!

These bulbs have been planted about one week. They must be watered every other day.

This is what a blooming paper white narcissus looks like! These were set in water with no soil for about two weeks - just set the bulbs in the vase and change the water as often as needed.

image via Pinterest

 I love the natural country feeling of this basket of moss and bulbs. This would be a perfect centerpiece for the holidays!