Are you starting to think spring? The Yorkton and District Horticultural Society will be having their next meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 7 p.m. at SIGN on North Street. It will be nice to get together and “talk gardening” again! Everyone is welcome; visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca to see what’s “coming up”!
Friday is Valentine’s Day, the special day of love! Not just romantic love, but family love, and friendship love! How did marking this day as the day of love begin?
Picture, if you will, ancient Rome, where Emperor Claudius was busy trying to make a top-notch army. He figured that young men couldn’t be fighters and lovers at the same time, so if they wanted to be in the army, they would be banned from getting married. There was a young priest, Valentine, who thought this was very unfair and made his point by performing marriages in secret. Claudius found out, was not impressed, and made his point by throwing Valentine into jail to await execution. Meanwhile, the jailer’s daughter had pity on Valentine and visited him. Valentine fell in love with her, and sent her a letter signed “from your Valentine”. Valentine was executed on February 14. And so began the special day!
Now fast-forward to the 1800’s, when romantic feelings smouldered as they did all through history, but at this time folks were too genteel to express them. What to do? Flowers became the means to convey messages of all kinds. Everyone knew what each flower meant, so they could make up, break up, stay friends, or become romantic all based on certain flowers in a bouquet!
What flowers say what? The red rose gives the message or romantic and passionate love, but a yellow rose represents friendship and good luck. A white rose stands for eternal loyalty, and pink stands for gratitude and appreciation. And if you met The One and fell in love at first sight, mauve roses are for you!
Fragrant peonies symbolize good health and a happy life. Elegant orchids say that the recipient has grace and refinement and is very thoughtful. Lilies symbolize refined beauty and purity. A white lily says modesty, but an orange lily can send a sizzling message of passion!
If you have a friend who always understands you, the hydrangea is the flower that says “I appreciate your understanding!” Gladiolas represent strength of character and honor.
For the always-cheery friend, gerberas are the cheerful flower that send good wishes for a happy day. Daisies represent new beginnings, a flower that is hopeful when given romantically, or expressing optimism when given in friendship. Mums say long life and joy.
The ever-popular carnations express beauty and pride, but their colors are just as meaningful as roses. Red carnations mean love, while pink carnations are the perfect choice to send appreciation for your Mom, aunts, or female friends. Alstromeria, in a wide rainbow of colors, represents friendship and good fortune. And with the current appreciation of succulents, these beautiful plants say enduring love, because they are hardy and able to adapt to difficult situations.
I wish all of you a special Valentine’s Day, and send you a bouquet of good wishes, friendship, and good health! Valentine’s Day is Sweet Pea’s birthday, and I wish her a fragrant and heavenly bouquet, sent with all my love and remembrance. A special floral tribute in her memory will grace our home. And to my wonderful sweetheart Keith, Happy Valentine’s Day!
Have a great week!
