Easter is only days away. Let’s create a virtual collection of flowers that are extra meaningful for Easter.
One of the first “Easter” flowers that springs to mind is the white lily: beautiful and elegant, it symbolizes purity, innocence, and is a flower that we associate with Christ’s resurrection. They are the classic Easter flowers, and probably most churches will have a collection of white lilies at the front of the church. But these are not the only ones!
Hydrangeas have become very popular in recent years, and who can help but admire the large poms of flowers in either raspberry pink or that stunning blue. Hydrangeas have a complicated message in the language of flowers, but it is one of deep emotion. If you receive a hydrangea plant for Easter, keep in mind that is loves water but does not like to have wet feet. So be vigilant with watering and you will enjoy your hydrangea for a long time.
Irises, so much a flower of spring, represent faith and hope. Their tall, slender shape will look beautiful in a taller vase, and while they may not last as long as some flowers, they are certainly a flower of new beginnings.
Hyacinths bring us the message of peace. The striking columns of flowers come to us in pinks, white, and various shades of blue. They are stunning in pots, and while they like to have a drink of water, they are more finicky in that we can let them dry out a bit between waterings. Here again, no wet feet! Bear in mind that hyacinths have a very strong fragrance, and we could go so far as to say that it is overpowering. So be careful if you are giving it as a gift.
Some flower bouquets come with baby’s breath, gypsophila, which also symbolizes purity and innocence and everlasting love. But this petite flower is also one that carries a fragrance that is bigger than the flower! It is beautiful as filler among other blooms, but be wary of the fragrance; it may not be appreciated by all.
Daffodils and tulips are heralds of spring! Their bright and cheerful little faces comes in various colors. For daffodils, yellow is most common, but there are also cream and apricot shades as well. Tulips come in almost every color of the rainbow, and every one is beautiful!
Remember, that if you put daffodils in a vase with other flowers, the other flowers will not last as long. So daffodils are presented best in their very own vase.
As Jesus enter Jerusalem, palm branches were waved with joy: the palm branch speaks to us of peace, victory and eternal life. Not all Christian traditions had access to palms, so they used the first sign of spring that they had at hand: the pussy willow. After a hard winter, the first sight of the pussy willows means new life, just as Jesus’ resurrection was new life.
So many meaningful flowers for this very special season. I wish you the blessings, joy and renewal of Christ among us!
Now let’s talk gardening for a moment: the Community Peace Garden (located at the Yorkton Alliance Church) will have one or two available garden plots available for the coming gardening season. If you’re looking for some gardening space, please call Warren at 306-782-3249 for full details.
The Yorkton and District Horticultural Society is still without meetings, but looking ahead with hope to when we can gather again! Visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca to find out what’s new! Have a great week; Happy Easter!
