When we think “gardening expert,” a few local green thumbs might come to mind, but Dallas Arboretum’s Vice President of Gardens Dave Forehand certainly leads the pack. Each month, we’ll be sharing Forehand’s seasonal gardening tips and insight. Today, Dave’s talking Valentine’s Day flowers.
Valentine’s Day is upon us, and flowers get top billing during this season, right behind candy. The colors of flowers and the type of flowers that are given have developed specific meanings and symbols through the years.
Let’s start with different colors:
Red is the unquestioned symbol of romantic love. Red is symbolic of the heart.
Orange represents happiness and joy. Orange flowers, like the sun, give off warmth.
Pink represents playfulness of new love and more recently thoughtfulness and spontaneity.
Yellow represents friendship and platonic love. Yellow is a great color in the workplace to recognize a colleague.
Blue can represent serenity and communicates trust. They are calming like the blue of the ocean.
White is associated with purity and innocence, hence, they are so often used in wedding bouquets. It can also represent sympathy.
Next up, flower meanings:
Roses
With their simple, elegant beauty and their rich fragrance roses have been the favorite flower through the ages. Roses are the enduring symbol of love and appreciation.
Tulips
Tulips are fun, bright and easy. It’s a comfortable flower that makes people feel happy and relaxed. Paired with a color choice, this flower is very versatile.
Carnations
This one of the oldest cultivated flowers dating back to the ancient Greeks. It’s such a durable flower that is carefree, but distinctive.
Sunflowers
This flower exudes happiness. Bright and cheerful, the petals are like rays of sunshine. Sunflowers symbolize loyalty and longevity.
Gladioluses
The Latin word for sword is gladius. The leaves of Gladiolus are shaped like swords. These flowers were seen as a sign of luck and protection during Roman gladiator times. This association led to the sentiment of strength of character.
Hydrangeas
They are very popular for their big blooms and sweet smell. They can represent apology or gratitude. In early European times they could be used as a symbol to declare arrogance.
If you’re looking for something different to do on Valentine’s Day with your loved one, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden will remain open until 7 p.m. on Feb. 14. You can pack a picnic or purchase food from the food truck (Bellatrino Brick Oven pizza), have a picnic on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn and watch the sunset. Admission is just $5 per person plus parking. That way, you can give your loved one a garden full of fresh flowers.
