Sometimes it seems that flower gifts are less well-regarded than they used to be, often viewed as cliché or the last-minute option found in sad little bunches at petrol stations and it appears they can even have a stigma attached to them.

My husband noted a strange atmosphere in the shop the last time he bought me flowers- the women serving him practically accused him of trying to make up for having done something dishonourable, all very good naturedly, but even so.

Why is it that flowers have slipped in our estimations? Well I think it’s time for a flower revival: everyone should give more flowers and crucially, inject a little more imagination and thoughtfulness into the act. Here’s how:

Flower Gifts

It’s hard to think of a more versatile gift: from the simple posy of free field flowers that say “I was just thinking about you” to a gorgeous designer bouquet with a somewhat grander statement, giving flowers can suit all sorts of moods, occasions and women.

At the florists

When you walk into a florists, don’t feel pressured to go for a ready-made bouquet- you can just make your own selection and have the florist put it together for you. Men very often go for red roses because they have been told that these are the flowers that mean romance, but don’t be tied down by such limiting ideas.

Of course if your wife loves roses then it would be wise to include some, but flowers change with the seasons so take advantage of those in season- they’re at their best and they cost less too!

Make use of the florist’s expertise- they are a wealth of information on the best combinations of flowers, how to make a small posy look bigger, which flowers have the best scents, which flowers are in season etc.

Flower Ideas – Name

For ideas on which flowers to buy consider things like your wife’s name- are there any flowers that sound like that? Also does her name actually mean flower?

Flower Ideas – Birth Month

What about the month she was born in? Did you know that there is a traditional flower for every month of the year?

Take a look at the Birth Month Flower Table below:

Flower Ideas – Places

Perhaps there’s a place which holds some significance for your wife e.g. where you spent your honeymoon.

Find out which plants or flowers originates from there or are indigenous to that place. The beauty of a gift like this is that every time it blooms it will remind her of the time you had together and of you.

Flower Ideas – Favourites

Giving flowers that are her favourite colour or even her favourite flower is a simple idea that’s sure to be a winner!

Don’t Cut the Flowers!

Some women don’t like cut flowers so find out beforehand. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to give up on the idea of giving flowers, you can still buy a potted house plant, a flowering plant for outdoors or even seeds.

Plant Gift Ideas

There are too many plants to list but here are just a few ideas I thought of that would make thoughtful presents.

Blooming Good luck!