We sometimes forget about colors and their meaning – they not only symbolize different emotions but traditionally are used for certain events. Without further ado, let’s cut to the chase:

Red - is the color of fire and expresses emotion, excitement and passion in the form of energy, love, violence, war and aggression. The color red is certainly over stimulating.

Orange – stands for enthusiasm, vibrance and warmth. Unlike most colors there are few negative connotations.

Yellow – the color of the sun and thus joy, happiness, hope and summer. Ironically it is also the color of cowardice, sickness, deceit, betrayal and jealousy.

Green – is connected to nature and the environment – a color of health, luck, youth, spring and fertility. In dichotomy it also has an association with jealousy, envy and misfortune.

Blue – offers us peace and tranquility, a calming and cool color for this reason probably the most popular of colors. It also denotes depression and sadness. A conservative color of truth, loyalty and patience.

Purple – is associated with wealth, royalty and opulence. There is a magical calming effect and it is a favorite in the majority of children.

Grey – the powerful color of dignity, maturity, security, modesty and old age hence the term grey beard refering to the elderly.

Brown – this is often the other color of mother nature. A symbol of the earth and outdoors offering comfort, stability and simplicity in its enduring style.

White – this color presents us with many meanings focused on purity and innocence. A symbol of peace, humility, glory and beauty. A sign of winter.

Black - The actual absence of color and yet it is perhaps the strongest symbol of strength, power and evil. Black magic demonstrates a powerful message.  But black is more. Black is formal. Black is night and darkness. Black is anger, mourning and death.  Black is sexuality. This absence of color is powerful indeed.

So when choosing your colors, think about the image you want to protray. In different cultures the meanings will very. Some have a very distinct difference to what you may believe, so don’t assume it is appropriate if you are interacting with another culture find out about colors and their meaning first.

How to arrange flowers. While I’m no expert, there are some very basic steps to follow that will get you looking like a pro and teach you how to arrange flowers in a flash. This is for simple DIY, do it yourself flower arrangements.

You will need a few basic tools – scissors (pruners are better), stem tape, newspaper to contain the mess, a vase/container or basket and maybe some flower foam (that’s that stuff you stick the flower in to hold it in place – look for an eco-freindly one). Here’s a quick step by step.

Step 1 – Choosing Your Flowers

Decide on the type of arrangement. Perhaps your most important step. If you are picking them fresh from the garden do it in the morning and use a bucket with warm water – remove the lower leaves and thorns as you pick. For the beginner it is best to choose one or two colors and try not to get too complex in the arrangement. Think about your surroundings and what will suit the area best. Don’t forget to choose buds that are tight and fresh. Think of the effect that you want warmer or cooler – choose the color accordingly.

Step 2 – Cutting Your Flowers

You should cut your flowers as long as possible, so you can trim them to size. Cut at a diagonal angle and shorten them if needed.  Make sure your scissors are sharp so as not to squish the stem.

Step 3 – Prepping and Conditioning

Make sure all the leaves are out of the water – this will keep it fresh. Give them a good clean and they will remain fresh for longer. Using warmer water will help preserve them and reduce the shock. You can remove the stamens to reduce coloring and increase the longevity too.

Step 4 – Arrange the Flowers

Remember smaller flowers will look better in a short arrangement while bigger ones may need a tall vase. Place the larger and more dominant flowers in first to create the base – use various angles. Then add your complementary flowers to fill in the voids.

Step 5 – Maintenance & Care

Change the water if possible will increase the shelf like. If you are not going to be able to frequently change the water, consider a container that is not see through. If you can change it daily and recut each of the ends they will last longer. Do not keep in direct sunlight and they will last longer. If you want the buds to open give them warm water but if you want them to last a few more days use cool water.

That’s it. The basics for arranging flowers. With practice you will learn how to arrange flowers at an incredible rate and your creativity will grow. Just try not to over do it at first. Good luck and enjoy.

Choosing flowers for all occasions can be the ideal gift. When choosing flowers, consult with your florist or event planner. Flowers may depict a different message so it is important to choose appropriately for events that are clearly opposite, such as a wedding or a funeral. A birth or birthday can be a simple choice – just check out the birth flower chart to decide.

Flowers speak a universal language – generally love or a tribute. One can send flowers all year long, in fact some people send the gift of a flower as a monthly item, an act of duty or dedication. The general result when you send or set up flowers for any occasion is a feeling of happiness or in the case of a sad occasion they are at least uplifting. Flowers rejuvenate, the fragrance is soothing and the sight is relaxing and beautiful.

It’s never too late to send flowers. Picking the appropriate flower arrangement can demonstrate the extra care you gave. Let your florist make a recommendation and you will ease a difficult decision, especially when you may have other things to do for your event.

Check your local customs to increase the benefit of the gift. For instance, a funeral or memorial is a common time to send flowers. Sending a wreath may be appropriate though a bouquet in a vase is the most common gift. Some families request flowers that can be donated to hospitals or retirement homes to spread the joy. When sending flowers directly to the family as a form of sympathy, a bouquet with a vase can make a nice gift, though plants are lasting and often revered. All flowers can be tastefully arranged but for funerals larger flowers display grandeur and tribute.

Weddings are complicated and deserve a separate article.

Many common events happen that can be demonstrated with seasonal flowers. The flowers for these occasions could be arranged in the color of the season though roses are not an uncommon choice. Birthday flowers tend to come in baskets, often with balloons attached while baby flowers are more likely to be seen with a stuffed animal and vase. When sending a get well arrangement, consider bright yellow or orange to cheer the person up.

While there are flowers for all occasions other gifts such as baskets or chocolate can be appropriate but not always. Choosing flowers is almost a sure thing, therefore a best bet. When you have an event remember there is a flower for all occasions, a flower for all seasons and they are always appreciated. Overall a thoughtful, simple and gentle gift.

Each month has a Birth Month Flower, a symbol to represent the month the person was born. It is believed the origin of birth month flowers was the Roman Empire when birthday celebrations involved decorating altars with flowers. Each month had a different flower to celebrate the distinction of the month.

When sending a gift on a person’s birthday, consider the month in which they were born and send the person their birth month flower.

January (Carnation or Snowdrop)

The Carnation, originally from Asia has soft petals but the inside is a hard core a symbol of the strength of winter. It is a sign of beauty, pride, admiration and gratitude.

The Snowdrop, also from Asia but can be found in Europe represented the snow of winter. Since it is the first flower to bloom it’s layer looks like a sheet of snow, hence the name and choice of birth months.

February (Iris or Violet)

The Iris, with three upright petals represents faith, valor, friendship, hope and wisdom.  It also expresses peace of mind. To the Greeks it was a personification of the rainbow, hence a messenger from the gods.

The Violet, found in both northern and southern hemispheres come in a variety of colors, not just violet. A unique flower that offers no scent, as its receptors block the nose from smelling – a good defense from being eaten or picked.

March (Daffodil or Jonquil)

The Daffodil, also known as Jonquil/Narcissus is a late wintering flower that pops it’s bright yellow head through the snow. It can also be found in a white and symbolizes a birth or new beginning – a symbol of hope.

April (Daisy or Sweat Pea)

The Daisy, captures spring as a symbol of playfulness and joy. It brings fortune and pleasure to those that cherish it and comes in many colors, the most common white with a yellow core.

The Sweat Pea, is a reddish flowering pea – though not edible, in fact extremely poisonous. A gardeners favorite for the sweat scent and bright color complement any yard.

May (Lily of the Valley)

The Lily, which comes in many varieties can symbolize a multitude of things depending on the type. The White Lily represents virtue while the Tiger Lily is a symbol of wealth and pride. Lily of the Valley conveys a message of sweetness and humility.

June (Rose or Honeysuckle)

The Rose, is the universal symbol of love. The many different colors have a different meaning. Find out more about the meaning of the rose in this article.

The Honeysuckle, also a June flower is admired for it’s fragrance and beauty.  It symbolizes a bond of love and friendship.

July (Delphinium, Larkspur, Tulip, Water Lily)

The Delphinium, also known as the Larkspur is a light flower, much like the month it represents July, for joy and laughter. A sign of love with an open heart this ardent beauty is a summer favorite.

The Tulip, also the national flower of Holland is by some considered a flower of July and one that expresses natural beauty.

August (Gladiolus or Poppy)

The Gladiolus, suggests strength like the Roman Gladiators, derived from the latin word gladius for sword. A symbol of sincerity, strength and integrity.

The Poppy, is a flower of remembrance for fallen war soldiers, often in November but is a typical common flower that grows plentiful in the summer months as a sign of imagination and oblivion.

September (Aster or Morning Glory)

The Aster, is aptly named after the Greek word for star and comes in over 500 species with a variety of colors. A rich wildflower with a strong perfume when burned they are thought to be a magical flower that can fend of evil. They represent afterthought, faith, wisdom, valor and again love.

The Morning Glory, flowers in the morning and lasts a single day before it withers in the daylight sun. New flowers bloom each day. Another September flower that demonstrates vibrance and awareness.

October (Marigold)

The Marigold or Calendula is a rich yellow October flower, hence referred to by Christians as Mary’s Gold. This brilliance signifies grace and sacred affection.

November (Chrysanthemum)

The Chrysanthemum, commonly called the “mum” unfolds in an orderly fashion seen as a sign of perfection. It carries with it a symbol of rest and meditation but also optimism, abundance and wealth.

December (Poinsettia)

The Poinsettia, probably the most well known Christmas flower can be found in churches and homes throughout the season. One such story is that a child offered a gift to the church but not having much she picked the Poinsettia, viewed as a weed for it’s lack of color. This humble gift then became brilliant and red. A tribute to joy, festivity, good cheer, success and merriment for the Christmas season.

Though different countries and cultures have different flowers to represent each month these main birth month flowers are universally accepted. Those interested in birth month flowers may also find birth stones interesting.

What is the meaning of the rose? Different roses mean different things. A bunch of roses versus a single one. Each color represents a different feeling. Invariably almost everyone is delighted when they receive a rose or bunch of roses as a gift. The rose says “I love you” in many different ways, sometimes just in friendship. These colors represent many different levels of emotion and devotion.

The rose has dominated as the flower of choice, especially on Valentine’s Day and to express love for a special event. Mixing the color in a bouquet is a symbol of unity. A dozen roses is a symbolic number, often in reference to the calendar year or in reference to myth and religion. Here’s what some of those colors mean in bunches and alone:

Red Roses – say I love you, but also stand for courage, passion and respect

Single Rose – stands for simplicity or gratitude

Red Rosebud – purity and beauty

White Rosebud – depicts a girl like innocence

Thornless Rose – love at first site

White Roses – reverence, humility, innocence, youth and purity

Yellow Roses – joy, delight, gladness, welcome back or new beginnings

Red & White Roses – signal unity in love, a union

Red & Yellow Roses – is about happy feelings

Pink Roses – appreciation, grace and gentility

Light Pink Roses – admiration, sympathy, gentleness, gladness, sweetness

Dark Pink Roses - Appreciation and gratitude, a sign of thanks

Peach Roses – sincerity and modesty

Black Roses – death or farewell

Blue Roses – unattainable

Orange Roses – enthusiasm or desire

Burgundy Roses – extreme beauty

Pale Roses – sociability and friendship

A Crown of Roses – a symbol of virtue

The key to giving roses is therefore to first consider the recipient. After all the meaning of the rose is what defines the gift. A careful choice can say it all but a random choice could cause a mixed or unwanted message. So take the time to look at the meaning of the rose you choose before the act of giving takes place, you want to give the right message, don’t you.

The meaning of flowers are to some, whatever you want them to be. Yet others view them to have specific or historical meaning. There is a deliberate action in the choice of flowers. Sometimes the meaning is overlooked simply because of the sheer beauty. The meanings vary from culture to culture.

Flowers are often used as a display of love, affection or wanton.  While we all know that red roses are a symbol of love, sometimes a loved ones favorite flower is a better choice. When a rose is given with Baby’s Breath it depicts the innocence of love, a newness. Some flowers are even named after their meaning such as the Forget-Me-Not named for rememberance and the Weeping Willow named for mourning. Flowers are also used for occasions such as weddings, funerals, Christmas and other events. It is important to recognize that the color plays a vital role in the meaning too.

Here are a few of the meaning of flowers that are more common or at least well known. I will try to do a complete list over time.

Bluebell/blue flower – humility, good luck and grattitude

Carnation - fascination and devoted love, but various colors can mean different things

Chrysanthemum - wonderful friend, cheerful,  rest, abundance, wealth, optimism, truth and joy

Crocus - cheerful and glad

Daffodil - regard and respect, unrequited love (the sun is shining when you are near me), sign of a new beginning, chivalry and rebirth.

Dahlia - dignity and elegance, fine taste

Daisy - innocence, loyalty, purity, beauty, silence (I’ll never tell)

Dandelion - faithfulness and happiness

Delphinium - big hearted or fun

Gardenia - secret love, purity or refinement

Geranium - stupidity or folly, sign of a true friend, comfort

Iris - faith, promise, valor, wisdom and hope

Lilac - youth, humility and confidence

Lily - The general meaning is majesty, purity, innocence, honor, beauty and pride

Magnolia - nobility and perseverance, dignity, love of nature

Marigold - cruelty, grief or jealousy

Misstletoe - the sign or request for a kiss, affection, difficulties

Olive Branch – is a sign of peace

Orchid - is a flower of love and rare beauty. A sign of refinement and Chinese symbol of plenty/fertility

Petunia - resentment or anger, your presence soothes me

Poppy - Remembrance Day flower or eternal sleep, oblivion or imagination

Rhodedendrum - caution and danger, be careful I am dangerous

Rose - is generally defined as the flower of love and happiness but various roses have substantially different meanings depending on the color.

Sunflower - dwarf is for adoration and a tall one is for pride or false riches

Tulip - perfect love

Violet - Stands for affection, modesty, faith innocence and virtue. Also a sign of understated beauty.

Oh, and don’t forget nuts are given for stupidity, so be careful the next time you bring a present with nuts in it. No matter what the meaning of flowers is, it is important to try and pick an appropriate flower for the occasion. If you are unable to find a suitable flower for most people it is the thought that counts. So before you make your choice think about the meaning of flowers and say it with confidence by your pick.