Exotic Flowers in Boston

1969 maybe remembered

Lady Highgate, Martha thought alone.

Death or the gladioli,

the train tracks have already taken

companions , too quick to take in the malady.

Park benches, astute cold Sundays,

but no invited parties,

suitcases increasingly deftly packed…

By Sarah Gentry

photo credit: via Jeff Leatham

Gladiolas are looked upon as a traditional species within the flower industry, a bloom that has proven dependable and available through the changing climate of the business.  Their appeal is duly associated with their spike-like shape and large blooms that spear out of the sides of the stem along with the wide spectrum of color that is cultivated.  The impressive length to which the gladiola grows makes it a very useful variety when designers look to create high standing centerpieces that need to promote a “showy” presentation.  Typically, the cost of the flower is fairly low, making floral buyers attracted to adding glads to their list of regular purchases from wholesalers.  If you’re a summer lover who also loves flowers and just has to fill those table vases with something that won't croak in the heat, gladiolas are just the right pick because they can withstand slightly warmer temperatures compared to other options.

photo credit via Jeff Leatham

Funny enough, their symbolism doesn’t reflect their physical attributes in quite the same way.  Gladiolas are associated with arrogance and combativeness.  One can make an argument that their spear-like appearance is responsible for this reference because it looks like a weapon but in actuality, the Latin root word ”gladiolus” has historically been tied to the fierce gladiators of ancient Rome.

Like all flowers and their meanings, the gladiola also has a counter interpretation of reflecting passion, integrity and infatuation.  Some believe that if you give the person you love a bouquet of glads, you will pierce their heart causing them to become blinded with love in return.  The 40th wedding anniversary of a couple is traditionally honored with an arrangement of these blooms with the intention to promote another 40 years of continued passion.  

A third implication of the flower’s meaning can be paired with remembrance and sadness.  If you don’t think you’re familiar with gladiolas, I bet you’ve seen them when attending a funeral since this variety is almost always used with casket sprays, altar pieces and other components of funeral flower arranging.  

The Water-Lily and the Moon

in the bosom of the silver waves

grew a single water lily

speckless and spotless

the colour of pure milk

a private bud, it lay unopened

till the night it blossomed

complete, open, a whorl of whiteness!

By

Vijayalakshmi Harish

Water Lilies have always been looked upon with adoration because they’re found in the midst of slow moving bodies of water instead of the soil and are stunning to behold in their orchid-like appearance.  The bloom grows in a unique manner by extending long roots to anchor onto deeper particles contained in their aquatic habitat.  The plant’s majestic submersion in places like ponds and lakes makes these beauties special in a magical sense, which coincides perfectly with the flower’s root word, “Nymphea” or otherwise referred to as “nymph”.  It is common to stumble upon the water lily in fairytales where they are often the home to sprites or possess potions of enchanted nectars.  You can also spot the spectacular imagery of water lilies in several of Claude Monet’s paintings where he featured them quite regularly.

Interestingly, there are three varieties of the species, which are pond lilies, water lilies and the lotus flower.  All vary in coloring where the pond lily is white and the water lily can be seen in shades of blush pink, yellow and even lavender.  The Lotus Lily has its own fascinating properties that include its ability to open and close during the evening.  The Egyptians recognized the extraordinary beauty of the blossom and honored it within art and architecture.  Bangladesh is also a huge fan since the country made the water lily its national flower.

The specific meaning of the forest flower mainly suggests a purity of essence.  Virgins are typically associated with the lily but so isn’t the emotion of “coldness” and “unattainable”.  On the opposite side of the spectrum, it also means “unity” and a continuation of the “cycle of life”.  Several religious cultures maintain the water lily as a sacred symbol for ceremonial rituals, specifically weddings and funerals.

If you are lucky to come across the flower on your walk through the woods, be careful not to pick the heads from the lily pads since they are an endangered species throughout most of America.  

Poppies, Poppies, Poppies….

Poppy, Oh Poppy!

Poppy, oh poppy abundant and flowing

across all the fields you're still constantly growing.

As your seeds blow and find their own bed,

they're reminding us of the most glorious dead.

Glorious in the contribution they made.

Glorious for the price that they paid.

Glorious for fighting for what they believed.

Christopher K Bayliss

“Poppies….poppies….poppies will put you to sleep…” From the most evil movie character of all time, the Wicked Witch of the West, we all remember when we first were introduced to this seductively powerful flower.  The Wizard of Oz is certainly the most popular frame of reference when discussing the symbolism and meaning of the poppy but in actuality, the gorgeous blooms extends to other interesting sources as well.  

Poppies grow throughout the world but were cultivated in abundance within the Orient where opium is an attractive and lucrative trade.  The compounds made from the flower are highly regarded as healing medications including other derivatives such as morphine and codeine.  With the exception of the seeds, the entire plant contains poison of some type or another, which accounts for its reputation for meaning “death” and “sleep”.  With the few parts that are non-toxic, bakeries often decorate their goods with poppy seeds on top of breads, cookies and bagels.

On the flip side of the poppy representing negative attributes, the flower can also be looked upon as a sign of opulence.  The stunning large heads that can be grown in shades of either purple, pink, orange, yellow, white and most popularly, red, dynasties throughout time have included this bloom in many important ceremonies and rituals.  Be careful which color you choose though because their meaning differs with every change of hue.  For example, darker varieties are given to newly wed couples in Europe to encourage a passionate and deep love affair throughout the years while the white is directly associated with fatality.  

Another significant tie that the poppy is associated with is remembering the dead, particularly when speaking with those who had fallen during World War I and II.  Poppies were used as a symbol of respect and memory for loved ones and stems were strewn at the base of graves and memorials.  

Love is a Carnation

by Lori

Love is a carnation

So lovely, strong and rare

Brings so much bright temptation

To every look or stare…

photo credit: aboutflowers.com

In the flower world, the carnation can seem like an uninteresting specimen when compared to other contemporary species such as orchids but to the general public, they’re noted as being quite special for their meaning.  Although the floral industry now harvests millions of different varieties of flora and fauna for flower lovers to choose from, this traditional blossom still remains a popular option for many different reasons.  Grown especially in Nice, France and the Italian Riviera, carnations make up a whopping 15% of total floral imports into the US even though they seem outdated.  The reason for this phenomenon could be directly related to the traditional symbolism placed on the carnation and the special characteristics it’s believed to hold.  

What does the carnation mean to you?

Interestingly enough, the carnation can symbolize ideas of freedom as well as heartbreak and passion.  When used in the context of patriotism, the original context dates back to the “Carnation Revolution” that took place in Portugal in 1974.  The significance of the flower comes from the fact that because so few people were killed after the war ended, people placed carnations inside soldier’s rifles and laid them on the ground as carpets.  

When the carnation is being used to symbolize love, the shade of the flower will be red and might not necessarily mean happiness but instead, breakup or disconnection.  Passion is a strong attribute for the carnation but depending on what shade is displayed, the meaning can change altogether.   

Carnations are lastly tied to the mythological Gods, particularly Dianthus, which is the second name for the blossom.  Several art pieces depicting the gods often have carnations featured in the paintings because of this.  

Lavender

Streams of colour

In constant motion

showing shades of beauty hidden

Powered by the wind

As it caresses the river of scent

Gently, softly, lovingly

And moves through the rows…

By Roger Turner

Lavender is one of the most beautiful blooms to cultivate within a New England garden.  With a multitude of romantic properties such as its delicate shape and alluring aroma, this flower/herb is one of the most sought after plants from local Boston nurseries.  The fanciful perennial also holds significant symbolism, which dates back centuries to its original discovery in Midi regions of France.  Historically, the buds were originally known to represent “defiance” but as its popularity grew, we now recognize lavender to mean anywhere from calm, purity, grace and serenity to caution, healing or silence.  The wide variety of possible connections to the plant has created a broad spectrum of usage including the inclusion into both funeral and wedding centerpieces.  

Other physical utilization is found in:

• soaps
• perfumes
• linen and sheet sachets
• Provencal woven baskets and ribbons

Aromatherapy remains the top employment for lavender’s benefits as well as within its medicinal properties.  The flower has been known to aid inflammatory issues as well as provide essential oils for antiseptics.  Currently, it is also being focused upon as a successful scent to cure depression, anxiety and even insomnia.  Experts say that placing a small bag of lavender inside your pillow or taking a shower with lavender body wash before bedtime will ease tension and assist with a restful night of sleep.  

Photo credit: L'Occitane

Today, lavender is cultivated across Europe (England is one of the top producers) as well as within the United States where it flourishes easily and adapts to several variances in soil and climates.  

Nasturtiums

And so my garden I did fill

with nasturtiums bright and  clear

they did with colour fill the space

they did not my eyes disgrace

Black fly is their only foe

and so the black fly have to go

By

Joe Cole

photo credit; Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Nasturtiums are my very favorite garden flower and the reasons for this are plentiful… The bright colored petals of sunshine, the crisp fragrance of earth and the lily pad-like foliage is all part of the simplistic beauty that these blossoms gift any flowerbed they are planted within.  While they pair nicely with varieties such as lantana, campanula, coleus, phlox, they also perform quite nicely when potted in hanging plants.  The cascades of green discs and vibrant blossoms make an attractive door or lantern hanger.  Beyond the nasturtiums placement in the garden, culinary chefs have also found the heads and stems to be useful, particularly within salads or to make capers.  Since the plant is safely consumable, the attractiveness of its physical properties allows this flower to become a welcomed addition for garnish or as an ingredient for leafy recipes.   

photo credit: Isabella Stewart Gradner Museum

Unlike many other flora and fauna found within the northeast, New England gardens had to wait their turn to find the nasturtium species.  Originally, this plant was grown in Peru and took decades to slowly make its way across the world to the USA.  Oddly enough, it took some time before the flower gained popularity with growers but eventually the majestic specimen became a highly demanded import.  Presently, this bloom is cultivated in vast amounts within greenhouses by seed during the early spring and then later sold to customers in 6 packs during May through August.  

As for the symbolism behind nasturtiums, the blossom is known for meaning “patriotism” and “conquest”.  We’re not sure why exactly but the flower has strong ties to combat and war, perhaps because of its shocking color of orange and red or maybe because the shape of the foliage resembles the appearance of a shield.  Whatever the reason, soldiers customarily wore nasturtiums as a sign of victory, which were gifted to them by maidens.  Large blankets of flower heads were also woven to make blankets and cloaks for those who successfully won a difficult battle.  Today, the nasturtium resonates towards a “happy” theme and has also become an emblem for the warm summer months of July and August.  

Most of us associate Valentine’s Day with cards and roses, gifting these treats to those who are or would like to be in relationships.  Teddy bears, chocolates and fuzzy romantic packages are exchanged on the 14th to signify couple’s love for one another as well as those who seek to find companionship.  The tradition started back in the Roman times and is still celebrated today becoming one of the largest retail holidays during the year, particularly for Boston florists.  

But what is the significance of February 14th in terms of historical importance?  You would be surprised to learn that there is a fascinating story, which is believed to be the real meaning behind Valentine’s Day (and that doesn’t include Cupid’s arrows or other mythical characters).  In fact, the ritual can be traced all the way back to 200 AD Rome when it was under the control of a brutal ruler named Claudius II.

Claudius II was a fierce emperor who believed that any romanticism, which encouraged his young and single soldiers, was only a distraction and curtailed the strength and brutality his army to become weakened.  So much so that he banned all future marriages for those who remained unwed and illegalized any other rites that could be seen as similar.  

For Priest Valentine who had performed all of the matrimonial ceremonies for several years, this became an outrage.  Ignoring Claudius’ orders, he performed these ceremonies in hiding until one day he was caught and arrested.  During his incarceration, he met the jailor’s daughter who was blind (he later healed her sight) and fell in love.  Soon afterwards, the jailer’s family secretly converted to Christianity but was unfortunately captured by the emperor’s soldiers after learning of their treason and they too were sentenced to death. Although the tale has no happy ending (both lovers were executed by clubbing and decapitation), Valentine left a note to the jailer’s daughter before his death reading, “From Your Valentine”.  Later, Valentine became a Saint and was idolized as the patron of this holiday.

Thousands of years later, we still recognize February 14th as a time to express our feelings of adoration for one another and utilize Priest Valentine’s gesture by presenting cards, roses and other sweets to our loved ones.  

I bet you didn’t know it but when you choose your favorite flower, you are really saying a lot about yourself!  Whether you fancy daisies or orchids, each variety reveals characteristics, traits and even personality types that are commonly associated with specific blooms.  It’s not science or anything but dating and employment sites are beginning to utilize this factor in order to make successful romantic matches and job placement decisions. The outcome has been quite beneficial urging us to ask the question, “What does my favorite flower say about me?”  I’ve got to admit, I had to find out if this new technique really did hold some truth behind it so this is what I found out…

Favorite Flower: Chocolate Cosmos

Color:  Brown to Burgundy- Rich Color Tone

Special Characteristic(s):  Smells Like Chocolate

Personality Type: Creative, Energetic, Ambitious, Seeks to be Different

photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Yup, I can definitely see the comparison!  

Now it’s your turn!  What does your favorite bloom reveal about you?

Favorite Flower:  Roses                                

Color: Red, Orange, Yellow, White, Pink       

Special Characteristic(s): Lovely Scent, Soft Petals      

Personality Type:  Sweet, Kind, Calm in Tricky Situations, Able to Stop and                                 Smell the Flowers Nonsense Attitude

photo credit: Flower Factor via Lisa Greene, floral designer

Favorite Flower: Sunflowers

Color: Yellow, Red, Brown, Orange

Special Characteristic(s): Popular Flower

Personality Type:  Stubborn, Showy, Social,  Intelligent, Hard Working

In a Wide Range of Crafts

photo credit: Flower Factor

Favorite Flower: Orchids 

Color: Green, White, Pink, Purple, Orange, Yellow, Burgundy

Special Characteristic(s):  Rare, Medicinal Uses 

Personality Type:  Likes to Stand Out, Exotic

The cornucopia has long been a significant symbol of the Thanksgiving Day holiday tradition.   Many of us recognize the decorative marker as a large basket that holds several different seasonal foods and flowers.  The most popular produce that New Englanders use to stuff the cornucopia are oranges, grapes, apples, bananas, gourds, small pumpkins, pears and artichokes while flowers usually consist of sunflowers, mums, hay, gerberas, calla lilies and mimosa.  Over hundreds of thousands of years, families select this centerpiece to be displayed during their celebratory feasts, enticing guests to pull out their preferred treats to enjoy during their visit.  Not only is this presentation both visually and tastily appealing, the cornucopia holds great historical importance when tracing back its origins.  Take a look where this customary relic came from and enjoy this tale, which will hopefully stimulate an interesting conversation between your guests.  

photo credit: Flower Factor

The cornucopia (or otherwise known as the “Horn of Plenty” ) has several different story variations explaining its beginning but because I love mythology, this is my favorite one I’ve found so far…

Allegorical depiction of the Roman goddess Abundantia with a cornucopia, by Rubens (ca. 1630)

Before Zeus was a mighty and powerful God, he was held in the woods to be protected from his father, Cronus.  His caregiver was a goat named Amalthea, who swore to keep the boy safe from any harm and raise him herself.  The goat nurtured him with milk, food and shelter until the day he was full grown and had received the strength to return to Crete.

One day, as the child was playing and laughing with his protector, Zeus accidentally handled Amalthea’s horn to roughly and broke it off leaving her with only one left.  Zeus felt so terrible about what he had done, he blessed the goat’s broken limb to always be filled with an abundance of whatever she might need for the rest of her life.  

Today, we celebrate the cornucopia as the plentiful horn shaped basket that is consistently filled with nurturing and bountiful gifts.  For some Bostonians, the basket has been passed down as a family heirloom and for others, the centerpiece is ordered annually from local florists.  If you are looking for some ideas on how to fill your cornucopia this Thanksgiving, here are some of the top requested styles for November 2015.  

Flowers for Forgiveness

They say that forgiveness is one of the hardest tasks we face in our lifetime, especially when the hurt experienced is repeated, and profound. Forgiveness is not just a feeling that arise; it can take many years of work on ourselves, and sometimes, even therapy. Giving forgiveness isn’t the only challenge, however; so, too, is asking for it – admitting we are genuinely wrong or, perhaps, attempting to heal a rift with one symbolic action. Since time in memoriam flowers have had a deep meaning and an ability to relay a host of emotions through their scent and beauty. In this post, we suggest a few flowers that may relay a message that words are unable to, or at least serve as a starting point or a long-awaited reunion with a loved one. Life is too short to hold grudges or to cling to guilt; be bold and make a move, with a little help from the following flowers:

White tulip: When relationships are tense, nothing like the purity of whiteness can restore calm and symbolize rebirth and renewal all at once. The white tulip, which blooms in the springtime, is associated with new beginnings. It denotes that you wish to resume your relationship with someone you love with a clean slate, staring over, as though nothing had ever tainted it to begin with.

Daffodils: These spring flowers also symbolize rebirth. Bearing a beautiful star shape, they are meant to be given in a bunch, since one solitary daffodil is a sign of doom. A stunning bouquet of daffodils begs your loved one to forgive you, much more joyfully than words could ever do. Daffodils are known as ‘the poet’s flower’ owing to their great beauty. They are also known as the Narcissus flower, after the mythological Greek character who grew so enamored by his own perfection, that he turned into a flower.

Spring crocus: This flower is associated with purging following wrongdoing, which is why it is also known as the ‘penitent’s rose’. It represents our heart or soul (the eternal part of our being), which blooms when someone we love forgives us.

Violets: There is a story about author, Stanley Mooneyham, who once stumbled upon a unique flower that seems to have been a violet. The story goes: “One day when (Mooneyham) was walking along a trail in East Africa with some friends, he became aware of a delightful odor that filled the air. He looked up in the trees and around at the bushes in an effort to discover where it was coming from. Then his friends told him to look down at the small blue flower growing along the path. Each time they crushed the tiny blossoms under their feet, more of their sweet perfume was released into the air. Then his friends said, "We call it the forgiveness flower.” To Mooneyham, what made the flower so special was the fact that it did not wait to be asked for forgiveness; it simply gave it, effortlessly, almost at the same time it was being crushed. The story is reminiscent of the eloquent words of Mark Twain: “Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet releases as the foot crushes it.”

Blue hyacinths: Another bluish flower that is often given to ask for forgiveness is the blue hyacinth, whose colour represents truth. This flower is particularly ideal for those seeking forgiveness for having told an untruth; it indicates the giver’s sincere intention to speak the truth in the future.

White orchids: This pristine flower represents sincerity, making it another excellent choice for apologizing for past lies. It is also remarkably long-lasting, symbolizing your honest, long-term apology and commitment to change in the future.

Yellow roses: The rose is universally loved by all and is, depending on its color, representative of many qualities, including passion (red roses), purity (white roses) and friendship/forgiveness (yellow roses).

A particularly beautiful gift for someone one has wronged could include a bouquet containing more than one of the flowers mentioned above, and the best-selling book, The Language of Flowers, a love story whose main character struggles through abuse, finding solace in the vulnerability and beauty of flowers. The book is a veritable treasure chest for traditional meanings of each flower, and a sensitive story of redemption, renewal, and forgiveness.