An Herbal Valentine

At LUCIA'S GARDEN, we know that herbs are for more than just the enhancement of flavors for food. Herbs also beautify our homes and gardens, support our health and bring calm into stress-filled lives. As well, herbs carry messages, just as do garden flowers, to express symbolically what we want to simply say in words. For ins'tance, what flower most often expresses love? A red rose. And what is the motto of the floral industry? Simply, "Say it with flowers."

Over 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians wrote their legacy in hieroglyphic symbols of flowers, onions, palms, leeks and the lotus. The Greek Olympians ran for a crown of Bay Laural (nobility), until the last Olympics when the crown was made of Olive branches (for peace). Greek and Roman theater both identified the presence of deities influencing the course of the play with Narcissus (self-love), Crocus (hope), Cereus (beauty), Oak (hospitality). Myrtle (love), and continuing on through all the fates. Lebanon's national flag still depicts the "Cedars of Lebanon"; France displays their "Fleur-de-Li's"; England has a Tudor Rose, while a leek represents Wales, a Four-Leaf Clover represents Ireland and the Thistle stands proud for Scotland. Japan has a Chrysanthemum; China the Peony; and where would Texas be without Blue Bonnets?

   For over 50,000 years, we have used plants to symbolize our presence in human passages such as weddings, births, funerals, and unique moments of culture and custom. In the 3rd century, with the martyrdom of St. Valentine, to the 14th century "St. Valentine's Feast in Honor of Love", to today, preparing for Thursday, February 14th in your home, your school or your office for that "special someone".

   From a simple rose to a heart-embossed card to colored candy hearts or chocolates, we are always on the lookout for something special to express our feelings of "Be Mine", "Kisses" or "U-R-IT". What has expressed our feeling from times long before written words, and perfected by Victorian Lovers, are the messages of the layers of feeling presented in a simple floral bouquet written the the "Language of Flowers".

   A "tussie-mussie" or floral bouquet can simply or boldly express your deepest feelings. You can flirt, woe and win the heart you desire with a simple "gift from the garden", or purchased at your floral shop or in the fresh produce section of your local grocery store. For example, Rosemary is for "remembrance"; Thyme is for "fidelity"; Mint is for "pleasure"; a Rose can express "innocence:, "first blush" or "passion"; Lavender is for 'devotion; Oregano or Marjoram represents "joy"; and Oregano talks of "feasting" and "sensual joy".

   Choose one or two herbs and a flower or two from your garden, wrap them into a small bundle for a boutonniere or desk-favor, hide them in the refrigerator to be discovered on the morning of, hang them with raffia grass from the door knob where they will be noticed, tuck one in a lunch sack, or lay them on a car seat to surprise someone leaving for work or school. 

   Add a small floral message card telling what each flower or herb means for a gift of beauty from the heart, and you have taught them how to speak in the Language of Flowers.

   The most complete book on the language of flowers is FLORA'S DICTIONARY, the work of Kathleen Gips. She has collected and combined volumes of just such dictionaries which were so popular in Victorian England, and published this single book that includes the proper protocol for presenting posies of love, listing hundreds of flowers and herbs, each with their symbolic meaning. It follows this by cross-referencing words and feelings you might want to express with the representative flowers and herbs, so that you can make your Valentine Gift unique and fun. 

   We have been carrying FLORA'S DICTIONARY since it was first printed because it is such a useful book for floral gifts and design. It is a book you can refer to all year, for every occasion and "moment to remember". (We love it for making gifts for friends and teacup bouquets for those special moments!)