Go ahead, make Dad’s day, with flowers

Flowers might not be the first thing you think of as a gift for Dad but they're a great way to brighten his Father's Day. Research has proven that fresh flowers boost our moods and help beat stress. And a festive bouquet of colorful flowers will show Dad how much you appreciate all he's done for you.

Flower

I know, I know, some flowers, like pink roses or frilly lilies just aren't going to cut it with Dad. But take a step beyond and you'll see there are lots of other options: bird of paradise, ranunculus, protea, succulents, orchids or good old carnations.

Carnations are super easy to take care of and they can last up to two weeks. They've been around a long time, too, about 2,000 years in fact. The flower generally represents love, but different colors have nuanced meanings:
White carnations = pure love and good luck
Light red = admiration
Dark red = deep love and affection
Purple = impulse, whimsy
Pink = maternal love

With all that history behind it, the carnation has other claims to fame as well: It's worn on Mother’s Day, Teacher’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day. It's also the Ohio state flower, January birth flower and the 1st wedding anniversary flower.

Additionally, Teleflora has created some special bouquets for Dad, which I'll be writing about next week, so be sure to stop by then.

Flower Fact of the Day: China is considered the first culture to use containers of water to prolong the life of fresh-cut flowers. Carvings of flowers have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and pyramids. In Victorian England, gardenias represented ecstasy and ivy symbolized fidelity. To read more and get some tips on flower arranging, visit: http://quamut.com/quamut/flower_arranging.

Jacqueline - Editor