Floriography, by Gina Margolies

September’s Birthday Blossom is the lovely Aster. This Birthday Blossom is patient, elegant and dainty.   The scientific name asteraceae and the common name aster both come from the Greek word for star. This lovely perennial star-like flower can be found in a variety of colors including white, red, pink, purple, lavender and blue, with mostly yellow centers. In ancient times, it was thought that the perfume from the aster’s leaves could drive away evil serpents. Today they are known as a talisman of love and a symbol of patience. Asters perfectly capture the beautiful gifts of color nature faithfully gives...

June’s Birthday Blossom is the lovely Rose.  This Birthday Blossom is loving, romantic and eternal. Familiar to romantics everywhere, the rose represents love in all its various forms - the romantic love of Valentine's Day or an anniversary, filial love on Mother's Day or a birthday and compassionate love in the case of an illness or funeral. The ancient Romans associated the rose with Venus, the goddess of love. The rose has been the national flower of England since Henry VII combined the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York to make the Tudor Rose, symbol of...

May’s Birthday Blossom is the fragrant Lily of the Valley.  This Birthday Blossom is gentle, sweet, and optimistic. Lily of the Valley is a dainty, bell-shaped flower which blooms in early spring. In many cultures it signifies the return of happiness, probably because of its association with a new spring. The scientific name for Lily of the Valley, convallaria majalis, literally means “of or belonging to May,” making this the perfect flower for May babies. Lily of the Valley makes frequent appearances in bridal bouquets and was chosen by Catherine Middleton when she married England’s Prince William. The sweet-smelling lily of...

Have you ever done something just because you liked it and then found out afterward that it was actually really cool? I am not cool so this typically does not happen to me. But it turns out that one of my passions - adorning myself with flowers - is completely hip and fashionable. Who knew? Not surprisingly, I love flowers on clothes and accessories. Naturally my favorites are Birthday Blossoms totes and scarves but really, I will take any flowers. I have found that a few beautiful flowers brighten up any day. Wearing them lets me carry the brightness around...