Floriography, by Gina Margolies

The desire to adorn ourselves with plants and flowers is well-documented in the historical record. We read in accounts as far back as the ancient world that victors, both military and athletic, were crowned with laurel wreaths. Marie Antoinette often adorned her towering coiffures with fresh flowers. I read once that she and other ladies of the French court would hide vials of water in their hair to keep the blooms fresh, displaying a true dedication to beautifying themselves. Over a hundred years later, Frida Kahlo put her own spin on this idea, often adorning her black braids with flowers. I love...

November’s Birthday Blossom is the lovely Chrysanthemum. This Birthday Blossom is sincere, faithful and optimistic. An anonymous but wise Chinese philosopher said, “If you would be happy for a lifetime, grow Chrysanthemums.” These sage words were likely based on the joy one feels when looking at a bouquet of lovely chrysanthemums. The name chrysanthemum, scientifically called dendranthema, is derived from the Greek words for gold flower but it comes in many colors. White chrysanthemums carry with them a message of truth and loyal love and some think gold chrysanthemums symbolize long life. A gift of chrysanthemums represents the joy and...

October’s birth month flower is the festive Marigold. This Birthday Blossom is bright, cheerful and talented. Scientifically referred to as tagetes, the common name marigold is derived from the words “Mary’s Gold,” as the marigold was called by early Christians who placed the flowers around statues of Mary, offering the blossoms in place of coins. Today, the marigold is a festival flower in many cultures. It is significant in Nepal, where marigold garlands are used almost in every household, especially during the Tihar festival. The marigold is also widely cultivated in India and Thailand, where large quantities of marigolds are...

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...