Our Favorite Flowers
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AND JUST LIKE THAT, IT’S SUMMER.
This week, the weather in Brooklyn changed from a cool spring, to a hot summer almost overnight. It’s such a contrast from the slow spring in North Carolina I grew up with. This year has been even more of a surprise since many of us have been inside since March. In the blink of an eye, the sun has arrived.
The first week of June is always hard for me. It’s the week of my mother’s passing, one day before her 51st birthday. This year would have been her 60th birthday. As a celebration of her life, I fill our home with Irises, her favorite flowers. She always taught me to be a light. A light to everyone, no matter the circumstance. During these uncertain and sad times, I’m reminded that we all need a little light in our lives. Although flowers can’t solve the world’s problems, they can remind us of the beauty in the world, and their ability to foster roots, grow, bloom, and bloom again. It is true, the most beautiful bouquets are filled with flowers of different origins, sizes, and appearances. As we hope for change and equality for all, in the midsts of a global pandemic, this blog seems so small and unimportant. But I can’t help but think: maybe it could brighten someone’s day, somewhere. And so, here’s a list of my favorite flowers.
SEVEN FLOWERS TO SWOON OVER
IRIS
MEANING | The Iris is considered to have many different meanings. Commonly in the West, it represents faith, hope, and wisdom.
ORIGIN | Greek, although now you can find these flowers blooming all over the world including Europe, North America, The Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
WHY WE LOVE THEM | The deep purple and contrasting bright yellow creates a beautiful bouquet effortlessly. As I mentioned, these were my mom’s favorite flowers. She placed these flowers in the guestroom whenever we were expecting visitors. Maybe that’s why I associate irises with hospitality. They remind me of the faith and kindness I was shown as a child. Bringing these flowers into my home is not only nostalgic, but it also creates a sense of comfort.
SUNFLOWER
MEANING | Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty and longevity.
ORIGIN | The Americas. Early European settlers fell in love with this flower and increased its popularity worldwide.
WHY WE LOVE THEM | Sunflowers are known to be “happy" so they are the perfect housewarming gift. With tall stalks and large petals, these are among the bigger flowers on our list. They’re not only nice to look at, they provide seeds and oil for consumption making them more than just a pretty face.
KING PROTEAS
MEANING | Courage. These beauties also symbolize change and transformation across cultures.
ORIGIN | Australia and Africa. They are the national flower of South Africa.
WHY WE LOVE THEM | The texture and size of these flowers are truly breathtaking. Their large, striking crown-like petals are magical in person. I used proteas in my bridal bouquet and was in awe of their beauty. From the fuzzy petals to they way they open up to show a rich deep color. They are truly one of a kind. On the more expensive side, I recommend buying them fresh and drying them to create a floral arrangement that will last for years.
GARDENIA
MEANING | Gardenias symbolize purity, love and refinement.
ORIGIN | Native to tropical sections of Asia, Australia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and Hawaii.
WHY WE LOVE THEM | These remind me of the South. Maybe because I grew up with a gardenia bush in the backyard. The smell takes me back to my childhood kitchen, with these flowers in a vase on the table. Their bright look and floral fragrance make them hard not to love.
(They are currently out of season, so I have provided a link for a beautiful faux option)
BLACK EYED ANEMONE
MEANING | The Anemone represents protection against evil and ill wishes.
ORIGIN | Anemone is Greek in origin. It means, “the wind’s daughter”. They are also known as wildflowers, and can be found in many color variations throughout Europe, North America and Japan.
WHY WE LOVE THEM | They are undeniably beautiful and delicate. Their contrasting white, satiny petals with their dark blue center is something truly unique. The white flower here is meant to represent sincerity. Many brides today put these beauties in their bouquets not only for both their appearance, and their aroma.
YELLOW PINCUSHION
MEANING | Yellow Pinchushions can mean strength and enthusiasm.
ORIGIN | Native to South Africa and Zimbabwe. A variation of the Proteas.
WHY WE LOVE THEM | Known for their pin-shaped petals, these little guys can be seen from anywhere, and are the perfect pop of color especially in a more neutral background. They remind me of Dr. Seuss flowers, so magical and vibrant. I see these, and they make me smile instantly. You can also dry these flowers and their beautiful color will shift to a rich, mustardy yellow.
LAVENDER
MEANING | Lavender is known to mean purity, calmness, and serenity.
ORIGIN | These delightful flowers stem from Africa, the Mediterranean, and The Middle East.
WHY WE LOVE THEM | Lavender reminds me of elegance and grace. The soothing fragrance, healing properties, and beauty combined make these flowers easily one of my favorites. Lavender is comprised of multiple florets, on long narrow stems making it perfect for taller vases. I love to add these by my bathroom sink to create a spa-like experience. You can find lavender made into lotions, teas, candles, and even recipes, making this last flower our most versatile. Whether it’s dried or fresh, I highly recommend lavender in the home. It always seems to make me feel better.
Just in case you need a vase to go with your flowers, here are a few of our top picks.
Curate a little light in your home.
Happy Saturday! Stay safe and healthy!
xx
-A