Valentine’s Day Flowers: What Most Men Don’t Know
James W. Gaynor interviews Regency Romance writer Nola Saint James
Valentine’s Day approaches, and, perhaps as a result of my recent article (Holiday Gifts Ideas for Regency Romance readers link) — in my new role as Regency Romance editor, I’ve had several questions from men friends about what Nola thinks is the best way to handle the annual floral tribute that the holiday requires.
So, I asked her.
“Give your loved one flowers on Valentine’s Day,” the bards say. And every year I want to shout a warning to all the men who are about to follow this advice. Giving a loved one flowers during the year can be a wonderful and loving gesture. On Valentine’s Day, however, the whole flower thing is a set-up for disaster.
Here are three unacknowledged problems and what to do about them.
Problem 1: Flowers, especially red roses, the most popular flower for Valentine’s Day, generally carry a surcharge for this holiday.
If you buy them the week before or the week after, the same dozen roses will be less expensive. It’s a rip-off and your loved one knows it. If she is a person who would prefer that you be careful with your money, a dozen red roses on Valentine’s Day is more apt to annoy her rather than to make her happy.
What to do about it: Forget about roses. Go into your neighborhood florist and discuss what type of floral gift you can arrange for your budget. No matter your budget, there is a way to purchase something affordable that shows that you care. Here are three possible options:
- Buy a beautiful bud vase and one perfect flower. Have it delivered to her home. It’s exciting to get an unexpected floral delivery.
- Buy a gift certificate at a local florist and attach it to an empty vase. Have the florist wrap it and include a handwritten (by you) note.
- Buy a plant that will last all through the year. Orchid plants, while splashy looking, can be hard to maintain. Unless your loved one has a green thumb, I suggest a cactus garden in a pretty container. Much less likely to die. Some florists have heart-shaped containers, which make this a nice gift for Valentine’s Day.
Problem 2: You’d like to give your loved one flowers, but which flowers are her favorites?
What if you give her flowers that she hates? She won’t tell you, but she’ll be disappointed and possibly angry that you don’t know what flowers she likes. This is not good on Valentine’s Day, when you’re trying to be a king of romance!
What to do about it: You can, of course, ask what flowers are her favorites, but what if she indicates that she “adores” peonies? Peonies are not in season until the spring, so no Valentine’s Day peonies, unless you’re willing to invest mega bucks.
A better alternative is to put together a bouquet that relies on floriography, the language of flowers. This is a custom that is centuries old and was known throughout Europe and Asia. You can find the meanings of flowers on line. Here is one very good source
When choosing flowers for your bouquet, you should check with your local florist about what is available or can be ordered. With your bouquet, you should add a hand-written note that explains what your floral offering means. You can also add a book about the language of flowers. There are many to choose from online. One especially lovely book is The Complete Language of Flowers: A Definitive and Illustrated History by S. Theresa Dietz.
Here is a suggested bouquet:
- White carnations: Adoration;
- Freesia (any color): Trust
- Ranunculus (any color): You are charming
- Lemon leaves: Everlasting Love
- Ivy: Fidelity
Ask the florist to wrap the bouquet with an extravagant red satin ribbon (red for love and passion.)
Problem 3: Your loved one doesn’t like cut flowers but you want to give her something romantic that will remind her of you.
What to do about it: You’ve heard of the “steak of the month club?” There are plant of the month clubs! You can customize your order based on your budget. You might want to check out Holland Bulb Farms and Harry and David. There is just one caveat: if you’ve ever heard your loved one say, “I have a black thumb,” this is not a good choice. Take her out for a nice dinner instead!
Nola Saint James is the author of the Regency-era romance and Romantasy novels available on Amazon. Anarchy at Almacks, a lightly-spiced romance, Midnight Miracle, a sweet Romantasy and Curse of the Ravenscrofft Brides, a spicy Romantasy available at the end of February. Midnight Miracle is available as an audiobook narrated by Mallory Lewis. Anarchy and Midnight Miracle are available on Kindle Unlimited in Spanish – (Anarchy title in Spanish) and Milagro de Medianoche. Visit her at her website – nolasaintjames.com and on social media: nolasaintjames – facebook and Instagram.
