Tulips Are Another Favorite for Valentine’s Day Giving

Whether you have sticky typing fingers or just don’t know the correct words to key in, you aren’t alone in stumbling over your keyboard trying to find the perfect search terms to lead you to the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your loved one.

No matter. The end result is that, here, you have actually found some advice that should set you on the road to choosing the perfect blossoms for your beloved. We’ve gathered some valuable information to help you on your quest. But let’s start first with the search terms that got you started in your pursuit for posies: Valentines roses. You were searching for how or where or what kind of roses to buy for Valentine’s Day, correct? Ah! But here’s the real question: Must you buy roses for Valentine’s Day?

You may be surprised at the answer…

Valentines Rose or Valentine’s Rose—the Apostrophe Doesn’t Matter, Nor Does the Flower

Men, over the years, have developed the belief that only one flower typifies this February holiday: the traditional Valentines Day rose. But not just any rose. The red rose. As a result, the floral industry has to ramp up its efforts every year to try and come up with enough red roses to meet that heightened demand. That means flower growers kick it into high gear to push blooms to bud at exactly the right time, resulting in crazy-busy efforts to get the flowers harvested, processed, imported, trucked and then delivered to your florist so that she still has enough time to design a bouquet of Valentines roses that will blow your lady’s socks off (or whatever undergarment you prefer).

A Red Rose Is Traditional for Valentine’s Day

The pressure to provide roses in such abundance in such a limited window is enormous. Thus, red-rose prices end up far higher during the holiday season than at any other time of the year to cover all the extra costs associated with this frantic production cycle.

And what’s even crazier? Women don’t necessarily even prefer red roses! Sure, they are traditional, and lovely and romantic. But a variety of surveys, albeit very informal, show that women prefer other flowers. Maybe it’s the fact that roses are so traditional, and modern-day ladies want something a bit more unique, fun or personal. Whatever the case, you can feel confident that choosing blossoms other than roses won’t put you in the doghouse.

So what other choices should you consider? We asked some florists from across the continent for the second-most-requested flowers behind the Valentines rose. Following are the results of our unscientific poll to help you choose the best flowers for your favorite gal.

Favorite Valentine Flowers

Tulips

Tulips were the absolute favorite among our florist friends. What’s great about tulips is not only do woman love them, but they are also extremely affordable at Valentine’s Day. That’s because they are in season during February. So, for the same price as a Valentines Day rose in that crimson hue, you can get several bunches of tulips and bequeath your love with a dramatic, show-stopping bouquet.

Many Women Prefer Red Tulips to Red Roses

Stargazer Lilies

These beauties are preferred by anyone who longs for a perfumed aroma from their purchase. Stargazers are a variety of lily renowned for their fragrance, as well as buds that continue to open for several days after purchase.

Stargazer Lilies Are Loved for Their Fragrance

Orchids

A stem of orchids often sells at the same price point as a Valentines rose stem, but orchids typically have a longer vase life. The hardy blooms come in a huge assortment of styles and colors, too, so you can choose a variety that matches your gal’s particular preferences.

Orchids Are Often Preferred for Their Long Vase Life

Callas

These stately flowers (often referred to as calla lilies) are typically available in white, but other shades of pink, yellow and burgundy are also offered. Set a bouquet next to one of that traditional Valentines Day rose and you’ll see immediately what the appeal is.

Mixed Bunches

A potpourri of posies is often the preferred choice, mixing a rainbow of colors or blending a hue of monochromatic colors. You’ll often get the biggest bang for your buck with a mixed bunch, too, because the blend of high-priced flowers with less-expensive ones allows for a larger arrangement. A related option is to request a mixed bouquet of colored Valentines roses. Either option—according to our florist friends—will satisfy your sweetheart’s sweet spot.

Written by

Gina Kellogg

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Her taste in flowers probably is just as fashionable. She wants a floral arrangement that—when delivered—will make friends and coworkers “Ooooh!” and “Ahhhh!” with heart-felt envy rather than merely polite admiration.

Mothers Day Flower Ideas

Stylish Ideas for Mother’s Day Flowers

What do the most fashionable flowers for Mother’s Day look like that will make mom the envy of her office? Check out this review of some of the trendiest styles that you can request from your local florist:

Mother’s Day Flowers With Pavé Passion

The pavé look is an especially high-style option. Pave designs feature short-stemmed blossoms, all arranged at the same height in a tightly packed design. Usually, you’ll see them in a short container, often square or rectangular in shape. Some florists get even more creative and place them into unique containers such as hinged-lid boxes. If the mom in your life has a favorite flower, ask whether it would be appropriate for a pavé design. Request colors that will complement her home’s décor, including a base or vase that reflects her style.

Sweetheart Rose Pave Flower Arrangement | Credit to ShannonsShanonigins

A Worthy Mother’s Day Wreath

Wreaths are not just for hanging on doors, and they don’t have to come only in round shapes. Florists can create them in squares, triangles, ovals or any silhouette you desire. Wreaths are especially beautiful set flat on a tabletop with tapered or votive candles nestled in the center.

Give your florist some design free will, and you’ll be more likely to present mom with something especially memorable this Mothers Day. For example, tell your florist whether the recipient loves a cottage-garden style or sleek, modern look. Using varying heights of flowers and textures, your floral designer can create a one-of-a-kind wreath that will leave your mom speechless.

Contemporary Wreath | Credit to Herta Vasiloudis

Mother’s Day Flowers With Ikebana Accents

Ikebana is the Japanese art of arranging cut flowers in rhythmic, decorative designs. But even if your loved one isn’t an Asian enthusiast, she will still appreciate the delicate shapes and textures that Ikebana designs evoke. Again, tell the florist of the recipient’s favorite flower so that the floral designer can incorporate that blossom into the arrangement. And request a container in which the flowers can be designed that will work well in the mother’s home décor.

Fabulous Underwater Flowers for Mother’s Day

One of the most elegant and chic designs you can request for a Mother’s Day recipient is the tall cylindrical or square vase in which flowers are “suspended” underwater. These designs can last an especially long time, depending on the type of flowers chosen for display. Orchids and callas are especially elegant, and the florist can incorporate twisted and spiraling wire as a sculptural element, along with other bling, such as colored or natural stones or glass pebbles.

Submerged Orchids | Credit to Elaine25

While mom will appreciate any flower arrangement you choose for her, taking the time to order something that reflects her personal style is a route destined to bring back fond memories of your thoughtfulness for a long time — or at least until next year.

For more creative ideas for Mother’s Day, take a look at our Mothers Day Gift Ideas: 10 Great Ways to Spoil Her.

Written by

Gina Kellogg

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the “Like”, “Tweet”, “+1” buttons or sharing it using the share icons below. Want to read more articles like this? Then Subscribe, and get our articles directly to your inbox or RSS reader.

Related posts:

1. Mothers Day Gift Ideas: 10 Great Ways to Spoil Her
2. Send Flowers for Mothers Day — Without the Hidden Fees
3. Valentine’s Day: Just One More Reason to Give Flowers

Moms don’t expect much from us, yet they are always ready to give us the world, and have likely been doing this for most of our lives. Well Mothers Day, which falls on the second Sunday of May each year, is the perfect opportunity to treat your mother to something very special to show her just how much she is appreciated.

This year Mother’s Day falls on the 13^th of May and to help get your creative juices flowing, we have put together a list of great Mothers Day gift ideas which we hope will inspire you on your quest to spoil your mom.

#1  Send Her Flowers

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A classic Mothers Day gift is the gift of flowers. You can’t go wrong by sending her favourite flowers whether roses, carnations or lilies in a beautifully arranged flower basket, vase or terracotta pot, especially if you can’t be with her on this special day. Here are some excellent flower ideas: Stylish Ideas for Mother’s Day Flowers.

Florist Chronicles recommends: Mothers Day Flowers

#2  For the Creative Mom

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If your mother enjoys arts and crafts like beading, card making and scrapbooking, show her you’re interested by joining her for a class or take her shopping for beads, special paper and scrapbooking materials. Spending quality time together doing something she loves will mean the world to her.

#3  Picnic in the Park

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Plan a well organised picnic in the park or botanical gardens. Pack her favourite food and snacks. She will love the fresh air and time she gets to spend with you. Alternatively, take her out to her favourite restaurant.

Florist Chronicles recommends: Picnic Menu Ideas

#5  Mother’s Day Weekend Away

If you live in another town or city, buy her an aeroplane ticket to visit you, or surprise her by organizing for you and all your brothers and sisters to spend Mother’s Day weekend with her.

Florist Chronicles recommends: Student Flights

#4  Pamper Hamper or Gift Set

Buy her a gorgeous pamper gift hamper with luscious, aromatic, soothing bath products to enable her to relax and unwind.

Florist Chronicles recommends: Mothers Day Gift Hampers

#6  Midlands Meander

Spoil your mother with a trip through the Midlands meander if you live in Durban or near Pietermaritzburg in South Africa. Stop at the little stalls along the way, and be sure to visit the Howick Waterfall and take her somewhere for lunch, tea, cakes or scones etc.

Florist Chronicles recommends: Midlands Meander

#7  Make a Scrapbook or Photo Album

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Collect recent pictures from all your moms’ children and grandchildren and compile a lovely photo album or scrapbook with all the pictures and any other tit bits you can put together.

Florist Chronicles recommends: Scrapbooking Ideas

#8  A Mother’s Day at the Spa

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A lovely way to spoil your mother is to treat her to a day of pampering at the Spa. To make it even more meaningful, clean her house or give her bedroom a make-over, buy new linen, bedside tables, lamps, add nice photo frames with pictures of all her children or hang her favourite art on the wall while she is away.

Florist Chronicles recommends: Mangwanani African Spa

#9  Mothers Day Cruise

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If you can afford it, and want to treat your mother to the holiday of a lifetime, book her on a luxury cruise to an exotic destination. Many tour operators put great Mothers Day cruise packages together, so do a search on the internet for Mothers Day Specials in your area. If you are in South Africa, we definitely recommend a cruise on the MSC Melody from Durban with stopovers in Madagascar, Reunion, Mauritius and then back to Durban. Bookings are now open for the 2011/12 season and you can grab a special 40% early booking discount!

Florist Chronicles recommends: MSC Melody

#10  Give the Gift of Time

Finally, one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your mother is the gift of time. Just simply do something with your mom that you never have the time to do or have been avoiding because it doesn’t interest you or seems like too much effort. Life is short; we must appreciate every opportunity we get to spend with the people we love.

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Well we hope you enjoyed this article, and that we were able to inspire you with these ideas for Mothers Day. Just remember, the perfect Mothers Day gift that will mean the most to your mom probably isn’t the most expensive or elaborate one. Think along the lines of doing something that you can’t or don’t normally do for her or with her. Not only will you be spending precious quality time with her, but you will also be creating memories that will last forever…

As we always say, “THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!”

Hey, we’d love to hear your own Mothers Day ideas, so please share them with us in the comments box below, or come back after Mothers Day and tell us what you ended up doing. If you are a Mom, what would the perfect Mothers Day be for you?

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the “Like”, “Tweet”, “+1” buttons or sharing it using the share icons below. Want to read more articles like this? Then Subscribe, and get our articles directly to your inbox or RSS reader.

Related posts:

1. 14 Great Valentines Day Ideas
2. How to Give Stylishly Chic Mother’s Day Flowers
3. Send Flowers for Mothers Day — Without the Hidden Fees