Flower motifs have been popular in artwork from time immemorial. We're drawn to flowers because of their bright colors, their delicate beauty, and their transience - they don't last. "Hippie" and "Boho" styles are especially known for their use of flowers... Read more
The lavender plant is native to the Mediterranean region. Because of its pleasant scent, lavender has been used in soaps and perfumes since ancient times. In fact, its very name is derived from a word meaning "to wash." It is grown in gardens as an edible herb, a medicine, and for its scent... Read more
There are nearly 8,000 species of roses that grow around the world. From the wild varieties, edible and ornamental varieties have been cultivated. Roses are exchanged as gifts symbolizing love, friendship, apology, and sympathy... Read more
The chrysanthemum or mum is a popular garden flower. It is native to Europe and Asia. Its name is derived from the ancient Greek words for "golden flower." Chrysanthemums have many overlapping petals, similar in shape to the dandelion or carnation... Read more
Houseplants or potted plants are more popular today than ever before. Caretakers of such foliage often call themselves "plant parents" and "crazy plant ladies." Millennials make up a large proportion of this group. They grow plants as a hobby, to beautify their homes, and to freshen the air... Read more
Red roses have long been used to symbolize love. But a wilted, dead, or dying rose can mean a fading of hope and love or even the end of life. The most memorable depiction may be the enchanted rose from Beauty and the Beast. It was kept beneath glass to ensure that the last petal would not fall a moment too soon... Read more
There are about 100 different species of plants in the rose family. They are native to temperate areas in the Northern Hemisphere, namely in Asia, Europe, and North America. Many are cultivated by gardeners around the world for both their beauty and their sweet scent... Read more
The carnation is a flower native to the Mediterranean region. Also called clove pink or grenadine, carnations have a spicy aroma and have been cultivated for at least 2,000 years. The name "carnation" may be derived from the term "coronation," as flowers were often used in ceremonial crowns, or from the Latin carnis or incarnacyon due to the flowers flesh-toned hues... Read more
Lily of the valley is a fragrant flower related to the asparagus. It is sometimes called lily-of-the-valley... Read more
The calla lily is a flowering plant native to South Africa. Its name is derived from a Greek word for beauty. Famously... Read more
Hibiscus are showy, ornamental, brightly colored flowers. Most are tropical, but some can survive mild temperate winters. They are... Read more
People have been gardening for a very long time. Gardens allowed people to stay in one place, rather than traveling to find the plants they... Read more
What is a butterfly garden? Butterfly gardens are planted to attract butterflies and other species, such as moths, hummingbirds, and bees... Read more
What is a peony? The peony is a flower known for having large petals and dramatic blossoms. The plants grow up to four feet tall... Read more
Orchids are tropical flowering plants that are found throughout the world. In fact, there are more than 22,000 species of orchids. Some... Read more
Have you ever sent someone a secret message? Perhaps you drew a picture or invented a secret code. Did you know that flowers... Read more
Around the world, there are many special occasions that celebrate mothers and motherhood. This custom is not new; days honoring mothers have been observed since ancient times... Read more
A bouquet is a decoration made by tying together cut flowers or by arranging them in a vase. The practice of making bouquets is very old... Read more
The poppy is a flower native to the northern hemisphere. Poppies have been cultivated by humans for thousands of years for... Read more
Since the dawn of human history, flowers have been given as gifts. In ancient times, flowers often held religious meanings. For example... Read more