Probably everyone has given or received flowers at some time in their lives. A bouquet is an ideal gift for a lot of different occasions. A lot of people may not know that every flower has a different meaning, making it possible to send a gift that contains a hidden message.

It was very popular in Victorian times to send a gift of a bouquet that had a hidden meaning. In those times it was not so easy to be open about feelings for another person. Sending a floral gift like this was a lot easier than a written message, and not so embarrassing if affections were rejected.

The meanings of certain flowers are known by just about everyone, the obvious being a red rose as a symbol of true love, while a yellow rose symbolises friendship. Some are easy to guess, such as the very exotic and large Bird of Paradise bloom meaning a cause for celebration. The buttercup, which probably featured in many peoples childhood is a symbol of childishness.

Some plants have their roots firmly ensconced in folklore.Who could not know that a four leaved clover means good luck, as this emblem appears on a lot of different things. No so well known is that a five leaved clover means bad luck, whereas logic would have said it was for exceptionally good luck. Forget me nots, as their name suggests, mean hope, memories and true love.

Some flowers have unpleasant meanings which are easy to guess from the nature of the plants themselves. Foxgloves are very poisonous, and mean insincerity, and hemlock which is just as toxic means you will kill me. Although these plants look nice the subtle meaning is nasty. Other plants which look pretty can have meanings which relate to their names, such as the iceplant which means for rejection.

Almost all roses have nice meanings, and as they are considered a luxury are a gift that anyone would love to receive. They are not as long lived as some of the more robust blooms, and are at their best for just a few days. They are sometimes scented, and have one of the most delicate scents of any flower. When people think of sending a bouquet then roses are perhaps their first thought.

Florists usually give instructions on how to care for the flowers so that they will last longer. These can include tips such as cutting the stems so that a fresh end is exposed, making it easier for the flower to drink the water, and removing all leaves that could come into contact with the water. The vases should be clean, and the water changed frequently. The addition of specialist food to the water can also help.

There are lots of special occasions where it is appropriate to send a beautiful bouquet. These can include birthdays, anniversaries, a new baby, or just as a thank you or even to say hello. Weddings are made complete with the addition of fresh flowers, for buttonholes and in the brides bouquet, and for decoration. They can also be a symbol of sympathy for the bereaved, eloquently saying what is difficult to put into words.