Most people have sent a bouquet of blooms to someone or have received one. They are the ideal way to convey so many different emotions for many different occasions. Most people are unaware that all flowers have their own meaning, so that it is possible to conceal a hidden message in a bouquet.

Sending flowers that had a hidden meaning became popular in Victorian times where it was perhaps not appropriate to send a written message stating a persons true feelings. This method of sending a certain selection of blooms to convey a message was a very subtle form of communication. The added bonus of this was that if a person was rejected by the object of their affections then it was a lot less public and so a bit less hurtful and humiliating.

Everyone is aware that by sending someone a red rose you are declaring your love, and most people also know that a yellow rose is a symbol of friendship. With some blooms it is easy to have a guess at their meaning. The Bird of Paradise is a very showy and exotic flower, so it is no surprise to learn that it means celebration. Most people remember buttercups from their childhood, which as this plant means childishness is very appropriate.

Some plants have become symbols in their own right, such as the four leaved clover, which as every one knows symbolises good luck. It would be logical to think that a five leaved clover would mean even more luck, but in fact it means bad luck. The blue flowers of forget me nots mean memories as well as hope and true love.

Some plants have meanings that are not very nice, which is appropriate for plants that are poisonous. The toxic foxglove means insincerity, while the poisonous hemlock means that you will kill me. As the foxglove is a very pretty plant this means that the message is very subtle. Other plants can look very attractive, but the meaning is related to their names, such as the iceplant, which means rejection.

Roses can look stunning when in full bloom, and some have a beautiful delicate scent. They are a gift that anyone would be delighted to receive as they are so luxurious, even if they do not last very long. When sending flowers, roses are considered the first choice by a lot of people.

Most florists include care instructions with their bouquets, and following them can help to prolong the life of the blooms. Their advice will probably include cutting the stems to help the flowers drink the water, making sure that the vases are clean and that there are no leaves in the water, and changing the water frequently.

There are bouquets and arrangements for all occasions, such as a new baby, a birthday, anniversary, or as a thank you. Flowers complete a wedding, providing buttonholes and the bouquet as well as decorations. They can express sympathy at a funeral in a way that words cannot.