The flower is a quixotic thing. Not only do these chards of nature possess radiant beauty, but they also host a wealth of meanings depending on the type, the color and the floral arrangement. Not everyone is familiar with “the language of flowers” today, as they were in the Victorian era, but adding a letter to explain your selection is a great way to demonstrate your thoughtfulness and up the romance while you’re at it.

There are certain flowers associated with different holidays, which makes gift giving easy. Since Thanksgiving is a time of family gathering, a flower bouquet makes a beautiful centerpiece. Autumn-colored flowers like chrysanthemums, asters, carnations, roses and Asiatic lilies, as well as sunflowers, cornucopia and alstroemeria are all good choices. For Christmas, red and white roses or poinsettias are classic. Other considerations include the Christmas cactus or the orchid cactus, the mistletoe flower, white roses (the winter rose) and the Pohutukawa tree of New Zealand. One dozen long-stem red rose bouquets are the most traditional Valentine’s Day gift, although flowers bouquets are getting more creative and many recipients are reporting that thoughtful mixed arrangements are just as nice, if not better. For Easter, azaleas, tulips and daisies are popular choices. According to ancient Christian symbolism, white Easter lilies represent the resurrection. There are also a number of great flowers for Mother’s Day, including pink carnations, gardenias, lilies, tulips, mums, gerbera daisies and roses.

Once you’ve decided on the ideal floral bouquet for the right occasion, be sure you order from a reputable online flower shop that boasts a long track record and offers a satisfaction guarantee. Write down delivery information and request a confirmation for peace of mind. Double-check that your order considers the recipient’s preferences, favorite flowers, favorite colors and that it is suitable for the time of year and occasion. Or perhaps your arrangement will convey the language of flowers with a hidden message. Be sure your bouquet is overflowing with beautiful blooms, rather than green leaves. Also, if you choose accessories, then be sure they do not overpower the beauty of the flowers.

Recent research surrounding the flower has been intriguing, to say the least. One study found that 60% of men stated they would like to receive flowers too. Additionally, men have proven to be 15% more creative and efficient when flowers were added to the workplace. Another study revealed that 96% of women like to receive flowers when they’re not expecting them. Lastly, a Rutgers study of senior citizens found that those who received a floral bouquet were more sociable, less isolated and less depressed.