Hi all! Today I’m reviewing this sweet little book. There are several books out there on the language of flowers and I think even a novel, but I’m reviewing this book by Samantha Gray. The illustrations are by Sarah Perkins. I wouldn’t necessarily call out the illustrator when doing a book review but this book is so beautifully done in both writing and artwork that I can’t not give both contributors a shout out.

Most people know that red roses are symbols of love. But did you know that a single red rose means “I still love you”, “You are the one”, and “Love at first sight.” But that four red roses is a symbol of bad luck. And 50 roses no matter the color means “My love is unconditional.” If you want to say “thank you” to someone you can give them a deep pink rose.

For centuries romantic or religious meanings have been associated with different flowers. Victorians would send bouquets as secret messages of love and friendship. And sometimes even hatred…you don’t want to receive a bouquet of orange lilies from your frenemy.

While this isn’t in practice these days wouldn’t it be lovely to convey a message through flowers. This little book can help you do that.

Flowers are organized into categories based on the message they convey: Courtship, Love & Affection, Beauty, and Friendship.

Each flower has its own page(s) with an accompanying illustrated page. At the top of the flower’s page is the meaning behind it. Then a history on that particular flower, it’s origins, popularity and how it got its meaning. If you love that flower, the bottom of the page will tell you your personality.

I must have multiple personalities because I love all flowers! Lol. But since tulips are my absolute favorite I’ll use that as an example. She has tulips broken down by color because like roses, each color has a different meaning. We’ll use yellow tulips…because I can never pass up a yellow tulip.

IF YOU LOVE YELLOW TULIPS, you have a natural radiance and a joie de vivre that lights up any room you walk into.

I’m not sure if that’s me…but I’d like to think it is.

I’ve had this book for sometime (published in 2011), and I thoroughly enjoy reading it. As I continually say, if I was taught history through things like architecture and flowers I would have gotten better than a D in class.

I hope you purchase this book. It’s a great little read. And I also hope this encourages you to ask your florist to make a bouquet that conveys a specific message to the recipient. Who wouldn’t want to receive a bouquet that tells them how much you love them…even if you are buying it for yourself.

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May your day be filled with flowers!