A Love Note
Abby Stanley
“Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow” - John Lennon
“In joy or sadness, flowers are constant friends.” -Okakura Kakuzo, The Book of Tea
“A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love.” -Max Muller
“Flowers are love’s truest language.” -Park Benjamin
“Happiness radiates from a flower and draws all good things towards you.” - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
It is that time of year again… when you think winter will never end and the few sunny warmer days feel like water in a drought! February is the hardest month for mental health, as studies suggest. It is also the month of LOVE. Which can be amazing for some or conflicting for others. Either way, flowers can save the day!!
We have a ton of beautiful blooming plants right now that are lifting my mood up every day. Daffodils are like little rays of sunshine, probably the happiest flower in my opinion, literal sunshine. Gorgeous colorful Cyclamen, Begonias, Kalanchoes (super easy!), and Azaleas. Romantic, ethereal Calla lilies and unique Orchids. Whatever your vibe, we’ve got it. Whether it is a gift to a loved one, yourself or someone going through a hard time, nothing says I love you quite like flowers. I love you doesn’t have to be romantic. It can be subtle… in the way you call to check on a friend or get your neighbor’s newspaper. I think that is something we often forget. We look at our internal relationships but often forget those on the periphery. Also, selfishly, giving gifts and acts of kindness are a great way to lift yourself up as well… it’s a win, win! So, this is just some food for thought to spread some extra love this month, whether it is to yourself, your lover, or a stranger. We could all use more love and flowers.
Speaking of lovers… listen up ya’ll! Yes, cut flowers have historically been the name of the game, but no longer! I love a good cut flower arrangement, but they cost a fortune and last a week? Just when you start to enjoy them, they are gone. Well even if you give a plant to someone and they eventually kill it, that would still be cheaper and last longer than a cut arrangement. Especially plants like Phalaenopsis orchids whose blooms last for months! That is worst case scenario though. Best case scenario, the plant could last for years/forever and every time they look at it, they think of you! Hopefully, fondly, but that is on you, my friend. I can only help so much! And who said you can’t love yourself? No one, ever. You are the only person you are stuck with for life, literally beginning to end, so you better treat yourself right! Listen, I’m not the best at this, but I do buy emotional support flowers for myself because priorities yall!!!
SOOO this Valentine’s Day, February, and always, spread the love plant people! Flowers are pure happiness. There’s not a person out there that wouldn’t love a beautiful flower. And when you’re out V Day shopping think about longevity… is that cut flower arrangement going in the trash next week? When I could go to Stanley’s, support a local business, and get a live plant for the one I love that could last a very long time?! Sending all the mushy thoughts your way, and always remember, LOVE is stronger than hate. <3