1. When selecting a bouquet for a loved one, be sure to consider the meaning attached to the flowers. A dozen red roses is an obvious declaration of love, but there are other blooms that may better convey your intentions:
- Carnations suggest anything from admiration to deep abiding love, depending on the colour.
- Lady’s Mantle is for comfort.
- Camelia will show your passion and desire for your lover.
- Tulips represent perfect love.
- Dahlias are for commitment.
2. The first time he bought her flowers was the corsage he pinned carefully on her shoulder before the school dance. The second time was a bunch of posies—pink carnations—from the garage forecourt, a spontaneous gesture after a cheap but fun restaurant date. Her wedding bouquet was white roses; she wanted colour but his mother said classic white was classier. The Mothers’ Day after their daughter was born he brought home last-minute yellow tulips, wrote baby Suzie’s name on the card. The last time he bought her flowers was an apology, too little too late, and that was twenty years ago.
3. To dry flowers, hang them upside-down in a dark room, out of sight and out of mind. Avoid direct sunlight, as this will cause their colour to fade. Alternatively, hang them in a window and watch as they grow a little less vibrant every day. If you are short on time and have no desire to treat them with respect, you can place them in a microwave with a little clean cat litter and heat for 2-5 minutes on half power; be aware they may come out dusty. If you prefer to crush the life from them slowly, press them - a large book will serve. Weigh it down with heavy objects and leave it.
Fantastic Sarah, especially the cat litter!
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