Our friend Heather MacGregor of MacGregor's Garden in upstate New York told me all about what flowers are inexpensive, most readily available, and freshest in which season. Then, for kicks, she threw in the meaning of each, so you can be humble with lily-of-the-valley or say "I love you" with roses.
Flowers That Look Great and Are Easy To Get All Year Baby's Breath -- white and delicate, used to mix with other flowers Bachelor's Button -- available in white, pink, red, or blue, symbolizes hope Carnation -- available in a million colors, means you'll "love many" Gardenia -- white and fragrant, this lovely bloom represents joy Gladiolus -- million colors, stands for sincerity Lily of the Valley -- white and pink, and symbolizes humility Orchid -- pink, white or purple orchids mean beauty Rose -- any color of the rainbow, almost, and will always mean, "I love you" Stephanotis -- white and delicate, this flower symbolizes a happy marriage Winter Wonderland Calla Lily -- white, purveyor of purity Camellia -- lovely in pink and white, this flower represents gratitude Forget-Me-Not -- blue, stands for remembrance Holly -- luscious green with deep red berries, holly brings domestic bliss Ivy -- mostly green or variegated, with the true quality of fidelity Orchid -- pink, purple, and white, symbolizing beauty Poinsettia -- traditional holiday flower, comes in red, white, and pink Tulip -- many colors, means "perfect lover" Spring Flowers Anemone -- available in many bright, poppy-like colors, it means "forsaken many" Apple Blossom -- soft, romantic, and white Calla Lily -- available in a few colors, but most popular in white, this elegant flower symbolizes purity Daffodil -- yellow, means unity Forsythia -- yellow, and symbolizes anticipation Geranium -- most common in red and pink, this traditional flower stands for unity Hyacinth -- purple, pink, or white, this flower stands for constancy Iris -- in many colors, this flower always means good health Jonquil -- perfectly spring pale yellow, means affection shared Lilac -- fragrant in violet or white, lilacs are the sign of new love Larkspur -- comes in blue, and means decidedly fickle Magnolia -- thick white blossoms, symbolizes love of nature Narcissus -- this white bloom represents formality Orange Blossom -- traditional white wedding flower, symbolizes happiness Tulip -- any color you wish, give this to your lover and tell them they're perfect Violet -- richly purple, symbolizes faithfulness Summer Blossoms Aster -- white, pink, and rose colors, means daintiness Calla Lily -- several colors, most popular white for purity Daisy -- bright and white with a touch of yellow, means you'll share your feelings Hydrangea -- purple, symbolizes understanding Forget-Me-Not -- delicate and blue, this is the flower of remembrance Peony -- get them pink, magenta, or white, and they'll symbolize a happy marriage Sweet Pea -- comes in many colors, perfect for someone you're just meeting Zinnia -- red, orange, or pink are most popular, and means "thinking of you" Autumn Blooms Aster -- white, pink, or rose Asters represent daintiness Chrysanthemum -- whether it's gold, red, or white, it means a good friend Dahlia -- tons of colors for this traditional autumn flower Marigold -- blazing gold/red, marigolds harbor sacred affection Zinnia -- red, orange, or pink, symbolizes "thinking of you" Leaves and Foliage -- symbol of wedded love Dried Flowers -- represents sadness
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