Flower power

Occasions play an important role in our life as those are the times when one can express feelings such as love in a unique manner.

To preserve these moments in our memory, be it an anniversary, birthday or any other special day, we think of presenting a gift.

And of all the choices, the best gift would probably be the most popular one — flowers.

Flowers are not only admired for their colour or fragrance but also for the freshness they hold within.

Whether it is a bouquet or just a stem in a vase, it is sure to convey affection.

“The main reason for their popularity as gifts is their ability to bring merriment and to convey the right message,'' says Omar Mamdouh, a flower enthusiast and assistant manager of The Flower House Company, Abu Dhabi.

“They express exact sentiments,'' he adds.

Mood elevators

Even those who do not appreciate them consciously can feel the mood- elevating and humanising effect of flowers.

“Their elegant shapes, bewitching shades and mixture of colours and fragrances refine our thoughts from evil to noble.

That is evident from the benefit of Bach flower therapy, which addresses negative emotions,'' Omar says.

“In fact, they withhold our trust in life; flowers keep their beauty alive till the last moment, which teaches us, as human beings, why can't we live and let live to the fullest, knowing that one day we will pass away?''

Their fragrance also makes flowers popular.

Their presence, not only as gifts but as home decorations, create a pleasurable ambience and make personal space welcoming .

Designer hues

Flower arrangement, a centuries-old art that has travelled all over the world in different forms, first appeared during Greek and Roman times and turned to America, China and Japan after becoming an art in Europe.

“The main principles of its arrangements are proportion and balance, harmony and colour,'' says Omar.

“An arrangement embodying these principles results in a presentation appealing to our senses''.

The first step after choosing the flower is choosing the container that will hold them.

“You have two choices — decorating it in an attractive container, which is a flowerpot; or arranging in a bouquet or presenting as a bunch,'' Omar says. “In the former, the pot must match the size of the plant.

A plant that is too small for the container looks out of proportion and vice versa, which also affects the lifespan. In the latter, you must have an appropriate ratio of few blooms, many buds and some leafy stems.

One can also make flower arrangements with materials such as fresh or dried flowers, silk or paper flowers, but keep in mind that your choice should be in tune with with the
occasion.

Colour connotations

When it comes to giving flowers, the options are numerous, which could make deciding difficult.

In fact, different flowers signify certain emotions and thoughts.

“Since long, a red rose has been a token of love and hence, it's the best choice for Valentine's Day and as yellow signifies friendship, it is suitable for your buddy's birthday.''

One needs to be very careful while selecting flowers, keeping in mind the occasion, colour and size of the bouquet.

— Layla Haroon is a UAE-based freelance writer

What flower say

Plants with positive emotion :

• Pink Acacia — Grace
• Yellow Daffodils — Gallantry
• Dahlia — Capriciousness
• Daisy — Innocence
• Red Salvia — Always Yours
• Burgundy Rose — Unconscious beauty
• Ice Plant — Your looks freeze me
• Hawthorne — Expectation
• Willow — Grieving
• Peach Blossom — I am your slave

Plants with negative emotions:

• Nettle — Cruelty
• Striped Carnation — Rejection
• Lavender — Suspicion
• Rocket — Conflict
• Morning Glory — Insincerity
• Lotus — Alienated love
• Begonia — Dark thought
• Columbine — Foolishness

TIPS

Fresh for longer

Just like their shape, colour and fragrance, the lifespans of flowers also differ.

Some have a long life and remain fresh for a longer time even after being cut off from the plant, while others have a shorter lifespan.

But a little care can give them more days to live.

“There are a number of things one has to do before starting the flower arrangement,'' says Dan Gonsalez, a florist at the The Flower House Company, Abu Dhabi.

• The best time to cut a flower is in the morning, as the stem contains more water than later in the day. So the flower won't wilt as quickly.
• Try to cut flower stems at a sharp angle of 45° based on the fact that cutting stems at such an angle helps the stem cells take in water faster.
• Be careful while cutting flower stems. Carelessness can damage the cell structure and impair the flower's ability to absorb water — it will also destroy some of the structural strength and prevent it from lasting as long as it otherwise might.

“Whether flowers are given or kept inside to add charm to dull spaces in your room, there are many things you can do to lengthen the lifespan of your flower arrangements and bouquets,'' says Omar Mamdouh, assistant manager, The Flower House Company.

There are certain rules that hold good for most varieties of flowers so you can keep them fresh for long.

• Make sure your flower container is clean and the water is pure, as bacteria are the main cause of aggravation.
• Add floral food provided by your florist, which will kill harmful bugs and dirt.
• Replace the water every 2 or 3 days.
• Cut out leaves that are hanging or submerged in water — this prevents them from rotting and encouraging algae to grow in the vase water.
• Choose a reliable flower shop to have a lengthened lifespan of flowers.
• Use lukewarm water that will quicken the budding, as lower levels of oxygen help the bud take in water faster.
• Avoid putting flowers in direct sunlight, draughty spots or near heat. Keep in 21°C during day and 10° to 13°C during night.
• Do not place flowers close to a ripening fruit as it can release ethylene gas, which will prematurely age certain flowers.
• Make sure those arrangements which sit in wet floral foam are fed water on a daily basis.
• Spray the arrangement daily with a light water mist and remove any ageing flowers.