The love power of flowers

Even today, these meanings can add richness and individuality to your bouquets. So whether it's Valentine's Day, a birthday, or simply because you feel like it, don't just give a bunch of flowers or an impersonal, stiff bouquet. Create a unique bouquet, tailor-made just for her, using birth flowers and blooms that will suit her personality type.

What is her floral personality?
1. THE ROMANTIC ROSE
Romantic movies, roaring fires and dinner by candlelight are the stuff of which this woman's dreams are made. Her warm-hearted and sincere outlook on life draws people to her. She is likely to love roses, so you can add them to a combination of other flowers.

Finishing touches
A gift of chocolates or aromatherapy candles will accentuate the romantic theme. Ribbon or lace add the perfect finishing touch.

Special meanings
Yellow irises – passion
Orchids – love, beauty, fertility
Roses – love

Good advice
Wilting blooms don't make a good impression. Base your choice on quality not quantity: choose the freshest blooms available and buy some flower food to prolong their life.

2. THE RUSTIC MAGNOLIA
A love of nature and wide-open spaces are her most prominent features. A gift basket of wild flowers is definitely a good choice, while a timeless dried-flower arrangement may also make an appropriate signature gift. Choose a colour theme of soft earth and autumn tones, such as burnt orange, tan, brown and yellow.

Finishing touches
Add accents of wood, greenery, fruit or straw. Make sure your bouquet contains some flowers with a strong perfume because these are always well received.

Special meanings
Ivy – friendship
Baby's breath – pure heart
Ferns – sincerity and beauty
Magnolias – love of nature

Good advice
Make sure your gift is delivered on time and avoid subjecting the flowers to direct sunlight for too long.

3. THE DRAMATIC DAFFODIL
This is an artistic woman who loves being eccentric. She's creative and unconventional and probably has a wardrobe full of wild and wacky clothing. She's bold and impressive and her outgoing and friendly personality makes her popular. A formal bouquet of exotic flowers with unusual shapes, textures and colours will capture the essence of her lifestyle.

Finishing touches
Flowers in bold colours – orange, yellow and bright pink – make a striking combination for this bouquet. Use unusual accents such as crystal, metal or gemstones.

Special meanings
Daffodils – joy and devotion
Spanish jasmine – sensuality
Chrysanthemum – variety
Hollyhock – ambition

Good advice
Find a florist who is open to new ideas, to put together an unusual arrangement.

4. THE REGAL LILY
She's a smart, professional woman who likes to look her best. She enjoys elegant dinners with those closest to her. Her home is a reflection of her inner self. Birthdays are a great time to spoil her because she is likely to take age most seriously. A formal bouquet of simple yet striking flowers will capture the spirit of her dignity. Ask a family member about her favourite colours.

Finishing touches
Choose accents like fine china or a bottle of her favourite perfume to add that personal touch to your gift.

Special meanings
Lilies – elegance and pride
Light-pink roses – grace and admiration
Tulips – happiness
Regal lilies – majesty

Good advice
Include some birth flowers(see at the bottom of article)in your bouquet. It is a wonderful way to personalise your gift.

5. THE HEALTHY HYACINTH

She's the type who can't stay out of the gym or off the field. She loves sports and thrives on competition. Healthy eating, fitness and fun are high on her list of priorities. An informal bunch of flowers will capture her carefree energy and will be well received.

Finishing touches
Use bold, vibrant colours and add helium balloons to the package. Wrap the bunch in the sports section of your local paper and tie the package with tinsel or paper ribbon.

Good advice
Wrapping paper or cellophane make good carriers for bouquets. Cut the stem base and place the flowers in water, with a little flower food, as soon as possible.

6. THE SHRINKING VIOLET
She's a conservative, loving person who always makes you feel welcome in her home. Thanks to her classic style and open, helpful personality you can count on her when you are in a tight spot. Her love for traditional holidays, hobbies and crafts may give you good ideas for the bouquet. A formal arrangement filled with a variety of flowers is perfect for her.

Finishing touches
Include soaps, aromatherapy oils or candles. A soft colour theme will link the items to form an attractive unit.

Special meanings
Violets – modesty
Zinnias – remembrance
Water lilies – purity of heart
Jasmine – versatility

Good advice
Ask the florist to recommend a variety of longer-lasting blooms for a bouquet that gives pleasure for longer.

7. THE DELICATE ROSEBUD
She is a feminine soul who loves flowers, a delicate woman who likes to look beautiful and has a drawer full of feminine fragrances. She probably loves pastels and is proud to be a woman. A small, well-chosen bunch of flowers may be appreciated more than an unnecessarily expensive gift.

Finishing touches
Choose a pretty vase, add cellophane and a length of ribbon. Allow the colour of the container to dictate the colours of the flowers. Soft, pastel shades are best suited to this utterly feminine theme.

Special meanings
White rosebuds – youth
Sweet peas – delicacy
Pansies – thoughts
Gardenias – purity and joy

Good advice
To prolong the life of your flowers, do not place them near appliances that generate lots of heat.

BIRTH FLOWERS
January – carnation
February – primrose
March – daffodil
April – daisy
May – lily of the valley
June – rose
July – larkspur
August – poppy
September – morning glory
October – cosmos
November – chrysanthemum
December – hibiscus

contacts
Interflora, tel:(011) 493-3990
Teleflorist, tel: 082-16-000
Learn flower arranging at Intec College, tel: 0800-01-2 311