Gardens of Gratitude
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With Thanksgiving upon us, what better time is there than now to explore some flowering friends that have been used to symbolize gratitude since the Victorian era? The language of flowers has long been utilized as a communication tool, helping lovers, friends, and enemies alike to politely let their feelings be known by way of floral and foliar arrangements. Gratitude, alongside love and grief, is a universal emotion often interpreted through the gifting of floral arrangements. While some of the meanings have evolved through time, some historically significant selections of flowers such as small white bellflowers have maintained their original connotations. In Kate Greenaway’s Language of Flowers, the white bellflower simply represents gratitude. You can read through all of the other Victorian-age flower meanings in a PDF version of an original print by clicking HERE. |
Other flowering plants chosen or rebranded in modern times to represent thankfulness are popular floriculture options, while also acting as wonderful landscape companions for those interested in curating cut flower or pollinator gardens. For example, at one time, hydrangeas were considered to represent heartlessness; society has since reconvened and universally decided that visually, hydrangeas make more sense as a symbol of abundance, and thus, gratitude. How about some other, more contemporary selections to round out your Thanksgiving cornucopia of cut flowers?
Helianthus sp. | sunflowers
While the large, cultivated sunflowers are typically the ones used in arrangements, why not get a little crazy and opt for our native sunflower species instead? The sun-ward facing blooms of our jovial native Helianthus remind us to keep our heads and hopes facing upward, and to remain grateful for life’s simple pleasures.
Iris sp. | irises
Irises are flowers with multifaceted meanings throughout the cultures of the world, but one defining characteristic remains - their strength and resilience in the landscape makes them a fitting gift for strong relationships, both platonic and romantic, showing gratitude for life-long companions that remain steadfast through hardship.
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Hemerocallis sp. | daylilies Like sunflowers, yellow lilies are vibrant, cheerful blooms that inspire joy and happiness, symbolizing gratitude for the beauty of the world around us. Chrysanthemum sp. | chrysanthemums Is the Thanksgiving holiday really even complete without cheery mums dotting the landscape? Make them worth your while and plant our hardy perennial chrysanthemums instead of having to re-plant annual mums year after year! Chrysanthemums, like irises, have a rich cultural history with varied meanings. They’re commonly used in celebrations, birthdays, and funerals throughout Western society, representing the gratitude we have for our loved ones: new, aging, and no longer with us. |
