The Secret Language of Flowers: Rediscovering Traditional Meanings

by Shane Connolly

A lavishly illustrated gift book for flower lovers reveals the historical symbolism of flowers and plants and explains how to create a bouquet that conveys the correct feelings in chapters that present detailed instructions for fifty-seven different floral arrangements, along with information on the historical meaning of each and a comprehensive glossary. 10,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

160 pages, Hardcover

First published April 3, 2004

Reviews

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book about flowers and their meanings! I really enjoyed the glossary in the back but I was shocked to learn that hydrangeas (one of my favorites) were associated with many undesirable traits: vanity, boastfulness, heartlessness and even frigidity. Yikes. It's funny when I think about how, every time I've seen them on TV, they're a favorite of a power-obsessed women like Bree Van de Kamp on Desperate Housewives, or Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl. I'd like to think hydrangeas are just misunderstood, but this book could really teach a reader how to send a scathing bouquet....

My other favorites that were highlighted:

apple blossoms: repentance/cherry blossoms: spiritual beauty

bluebells: constancy and humility

buttercups: cheerfulness, childishness w/ a dash of lightheartedness (shamrocks)

calla lilies and ferns: feminine beauty or delicacy, and ferns are fascination

daisies: innocence and simplicity

hyacinths: constant and unchanging love

jasmine, white: amiability, friendliness
jasmine, yellow: grace and elegance

passionflowers: a hydrangea-lookalike that symbolizes faith and spirituality. It's pretty with parsley.

ranunculus: you are radiant with charms and rich in attractions (good for a friend's flagging ego)

stocks: sweet-scented, represent beauty and a happy life

zinnias: thoughts of absent friends (I think they look cheerful and contemporary)

[Sandra Espinet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a flower girl! I love artistic and creative florals. So when a friend told me about "the best UK florist" I took note. Shane Connolly. He is and has been for decades, the British Royal family florist. He completed the big royal wedding among many other projects, most of his work extremely private and elaborate. His style is new traditionalist, reinventing traditional with an updated twist. He believes in using seasonal local flowers vs. flying in exotic flowers that may be out of season. This book, along with 2 others on flowers, contains beautiful pictures, and also share Shane’s wealth of information on a vast variety of flowers. Any florists out there? Love to just flip through photos of impeccably arranged flowers? Or have always wanted to learn a little bit more about these blossoming parts of nature? Pick up one of Shane's books.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Arielle Rae Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is very interesting to know the meanings of different flowers. It helps when you want to send it to someone!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful!