About The Flower Shop At Castle Pines

 

 

January - The Carnation

The carnation, like the rose, is a flower associated with weddings and love. This flower rivals the rose at Valentine's Day. Its beauty flourishes as it continues to be popular and practical filler in any bouquet. The carnation looks beautiful with any flower! Distinguished by layers of petals in a variety of hues, the carnation is associated with different meanings by the color that it takes. The red carnation takes the meaning of "alas poor heart." Pink carnations show that the sender will never forget the receiver. Purple carnations symbolize capriciousness. Striped carnations mean "sorry I can't be with you," while white carnations show innocence.

There are different theories on how this flower was named. One theory was that the carnation was named for coronation, because of how the carnations were used to make ceremonial crowns, or flower garlands, in Greece. The name could come from "carnis" meaning "flesh," referring to the flesh color of the flower. Another idea is that the carnation became the "carnation" from "incarnacyon" or "incarnation." The incarnation of God made flesh...and so that "flesh" named the carnation. This last theory also explains how the carnation became a symbol of marriage.

On Mother's Day, it has been a tradition to wear either a red carnation symbolizing a mother that is alive, or wear a white carnation symbolizing a mother that has passed on.

 

February - The Violet

Is the rose the traditional flower of Valentine's Day, or is it the violet? As the legend of St. Valentine goes, this Christian priest used the ink made from crushed violet blossoms that grew outside his prison cell to write notes of love and friendship. He wrote these words on violet leaves. These notes were delivered to St. Valentine's friends via the elegant bird of love, the dove. Violets were once the most popular flower on Valentine's Day; however, roses are an enduring symbol of deep love.

Fun Facts about Violets:

• Violets represent faithfulness and "I return your love".
• It is thought that to dream of violets predicts advancement in life.
• As love needs clean, clear air to flourish, so does the violet.
• This flower shows its esteem as the state floral emblem of Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Illinois and New Jersey.
• During the Napoleonic era when Napoleon was exiled to Elba he used a code name of Caporal Violette.

 

March - The Daffodil

Some regard the Daffodil as the symbol of regard. This flower is a Narcissus; however, all Narcissi are not Daffodils. The Greek Myth of Narcissus and Echo explain why this flower holds its drooping form. Narcissus was in love with Echo who, in the end did not return his love. He hid in a cave to escape his sorrow. Often, he would come out of the cave to check his reflection in the lake. Out of vanity, he desired a closer look at himself so he leaned in closer at the lake's edge, falling in. After he drowned, a Narcissus bloomed in his place. The flower's drooping head leaning over to stare at its reflection in the lake's water portrayed the vanity of Narcissus.

The Romans brought the Daffodil, also known as the Jonquil, back to Britain because it was thought that the flower's sap would heal wounds. Unfortunately, the sap of the Daffodil did little to heal wounds. In fact, it actually worsened wounds by irritating them further. The sap contained sharp crystals known as calcium oxalate, which protected these flowers against animals from eating them. This calcium oxalate is also the reason why Daffodils do not hold up well in flower arrangements. They cause other flowers in the arrangement to wilt. Although these flowers were not put to use as healing flowers, Daffodil roots proved useful during Greek times of famine. Their roots are edible (although the bulbs are toxic). Signified by a large trumpet nose surrounded by bright yellow, sunshine petals, the Jonquil is said to bring good fortune to those who do not step on them. As an enduring symbol of rebirth, Daffodils are often the first flowers to bloom during Spring.

 

April - The Daisy

Opening and facing the sun, yet closing at the day's end, characterize how the daisy was named "daeges-eaye" or "day's eye" from Old English. This simple flower symbolizing childhood innocence, often depicted in movies with children running through fields overgrown with daisies. As pretty as the daisy is, it is hard to believe that this flower could ever be despised. However, the daisy can be somewhat of a nuisance to farmers. The daisy acts as a weed, over crowding crops and over powering fields, as insects easily spread its pollen. However, daisies have practical uses. Its leaves and petals are edible and it can also be brewed as a tea to sooth sore throats and stomach aches.

 

May - The Lily of the Valley

The Lily of the Valley differs from the Easter lily that might be pictured when hearing this flower's name. The Lily of the Valley is actually signified by its large, basil shaped leaves with pretty clusters of white bell shaped blooms drooping towards the earth like falling tears. It is thought that this flower has some medicinal benefits like enhancing memory, or improving speech; however, all parts of this flower are poisonous and could create great illness or paralysis when ingested. As the good luck birth month flower of May, the Lily of the Valley signifies a return to happiness marked by a legend of a nightingale that does not return until May when the flower blooms.

 

June - The Rose

The rose has symbolic root in many legends and poems throughout time. In one Roman legend, an angered goddess transforms a beautiful woman into a rose. Rodanthe, the beautiful woman, was chased by many men who wanted to win her love and hand in marriage. The men were actually so overcame by her beauty and her indecisiveness that they broke down the door to her home in pursuit of her. Diane, a goddess was angered by their actions to the point where she transformed Rodanthe into a rose and her suitors into the roseÕs thorns. Like this legend, many poems have been written to represent love as a rose and the roses thorns as obstacles overcame, or to be overcome, in love.

Rose petals have strong, aromatic scents. Using rose petals has made some of the most romantic perfumes. Roses also make excellent potpourri. Its scent can liven any room.

More important uses of roses are representing love to someone special. Roses are a traditional gift for Valentine's Day, Anniversaries and first dates. Roses characterize love eternally, and roses of different colors can take on extra romantic meanings. Click here for more Rose trivia!

 

July - The Larkspur

Close relative to Delphiniums, Larkspurs are the birth month flower for July. A true blue flower that symbolizes lightness and swiftness, This flower has significance in Greek mythology as it grew from the blood of Ajax as he threw himself on his sword during the Battle of Troy. Larkspurs grow wild and tall in pastures. Unfortunate for cattle owners, this flower is extremely poisonous and dangerous when ingested by cattle. Its poison makes this flower useful as an insecticide. In fact, in ancient times, it was worn as an ointment to drive away scorpions. Native Americans used Larkspurs to make a rich, blue dye. European settlers used it to dip their quills in as blue ink. As soon as the snow melts, these pretty Larkspurs make their appearance; however, they do not flourish until July.

 

August - The Gladiolus

The gladiolus is the birth month flower of August, bringing luck to all births in August. Symbolically this flower signifies remembrance, infatuation, and strength of character. Its name comes from Latin's "gladius" meaning "sword" for its sword shaped leaves. This flower has also represented the Roman gladiators who carried swords. In mythology, there are many tales told of gladioli springing from blood shed by a sword.

Grown between July and September, the gladiolus requires full sunlight and is easy to grow and care for as the rose is. For this reason and because of its stunning beauty, these flowers are extremely popular in cultivation and hybridization. A tall stalk of flowers branching coming in a rainbow of colors is the best way to describe the gladiolus. Some medicinal uses are to cure common colds, diarrhea, painful menstruation, and constipation.

 

September - The Aster

If your birthday is in September, let the Aster bring you good luck. With the vast array of colors and sizes that Asters, also known as starworts, come in (over 600 species), this beautiful flower is often used as a filler flower in bouquets and arrangements, much like the carnation. Not only are they lovely, these flowers will not fade as quickly as other flowers in arrangements. The Monte Casino is a popular Aster. This flower is often used to symbolize afterthought or true love. A love of variety is associated with this flower as well. In China, the aster signifies fidelity. The name ÒasterÓ has Latin origins meaning ÒstarÓ. Many stories tell the origins of the Aster, but the most popular ancient myth explains how asters were created from stardust as Virgo, also known as Astaea, the goddess of innocence cries over sin on earth. Her tears fell as stardust, covering the earth with asters. This myth gives light to the AsterÕs star-like beauty and shape.

 

October - The Calendula

The calendula, pretty and practical, is the Birth Month Flower of October. Calendulas grew their name from blooming at the beginning of each month, hence the Latin "calends" and the English "calendar." The calendula means "throughout the months." This flower is used by many gardeners as an insect repellent and by cooks as a spicy seasoning or coloring for food.

Dried, the calendula can spice up and brighten up a salad. In fact, this flower is referred to as the "pot marigold" because of cooking pots, not flowerpots. As if these weren't enough uses for the calendula, this flower can be used as many herbal medicinal remedies for headaches, toothaches, stomachaches, fever reducers and menstrual cramps. It can reduce swelling in insect bites, sprains, jaundice, sore eyes, wounds and other skin irritations when the calendula is made into an ointment. Lip balms can be made to soothe chapped lips as well. The calendula's bright colors ranging from gold to bright orange have also been boiled to make brilliant dyes for fabrics, cosmetics and food.

The calendula, or marigold (referred to as "Mary's Gold" by early Christians), was considered a sacred flower. Garlands of marigolds were crafted and strung around the necks of the holy saint statues. These brilliant flowers decorated the statue of the Virgin Mary as if they were the sun and stars surrounding her. Its floral meaning is associated with "winning grace." In ancient times, garlands of marigolds protected homes from evil by being strung at doorsteps. It was once thought that placing these garlands under a bed would cause the sleeping person to have prophetic dreams.

 

November - The Chrysanthemum

Red for love, white for truth, yellow for the slightest love, but in general, the Chrysanthemum symbolizes cheerfulness and optimism. The Chrysanthemum blooms in the fall, bringing extra cheer to a colder climate when most flowers take a break. Associated with the dead, this flower has popularity at funerals, or to the bereaved in time of need. From this popularity, it was once thought that bringing the Chrysanthemum indoors meant a wishful death. Originating in China, the Chrysanthemum is considered one of the four noble plants among bamboo, the plum, and the orchid. It was once thought that drinking from a stream that flowed between Chrysanthemums would help a person live to be 100. From this myth came Chrysanthemum tea, wine and medicine to encourage a healthy, long life.

 

December - The Poinsettia

Also referred to as Christmas Stars, the Poinsettia originated in Mexico before it became popular in American Christmas traditions. Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico and amateur botanist, introduced the Poinsettia to the United States in 1928. The bright red, pink, or white colors of the Poinsettia, which are perceived as the petals of the flower, are really leaves called bracts. The actual flowers are small, yellow clusters of balls in between those brilliant bracts. This plant is sold in pots during the holiday season, yet with special attention, the Poinsettia can grow to enormous sizes. This plant is known as a short day plant because it grows best when the nights are long and the days are short. It was once thought that the Poinsettia is a poisonous threat to pets and small children. There is no evidence that the Poinsettia is a hazard. However, eating large amounts of the plant will cause upset in the digestive system.

A story passed down through the centuries illustrates how the Poinsettia became a part of Christmas tradition. Gifts used to be left at the altar for Jesus on Christmas Eve. Yet, one Christmas Eve, a poor boy had no gift for Jesus. He knelt at the altar to pray and when he left, a Poinsettia bloomed where he knelt. This is how the Poinsettia became known as Fleur de Bueno Noche in Mexico, or the Flower of the Holy Night. This flower is also referred to as the Nativity Flower because the altar is often decorated in Poinsettias during the holiday season.

 Flower Meanings

 

 

 

Rose Trivia

 

For centuries, roses have inspired love and brought beauty to those who have received them

. In fact, the rose's rich heritage dates back thousands of years.

1. People have been passionate about roses since the beginning of time. In fact, it is said that the floors of Cleopatra's palace were carpeted with delicate rose petals, and that the wise and knowing Confucius had a 600 book library specifically on how to care for roses.

2. Wherefore art thou rose? In the readings of Shakespeare, of course. He refers to roses more than 50 times throughout his writings.

3. 1,000 years old. That's the age the world's oldest living rose is thought to be. Today it continues to flourish on the wall of the Hildesheim Cathedral of Germany.

4. Why white roses are so special is no mystery - it's a myth. Perhaps it started with the Romans who believed white roses grew where the tears of Venus fell as she mourned the loss of her beloved Adonis. Myth also has it that Venus' son Cupid accidentally shot arrows into the rose garden when a bee stung him, and it was the "sting" of the arrows that caused the roses to grow thorns. And when Venus walked through the garden and pricked her foot on a thorn, it was the droplets of her blood which turned the roses red.

5. It's official - the rose is New York's state flower.

6. The rose is a legend in it's own. The story goes that during the Roman empire, there was an incredibly beautiful maiden named Rhodanthe. Her beauty drew many zealous suitors who pursued her relentlessly. Exhausted by their pursuit, Rhodanthe was forced to take refuge from her suitors in the temple of her friend Diana. Unfortunately, Diana became jealous. And when the suitors broke down her temple gates to get near their beloved Rhodanthe she also became angry, turning Rhodanthe into a rose and her suitors into thorns.

7. Dolly Parton may be known for her music and theme park. But rose lovers know her for the orange red variety bearing her name.

8. A rose by any other name... according to Greek Mythology, it was Aphrodite who gave the rose its name.

9. While the rose may bear no fruit, the rose hips (the part left on the plant after a rose is done blooming) contain more Vitamin C than almost any other fruit or vegetable.

10. The rose is a symbol of times. In fact, it's the official National Floral Emblem of the United States.

11. Leave it to the romantic French to be the ones to first deliver roses. It was in the seventeenth century that French explorer Samuel deChamplain brought the first cultivated roses to North America.

12. Roses are truly ageless. Recently, archaeologists discovered the fossilized remains of wild roses over 40 million years old.

13. The people of ancient Greece used roses to accessorize. On festive occasions they would adorn themselves with garlands of roses, and splash themselves with rose-scented oil.

14. Napoleon's wife Josephine so adored roses, she grew more than 250 varieties.

15. For the past 30 years and counting, June has been the National Rose Month in the United States.

Rose Meanings:

• The Red Rose represents deep, passionate love and respect. A single red rose can say, “I love you.” The red rose characterizes Cupid.

 

• Deep Red Roses symbolize bashfulness in love. The sender of this color rose wants to say, “I love you,” but is a little too shy to make this full commitment.

 

• Burgundy Roses represent an unconscious love. Love that is deep down, showing its first appearance to realities surface can be seen by sending this deep hue of burgundy.

 

• Pink Roses in general symbolize perfect happiness. Pink roses are appropriate to send to friends because they also represent friendship and endearment.

 

• Light Pink roses represent gentleness, sweetness, and joy. A perfect color rose for a sweet girl!

 

• Deep Pink roses say, “thank you” from the sender. Someone must have done something very special and wonderful to deserve such a bright, generous thank you!

 

• White roses represent innocence and purity. They are a popular wedding flower for this reason. This color rose also says, “I am Worthy of you” from the sender as he or she tries to gain the love and admiration of someone special. White roses are also associated with secrecy. White roses could be the perfect flowers to send from a secret admirer! In Wales, white roses represent innocence and silence and white roses are placed on the grave sites of children.

 

• Yellow roses are bright and jovial, representing joy and friendship. Sometimes this color rose can represent jealously and a decrease of love, but with its bright, happy color, this rose comes across as more friendly than anything.

 

• Peach roses show modesty and desire. This flower can symbolize a relationship starting out new and fresh, as this flower desires love.

 

• Orange roses show enthusiasm and fascination with a new love attempt.

 

• Lavender roses express love at first sight. The sender sends this color of roses when he or she becomes enchanted with someone new.

 

• Combining two roses together, a red and a white, symbolizes unity, commitment or even an engagement. Presented with an engagement ring, these combined roses could say more than words.