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Every February, panicked men scramble to find the perfect gift to express their love and adoration. Each year, it’s the same conundrum.
Chocolates are nice. But what if she’s on a diet? If you don’t send candy, are you saying she needs to be?
Lingerie can be a steamy gift; but you’re in the doghouse if you guess the wrong size.
You could take her out for a romantic dinner, or even boldly cook for her. If you haven’t already made your reservations, you’re probably too late. It’s sweet and endearing if you botch your béchamel or spill wine on the white linen table cloth during your romantic candlelit dinner. The problem is that most guys don’t have the time or the requisite skills to boil water, let alone whip up a soufflé.
[img]343|left|||no_popup[/img] Flowers are a safe fallback. For this reason, Valentine’s Day is like the Super Bowl for florists.
Hands down, red roses clubbed with Baby’s Breath are the No. 1 choice of romantics on this day of l’ a’mours.
According to popular legends, the red rose is considered to be a favorite flower of Venus — the Roman mythological Goddess of Love and Beauty. Hence the red rose came to be associated with love and romance.
Historians believe that the tradition of giving a red rose on Valentine's Day became popular in the 1700s when Charles II of Sweden introduced the Persian custom of "the language of flowers" to Europe. Books giving details about meanings of particular flowers were published, which demonstrated to people how entire conversations could be carried out using just the flowers.
Poets and romantics at heart also eulogized red rose as a symbol of love, passion and beauty that helped to create the strong association of the rose with love and Valentine's Day.
There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day itself.
[img]344|left|||no_popup[/img] Some historians contend that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on Feb. 14, 269, A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries.
Legend has it that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine." Other aspects of the story say that St. Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside Feb. 14 to honor St. Valentine.
Gradually, Feb. 14 became the date for exchanging love messages, and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There were often social gatherings or even a ball.
[img]345|left|||no_popup[/img] In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first Valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800s. The post office in Loveland, CO, is swamped with missives of love around Feb. 14.
This year, why not be bold? Break with tradition. Show your special someone that you can be adventurous without being too naughty. Show her that you can be romantic and practical at the same time.
Cut flowers, like long stem roses, are spectacular for a few days or, if you’re lucky, maybe a week. Then they wilt and die.
[img]348|left|||no_popup[/img] Not a great image for love if you ask me.
For Tanabata, the Japanese version of Valentine’s Day (celebrated on July 7), lovers exchange and plant small bamboo. Each year, they pen messages of love and devotion, and dutifully affix them to the branches.
Arrangements of succulents in attractive containers are both striking as well as practical. They’re especially nice if the object of your affection works in an office. She can proudly display the symbol of your love on her desk, and demonstrate that her man is unafraid to express his feelings in a unique fashion.
If the color red symbolizes the hue of your passion, why not consider an Anthurium or bromeliad. Both are stalwarts of the gardening world, and can be found in bright shades of passionate red.
Although red orchids are difficult to find, their pure blooms have always epitomized ardor. Striking blossoms of white or pink with the promise of buds soon to flower can be a lasting emblem of your love.
[img]346|left|||no_popup[/img] On the other hand, if only a rose will do, why not surprise her by selecting a quiet corner of your garden to plant the real thing. To make it special, grab a bottle of wine along with your shovel, and turn the planting of her roses into a romantic interlude. Women like a man willing to roll up his sleeves to cultivate the relationship. Besides, if you plant your own roses, you don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day to show your affection.
During this time of year, our nursery is Love Central. We’re romantics at heart, and we would welcome the chance to help you cultivate your love for that special someone. Gardeners make great lovers.
To learn more about any of the plants described in this article, visit our website at www.thejungle.biz or email me at carlos@thejungle.biz.
Carlos Saez is the owner of The Jungle Nursery, a leading designer garden center specializing in unique sculptural plants, tropicals, succulents, bamboo and a wide selection of indoor foliage including orchids. The Jungle, 1900 Sawtelle Blvd., West Los Angeles. 310. 235.2875.
Mr. Saez’ gardening column appears on Wednesdays.
