Each month has a specific
flower or plant.

• January - Carnation

• February - Violet

• March - Daffodil

• April - Daisy

• May - Lily of the Valley

• June - Rose

• July - Larkspur

• August - Gladiolus

• September - Aster

• October - Calendula

• November - Chrysanthemum

• December - Holly

• Light pink roses imply grace, gentility and admiration.

• Dark pink roses say "thank you."

• Pale-colored roses in general signify friendship.

• Red and yellow roses mixed together say "Congratulations!"

• Yellow and orange roses together imply passionate thoughts.

Every day, there's a customer who picks up the phone, calls a florist... and gets completely tongue-tied.  It's not due to a phobia of phones, flowers or florists -- it's a communications barrier. Most consumers aren't familiar with the names of the wide ranges of flowers available. By following these simple tips,  you can order flowers with confidence.

When ordering floral gifts:

• describe the recipient's personality type -- romantic, artistic, natural/outdoorsy, traditional, dramatic, for example. Or their favorite hobbies or colors. Your florist can match the arrangement with their personality -- and the recipient will really respond to the gift.

• If the gift is for a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, other personal milestone), let your florist know. They can offer suggestions on how to best celebrate with flowers.

• If the flowers are for interiors or entertaining, describe where the arrangement will be placed. An arrangement for a mantle will be different from a table centerpiece. Also, describe your home decor, so your florist can create an arrangement that complements the style and colors of your home interior.

• Consider giving your florist your own vase or container to bring to life with flowers.

• When giving flowers or ordering them for yourself, ask for specific colors or color themes: pastels, bright and bold, all white, etc. If you prefer a mixed flower arrangement or all one type of flower (i.e., roses or lilies), let your florist know. 

• Keep basic information handy: the name, full address and phone number of the recipient; the delivery date; your card message; and payment information.

Whether sending flowers across the country or around the corner, your florist provides the expertise, convenience and service today's on-the-go consumers are looking for.
 

For the man who thinks "it's a jungle out there" when it comes to buying flowers, these simple tips that will pave the way:

• Be Spontaneous:
  Women may be used to receiving flowers on birthdays and anniversaries. They may even quickly notice the absence of flowers on these occasions. But flowers given for no reason other than "I was thinking of you today" make a huge impact because they are unexpected.

• Don't overlook anyone:
  A bouquet can express a range of feelings -- from romantic to friendly to something in between. Your wife or significant other will love to receive a surprise gift of flowers. So will your mother, daughter, sister and female friends.

• Try something new:
  Women are keenly aware of the multitude of floral varieties available and are eager to see new specimens first-hand. Giving roses of unusual hue -- like peach and pink -- or an arrangement of mixed flowers demonstrates an awareness of color and an understanding of botany that will not go unnoticed.

• Flowers are never boring:
  Because of their infinite diversity and unique appeal, flowers can be given time and time again without losing their "specialness." Each new floral arrangement is a fresh and individual declaration of appreciation -- reflecting positively on your imagination and thoughtfulness.

• Flowers don't have to mean commitment:
  Relax, guys. Women know when an arrangement simply means you care.

• Get professional help:
  Selecting flowers may be a bewildering experience for the uninitiated man. Fortunately, help is available: your local florist can create an affordable and personalized flower arrangement that will match both your sentiment (light or serious) and her personality.

• Be prepared:
  When calling your florist, have the name of the woman you are surprising, her delivery address and phone number, and method of payment ready. If you're not sure what you want to order, now's the time to ask for ideas.

• A gift of flowers goes a long way:
  Every woman remembers the last time she got flowers. Just as you never forgot the first time a woman other than your mom served you a home-cooked meal, she'll treasure this gesture forever.

• Get more bloom for the buck:
  In a classic case of supply and demand, the price of roses peaks on Valentine's Day. Roses are a great value during the summer months -- all the more reason to give them spontaneously.