Reading The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh for this month's Freutcake Book Club has me obsessed over the meaning of every little plant, herb, and bloom I see. I find myself searching for the symbolism of flowers while in the past I would simply pick the prettiest bunch. I'm always happy when one of my favorite flowers turns out to have a happy meaning like Ranunculus (you are radiant with charms) and sad when they don't, Peonies (anger). Not that I am ever angry when my house is filled with Peonies! But the language or meaning behind flowers does give pause to the way I think about them. In the book, the main character Victoria uses flowers in an almost magical way to convey messages personally and for her clients. There is so much that can be said with a meaningful bouquet whether the recipient is a friend or loved one.
If you are hosting a book club with this month's read, try setting the table with a variety of vases filled with different cut flowers. Allow book club members to create their own meaningful bouquets to take home. Just be sure you look up the definitions before choosing your blooms. You wouldn't want to set the table with Sunflower (false riches) or Anemone (Forsaken)!
Gratitude: Green and white with bits of purple, this is a lovely bouquet. This combination would be perfect for someone who needs a bit of luck in his or her life, a friend who has invited you to dinner, or a family member who has recently helped you in some way. This would also make a fabulous house warming bouquet! Who wouldn't want a little comfort, prosperity, and luck in their home?
Recipe for Gratitude:
Lisianthus- appreciation
Clover - ease, comfort and prosperity
Bells of Ireland - good luck
Romantic Love: Not to be confused with the love you have for a friend or relative, this bouquet is on fire with romance! Give this bouquet of affection to someone you are passionate about and your love will not be soon to fade.
Recipe for Romantic Love:
Amaranthus- unwilting, not soon to fade
Aster- patience
Celosia- burning, on fire, affection
Dahlia- dignity
Friendship: This bouquet is radiant with the cheerful-lightness of a good friendship with just a hint of friendly love. This bouquet would bright the day of any good friend old or new.
Styling by Amy Dempsey / Photography by Leah Bergman
While Amy and I had fun interpretating our own recipes for Love, Friendship and Gratitude, the language of flowers is definitely open to interpretation! So, make it your own. Fill your house with Juniper (protection) and send someone you love a nosgay of Jonqui (desire) letting the flowers speak for you.
And if your book club decides to make meaningful bouquets at their next meeting, be sure to share your pictures on Instagram #freutcakebookclub! Amy and I would love to see the "recipes" you come up with.
Jacquelyn | lark & linen says
Oh man, this is so awesome! I wonder how much of it holds true?
Have you ever heard of the book "you can heal your life"? My mom recently turned me on to it. Essentially it believes that every ailment we have (whether it's a sore throat, pink eye, a wicked migraine...) is directly related to our emotional state. It kind of makes sense if you think about it - when you're nervous you get butterflies in your stomach, when you're embarrassed you blush, when you're scared you shake - your body does have reactions to emotions. Anyway - there's a little guide in the back and every single time I don't feel well I look it up and 99.9% of the time it's dead accurate. It's really crazy!
End ramble! And I'm totally going to read your book.
Leah Bergman says
There is actually a note about that in the back of the book! The author's says that believing change to be imminent has the power to transform lives. Ain't that the truth. Plus she says that the power of flowers have been well documented in studies etc. to increase feelings of enjoyment and satisfaction. Interesting stuff!
As for "You can Heal your Life," I am adding it to my Amazon list. Sounds so interesting! I can't wait to check it out.
Beeta says
Don't mean to be rude and cut into this conversation, but I just had to mention that I have You Can Heal Your Life book too, and its always so spot on! Great read 🙂
Also, I think it's so interesting that there's documented proof of the power of flowers, other than just what we know as "they make us happy." So cool! Will have to check the book out, thank you, Leah!
readswritesrollerskates says
LOVE this post!!
Leah Bergman says
Thank you Danielle! So glad you enjoyed it.
love and cupcakes says
This was a beautiful post. I loved learning all of the meanings behind each flower and your layouts and photography were just lovely. Thanks for sharing.
Leah Bergman says
Thank you Paola! Hope you are doing well. 🙂
MaryAnne Locher says
You and Amy did a beautiful job with this post, Leah. I want to run out and get flowers right now! I think I'll drop by Vroman's first to buy the book. No peonies for me!
Arun says
Wonderful post! &, gorgeous bouquets.
meridanusantara says
I love this post, simple but really helpful
Leah Bergman says
Thank you! I love hearing that. 🙂