There’s no prettier way to say you care than with a bunch of flowers! Knowing how to do that with extra love and care makes it even more special.
South Africa (17 September 2025) – Giving loved ones flowers never gets old. Personally, it’s one of my favourite things to do, and especially in Spring. Beyond how beautiful they always are, flowers can help you say things you don’t always know how to put into words.
You let the petals do the talking instead.
Shop-bought bouquets are always a win (I’ll take any flower, thanks), but taking that one extra step just makes it more magical. You’ll get rewarded with an even bigger smile.
Usually, my first point of action is to pop in at a local florist. Not only am I supporting a small business, I’m also roping in an expert who knows their stuff. There’s an art to putting a bouquet together, so I’d highly recommend you do that, if resources allow!
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way in creating meaningful bouquets that my loved ones always treasure.
Start With What They Love
If you know their favourite flower, you’re halfway there. Proteas, roses, daisies. Whatever it is, make sure it has a place in the bunch. If you don’t know, ask them casually long before you need or want to buy flowers so you can surprise them. Or, pay attention to what they love in the garden, at markets, or at a nursery. It’s also useful to remember that different seasons come with different blooms. Showing them that you pay attention to the little things can go a really long way in demonstrating your love and care.
Even if you don’t know their favourites, you can choose flowers for what they symbolise. Recently, I learned that blue delphiniums are linked to dignity and grace, proteas to strength and beauty, chrysanthemums to love, family or friendship, and cheerful yellow craspedia symbolise joy and good luck. A quick Google search for seasonal flowers and another for their symbolism can help you add meaning to a bunch of flowers.
Leave a Note
A handwritten note often makes a bunch of flowers even more special. It doesn’t have to be long, just a few words will do. ‘I love you’ goes a long way. Or, if you picked flowers for their meaning, tell them. A line like ‘These proteas are for strength, and chrysanthemums for friendship.’ A few words from the heart never hurt.
Trust Your Florist
If you’re working with a florist (which again, I’d strongly recommend), share your ideas and then let them take over. Just as you wouldn’t commission an artist to watch you paint, you wouldn’t approach a florist and take over the bouquet. They know how to balance colours, textures and fillers to bring a bunch to life in the best way. Flower arrangement is their art, so let them work their magic.
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Keep Their Pets in Mind
Think about who you’re sending flowers to. Do they have cats? Then skip lilies, they’re highly toxic. In fact, there are several blooms that could pose a risk to pets. Rather stick to pet-friendly flowers like proteas, roses, sunflowers or gerberas. A quick chat with your florist will help you find safe alternatives.
Homemade is From the Heart
And if you can’t get to a florist, that’s okay too. A bunch picked from the garden or tied together from a market stall can mean just as much. At the end of the day, it’s not about how fancy the bouquet looks, it’s about the love that went into it.
Here’s your sign to give someone you love their flowers!
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