I will continue with the love and romance theme, since it’s Valentine’s Day and all, a day when the meanings of cut flowers suddenly rise to prominence, fact made evident by the dire scarcity of red roses around this blessed date. On this day it is impossible to escape the knowledge that the flower of love represents, well, love and passion, but did you know that tree blossoms have symbolism associated with them too?
Citrus blossoms have been forever associated with weddings, and were traditionally used to make crowns and headpieces for the brides, because they represent chastity, fidelity, innocence and fruitfulness and are thought to express eternal love.
Cherry blossoms have different connotations, according to cultural customs. While held to represent both the beauty and the fragility of life in Japan, they are a symbol of feminine beauty and power in China.
Linden blossoms are said to inflame lust, but are also the purveyors of protection, luck and the essence of immortality.
Apple blossoms stand for love, hope, happiness and beauty. A flowering apple tree in the garden brings abundance, balance and peace to the household and encourages artistic endeavors.
Plum blossoms represent long life, strength, courage, fidelity and promises fulfilled. They are usually considered a symbol of steadfastness and wisdom. Not too far removed, the blossoms of their cousins, the peach trees, are another favorite of wedding decorators, because they are said to usher in long life and good fortune. To continue on the same theme, the pear tree blossoms honor motherhood, and embody its tender, hopeful love.
To compliment mature beauty, bring pomegranate blossoms, which suggest grace and elegance, or almond blossoms, whose silver white flowers seem to reflect the poise of old age and its contemplative, caring nature.
Bay flowers, as expected, are a symbol of victory, fame and glory, and the pure white magnolia flowers represent women’s beauty.
Flower symbolism is not restricted to fruit trees, for instance the black locust flowers mean platonic love, the elderflowers humility and kindness, and the chestnut flowers a search for justice.
Last, but not least, the helicopter seeds are seen as messengers from above. I’m just bringing that up to put you in a better mood for when they are delivered abundantly over every square inch of your planted garden bed from where you’ll have to subsequently clean them up by hand. Those things can get into any crevice, no matter how small, I swear! I had mini-maple trees grow out of the cracks in the concrete pavers, stick out of the gutters and grow sideways from the walls.
Main Areas: Garden Writing; Sustainable Gardening; Homegrown Harvest
Published Books: “Terra Two”; “Generations”; "The Plant - A Steampunk Story"; "Letters to Lelia"; "Fair"; "Door Number Eight"
Career Focus: Author; Consummate Gardener;
Affiliation: All Year Garden; The Weekly Gardener; Francis Rosenfeld's Blog
I started blogging in 2010, to share the joy of growing all things green and the beauty of the garden through the seasons. Two garden blogs were born: allyeargarden.com and theweeklygardener.com, a periodical that followed it one year later. I wanted to assemble an informal compendium of the things I learned from my grandfather, wonderful books, educational websites, and my own experience, in the hope that other people might use it in their own gardening practice.