From daisies to roses, picking perfect flowers for International Women’s Day
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Aside from preparing us for the promise of spring, March also marks a special time to honor all the special women around us: International Women’s Day. Set this year for Tuesday, March 8, this international celebration knows no borders of geography, ethnicity or age. And to be sure, the occasion inspires gifts of gratitude for the wives, sisters, leaders and female friends who shine a light and make a difference.
Yet of all the tributes possible, nothing will celebrate female life and love quite like the gift of beautiful, artist-designed flowers.
Giving flowers has always represented an ideal way to make a kind gesture or express warm feelings. But given how it embraces so many women, International Women’s Day offers everyone a chance to get creative when they bestow a bouquet or arrangement, says Andrea Ancel, lead floral designer for FTD.
“There are so many ways and colors and varieties to combine, but a few are especially meaningful for International Women’s Day,” Ancel says. “We’re always following the trends and staying in touch with seasonal availability. We are very mindful of who these bouquets go out to.”
Start with what you know about a remarkable person in your life. “Hydrangea is one of my mother’s favorites, so I love to send something with hydrangea to her,” Ancel says. “The colors are so soft and reminiscent of a garden, there’s a reason why it’s comforting.” Another comfort flower, she adds, is lady’s mantle.
You’ll also want to consider how the flower corresponds to the woman’s outstanding attributes. “The Gerbera daisy is very cheerful,” Ancel notes. “They have an innocent quality to them and they certainly make people smile.” So if the recipient never fails to lift you up, it’s the right flower for giving some radiance back.
If it’s joy you’re after, think yellow roses—a flower that’s connected to true friendship.
Alstroemeria, a lily-type flower, has a long-standing association with friendship and devotion. “It has so many flowers and multiple bloom son it and so much longevity ,” Ancel points out. “They’re all about friendship and because they’re so long lasting, they’re ideal for a longterm friend.”
And if you’re a husband thoughtfully thanking the woman who stands by you through thick and thin? Ancel says you’ll never go wrong with roses, though plenty of other flowers will also make her heart leap.
“I’d pick something they love to grow in their garden that isn’t yet in season,” she advises. Sunflowers, like marjoram, are also associated with happiness: “They open up to the sun. They’re so amazing and unique—and they would certainly remind her that summer is not too far off.”
With arrangements, mixing several kinds of flowers calls for a simple-yet-striking lineup. “Pinks and corals make for more of a monochromatic bouquet that’s sophisticated but has a great sense of color,” Ancel notes. “A bouquet with roses, tulips and stock has beauty and fragrance, and is gently crafted in terms of the color palette.”
No matter the meaningful message you want your present to convey on International Women’s Day, the floral and gifting company you choose to help with that task makes all the difference.
For the past 106 years, FTD has delivered handcrafted, artist-designed floral bouquets and excellent customer service, which has built the FTD brand to the trusted, premier floral and gifting company. Their mission is to not only to offer great gifting solutions, but also to reclaim the spirit of celebrating one another and life’s most special moments.