September 15, 2025
Victorians had a whole language around flowers. Do you have a favorite bloom?
Do you know what it means? What does it mean to you?
At least he’d already sent Duprie a gift: an expensive bouquet that the saleslady assured him was correct for the occasion. Something about the language of flowers and pink camellias.
The Fall of Jake Hennessey
I’ve played with the language of flowers in several of my stories. Which was perfect for Harmony Duprie, as she was fascinated by the era. (She lived in a Victorian-era house and was remodeling another.)
What is my favorite bloom? It’s lilacs. I love the delicate blooms, the soft scent. There were four large lilac bushes on my parents’ property. (But they predated my parents’ ownership of the home.) I planted two of them when we moved into the home where we are now. They haven’t bloomed yet, but the one very old bush by the corner of the house has. (Not every year, but I’m hoping I can bring it back to better health.)
I looked up the meaning, and the results were confusing.
Some lore associates lilacs with young love and first loves, which makes sense as they are one of the first flowers of spring. But it was also common for widows to wear lilacs as corsage in remembrance of their deceased husbands. Some sites I researched indicated it was dependent on the shade of purple, others were mute on the topic.
What do lilacs mean to me? I associate them with spring and new beginnings. Plus, I love the way they make a room smell. Barely noticeable, but comforting.
What about the other authors who join this hop? What is their favorite flower? Find out by following the links below.
As always, until next time, please stay safe.
September 15, 2025
Victorians had a whole language around flowers. Do you have a favorite bloom? Do you know what it means? What does it mean to you?
As well as the rose, which has special meaning for me, I’m a fan of Red Pelargoniums. They remind me of West-Country summers, small gardens in narrow-laned fishing villages and black Cats.
I had to look up your flower. It looks very much like a flower I have growing on my deck! (Bought from a greenhouse.)
I love lilacs! They bloom in July here (solidly summer) and they don’t last long if you cut them — maybe half a day. But I have several in my front yard because the scent is so lovely.
When I lived in Wyoming, The altitude made a difference. The lilacs at the base of the mountain would bloom 2 weeks earlier than the ones farther up.
Lilacs are wonderful! I received a bush from my workmates and my parents bought my other. They mark the edges of my garden. Just love them!