Greenspoon Weekly Blog is a column by our Greenspoon Team that covers lifestyle-related content ranging from our environment, lifestyle, health, and food! Each week, expect a thought-provoking, informative blog that we hope will be useful to you!
Author; Greenspoon Driver, Justin Mugwimi
Valentines evokes two schools of thought, that Love is best shown on the day, and the folk that maintains that love should be expressed throughout the year. At Greenspoon we subscribe to both 😉 We also believe that love is not an emotion that you can turn on and off on certain days, it’s an everyday thing.
Everybody loves receiving flowers and men are no exception. If you feel like sending him flowers to express friendship, love, appreciation, or respect, go for it!
Gone are the days when it seemed unusual for a guy to receive a big, beautiful bouquet. Nowadays, it is no longer uncommon to see men going to the spa for a facial or mud bath, and a manicure or pedicure is not out of the question. Next to these formerly feminine self-care activities, flowers for a man seems pretty quaint! Though for many men, a plant may be a better choice.
Today, giving flowers to men is perfectly acceptable but stereotypical ideas about certain colors are still prevalent in today’s culture (Let’s not even begin with men gifting other men).
Your guy friend may not be crazy about pastel shades such as pink, lavender, minty green, or pale yellow. As a general rule, it’s better to send “manly” types of flowers in purple, maroon, deep blue, or other rich, bold colors. Similarly, guys tend to like robust flowers with a solid, strong structure.
Most men aren’t crazy about sweet-scented flowers, but a flower with a spicy scent may be just the ticket. For example, try purple or dark red carnations with a clove-like aroma. Instead of feminine crystal vases, look for a solid, natural container constructed of metal or wood.
If you’re wondering about choosing flowers that guys like, the following suggestions for “manly” types of flowers may help.
Anthurium: The tropical-like anthurium plant creates a real splash with vibrant red flowers and bright green foliage.
Tulips: Most guys like big tulips in purple, red, gold, or other bold, solid colors. Sunflowers: Who can resist a bouquet of big, bold, cheery sunflowers?
Mums: Chrysanthemums, thought to symbolize friendship, are available in a variety of shapes and vibrant colors.Bird of paradise: If you’re looking for a unique, splashy flower, bird of paradise will definitely get his attention.
Chrysanthemums: These symbolize friendship, so they are a good choice as a gift if you have a platonic relationship with a man you care about.
Daisies: Daisies are given as a sign of loyalty.
Roses: Old-fashioned roses in shades of maroon or deep red are bound to make an impression, but are most appropriate for a romantic relationship. Red roses are the ultimate symbol of romantic love. There are many shades of red that represent certain feelings and expressions. Also, the number of red roses included in a bouquet symbolizes specific aspects of a romantic relationship, such as commitment, trust, and attraction. A single rose signifies love at first sight. Yellow roses also symbolize friendship.
Alstroemeria : This can also be a good choice for your romantic partner. If you want to express your devotion to the one you love, consider the alstroemeria.
Bamboo: Bamboo expresses good luck. If your man is embarking on an adventure or a new business venture, bamboo flowers are a great way to say, “Break a leg!”
Traditionally we’re taught that flowers are for girls and other women, but times they are changing. If you’d like to gift flowers to your boyfriend, brother, father, or any other man in your life, there’s no reason why you can’t. It’s time to change the game!
Historically speaking, flowers, and especially roses, have been a symbol of both loves and of strength. They have even been the symbols of armies, and heroic kings have cultivated them for the strength they were believed to possess.
Did you know that the England rugby team’s emblem is a red Rose? And, did you know that it was first adopted as England’s emblem during the War of the Roses in the 15th century. The war was between the royal house of Lancaster (whose emblem was a red rose) and the royal house of York (whose emblem was a white rose). So, yeah, flowers are nowhere near a sign of weakness, if anything, it’s the complete opposite.
Times are always a-changing, and so are trends in the flower business. Five or ten years ago, sending flowers to a boyfriend might have seemed odd. No macho man would want to admit he appreciated flowers for their fragrance or look but men are becoming more receptive to receiving flowers and this is why;
Guys need to hear, “I love you,” once in a while, and a great and unique way to express this is with a gift of flowers. A single red rose is a traditional pick for an “I love you.” If you are unsure about getting a bouquet of flowers for your man, a single red rose can be a simple way to express your feelings. Flowers have traditionally been gifted to recognize someone’s achievements. Certainly, a male boss would not give male employees flowers. However, a female boss may gift flowers or plants in an acknowledgment of effort and achievement.
Many men frequently send flowers to their spouses and loved ones. These gifts may be sent on special occasions, to express a desire to be with the one he loves or just to say, “I love you.” Returning the favor with a tasteful flower is certain to be appreciated.
Some men just appreciate flowers. Think of the number of men involved in the growing and selling of flowers. If you have a flower lover in your household, a special arrangement is sure to be a hit.
Everyone occasionally needs to feel special. A plant or bouquet evokes that “special” feeling. With the gift nicely displayed, that feeling can stay around for weeks.
Lastly, guys love to know their ladies love them, and flowers speak, “I love you” louder than words.
At Greenspoon, besides being Honestly Delicious we believe in celebrating all types of love, from romantic to platonic. No matter what type of relationships you are celebrating this valentine’s Day and beyond, we hope your day is filled with love, kindness, and flowers!
