Flowers and Birthdays

Custom and convention generally has the following flowers being associated with the various months

	January's flower is the Carnation Botanical Names: Dianthus Caryophyllus Other Names: Carn, Chinese Pink Meaning: Admiration, pure love, gratitude. Facts: National Flower of Spain. Pink carnations are said to have first appeared on Earth when a tear fell from the Virgin Mary's eye when Jesus Christ was carrying the cross. According to Christian legend, the flower was said to have sprung up from the Earth when her tear hit the ground, therefore the pink carnation represents a Mother's undying love.
	February's flower is the Violet Botanical Names: Saintpaulia Meaning: Named for Baron Walter Von Saint Paul Illaire who discovered the plant in Tanzania in 1892. Modesty, faithfulness, virtue. Facts: Flowers and roots are used for medicinal purposes as they are rich in Vitamins A and C.
	March's flower is the Daffodil Botanical Names: Narcissus Other Names: Jonquil, Narcissus Meaning: Based on the Greek mythology character, Narcissus, who was known to be so arrogant that when he looked into a mirror he fell in love with his reflection. He was later said to have been turned into the flower. Chivalry, respect, unrequited love. Facts: National flower of Wales. Over 25,000 varieties and all parts of the plant are poisonous. Prince Charles receives one Daffodil annually as payment for the unused land in Isles of Scilly.
	April's flower is the Chrysanthemum Botanical Names: Dendranthema X Grandiflorum Other Names: Daisy, Mum Meaning: Named by Carolis Linnaeus in the 17th century, the chrysanthemum represents cheerfulness, friendship, peace, loveliness, optimism, abundance and wealth. Red pompons profess love, yellow means new opportunity and white speaks only of truth. Facts: The chrysanthemum received its name from the Greek 'krus anthemon', meaning golden flower. Legend has it that this was the first sighting of the chrysanthemum (while the Greeks were on a search for a magical herb that would grant eternal life). Flowers are used to make a sweet drink known as chrysanthemum tea. In Asia the tea is used for many medical uses such as and aid in recovery from flu.
	May's flower is the Lily-of-the-Valley Botanical Names: Convallaria majalis Other Names: May Bells , Our Lady's Tears Meaning: Sweetness, return of happiness. Facts: Lily of the valley is much used in bridal arrangements for their sweet perfume. Traditionally associated with May 1st, especially in France where the "muguet" is handed out at special events. Is said to have been a favourite flower of Queen Victoria. Like the daffodil all parts of the plant are poisonous if consumed.
	June's flower is the Rose Botanical Names: Rosa Other Names: Sweetheart Rose, Hybrid Tea Rose Meaning: All roses are symbolic for love, but each colour has a separate meaning. Red means love, respect, courage. Pink means grace, perfect happiness. Dark pink means gratitude. Light pink means admiration, sympathy. White means innocence, purity, Yellow means platonic love, friendship. Orange means passion, desire. Blue means extraordinary, mystery. Red and White means unity. Facts: According to fossil evidence, the rose is actually over 35 million years old. Rose perfumes are made by steam distilling crushed rose petals which produces essential oils. The rose is the National flower of England, Red roses are the most sought after flower for a Valentine's Day gift. There is no such rose with a true blue or a true black colour. Black roses are generally a deep, deep red where as blue roses are typically purple.
	July's flower is the Delphinium Botanical Names: Delphinium elatuem Other Names: Candle Delphinium, Larkspur, Water Lily Meaning: Comes from the Greek word "Delphis" meaning "Dolphin" referring to the shape of the back of the flower which resembles a Dolphin's snout but in other countries it was thought to resemble a Lark's foot and was called "Larkspur". Delphinium is a symbol for swiftness and lightness.. Facts: Delphiniums can kill parasites on humans, especially lice and lice nits. They were used in the Civil War by Union soldiers to close wounds.
	August's flower is the Gladiolus Botanical Names: Gladiolus communis ssp. byzanthinus Other Names: Sword lily, Glads Meaning: Most of the more than 10,000 named Gladioli cultivars probably were derived from just seven species native to South Africa and first brought to European gardens in the late 17th century. Gladiolus is Latin for sword. Gladiolus flower signifies remembrance. It also expresses infatuation, telling the receiver that he or she pierces the heart. Facts: Parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. Very fragrant. May cause allergic reactions.
	September's flower is the Aster Botanical Names: Aster Ericoides Other Names: Michaelmas Daisy,September Flower, Monte Casino, Rainbow Aster Meaning: Comes from the Greek word meaning star. Symbol of love, daintiness, after thought. Facts: Over 600 species. The flower is not a single flower. While the aster looks like a single flower, it is actually a cluster of about 300 small yellow disk flowers that are surrounded by colourful petals. This gives the illusion of a sole flower and creates a plush look.
	October's flowers are Cosmos Botanical Names: Cosmos bipinnatus Other Names: Mexican Aster, Chocolate Cosmo Meaning: Comes from the Latin word kosmos meaning beautiful. Facts: Hummingbirds are very attracted to this flower. Very fragrant. Chocolate cosmos even smell like chocolate. Are suitable for drying.
	November's flower is the Chrysanthemum Botanical Names: Dendranthema X Grandiflorum Other Names: Daisy, Mum Meaning: Named by Carolis Linnaeus in the 17th century, the chrysanthemum represents cheerfulness, friendship, peace, loveliness, optimism, abundance and wealth. Red pompons profess love, yellow means new opportunity and white speaks only of truth. Facts: The chrysanthemum received its name from the Greek 'krus anthemon', meaning golden flower. Legend has it that this was the first sighting of the chrysanthemum (while the Greeks were on a search for a magical herb that would grant eternal life). Flowers are used to make a sweet drink known as chrysanthemum tea. In Asia the tea is used for many medical uses such as and aid in recovery from flu.
	December's flower is the Narcissus Botanical Names: Narcissus Other Names: Jonquil, Daffodil Meaning: Based on the Greek mythology character, Narcissus, who was known to be so arrogant that when he looked into a mirror he fell in love with his reflection. He was later said to have been turned into the flower. Chivalry, respect, unrequited love. Facts: National flower of Wales. Over 25,000 varieties and all parts of the plant are poisonous. Prince Charles receives one Daffodil annually as payment for the unused land in the Isles of Scilly.