gift ideas  (excerpted from Present Perfect)  

Flowers make appropriate gifts for just about any occasion. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when giving gifts of flowers.

• Flowers should be chosen with care to keep from appearing to be a last-minute gesture (as often is the case).
• Some people prefer arrangements of exotic, rare, or short-lived blooms. Others prefer long-lasting potted flowers or plants. Choose according to the recipient's preference. (We know a woman who prefers wildflowers but whose husband—conditioned by the media, we suppose—gives her roses instead.)
• When giving fewer than a dozen flowers, an uneven number of blooms is generally more aesthetically pleasing than an even number.
• To those for whom the scent of fresh flowers is all too fleeting, give baskets, bowls, or other containers filled with fragrant potpourri.
• When taking flowers to a host or hostess, present them in a vase or another container. The last thing a host or hostess wants to do is search for an appropriate container while guests and other duties go unattended.

If her passion is wildflowers, give her membership in the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Membership includes a subscription to Wildflower newsletter; discounts on purchases from the wildflower center's store and catalog; reciprocal privileges at more than 100 of North America's top arboreta and botanical gardens; and more. Phone: 512/292-4200. Internet: www.wildflower.org.

To the romantic, flowers are so eloquent. Their meaning might be translated into friendship, infatuation, adoration, devotion, love, or passion. A spirited liaison might be carried on by sending flowers according to their meanings. The language and sentiment of flowers might be outdated according to some, but it will never go out of style among romantics. Here are a few select interpretations of this florigraphical language from the Society of American Florists:

• Bleeding Heart: Wounded affections
• Camellia, pink: "I'm longing for you."
• Camellia, white: "You're adorable."
• Camellia, red: "You're a flame in my heart."
• Carnation, yellow: "You've disappointed me."
• Carnation, pink: "I'll never forget you."
• Carnation, red: "My heart aches for you."
• Carnation, white: Sweet, lovely, innocent
• Carnation, striped: "Sorry I can't be with you."
• Daffodil: "You're the only one."
• Daisies: "I'll never tell." Innocence, loyal love
• Gardenia: "You're lovely." Secret love
• Lilac, purple: First emotions of love
• Lily of the Valley: "You've made my life complete."
• Orchid: Beautiful lady
• Pansies: "I'm thinking of you."
• Primrose: "I can't live without you."
• Spider Flower: "Elope with me."
• Sweet Peas: "Good-bye." "Thank you for a lovely time." Departure
• Violets, white: "Let's take a chance on happiness."
• Violets, blue: "I'll be true—always."

Each rose color has a special meaning, as do certain combinations of colors and arrangements of roses in various stages of bloom. To help you compose just the right sentiments in your rose designs, the Rose Information Bureau and Roses, Inc. put together the following list of the most widely accepted meanings for different rose colors, blooms, and arrangements:

• Red roses say, "I love you" and also stand for respect and courage.
• White roses have several meanings: "You're heavenly," reverence and humility, innocence and purity, and secrecy and silence.
• Pink roses symbolize grace and gentility.
• Yellow roses usually stand for joy, gladness, and freedom.
• Together, red and yellow roses stand for jovial and happy feelings.
• Pale-colored roses convey sociability and friendship.
• Rosebuds symbolize beauty and youth.
• A single rose stands for simplicity.
• Hybrid tea roses mean, "I'll remember you always."
• Two roses wired to form a single stem signal a forthcoming marriage.
• A rose in full bloom placed over two buds signifies secrecy.

• A crown made of roses signifies reward of virtue.

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Have any flower and plant gift ideas you'd like to share?