Giving a gift of flowers is always a thoughtful, if not provocative, experience and is a gift that is definitely not about money. A large bouquet from the local florist will no doubt be beautiful and well worth the cash it costs. And equally, the small bouquet of wildflowers lovingly collected by an adored one will bring joy into your life.



Sprays of dried flowers and grasses can make beautiful displays in your home over holiday seasons, or why not everyday?

Flowers are pressed into scrapbooks and journals. They are also pressed for their scent and many perfumes are flower-based. Oils are extracted for natural remedies and cosmetic applications.

Flower preparations can be time-consuming to produce and therefore often expensive to the consumer. The absolute best way round this is to go directly to the source and Grow your own!

It doesn't matter what month it is or what the weather's playing at. You can still plan your flower garden. The choice of flowers, plants and herbs available is so extraordinary, you may as well start planning straight away!

Your flower garden can include all kinds of practical plants as well as looking gorgeous...

Herbs attract the nice guys in the bug world which in turn helps rid your flower bed of the pests! Thyme flowers are so delicate and beautiful they really shouldn't be allowed!

Edible flowers include marigolds, nasturtiums and even some roses. NB: double check on edible -ility before you pop a plant in your mouth!

Decide on themes, colours, scents and set about choosing your favourite blooms.

A beautiful flower display takes a lot of careful planning - or alternatively you could buy a wildflower mix and scatter the seed randomly. Nature is often it's own favourite artist!

If you're still not convinced, browse through a few gardening catalogues. Wake up and smell the flowers - you won't remember how you lived without them!