Sweet Peas
The Sweet Pea is a flowering plant found in the genus Lathyrus among the Fabaceae family. The sweet pea is native to the eastern Mediterranean regions from Sicily east to Crete. The flowers on the plant are generally purple in color, although wild sweet peas can be variable in color. Sweet pea seeds are known as odoratism or sweet pea lathyrism. They have cultivated since the 17th century and are also often grown by gardeners for their beautiful bright colors and sweet fragrance.
The sweet pea was first cross bred and developed by a man named Henry Eckford, a nurseryman of Scottish decent. He turned this insignificant flower into a floral sensation during the Victorian era. Eckford’s variety of sweet pea flowers are known today as the pink Dorothy Eckford, the lavender Lady Grisel Hamilton, the Scarlet King Edward VII and his most famous, the Countess Spencer. The sweet pea is symbolic of delicate or blissful pleasure and remains a favorite among people everywhere today.
Tropical Flowers
Tropical flowers can be found in various places around the world and hold a special place in the hearts of flower lovers. From the wild Orchid to the Heliconias, tropical flowers remain to this day to be a crowd favorite. Tropical flowers are sometimes confused with exotic flowers; however tropical flower species are native to the tropics. The main regions with temperatures that tropical flowers can grow in are mainly the Amazon Basin in Brazil, the Congo Basin in West Africa, and Indonesia. These are the places where the sun reaches a point directly overhead at least once during the solar year. Many of the tropical flowers we buy today from the Hawaiian Islands are actually grown in places such as the Amazon in Brazil, and the other places with tropical climates like such. With so many different tropical flowers available today it is difficult to give meanings for every single one. Orchids represent luxury and rare beauty, Proteas symbolize diversity and courage, Birds of Paradise symbolize joy, and there are several other types with different meanings and symbolism. And although there are several different tropical flowers with different meanings they all share a unique quality; they have spirit and reflect a sense of adventure.
Tulips
Tulipa, which is commonly called the tulip, is a genus of about 150 species of flowering plants. They are in the Lilaceae family and native mostly to parts of southern Europe, north Africa, Asia, Anatolia, Iran, and China. The center of diversity among them is found in Pamir and Hindu Kush mountains and the steppes of Kazakhstan. They are found in gardens and as potted plants around the world.
Although tulips have been associated with Holland, the flower along with its name were originally found in the Ottoman Empire. After being described in a letter by the Dutch to the ambassador of Turkey, they were brought to Europe in the 16th century. They get their name from the Turkish word for gauze (turbans) which reflect their turban like appearance in full bloom. Different tulip colors can carry different and very distinct meanings. For example the yellow tulip symbolizes happiness and cheerful thoughts, while the white can convey forgiveness. The tulip is the 11th wedding anniversary flower and on many occasions can represent elegance and grace.