February: Go overboard with love this Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day has evolved into an entire day of love when we present flowers, chocolates or the occasional diamond to our loved ones. This special day, February 14th, gives us all permission to go a bit overboard. Everyone of us deserves a little or a lot of love on Valentine’s Day—not only sweethearts. You can make gifts extra special by including yourself in the process or by customizing your gift.

Poets place thoughtful words on beautiful papers; kids tuck hand-scrawled notes into tiny, paper envelopes; bakers stir up red-velvet cupcakes and lovers reveal their passion with siren-red flowers of all varieties. Whatever you decide to give, you will create a most magical and memorable day when you deliver your gift with a hug or kiss.

GIFT PLANT IDEAS and GROWING TIPS
Heather (Erica): The tiny, evergreen, needle-like foliage pairs well with its delicate flowers in pink, purple and white. The book, ‘Language of Flowers,’ advises that pink flowers will send good luck and purple flowers signify admiration and beauty. To make your heather thrive indoors, place it in full sun in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon. Water thoroughly when the soil’s surface is dry to the touch. Keep evenly moist but don’t over water. Make sure the container has good drainage.

Painter’s Palette (Antherium): Roses aren’t always the answer! This bold, tropical plant will receive plenty of attention on Valentines’s Day with its large, heart-shaped flowers in red, pink or white. The exotic, Painter’s Palette plant blends well with orchids and other tropical foliage for a modern display of love!
 
Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla): Always elegant, this plant displays billowing clouds of white, blue, pink or rose-red flowers above its large, deep-green leaves. Classic hydrangeas can send a romantic message or celebrate a true friendship. For best growing conditions, plant in moist, rich soil and in bright light—no direct sun. Water well and never allow the soil to dry out. The flowers also last longer in cooler temperatures. Even though Hydrangeas are gorgeous by themselves, try combining them with other flowers, ferns or ivy for a custom look.

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum): The sweet-scented red, pink, fuchsia or snow-white petals float like cupids above heart-shaped leaves. Indoor Cyclamen plants like a good amount of filtered light—not direct. They will last longer if kept in a cooler area at night (55 degrees). Do not over water them. Let the plant dry out, then stand the pot in several inches of water and give it a good soaking. Let drain and allow planting medium to get fairly dry before repeating watering schedule.

Ivy: Indoor ivy makes a beautiful Valentine’s Day gift when it is pruned into a heart- or wreath-shaped topiary. Or, inquire about the unique “Heart Ivy’ with its heart-shaped leaves. If you prefer to customize your gift, select a ring of ivy called the ‘Hole-in-One’ and add flower power by placing a small, blooming plant such as cyclamen, orchid or primrose into the middle of the ivy ring.

Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides): This Gardenia is grown as a houseplant and its flowers provide the most unforgettable fragrance. The creamy-white, rose-like flowers and glossy, green leaves make it a popular gift plant. The best growing conditions include bright light but no direct sunlight. The soil should stay continuously moist but reduce watering in winter. The plants prefer high humidity and temperatures from 68-74 degrees. Avoid drafts and getting water on the leaves, as it turns the flowers brown.

Topiaries: Fragrant rosemary, glossy myrtle and boxwood plants are pruned into decorative globes of foliage set atop elegant stems. Make it Valentine-ready with a white or terracotta container topped with sheet moss. Finish it off with a red ribbon bow around the stem. Your Valentine will enjoy these live plants near a sunny window or on a kitchen island for weeks to come.

Orchids: Looking for a simple and elegant, long-blooming gift? Try pairing snow-white orchids with a red container or pink orchids with a white-on-white, patterned pot. Add a little more romance with pink- or white-flowering twigs.

Primrose (Primula): Nothing looks more cheerful than a primrose. This classic, cottage flower looks so sweet in moss-covered baskets or in casual terra cotta pots. Choose from a rainbow of flower colors with yellow eyes (buttery yellow, periwinkle blue, deep purple, red, candy-pink and more)— all of which have a pleasing fragrance. They thrive in sun to shade in moist, richly organic soil.