Health & Fitness
Valentine Living Gifts & Design Ideas
Tired of giving commercial Valentine's gifts. Learn how you can give gifts that reflect Mother Nature for those special people in your life.
Valentine greetings have been popular as far back as the Middle Ages. The oldest known existing valentine was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans in 1415 to his wife. Now fast forward to 2012. With Valentine's Day arriving next week, there are many people dear to us so recognize those folks with a living Valentine. Plants can be easily obtained from any retail venue. However, it is recommended that you go to a reputable greenhouse or florist to ensure the purchased plants are in good health. Some wonderful examples are orchids, which some varieties such as phalaenopsis are easy to grow and the recipient will have a gift of lasting blooms. You can also choose plants with unique foliage such as peperomia, begonia (rex or iron-cross), nerve plant and prayer plant. If you place an interesting plant in even the most simple container, you have a perfect Valentine gift.
If you prefer to give fresh flowers, use your creative talent and design an arrangment (see photos). If you want to get some more creative floral design ideas, register for The Valentine Floral Arrangement Program held by the Garden Club of Long Valley on Wednesday, February 8th at the Washington Township Library. To register access the library's website at: http://host7.evanced.info/wtpl/evanced/eventcalendar.asp.
Patti Bowman, Community Education: The Garden Club of Long Valley
