HOW TO SPEAK FLOWER

What do flowers mean?

This enthusiastic handbook offers a very concise history of floriography, or the idea that flowers can represent ideas and emotions, followed by entries on various blossoms that symbolize love, friendship, gratitude, celebration, and healing. “Fast facts” accompany each example. A few blooms convey negative messages, and Williams also discusses poisonous flowers. Craft projects using flowers include making floral bath bombs and flower crowns and nurturing flowering houseplants. The book briefly mentions the quite different significance of various flowers around the globe. Generally, though, it’s fairly lightweight—Shakespeare’s use of flower language is not mentioned, nor is the role of the peony or orchid in China or the chrysanthemum or sakura in Japan. A chart offers simplified keys to symbolism that are further developed later, and there’s a page of “color meanings,” e.g., that orange can signify “fascination” or “pride.” Labels on a detailed flower cross section help us understand the botanical terms; also included is a lovely diagram of the flower life cycle and info on the pollinator crisis. Interspersed quizzes (closer to astrology than science) help readers identify their “soul flower” or “flower power.” An abundance of exclamation points throughout underscores the writer’s ardent belief that flowers are linked to emotions and can help us connect with others. Diverse people are depicted in the illustrations.

Fluffy floral fun.