That's because it's National Rose Month! Perhaps the most recognized of all flowers, the rose is the official floral symbol of the United States and of England. George Washington himself was said to be a fan. It's also the official state flower of New York, North Dakota, Georgia, Iowa and the District of Columbia.
Other claims to fame: The rose is the 15th wedding anniversary flower and the June birth flower.
With 40,000 varieties around the world, we're spoiled for choice in terms of color, shape, size and fragrance.
Adoration for these lovely blooms dates back to Greek and Roman times. Love goddesses Aphrodite and Venus were honored with roses and, in Rome, a rose on a door was the equivalent of a "Do Not Enter" sign.
White roses lend a clean, elegant feeling to any room or gathering.
A quick guide to rose color is:
red roses = romantic love
yellow roses = friendship
pink roses = admiration
orange roses = desire
white roses = innocence and fresh starts
purple roses = love at first sight
For information about growing roses or to become a member of the American Rose Society, visit ars.org.
Additionally, the number of roses you send can convey a message. Tune in tomorrow for more on that and in the meantime if you need a birthday gift this month, look no further! :)
