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| Symbolism of Garden Flowers | Flowers have been associated with symbolism for thousands of years. Some of the most common garden flowers have fascinating histories and symbolic meanings. Many popular garden flowers such as lupines, poppies, sweet peas, sunflowers, tulips and others are associated with different stories mythologies.
For example the lupines are symbolic of imagination. The Romans used lupines for fertilizer and ate the high-protein seeds. The name "lupinus" actually means "of wolves". Lupines come in pink, white, blue, purple and yellow. In old times the Romans used the flat seeds for theater money. Also they were used to aid digestion and used in skin care for removing spots from the face. Nowadays lupines grow in the United States, throughout Europe as far north as Norway. These flowers are nice addition to any garden. Lupines need full sun, rich soil and lots of moisture.
 Poppies are symbolic of magic, beauty, fertility, eternal life and consolation. Colors include scarlet red, deep orange, light orange, white, yellow, purple and pink with black centers. In ancient times the Greeks used this flower in the shrines of goddess. Also the Egyptians included poppies at funerals and in burial tombs.
Poppies grow through Europe, the Orient and the Americas. Poppies are the state flower of California. Poppies do best in cool climates. Poppies have been used for centuries in seasonings, medicine and health tonics. For example, poppies tea is used for its calming effect. Said that water made from poppies remove wrinkles and freshen the skin.
Sunflowers are symbolic of adoration. Sunflowers turn their heads to the sun, which is the origin of their common name. These flowers belong to the genus helianthus, a reference to Helios, the sun god. These beautiful flowers like to grow in dry and scrubland areas. Sunflower seeds are packed with healthy fats, vitamin E, protein, fiber and minerals. Sunflowers serve as animals as people. People used sunflower oil for cooking. But smaller sunflower varieties are often used as cut flowers for bouquets and flower arrangements. Try planting sunflowers along a fence or at the back of your garden for a beautiful, highly useful addition to your garden.
Tulips are generally symbolic of fame and perfect love. Red tulips mean "believe me" and are a declaration of love. Variegated tulips mean "you have beautiful eyes." Yellow tulips mean "there's sunshine in your smile." And cream colored tulips mean "I will love you forever." Tulips are the foremost national symbol of Holland, rivaling wooden shoes and windmills!
Tulips are originally from Persia and were brought to the Netherlands in the 17th century. The name for tulips comes from the headdress worn by many Middle Eastern peoples known as a turban or taliban. In Latin, this translates to "tulipa."
Today, the tulip remains as a favorite flower heralding of spring. Almost any garden can be graced with this beautiful, easily recognizable flower.
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