Valentine’s Day Flowers: A Fresh Take

Valentine’s Day—love it or loathe it—has become one of the most celebrated days of the year. When I came to thinking about Valentines this year, in all honesty I was seriously considering leaving it out of my calendar but before I made a decision I thought I’d find out a little more about the true meaning of the day, not the commercial money spinner that we have pushed onto us year in, year out. I thought that if I can create flowers that represent the original sentiment of the day, as well as the Delilah and Herb values - I will do it.   

The origins of Valentine’s Day

Depending on where you read, the information varies but it seems that the origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, a celebration of fertility and the coming of spring. Later, it became linked to St. Valentine - a Christian martyr, who, according to legend, secretly married couples to defy a ban on marriage. By the time we reach the Victorian era, it had blossomed into a day of romantic gestures, with flowers becoming the gift of choice (more on this later!).

These days, Valentine’s Day is hard to miss with shop windows filled with red hearts and roses popping up everywhere. It’s become a massive commercial event that leaves a huge impact - millions of red roses flown around the world, plastics galore and so much waste. Maybe we’ve lost the true essence of the day. 

This year, why don’t we re-frame it as simply a reminder to spread a little love, not just to partners but to everyone who makes life special. And while I’m very happy to admit I’m not a fan of the typical red rose bouquets, I’ve found a way for Delilah and Herb to mark the day—with flowers that tell a different story.

The meaning behind Valentine’s Flowers

Flower symbolism and language fascinates me. Did you know that the tradition of giving flowers on Valentine’s Day can be credited to the Victorians? They were also responsible for popularising the “language of flowers,” where different blooms carried specific meanings. Giving a bouquet wasn’t just a kind gesture—it really was a way of sending a secret message. My favourites have to be the sweet pea - ‘meet me by moonlight’ or hazel - ‘let us bury the hatchet’. However, if you get given a posy with basil in it, be warned - they are not your biggest fan! The  specific colours of the flowers also had significance: red for love, pink for admiration, white for purity.

Different flowers also symbolise emotions and feelings. Tulips represent deep love, while daisies are often associated with innocence and purity. There’s so much beauty in choosing flowers with personal meaning or seasonal charm.

We can’t skip over roses - the modern day Valentine’s ‘go to’ after all, they’ve been associated with love for centuries. In Greek mythology, they were linked to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and the deep red hue of a Valentine’s rose has become synonymous with passion. 

But as I hope I’ve given you a taste of, I think there’s so much more we can say with flowers and we don’t need out of season, industrially farmed ones to do it. A floral gift can be a reflection of the season, a celebration of local beauty, or simply something that makes you smile - but it can also be really thoughtful and genuinely heartfelt.

A Delilah & Herb Take on Valentine’s Day

I’ve always been drawn to creating pieces that are a bit more thoughtful and natural - I’m often writing little notes telling people why I have chosen the flowers that I have. 

So, I won't leave you hanging anymore. I WILL be doing Valentine’s Day but I’ll be doing it my way and that’s why my Valentine’s flowers might look a little different from the norm. 

I will be fully embracing the beauty of the season and working with nature, rather than against it. I’ll be using British-grown flowers including Smith and Munson tulips and foliage grown locally by lovely Vicky at Tunbridge Wells Flower Company. Not only does this support our local growers but it will also reduce the carbon footprint of my arrangements. This will mean no red roses but I can guarantee a mixture of the very best of what Mother Nature has provided us with.This includes local foliage—there’s something so grounding about incorporating greenery from close to home. There’ll be no plastic wraps or single use plastics - my way of sending a little love to the planet too. 

Finally, my favourite thing - each gift will come with a little love letter - telling you exactly why I’ve chosen those flowers and what they mean. I really hope this will make them feel more personal, each one with its own little story to tell - spreading love in a way that feels authentic and kind. 

If you would like to celebrate with flowers in this way, you can order your gifts here ready for collection or local delivery on the day. I will of course make them with all my love and care, as always. 

A Final Thought 

Let’s lean into using Valentine’s Day as a reminder to show appreciation for anyone in your life who brings you joy - not necessarily just a partner. I think we could all use a reminder to slow down and celebrate these people that make life meaningful. Let’s make it about kindness and connection. Maybe it’s a handwritten card, a kind word, or a quick message to check in with someone. Love can be simple and pure. It isn’t just in the gesture; it’s in the thought behind it.

Happy Valentine’s Day! 

If you would like to order a beautiful bunch for Valentines Day - be quick, there is only limited availability!

Bouquets will be available for collection or local delivery on Friday 14th.