Love is Green
Give plants and plant-inspired gifts to that special person in your life
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or any-occasion present, last-minute yet thoughtful gift ideas for those you love will come in handy. There are different suggestions for green gifts depending on which stage you are at in your courtship. These carefully chosen plants and plant-centred endeavours are arguably a notch higher than the standard bouquet and chocolates for three reasons: they help create a better, healthier atmosphere; are quite refreshing and inspiring to look at; and they last (for as long as they are taken care of).
Stage 2: Get lucky.
If you definitely want to be more than just platonic friends, go for two stalks of the lucky bamboo (Dracaena braunii), which symbolises love. (If it is a bit more platonic, then get the most popular combination of three stalks, which is believed to bring happiness, long life and wealth). Arguably the most popular good fortune plant in the Asian culture, it is a great gift for someone who has an oriental-themed space.
Tip: The lucky bamboo will also look great on a work desk. It is a great gift to consider if you want to get to know that cute work colleague.
If you definitely want to be more than just platonic friends, go for two stalks of the lucky bamboo (Dracaena braunii), which symbolises love. (If it is a bit more platonic, then get the most popular combination of three stalks, which is believed to bring happiness, long life and wealth). Arguably the most popular good fortune plant in the Asian culture, it is a great gift for someone who has an oriental-themed space.
Tip: The lucky bamboo will also look great on a work desk. It is a great gift to consider if you want to get to know that cute work colleague.
Stage 3: Mo’ money, mo’ honey.
With its heart-shaped leaves, the money plant (Epipremnum aureum) will be well received as it attracts good luck. It is easy to maintain and is one of those really hardy plants that just will not die. What better way to showcase your intended the kind of love you have?
Tip: Pop in a handwritten note for the recipient about why you chose this plant, just in case the heart symbolism isn’t enough.
With its heart-shaped leaves, the money plant (Epipremnum aureum) will be well received as it attracts good luck. It is easy to maintain and is one of those really hardy plants that just will not die. What better way to showcase your intended the kind of love you have?
Tip: Pop in a handwritten note for the recipient about why you chose this plant, just in case the heart symbolism isn’t enough.
Stage 4: Meet the friends.
While anything lavender or equally fragrant is great for Valentine’s, this takes it a notch higher: Organise an intimate dinner with a nice, garden-inspired table setting.
Here is a handy guide to pull this off: Dress the table with small pots of fresh herbs like basil, rosemary and lavender. Go a little further and make it a plant-based dinner. There are a lot of tried and tested recipes online from appetiser down to dessert.
Tip: Guests can take home the pots of herbs as gifts.
While anything lavender or equally fragrant is great for Valentine’s, this takes it a notch higher: Organise an intimate dinner with a nice, garden-inspired table setting.
Here is a handy guide to pull this off: Dress the table with small pots of fresh herbs like basil, rosemary and lavender. Go a little further and make it a plant-based dinner. There are a lot of tried and tested recipes online from appetiser down to dessert.
Tip: Guests can take home the pots of herbs as gifts.
Stage 5: Keep it classy.
A pot of orchids in full bloom is a lovely alternative to a bouquet of roses. Choose from Phalaenopsis orchids (also called moth orchids), Cymbidium, and Dendrobium. They are pretty and easy to care for.
Tip: According to feng shui principles, orchids are said to promote sleep and help relationships. That’s why they are recommended in the bedroom.
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A pot of orchids in full bloom is a lovely alternative to a bouquet of roses. Choose from Phalaenopsis orchids (also called moth orchids), Cymbidium, and Dendrobium. They are pretty and easy to care for.
Tip: According to feng shui principles, orchids are said to promote sleep and help relationships. That’s why they are recommended in the bedroom.
TELL US
What other house plants would you like to read about? Let us know in the Comments section.
MORE
Find a landscape professional near you
Browse garden ideas
If you are crafty, spell the name of the recipient with pressed leaves and flowers. Then take a flat-lay photograph for your social media account, and tag him/her. This is a good way to ease into gardening.
Tip: Alternatively, you can have the photo printed and framed (as pictured).