The Allure of flowers

The earliest flowering plants appeared around 130 million  years ago, evolving into the most diverse group of land plants. 

Like many other species, the human attraction to flowers is rooted in survival instincts.  They also delight our senses.

Flowers have a magical and mythical appeal that has inspired art, literature and love throughout history. 

The earliest confirmed use of flowers for ceremony and decoration was 25000 BCE in Ancient Egypt.  Egyptian carvings show carefully arranged flowers.  In Ancient Greece and Rome, flowers were used  in garlands as well as for food and medicine.  Paintings from Ancient China include images of flowering plants used for adornment and in religious ceremony.

The human attraction to flowers may not be as strong as the instinctual attraction of insects and the other pollinators that their accidental beauty was meant to attract, but there is an undeniable allure for humans as well – an allure that continues today.

People plant and collect flowers not just for theirutilitarian uses, but because they are beautiful, because their scents are soothing, stimulating or intoxicating. Gardens provide a sense of peace, and arrangements of flowers offer adornment and a means of expressing affections or endearment or to acknowledge grief.

Our Owl exploration of flowers provides a regional perspective just in time for Valentine’s Day.  Two local florists – Bloomers Floral and Gift in East Bloomfield and Dogwood Floral Company in Dansville – share their experiences in the floral industry, and their love of flowers.

All throughout this issue of Owl Light News, we touch upon the magic of flowers, including an exploration into the meaning of flowers by Mary Drake. For the chocolate lovers in our midst, fear not, there is a touch of that too.  Whether its flowers, chocolate or a chance meeting, there’s plenty to inspire and explore.