Flowers and expressions of love go hand in hand, and with Mother’s Day coming up, Peter Loewer’s latest book, Loves Me, Loves Me Not: The Hidden Language of Flowers is an especially timely tome. Loewer, a prolific natural sciences author, artist and host of The Wild Gardener radio show, explores the symbolic expression attached to different flowers through the ages. Everyone knows roses are a symbol of love, but did you know that the carnation, a symbol for Mother’s Day since 1907, can also carry such varied meanings as bravery, love and friendship or vanity and pride ? Or that you should be sure to make your intentions known when giving petunias, since they can imply a variety of meanings ranging from your presence comforts me to resentment ? Loewer’s delightful illustrations accompany each flower’s historical interpretation, and the book makes a nice gift by itself or paired with a favorite flower. When you want to send a consolation message, a happy marriage wish or simply say thinking of you, these and many more sentiments can be conveyed by following this handy guide.
Valiant Women is a vital and engrossing attempt to correct the record and rightfully celebrate the achievements of female veterans of World War II.
