THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS: SYMBOLISM AND MEANING IN GARDEN DESIGN

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE

Article Published on: 25TH JUNE 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com

For centuries, flowers have been used not only for their beauty but also for their symbolic meanings. Known as floriography, the language of flowers reached its peak during the Victorian era, when carefully arranged bouquets served as coded messages of love, sorrow, friendship, and hope. Today, this rich tradition continues to inspire garden design, offering a deeper emotional and narrative dimension to outdoor spaces.

Designing a garden with symbolic intent allows for a personal and expressive landscape. Each flower carries its own message: red roses signify passionate love, lilies represent purity, lavender conveys serenity, and forget-me-nots evoke remembrance. When chosen thoughtfully, plants can turn a garden into a visual poem or living tribute.

Color plays a central role in flower symbolism. White often denotes peace or innocence, while yellow can signify joy or friendship. Purple suggests dignity or admiration, and blue conveys calmness and trust. Combining flowers based on their meanings and hues allows gardeners to create intentional spaces that reflect their values, memories, or aspirations.

Beyond individual meaning, certain themes emerge in symbolic gardens—such as healing gardens featuring rosemary (remembrance) and chamomile (patience), or romantic gardens filled with roses, violets, and honeysuckle.

Incorporating symbolism doesn’t require a grand estate. A single potted plant on a balcony can hold personal significance, while a small border filled with meaningful blooms can tell a story. Paths lined with symbolic flowers can even guide visitors on a contemplative journey.

Ultimately, using the language of flowers in garden design brings depth and emotion to natural beauty. It connects us to tradition, culture, and personal sentiment, transforming a garden from a collection of plants into a soulful, storytelling sanctuary.