Carnations are a wonderful gift for St. Valentine's Day. Carnations have been around for over 2,000 years since the time of the Romans. They originate from the Mediterranean region .

Carnations are one of the world's oldest flower varieties. Excluding roses, they are one of the most popular flowers for Valentines Day. The scientific name for carnations is " dianthus" roughly translating to "divine flower of love". So lads, send Carnations to your lady on Valentines Day as the divine flower of YOUR love. As a point of interest, carnations are the birth flower for those born in the month of January. Carnations are the national flower of Spain renowned as a country of passion !. A beautiful flower to match a beautiful country- you may have memories of a Spanish holiday which will be re-ignited by the gift of carnations for St. Valentine's Day!

Why might Carnations be an ideal St. Valentine's Day gift for the special person in your life?

• Carnations are inexpensive! If your budget is a bit tight in these recessionary times, carnations can be great alternatives to much pricier blooms for St Valentine's Day.
• On St Valentine's Day, demand for expensive flowers is very high and concentrated into a short period sometimes making availability a problem - carnations are available year-round so there is no time pressure
• Carnations smell wonderful. They have a sweet, delicate scent that's never overpowering.
• Most importantly, as you will wish to convey a very special message with your flowers, Carnations are an ideal St. Valentine's Day gift as they represent Love, Fascination and Distinction
• Carnations are one of the longest lasting cut flowers available - your St Valentine's Day gift will last well into the following month.

Regarding the message you wish to send to your loved one with your St. Valentine's Day gift, different colours convey different messages so consider the following:

• Light red carnations- admiration
• Dark red - deep sentiments of love and affection.
• White carnations - pure love
• Pink carnations - thoughts of perfect happiness and thankfulness
• Purple Carnations - capriciousness
• Striped Carnations - "No", a Refusal, or "Sorry I can't be with you", "Wish I could be with you"
• Yellow carnations - rejection, disdain - AVOID THESE!!
• Mauve carnations - dreams of fantasy

You now only have to decide what form or style your St. Valentine's Day gift of carnations will take. You can choose from the following:

• Large flowered Carnations - one large flower per stem.
• Spray Carnations (Mini Carnations) - with lots of smaller flowers.
• Dwarf flowered Carnations - several small flowers on one stem.

Carnations are a rich and meaningful choice of St. Valentine's Day gift for your loved one.