If you'd like to honor a graduate this spring with a gift of flowers, why not use the language of flowers to convey a special message? You don't necessarily need to give cut flowers, as not all of these flowers are available in a florist's shop. You could present a garden plant with a personalized message, explaining the meaning of the flower and sentiment behind it. Here are some flowers to consider giving to your graduate, and their meaning or significance:

• Acanthus (Bear's Breeches): The arts
• Angelica: Inspiration
• Blooming Cactus: Endurance
• Camellia: Excellence
• Cardinal Flower: Distinction
• Crepe Myrtle: Eloquence
• Hollyhock: Ambition
• Iris: Good news

Add these garden flowers to your gift bouquets:

• Baby's Breath
• Lisianthus
• Ranunculus

Photo © Wayne Noffsinger

I'm really pleased with the performance of my roses this year. It probably has something to do with the record high temperatures we experienced this past winter, but with minimal care save for spring pruning and fertilizing, my hybrid tea roses like the 'Double Delight' in this photo have exploded with blooms. What is your favorite rosebush in the flower garden? Share your successes with hybrid tea roses, floribundas, miniature roses, climbers, and old-fashioned heirlooms!

Photo © Jamie McIntosh

Photo © Justin Henry

As the school year draws to a close, many districts celebrate the hard work of teachers with a week of treats, acknowledgments, and thanks. Yesterday, my three sons had fun creating mini fairy gardens for their teachers. These gifts were thoughtful, creative, and very much within budget for our family! We visited a local thrift store to find baskets, figurines, and decorative glass stones. We lined the baskets with plastic grocery bags, and filled them with potting soil and divisions of extra plants from our garden. If you don't have time to assemble a basket, a simple bouquet gathered from the garden before the bus arrives is sure to be appreciated as well.

Photo © Jamie McIntosh