Budding Romance: Flowers on a first date?
With the Chelsea Flower show in full bloom this week, we’re taking a look at the relationship between love and flowers.
Dating is a minefield, all be it an exciting one filled with possibility, but a minefield none the less. There are few things in life that are more uncertain than a first date. What to wear? Where to go? To bring flowers or not to? It’s difficult to know.
With the Chelsea Flower show in full bloom this week, we’re taking a look at the relationship between love and flowers.
In the beginning… It’s a tradition that has lost favour in recent years, but we still adore the nostalgia, maybe more so now because it’s not as popular.
Presenting flowers on a date goes back to the 1700s when Charles II of Sweden returned from a trip to Persia with “the language of flowers” - something we still use today. He said different flowers should be used to communicate different sentiments of meanings and explained how you could have a whole conversation with only a bouquet! **Modern day**Unfortunately these days, if a man shows up at your door with a dozen red roses he’s likely to come across as a little too keen…
But trust us when we say the act of giving a bouquet of flowers is still extremely gratifying and the elation your date will feel when presented with a bunch of flowers is simply priceless. **Save our blushes…**Let’s save this beautiful tradition – instead of turning up all eager to your first date, why not try a single red rose? A single rose is less of a big gesture but a perfect way to break the ice. Or if you’re not quite ready wait until after your date. Then when a date has gone well and the conversation has flowed freely; send flowers the following day with a note to arrange that crucial second date.
If not a rose then which flower…
Sunflower 
The Sunflower, also known as Helianthus symbolises pure thoughts
**Hydrangea**
The Hydrangea symbolises heartfelt emotion.
**Ranunculus**
The Ranunculus flower is given as a symbol of Radiance
**The Rose **
The traditional Rose signifies enduring passion; white, humility and innocence
To celebrate the 102nd year of the Chelsea Flower Show taking place from today until Saturday at the Royal Hospital in London.
Let love blossom with Greatest Hits Radio Dating today.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------