Secret Meanings of Flowers: Including Trees, Shrubs, Vines and Herbs

I was looking for just a basic reference type book but I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted. I was looking at different descriptions and reviews of books and I would definitely recommend this one. What I like most about it is the way it's laid out. I don't always want to know the meaning of a specific flower - sometimes I'm not sure what flower I want, I just have a feeling or event in mind. This book is laid out so you can find information either way and that is a huge plus to me. And I will mention too that the title is true - it does include trees, herbs, etc, it's not just flowers. The first main section of the book is the meanings - alphabetical list of feelings, emotions, thoughts, events, such as charity, funerals, coming of age, health, "you are wonderful" and the associated plants. The second main section of the book is the alphabetical list of the plants and the associated meanings (and some plants have a good sized list of meanings and on the flip side, there are some meanings that have multiple plants that can be used). But if that weren't enough - there is more in the back of the book. A list of birth months and their flowers, anniversary flowers (1st-15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th), plants of the bible (a random little reference list that's interesting info), and a list of colors and some of their meanings so even if you know what flower you want, you can add to your meaning by a specific color. There is also a list of special occasions like graduations, anniversarys (some of which are mentioned in the first part of the book but this is specifically focused on events) and their associated plants. I am very pleased with this book because you can find what you need even if you're not completely sure what you're trying to find.

This book includes an amazing number of plants and flowers, however, I've found myself wishing for some context and a deeper understanding of the origins of the meanings. What culture and time period did a given plant/meaning come from?It would have been helpful if the author had grouped the plants by type instead of name. For example, Althea and Rose of Sharon are listed separately with some of the same meanings and some different meanings but they are the same plant.The entry for "Joy" lists oxalis, shamrock, sorrel and wood sorrel, again, the same plant.There are also some entries that contain such obscure names that I had to look them up (unusual because I'm a plant geek). Who knew that "High John the Conqueror" is another name for morning glory and bindweed; or that "Black Sampson" is simply an old name for Coneflowers? Some plant names such as "Lucky Hand," "Sacred Plant," "Magic Flower" and others could refer to any number of different plants depending on where and when you lived.I would say the author did a good job pulling the information together but I would love to see some context, to give it more depth and meaning.

In the few weeks I've owned this book, I've already consulted it over 10 times. I first checked all the flowers in my yard to discover what I was saying to everybody who sees my garden. I've looked at the meanings for all my favorite flowers as well as for those I don't like, and I now have a depened sense of why I like or don't like certain flowers and plants. I now know what kind of flowers to give for Mother's Day and for my daughters' birthdays. I really like the organization of the two main sections into "Meanings" and "Plants" which makes it so easy to find everything. This book is for everybody--whether you know a lot about flowers or whether (like me) you know very little and want to know more about "the secret meanings of flowers."

My only disappointment is that while it is a paperback I was hoping that it would be a plastic lined one that would hold up better since it is a reference type book.

This really is just a list, not a book per se, with no cross-reference. That said, it is an interesting list, sectioned into Birth Month Flowers, Anniversary Flowers and a section on the one-word meaning of flowers. I would have enjoyed more lore or explanation.

I purchased this book because I am clairvoyant and I wanted a deeper meaning of flowers that came from the era long gone and almost lost. I found that this book is incredibly close to my readings of flowers. So if anyone is looking to help bring inspirational healing to people with flowers then this is the book

Basically a list of flowers with meanings and then the 2nd half of the book is meanings with a list of flowers but no real information - could have found this much (or in this case, little) info online. Purchased for a gift but would not gift this to anyone :-(

Great

I am looking forward to finding out what flowers mean - so I can send flowers with a meaning

This book provides lots of meanings of flowers and trees. I'd have liked more pictures, but other than that I'm happy with this purchase.

Interesting book

I was looking forward to a lovely book. This is just a 280 page list. Very disappointing.

Love love love this book. So cool and some things are nice to know!