Sierra Club

Hey all you young (and not so young) lovers out there. Have you put off getting your significant other some flowers for the upcoming holiday of romance, cuddling and candle-lit dinners? If so, why not give a more lasting symbol of your love. Roses are expensive and tend to die all too quickly—not a fitting representation: “Here, honey, these flowers show just how much I love you—and that love comes with an expiration date. . .

Why not present a more environmentally friendly and longer lasting tribute to your love: give that person perennial, locally grown flowers. Look around your yard and see where you might like to put some color this coming Spring: hydrangeas, phlox, tulips (or other types of bulbs), lantana or even a butterfly-bush—check with your local nursery to see what kinds of flowering plants are available near you at this time of year.  You’ll get a month or two of color (and maybe extra kisses!) before the plant heads outside.

Of course, the true beauty of this gift arrives when the weather warms up and the two of you can plant your symbol of love in your yard to enjoy for many, many Valentine’s days to come.