bouquet of Loveliness

It was a gift giving occasion but my flowers were not in bloom yet...what to do? what to do?  I did have several small bushes of herbs growing.  I looked up their meaning and began to gather them together.  I incorporated their meaning into a written blessing on the back side of a homemade piece of paper.  I attached the small bouquet of the appropriate herbs across the front with ribbon.  It was unique, sincere and felt just right.

This is also another way to be frugal.  Many times, regular flowers may not yet be in bloom but herbs can be used with or with out their flowers. Herb fragrances can't be beat either plus the recipient can enjoy them longer if they use them when they cook.

Here is a list of herbs and their meanings to get you started.

MEANING OF HERBS

• Basil = Love
• Bay = Fame
• Chamomile = Wisdom
• Chervil = Serenity
• Chives = Usefulness
• Dill = Good cheer, Survival
• Fennel= Grief, Endurance
• Lavender = Devotion
• Marjoram = Joy
• Mint= Refreshment
• Parsley = Merriment
• Rosemary = Remembrance
• Sage = Wisdom
• Santolina = Virtue
• Savory = Interest
• Scented Geranium = Happiness
• Sweet Woodruff = Humility
• Tansy = Hostility
• 
  
  Tarragon=Permanence
• 
  
  Thyme = Daring

HOW TO:
~Gather your herbs cutting near the bottom of the bush.  Longer stems are best because you can always trim them to fit your bouquet later. 
~You can arrange them loosely and wild or more decoratively.  Think basic shapes like an upside down triangle, arranging the tallest ones in the center OR you can lay them flat and 'layer' them, with the tallest ones in the back layering shorter ones in front.  You could also simply bunch them together.
~Use a bit of string, wire or rubber band to hold the bunch together at the stems.
~For a decorative touch, wrap a piece of ribbon around the stems to cover the rubber band or wire.  You can use a few ribbons to add color or twine for a more natural look. You can also use butcher or parchment paper to wrap around like a traditional bouquet and wrap ribbon around the outside to hold it together.  You can attach the ribbon farther down the stems and present them upside down for a *hanging bouquet*, as well.
~Include a simple tag to the ribbon listing the meanings of the herbs used and a special blessing incorporating their meanings.