Guest Author - Hellie T.

The name carnation comes from the Greek carnis, refering to the flower's color and the family dianthus which means flower of flowers. It has been grown for at least 2,000 years and is traditional in an English garden.

Dianthus caryophullus in medievel art represented betrothal and Elizabethans called it the Gillyflower - it was famous for its sweet scent and marvellous rose purple color.

Carnations grow up to 2'(60cm) tall and normally bloom in the red and orange ranges of color. The carnation does best in warmer climates but can be grown in cooler areas as an annual.It prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil.

The carnation, with its fluffy, pom-pom shape is a classic corsage flower, worn by both men and women. President McKinley was famous for wearing a red carnation, and the flower became the state flower of Ohio as a result.

To give someone a red carnation means "My poor heart longs for your touch" or "You are the woman I admire the most". If however you are the recipient of a striped carnation this means the woman you adore is refusing you!

The white carnation meaning - faithfulness, pure love, and good luck is the official flower of Mother's Day, because it was the favorite flower of the woman who started the movement and was given out at the first service held in 1908.

Try Fenbows Nutmeg Clove ~ for delicious deep crimson old fashioned blooms with a wonderful scent. Giant Chabaud Mixed ~ will give you a selection of colours all with good scent and fringed blooms.

They are ideal flowers for containers and cut flowers.

Enjoy your garden!