As part of our Countdown to Earth Day, we will be posting daily articles focused on the environment and our lovely planet. Today, we chose to celebrate nature’s beauty with images of 18 of our favorite flowers! What’s your favorite flower?
1. Cotton
Cotton. It’s what we, here at Maxim Hygiene, use to make our products. Cotton is breathable by nature, hypoallergenic, and soft. It’s a plant that we are proud to use in our products and educate women about.
2. Daffodil
Daffodil. Not only can we celebrate spring just looking at this pretty flower, but we can feel the sun coming. It’s been a long winter. Let’s get ready for flip-flops, ladies.
When daffodils begin to peer,
With heigh! the doxy over the dale,
Why, then comes in the sweet o’ the year;
For the red blood reigns in the winter’s pale.
The Winter’s Tale (4.3.1-4)
3. Tulip
Tulips. Tulips symbolize new beginnings. Meet new people. Enjoy the simple things. Place these flowers on your kitchen table to brighten up your day.
4. Rose
Rose. Love is in the air. Just smell a rose, and imagine a beautiful sunset and a candlelit dinner.
5. Crocus
Crocus. These flowers can thrive in late winter or early spring, which means that they stand for resilience and strength despite difficult times. Like the crocus, your inner-beauty can get you through anything.
6. Pansy
Pansy. These flowers remind me of my childhood. In my backyard, I’ve surrounded the trees I just planted with these little guys. They accentuate the beauty of the tree trunk and keep my yard as lively as a Disney movie.
7. Orchid
Orchid. Exotic and diverse, these plants add instant style to any room. Orchids are extremely rare and are difficult to reproduce. They’re worth the effort. What a remarkable plant! I’m obsessed.
8. Gardenia
Gardenia. Gardenias are my favorite smelling flower. They fill a room with the sweetest aroma you can possibly imagine. Forget the plug-ins. Buy yourself a bouquet of gardenias, and let the natural perfume fill your bedroom with a scent you’ll never forget.
9. Hydrangea
Hydrangea. They are also called bigleaf and come in blue or pink. My personal favorite are the blue ones. Sometimes hydrangeas can stand for boastfulness, but other times it can symbolize enlightenment.
10. Sunflower
Sun Flower. I think the only caption that can make me want summer any more than this picture is a poem by the famous William Blake.
Ah! Sunflower by William Blake
Ah! sunflower, weary of time,
Who countest the steps of the sun,
Seeking after that sweet golden clime
Where the traveller’s journey is done;
Where the youth pined away with desire,
And the pale virgin shrouded in snow,
Arise from their graves and aspire;
Where my sunflower wishes to go.
11. Lavender
Lavender. This flower is often used in potpourri. It’s strong fragrance and oils make it essential in aromatherapy. It also symbolizes devotion, decadence, and sexuality. So, if you’re NY-based like us, spoil yourself by going to the Lavender Fields in Port Jefferson, New York. Or, if you’re in Napa Valley, check out the Lavender Hill Spa.
12. Peony
Peony. The Greek myth behind this flower, and where it got its name, stems from Paeon: the student of Asclepius, the God of medicine and healing. After helping Apollo’s mother find a magical root that would soothe the pain of women in childbirth, Asclepius got jealous and threatened to kill his pupil. To save Paeon, Zeus transformed him into this flower. Interesting, huh?
13. Honey Suckle
Honey Suckle. You can actually suck this suckle, and it will taste like honey! Hence, the name. But, be careful. If you pick the wrong flower, you could be in some trouble.
14. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley. When this lily is in bloom, it is said that happiness is on the horizon. Just looking at this makes me think of wedding bells.
15. Daisy
Daisy. This flower symbolizes gentleness and hospitality. Think about Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail. She said, “I love daisies. They’re so friendly. Don’t you think daisies are the friendliest flower?” Yes, Meg, I do.
16. Baby’s Breath
Baby’s Breath. Aka Gypsophila. It’s the perfect compliment to any bouquet. It’s simple, yet innocent, and it’s just plain delightful.
17. Hyacinth
Hyacinth. This flower represents constancy and overcoming expectations. Obstacles always present themselves, and this flower is meant to remind you of your ability to be you even in the direst of situations. You are a strong and independent woman. Learn from this flower and always do your best.
18. Marigold
Marigold. We are beautiful, successful, courageous, bold creations of the universe. So is the marigold. It is red, which indicates passion, with a soft center. This flower reassures us that our fierce passion should be tempered by our gracious and generous interior. Shoot for what you want, and never give up. But, also be willing to help somebody in need.
The pictures above represent living proof of the miracle of nature. Flowers are a perfect reminder of how beautiful our world is. How can you look at these pictures and NOT want to do everything in your power to help the Earth? I hope this inspired you to continue your path of being a Green Queen. Check in every day for more Earth Day fun and remember to mark your calendar for April 22nd!