Best Cut Flowers

I love the cooler weather. I know the days are still warm, but the nights have that glorious cool tinge and even better, all the plants I love to surround myself with are now in bloom, or coming into bloom.

Cut Flowers that lasts for months inside or out!

I love gift giving at this time of year. I don’t do cut flowers, of course as I want my gifts to last a little longer, but I also know not everyone is a green thumb, so I also don’t want to cause any stress with my gift.

Which is why I always love giving Cyclamens.

Why Cyclamens?

Cyclamen persicum, native to the rocky slopes of the eastern Mediterranean, think Turkey, Syria, and Jordan is usually the Cycamen you will find at Trevallan. Despite their exotic origin, they’re remarkably well suited to life here in Ipswich during winter on patios or cool, bright indoor spaces.

They flower for months, from April right through to October, in a rich tapestry of colours, from snowy whites to rich reds, mauves, pinks, and bi-tones. This year a blue one was released for the first time. The foliage is also just as striking as the flowers — heart, kidney, or rounded leaves, patterned or marbled with silver.

A gift and a decoration in one.

Treat Them Cold, Keep Them Beautiful

Even though Cyclamens can grow well indoors, they love the cold. Cool air slows their respiration and preserves their blooms. I always say: cold mornings are their skincare routine!

At home, I water mine once a week, a good slow drench under a tap using icy cold water. Then, I pop them outside (in a shady spot) overnight. That cool, fresh air seems to give them a new lease on life. Indoors, they sit prettily in a bright room until it’s time for their next drink.

The trick is to let them dry out slightly between waterings. Cyclamens grow from a tuber, and those tubers are prone to rot if overwatered or if water collects in the crown. So always water the soil around the base, never directly into the middle of the plant. That centre is their weak spot.

Potting, Planters, and Fuss-Free Beauty

I prefer to keep mine in a decorative planter, not potted into a decorative pot with drainage. I simply place the Cyclamen, in its original black plastic pot, inside the planter. That way, I can take it out to water properly, let it drain, and then pop it back in. Just don’t let water sit in the base, soggy roots are sad roots.

Feeding Flowers, Not Foliage

Cyclamens are moderate feeders, and like many flowering plants, too much nitrogen means lots of leafy growth and very few flowers. To keep mine flowering and healthy, I feed fortnightly with Silica and Potash Liquid. This helps strengthen cell walls, increase flower production, and prolong bloom life. The result? Bloom after bloom, week after week.

Deadheading and Dormancy

Cyclamens don’t like being trimmed with scissors. To remove a tired flower or yellowing leaf, gently twist the stem at the base and pull it cleanly away from the tuber. This reduces the risk of rot or infection and helps the plant focus its energy on new growth.

Cyclamens grow from a tuber and tend to die down during our hot, humid summer. In our hot, humid climate, that’s perfectly normal. You can let the plant rest by placing the pot in a cool, dry, shady spot, reduce watering to almost nothing, and wait. If you’re lucky, it may re-sprout next autumn. If not? Well, you still got months of blooms for the price of a bunch of cut flowers and then some.

Cyclamen - best flower for indoors

A Cyclamen will warm your soul, even on the coldest morning. Whether you’re decorating your home, cheering up your work desk, or spreading a little love, don’t forget, a living gift like this blooms longer, lingers longer, and keeps on giving.

Way to my Heart

What is Valentine’s Day Really About?

There are many stories associated with how Valentine's Day came about.

There seems to be a few stories floating about about Saints name Valentine or Valentinus

Imagine living in the Roman Empire around 1st century AD. In this time Christians were persecuted, jailed, tortured and killed, and things like marriage was outlawed, after all young unmarried men make better soldiers!

It is believed there was a Priest or Priests called Valentine. These men defied the Roman Empire and performed marriages and other sacraments for Christians. Another story goes that a Priest named Valentine helped Christians escape persecution and my favourite story is that a priest fell in love with a jailer's daughter and sent her a message of affection, signed "From Your Valentine."

While what is written about Valentine is a little murky these stories illustrate his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, romantic figure. Understandably by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints.

But why did the Church decide the feast of St. Valentine would be on February 14?

Well one story goes that Bishop Valentine was imprisoned, tortured, and martyred on February 14, 269. In 496 Pope Gelasius I, declared The feast of St. Valentine would be held on February 14 in his honour.

Another theory links Valentine’s Day to the ancient Roman festival Lupercalia, celebrated on February 15. This pagan festival was meant to purify the city and promote health and fertility. Young women would place their names in an urn, and the city’s bachelors would draw a name, pairing up for the year, often leading to marriage! However, Pope Gelasius I later abolished Lupercalia around 496, deeming it un-Christian.

History is one of my favourite subjects. Studying all history reveals not just what happened, but why it happened, providing valuable insights into human behaviour and societal choices.

What remains clear is that Valentine’s Day is all about love, connection, and celebration.

Yes, over the years, it’s become a little commercialised, but honestly who wouldn’t get a little tingle up their spine when their loved one arrives home with a beautiful flowering plant and some liquid fertiliser? Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving!

And let’s not forget, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for those in relationships. Love and connection come in many forms. It’s a day to celebrate love in all its expressions romantic, platonic, and most importantly, the love we show ourselves. So whether you’re treating yourself to a quiet moment in the garden, catching up with a friend for coffee, or simply embracing a little extra self-care like buying yourself a new plant or garden ornament, Valentine’s Day is a perfect reminder to cherish all the ways love shows up in our lives.

So, what fun and love-filled things are you doing this Valentine’s Day ?

Traditionally, red roses are the first choice for Valentine’s Day as they universally mean “I Love You”. 

However, did you know that the Agapanthus flower stands for secret love and Caladiums mean joy and delight? Gerberas, with their bright and cheerful blooms, symbolise happiness, positivity, and admiration. A white camellia says you are adorable and an Orchid represents love, beauty and charm.... my kind of flower!

Don’t forget that guys love presents too. Did you know that any camellia given to a man symbolises good luck.  

Maybe this is your first Valentine’s day in your own home and you want to celebrate with something special? Why not plant a love tree or keep a love tree as a house plant? Maiden hair Ferns symbolise a bond of love and the orange tree flowers symbolise eternal love, marriage and fruitfulness. If you’re after something unique, Peperomia plants are a great choice as they symbolise resilience, prosperity, and a long-lasting relationship, making them a thoughtful gift for love that stands the test of time.

Want something a little extra special?

Trevallan has Beetle Bug Curious Art in store now. Did you know a Scorpion can represent passionate and intense love, while a Butterfly is all about new beginnings and starting afresh.

Beautiful, hand-carved soapstone sculptures from Zimbabwe make a meaningful gift. The “Lovers Entwined” sculpture represents never-ending love.

Perfect Potion has you covered with their Eros blend, a love potion of aphrodisiacal pure essential oils, designed to evoke passion, desire, and sensuality.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with crystals. Our Pink Amethyst crystal is known for its calming and protective properties, helping strengthen relationships while shielding the heart from negativity. Unlike flowers that fade, this beautiful crystal is a timeless keepsake, making it a meaningful gift for a partner, a friend, or even yourself

Maybe time is your love language? In a world that moves so fast, taking a moment to slow down can be the greatest act of love—whether it’s time spent with someone special or simply time for yourself. Why not pause for a coffee and a delicious Valentine’s Cookie or Cupcake?

After all, love isn’t just about grand gestures, it’s about the quiet moments of connection, the conversations over coffee, and even the small acts of self-care that remind us we are worthy of love too.

Whatever you do, don’t let this day pass you by. Remember, it’s all about love, connection, and celebration.

How are you celebrating today?