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?

My Favourite Scentous Month

I love July.  It has to be my favourite month.  Not only is it my birthday month but my favourite plant is starting to flower.  I first discovered this plant when I was a little girl climbing trees in my parent’s garden.  At the time I thought that my mother and father had especially planted this tree for me so I had flowers on my birthday. I just could never work out why they planted it under my sister’s window and not mine!  Even when I smell the flowers today I get transported back to their garden and a time of simple existence.

I find the best way to give my life some TLC especially during one of the coldest months of the year is to have a Rogiera amoena. Many of you would know it by it’s old botanical name Rondeletia amoena.  Whether it be in the garden or a pot this plant is a must for all gardeners.  Some may class it as old fashioned, for me it’s timeless!

Previously the genus name, Rondeletia, commemorates Guillaume Rondelet, a 16th century French naturalist. The species name, amoena, is from the Latin meaning 'lovely' and lovely it is.

Rogiera amoena is an evergreen shrub or small tree to around 3m tall. It has dense green foliage making the perfect tree for hedging or as a feature.  Energex even thinks it’s a wonderful plant and recommends it for planting under power lines.

By July Rogiera amoena are just beginning to produce their clusters of deep pink buds which will slowly open to salmon-pink, perfumed flowers.  They will flower from July until the end of spring.  These deliciously scented flowers do not have an overpowering scent. If you are anything like me though you’ll want to sit all day in the garden and breathe in this divine scent.

Rogiera amoena’s are a versatile plant that can be grown in full sun or part shade.  It is a very tough, drought-tolerant plant for any style of garden from tropical to formal.  These plants are hardly bothered by pests or disease and they even attract butterflies!

 Whether you have a green-thumb or slightly brown tinged one Rogiera amoena are for you.

A light prune after flowering and a seasonal fertilise with an organic slow release fertiliser, I use Organic Link, will promote a denser form and more beautiful plant.

This weekend spoil yourself and take a trip back to your childhood.  Rogiera amoena are the best and easiest way to give yourself and garden some TLC during the cold month of July.