International Flower Day is celebrated on 19th January which is doubly important at EMFD as it just so happens to be Liz's birthday - a happy coincidence indeed!
It turns out that these two occasions have a lot in common. International Flower Day promotes the connection that people share with each other and to show love and appreciation towards friends, family and even strangers, expressed through the gift of flowers.
It all began in Tasmania, January 2013 when a father and daughter (Rohan and Brooke Levy) were strolling through a market in Hobart and were stopped by a complete stranger who gave them a bunch of flowers.
This act of kindness took them completely by surprise and they in turn spent the rest of the day giving flowers to more than 280 complete strangers!
When people asked why they were giving flowers away, Rohan on the spur of the moment said it was National Flower Day, having just made it up. This was the birth of a project for them and International Flower Day has continued ever since.
Like Rohan and Brooke we, at EMFD, believe the power of flowers is commonly overlooked. And, whether we realise it or not, their impact upon us is proven to be immense and in some schools of thought, can even add years to our lives.
On this day, and at the mark of a new decade, Liz has decided to nominate her own flower of the year, not only to celebrate a special species for all of 2020 but to highlight just how important flowers are.
We are therefore delighted to announce that this year’s Elizabeth Marsh Flower of The Year is the Blue Anemone - a flower that has been said to fend off evil and ill wishes which adds to the mysticism and spirituality associated with deep blue and purple.
Interestingly, on the approach of a rainstorm the petals will close up which is why it is linked to anticipation and excitement for something in the future.
So for those you who have given someone a bouquet of flowers (or even better received one) you will know just how magical it can be and just how much it can matter.
It is this connection with people that is not only important to Liz (especially on her birthday!) but important to all of us at EMFD and we hope that this is shown every time we deliver - you could try it for yourself with a beautiful bouquet of Blue Anemones and see what the future holds!