Project: Creating Tussie Mussies- Expressions of Love ❤️
When I was a much younger woman, early in my flower adventure, my dear friend gifted me with a tiny book. It was a reproduction of a hand painted copy of “The Language of Flowers.” The details of the book described a gift created and given by a loving husband to his wife on their golden anniversary. Accompanied by lovely botanical illustrations and a whopping 700 flowers with their traditional meaning this charming book beckoned back to the Victorian era and a time when carefully coded messages might arrive in artfully selected blooms.
Inspired by this little book and my desire to guide a flower activity that would provide the residents of Avita with a way to express themselves with flowers, the Tussie Mussie came to mind. Not only is it fun to say, but it’s exactly what love struck Victorians might have sent to one another.
During that era, the little bouquet might have arrived in an elegant broach fashioned to hold tiny blooms and worn as ornament. Often composed with herbs, the flowers could also double as early deodorant when bathing was in short supply. I can imagine the fragrance could also calm the nerves while they waited for the next flower message!
I discovered The Language of Flowers is alive and well in our modern world. Today, when the residents gathered, I shared our plan to create Tussie Mussies as a gift for giving to someone they love. Faces brightened with anticipation. Many mentioned family members would be the recipients of their affection.
As they put the finishing touches on their creations with colorful ribbons, I witnessed the beginning of this subtle form of communication. A gentleman had accompanied one of the regular members of our group today. Without a moment’s hesitation he lovingly handed the bouquet to his friend. She in turn handed him her bundle of love. And then, to my surprise I was handed a little bouquet from another member of the group. Her message was loud and clear. ❤️
Verbena Bee 