Why the Month of March is Wonderful for Women

With Mother's Day and International Women's Day, Neill Strain explains why March should be a month of floral celebration for women in Great Britain.

Although there are a trillion ideas for gifts for women, especially mothers, at this time of year, I am convinced by our clients that the emotion and beauty of flowers keeps them at the top of the list. International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8th and Mother's Day falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, March 15th. Which means, with so many exquisite flowers available at this moment, Ladies you could be in for a treat!

Surprisingly, International Women's Day produces the highest sales of flowers for the year at the Dutch flower auctions where the majority of the world's flowers are sold. For instance, there are 27 million tulips alone sold on one day for this special occasion. Combined with Roses, Orchids, spring flowers and all the other choices, there are a lot of flowers being offered to enterprising and appreciated women around the world !

Backed by the United Nations, International Women's Day marks the economic, political and social achievements of women and is celebrated mostly in Europe and Russia. With actress Patricia Arquette's speech for women's rights at the recent Oscar awards and the enthused support of Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez, women are glowing in the spotlight this week.

Mother's Day was started by Anna Jarvis in the USA in 1908. From West Virginia, this remarkable woman dedicated her life to founding an official day to honour "the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world." For her campaign she sold Carnations which soon became the designated flower for Mother's Day, although this tradition has been long overlooked in the U.K. There are so many flowers available at this time of year. In addition to the all-year-round classics, the exciting range of Spring flowers continues to grow; all fresh and enticing, delicate and feminine.

This year for Mother's Day, we have teamed up with Rachel Vosper, our friend and neighbour in Belgravia renowned for her luxurious hand-made candles. As one of the UK's leading Candle Chandlers, Rachel has created for us a three-wick candle in a range of seasonal fragrancies which we enrich with a wreath of our enchanting flowers, designed to express the sublime grace and tenderness of motherhood.

To see these inspiring designs, along with many others ranging from our Petite Couture arrangements to our impressive hand-tied bouquets, please drop by the Boutique at 11 West Halkin Street, or call us on 020 7235 6469. For more details on Rachel's candles, visit her at 69 Kinnerton Street, www.rachelvosper.com or call 020 7235 9666.

I hope all you wonderful women in the world will enjoy an exciting month of March and be adorned with flowers to bring you some of the joy that you give so abundantly and effectively to others.

Florally yours,

Neill x

Neill Strain Floral Couture, The Flower Lounge, 11 West Halkin Street, Belgravia London. Tel: 020 7235 6469.