Loves Me, Loves Me Not
By Peter Loewer
Cool Springs Press, $12.99
108 pages
ISBN 9781591862987

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REVIEW BY LINDA STANKARD

Flowers and expressions of love go hand in hand, and with Mother's Day coming up, Peter Loewer's latest book, Loves Me, Loves Me Not: The Hidden Language of Flowers is an especially timely tome. Loewer, a prolific natural sciences author, artist and host of "The Wild Gardener" radio show, explores the symbolic expression attached to different flowers through the ages. Everyone knows roses are a symbol of love, but did you know that the carnation, a symbol for Mother's Day since 1907, can also carry such varied meanings as "bravery," "love and friendship" or "vanity and pride"? Or that you should be sure to "make your intentions known" when giving petunias, since they can imply a variety of meanings ranging from "your presence comforts me" to "resentment"? Loewer's delightful illustrations accompany each flower's historical interpretation, and the book makes a nice gift by itself or paired with a favorite flower. When you want to send a consolation message, a "happy marriage" wish or simply say "thinking of you," these and many more sentiments can be conveyed by following this handy guide.