For 1-800-Flowers.com founder Jim McCann and his family, St. Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate their Irish heritage and welcome the arrival of spring.
The McCann family has several St. Patrick’s Day rituals. For Jim, the day always starts with a friend who sends out a text message at the crack of dawn. “Top O’ the mornin’ to ye!” it reads.
One of their favorite traditions is watching — and sometimes marching in — New York City’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Once, Jim and his wife Marylou were afforded a perfect view from the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral as a guest of Cardinal Timothy Dolan with their good friend Ed O’Brien. It’s a memory he’ll never forget.
Marylou spices things up with her famous Irish soda bread. Her recipe strays from tradition (accidentally, of course) by adding and omitting a few ingredients. The first time was a mix-up, but the result was so craic-ing good that the McCann clan demanded she keep the magic intact for years to come.
Dive into Marylou’s special soda bread recipe and brace yourself for a taste of Irish luck.
Hop along, friends. Easter is on its way, and you have gifts to deliver!
From posing for pictures with the Easter Bunny to hunting for eggs to baskets overflowing with goodies, this vibrant holiday tends to revolve around children. Whether it falls in March or April, Easter typically involves events galore that make kids — and their unbridled happiness — the focal point.
While this traditionally Christian holiday has become a joyful celebration of life and springtime focused on activities for families, adults can still get in on the fun. The themes of life, new beginnings, and faith lend themselves to thoughtful gifts that adults can exchange.
So, before you put on your Sunday best and head out for Easter brunch or a celebratory dinner, consider choosing one of these 10 Easter gift ideas for adults for your friends, loved ones, and those you care about most.
As beautiful and graceful as they are meaningful, Easter lilies are timeless gifts that fill homes with splendor and joy. With an alluring fragrance that complements their visual appeal, these lovely flowers make a wonderful addition to your spring décor. They are also symbolic and have been referenced many times in the Bible and Christian tradition. So, whether your recipient is religious or simply enjoys the beauty of spring flowers, an Easter lily is a gift with a lot of thought behind it.
In all the chaos that inevitably accompanies a holiday, it’s important to step back and take care of your well-being. If you want to encourage someone in your life to relax, recover, and take a little time for themselves, the gift of an at-home spa kit will do the trick. This particular set features a variety of self-care products that carry the soothing scent of cherry blossoms, one of the signature flowers of spring. It’s just what that stressed-out person needs to take a breath and let go of the tension he or she may be holding onto.
Whether it’s lights at Christmas or spooky inflatables for Halloween, décor is an essential part of getting in the holiday spirit. Put a personal spin on someone’s Easter décor by gifting them an Easter bunny garden sign personalized with their names. It’s a festive and thoughtful way to spread cheer.
Speaking of festive Easter décor, nothing welcomes people to a home like a greeting on the door. Whether they’re hosting Easter brunch or simply want to share their enthusiasm with the world, gifting your loved one this Easter bunny door hanger is sure to tickle their home decorating fancy. It’s a quality piece of art that will endure for many Easters to come.
Outside of bunnies and egg hunts, Easter is perhaps best known for its gift baskets overflowing with candy. While it’s common practice to surprise kids on Easter morning with these delicious treats, adults can participate in the sweet tradition too. Enter this Easter gift basket brimming with truffles, chocolates, and cookies. It’s all the fun of an Easter basket with treats designed for grown-up tastes.
Easter represents rebirth and new life, and few objects embody that symbolism like fresh flowers. Let the person you care about know how much you love and appreciate them this Easter by giving them a thoughtful bouquet of lavender and white blooms surrounded by vibrant greenery. When they blossom, the flowers will remind them of not only the Easter season but of your love.
While Easter has become a festive springtime holiday that everyone can enjoy, it is deeply rooted in Christian tradition. For the religious friends and loved ones in your life, a reminder of one of the most moving moments in their faith is a poignant gift that will speak to their hearts. This Easter cross wall art brings rustic beauty to any home and is adorned with a collection of meaningful words that celebrate the religious origins of the holiday.
Sweets are a staple of Easter celebrations, so what better way to lean into the spirit of the day than by gifting themed chocolates? These decorated chocolates are breakable, revealing insides packed with delicious chocolate chips and colorful candies. With designs like bunnies and chicks, these fun Easter treats are a whimsical — and interactive — way of sharing the holiday with your fellow adults.
Adorable Easter Bunny designs meet welcoming fragrances in this gift basket that includes four colorful coconut wax melts. Whoever receives this present will appreciate its thoughtful theme and wonderful scents. With scents ranging from rich and earthy to fresh and summery, the adorable contents of this box will fill a home with delightful smells well beyond the Easter season.
For a thoughtful, understated Easter gift full of tempting scents and luxurious soaps, look no further. With delicate Easter artwork, a cinnamon candle, a cinnamon goat milk soap bar, and a themed jar of matches, this tastefully decorated box encourages relaxation with items that only an adult can appreciate.
It’s time to don our green attire, raise a glass of Guinness, and immerse ourselves in the lively and spirited celebration of all things Irish. Aye, laddie, St. Patrick’s Day is nearly here.
From traditional blessings to humorous quips, St. Patrick’s Day quotes encapsulate the charm, wit, and warmth of Irish culture. These 58 delightful quotes capture the essence of this joyous occasion, spreading the luck and laughter of St. Patrick’s Day far and wide.
Quotes about St. Patrick’s Day
“It’s St. Paddy’s Day — everyone’s Irish tonight.” – Norman Reedus (as Murphy MacManus) in “The Boondock Saints”
“For the whole world is Irish on the Seventeenth o’ March!” – Thomas Augustine Daly
“The list of Irish saints is past counting; but in it all no other figure is so human, friendly, and lovable as St. Patrick.” – Stephen Gwynn
“Everybody is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, but if your name is Eisenhower, you’ve got to wear something green to show it.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
“It is St Patrick’s Day, and here at Scranton, that is a huge deal…It is the closest that the Irish will ever get to Christmas.” – Steve Carell (as Michael Scott) in “The Office”
“Every St. Patrick’s Day, every Irishman goes out to find another Irishman to make a speech to.” – Shane Leslie
“Most Irish Americans feel the same way about St. Patrick’s Day that Italian Americans feel about ‘Jersey Shore.’” – Jim Gaffigan
“I adore the St. Patrick’s Day tradition of fighting your whole family on the front lawn after sundown.” – Ryan Reynolds
“They say there are only two kinds of people on St. Patrick’s Day: the Irish and the people that drive them home.” – Conan O’Brien
“I come from an Irish Family. St. Patrick’s Day was our big holiday. The night before we’d hang up our stockings, and in the morning they’d be full of beer.” – Sean Morey
St. Patrick’s Day quotes about luck
“Luck is believing you’re lucky.” – Tennessee Williams, “A Streetcar Named Desire”
“The best luck of all is the luck you make for yourself.” – Douglas MacArthur
“The amount of good luck coming your way depends on your willingness to act.” – Barbara Sher
“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” – Thomas Jefferson
“I’ve always thought you’ve got to believe in luck to get it.” – Victoria Holt
“We are all a great deal luckier than we realize. We usually get what we want — or near enough.” – Roald Dahl
“Luck is not chance, it’s toil. Fortune’s expensive smile is earned.” – Emily Dickinson
“You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from.” – Cormac McCarthy, “No Country for Old Men”
“I’ve always believed in luck. I love the fact that people can change their lives instantly.” – Fiona Barton
“When it comes to luck, you make your own.” – Bruce Springsteen, “Lucky Town”
“You’ve got to think lucky. If you fall into a mudhole, check your back pocket —you might have caught a fish.” – Darrell Royal
“You gotta try your luck at least once a day, because you could be going around lucky all day and not even know it.” – Jimmy Dean
“If you work, if you wait, you will find the place where the four-leaf clovers grow.” – Ella Higginson, “Four-leaf Clover”
“Don’t throw away luck on little stuff. Save it up.” – Tim O’Brien
“The only sure thing about luck is that it will change.” – Wilson Mizner
“Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
“Good luck needs no explanation.” – Shirley Temple
“Luck? Luck is hard work — and realizing what is opportunity and what isn’t.” – Lucille Ball
“Diligence is the mother of good luck.” – Benjamin Franklin
“Luck marches with those who give their very best.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.
“It’s hard to detect good luck — it looks so much like something you’ve earned.” – Frank A. Clark
St. Patrick’s Day quotes about Ireland and being Irish
“Being Irish is very much a part of who I am. I take it everywhere with me.” – Colin Farrell
“Even when they have nothing, the Irish emit a kind of happiness, a joy.” – Fiona Shaw
“Ireland is a land of poets and legends, of dreamers and rebels.” – Nora Roberts
“I will tell you, my body immediately responds to being in Ireland because every single cell in my body says yes.” – Conan O’Brien
“Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.” – William Butler Yeats
“I’m Irish!…When I feel well, I feel better than anyone, when I am in pain, I yell at the top of my lungs, and when I am dead, I shall be deader than anybody.” – Morgan Llywelyn
“The great Gaels of Ireland are the men that God made mad / For all their wars are merry, and all their songs are sad.” – G.K. Chesterton, “The Ballad of the White Horse”
“Thankfully, the rest of the world assumed that the Irish were crazy, a theory that the Irish themselves did nothing to debunk. They had somehow got it into their heads that each fairy lugged around a pot of gold with him wherever he went. While it was true that LEP had a ransom fund, because of its officers’ high-risk occupation, no human had ever taken a chunk of it yet. This didn’t stop the Irish population in general from skulking around rainbows, hoping to win the supernatural lottery.” – Eoin Colfer, “Artemis Fowl”
“I think being a woman is like being Irish…Everyone says you’re important and nice, but you take second place all the time.” – Iris Murdoch
“There is no language like the Irish for soothing and quieting.” – John Millington Synge
“When anyone asks me about the Irish character, I say look at the trees. Maimed, stark and misshapen, but ferociously tenacious.” – Edna O’Brien
“It’s not that the Irish are cynical. It’s rather that they have a wonderful lack of respect for everything and everybody.” – Brendan Behan
“To anyone with a drop of Irish blood in them, the land they live on is like their mother. It’s the only thing that lasts, that’s worth working for, worth fighting for.” – Alexandra Ripley
“To be Irish is to know that, in the end, the world will break your heart.” – Daniel Patrick Moynihan
“The heart of an Irishman is nothing but his imagination.” – George Bernard Shaw, “John Bull’s Other Island”
“Love is never defeated, and, I could add, the history of Ireland proves it.” – Pope John Paul II
“I’m not going to a distant world. I’m of Ireland, and I’ll stay in Ireland until I die!” – Tom Cruise (as Joseph Donnelly) in “Far and Away”
“I wish that I could stop feeling that I want to be an Irish girl in Ireland.” – Saoirse Ronan (as Eilis) in “Brooklyn”
“Ireland, once you live there, you’re seduced by it.” – Frank McCourt
“You can take a man out of Ireland, but you can’t take the Irishness out of the man.” – Tyson Fury
“That’s what the holidays are for — for one person to tell the stories and another to dispute them. Isn’t that the Irish way?” – Lara Flynn Boyle
“If you’re Irish, it doesn’t matter where you go — you’ll find family.” – Victoria Smurfit
“In Ireland, the inevitable never happens and the unexpected constantly occurs.” – John Pentland Mahaffy
“Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible.” – Charles Haughey
“Ireland, sir, for good or evil, is like no other place under heaven, and no man can touch its sod or breathe its air without becoming better or worse.” – George Bernard Shaw, “John Bull’s Other Island”
“Irish history fact: We invented whiskey, sarcasm, and bare-knuckle brawling. All on the same night. In that order.” – Denis Leary
“If this humor be the safety of our race, then it is due largely to the infusion into the American people of the Irish brain.” – William Howard Taft
A 40th birthday marks a turning point in life. It’s a moment when we reflect on how far we’ve come, and how much more we want to accomplish. And if, as the saying goes, life begins at 40, a 40th birthday party offers a great way to usher in this exciting new phase of life.
Whether you’re throwing a 40th birthday party for a loved one or hosting your own big 4-0 birthday bash, we’ve got plenty of unique ideas to celebrate the start of a new decade and commemorate a big milestone.
I love to host parties that are really meaningful to the birthday recipient, and some of our favorite things from childhood can really bring a party to life.
dawn lopez
Founder of the Cutefetti blog
Nostalgic 40th birthday ideas (with a grown-up twist)
1980s-themed party
For that ’80s baby turning 40, there’s a certain heartwarming charm to reliving the era of neon, cassette tapes, and classic arcade games. “I love to host parties that are really meaningful to the birthday recipient, and some of our favorite things from childhood can really bring a party to life,” explains party expert Dawn Lopez, creator of the Cutefetti blog.
One way to throw an ’80s-themed birthday party is to go all-in on the era: Play hits from the decade by Madonna or Bon Jovi, add lots of bright decorations, and ask guests to dress up in iconic outfits of the era, such as leg warmers, oversized sweaters, and acid wash jeans.
Lopez suggests going deeper into childhood memories for a 40th birthday party theme. She likes to focus on someone’s favorite superhero or cartoon character from back in the day. “See how you can bring elements of the characters and story to life through fun foods and decorations.” You could also incorporate elements from a popular ’80s movie or video game.
Recreate your favorite childhood party place
Did you, or the guest of honor, spend every weekend at the arcade? Or did an ideal Friday night consist of eating pan pizza at an iconic chain restaurant or hanging out at the local video rental spot? Then throw an instant pizza party that’s even better than you remember, with pizza kits that come with a bottle of wine as bonus! (For a truly nostalgic experience, serve cola too.) You could also pick up some old school DVDs and candy to recreate those all-night movie marathons you used to have in your best friend’s basement.
Want to make a big impression? Serve up plenty of sweet treats in the form of a breakable chocolate pretzel pizza (which comes with its own mallet for busting). That’s sure to be a smashing birthday moment worth capturing.
Was the roller skating rink your second home? Lopez suggests finding a retro roller skating rink and serving themed food items. “It would be cute to serve roller skate-shaped cake, cookies, and snacks,” she says.
‘Intriguing’ 40th birthday ideas
Make turning 40 into a mystery
Grab a murder mystery game kit and assign characters beforehand so everyone can dress the part (or just wing it on the spot by supplying some props). Of course, you’ll also want to serve up snacks and drinks. A mystery cookie box and bloody marys sound appropriate. Add a classy touch with myriad mocktails, from Espress0% Martini to Sansgria, for those skipping the alcohol.
Fortune-ate at 40
Bring an air of mystique to your 40th birthday party by inviting a psychic to tell everyone’s fortunes, or DIY the future-casting with a set of tarot cards. Gift tarot-themed plant seed packets and tarot card mini journals as favors, and decorate with some tarot-themed items like candles and diffusers.
Camp out under the stars
There’s nothing like escaping into nature to usher in a new beginning in life — and what better way to do it than with friends and family to celebrate turning 4-0. Get together around the campfire, tell spooky stories, and treat everyone to s’more making with your choice of ingredients presented beautifully on a customized wooden board. Pair it with s’mores-flavored popcorn and some chocolate-, marshmallow-, and graham-themed gourmet snacks.
Enriching 40th birthday ideas
Take an online workshop
Learning something new can be an invigorating and bonding experience among loved ones. And the best part is you don’t need to have any skills or prior experience to dive into a new hobby or interest. Whether it becomes a life-long passion or merely a one-time adventure, exploring a culinary, craft, or specialized skill can be a way to broaden your horizons when turning 40. Try your hand at a virtual group lesson, such as flower arranging, pasta making, succulent growing, or mixology.
Host a Bob Ross paint party
Take the classic paint party and make it epic with everyone’s favorite ASMR art instructor. Heck, you don’t even need to do any painting! (Although if you want to, we’ve got you covered.) A Bob Ross-themed 40th birthday party decoration package is sure to do the trick. Throw in “Bob Mob” for the lawn and a wine and light bites package, and you’re sure to have plenty of “happy little trees.”
You don’t need to travel far to find an adventure. Turning 40 means trying new things, so get out and do something new, such as an escape room, rage room, or VR lounge. For those that want to get the heart pumping, visit a trampoline gym or play laser tag. You’ll come home invigorated from the experience, and hungry from all the energy you expended, which is why an instant Italian dinner — with all the comforts of spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, and apple crostata already made and ready for you to enjoy — is the perfect birthday meal.
Your favorite book or movie birthday
At 40, you probably have very specific tastes and fandoms when it comes to your entertainment choices. Bring that pop culture obsession to life with a party that celebrates a favorite book, movie, or TV series. How about a Mad Hatter tea party or “Lord of the Rings”–inspired feast with plenty of dishes featuring “po-tay-toes“? For the Jane Austen fan, recreate the splendor of a gorgeous English garden by filling the space with springtime blooms and a stunning centerpiece. Serve up traditional English muffins, offer Regency-style dance lessons, and invite guests to dress in Bridgerton-style outfits.
Escape to another era
Time travel to the past with a 40th birthday party set in an iconic era. Picture turning your home into a roaring 1920s speakeasy with flapper attire, a posh cocktail-making station (don’t forget to offer some mocktails as well!), and indulgent delights, such as caviar and chocolate truffles. Or create some “disco fever” with a 70s-themed birthday bash. Invite guests to sport their best bell-bottoms and platforms, and add a disco ball, funky music and, of course, smiley faces.
No-school snow day for big kids
Remember those magical days when school got canceled for snow and all you did was watch cartoons, have snowball fights, and retreat in the house for hot chocolate breaks? Recreate those unforgettable times by inviting friends to come over in their best pajama outfits and fixing up a cereal bar with all your favorite childhood breakfast treats (including cereal cookies!), along with some adult beverages.
Lopez says, “I love the idea of throwing a sleepover-inspired party — basically, a celebration that brings the birthday person right back to their childhood. I once threw an old school party to celebrate friendships and served up a retro waffle bar and handed out friendship bracelets. It was SO much fun.”
Whether you think luck simply comes to you or you make your own, there’s no doubt that for centuries people have tried to change their fortune for the better with good luck charms and talismans. A money tree, a horseshoe hung over the door, and making a wish at 11:11 come to mind.
As luck would have it (yes, pun intended), there are countless symbols that might turn your day around, whether you’re looking for a little boost or are just in the right place at the right time. Pop on one of these wearable symbols or add a serendipitous item to your home, and your luck could change for the better.
Not a believer? Well, these good luck gifts are stunning anyway.
This necklace pendant has a rose gold overlay on top of a sterling silver hand-stamped hamsa with the words “Protection,” “Power,” “Prosperity,” “Love,” “Abundance,” “Peace,” “Happiness,” “Health,” “Strength,” and “Luck.” The hamsa is found in Jewish and Muslim cultures in the Middle East, and the word “hamsa” translates to “five” in both Hebrew and Arabic. The eye in the hand-shaped symbol is supposed to ward off the evil eye; thus, the hamsa is worn as protection from evil spirits.
Catching a glimpse of a rainbow certainly feels special, and it is — you have to be just in the right place to spot one of them. (Rainbows are actually optical illusions, but we don’t need to get into the science of that here. That’s what sites like Popular Science are for.) Then there’s the matter of the legendary pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If you’re on the hunt for that, you’re out of luck because, as luck would have it, rainbows have no end. They are a full circle — you just can’t see the other half because the horizon gets in the way.
Rainbows, nonetheless, are associated with healing, hope, and peace, and this beautiful charm is the perfect reminder of those signs.
Many legends persist about how horseshoes became a lucky symbol, but the most ubiquitous is that of a patron saint of Ireland, a blacksmith. The devil demanded the blacksmith make him shoes, but the blacksmith wasn’t tricked and instead nailed a burning hot shoe to the devil’s cloven hoof, prompting the god of the underworld to declare he would never go near a horseshoe again. Warding off the devil seems like a good thing.
In numerology, 11:11 is considered an angel number, one that is either a palindrome or follows a pattern. The number 1, specifically, can represent new beginnings. The superstitious feel that the luckiest day of the year is 11/11 with their wishes coming at — you guessed it — 11:11.
While the three-leaf clover was associated with another patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, and his work spreading the word of Christianity there, the four-leaf clover is in short supply. Legend says that Eve took a four-leaf clover from the Garden of Eden to remind her of paradise (sounds lovely). And the English say if you dream of clover, you will have a happy marriage (also sounds lovely). Each of the four leaves, according to a European poem, has its own meaning: faithful love, fame, health, and wealth.
Finding a four-leafed variety is unlikely, as it only appears 1 in 10,000 times. Therefore, wishful thinking would follow that if you’re lucky enough to find a four-leaf clover…then, well, you’ll be lucky enough for anything prosperous. And that sounds very lovely!
In ancient Etruria (central Italy), chickens were considered the oracles of the future, and, thus, Etruscans stroked the wishbones of these birds for good luck. But chickens at the time were also scarce, so people broke the bones in half to spread the wealth of luck. The tradition was passed from the Romans to the British and, ultimately, to the Pilgrims, who found turkeys — and, by extension, wishbones — in abundance in the new world.
The money tree is associated with good fortune and is a common gift for the Chinese New Year. The story goes that a man found the tree and took it home, and grew many more trees from it, giving him financial prosperity (gives new meaning to having a “green” thumb!). The specially trained trunks are known to keep luck within their braids. According to the rules of feng shui, the money tree should be kept in the southeast corner of the home, where it thrives in an abundance of indirect light.
Most Americans know St. Patrick, whose feast day celebrated here is largely associated with rainbows, leprechauns, and pots of gold. Though his life was filled with suffering, St. Patrick spread Christianity throughout Ireland, explaining its Holy Trinity meaning through a shamrock — the three-leafed plant that now represents St. Patrick’s Day to many in the U.S. and around the world.
This flowering gift includes a resin shamrock with the saying “For each petal on the shamrock this brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck and happiness for today and every day.”
Hand carved of Indian rosewood, this is an entertaining statement piece. Not only gorgeous but symbolic, the yin and yang is the ultimate sign of balance, coexisting peacefully together, and each side has a bit of the other in it (in this case, your spots for salsa and guac!). When this balance is achieved, energy is harmonious, according to Chinese Taoism. Sounds like a perfect plan, whatever your dip of choice!
A harbinger of long life and lasting presence, the turtle has been around since before the dinosaurs. In a Hindu depiction, the turtle holds four elephants who, in turn, hold up the earth, signifying the weight of the world. And in Native American cultures, the turtle represents healing, wisdom, spirituality, heath, safety, longevity, protection, and fertility.
This statue can live inside or outside, but we picture this little guy greeting guests at your entryway. He has certain good vibes, as all turtles seem to (remember Crush from “Finding Nemo”?).
Symbols of peace and power, strength and knowledge, a hand-carved elephant made of soapstone will be a reminder to you that all things are possible with patience and learning. This African treasure will be right at home on your desk, as elephants represent wisdom and prosperity.
Beautiful and sleek, yet easy to take care of, bamboo is highly prized in Chinese culture and feng shui. This lucky bamboo has three stalks braided into two, with each stalk representing happiness, longevity, and wealth. A beautiful gift for someone starting a new job or new life together, lucky bamboo will bring positive energy.
Every birthday is worthy of being celebrated, but a leap year birthday deserves extra special attention. That’s because there is a 1 in 1,461 chance that an individual will be born on Feb. 29. So when you or someone you know has a birthday on that day — and it actually appears on the calendar — it’s even more important to make a big deal of it.
But before we share ideas about how to celebrate, let’s find out more about how leap years came to be and why they are still necessary. (Spoiler: It has to do with the Earth’s orbit around the sun and a fraction of a day.)
History of leap years
Thank goodness for people who pay attention to the details. While the rest of us roll through our lives content in the knowledge there are 365 days in a year, the fact is it takes 365.242190 days for Earth to orbit the sun, and that overage amounts to an additional five hours, 45 minutes, and change. Over the course of time, that fraction of a day matters — so much so that if wasn’t somehow accounted for, it would disrupt the timing of our seasons.
Some ancient calendars tracked both lunar and sun cycles, and the difference between the two tracking systems amounted to 11 days. To account for this time, the ancients added extra months to their calendars, known as interstitial months. Feeling this was too hard a system to manage, Julius Caesar did the math in 46 BCE and figured that adding an extra day to the calendar every four years would balance it out.
When I turned 24, we did a clown-themed birthday party for a 6-year-old. When I turned 40, we did a superhero party suitable for a 10-year-old.”
Bobbie Hoehner, owner of The Healing Lounge at Get Tanked Float Center
All was fine until 1582 AD, when it was discovered that the addition of a day every four years over the course of centuries resulted in an overage of 10 days. (Does your brain hurt yet? Mine does.)
Fortunately, Pope Gregory XIII found that by adding an extra day to the calendar in years evenly divided by four, and only in century years evenly divided by 400, all would be right in the universe once again. This became the Gregorian calendar, with Feb. 29 designated as the official leap year date.
Leaplings, leapers, and leapsters
Leap year babies — of which there are only about 5 million in a world populated by nearly 8 billion people — are known alternatively as leapers, leaplings, and leapsters. Bobbie Hoehner, who runs her family’s business The Healing Lounge at Get Tanked in Hinesville, Georgia, is one such leapling — and she wasn’t the only one in her family.
“My great uncle and my aunt also had leap year birthdays, so I always had someone to celebrate with,” Hoehner says. On non-leap years, she celebrates her birthday on Feb. 28. “In the leap year community, there is debate over which day we should celebrate. Some celebrate on the 28th, some celebrate on March 1st. But 28 plus 1 equals 29, so we generally think we get to celebrate both.”
Hoehner says that being a leapling is also fun because she gets to celebrate being two ages. On leap year birthdays, she celebrates with a theme that corresponds to her leap year age. “When I turned 24, we did a clown-themed birthday party for a 6-year-old. When I turned 40, we did a superhero party suitable for a 10-year-old,” she says.
As fun as it may be for some, being a leap year baby can have its challenges, says leapling Rae Clapper, innkeeper at Apple’s Bed & Breakfast in Big Bear Lake, California. Once when she was on a cross-country trip, an encounter with a local sheriff resulted in a misunderstanding. “The sheriff asked for my license. When he came back, he said it was invalid due to my birthdate,” Clapper says. “I had to explain I was a leap year baby and even Googled it to show him! He cleared me and apologized.”
10 ways to celebrate a leap year birthday
Here are 10 ways to celebrate the rare and special occasion of a leap year birthday.
Check out your community’s events calendar or take trip to the Leap Year Festival in Anthony, Texas — the self-proclaimed leap year capital of the world.
In 2020, Clapper threw herself a “Purple Rain”/Prince-themed party. “I hired a Prince band named the Purple Ones and went all out,” she says. “It was awesome — everyone wore purple.” Don’t forget to have plenty of gourmet food and drinks on hand.
6. Take an overnight holiday
Some leapsters enjoy a two-day leap day birthday celebration, so why not take the opportunity to enjoy an overnight trip. Enjoy two or three days at a special resort or spa to commemorate the occasion.
7. Treat yourself to a spa day
If heading out of town isn’t feasible, pamper yourself with a luxury spa day at home, or host one for you and your closest friends.
8. Throw a leap year age party
Take a page out of Hoehner’s book and have a party with a theme that corresponds to your leap year age. Frogs are big in the leap year community, of course, or choose a special symbol or character that you loved growing up, such as unicorns or Mickey Mouse.
9. Give yourself a gift that gives back
Buy local, handmade items from sellers in your community or find an organization that contributes to a worthy cause when you make a purchase from it.
10. Sign up for a monthly gift club
Flowers, food, wine…whatever your pleasure, there’s a gift subscription that can have it delivered to your door. Until your next leap day birthday!
Are you looking to add a burst of color and beauty to your garden or home? Then consider bringing Gerbera daisies into your life. With its vibrant petals and cheerful appearance, this popular flower is a favorite among gardeners and florists alike.
However, to keep your Gerbera daisies thriving and blooming, proper care is essential. Let’s delve into all aspects of Gerbera daisy care — from planting and watering to pest control and propagation – so that you can enjoy the beauty of these cheerful flowers all year round.
Origin and significance of Gerbera daisies
Originating from the sunny climes of South Africa, Gerbera daisies were named as an homage to Traugott Gerber, a German naturalist and confidante of the revered Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus.
In terms of symbolism, Gerbera daisies, with their vivid hues and symmetrical petals, communicate cheerfulness, purity, and innocence. In Roman mythology, the Gerbera daisy is connected to the goddess of dawn, Aurora, and, thus, symbolizes the hope and promise of a new day.
Ideal growing conditions for Gerbera daisies
Gerbera daisies need ample sunlight, preferably a full six hours worth. They do, however, appreciate a bit of shade in the afternoon, when the sun’s rays can be harsh and potentially damage their foliage.
Gerbera daisies have a slight preference for well-drained soil that leans toward the acidic side, with an optimal pH range between 5.5 and 6.5.
These flowers thrive in warmth, making them a great choice for those living in warmer climates. (In the United States, for instance, they do best in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11.) If you’re growing them indoors, try to keep the temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, a range that mimics the conditions of their native habitat.
How to plant Gerbera daisies
Plant Gerbera daisies 12 to 18 inches apart from one another, giving them enough room to spread their leaves and stretch their roots. When planting, make sure the crown of the daisy is visible above the soil surface. This will ensure that the base of the plant stays dry and free from rot, and your daisies remain perky and vibrant.
If you are container gardening, it’s imperative to use pots with good drainage to prevent the plants from getting waterlogged. Too much water can drown the roots, causing plant distress.
Watering and fertilizing tips
Watering your Gerbera daisies is all about balance and timing. You want to drench the soil thoroughly during watering, but then let it dry out before the next watering session. This prevents over-hydration, a common mistake that can lead to root and crown rot.
Regarding fertilizing, at the time of planting, use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to give your daisies a healthy start. After that, continue this ritual every six weeks during the growing season to provide your gerbera daisies with the necessary nutrients they need to thrive.
Pruning your Gerbera daisies is essential. Gently remove lower leaves and old flower stalks with pruning shears to make way for a new flush of growth and blooms, and to keep your plants looking fresh and lively. This also helps manage the size of your plant, preventing it from taking over other plants in your garden.
Deadhead any spent flowers, wilted petals, or browning leaves to ensure continuous blooming and minimize the risk of pests and diseases. To do this, simply follow the stem of the browning leaf or petal down to the base of the plant and make your cut there.
Common Gerbera daisy pests and diseases
Critters that might find your daisies appetizing include aphids, thrips, and spider mites. An effective tool against these pests is insecticidal soap. Alternatively, consider introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs, into your garden. You can buy ladybugs at most garden stores.
Gerbera daisies can also face challenges like powdery mildew and leaf spots, which can mar the beauty of your plants and hinder their growth. You can ward off these diseases by sticking to the watering routine laid out above. This will prevent an overly moist environment that diseases love. Similarly, ensuring proper air circulation around your plants can deter these diseases.
Enjoying Gerbera daisies in your home
Gerbera daisies are not just a delight to grow but also make splendid additions to any indoor space. Having them in your home adds an infectious cheerfulness, making them the perfect decor for any room. Their vivid colors can be a conversation starter or simply an accent piece that breathes life into a space.
These flowers also make a great gift. Handing a bunch of these vibrant blooms to a dear friend, beloved family member, or significant other is like sharing the warmth of a sunny day with them.
So, go ahead and cut a few stems — just make sure to do it in the early morning or late evening, when the flowers are well-hydrated and at their freshest. Put them in a vase, change the water every few days, and, just like that, you’ve added instant cheer to your home.
Green flowers possess a refreshing charm that sets them apart in the world of blooms. Whether sporting vibrant shades or subtle hues, these blossoms bring a unique allure to the botanical tapestry of any outdoor space and herald the arrival of spring.
Given their relative rarity in nature, green flowers are natural difference makers in gardens and homes alike. Let’s explore these 20 types of green flowers that have a wide variety of uses, from St. Patrick’s Day decorations to spring-themed centerpieces to wedding arrangements.
1. Button pom
The green button pom flower, sometimes referred to as the Yoko Ono or Kermit pom, is a type of chrysanthemum that sports a bright color and unique shape. This fragrant flower adds a touch of liveliness and fun to any room or arrangement.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
With its one-of-a-kind look, the spider mum turns any floral arrangement into a show stopper. Known for their distinctive and elongated petals that give them the appearance of spider legs, these unique flowers are favorites in autumn gardens.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
USDA hardiness zones: 5-9
Bloom time: Late summer to fall
3. Bells of Ireland (Molucella laevis)
Cultivated since the 1500s, Bells of Ireland are a stunning addition to any bouquet or garden. Although these types of green flowers originated in Turkey, the combination of their color and association with luck led to the Irish-inspired nickname.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH
USDA hardiness zones: 2-11
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
4. Cymbidium orchid (Cymbidium)
This decorative plant blooms from spring to fall, producing beautiful flowers — in colors including lime green — that provide the perfect contrasting touch to your garden. Orchids also make a great addition to a centerpiece or corsage.
USDA hardiness zones: N/A (grown as indoor plants)
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
5. Gladiolus “Green Star”
Uniquely colored with petals blooming along a tall stem, the green gladiolus is gaining in popularity and popping up in gardens across the world. Planting it in the early spring will produce the most impressive blooms.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
USDA hardiness zones: 8-11
Bloom time: Late spring to early fall
6. Anthurium (Anthurium spp.)
The anthurium, also called “laceleaf” or “flamingo flower,” blooms into a stunning flower with unique heart-shaped leaves, making it one of the most popular tropical houseplants. It is know as the world’s longest-blooming houseplant; each bloom of the anthurium can last up to eight weeks!
Sun exposure: Bright, indirect light
Soil needs: Well-draining, loose, and airy potting mix
USDA hardiness zones: N/A (cultivated as indoor plants)
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
7. Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)
Zinnias are vibrant and cheerful annual flowers that add a burst of color to gardens and landscapes. With a diverse range of shapes, sizes, and colors — green included — zinnias are known for their resilience, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH
USDA hardiness zones: 3-10
Bloom time: Late spring to first frost
8. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
Hydrangeas are iconic flowering shrubs known for their large, showy blooms and lush, vibrant foliage. These versatile plants offer a timeless and elegant presence in gardens, with a diverse range of varieties that provide different flower shapes and colors, including green.
Sun exposure: Partial to full shade
Soil needs: Well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter
USDA hardiness zones: 3-9
Bloom time: Late spring to early fall
9. Rose (Rosa)
Roses stand as timeless symbols of love and beauty, gracing gardens and landscapes with their exquisite blooms and intoxicating fragrance. With an extensive variety of colors — green among them — forms, and fragrances, roses have captivated the hearts of gardeners and flower lovers for centuries.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter
USDA hardiness zones: 4-9
Bloom time: Late spring to early fall
10. Green hellebore (Helleborus viridis)
A charming perennial plant that adds early-season interest to shaded gardens, green hellebore is valued for its distinctive, palmate (“palm-like”) leaves and clusters of nodding, green flowers. With its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, this European native is a resilient and enchanting choice for woodland gardens and shaded borders.
Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH
USDA hardiness zones: 6-9
Bloom time: Late spring to early fall
12. Dahlia (Dahlia spp.)
Known for their intricate petals and stunning array of shapes and sizes, dahlias are a favorite among gardeners and florists alike. From the classic dinner-plate varieties to the petite pompons, these enchanting blooms contribute a burst of elegance and charm to gardens, borders, and floral arrangements. They are especially popular as wedding flowers.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
USDA hardiness zones: 8-11
Bloom time: Late spring to first frost
13. Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias)
Mediterranean spurge, also known as Albanian spurge, is a striking perennial known for its architectural presence and unique flowering structure. This drought-tolerant plant — with its upright stems, gray-green foliage, and distinctive flower heads — brings height and visual interest to gardens everywhere.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Prefers well-draining soil, but is well-adapted to poor, rocky soils
Standing as a symbol of elegance and sophistication, the calla lily is best known for its exquisite trumpet-shaped flowers and sleek, arrowhead-shaped leaves. Native to southern Africa, this perennial beauty is a beloved choice for weddings, floral arrangements, and garden landscapes.
Sun exposure: Partial shade to full sun
Soil needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
USDA hardiness zones: 8-10
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
15. Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus)
Ranunculus, a native of the Eastern Mediterranean, is a captivating flowering bulb with layers of delicate, paper-thin petals and vibrant colors. Often referred to as the Persian buttercup, the ranunculus is a symbol of radiant charm and elegance.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
USDA hardiness zones: 8-11
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
16. Echinacea “Green Jewel”
This distinctive cultivar of the native purple coneflower is known for its unique green-centered blooms. A perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, the echinacea “Green Jewel” is adored for its ornamental value, attracting pollinators while providing a captivating display in gardens.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
USDA hardiness zones: 3-8
Bloom time: Early to late summer
17. Sweet William “Green Ball” (Dianthus barbatus)
Sweet William is a charming and fragrant biennial or short-lived perennial that has been a garden favorite for centuries. Known for its clusters of vibrant and eye-catching green flowers, Sweet William adds a touch of nostalgia and allure to cottage gardens and landscapes.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
USDA hardiness zones: 3-9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
18. Cockscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata)
This unique and eye-catching annual is known for its distinctive flower heads that resemble vibrant, velvety crests or combs. Native to tropical regions, cockscomb adds a touch of exotic flair to gardens and landscapes with its flamboyant blooms and rich colors.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
USDA hardiness zones: N/A (grown as an annual)
Bloom time: Late spring to early fall
19. Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata)
Flowering tobacco is a fragrant and ornamental annual that graces gardens with its elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms and alluring scent. The plant is prized for its nocturnal fragrance, making it a captivating addition to evening gardens.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
USDA hardiness zones: N/A (grown as an annual)
Bloom time: Late spring to early fall
20. Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis)
A perennial herbaceous plant celebrated for its distinctive foliage and delicate, frothy flowers, lady’s mantle is a low-maintenance beauty that is a favorite in cottage gardens and landscapes. Its unique leaves, charming flowers, and adaptability make it a versatile and enchanting addition to various garden settings.
Sun exposure: Partial shade to full sun
Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
As winter bids us farewell and nature awakens from its slumber, March heralds the arrival of vibrant blooms that breathe life into the world. Among the stars of the early spring garden are two enchanting flowers that symbolize the beauty and renewal associated with this season.
Whether planted outdoors or displayed inside the home, these radiant specimens bring joy and positivity to their surroundings. And with proper care, you can witness these March birth flowers transforming your space into luscious tapestries of color and fragrance.
What are the March birth flowers?
The March birth flowers are the daffodil and jonquil.
Daffodils (Narcissus) are a genus of perennial plants native to Europe and North Africa. One of the most recognizable features of the daffodil is its trumpet-shaped flower. The most common shades of daffodils are yellow and white, but they also come in orange, pink, or bi-colored. While they can produce solitary blooms, daffodils are often seen in clusters. These hardy perennials grow from bulbs, which are planted in the fall and emerge from the ground in the spring.
Jonquils (Narcissus jonquilla) are a specific subgroup within the larger Narcissus genus, which includes various daffodils. The flowers emit a sweet and often intense scent. Like daffodils, jonquils feature trumpet-shaped flowers, typically grow in clusters, sprout from bulbs, and are among the earliest-blooming flowers in spring.
What is the history of daffodils?
Daffodils are believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region; their roots have been traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. The name “narcissus” is derived from Greek mythology: The story goes that Narcissus, a beautiful youth, falls in love with his own reflection and transforms into the flower that now bears his name.
Daffodils gradually spread across Europe, and by the Middle Ages, they had become popular ornamental plants. During the Victorian era, daffodils came to be associated with sentiments of renewal, rebirth, and the promise of a new beginning in floriography.
Daffodils eventually made their way to colonial America, the bulbs being brought over by European settlers who yearned for a reminder of their homeland. Today, daffodils grow almost everywhere in North America, and in many places across the world, and are most commonly found near forests, grasslands, and riverbanks.
What does the daffodil mean?
With their emergence early in the season, daffodils are often associated with the end of winter and the beginning of a new cycle of life. These golden blossoms also convey messages of hope, positivity, and the anticipation of brighter days ahead. Daffodils are hardy perennials that can withstand challenging conditions and, as such, are seen as symbols of resilience, strength, and the ability to overcome adversity.
In modern times, the daffodil has been adopted as a symbol for cancer awareness. The American Cancer Society uses the daffodil to represent hope for a cure and support for individuals affected by cancer.
Caring for daffodils is relatively straightforward, and with proper attention, you can enjoy their cheerful blooms year after year.
Planting: Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall before the ground freezes, in a location with well-drained soil. Place the bulbs about 6 to 8 inches under the ground, with the pointed end facing upward.
Sunlight: Daffodils thrive in full to partial sunlight, so plant them in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Watering: Daffodils prefer moderate watering. Water the bulbs well after planting, and water sparingly throughout the growing season.
Fertilization: Fertilize daffodils in early spring just as the shoots emerge from the soil. Use a balanced fertilizer or one specifically formulated for bulbs.
Division: Every few years, consider dividing crowded clumps of daffodils. Lift the bulbs after the foliage has withered, separate them, and replant them at the recommended spacing.
Container care: If growing daffodils in containers, ensure the pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Use well-draining potting mix, and water as needed.
3 interesting facts about daffodils
The daffodil is the national flower of Wales, where it is associated with St. David’s Day, the national day of Wales. It is worn by people in Wales on this day as a symbol of national pride.
Daffodils are one of the few flowers that continues to produce a toxin harmful to other flowers even after being cut. This makes them ideal for exclusive arrangements, as they don’t play well with other flowers in a vase.
The poet William Wordsworth immortalized daffodils in his poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” in which he describes the beauty and impact of encountering a field of blooming daffodils.
What are the best March birth flower gifts?
These bright and cheerful gift options highlight the March birth flowers and everything we love about them.
The history of Jonquils is intertwined with the broader history of the Narcissus genus. Jonquils, specifically, are believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, particularly in Spain and Portugal. The name “jonquil” is derived from the Spanish term “jonquillo,” which refers to the rush-like leaves of the plant.
What does the jonquil mean?
The bright and vibrant jonquil is often seen as a symbol of joy and cheerfulness, and its sweet fragrance is often linked to themes of love and romance.
Otherwise, jonquils represent much the same things as daffodils: the anticipation of the changing seasons, renewal and rejuvenation, and the resurrection and joyous spirit of Easter.
How to care for jonquils
Planting: Plant jonquil bulbs in the fall, preferably 4 to 6 weeks before the first hard frost. Choose a well-drained location that receives partial to full sunlight.
Soil conditions: Jonquils prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Bulb depth: Plant jonquil bulbs at a depth of about 4 to 6 inches, placing them pointy side up. Space the bulbs approximately 4 to 6 inches apart.
Watering: Provide regular watering during the growing season, especially in the spring. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering after flowering, and allow the soil to dry out as the foliage dies back.
Fertilization: Fertilize jonquils in early spring when the shoots emerge from the ground. Use a balanced fertilizer or one specifically formulated for bulbs.
Foliage: Allow the foliage to die back naturally. Do not tie or cut back the foliage until it turns yellow.
3 interesting facts about jonquils
The essential oil derived from jonquil flowers is referred to as “the perfume of the soul.” It is used in perfumery for its sweet and uplifting scent.
There is a superstition that if you point at a jonquil, it will not grow.
While daffodils are found in many colors, jonquils come only in yellow.
