Valentine’s Day Gardening: Growing Love
by Brett Kerley
Valentine’s Day is often associated with bouquets of roses and heart-shaped chocolates, but for gardening enthusiasts in Edmonton, it can be a time to cultivate love in a more literal way. While February may be too cold for outdoor planting, you can plan and prepare for the upcoming growing season.
Romantic Flowers to Plant
Rosa ‘RADramblin’
In Zone 4a, choosing flowers that can withstand the colder climate is key. Consider these hardy and beautiful blooms:
- Roses – Look for Canadian hardy roses like Explorer or Parkland series that can survive Edmonton’s winters.
- Tulips – Plant bulbs in the fall for a beautiful spring bloom.
- Peonies – These resilient flowers return year after year and symbolize romance and prosperity.
- Lilies – Asiatic and Martagon lily varieties thrive in colder climates.
- Sweet Peas – Start indoors in late winter for a head start on spring planting.
Growing Edible Love
Even though it’s too cold to garden outside in February, you can start seeds indoors or plan for spring planting. Here are some edible plants perfect for a romantic harvest:
- Strawberries – Hardy everbearing varieties like ‘Fort Laramie’ work well in Zone 4.
- Chocolate Mint – Grows well in containers indoors before moving outside after frost.
- Rhubarb – A perfect perennial plant that thrives in cooler climates.
- Chili Peppers – Start indoors and transfer outside when the weather warms up.
Creating a Love-Themed Garden
Designing a romantic garden in Edmonton requires planning for shorter growing seasons and cold-hardy plants. Here are some ideas:
- Heart-Shaped Raised Beds – Build raised garden beds in heart shapes for a visually stunning effect.
- Winter-Ready Pathways – Use stone or mulch pathways to create cozy, walkable spaces.
- Cozy Seating Areas – Set up a bench or pergola in a sheltered area to enjoy summer evenings.
- String Lights & Fire Pits – Enhance your garden with lights and a fire pit to extend outdoor time into cooler evenings.
Valentine’s Day Garden Gifts
If your significant other loves gardening, consider gifts suited to Edmonton’s climate:
- A set of high-quality cold-weather gardening tools
- A greenhouse kit or cold frame for extending the growing season
- A DIY seed-starting kit with locally adapted seeds
Gardening on Valentine’s Day in Edmonton is about preparation and anticipation for the upcoming season. Whether you’re starting seeds indoors, planning a beautiful garden layout, or choosing cold-hardy plants, your love for gardening (and your partner) will blossom when the weather warms up. So start planning now, and grow love in your garden this year!
A Bouquet for Your Valentine
For a romantic Valentine’s bouquet, red roses are the classic choice, but mixing colors (like red and pink) or adding exotic flowers (like orchids) can make it more personal. Different flowers and colours carry unique meanings for Valentine’s Day! Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect bouquet:
Classic Valentine’s Day Flowers & Their Meanings
- Roses
- Red – Love, passion, and romance
- Pink – Admiration, gratitude, and sweetness
- White – Pure love, new beginnings
- Yellow – Friendship and joy (not romantic)
- Orange – Enthusiasm and desire
- Lavender – Love at first sight
- Tulips
- Red – Deep love
- Pink – Affection and happiness
- Yellow – Cheerfulness
- White – Apology and forgiveness
- Lilies
- White – Purity and commitment
- Pink (Stargazer Lilies) – Wealth and prosperity
- Orange – Passion and confidence
- Orchids
- Symbolize beauty, elegance, and exotic love
- Carnations
- Red – Deep love and admiration
- Pink – Gratitude and motherly love
- White – Good luck and pure love
- Sunflowers
- Represent loyalty, adoration, and happiness
- Daisies
- Symbolize innocence, purity, and loyal love
Romantic Houseplants for Valentine’s Day
Yes! Houseplants can be a unique and lasting alternative to cut flowers for Valentine’s Day. They symbolize growing love, commitment, and care. Here are some great choices:
Anthurium
1. Anthurium (Flamingo Flower)
- Symbolism: Love and passion
- Why it’s great: Its heart-shaped red or pink flowers last a long time, making it a romantic and meaningful gift.
2. Hoya Kerrii (Sweetheart Plant)
Hoya – Be Mine
- Symbolism: Everlasting love
- Why it’s great: This plant literally has heart-shaped leaves! A perfect symbol of love that keeps growing.
3. Orchids
- Symbolism: Beauty, elegance, and deep love
- Why it’s great: They bloom beautifully and symbolize exotic, rare love. White, pink, or purple orchids are especially romantic.
4. Peace Lily
- Symbolism: Peace, devotion, and harmony
- Why it’s great: Its elegant white flowers symbolize a pure and growing love, plus it helps purify the air!
5. African Violet
- Symbolism: Faithfulness and deep affection
- Why it’s great: These small, delicate flowers bloom in shades of purple and pink, perfect for expressing love.
6. Jasmine
- Symbolism: Romance and sensuality
- Why it’s great: Jasmine plants produce sweet-smelling flowers that symbolize love and grace. Some varieties even bloom at night!
7. Red Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
- Symbolism: Prosperity and long-lasting love
- Why it’s great: Its vibrant red and green leaves make it a unique, festive Valentine’s gift.
8. Miniature Rose Plant
- Symbolism: Classic romance
- Why it’s great: Unlike cut roses, these potted roses keep blooming and growing, symbolizing an enduring relationship.
9. Lavender
- Symbolism: Calmness, devotion, and serenity
- Why it’s great: It smells amazing and is a thoughtful gift for someone who loves relaxation and aromatherapy.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning to give your loved one garden flowers, a beautiful bouquet, or a romantic houseplant, flowers symbolize the fleeting beauty of love and life—just like relationships, they must be nurtured to bloom.
Happy gardening and happy Valentines day everyone!
