Category: Article (Page 3 of 5)

Staying strong in the face of COVID-19

May 19, 2020 / Doris Sun / 1 Comment

“When life seems to be in a constant state of frenzy, flowers can provide us with a much-needed moment of calm” – Dr. Erin Largo-Wight, PhD Associate Professor of University of North Florida’s Department of Public Health

The past recent months have been tough for everyone due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Frontline medical workers, small and medium enterprises, businesses, banks and individuals have all been directly impacted by COVID-19.

In the midst of widespread disruption and economic recession, it’s tough to go about one’s daily life with lockdowns happening globally and in Singapore – stricter measures have just been announced in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus. However what we must remember to do is stay calm and positive, in order to beat COVID-19 together.

While it’s easy to get caught up in anxiety and worry during this period, receiving or making a flower delivery can help calm us down and provide the much needed relief we need. Read on to find out what you can do to stay positive during this stressful period.

Top Mother’s Day Gift Ideas (during this covid-19 pandemic)

May 4, 2020 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

There is nothing like a Mother’s love.

That saying rings true throughout centuries. Instances of a mother’s love overcoming all odds are plentiful – from mothers sacrificing themselves for their child, to simple acts as putting their child first in all aspects of their life. Our mothers are arguably the most important woman in our life. She’s the one who gave birth to us, brought us up, and held our hands through all the seasons that we’ve faced in our life.

10 May 2020 is Mother’s Day. Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic where all of us are staying at home in self-isolation, there are tons of ways we can thank and appreciate our mothers. Why not take this opportunity to send a surprise flower delivery or whip up a homecooked meal for her? Read on to find out some ways you can celebrate Mother’s Day and what gifts and mother’s day flowers she would appreciate during this challenging period.

A Reflection on Flower-Giving This Mother’s Day

April 30, 2020 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

I grew up in Singapore within the warm embrace of flowers. My grandmother’s name was Rose, and just like the flower, she was beauty and grace. She named our house ‘Rose Ville’, and what a fitting name it was! The garden was filled with flowers and plants of various colours and types, and every day, my grandmother would tend to the garden as she would a child – lovingly and patiently. I remember rolling on the grass and breathing in the scent of the blossoming flowers as my grandmother worked. I remember too the smell of roses scattered on top of her coffin as I said my final goodbyes. In my mind, roses will always be a gentle reminder of her dedication and grace.

Flowers are special creatures. They carry with them the memory of something or someone special. Deeply imprinted in my mind is the image of my mother coming home after a long day of work, clutching a huge bouquet of roses for my grandmother for Mother’s Day. ‘Happy Mother’s Day, Ma. I got this from a florist near me’, she said, somewhat sheepishly. Our family was unused to extravagant displays of affection. ‘Why did you buy this, it will only die!’, my grandmother scolded in Cantonese, but I distinctly remembered her flustered smile and the way her fingers slowly caressed the flowers. As a kid observing this strange proceeding from behind the wall, I was enlightened – ah, Mother’s Day is a time of gifting flowers to your mother! I felt slightly awkward that I had not realised that earlier and crept up the stairs to feign sleep in bed.

How Flower Delivery Is Done In Singapore @ 24hrsCityFlorist.com

April 23, 2020 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

How Your Flowers Are Being Delivered in Singapore by 24HrsCityFlorist.com

Over the years we have been receiving many queries about how orders are being delivered to the recipient. We have put together some of the frequently asked questions into an easy to understand explanation on how our delivery protocol is executed. We hope by sharing this post our viewers and customers understand the method we adopted and improved over the years so as to ensure a successful delivery each and every time.

Our Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) for delivery.

We adopted a professional SOP when it comes to ensuring orders placed with 24hrscityflorist.com are delivered successfully and on time. Our delivery SOP is also explained in our delivery policy. We have been improving our SOP for flower delivery since the start of our online business in 2004 and have delivered over ten of thousands of deliveries since to the satisfaction of our customers.

We provide 24 hour flower delivery and same day flower delivery service anywhere in Singapore. In essence all our delivery of flowers and gifts are arranged and secured properly into the delivery vehicles. We do not use bikes or any uncovered trucks. We used only covered vans and specially trained drivers to follow strict delivery protocol who have experience with handling fresh flower delivery and gifts.

From cradle to grave -flowers for every season of life.

March 23, 2020 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

Flowers, beautiful and intricate as they are, go through different stages of life. They start out as flower buds before blooming and ultimately, fade and wilt away. This mirrors our own life cycle where every single person goes through various seasons and stages. We are born, live life to the fullest and when our time is up, death becomes our final destination.

One thing is certain. Nature – through flowers – show us that such a cycle is inevitable. Every moment from birth to death is beautiful in its own way. Flowers are the one constant gift that accompanies us through the different stages of our life, be it the ups or downs. If you know a loved one who has recently lost someone dear, and would like to express your deepest condolences, why not send a thoughtful flower wreath or stand? Do read on to find out when is the right time to arrange a flower delivery for a condolence flower stand or to find out which type of arrangement would be best to send to the grieving family.

Making The Bold Move To Becoming A Florist

March 3, 2020 / Doris Sun / 2 Comments

We all talk about taking off from work to pursue our dreams but how many of us are actually courageous enough to pursue your dreams as your career? Staying in a safe corporate job might seem stable, but for those who are looking to take a bold step into the unknown and chase your dreams of being a florist – read on to find out what other Singapore florists have done, and how to start turning your dreams of working with flowers into reality?

What do women want for Valentine’s Day?

February 3, 2020 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

Red roses, romantic notions and sweet cards. These are amongst some of the things which are associated with 14 February – Valentine’s Day.

It’s the day of the year where flower deliveries are in full swing. Boyfriends and husbands rush to florists and grab or order bouquets to be sent to their loved one. Valentine’s flower bouquets & chocolates are being delivered across the island. It’s the day where most restaurants with romantic vibes are booked out and also a day when expectations are at an all-time high.

Do women really expect gifts on Valentine’s Day? Do they also want to be treated a special way? We had previously shared an article on how to make your partner feel special on Valentine’s Day but read on if you’d like to know how what women really want on this romantic occasion.

My First Flower Delivery

January 13, 2020 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

Every girl remembers her first flower bouquet delivery. Be it a rose or a dried flower bouquet, it’s a special occasion which she will never forget. The sheer joy of holding a bunch of fresh flowers from someone she likes or loves is bound to excite and delight her beyond words.

Having a bouquet of flowers delivered to your school, house or office is a sweet romantic gesture. It could be for your birthday, anniversary or even for no reason at all! It’s one thing to receive a beautifully worded text but another thing to receive a physical bouquet delivery. Every woman might have received flower bouquets at different stages of her life, from her schooling days to her first crush, her first boyfriend or from her family member. Thinking back, I still remember the very first time I received a flower bouquet from someone I cared about…

108+ Sample Love Messages (Romantic Messages Advice For Singaporean Men)

January 6, 2020 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

Love is in the air, Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Ever been stumped by what to write on a blank gift card when you’re at a florist trying to send your girlfriend a flower delivery? Don’t fret – you’re not the only one. While you may be able to do a quick search online for typical romantic lines or romantic messages, it may not sound au natural as most that would pop up are popular movie romantic quotes or not very useable classic ones that may come across as not very authentic or original. How do you write a love message? Singaporean men are not often known to be romantic and if you’re struggling to find some samples love messages or asking “how to write a love message to my girlfriend” or you are looking for inspiration to write or text to your girlfriend, partner or wife, do read on.

First Date Tips For Men

December 25, 2019 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

First dates and impressions matter, a lot. More often than not, it’s the first date that determines whether the person you’re interested in agrees to go out with you again. You’re both nervous but a great first date definitely makes up for all the uncertainty that may arise beforehand. Do girls really like surprise flower bouquets on the first date? Here’s how to impress your date so that you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to clinch the next one.

It’s almost 6pm and you’re all nerves while looking at yourself in the mirror, questioning yourself if you’re too overdressed or if your date would appreciate the bouquet of flowers you ordered from an online florist. Plenty of other guys have been in your shoes too. It’s perfectly normal to be excited yet worried about the first date because first impressions stick and if you’re keen on pursuing the girl of your dreams, you definitely won’t want the first date to be your last.

How To Arrange Flowers

December 7, 2019 / Doris Sun / 2 Comments

Always had the impression that table flower arrangements should be left to professional florists and shouldn’t be attempted at home? You thought wrong. While many often reply and opt for flower delivery services and purchase table arrangements put together by professional florists, it is actually possible for anyone to put together your own arrangement. All it takes is a determined mindset, a vase/pot or basket and a bunch of blooms to get started. If you’ve always wanted to try, read on to find out how to learn the basics of table flower arrangements and how to go about beautifying your home.

What is flower therapy and why is it good for you?

November 22, 2019 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

Flower bouquets are most commonly associated with “romance” and “gifts”. Usually, having a florist for delivery a bouquet of roses to your special someone is akin to professing your love for her. However, apart from viewing flowers as merely something material, have you ever found time to stop and smell the roses? It just might do you good.

Flower therapy is basically how flowers and blooms nourish your soul and keep you feeling refreshed. While it is a known fact that flower bouquets make excellent gifts for various occasions, they also stir up positive emotions in individuals and serve as great mood lifters. Research has also proven that blooms enrich our lives and reduce the stress levels in our lives. Read on to find out more about why flowers make the best gifts, which flowers are most suitable for which occasions and how flowers have the power to fill our lives with much joy.

How To Make Fresh Flowers Last Longer?

November 4, 2019 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

Looking for a way to make your flower bouquet to last longer? Freshly cut flowers don’t last forever and it’s perfectly normal to want to enjoy your flowers longer. Be it a bouquet sent by a loved one or freshly cut flowers you bought for yourself, read on to find out easy yet effective tips on how to keep your blooms looking fresh.

The truth about fresh flowers

Freshly cut flowers, like any other living thing, has a lifespan. But that doesn’t mean that it has to be a short one. We all understand the pain of spending a hefty sum on a beautiful bouquet of flowers, only to have it wilter within the next three days. However, did you know that you can extend your flower’s lifespan by taking proper care of your blooms?

Here at 24hrscityflorist.com would like to share with you our experience with handling, conditioning and keeping fresh cut flowers as long as possible especially in the tropical heat of Singapore. 24hrscityflorist.com provides fresh flower delivery together with same day flower bouquet delivery anywhere in Singapore.

First off, the type of flowers matter. Different types of freshly cut flowers have different lifespans. Here’s a list with their estimated lifespans.

The Difference Between Dried And Fresh Flowers

October 13, 2019 / Doris Sun / 3 Comments

Flowers have such beauty. However, a fact of nature is that beauty fades and so do flowers. It’s nature’s way of telling us that nothing lasts forever. The question then arises, what would be a great alternative to fresh flowers if we would want something to last longer? Heard about dried or preserved flower Singapore? If you want to know the difference between fresh and dried flowers, how long do dried flowers last and the symbolism of dried flowers, then do read on to find out more.

Freshly cut flowers are gorgeous. Not only do they look amazing, they smell great too. There’s also something symbolic about having fresh blooms in one’s house or sending a fresh flower bouquet to someone. Fresh blooms symbolise hope, brightening up rooms at home and lifting one’s mood. Flowers also come in all shapes, colours and types – making it the perfect accessory for your home. Today, one just need to google and you can choose a wide ranging flower arrangements and flower bouquets and send it for a flower delivery from any online florist. However, sadly, freshly cut flowers last about a week or so on average.

That prompts many to ask what the alternatives to fresh flower bouquets would be. Dried flower bouquets, which are equally as trendy as fresh flower bouquets, would be a cost-efficient and effective solution. Not only do they still retain the beauty of the blooms, they also last longer and are more cost efficient.

Most Common Questions About Flowers in Singapore

September 29, 2019 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

What are the top most common questions florists get from customers in Singapore? It is no mistake flowers are one of the most sought after gifts in Singapore. They are a universal gift for almost any occasion. However, there are still many basic facts about flowers that are still a mystery to many. We are here to help uncover some of these commonly asked questions with easy to understand answers.

Here are the top 20 most common questions florists get from customers:

How to take care of fresh cut flowers? / How to make fresh flowers last long?
How much water do cut flowers need?
How long can flowers last without water?
How to dry flowers?
Do cut flowers need sunlight?
How do I display flowers in a vase?
How do I buy flowers?
How do you press flowers?
How do you revive dying flowers?
How long would flower in a bouquet last?
Can I customize my own bouquet?
Will my flowers die if I leave them in the car?
When can I gift someone flowers?
What type of flowers are suitable as a romantic gift?
Will my flowers attract insects?
Which flowers smell the best?
Why are my flowers dying?
Can I send flower anonymously?
Can I keep flowers in the fridge?
Can I use sugar as a replacement for flower food?

We at 24HrsCityFlorist offers a wide range of flowers. For example, the length of time fresh cut flowers last differ from species to species. Even within the same type of flowers such as roses, different species of roses last longer than others. We endeavour to answer the questions above based on general or more commonly purchased fresh cut flowers in Singapore and not based on any specific types of flowers or species. 24HrsCityFlorist.com is a brick and mortar shop located in lavender street and an online florist offering same day flower delivery anywhere in Singapore. This includes flower bouquet, condolence flowers, opening flower stands, graduation flowers, baby hampers, festive hampers, bridal bouquets, table arrangements and many more.

Flowers for Millennials

September 8, 2019 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

Flower-gifting is a traditional form of gift-giving and this practice has spanned over thousands of years. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and the Chinese were the first known practitioners of the language of flowers. Various flowers make appearances in various art forms and some are highly-prized as regal objects. Today, flowers continue to play a prominent role in social exchanges, but the millennial consumer is slightly different from previous generations when it comes to the flower industry: the American Flower Endowment even proposed a different set of strategies to deal the different barriers Millennials have towards flower gifting.

Is the Millennial any different?

Even though it has been reported by multiple sources that flower-buying isn’t as popular as it used to be back in the day, it does not mean that Millennials do not appreciate flowers. Rather, the reason for making a flower delivery purchase have shifted over time – in Singapore and among Millennials, I have observed that people usually purchase flowers as gifts only during special occasions. Besides that, studies have shown that flower-gifting is still a pretty universal happiness-booster. A study conducted by Rutgers University concluded that as opposed to receiving other gifts, 100% of participants in the study—women across different ages and backgrounds — displayed a Duchenne Smile, which is what is referred to as a smile that involves the movement of the entire face such as the mouth, eyes, and cheeks when they receiving flowers. The Duchenne Smile is used as an indicator of genuine happiness. It seems that Millennial women don’t fare differently from other age groups when presented with flower bouquets.

Expressing Sympathy To The Family Of The Decease in Singapore

August 9, 2019 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

When a loved one is no longer with us, finding the right words to comfort someone grieving is always difficult and can make the most articulate of us feel tongue-tied. It often feels like an obstacle course of etiquette and taste. Most of us feel that even the most heartfelt condolence messages may be inadequate and superfluous. But we should keep in mind that while there is nothing you can do to take their pain away or be enough to cheer up a grieving friend of family member, careless words could hurt them further.

Sending condolence flowers or flower wreaths is a great way to let the recipient know that you are keeping them in your thoughts. Condolence and funeral floral stands also help to honor and celebrate the life of those who have passed, and would be much appreciated by the family. While there are no hard and fast rules as to what types of flowers to send in sympathy, there are certainly many traditional favorites and those that are favored for their muted colors and formality. Some flowers may symbolize certain emotions or facilitate expression. Individual flowers also communicate slightly different meanings. There are a few florists in Singapore offering 24 hours condolences flower delivery.

Lifestyle Expenditure of Singaporeans

July 17, 2019 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

It’s a known fact that the cost of living in Singapore has slowly been increasing throughout the years. The cost of living, the changing demands and needs of individuals as well as lifestyle choices have morphed over time.

Curious to find out more about which age group in Singapore currently has the highest purchasing power and what they’re willing to spend on? Or are you a millennial who has just dived headfirst into the working world and want to find out what other millennials are splurging on? From food to housing, to transport to travel, to gifts and even flower delivery. Read on to find out if Singaporeans are spending on daily necessities and if they’re willing to spend on items such as floral bouquet deliveries for their loved ones.

Peony Flower

June 26, 2019 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

What are peonies?

As the ice thaws and the sun peeks out from the clouds, the peony flowers come out to play! Peonies, sometimes mistaken for garden roses, is a flowering plant native to both the East and the West – namely Asia, Europe, and the western parts of North America. There are over 30 species of peonies. Peonies are perennial flowers that only bloom at certain times of the year, namely in spring and summer. They are known for their large, lush, billowy, overlapping petals, and can come in a variety of colors – pink, red, cream, and the more uncommon yellow. The scent of the peony flower, which is regarded for its soft, feminine, fresh and sparkling qualities, is also a popular fragrance component.

Can you grow peonies in Singapore?

The short answer is no. Peonies flourish best in temperate climates, as opposed to our tropical one. They require long periods of dormancy each cycle; whereby the plant is not dead but does not bloom as it is in a resting state to conserve energy. In order for this to happen, very cold temperatures are required, to the point whereby the ground freezes. So unless the peony plant is placed in a very controlled environment with optimal growing conditions, it is unable to bloom in Singapore. Have no fear though, many florists on our sunny island still carry and deliver various types of peonies seasonally!

This elegant peony flower bouquet, consisting of dark pink and cream blooms, are available for order at 24hrCityFlorist. Flower delivery services available.

Types Of Flowers To Send For Condolence

June 17, 2019 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

What type of flowers to send for condolences?

The death of a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. When someone has lost a loved one, there is nothing in the world that can make the pain go away. No words can adequately convey feelings of sympathy and sorrow. Grief can be an isolating emotion as the bereaved has to move into a world where his or her loved one is no longer alive. However, letting them know that you love and care about them through your presence and words of support can help to ease the pain, even if it’s just a little. Funerals are always difficult and often viewed as an uncomfortable social situation. Fortunately, attending funerals is not generally something that most of us are well acquainted with. If in doubt about attending, do try to make it a point to attend the funeral or other memorial services if possible.

Your willingness to go out of your way to attend and your words of comfort and peace are wonderful and heartfelt ways to let the bereaved know they are in your thoughts and prayers. However, in extenuating circumstances that does not allow you to attend personally, sending condolence flowers and wreaths are a beautiful way to show you care. Sending flowers to someone in their hour of grief is a caring act and the recipient will take comfort in this thoughtful gesture. When a flower delivery or condolence flowers is delivered to the wake or funeral home, they’ll know that you are thinking about them and their loss. Flowers serve as a beacon of hope and they are a perfect replica of human life. They are a symbol of the human life cycle from birth to death and they remind us of the haunting fragility of life and its temporal beauty.

1. When can I gift someone flowers?

Flowers are one of the most ‘universal’ gift. Flowers can be presented as a gift in a variety of occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, funerals, graduations, and many more. While flowers generally can be given on numerous occasions, it makes good sense to also consider the personality of the recipient as well. Flowers or flower bouquets are also often used to convey many different messages and emotions such as “I’m sorry”, “Will you marry me”, “Get well soon”, just to name a few. Whatever the reason, flowers are one of the most readily accepted gift throughout the ages and they will remain so for many years to come.

Celebrating Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore

May 21, 2019 / Doris Sun / 1 Comment

The Muslim holy month is upon us once again. Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan – a period of deep spiritual reflection and fasting that takes place every year. During the entire month of Ramadan, which occurs on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, able-bodied Muslims are obligated to abstain from eating any food, drinking any liquids, smoking cigarettes, immoral acts and anger. Doing any of those things invalidates your fast day, and you would have to start over the next day. Muslims also view this time to be one of spiritual discipline, where one is expected to focus more on charity, patience and being grateful for what God has bestowed upon them.

But before you draw conclusions that the entire month of Ramadan and the celebrations that follow are serious and boring, it’s really anything but! It’s a time of celebration and joy meant to be spent with loved ones. Hari Raya is a religious holiday where everyone comes together for big meals with family and friends; loved ones may also greet each other with bountiful and specially crafted Raya hampers and gifts or flower delivery. Do be mindful not to confuse between Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji – they’re different days of celebration! Hari Raya Haji is celebrated at the end of the Hajj (or prigrimage), 70 days after Ramadan. Hari Raya Puasa celebrations typically last up to 30 days, whereas Hari Raya Haji celebrations last up to 4 days. In Singapore, Hari Raya Puasa tends to be celebrated on a bigger scale than Hari Raya Haji. Think the annual Hari Raya Bazaar at Geylang Serai and the Hari Raya Light-Up!

How To Make Dried Flowers Bouquet

May 3, 2019 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

These flowers are romantically dubbed “everlasting flowers” due to its tendency to last infinitely longer than fresh flowers. What are referring to? Yup, you guessed it; dried flowers are certainly making a strong comeback in 2019! While beautiful fresh blooms have many virtues, among these is its ability to fill a room with a heavenly aroma. The problem, however, is that they have a relatively short life span. Dried flowers bouquet provide an alternative to fresh flowers bouquet since they last longer and are more cost effective. They also capture nature’s beauty at its peak. Drying flowers also gives you the opportunity to save flowers that have sentimental value.

The act of drying flowers dates back to ancient times. Pressing flowers was a quintessential Victorian pastime especially for women from the middle and upper class. Flowers were often slipped between pages of a book as a remembrance of a particular person or to preserve the memory of a special event.

Top Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

April 22, 2019 / Doris Sun / 0 Comments

Mother’s Day celebrations happen every year on the second Sunday of May in Singapore, and it is a day where we show appreciation for all that our mothers have done for us throughout the years.

Of course, some argue that this love should be expressed on a daily basis, and not just on one special day of the year when we would present our mothers with a Mother’s Day bouquet and call it a day. I’m not saying that they’re wrong, but Mother’s Day reminds the busy people to take time out for their families, and it is also a day where we can show our mum even more love than usual. What’s wrong with showing some grand gestures of love such as gifting pretty bunches of flowers for mothers, in which you wouldn’t usually think of doing on a normal day?

Why 24HrsCityFlorist.com Is Your Go-To Florist?

April 14, 2019 / Doris Sun / 1 Comment

What makes a good florist? How do florists remain top-of-mind when customers are looking for a reliable florist to cater to their floral needs? Well, we believe the answer is pretty straightforward. All customers want is to have the best bespoke flower buying experience irrespective of the occasion or how much they spend on a floral arrangement. A good florist doesn’t necessarily need to have the biggest shop or the widest international network of professional florists. To us, we strongly believe that in order to uphold the highest standards of floristry and to create designs that are fresh and innovative, the best way is still to take the time to build relationship with our customers, understand their needs and pain points and go the extra mile to help them make their loved ones feel special on all occasions.

It is not uncommon to discover talented florists who are able to design eye-catching, garden-fresh flower bouquets or modern flower arrangements in Singapore these days. Customers are spoilt for choice when shopping for blooms. Many florists and entrepreneurs offer a diverse array of affordable yet tastefully arranged bouquets with same day flower delivery service. Customers can also easily convey to florists the style of floral arrangements they want (e.g. English garden style, bohemian style or even rustic style), indicate what colours to avoid and discuss the symbolism and connotation of flower types when placing an order.

Flowers I Would Like to Receive throughout the years: a 23-Year Old Girl’s perspective

April 7, 2019 / Doris Sun / 1 Comment

Flower-giving is one of the oldest practices in the world. Flowers are traditionally considered feminine, and as a young girl, I did not give 2 hoots about them. When I was young, nothing in my room gave clues to it belonging to a 10-year old girl, except if you were to open my wardrobe (my mother chose my clothes). Perhaps being the younger sibling to an older brother influenced my choices. When I was given the chance to pick a color for my room’s walls, I picked oyster grey. I had barbie dolls but I treated them as hair salon customers (they received awful haircuts). I scoffed at the color pink, played soccer with my neighbors, and caught spiders with the boys during recess. The only flowers I bothered about were the little ixoras found in bushes by the roadsides, where my brother and I would rip them off and pull out their yellow tips for their sweet
nectar, like giant pollinating bees.

I also grew up in a fairly pragmatic household, where useful gifts (such as money) were favored over “frivolous” items. My childhood was ﬁne, but it did leave an imprint on my life as I grew up and began to experience things as a female person