Flowers for IWD

[steste1122]

I guess I'm going to be "that guy" this year and bring up this topic.

My question for the ladies is this: what is your opinion on sending a plant, such as a nice orchid like this:

http://ww12.1800flowers.com/product.do?baseCode=18957&dataset=11784&cm_cid=d11784

 I see roses are a popular choice among the men around here, but the orchids seem like a better choice to me.  It will be delivered to her office, along with some nice chocolates.  One thing I like about the orchids is that it can live for years and I like the idea that everyday when she gets to work she will see them and think of me.  Also, does anyone have any recommendations for a good florist in Moscow?  Im thinking of using 1800flowers, but would to get other input as well.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

[Faux Pas]

I guess I'm going to be "that guy" this year and bring up this topic.

My question for the ladies is this: what is your opinion on sending a plant, such as a nice orchid like this:

http://ww12.1800flowers.com/product.do?baseCode=18957&dataset=11784&cm_cid=d11784




 I see roses are a popular choice among the men around here, but the orchids seem like a better choice to me.  It will be delivered to her office, along with some nice chocolates.  One thing I like about the orchids is that it can live for years and I like the idea that everyday when she gets to work she will see them and think of me.  Also, does anyone have any recommendations for a good florist in Moscow?  Im thinking of using 1800flowers, but would to get other input as well.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

I'm not a lady steve but, will offer this up for your digestion anyway. Roses are pretty much considered universally "the flower of love". Hence the popularity around here. Chances are your lady is going to love the flowers no matter what you choose. If you want to send orchids, send orchids. If you want to send a plant, then send a plant. Whatever you send, be sure it relays the message you wish to relay. Different flowers do relay different meanings for different people. For me personally, a plant is something one takes to a friend in the hospital or a house warmer. But, I suppose that is just me. A bouquet of flowers roses/tulips/carnations or a mix means affection/love.

As far as having to plant to look at all year I suppose you are right. It could also be a reminder all year that you didn't send her a bouquet of flowers on women's day 

[Vaughn]

It could also be a reminder all year that you didn't send her a bouquet of flowers on women's day 

Dang, Faux Pas - your conclusion really hits home here. While Steve might be trying to do the practical thing, March 8th is hardly the day to test it out. Me, I would save the plant idea for another holiday - maybe June the 12th ?
 

[Faux Pas]

Dang, Faux Pas - your conclusion really hits home here. While Steve might be trying to do the practical thing, March 8th is hardly the day to test it out. Me, I would save the plant idea for another holiday - maybe June the 12th ?

Yeah I'm with you Vaughn. I'd even say a plant would get traction and go a long way for a "just thinking of you" moment but, for women's day, I wouldn't risk it.

Steve, for a point of reference on women's day, think of Valentines Day in the West then, add a birthday and Christmas in the same day. It is that important to most.

You needn't mortgage the farm but she is looking to be impressed, not as much with gift but thought. Like women everywhere, FSUW senses appeal to beautiful things. Maybe your woman is easily impressed and an orchid gives her a warm and fuzzy?

[steste1122]

Yeah I'm with you Vaughn. I'd even say a plant would get traction and go a long way for a "just thinking of you" moment but, for women's day, I wouldn't risk it.

Steve, for a point of reference on women's day, think of Valentines Day in the West then, add a birthday and Christmas in the same day. It is that important to most.

You needn't mortgage the farm but she is looking to be impressed, not as much with gift but thought. Like women everywhere, FSUW senses appeal to beautiful things. Maybe your woman is easily impressed and an orchid gives her a warm and fuzzy?

The warm and fuzzies are covered: she knows Im sending over a couple books and some music that I am sure she will enjoy (she reads a lot and loves relaxing jazz music). And just to be clear--I meant a flowering plant like the orchids, not just something green for her to take care of.  Maybe you are right, but would still like to hear the thoughts of the ladies.

[noelscot]

I guess I'm going to be "that guy" this year and bring up this topic.

My question for the ladies is this: what is your opinion on sending a plant, such as a nice orchid like this:

http://ww12.1800flowers.com/product.do?baseCode=18957&dataset=11784&cm_cid=d11784

 I see roses are a popular choice among the men around here, but the orchids seem like a better choice to me.  It will be delivered to her office, along with some nice chocolates.  One thing I like about the orchids is that it can live for years and I like the idea that everyday when she gets to work she will see them and think of me.  Also, does anyone have any recommendations for a good florist in Moscow?  Im thinking of using 1800flowers, but would to get other input as well.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

I offered to send something to a lady with whom I am corresponding, and she said, "Thanks, but your visit in June will be the best gift you can give me."  So maybe you could give the gift of a visit rather than orchids.

[steste1122]

We are also planning to meet in June.  It would be earlier, but I owe the military 6 weeks of training between now and then.

[mies]

I offered to send something to a lady with whom I am corresponding, and she said, "Thanks, but your visit in June will be the best gift you can give me."  So maybe you could give the gift of a visit rather than orchids.

Noelscot, you just don't know how to read what woman is saying to you.
If you want to give her flowers - give her flowers. Pardon me, but if a man asks a woman "what do you want to have as a present for holiday" and gives her NOTHING after she says "I want to see you in June" - then he is either dumb, or cheap, or both.
June is June, a meeting is a meeting, and a gift should be given on time during holiday, since you already raised the question in discussion with a woman.

Woman may think that particular man is the best present to her, but as a rule women (at least in FSU) dislike men who think "I am the best present for any woman"

[mies]

And just to be clear--I meant a flowering plant like the orchids, not just something green for her to take care of.  Maybe you are right, but would still like to hear the thoughts of the ladies.

If selecting between 5 cut roses and 1 potted orchid, an orchid is definitely a winner. If selecting between 50 cut long-stem red roses, then roses will win over a potted orchids, in most cases.

I think orchid is a great gift. Even if the plant will die after the blooming period, it still blooms longer than the cut flower. So i'd say: give her an orchid, it will be a very nice and well-taken gesture.

[mies]

I'm not a lady steve but, will offer this up for your digestion anyway. Roses are pretty much considered universally "the flower of love"....
As far as having to plant to look at all year I suppose you are right. It could also be a reminder all year that you didn't send her a bouquet of flowers on women's day 

yes, but for IWD a staple flower, at least in Ukraine, has always been mimosa


depending on income, local wildflowers (crocus, snowdrops, etc) are also appropriate. For example men in the offices can get snowdrops for all women (and it will be cheap/inexpensive, but appropriate and generally - very well taken gesture) rather than getting roses. Tulips and other spring flowers are also appropriate. Roses are "the safest" flower, but I think it is more relevant for a birthday or a date, rather than IWD. This is my personal opinion though, other women may disagree.
Orchid is an exotic flower, many women like and have home plants, but never buy orchids because they are "risky"/hard to care plant, and relatively more expensive. I think most women will be happy to receive an orchid. Also, with orchids he has a chance to really stand out.
Say, her ex-boyfriend gave her 15 roses, and the OP will send her 10, or 12 - then he immediately loses points. Of if roses will be not of perfect quality. Orchids aren't given often, so there are much lower chance of comparing the OP to other flower-givers, very low chance for him to lose, very high chance to create a lasting positive impression.

[Faux Pas]

yes, but for IWD a staple flower, at least in Ukraine, has always been mimosa


depending on income, local wildflowers (crocus, snowdrops, etc) are also appropriate. For example men in the offices can get snowdrops for all women (and it will be cheap) rather than getting roses. Tulips and other spring flowers are also appropriate. Roses are "the safest" flower, but I think it is more relevant for a birthday or a date, rather than IWD. This is my personal opinion though, other women may disagree.
Orchid is an exotic flower, many women like and have home plants, but never buy orchids because they are "risky"/hard to care plant, and relatively more expensive. I think most women will be happy to receive an orchid. Also, with orchids he has a chance to really stand out.
Say, her ex-boyfriend gave her 15 roses, and the OP will send her 10, or 12 - then he immediately loses points. Of if roses will be not of perfect quality. Orchids aren't given often, so there are much lower chance of comparing the OP to other flower-givers, very low chance for him to lose, very high chance to create a lasting positive impression.

There you have it Steve, from the mouth of FSUW. 

[noelscot]

We are also planning to meet in June.  It would be earlier, but I owe the military 6 weeks of training between now and then.

Cool! Hope you have a good time.

[noelscot]

Noelscot, you just don't know how to read what woman is saying to you.
If you want to give her flowers - give her flowers. Pardon me, but if a man asks a woman "what do you want to have as a present for holiday" and gives her NOTHING after she says "I want to see you in June" - then he is either dumb, or cheap, or both.
June is June, a meeting is a meeting, and a gift should be given on time during holiday, since you already raised the question in discussion with a woman.

Woman may think that particular man is the best present to her, but as a rule women (at least in FSU) dislike men who think "I am the best present for any woman"

Thank you for your perspective on this.

[steste1122]

Thanks, Mies, for the very detailed and well thought out answer. My instincts are usually pretty good when it comes to gift giving, but with a holiday im not too familiar with i wanted to get another opinion. Thanks again

Steve

[mies]

you are welcomed.
There is another saying in Russian: "when you get a horse as a gift, you do not check its teeth." meaning "one should be grateful for any gift, if she/he doesn't like it - shouldn't take it."
There could be some faux pas, like at A.d. forum women share "horror stories" of a guy giving pack of sunflower seeds as a gift for IWD, or someone bringing toilet brush, or opened bag of melted chocolates and half-eaten pack of cookies, or a mug instead of diamonds something more thoughtful and valuable .  But as long as you stay away from extremes, and do not try to be too unconventional (most humor doesn't translate well into foreign cultures) - you'll be just fine.

[SANDRO43]

There is another saying in Russian: "when you get a horse as a gift, you do not check its teeth."

That's pretty much international :

English: "Never look a gift horse in the mouth"
German: "Einem geschenkten Gaul schaut man nicht ins Maul"
Dutch: "Je moet een gegeven paard nooit in de bek kijken"
Danish: "Man skal ikke skue given hest i munden"

French: "A cheval donné, on ne regarde pas la bouche"
Spanish: "A caballo regalado no le mires el diente."
Catalan: "A cavall regalat no li mires el dentat."
Portuguese: "Cavalo dado năo se olha os dentes."
Italian: "A caval donato non si guarda in bocca."

Greek: "Του χαρίζαν' άλογο και το κοίταγε στο στόμα"

Lithuanian: "Dovanotam arkliui į dantis nežiūrima"
Estonian: "Kingitud hobuse suhu ei vaadata."
Finnish: "Lahjahevosen suuhun ei ole katsomista."
Hungarian: "Ajándék lónak ne nézd a fogát."

Serbian: "Poklonjenom konju se u zube ne gleda."
Czech: "Darovanému koni na zuby nehleď"
Bulgarian: "На харизан кон зъбите не се гледат."

Tagalog: "Kaluguran ko ang mga binigay mo."

[ML]

And how many here know why you look at a horse's teeth?

[SANDRO43]

And how many here know why you look at a horse's teeth?

To gage its age 

[ML]

I always thought it was to look for gold fillings that could be removed when times got tough.

[mies]

And how many here know why you look at a horse's teeth?

to know how young/old=how valuable it is 
old horse is basically a burden, you cannot work it, meat is bad, but you need to feed it and it takes space in the barn. Negative profit over a period of time.
Young horse you can race or work. Positive profit.

[mies]

I always thought it was to look for gold fillings that could be removed when times got tough.

[Gator]

.
.. meat is bad...

You would dine on horsemeat, the meat from the most noble of animals?     Sacrebleu!       
 
 

[BC]

You would dine on horsemeat, the meat from the most noble of animals?     Sacrebleu!       

I have... there are a half dozen horse meat butcher shops in our town..

[mies]

You would dine on horsemeat, the meat from the most noble of animals?     Sacrebleu!       

In my understanding, at the time when most proverbs were written, simple folks who wrote those proverbs were operating with very basic logic. Nobility, who is known to speculate about noble animals and other things like that, usually do not create proverbs. 
Simple folks, especially when they are poor and normally survive on meager vegetable diet, will not forgo the chance to have a soup with proteins, even if the proteins come from an old and very noble animal. Likely, they will not eat a dog, cat, or rat. But horse? Why not?

[ML]

Comparing across countries; there are several instances where meat from certain animals is eaten in some countries and not in other countries.

And even within a country, there can be substantial differences.

We are all captive to our culture and individual upbringing.