Water Flowers

I NARAYANAN KRISHNASWAMY

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2019 III

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to

AMMA who taught me how to live

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2019 Narayanan Krishnaswamy Author has the full right on all the photographs, designs or artworks presented here. Any part of this work covered herein may be reproduced, transmitted, stored or used in any form or by any means graphic, electronic or mechanical, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, scanning, digitizing, taping, Web distribution, information networks or information storage and retrieval systems with due intimation, credits and acknowledgment of the publisher and author. These artworks are owned by the author and has right of claim over them. This book uses Eras Light ITC, Eras Medium ITC and Edwardian Script ITC. The book design is by the author.

Narayanan Krishnaswamy narayankrishnaswamy@gmail.com

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This book of fifty-three photographs owe a great deal to Dhananjay Digar, the gardener who gathered the flowers and arranged with taste and aesthetics in a pot bowl of water.

This pot bowl with water and floating flowers had made my day on many occasions. I am indebted my parents and family who have imbibed me with a sense of taste in art and doing things the way it should be. I wish my daughter emulates this quality aspect of me.

Medha and Jayashree always stood by me. Narayanan Krishnaswamy

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PREFACE It all started with transfer to a new place in May 2018. It came with a new place of residence. It has a well-maintained garden. The gardener there is an interesting person. He maintains the garden, lawn, plants and trees. His ability to observe and understand the nature and its outcome with reasonable accuracy offered me interesting insights on nature and plants. I discovered in the garage a set of terracotta pot bowl and a jar. I was considering whether to discard them.

On second thoughts, I contemplated using the pot bowl for keeping some water for the birds, which flock my garden and effected the idea. Then the gardener said “Sir, we can float flowers in it�. I felt it, as an interesting proposal and the very next day, I started decorating the pot bowl of water with flowers available in my garden. I repeated it, after the flowers perished, with new set of flowers. The gardener, showed interest in the finer aspects of the display, suggesting and bringing some interesting flowers for creating attractive displays and this practice continued.

It is considered that a bowl filled with water and flowers kept facing the main door is auspicious. I continued along with the gardener doing this weekly ritual. When I do not do this work, Dhananjay Digar, the gardener used to do it deftly. Once the pot bowl is filled with fresh water and decorated with floating flowers, it lasts normally for about three to four days or a week depending on the season and climate. This has been going on for about a year and I have recorded the displays regularly, whenever a new display was ready.

The following pages have those photographs on the recto and the names and descriptions on the symbolisms of the flowers displayed in the verso. Hope this book is found interesting and useful to whoever, comes across. The photographs are shown in ascending order of the date of display. This may be indicative of the flowers available during the specific season. The photographs were shot using Samsung A9 Pro and One Plus T6 mobile phone cameras. These photographs cover a period of a year from May 30, 2018.

Narayanan Krishnaswamy

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The following steps, materials and accessories were used in preparing the terracotta pot bowl display.

Arrange for a terracotta plant pot bowl Clean the bowl for algae or fungus Fill it with just adequate quantity of fresh water Have a design plan Collect seasonal flowers Cut the stem close to the flower Use warm water to facilitate the spread of fragrance inside the room.

Lay the flower out on the water.

To float and to keep the flower upright one may skirt the flowers with a piece of bubble wrap by piercing the stem through

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1

Marigold

This bright flower is placed in the altar of Mary and hence known Mary’s Gold.

This huge round ball shaped flower is called ‘herb of the sun’ and this symbolizes passion, desire and courage and also cruelty, grief and jealousy and interpreted as ‘desire for riches’.

Crape Jasmine

Commonly known as pinwheel flower, Nero’s crown and East India rosebay has a botanical name of Tabernaemotana divaricata. It is also called nandivardhanam, nandiarvattai, nandibattalu, nanthyaarvattam and wathusudda.

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Marigold

Tagetes is available in vibrant colours which is perennial and native to North and South America. African Marigold and French Marigold are the common varieties available.

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckiahirta belongs to sunflower family and native to Central North America and is the state flower of Maryland.

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5

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

Tabernaemontana divaricata belongs to the family of Apocynaceae and is found in tropical Asia, Africa, Australia and America. The cultivar T. Divaricata is double petaled and bloom in small clusters.

Plumeria

It is also called Frangipani is native to Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. These flowers are the most fragrant at night to lure sphinx moths for pollination. The flowers have no nectar, still the moths fly on this flower to flower in search of it.

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Marigold

It blooms in yellowish white, yellow, orange, white and golden colours. It has a musky pungent scent. It deters some common pests. Marigold oil is prepared from this flower.

Black-eyed Susan

Craope Jassmine Flore Pleno

It is used in gardens and ceremonies to celebrate, memorials and to show affection. It has a long vase life and is considered a symbol of justice.

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno has beautiful double petals with no fragrance. These flowers are commonly used as prayer offerings.

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Red Rose

Allamanda Blanchetti

This belongs to the genus Rosa in the family of Rosaceae. This red rose is a hybrid tea rose with no fragrance.

These are the most popular rose variety in the world.

This is also called as purple allamanda and violet allamanda. It belongs to Brazil and is cultivated as ornamental plant.

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

This is an excellent hedge plant with waxy flowers and large shiny, dark green leaves. It gives a dense cover with heat tolerant evergreen shrub.

Balsam

This colourful middle of summer flowers come in strong colours. These flowers attract butterflies and sphinx moths.

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Marigold

Cream Colour Rose

This is widely cultivated in India and Thailand. It is used in garlands and decoration for weddings, festivals and religious events. It is used in worships and rituals.

The white tea rose symbolizes sympathy, purity, innocence and spirituality. Early tradition was to use this as symbol of true love.

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

This is also called carnation of India, Adams apple, Nero’s crown and coffee rose. This is fragrant at night.

Ashanti Blood (stigma)

Mussaenda Erythrophylla is also called as red flag bush and tropical dogwood.

It comes in red, white, pale pink, rose and combinations.

Crape Jasmine

These waxy blossoms are five petaled pin wheels are used in India for prayer and pooja.

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Mussaenda Erythrophylla

Marigold

These are native to Philippines. The five yellow colour petals of the flower are displayed here. Its petiole bracts are colourful and attractive.

It has the beauty and warmth of the rising sun and its powers of resurrection.

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

This is highly heat and drought resistant.It has medicinal properties.

Clitoreaternatea

Plumeria

This is known as Asian pigeonwings, bluebelvine, blue pea, butterfly pea, cordofan pea and Darwin pea. This is native to tropical; Asia.

Plumeria symbolizes charm, grace, new life, birth, creations, spring, dedication, devotion and beauty.

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White Rose

It is also known as bridal rose. In this sense white represents, unity, purity, virtue and the pureness of true love.

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

It also called as Vishnupriya in Sanskrit as it is special for Lord Vishnu and is often grown in temple premises.

Balsam Purple

Balsam symbolizes ardent love., who gives oneself unstintingly

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Red Rose

Marigold

The red rose symbolizes love, romance, passion and desire. This is the popular choice for Valentine’s Day.

This flower symbolizes pretty love, sacred, affection, caress and sorrow. It is considered a love charm

.

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

Marigold golden Gate

This plant prefers moist fertile soil with good sunlight.

This flower is an excellent choice to symbolize freshness and beauty.

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Cream Coloured Rose

Cream coloured rose symbolizes charm and thoughtfulness. This goes well with pink colour ‘thank you’ roses.

Marigold Bonanza

This flower is the symbol of ‘golden gifts’ offered to the Virgin Mary. Victorians linked with cruel treatment towards loved ones.

Balsam

Balsam flowers are used in traditional medicines in Vietnam and South Korea.

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Salmon Rose

Yellow Rose

The Salmon rose is the right choice to tell someone, how you truly feel, as they indicate desire, enthusiasm and excitement.

The yellow rose symbolizes friendship, joy and caring. This is a perfect choice for a close friend.

French Marigold

Even the humblest creation has its own special beauty to share with the world is the message of this flower.

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

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Pink Rose

Cream Colour Rose

Salmon rose evokes the same message a s orange rose. It symbolizes enthusiasm, desire and excitement.

Ivory rose is said to represent thoughtfulness, charm and gracefulness. It represents richness and perfection.

French Marigold

This flower returns each day like the sun indicating one must find a balance between shine and darkness.

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

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Pink Rose

Marigold

The pink tea rose symbolizes sympathy, purity, innocence and spirituality. Early tradition was to use this as symbol of true love.

This is widely cultivated in India and Thailand. It is used in garlands and decoration for weddings, festivals and religious events. It is used in worships and rituals.

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

This is also called carnation of India, Adams apple, Nero’s crown and coffee rose. These are fragrant at night.

Ashanti Blood (stigma)

Mussaenda Erythrophylla is also called as red flag bush and tropical dogwood.

It comes in red, white, pale pink, rose and combinations.

Crape Jasmine

These waxy blossoms are five petaled pin wheels are used in India for prayer and pooja.

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Orange Rose

Balsam Purple

A bouquet of peach roses shows your deep appreciation and gratitude or in an elegant way to say ‘Thank you’.

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

Balsam White

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Peach Rose

Balsam Purple

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

Balsam White

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Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno.

Rose

White rose expresses remembrance and innocence.

French Marigold

African Marigold

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Yellow with Red Tip Rose

White Rose

This symbolizes falling in love and friendship

White roses are associated with honour and reverence, making them suitable memorial for departed loved ones..

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

Orange Rose

This symbolizes desire, fascination, enthusiasm and energy. It also means admiration and excitement.

Crape Jasmine

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Yellow with Red Tip Rose

White Rose

This conveys that ‘I am worthy of you’ and ‘happy love’.

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

Marigold

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Yellow Rose

White Orchid Flower

Bauhinia Accuminata is also known as dwarf white bauhinia and snowy orchid flower is native to Malaysia and Indonesia. It symbolizes purified gold and is offered to God.

Crape Jasmine

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Pink Rose

French Marigold

This is colourful and elegant and symbolizes beauty and is the universal purpose gifting rose for all occasions.

Yellow Rose

Red Rose

This is associated with love, beauty and perfection and it is the classic rose to say ‘I love you’.

Burgundy Rose

The dark red rose means unconscious beauty.

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Peach Rose

Cream Colour Rose

Peach rose means appreciation, closing the deal, let’s get together, sincerity and gratitude.

This rose symbolizes charm and thoughtfulness.

Australian Marigold

Marigold

Red Rose

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Orange Rose

Orange rose symbolizes enthusiasm, desire and fascination.

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

Crape Jasmine

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White Rose

Marigold

Australian Marigold

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White Rose

Red Rose

Red and White Rose

This double delight tea rose, dual coloured flower means ‘I’ll always remember you’.

Marigold

Australian Marigold

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White Rose

Red and White Rose

Australian Marigold

Red Rose

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Yellow and Pink Rose

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

This rose ‘gives mixed signals like friendship or falling in love.

Jasmine Sambac

This is called as Arabian jasmine, sambaguita or Sambac jasmine is native of Bhutan. It is used for making jasmine tea as an agent of fragrance. It means hope, fidelity, love, devotion, dedication and purity.

Australian Marigold

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53

Orange Rose.

Dark Pink Rose

This rose represents grace, elegance, sweetness, poetic romance, gratitude and appreciation. This flower is used to say thanks traditionally.

Red Rose

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Yellow and Pink Rose

Orange Rose

Light Pink Rose

This is used to convey gentleness, admiration and sympathy.

Osiria Rose

It looks artificial and it coveys different meanings on different occasions.

Deeper the colour contrast more the passion.

Candy Stripe Rose

Striped roses are given in bouquet of 6, 11 or 13 to convey different grades of love.

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57

Osiria Rose

Orange Rose

Yellow and Red Rose

Red Rose

Pink Rose

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Hibiscus Mutabilis

It is also known as Dixie rosemellow, confederate rose or the cotton rose.

These are showy and open white in the morning or pink and change to deep red in the evening.

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Yellow Rose

Peach Rose

Osiria Rose

Dark Red Rose

Orange Rose

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White Rose

Yellow Rose

Orange Rose

Hibiscus Bud

Hibiscus means perfect wife or woman.

It also symbolizes fleeting and beauty of personal fame and glory.

Dark Red Rose

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Osiria Rose

White Rose

Orange Rose.

Hibiscus Bud

Burgundy Burnt Orange Rose

Burgundy rose symbolizes un-selfconscious beauty.

Red Rose

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Hibiscus Bud

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

Crape Jasmine

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Dahlia Purple Puff

This anemone flowered dahlia is also called Powder puff dahlias, come in lots of colours except blue and is a show stopper. This flower displays dramatic colour.

Marigold

Australian Marigold

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Balsam Purple

Balsam White

Australian Marigold

Marigold

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Dahlia Yellop

This variety is called as semi cactus dahlia. Dahlias represent grace, inner strength, positivity, standing out, kindness, commitment and adventurism.

Dahlia Mrs Rees

Dahlia Delbard Pondicherry

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Dahlia. Yellop

Marigold

Dahlia Mrs Rees

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Dahlia Red

Red dahlia symbolizes strength and power.

Marigold

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Dahlia Peony-flowered Red

Marigold

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Yellow and Pink Rose

Red Rose

Indian Chrysanthemum Yellow

This is the official flower of Chicago and Festival of Happiness is celebrated for this flower in Japan. This is the symbol of sun. The orderly unfolding of this petals is considered as perfection.

Salmon Rose

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Zinnia Red Scabiosa

This is a late spring to early summer flower. This gives a riot of colour wherever they go. This means absent friend, lasting affection and daily remembrance. Red zinnia symbolizes heartbeat.

Indian Chrysanthemum Yellow

Chrysantemum Indicum or Sevanthi, Chandramallika has medicinal values. It comes in red, purple, yellow and white.

Confucius used it as the object flower for meditation.

Indian Chrysanthemum Purple

Chrys in Greek means golden and anthemion means flower. This is the birth flower for November and 13th wedding anniversary flower.

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Dahlia Peony-flowered Maroon

This flower is widely used in marriage celebrations and it represent the strength of sacred values.

Black-eyed Susan

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Dahlia Waterlily White

It is believed that dahlias represent diversity.

Dahlia Waterlily Maroon

Dahlia Maroon

The negative symbolisms associated with dahlias include betrayal, instability and dishonesty.

Dahlia Pinnata is the national flower of Mexico.

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Dahlia Waterlily Red

The white tea rose symbolizes sympathy, purity, innocence and spirituality. Early tradition was to use this as symbol of true love.

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

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White Rose

Calendula

This yellow flower is native to Mediterranean. This belongs to family of Asteraceae. This is also called field marigold. It is used as a symbol of constancy in love as a flower for weddings and in love potions.

Australian Marigold

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Hibiscus Double Orange

This is considered a very feminine flower. It symbolizes young woman. It is the national flower of Haiti.

Marigold

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

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Zinnia Profusion Double Hot Cherry

Zinnia Red Scabiosa

Red means steadfastness, of the heart, familial ties and steady beating of the heart.

Zinnia Purple

Zinnia Orange

This is also called cactus zinnia

This is a crested scabiosa zinnia.

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Pink Rose

Marigold

Yellow Balsam

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White Rose

Marigold

The white tea rose symbolizes sympathy, purity, innocence and spirituality. Early tradition was to use this as symbol of true love.

Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno

Australian Marigold

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Zinnia Purple

The Zinderalla Purple is a Crested Scabiosa Zinnia. This makes memorable cut flower.

Orange Marigold

Yellow Marigold

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White Rose

Australian Marigold.

Marigold

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LIST OF FLOWERS DISPLAYED

Australian Marigold Balsam Purple

Dahlia Waterlily Maroon Dahlia Waterlily Red Dahlia Waterlily White Dahlia. Yellop Dahlia Red

Osiria Rose Peach Rose Pink Rose Plumeria Red and White Rose

Balsam White Black-eyed Susan Burgundy Burnt Orange Rose Burgundy Rose Calendula Candy Stripe Rose

Dark Pink Rose Dark Red Rose French Marigold Hibiscus Bud Hibiscus Double Orange Hibiscus Mutabilis

Red Rose Salmon Rose White Orchid Flower

Clitoreaternatea Crape Jasmine Crape Jasmine Flore Pleno Cream Colour Rose Dahlia Delbard Pondicherry

Indian Chrysanthemum Purple Indian Chrysanthemum Yellow Jasmine Sambac Light Pink Rose

Yellow Balsam

African Marigold Allamanda Blanchetti Ashanti Blood (stigma)

Dahlia Maroon

Marigold Marigold Bonanza

Dahlia Mrs Rees

Marigold golden Gate

Dahlia Peony-flowered Maroon Dahlia Peony-flowered Red Dahlia Purple Puff

Mussaenda Erythrophylla Orange Marigold Orange Rose.

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White Rose Yellow and Pink Rose Yellow and Red Rose Yellow Marigold Yellow Rose Yellow Rose Yellow with Red Tip Rose Zinnia Orange Zinnia Profusion Double Hot Cherry Zinnia Purple Zinnia Red Scabiosa

REFERENCES http://exeterareagardenclub.com/the-language-of-roses/ http://exeterareagardenclub.com/the-language-of-roses/ http://pureoxygengenerators.blogspot.com/2013/09/showy-flower-parts.html http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/flowers/pcd6.html http://www.collectedworksofsriaurobindo.com/index.php/02-works-of-the-mother/02other-editions/05-the-spiritualsignificance-of-flowers/21-descriptions-of-the-flowers-vol-05-the-spiritual-significance-of-flowers http://www.flowerbeauty.co/meaning-behind-flowers/meaning-behind-flowers-red-rose-symbolism-what-do-flowerssymbolize-page-2-flowers-ideas-flowers-to-the-people/ http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Crape%20Jasmine%20Flore%20Pleno.html http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Crape%20Jasmine.html http://www.flowerspicture.org/hibiscus-varieties.html http://www.gardenersnet.com/flower/zinnia.htm http://www.lovethesepics.com/2013/02/gorgeous-roses-the-meaning-of-rose-colors-35-pics/ http://www.ugaoo.com/knowledge-center/winter-flowering-plants/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allamanda https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allamanda https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bauhinia_acuminata https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bougainvillea https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendula https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendula https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysanthemum_indicum https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clitoria_ternatea https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dahlia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dahlia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibiscus_mutabilis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_tea_rose https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_tea_rose https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasminum_sambac https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mussaenda_erythrophylla https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mussaenda_erythrophylla https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudbeckia_hirta https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudbeckia_hirta https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabernaemontana_divaricata https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagetes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagetes https://flowermeanings.org/dahlia-flower-meaning/ https://flowermeanings.org/marigold-flower-meaning/ https://gardenerdy.com/dahlia-flower-meaning-interesting-facts https://in.pinterest.com/pin/94294185925516324/?lp=true https://myflowermeaning.com/sampaguita-flower-meaning/

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https://sites.google.com/site/medicinalplantshealing/list-of-plants/mussaenda https://thriveonnews.com/hibiscus-plant-flower/ https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/tabernaemontana_florepleno.htm https://walkerflorist.com/meaning.html https://www.alamy.com/stunning-double-vivid-orange-and-yellow-streaked-flower-and-bright-green-leaves-of-hibiscusrainbow-fire-on-dark-background-image245327130.html https://www.auntyflo.com/flower-dictionary/marigold https://www.epicgardening.com/jasmine-plant/ https://www.flowermeaning.com/hibiscus-flower-meaning/ https://www.flowermeaning.com/marigold-flower-meaning/ https://www.flowermeaning.com/plumeria-flower-meaning/ https://www.flowermeaning.com/rose-flower-meaning/ https://www.flowermeaning.com/zinnia-flower-meaning/ https://www.flowersofindia.net/botanical.html https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Indian%20Chrysanthemum.html https://www.gardendesign.com/flowers/zinnia.html https://www.gardenexpress.com.au/shop/bulbs/bulbs-summer-flowering/dahlias/ https://www.gardenia.net/guide/Anemone-and-Collarette-Dahlias https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/dahlia-types https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/different-varieties-of-dahlia.htm https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/balsam/balsam-plant-information.htm https://www.ipshabengal.com/flower.html https://www.jparkers.co.uk/bulbs-tubers/dahlias/anemone-flowering https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/Types-of-Dahlias-eight-great-looks-for-your-garden https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2140/double-flowering-crape-jasmine/ https://www.plantstore.co.uk/special-deal-premium-varieties-dahlia-collection-special-decorative-mix-pack-of-ten https://www.rd.com/advice/relationships/6-rose-colors-and-their-meanings/ https://www.rosesgalore.com/abracadabra-rose.html https://www.silkflowersbyjean.biz/products/orange-yellow-burgundy-fall-wedding-bouquet-orange-bouquet-orangerose-bouquet-burlap-bouquet-fall-orange-bouquet-rustic https://www.sunset.com/garden/flowers-plants/gorgeous-dahlias https://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/annuals/zinnias.html https://www.teleflora.com/meaning-of-flowers/chrysanthemum https://www.thespruce.com/balsam-flowers-for-heirloom-garden-1315695 https://www.wabulbs.com/copy-of-sunset-ball-dahlia/

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Dr. N. Krishnaswamy is a economist, design thinker, ideator, innovator and designer. He has been in the communication, media, printing and design industry for about four decades. He has published papers on economics, design identity and design management. He is a designer, painter, teacher, sculptor, photographer and writer. He is passionate about colour, shape and walking. Occasionally he escapes into landscaping and gardening.

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