Lilac in China represents modesty, which is one of virtues that Chinese people value Other than above, there are some flowers which have medicinal values. Plum flowers can cure heat, cough and diarrhea; chrysanthemum can cure cold; orchid can cure lung disease and coughs; lotus flowers can cure sunstroke, insomnia and blood vomiting; azalea can regulate female menstruation; narcissus and Chinese rose can remove bruises; laurel can remove bruises and dissolve phlegm.

What about giving presents? When birthdays or opening a business, red Chinese rose or pomegranate flowers would be good because this represents prosperous future.

For old people, plum flowers or tuberose would be appropriate.

For patients, orchid, you can buy China pink bamboo.

For moving houses, you can buy asparagus fern.

For wedding, you can buy lily because in China it represents hundred years of love. Lily is also good for friends which means unity.

However there are also plants which carry derogative meanings.

Poplar flowers can be easily blown broken. It represents a woman who is not faithful.

Broad-leave epiphyllum flowers are pretty but they open just for one night. It can be easily understood that they represent shortness.

Duckweed floats on surface of water. It has no roots and floats anywhere. Since Chinese nation values family and its unity, things which do not have roots would be pitiful.

Thistles and thorns bring people pain. They represent difficulties.

Do you know more about what to bring to your Chinese friend next time? Maybe now you can be more confident when asking your Chinese lover out for a date.;-)

It's a good idea to treat seeds with a good, all purpose fungicide (something like a Rose Dust or Tomato Dust will be fine) before planting. Place a small amount, just tip of a knife end, into packet, reclose and shake until seeds are covered. This will protect them from 'damping off', a common problem with very young plants.

Care of Seedlings

Seeds must be kept moist but not wet until seedlings emerge. This may take between 1-3 weeks, depending on plant type.

As they grow stonger, thorough but less frequent watering is required. They will need shade when young but should be increasingly exposed to sun so they become used to conditions in garden. Water in morning rather than at night.

Transplanting

Mark where you plan to put each of your plants. Use a trowel to make a hole large enough to take root system. Gently prise out seedling from its container taking as much of soil as you can with it into garden bed. Firm soil around plant in its new position, cover area with mulch and water in gently.

It is best to transplant in late afternoon or evening to give plants time to settle in less stressful conditions.