Did you know flowers are so much more than fragrant decorations, pollinator plants, food sources, and pretty faces? They also are messengers with a language all their own! Their symbolic voices can be heard in ancient folklore, multi-cultural myths, and frequently in the works of Shakespeare.

Popularized in the Victorian Era, flowers were used for sending secret messages to loved ones, friends, and enemies, and the custom still exists today. There are many books and websites that help senders compose their messages and aid the recipients in interpreting them.

For example, if you receive a bouquet of baby’s breath (everlasting love), pink camellias (longing) and gardenias (secrets), you know the sender secretly adores and desires you. If you are given an arrangement of snapdragons (distrust) and rhododendrons (danger), you are being offered a sinister warning. A cluster of hydrangeas would express someone’s gratitude. And these are only a very few of the possible ways to say it with flowers!

Our beloved tunnel dwellers have long relied on pipe-tapping to send messages of all sorts. We felt it was time to give them an alternate method of communication. So, for our annual September 25th Challenge, we offer a delightful flower-filled collection of stories and art, inspired by a suggestion from JoAnn Baca.

“Say it with Flowers” Day is one of the special celebrations held in the world Below. Each year on August 1st, everyone sends someone a message hidden in flowers. Since it would be very difficult for most tunnel dwellers to obtain fresh flowers, they are free to use drawings, paintings, poems, stories, stitchery, or other symbolic blossoms. Then, it is up to the recipients to decipher the meanings in the messages they receive – and to reciprocate if so desired. 

Once again, many amazing writers in our fandom have crafted wonderful stories for your enjoyment. So, please take a break from your busy lives, find a comfortable spot (maybe on a garden bench), and breathe in the flowery fragrances of the latest CABB Challenge collection. As always, our sincere thanks to everyone who writes, illustrates, and reads our stories!

THE CHALLENGE SUBMISSIONS

With the Language of Flowers … by Paula

The Wish of My Heart by Carole W

More Than Words by Linda S Barth

Flowery Notes by PearlAnn SnowStar

Sunflowers for Thankfulness by Lindariel

Wallpaper by Paula

Traditions by JoAnn Baca

Say It With Flowers by Nelly

A Ghost From the Past by Tunnel Muse

Mitch’s Flowers by Samantha Coleman and JoAnn Baca