For example, entwining ivy in your bouquet can symbolize marriage and fidelity. "Guys who are not ready to pop the question may want to stay away from that," she said, but it can be a touching addition for a couple who has been married for awhile.

Secret admirers might want to consider peonies — "they stand for bashfulness and will let your valentine know you will reveal yourself in time," she said.

Lilacs symbolize the first rush of love, and would be good for new sweethearts, said Benenson. "Jasmine is readily available, and that means good luck. Chrysanthemums symbolize hope in dark times; you see them more at Memorial Day."

Color, too, can send a special message, she said. Generally, red stands for love; white stands for purity; purple for faithfulness. "But yellow can mean lying and deceit," she noted.

However, she is quick to add, "you have to take all this within the context of the relationship. Yellow roses happen to be my favorite. I've been married for 20 years, and my husband knows to give me yellow roses."

Since most people don't know the language of flowers, she said, "you might want to include a card telling what the flowers mean and why you have chosen them. But it can be a lot of fun. I want to encourage people to talk 'flowerspeak' again. You can create your own bouquets with grocery store flowers or have a florist do it for you."

It is no surprise, she said, that flowers are a favorite gift, not just at Valentine's Day, but year-round. "At this time of year, especially in wintry climes, there's nothing quite as hopeful and special as flowers. But they are always a great idea. They are beautiful. They are scented. They spark our imaginations like nothing else."

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