Considered a time for rest and peace, the months of January and February were late additions to the Ancient Roman calendar. The start of the year can feel almost like an afterthought, slow and hazy, sometimes even sad – with many experiencing January blues following the end of winter’s festivities, waiting for the hope of spring. This seems apt, given that January was named after the Roman god Janus, whose two faces look backward for reflection and resolution, and forward to new beginnings. A more encouraging perspective could be to think of January for dreaming, February for doing.

The second month of the year is short and sweet – and one of the biggest floral moments at The Floristry because of Valentine’s Day. While there are countless stories around the holiday’s origins, the most romantic and real belong to the natural world. By the end of January in the UK, mistle thrushes start to sing their wistful song, designed to attract a mate and maintain the bond throughout February’s breeding season. Around the same time, peach-faced lovebirds – named for the affection they show their life-long partner – begin their courtship by nesting. And towards the end of February, wild primroses appear, representing the passionate declaration of new love.