January not only marks the start of a new year, but is also traditionally a time for new beginnings. Whether this comes in the form of a new job, a new home or an exotic adventure, there can be much to look forward to this month. 

Our favourite new year new beginnings are the ones that take place in our garden. Whilst it might seem as if not much is happening outside in January, if you look closely you will see the green shoots of spring bulbs and plants as they slowly make their way to the surface.

Many of the first bulbs and plants to flower in the garden have long been said to symbolise new beginnings. As we wait for our flowers to bloom, we would like to share some of the hidden stories behind our favourite plants this January.

Hellebores

One of the first hellebores to flower is the Christmas Rose as it appears in time for the festive season. With its creamy white flowers and green centre this pretty hellebore provides a welcome addition to any January garden. From the palest pink to the deepest magenta, the hellebore is a much welcomed sight in January. Hellebores represent serenity, peace and tranquillity which are all things we might long for after a very busy December.   

Hellebores also look wonderful placed in small vases dotted around your home. If you would prefer to leave yours in the garden, then why not opt for our artificial hellebore stems. Choose from the gorgeous bridal white, pale pink with speckled centres or the wonderful dark pink on a long stem. 

Cherry Blossom 

The arrival of the cherry blossom in the UK is a sign that spring is definitely here. However, there is another country where cherry blossoms are greeted with even more excitement: Japan. The arrival of the blossom is greatly anticipated, with people flocking from all over the world to enjoy their beauty. These trees have long been said to represent not just the arrival of spring but also to offer a sense of renewal and optimism. The blossom's short life also symbolises fragility and the importance of not taking things for granted. 

Enjoy the beauty of everlasting blossom in your home this spring by adding a few stems of pretty artificial blossom to one of your smaller vessels. 

Forsythia

The bright yellow flowers of the forsythia shrub are another sign that spring is well and truly on its way. Forsythias symbolise anticipation and hope for the new season. 

However you don’t need to wait until spring to enjoy these bright yellow flowers in your home. This gorgeous arrangement of forsythia stems and greenery in our two toned ceramic vessel is the perfect piece for bringing a drop of sunshine to the greyest January day. 

Magnolia

The wonderful flowers of the magnolia tree signal that spring has fully arrived. These hardy trees are capable of withstanding even the coldest winters and make a wonderful addition to any garden. Magnolias are a symbol of good luck and fortune, which is something many of us could do with at this time of year. 

If you, like us, are too impatient to wait for these flowers to appear, then why not add a few long stems of our artificial magnolia flowers to your tallest vessels? 

Tulips

Tulips play an important role in The Netherlands in January. Growers celebrate the start  of the cut flower season with National Tulip Day on the third Saturday in January. Visitors to Amsterdam city centre are treated to an amazing display of tulips. And they also have the chance to choose their own bouquet for free. 

Sadly, most of us in the UK have to wait until March for these flowers to bloom. However, if you don’t want to wait until then, we have the most magnificent real touch tulips. We think they might be even better than the real thing!

You could add a subtle hint of spring colour with our arrangement of pale pink and lemon tulips which come displayed in our white ceramic jug. Or if you’re looking to add a bright pop of colour to your home then why not choose the fuchsia tulips in our lustre fish bowl vessel. 

Happy New Year

We hope we have given you plenty of flower inspiration for both your garden and your home this new year. January might be one of the greyest months, but remember that spring will soon be here. Along with the promise of warmer days, brighter flowers and a new collection (or two) from Peony Faux Flowers.

Happy New Year