The 19th century was the great age of the flower garden. Floral designs were prominent in fabrics, wallpapers, architectural details, and all manner of other decoration within the home - especially fresh cut flowers. Bouquets would brighten many rooms, and bringing flowers for the lady of the house was quite courteous. Flowers were also worn as personal decoration much more frequently than today - a spray of flowers on a woman's hat or pinned to the breast of her coat; by the end of the century a businessman's boutonniere was as important an accessory as his hat.

Even the sunniest of bouquets could still send a negative or confrontational message, though. Imagine paying a visit only to find an arrangement in the parlor implying you're a faithless liar!