Flowers remain a popular gift choice, for birthdays, on Valentine's Day, on Mother's Day and at Christmas. A great bunch of flowers can bring a smile to anyone's face and remain one of the most charming and affectionate gifts anyone can give.

There are, however, many different ways in which you might choose to give the gift of flowers. How many could you think of?

1. Instead of simply choosing the best bunch of blooms in your chosen florist, why not go to a little extra trouble and take the time to research the favourite varieties of the lucky recipient of your bouquet? Making the effort to find out which are their preferred blossoms adds an extra level of care and attention to your gift choice.

2.Something that fascinates many people when it comes to flowers is their meanings of 100 years back. Not so long ago, each flower could connote a different emotion in certain social situations. If you think you might be buying flowers for someone who would be interested in this kind of thing, then attach a card explaining the significance of the flowers you chose.

3. Flowers don't have to be a formal gift. They could simply come from your garden and be tied up with string. In many cases it really is the gesture that matters and not the fanciness of the arrangement.

4. One great way to give any present, and flowers are certainly no exception, is to surprise someone out of the blue. Send flowers by delivery using a service such as Interflora's. Choose your bouquet online and simply type in the address you want to send it to. Flowers delivery London has never been so simple. You can attach a card, chocolates or even a bottle of champagne as you wish.

5. Don't restrict your flower giving potential to the most obvious occasions. If someone is feeling blue, a bright bouquet could be just the thing to cheer them up. If you haven't seen a friend in a while, take a small bunch of flowers with you when you next pop round to say hello.

The gift of flowers may be old fashioned but it retains every ounce of its original charm. A touching sign of love and friendship, this is one tradition that can still evade the clich? if done in the right way.

Maricruz Tennill is a horticulturalist and freelance writer based in London. They recommend Interflora for flower delivery London.