Whether it is to celebrate love on Valentine's Day or just to say thank you on a normal Tuesday, women love to receive flowers. We must love it a lot because every year, the UK spends ?2.2 billion on flowers, which averages out at ?28 each, probably more when you take away all the men that forget to buy them.

However, nowadays, 85% of the UK's flowers come from outside of our borders, and 20% actually come from outside the EU, i.e not Holland. But if you want to buy home grown varieties, you are in luck because more and more florists are offering in-season varities throughout the year and you will be pleasantly surprised at the cost.

With all this sunshine you'd think flowers would love summer, but it can actually be too hot and dry for many varieties. However, there are still some that like it hot.

This time of years sees the blossoming of stunning garden roses. Elsewhere, colour can be found with sweet peas, sunflowers, dahlias, irises, hydrangeas and cosmos, all of which are jolly looking flowers.

Autumn brings with it shorter days and cooler temperatures but the countryside is transformed into shades of sunset. Oranges, reds, yellows and browns replace vivid and luscious greens. Most of the flowers available in summer can last well into autumn, but there are some new additions to mention as well. Asters and rudbeckia add a final splash of colour before winter sets in.

Jack Frost means bad news for most flowers, but there are plenty of hardwearing flowering plants that manage to weather the cold, dark and dreary winters of the UK. Winter jasmine, rosehips and winter honeysuckle flourish as do crab apples and ivy with bountiful amounts of coniferous foliage to decorate.

Spring time sees flowers burst into life once more after a long hibernation period. It is one of the most beautiful times of year as far as flowering plants go. Some of the nation's favourites include daffodils, hyacinth, amaryllis, narcissi, crocus, tulips and alliums.

Herbs are another way of adding colour and fragrance to a bouquet and are available throughout the year. Examples include mint, lemon balm, dill, fennel, rosemary, lavender, sage and bay.

Not only will you save money, but you will also help your local community and promote the growth of the wild flowers and seasonal flower growers.

Maricruz Tennill is a horticulturalist and freelance writer. They recommend Interflora for flowers Birmingham.