One of the biggest floral holidays in the US, Valentine’s Day is a tricky holiday for many local flower growers striving to offer fresh blooms. We’re taking a page out of a flower farmer’s handbook, and leaning into the joy of planning for flowers. This time of year flower farmers often are immersed in stunning seed catalogs filled with hope, beautiful photographs, and tantalizing descriptions of varieties. It’s a slower time, full of intention, self-care, and daydreaming of flowers to come.
For this year’s Valentine’s Day book recommendations, we’re leaning into indulgent and fun. We’ve compiled a list of books full of floral eye candy, so you can treat yourself, a loved one, a friend, a co-worker, and, of course, a fellow flower farmer! From incredible sugar flowers, juicy portraits of stems, romantic DIY, and fascinating Victorian flower folklore, our book list this year will inspire and carry you through the last final weeks before the local flower season begins!
1. The Flower School: Principals and Pleasures of Good Flowers
by Joseph Massie
A comprehensive must-have with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions accompanied by gorgeous photography for 25 different floral projects.
Learn more about the author: Website Instagram
2. A Sweet Floral Life: Romantic Arrangements for Fresh and Sugar Flowers (A Floral Décor Book)
by Natasja Sadi
A showcase of Natasja’s passion and musings on fashion, photography, flowers, and sumptuous sugar floral art. 
Learn more about the author: Website Instagram
3. Flower Color Guide
by Putnam & Putnam
A stunning portfolio of juicy, minimalist photographs of single stems organized in an ombre.
Learn more about the author: Website Instagram
4. Flowers Forever: Celebrate the Beauty of Dried Flowers with Stunning Floral Art
by Bex Partridge
A celebration of everlasting flowers with tips on color, design, and sourcing sustainably.
Learn more about the author: Website Instagram
5. The Complete Language of Flowers: A Definitive and Illustrated History (Volume 3) (Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia, 3)
by S. Theresa Dietz
An elegantly presented encyclopedia of flower illustrations paired with historical folklore and the stories behind the symbolism and meanings of flowers.
Related: Looking for more local flower gift ideas? Check out our article: 6 Ways to Green Up Your Valentine’s Purchase