Page 128 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2025

November’s story by Gaye Winter
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It’s no wonder that the birthstone of November is the citrine, which is a yellow- gold color, and the topaz, which also mimics the colors of fall. November makes us think of the abundance of food during the harvest and, of course, Thanksgiving with friends and family.
Thinking of giving means surprising family, friends and that special hostess with a gift she (or he) will enjoy during the holidays. The very first gift you might think of
giving to that special person is, of course, chrysanthemums—the flower of fall. You can find these beauties everywhere during the season in spectacular colors: red, yellow, orange, purple and white, to name a few. They symbolize joy and longevity. What a thoughtful gift, in a bouquet or as a potted plant, to say “thank you.”
My second favorite flower to give as a gift is the elegant calla lily. They are shaped like a trumpet and add sophistication to a simple gift of flowers. They come in a gorgeous ivory or white; some are even purple or orange. Calla lilies represent admiration and gratitude, which makes them the perfect gift to honor someone special.
Poinsettias are truly a holiday favorite! Even though they are associated with December, they will arrive in stores and nurseries beginning in November. Most are red, white and green, and they symbolize cheer and goodwill. The white poinsettias are linked
to the Star of Bethlehem and symbolize innocence and purity. Gifting a poinsettia to
that special hostess in November can help add warmth and color to the home through the holidays.
Roses are always a gift favorite. They are classic and timeless. Nothing says love like
a bouquet or vase full of red roses. Tied together with a gorgeous fall ribbon, apricot and yellow roses symbolize friendship and have autumn tones that represent the warmth of the holiday season. Roses always express gratitude and are a wonderful and thoughtful gift.
Sunflowers are a fabulous hostess gift! In a beautiful bouquet tied with a plaid autumn ribbon, the recipient will be forever grateful. They are associated with the warmth of summer and are still available in November. They are like a ray of sunshine and symbolize adoration.
If this is your first year without a loved
one, or if you would like to remember loved ones in a special way, consider having a
tree planted in their honor. Planting a tree
is always a great gift for anyone, including
a hostess. The Arbor Day Foundation, arborday.org, is a great place to start. Their website says, “Honor or celebrate someone with the gift of trees. These trees are planted in forests of need across the country, helping them recover from disasters and giving back to the planet for generations to come.”
November is a time to be thankful for our blessings and for giving and celebrating our loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving and happy gardening!
Chrysanthemums
Calla Lillies
Poinsettias
Roses
Sunflowers
Gaye Winter, Ph.D., teaches English at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and is currently serving as President of the Biloxi Garden Club. Reach her at gaye.winter@mgccc.edu.
Tree Planting
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