Birthday
Hydrangeas1 September is Knowledge Day in Ukraine, when first-graders hear their first school bell, and a bouquet for the teacher is one of the day’s best-known traditions. For the gift to delight rather than get in the way, match its size and flowers to the child’s age. Here is which bouquet suits a first-grader or an older pupil, what to give the teacher and what the alternatives are.
Knowledge Day bouquets: chrysanthemums and flowers for kids.
Choosing the bouquet
- First-graders — a light, low bouquet the child can hold throughout the assembly. Tall gladioli are awkward for little ones.
- Older pupils — a medium-sized bouquet in calm tones.
- The teacher — nothing strongly scented, in practical wrapping or with an aqua box, as there will be many bouquets that day.
Which flowers work
- Chrysanthemums — long-lasting and low-maintenance.
- Gerberas — bright and cheerful.
- Asters and dahlias — September classics.
- Roses — versatile; spray roses are best.
- Gladioli — a traditional choice for older pupils.
Alternatives
- One large bouquet or basket from the whole class instead of dozens of separate ones.
- Some classes donate part of the money to charity — agree this with the parents’ committee.
- A sweet bouquet — ideas in DIY candy bouquet.
For autumn flower ideas see Autumn bouquets, and for ordering lead times see When to order holiday flowers.
FAQ
When should I order a 1 September bouquet?
Two to three days ahead: demand is high at the end of August and morning slots on 1 September fill up early.
Do we have to give the teacher flowers every year?
It is a tradition, not an obligation; many classes choose one shared bouquet.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
