the language of flowers

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The Field-Trip Leader
Sometimes you read something amazing in a book—and sometimes it's equally amazing to experience it in real life. Take The Language of Flowers, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, which discusses not only the hidden meaning behind the names of different blooms but also takes you into the world flower farms. Asking a grower or florist to lead your group on a tour of their professional gardens or the local flower market is a fresh and sweet-smelling way to learn more about the subject. Other ideas? A lighthouse tour for the must-read novel The Light Between Oceans, by M.L. Stedman, or—okay, this is total, stupid fantasy—a trip to the Italian coast to really, truly comprehend Beautiful Ruins, by Jess Walter.