Flowers and Plants arrive in abundance when Chinese New Year (CNY) in Singapore and among the Chinese communities in Asia approaches. Flowers are usually imported from China and neighbouring countries. Florists in Singapore, flower nurseries and gardens are stocked with all kinds of flowers and plants to bring great cheer to start the Chinese Lunar New Year. Homes are spring cleaned, the additional of auspicious flowers and plants bring the feeling of a good beginning for the Chinese as they celebrate and usher in the year of the OX.

During Chinese New Year (CNY) good and nice words are often used and exchanged. Prosperity, Success, Healthy, Riches, Wealth, Growth, Abundance, Harmony, Peace, Joy and Luck are just some meaningful and positive words exchanged among relatives, friends and business partners. Flowers and Plants are bought for their auspicious and symbolic meanings, as gifts for friends and business associates during Chinese New Year, to wish them well for the New Year.

Mandarin Oranges come in different sizes. Some belief that the bigger it is , the bigger it represents bigger opportunities. A BIG Harvest and prosperity, it also speaks of sweet success, wishing that all these will come in the coming New Year. During Chinese New Year, greetings accompanied with a pair of oranges is a traditional practice among the Chinese. It symbolises GOLD and all the good wishes for the new year.

Four Seasons Lime are usually potted and decorated with red ribbons, and other decorations to make it look so elegant. The small 1 inch diameter size fruits symbolize gold nuggets. The orange, bright yellow lime fruits and the luscious leaves that blend well with the fruits, bring about great symbolic, auspicious meaning to those who place them at the doorway or within the living room. It is supposed bring about abundant good luck and wealth for the year.

Beautiful wavy, velvety flowers of the Cockscomb is such a delightful sight. With Red blooms which represent good wishes, these potted plants are usually bought in pairs and placed at doorways or gates, representing double happiness and bliss for the family and home.

The chinese name is Feng Wei which translated is Phoenix Tail. Celosia is its botanical name. Usually come in yellow and red, they look like a tail. This flower represents harmony and good fortune.

The leaves are emerald green, like the colour of Jade. Crassula is also known as the Jade Plant. It symbolises prosperity, continuous growth, wealth and fortune. With little red ribbons, it is great piece to decorate the table and the home during Chinese New Year.

With an auspicious meaning for Chinese New Year, the Chrysanthemum symbolises perfection, optimism and joy. To some it is an object of meditation. Usually in yellow and orange, it comes in small and big blooms, beautifying the garden or the living room.

To the Chinese at New Year, the Azalea symbolises harmony and smoothness of flow in life. Red again is an auspicious colour for the Chinese New Year, symbolizing all forms of goodness. It is believed it helps to foster and also strengthen relationships. When in full bloom, it is like a big bouquet of flowers. A beautiful sight indeed.

Pussy willows are known for its white or silvery buds which are silky, when blooms and emerald green leaves sprout to give it a new lease of life. They symbolise a new beginning, prosperity and signs of growth. They are usually sold in bunches and are beautiful in a long vase.