Flowers have an expression of countenance as much as men or animals. Some seem to smile; some have a sad expression; some are pensive and diffident; others again are plain, honest and upright, like the broad-faced sunflower and the hollyhock. – Henry Ward Beecher, Star Papers: A Discourse of Flowers

[F]lowers… adorn our lanes, fields and fells, and… smile upon us and cheer and bless us in our country rambles…. the lovely blossoms… kiss the clear brooks and mountain wells… – James Rigg, “Preface,” Wild Flower Lyrics and Other Poems, 1897

Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into. – Henry Beecher, Life Thoughts, 1858

The quality of scent or perfume is essential, and any flower that lacks perfume is far from perfect, no matter what other qualities it may possess. – T.H. Cook, James Douglas, and J.F. McLeod, Carnations & Pinks, 1911