Easter is always a special time of year as we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and new life in nature. As the daffodils, irises and tulips poke their heads through the fresh green grass, the fragrance of new life is all around us. Those first days of Spring are like a breath of fresh air that give us hope of new growth, warmer weather, and good things to come.

As you plan your Easter activities, don't forget to share the beauty of Spring with flowers. Tulips, irises, daffodils, roses and lilies are a delightful table centerpiece at Easter dinner. They are beautiful in a basket, vase or garden container. A clear vase filled with jelly  beans (and water, of course!) makes a great base for Easter flowers. The jelly beans can be multicolored or choose one color to coordinate with the flowers, like yellow daffodils and yellow jelly beans. Whatever the occasion--Happy Easter, Get Well Soon, Happy Birthday--flower arrangements like these will be a hit this Spring. Easter flowers also are a bright addition to an Easter basket surrounded by chocolate and jelly beans.

Many people find Easter to be the perfect time of year for saying "thank you" to those whose services are invaluable, making our lives easier. Teachers, caregivers, church secretaries, dentist and doctor's offices, and  mail carriers appreciate a simple bouquet of Easter flowers that express our gratitude for their service throughout the year. It does others good to receive a special unexpected thank you at this time of year, and it does our hearts good to give a gift that symbolizes new life and new hope for the coming year.