A bouquet of flowers, even a single flower, can say so much. Flowers can make another smile, or offer commiserations. We use them to tell people we love them and to get well soon. Flowers can tell a person that you’re thinking of them when you might not have the words to express your feelings.

The symbolic meaning of flowers has long been depicted through history and culture by way of artwork, literature and song. Different flowers, and even different flower colours, once more commonly hid a deeper meaning behind a floral gift.

Below is a collection of the many different ways students across Victorian Independent schools portray flowers in their artwork, from large and colourful pieces, to tiny, understated decorations in a portrait subject’s hair.