Valentine’s Day is just around the corner continuing the centuries-old association with love. With the early traditions dating back to AD496, the day celebrates the legend of St Valentine who is believed to have been a priest who married young couples against the wishes of the Roman Emperor. While the modern Valentine’s Day is much more about love and romance than martyrdom, there are still some elements which stem from historical traditions.
While we now associate Valentine’s Day with romance, many ancient cultures celebrated February as a time for rebirth with the grapevine being a sacred symbol. Comprising of a blend of the finest organic Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, our Highgrove Organic Cuvée Champagne is the perfect way to raise a toast to love.
The Victorians first introduced the idea of giving chocolate to a loved one to celebrate Valentine’s Day with heart-shaped boxes being produced in the mid-1800s. Choose from deliciously decadent Highgrove Organic Peppermint Thins or Organic Salted Caramel Truffles for a sweet way to celebrate.
Introduced to the Western world from Persia in the 18th Century by King Charles II of Sweden, giving your loved one Valentine’s Day flowers was a way to pass on non-verbal messages with red roses signifying deep love. Climbing roses wind around the stone pillars of the Rose Pergola in the Gardens at Highgrove. This encourages the plants to flower more prolifically. See the roses in bloom in summer on on of our Garden Tours.
St Valentine may be most associated with romance and marriage, but he is also the patron saint of beekeepers, charged with ensuring the sweetness of honey and protecting beekeepers. These creatures are critical to our ecosystem, so help the continued sustainability of this important species by treating your loved one to a Highgrove Bee & Bug House to help keep these saintly creatures safe.
The sale of Highgrove Products, Garden Tours and Events support and enable the life and work of The King’s Foundation.
