Numi Flowering Teas are hand-sewn tea leaves in the shape of flowers that expand as they steep in hot water.

They come in green, white, and black tea varieties.

For everyone who celebrates the ritual of tea… filling the tea kettle, lighting the burner, pouring the hot water, feeling the steam, watching the leaves unfurl, smelling the subtle aromas… flowering tea enhances each element of the experience.

A nice way to slow down on a rainy Saturday afternoon. And to appreciate that you weren’t the person to have to sew all of those brittle leaves to resemble a chrysanthemum.

We’re standing outside the Korean deli, deciding which flowers to buy.

Will points to a pink bouquet.

I point to these.

“Green?” he says quizzically. “That’s the last color I’d pick.”

Well, I love them. And I think they’re growing on him, too.

There are two types of people: those who feel fresh flowers are worth the expense, and those who don’t.

Like many things, I spent years thinking they were overrated, which just happened to coincide with years that I never had any around. As soon as I started receiving them I realized how much they brighten a room.

It is very important to change the water and trim the stems daily to keep them looking nice. Just as crucial is tossing them out composting them as soon as they’re getting to be over the hill. If they’re flowers you intend to dry and preserve, that’s one thing. But saggy, droopy, floppy flowers just look sad. Fresh flowers are supposed to symbolize life and romance, not death and neglect.

Every time I glance at these flowers (still fresh!) I smile. Maybe it’s not a convincing argument for everyone, but things that make me smile without fail are worthwhile in my book.