But whoa, hold up there partner. Did you know that your arrangement might be thrown away, given to someone else - or just left to wilt at the hospital reception area? Before you send flowers, read on...

Most hospitals in the United States (I'm not sure what the situation is in the rest of the world, but I suspect it is about the same.) will not allow fresh flowers or plants in certain areas of the hospital.

Those areas are Intensive Care, including Burn Units and Cardiac Care, Labor and Delivery and patient care areas for the immune suppressed.

Many hospitals also have other rules about where and when fresh flowers and plants are allowed.

Traditionally, flowers have been sent to those who are suffering or recuperating in hospital. Many people don't know that sometimes flowers aren't allowed and so their gift goes to the front desk and stays there until the patient is able to collect it on his way home.

The reason hospitals are so careful of where fresh plants and flowers are allowed (this also goes for silk plants in most hospitals) is because the flowers or plants can be vectors for bacteria and fungus that can cause major problems for not only the patient, but for the infection control staff. Once an infection gets loose in a hospital - it tends to spread rapidly.

So to be on the safe side, rather than the sorry side, hospitals have had to deny patients the pleasure and comfort of a fine bouquet of flowers by their bedside.

Before you send those flowers - call the information desk at the hospital and see if flowers are allowed in your loved ones room.

The hospital gift store can also tell you with certainty, who is and who isn't allowed flowers. They can also help you with alternative gift choices and may even be able to deliver an appropriate gift to your patients room.

The recipient of your good wishes is sure to be thankful for your thoughtfulness and hopefully all will be well very soon.