In 2009, in the three-part “Butterflies” series of definitives, Philately Liechtenstein launched a set of issues which has since proved enormously popular with its clientele. The reasons for its great success are, firstly, the timeless face designs suitable for any occasion and, secondly, eminent consumer-friendliness: the stamps are made in self-adhesive form. This year this series of self-adhesive definitives on the theme “Garden Flowers” is being continued. Those in charge anticipate that this will inject variety into postal correspondence; moreover, butterflies and garden flowers can be combined with one another in many different ways. The first issue, again designed by Stefan Erne, depicts the peony, dahlia and zinnia.

The “Dahlia” (Dahlia hortensis), originally native to Central America and Mexico and introduced into Europe from the beginning of the 19th century (face value CHF 0.85), belongs to the Compositae/Asteraceae family and is another widely found ornamental plant, in bloom from July to October. The approximately 20,000 different varieties of dahlia are subdivided into 10 groups. The definitive depicts a semi-cactus dahlia (variety “Golden orange”). The pink “Peony”, Paeonia officialis (face value CHF 1.40), generally in bloom around Whitsuntide, is a popular bloom for parks and gardens. It is found throughout the Mediterranean area and right into the northern Alpine regions. Since in former times it was brought over the Alps as a healing agent by the Benedictines, in German it is also called the “Benedictine rose”. The “Zinnia” (face value CHF 5.00) likewise belongs to the Compositae/Asteraceae family. It derives its name from that of the German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn (1727–1759). Like the dahlia, this latesummer annual comes from Central America and Mexico and often graces colourful cottage gardens. Since Philately Liechtenstein expects this series too to be a great success, this set of issues is to be continued in the future with more face designs featuring flowers.