BLOOMING MARVELS
Japanese Anemone Bringing calmness and serenity
The delicate flowers of Japanese anemones bloom from late summer through to the first frost, ranging from white to pale pink. Sometimes called windflowers, their graceful stems are set in motion by even the lightest of breezes, causing the flowers to dance in the breeze. It is certainly easy to attribute a certain Zen-like quality of inner serenity to their discreet beauty. These flowers feature in Japanese ornamental gardens, which are spaces of meditation and reflection, to inspire peace and contemplation.
The flowers contribute to the overall feeling of calm and serenity and are an ideal token to give to someone wanting a little peace and tranquillity in their life.
Peony Bringing luck, happiness and good fortune
Almost everyone loves the plump peony, sometimes referred to as “the rose without thorns”. They are possibly the flower most requested by brides and are often associated with devotion. This stunning flower is China’s national emblem, where it is seen as a symbol of luck, happiness and fortune. Deep-red peonies are most prized as they are the most closely linked to honour, wealth and prosperity. Given the beauty of this flower and its association with luck, success, and happiness, it is the most appropriate flower for a wedding bouquet. Giving peonies as a present is the perfect way to wish someone good fortune, joy and prosperity.
Geranium Aromatherapeutic healing for depression and anxiety
The geranium is a common sight in window boxes and on kitchen windowsills. The oak-leafed geranium we are looking at here (also known as a perlagonium) has been designated the emblem of true friendship. The geranium is widely used in aromatherapy to relieve anxiety, discontent and stress and is used to treat a number of health conditions. There is scientific data to indicate it might be beneficial in pain management. And it is said that inhaling geranium’s essential oil can have a calming effect. It is also used to help poor relationships. Geraniums are the perfect token to give to a dear friend for whom you will always be there, or to someone who has always been there for you.
Aquilegia For courage
The name aquilegia comes from the Latin “aquila”, meaning “eagle”, because the flower is thought to resemble an eagle’s foot. The Greeks and the Persians declared the eagle was the sun’s representative, a symbol of spirit, while in early Christianity, the eagle was a sign of hope and strength and for Native Americans the eagle represents courage and patience, knowing the future may hold possibilities not yet seen before the eagle takes flight. This flower’s meanings – including resolution and strength – led it to be traditionally worn for courage. It is perfect for someone who has been grieving or experienced a period of sorrow and is about to begin a new chapter in their lives. v
Fritillary For healing and renewal
There are many types of fritillary, but it is the delicate Fritillaria meleagris, more commonly known as the snake’s head fritillary, we have here. This variety has a number of names, including chess flower, chequered lily and snake’s head lily’, while fritillaria itself comes from the Latin frittilus. The pattern of the snake’s head fritillary also resembles a chessboard, so games, which involve luck and desire for success, spring to mind, making this a flower for success. But it is the symbolism surrounding the snake, which sheds its skin to emerge stronger, larger and healthier than before, that makes this flower a symbol of transformation, healing and renewal. Snakes head fritillary would be an appropriate gift for someone recovering from of ill health, restarting a business, or switching career.
Our gardens guru Agnes Stevenson