Take a walk around the dooryard with me. We’ll enjoy the flowers and you can learn a bit of floriography aka “the language of flowers.” Back in prim and proper Victorian England, every flower had a hidden meaning. Making a small bouquet called a “tussie mussie” meant you could give flowers to someone special and send them a secret message at the same time.
Crocus (Crocus) – One of the first flowers to bloom in spring, this member of the iris family is a welcome sight after a long winter. Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, is produced by harvesting the stigmas of the autumn crocus. In the language of flowers they mean “cheerfulness.”
Daffodil (Narcissus) – These lovely blossoms get their name from the Greek god Narcissus and were said to have grown along the riverbank where he fell in love with his own reflection. Not surprisingly, in the language of flowers they mean “egotism.”
Daylily (Hemerocallis) – With over 80,000 varieties and able to be grown in nearly every climate on Earth, daylilies are among the easiest perennials to cultivate. As suggested by their name, each blossom lasts for but a day. In the language of flowers they mean “coquetry.”
Forget-me-not (Myosotis) – As the story goes, two lovers were walking along the Danube one fine spring day when the lady spied these little blossoms. As her gentleman reached to pluck them for her, he fell into the river, exclaiming as he was swept away, “Forget me not!” In the language of flowers they mean “undying love” or “remembrance.”
Perennial Sunflower (Helianthus) – Stunning in the late summer garden, perennial sunflowers quickly multiply each year and are easy to grow. In the language of flowers, they mean “long life,” “loyalty” or “love in friendship.”
Pansy (Viola) – Easy to grow, cheery and bright, pansies come in dozens of colors. They can be planted early, often reseed themselves and here in Maine have been known to bloom into December! In the language of flowers they mean “thinking of you.”
Peony (Paeonia) – First grown in China in 618 during the T’ang Dynasty, peonies are known to be a difficult plant to establish. Once they begin to grow and thrive, peony beds can live for a century or more. In the language of flowers they mean “honor,” “prosperity” or “happy marriage.”
Phlox (Phlox paniculata) – Garden phlox are an old-fashioned staple in the late summer garden. Members of the phlox family grow everywhere from the alpine tundra to open prairies. In the language of flowers they mean “harmony” or “sweet dreams.”
Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora) – Native to areas of South America, this succulent is easy to grow in dry areas with poor soil. It’s a member of the purslane family and is also known as moss rose. In the language of flowers it means “confession of love.”
Rhododendron (Rhododendron) – This member of the heath family produces a toxin from which bees make “mad honey,” creating a hallucinogenic effect when consumed. While the plant itself is harmless to touch, because of the honey in the language of flowers they mean “danger” or “beware.”
Purple Iris (Iris) – Late spring and early summer are the best time for irises, which get their name from the Greek word for rainbow. In the language of flowers they mean “faith,” “wisdom” or “hope.”
Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate (Polygonum orientale) – This heirloom plant, with flowers that eventually grow into long, flowing flowerheads, can be hard to find. We’re guessing the plants were often supported next to a garden gate where more than a few romantic good-byes were said.
Lupine (Lupinus) – Growing to 4 feet or more, this member of the legume family has been used as food by some cultures for over 6000 years. Those with a peanut allergy can also be allergic to lupine. In the language of flowers it means “imagination.”
Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) – Popular in the southern US, certain varieties of magnolia trees are also able to withstand a harsh Maine winter. In the language of flowers they mean “dignity,” with a white magnolia meaning “purity.”
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum) – Besides being enjoyed for their beauty, nasturtiums are a favorite floral edible. They pack a peppery punch in salads and are high in vitamins A, C and D. Latin for “nose twist,” in the language of flowers they mean “patriotism.”
At her home in rural Maine, Faith Pineo can often be found puttering outside amongst the flowers and wildlife. She tends to talk with chipmunks and birds far more often than is likely good for her, but nevertheless finds them to be excellent conversationalists.
One thought on “The Language of Flowers: A Maine Garden”
This was great fun. Thanks for asking me! I hope everyone enjoys the photos and learning a new language.
One thought on “The Language of Flowers: A Maine Garden”
This was great fun. Thanks for asking me! I hope everyone enjoys the photos and learning a new language.
Comments are closed.