The Language of Flowers

Morning is ...well, first there's a full pot of coffee, but on this Saturday morning, with my back door open and the dogs running in and out, it's all about flowers.  If you know me already , you know that last summer it was about pumpkins.  I had no idea that pumpkins would spread and take over the whole yard!  I loved seeing the orange-yellow blooms and then the harvest!  But this spring I want to begin with flowers.

"The Language of  Flowers", by Vanessa Diffenbaugh,  a romantically enchanting novel tells of a young woman growing through the foster-care system and her knowledge of the meanings of flowers.  I was so intoxicated by her definition of "moss" not usually associated with floral bouquets as representing maternal love.  The roots of moss are not deep but can overtake and flourish.  I personally have a wonderful mother and mother-in-law,  but for those women who struggle with the reality of estrangement from their mother I find the idea of moss so beautifully encouraging.

I posted a picture of two books; the first being the novel mentioned above and the other a dainty little book that I found at a flea market for 3 dollars.  I love looking at all the meanings for each flower and imaging different bouquets that I would send to my loved ones.  What struck me though was that Lavender, which I am planting today , has a definition of "distrust".  Imagine that!  I also will be planting Gladiolas, which by definition are "strength of character".  Put the two together and possibly the distrust of character is the one symptom women face.  We should never distrust our strength of character but in fact let the lilac color of the lavender wash over us in the pursuit of our strength.  I just looked up Lilacs and wait for it... Lilacs are the first emotions of love. Beautiful.

 Today I will think about the Language of Flowers as I begin my spring garden .