Let's spread the love...
Many early Christian martyrs were named Valentine. February 14th is celebrated as St. Valentines Day in various Christian denominations. A pink almond blossom tree was planted near the grave of St. Valentine. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship.
In the middle ages, men drew names out of a bottle to couple them. Since the 19th Century, handwritten notes have given way to mass produced greeting cards. In the 20th Century, the practise of exchanging cards was extended to all manner of gifts- typically including roses and chocolates pack in red, heart shaped boxes.
This Valentines Day, instead of spending a fortune buying a bouquet, pick a bunch of red roses from your garden and add some lavender flowers. Tie with a red bow.
I wish you all a happy Valentines Day.
‘She bathed with roses red and violets blew
And all the sweetest flowers that in the forest grew’
In the middle ages, men drew names out of a bottle to couple them. Since the 19th Century, handwritten notes have given way to mass produced greeting cards. In the 20th Century, the practise of exchanging cards was extended to all manner of gifts- typically including roses and chocolates pack in red, heart shaped boxes.
This Valentines Day, instead of spending a fortune buying a bouquet, pick a bunch of red roses from your garden and add some lavender flowers. Tie with a red bow.
I wish you all a happy Valentines Day.
‘She bathed with roses red and violets blew
And all the sweetest flowers that in the forest grew’
Summer time!
New Year is upon us and it is time to take the garden in hand. What with the persistent rain and devastating storms, it is time to take a new look at the overgrown garden. Do some summer pruning! Roses will need to have 1/3 pruned off and given good feed in preparation for the autumn flush. Do not forget to water them regularly as they are ‘waterholics.’ It’s so lovely to pick a rose or roses to put in one’s home. The Queen Anne’s lace flower can also be picked. Pop the stems of the above into 2 ½ cm of boiling water for about 20 seconds and then top up with cold water before arranging. Zinnias are also to the fall. These are wonderful for picking and amazing for a splash of bright colour! These are especially effective when used to brighten up a dark or bare corner. Shrubs will need to be pruned and shaped before the autumn sets in. Lawns are growing at a rate of knots! Trim borders so that lawn grass does not intrude.
Summer time colours are generally cool colours – whites, greens, blues and greys. Encourage more Arum Lilies to spread in the garden.
Yours in flowers
Dawn Pellew
New Year is upon us and it is time to take the garden in hand. What with the persistent rain and devastating storms, it is time to take a new look at the overgrown garden. Do some summer pruning! Roses will need to have 1/3 pruned off and given good feed in preparation for the autumn flush. Do not forget to water them regularly as they are ‘waterholics.’ It’s so lovely to pick a rose or roses to put in one’s home. The Queen Anne’s lace flower can also be picked. Pop the stems of the above into 2 ½ cm of boiling water for about 20 seconds and then top up with cold water before arranging. Zinnias are also to the fall. These are wonderful for picking and amazing for a splash of bright colour! These are especially effective when used to brighten up a dark or bare corner. Shrubs will need to be pruned and shaped before the autumn sets in. Lawns are growing at a rate of knots! Trim borders so that lawn grass does not intrude.
Summer time colours are generally cool colours – whites, greens, blues and greys. Encourage more Arum Lilies to spread in the garden.
Yours in flowers
Dawn Pellew