The ELDERBERRY shrub abounds in superstition in many countries and by different races. In Scandinavian mythology the tree was dedicated to the Goddess of Love, and to Thor, the God of Thunder. It is said that anyone who stands in the shade of an elder tree at midnight will see the King of the Elves go by with his retinue. In Tyrol, the peasants regard it so highly; they raise their hats when they pass by. An old country remedy for toothache is to suck a small twig of elder. Many a Sussex man carries an eldr stick with three or more notches cut into it to protect him from rheumatism. Gloucester people widely suppose that the Cross was made from elderwood and they will not burn any part of the tree.
The charming FORGET-ME-NOT derived its name from the romantic story of a drowning knight. One day long ago, a handsome knight was walking along the banks of the Danube with his lady love. She spied a clump of dainty blue flowers floating downstream and was so enchanted with their beauty that she implored her gallant lover to get them for her. He dove into the water and caught the bouquet. Hampered by his heavy armor, he was unable to reach the bank against the strong current. He tossed the flowers at the feet of the maiden and called "Forget me not" as he was borne helplessly downstream.
The delightful FOXGLOVE is supposedly the secret hiding place of elves and fairies in gardens and woodlands. The bad fairies are supposed to allow the fox to cover his paws with the flower bells to conceal his footprints. In Ireland where fairy tales are prevalent, the flower bells are reported to be used by the "little folk" as caps, petticoats and thimbles.
Our beloved, ever-blooming GERANIUM or Gentian of which there are over 400 species, takes its name from Generis, King of Illyrian who is said to have been the first to discover the medicinal properties of the bitter roots of the plant. The European species, Gentiana crocata was once called Ladislai Regi Herba because of a strange legend, relating to the land of Ladislai. The king was so saddened by the misery of his people, who were dying of the plague that he prayed to God, requesting that if he shot an arrow into the air, it would be guided to some healing herb. The arrow plunged into the heart of a gentian plant. The root was immediately examined and found to contain remarkable curative power against the disease. Robert Turner, a 17th Century astrological botanist, claimed, "Gentian resists poisons, putrefaction, the pestilence and helps digestion. The powder of dry roots helps the bites of mad dogs and venomous beasts, opens the liver and procures an appetite. Wine, wherein the herb has been steeped, refreshes those overly wearied by travel or lame in their joints by cold and bad lodgings."
Tropical and sub-Tropical JASMIN, with over 300 species, abounds in Mexico; however the Spanish and Italian Jasmine are the most important varieties for the extraction of their perfumed oil. In China the flowers are used to scent tea. Today, processed Jasmine tea has become a popular beverage. The world may not have enjoyed this lovely fragrance or tea if it had not been for the act of a Tuscan gardener to the Grand Duke of Tuscany. The man was so poorly paid that he was unable to marry the girl of his choice. One day in 1699 the Grand Duke obtained a very rare specimen of Jasmine and refused to allow it to be propagated; however, the canny gardener managed to snip a sprig, which took root and thrived. The girl sold cuttings at high prices and was soon able to marry her lover. This delightful story is com-memorated by Tuscan girls who still wear a posy of Jasmine on their wedding day.
The sprightly MARIGOLD plays an important role in the lives of the Mexican people. Hispanic Heritage month, 15 September to 15 October is associated with death and Mexican families construct altars, called "offenders" in front of their adobe homes. They are usually decorated with marigolds, garlands of peanuts, chilies or candles. Censors for burning incense and photos of the deceased adorn the altars. Gifts of the deceased's favorite fruit, candy and a glass of water are placed on the altar, to refresh the weary soul on its way back to the family. On the Day of the Dead, Mexico's most revered tradition, from Oct. 31st to Nov. 2nd families join in remembrance of their loved ones. Magnificent marigold wreaths are placed on the graves. The family then lights candles and shares the family news with each other and their departed relatives.
As a final example of exalted romance is the most common of flowers, the gay little NASTURTIUM, which has its own particular history and fantasy. When the Swedish botanist, Linnaeus discovered this little Peruvian plant, he named it TROPAEOLUM. In Latin, tropaeum refers to an ancient Roman Custom. After a battle the victorious army would select a convenient tree or tall pole on which they draped the armor and military equipment of the fallen warriors. Linnaeus thought the rounded leaves of the nasturtium resembled the shields of the soldiers, the red and deep gold flowers, the bloodstained helmets of the warriors. Medieval housewives appreciated the nutritional value of nasturtiums and many other flowers for salads. Medieval knights feasted regularly on violet and primrose stew, venison garlanded with marigolds and accompanied by Pickled Cowslips, sprinkled with Violet Vinegar. In bygone days when English festive boards groaned beneath a multitude of exotic foods, flowers played a very important role. Marigold petals were an indispensable ingredient in soups and mutton dishes.
The gourmet cook of today may compete with the chefs of kings and not only enhance the flavor of his food, but beautify his board with common garden flowers. Products such as flower-flavored sugar, vinegar and other exotic ingredients may be purchased or prepared from recipes still available in Flower Cookery Recipe Books.
As well as feasting your eyes on the romantic beauty of your flower garden you may feast on the vitamin-rich salads and other tasty ingredients they provide. Why not make your own Hawthorne Brandy, Elderberry Champagne, Dandelion or Red Clover Wine? Ladies you may even compete with Max Factor and make your own Buttercup Ointment for dry skin, Rose Skin Tonic, Apple blossom Water for your complexion or Lilac Bath Oil for your bath. Bypass the middleman!!!
