Flowers Speak Many Languages
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Flowers are very convenient and are such practical subjects...
No model releases are required; objections are rarely raised when a flower is the subject of a photograph. The only consideration that was ever brought to my attention occurred when I posted a portrait of a Desert Globe Mallow plant. I had been driving in the Nevada desert and saw a fascinating red flower. I parked and knelt beside the highway to take a photograph of what I later learned was a Desert Globe Mallow plant. The comment made (after the fact) was, "I couldn't do that! I would have been afraid."
I also find it fascinating that all cultures and peoples assign symbolic meanings to flowers. How frequently do we hear folks ask, "But what does it mean?"
In addition, flowers come in many shapes and colors and sometimes they even change their color as they become of age. A case in point is the Lantana plant.
Lemony Lantanas
The genus Lantana includes about t 150 species of flowering plants and shrubs. They are classified n the Verbena family.
The flower clusters, called umbels, are a mix of red, orange, yellow, blue and white florets. What I find most fascinating is that the flowers change color as they mature, resulting in inflorescenses that are two- or three-colored.
The above specimen was quite youthful and had been cultivated at the Cactus garden maintained by the Ethel M. Chocolate factory, located out the outskirts of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Lantanas are found in multiple places, expected and otherwise, ranging from along the road side to arboretums and conservatories. Flowers can be found in farmer's markets, grocery stores, and even in a crack in the sidewalk.
Another flower that comes in different colors is the Stargazer Lily.
The color of the Stargazer determines its meaning. White, which I've never seen symbolizes purity, innocence, and simplicity.
Pink, on the other hand mean romance, devotion, wealth, and prosperity. Now that's for me ...
I love the texture, the fragrance, and the way the grains of pollen land on the blossoms. It's both delicate and bold and is a symbol of perfection.
The Stargazer Lily is a fairly recent hybrid and was developed in 1978 by Leslie Woodruff who crossed the Asiactic lily with the Oriental lily. Since the flower buds open towards the sky, Woodruff named the hybrid, "Stargazer." The name itself sends a message of high hopes, optimism, and limitless possibilities.
The flower is easily grown from bulbs. Now, one thing to be aware of is the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) reports the plant is toxic to cats. So beware of this plant if you are a cat lover and owner.
The Show-off
The Bearded Iris comes in many colors and can be found in a variety of locations. I have the sense it is somewhat of an outdated flower. I can remember that one Grandmother planted them on the front banks of her property. Then, they were not among my favorite flowers. Flags, Grandma, called them ...
I inherited a variety of flags at the last property I owned. And along about the end of April or the beginning of May, they added a variety of colors to my backyard.
I carefully clipped and dragged into my studio (then the kitchen counter with a wonderful window facing North) this wonderful showoff.
These Bearded Irises are known by a variety of names--Iris Beard, Iris Fall, Iris Standard; sometimes they are even called, Flags. They are available in a variety of rainbow colors. Many are sweetly fragrant. Allegedly they are deer and rabbit resistant; certainly worth some experimentation. Once planted, they will re-bloom and dependent on the weather, they may have two blooming seasons, one in the Spring; the other in the Fall. Back in southern Utah our summers were hot and the Iris plants I owned did not bloom in the late summer/early fall. Another plus factor for your landscaping is that the flowers come in different sizes, ranging in height from 8 inches to about 3 feet.
The best is that the Bearded Iris requires minimum care and they are great for cut flowers to decorate your home.
Tons of information can be found on the 'net. And, the more I write, the more I think about some pots and growing some.
Hm-m-m ... the bud of an idea.
Does the Iris flower have a meaning? Sure, Iris, the Greek Goodness is the Messenger of Love and her flower is considered to be the symbol of communication and messages. In the language of flowers, Iris symbolizes elegance and power. Additionally, the meaning depends upon the color of the flower.
In the above example, the color white means purity; purple conveys wisdom, and yellow means passion. Take your pick.
The Narcissus plant is commonly called a Daffodil; very hardy and mostly Spring-blooming. Their native range includes Europe, North Africa and West Asia—their center of distribution is in the Western Mediterranean.The number of species varies from 26 to 60, depending on what authority you consult.
Different species and several hybrids are commonly used in gardens and landscaping. Their names include Narcissus, Daffodil, and Jonquil.
The Narcissus has become associated with many meanings. It is commonly perceived in the West as a symbol of vanity. In the East, however, it is associated with wealth and good fortune. The Narcissus also is a national flower symbolizing the new year or Newroz in the Kurdish culture. In addition, in China, it has become the symbol of the Chinese New Year. In classical Persian literature, the flower is the symbol of beautiful eyes. The Daffodil is the national flower of Wales. In some countries, the yellow variation is associated with Easter. The German for Daffodil is Osterglocke, meaning "Easter bell."
When I lived in Utah, tiny Jonquils were the first flower to appear very early in the Spring.
In the backyard, I had a larger variety which was thoroughly spent by mid-May. One fine Spring day I was attracted to this dried-out flower. I thought the tissue paper-thin petals and even the strands of spider web to be most attractive.
When I finished processing this image I discovered a very appropriate poem created by Robin Orozco, that I thought I would share with you.
Want to live a long and Happy Life?
In the Japanese culture, it is believed that placing a single petal from a Chrysanthemum will enhance your chances of living that extended exhilarating life.
