November's Flower of the Month and Mom

Chrysanthemum photo - Flowers Magazine

This photo of November's Flower of the Month seems appropriate for me.  The single orange flower surrounded by the neutral white really represents my life this past month.  Mom had a mild stroke.  It was small, Thank God, and she's recovered from the physical effects but her Dementia took the turn for that next step.  The one where she seems OK to everyone else at first, but she needs someone with her all the time now.

It's been rough.  Lots of changes and I've felt like I was alone many times during her stroke recovery and transition to this new life.  The truth is, however, that my faith, family, (especially my husband) friends, and her medical team have been the white flowers.  The single flowers grouped tightly together that have held me up.

Also, during this time my sister fell seriously ill. We try to work as a team to care for Mom but she needs to care for herself.  I'm sure she felt like the orange flower too.  Alone but with a quiet team of support to hold her up.

Last, but certainly not the least is Mom.  I'm sure that she's happy most of the time.  We see to that. But I'm also sure that she feels alone when she truly believes the stories she's telling, when she is positive that she already took her meds (or ate, or bathed, or talked to someone on the phone).  Her self esteem hits a low point many days.  She gets angry and it's hard to remain patient with her.  But much of the time she's like the Chrysanthemum.  Cheerful and loving.  We'll hold on to that as long as we can!  Love You Much Mom!

“‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you."  Deuteronomy 5:16 ESV

Marigold - Flower of the Month for October

October's Birth Flower is the Marigold.  Their warm and cheerful colors are long lasting in the Autumn garden and signify Affection and Grace.

Cindy Rippe's Crown Fold with Marigolds from a previous post.

The botanical name, Calendula officinalis, refers to the latin word for calendar.  Calendula means "the first day of the month" and they say that the marigold blooms on the first day of the month.  (I'm not sure about that, once mine bloom there are new flowers every day)  Early Christians called them Mary's Gold, and placed them by statues of the Virgin Mary. 

They have medicinal qualities, are used by gardeners as an insect repellent, and by cooks as a spicy seasoning.  Their bright colors are used to make brilliant dyes for fabrics, cosmetics and foods according to 1st in Flowers.com.

Photo credits: flowers.vg - orchidflowers.wordpress - ohmygarden.com

Marigolds are said to symbolize sorrow or sympathy.  I prefer to think of that as being sorry that summer is coming to an end but their bright and cheerful colors are happy soaking up the Autumn sunshine while it lasts.

The hidden meaning of the Marigold during the Victorian era was "My thoughts are with You."


"There ought to be gardens for all months in the year, in which, severally, things of beauty may be then in season."   -  Sir Francis Bacon

September Flower of the Month - Aster

Asteraceae -anythingwithplants.com

The Aster is September's flower of the month.  The name comes from the Greek word for Stars which is perfect for this delicate little flower.  There are more than 600 varieties available in almost every color except bright yellow and orange.  The violet, pink and white shades are most popular.

The Aster symbolizes afterthought, daintiness and love of variety. In China they symbolize fidelity.  They are also called Star flowers or Frost flowers (probably because they are one of the last to bloom before the autumn frosts).

Kim Willis - life123.com

The butterflies can't get enough of their tasty nectar that's hidden in the tiny yellow flowers clustered around the flower's center.  This row of flowers separates them from the chrysanthemum family.

Beautiful in an Autumn bouquet

 Their long stems and full flower clusters make them perfect as a filler flower in large bouquets. I love the cool touch of lavender amongst the warm autumn colors in this bouquet.

"A late summer garden has a tranquility found no other time of the year."  -   William Longgood

Gladiola Centerpieces

Continuing with my August Flower of the Month post.

After I purchased my Gladiolus from the Farmer's Market I arranged them in a huge vase.
Did I remember to take a picture?  No... sorry.  Here's a photo, from ftd.com,except mine were all a soft peach color.

White Gladiolus in a Glass Vase - Traditional arrangement

Loved it - Enjoyed it while it lasted- but I know that you can do so much more with Gladiolus. I've used the single flowers before.  Most of the time I float them in a shallow bowl.  I took a trip around the internet today and found a few great ideas to share.

In this arrangement the Gladiola leaves were left on and large leaves were added around the base for a nice full look.

www.weddings.theknot.com

The addition of Gerbera Daisies around the base really updates the look.

www.laosflower.com

You've probably seen orchid submerged in a tall vase of water.  Gladiolus are just as beautiful but cost less. You'll need to wire the stems to putty on the bottom of the vase so they don't float.

www.mocharosedesigns.blogspot.com

Since the flowers are so beautiful you can use them individually in small arrangements.  Love this DIY project for decorating the vases with printed papers.

www.oncewed.com

And finally; this pretty red and white arrangement.  Just fill vases with fresh cranberries and water and tuck in single white Glads.  A beautiful look for your holiday table or contemporary dining room.

www.tothegathering.blogspot.com

Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul.  ~The Koran

Gladiola - Flower of the Month for August

The Birthday Flower for August is Gladiola.   It’s a member of the Iris family that’s also known as Sword Lily.  The pointed leaves and tall stalks of flowers with pointed tips and the Latin name “Gladius” give reference to the Gladiators of ancient Rome.

 I love all the colors that are available.  There are over 250 species to choose from including some with ruffled petals.  

The flowers bloom from the bottom of the stem toward the top.  As cut flowers in a vase you can just pinch off the spent flowers and enjoy each new bloom above.

The meaning of the August Birth Flower, the Gladiolus, is sincerity and symbolizes strength of character.  In Victorian times there was a hidden meaning, "Love at first site".  I know that the pink ruffled variety pictured above was love at first site for me!  

I don't have enough sunny garden space to grow them in my own garden but look forward to the Farmer's Market each summer where they sell armloads of these gorgeous blooms for $5.00 a bunch. Lovely!  

What's your favorite color?

"Flowers are the sweetest thing God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into."   Henry Ward Beecher

Larkspur or Delphinium? Which do you like?

I'm still enjoying the Flower of the Month - Larkspur.  Thought I'd share a few more photos with you.

There are so many varieties available.  I think of the original, more delicate, Larkspur with the fern-like leaves to be more of a wild flower.  The cultivated variety, known as Delphinium, has a full leaf and more flowers.  It looks great in a cottage style garden and does well as a perennial in some areas.  Mine have only come back for one year and then I have to purchase new plants. 

I like them both and love the cottage look.  Guess it's time to start a new sketch!

Blue thou art, intensely blue; Flower, whence came thy dazzling hue?  James Montgomery

Sketching Larkspur

As I said in my previous post, I decided to sketch some Larkspur.  I look forward to painting it with Acrylics and Colored Pencil on paper. 

Larkspur by Cindy Rippe copyright 2011

I wonder how I can use it in a Tablescape?  If I paint it with Glass Enamels or Fabric Paint I can create dinnerware or linens..........hmmm..... Creativity awaits!

Larkspur - Flower of the Month

Since I love to draw botanicals and birthdays are a reason to entertain, I thought it would be fun to do a series of "Flowers of the Month".  I've been researching the Meaning of Flowers, Birth month Flowers, State Flowers and more for about 10 years.  The Romans were probably the first to include flowers as part of birthday celebrations. The Victorians gathered flowers into Tussy Mussies (a small bouquet) with careful thought as to what each flower meant as they shared the bouquet with friends or enemies. 

Blue Larkspur

The Birthday Flower for July is Larkspur. It's a wildflower and grows in late spring in a variety of colors  I love the Blue, no surprise to those who know me, especially the very pale blue.  It's  also known as delphinium with even more varieties available now.  The name comes from spur of the flower, which reminded some people of the parts of the lark.  The plants have very tall stems with many branches.

The meaning of July's Birth flower is an open heart, levity, lightness and ardent attachment.

There are hidden meanings based on color:

Pink symbolizes fickleness

White is Joyful, happy-go-lucky

Purple - You have such as sweet disposition and first love.

You can find more information about July's Birth Flower at Birthstones.org.  I've taken lots of pictures of Larkspur and Delphinium over the years.  I think I'll start a new sketch!

God has sown his name on the heavens in glittering stars; but on earth he planteth his name by tender flowers.  Jean Paul Richter