It is believed that Roman gladiators wore wreaths of Gladiolus as protection in combat. One would hope that their fighting skills were more effective than relying on a flower to stop a sword. Gladiolus take their name from the Latin, where it in fact meant sword. It’s still known as a sword lilly in some […]
Black Hollyhock adds a gothic flair in the Witch’s Garden, June 21
Hollyhocks are one of our most ancient flower steeped in folklore. The Neanderthals were burying their dead along with Hollyhocks 50,000 years ago. In China, they were grown both ornamentally, as well as to eat. The Romans ate Hollyhocks as well, a practice which continues to this day. Fairies love Hollyhocks, hence seeing them in skirts […]
My Death Part II: In which the author peers over the edge and steps back
I felt pretty good. Almost elated. The pain in my jaw had gone away. I was talking to the ambulance attendant about how you can’t always rely on machines, which gave me a dire prognosis. That was his point. But it’s better safe than sorry. Then he checked the heart monitor again and gave me […]
Dittany of Crete in the Witch’s Garden, June 10
Dittany of Crete grows only on steep, rocky mountainsides and gorges on the island of Crete, in the Aegean sea. It’s a symbol of love, thought to be an aphrodisiac as well. Only the bravest, or those most foolhardy in love dare to collect it. Locally those who go to the effort to find it […]
Fuchsia adds a psychedelic note to the Witch’s Garden
Fuchsia is sometimes called Bleeding Hearts in Ireland, and across Ireland, Scotland and Britain it’s tied to the fairies. Children suck the nectar from the blooms, and make fairy people by plucking the petals and stamens. Fuchsia is a relatively new introduction to gardens, and I have to admit that rather than folklore or occult […]
Rue in the Witch’s Garden, June 10, 2020
Ruta graveolens, or Rue as it’s commonly called has been used for medicine and magic for millennia. But one use not commonly known about is its use in fighting Bubonic plague. Rue’s naturally pungent scent drives away bug, flies and in particular fleas, all of which helped fuel the spread of the plague. Its efficacy […]
