Columbine is thigh-high in the garden today. Deep purple and happy as can be. Days ago, the blooms held promise that now have opened and caused me to share photos with you – NestMakers all. All plants with spring flowers (and year-round too) are a part of nesting at my house. Bulbs, seed-grown flowers, and flowering trees bring delight and hopefulness.
Every flower has meaning beyond its name. Columbine was associated with Aphrodite by the Greeks and Romans – she’s the goddess of love. Because some thing the flower looks like a court jester’s hat, the term fool is also associated with Columbine. I prefer the three-flower meaning of faith, hope, and love.
Each color of a flower also has meaning. In my garden’s case, the purple columbine is associated with a “resolve to win” – which seems appropriate in our challenging times. Columbine can be found in solid colors and color combinations: red, white, purple, blue, pink, yellow, orange.
Columbine grow in the northern hemisphere in approximately sixty varieties. They are a hummingbird favorite because of the amount of nectar in each flower. Hooray! Last summer was a winning show of hummingbirds in the back yard and I’m hopeful of more this year.
Colorado’s state flower is Columbine. Dad, born in Colorado 86 years ago, loves columbine too. Idaho’s state flower is the syringa – which is similar to a mock orange. What is your state’s flower?
Columbine is a good flower to offer to welcome spring (think May Day); to give fortitude to see a project through; as symbol of thanks for support; and as a birth flower for May and June birthday celebrants.
What flowerful joy can you send a friend? How about a NestingCard from one of Peg Owens Floral Impressions or Tropical sets!
What flowers in your garden bring you daily joy?
Happy May Day this Friday, May 1, 2020!
Nesting is about the objects and experiences that create a sense of home. Without home, it is difficult to maintain health, find joy, or to be productive. Enjoy the Nesting series of blogs on your search for and creation of a deep sense of home. –Jana
Jana Kemp
