Lets start with the tall and elegant Foxglove weather it be wild out in the woodland, purposefully planted in your garden or it has just arrived on the wind you have to love it. Digitalis Purpurea to give it, its full title. Its a diuretic and heart stimulant first accounted by in 1785 by William Withering a doctor and botanist. They are closely associated with fairies and elves (you know fairies are close to my heart) and in the words of Cicely Mary Barker author of the Flower Fairies:
Foxglove, Foxglove what do you see? The Cool Green woodland, The fat velvet bee: Hey Mr Bumble, I,ve honey here for thee
The gloriously scented and rambling Sweet Pea (Lathyrus Oderatus, the Greek for Leguminus plants) grows wild in the hedges and tamed in gardens throughout Britain at this time of year. Mind you I have a perenial Sweet Pea in the most beautiful pale pink not performing at all!! Note to self, its not happy where it is. The go to flower of choice for summer weddings for the discerning bride and available in the most beautiful pallet of colours. Mixed with glorious garden Roses and foliage what could be better.
Sweet Pea is the birthday flower of 1st February and symbolises delicacy and departure. In the language of flowers in means Remember Me.
Alchemilla Mollis, commonly known as Ladies Mantle. What can I say its bright green flowers are a fabulous back drop to any garden but it is a love hate relationship. It spreads like wildfire and grows out of cracks in the pavement. When it rains it flattens itself to the ground then revives, the leaves are soft and velvety but very resilient, long lasting and fantastic for popping into little flower arrangements and vases.
I had a student many years ago who called it Alchoholic Mollis, therefor it shall always be know as that in my mind.
Lavenders Blue 