The Language of Flowers

Here are the spoils of today's thrifting mission. I went to a couple of jumble sales and charity shops and this is what I came away with. It's strange how I seem to end up with matching items. The flower on the hat is the same purple shade as the floral pattern on the Laura Ashley dress. The dress is actually a child's age 12, but quite big and it fits the mannequin fine. I think I might cut off the sleeves to modernise it and make it look less like a child's party dress. The Language of flowers book is so sweet. It was published in 1978, written by actress Jean Marsh and features original illustrations by Kate Greenaway. It's quite nice to find out the meaning of the different flowers, plants and trees. It's the kind of thing that many people used to know but no longer do. Hopefully I will make the time to learn some of them. Here are some examples:

Alyssum, Sweet: Worth beyond beauty

Bee Orchis: Industry

Camomile: Energy in Adversity

Daisy: Innocence

Elm: Dignity

Fennel: Worthy of all praise. Strength

Geranium, Lemon: Unexpected meeting

Hazel: Reconciliation

Iris: Message

Jasmine, yellow: Grace and Elegance

Kennedia: Mental Beauty

Larch: Audacity, Boldness

Mugwort: Happiness

Nightshade: Truth

Pennyroyal: Flee away

Quamoclit: Busybody

Rose, Daily: The smile I aspire to

Scarlet Lychnis: Sunbeaming eyes

Thistle, Common: Austerity

Venus' Car: Fly with me

White Poplar: Time

Xeranthemum: Cheerfulness under adversity

Yew: Sorrow

Zinnia: Thoughts of absent friends

I tried to put only the pleasant ones, but there was only yew for y. It's interesting there are flowers with such negative meanings like danger, anger and sadness. I can't imagine why anyone would send flowers to their enemies declaring war or accusing of crimes. Still it'll be nice to know the meaning of any future flowers I may receive. Personally I'm hoping for some Kennedia or maybe some Scarlet Lychnis.