Friday, 8 August 2014

Flowers

Flower Power!

To be overcome by the fragrance of flowers is a delectable form of defeat. ~Beverly Nichols

The language of flowers, sometimes called floriography, is a means of cryptological communication through the use or arrangement of flowers. Meaning has been attributed to flowers for thousands of years, and some form of floriography has been practiced in traditional cultures throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Plants and flowers are used as symbols in the Hebrew Bible, particularly of love and lovers in the Song of Songs, as an emblem for the Israelite people^, and for the coming Messiah. In Western Culture, William Shakespeare ascribed emblematic meanings to flowers, especially in Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.

Interest in floriography soared in Victorian England and in the United States during the 19th century.

Gifts of blooms, plants, and specific floral arrangements were used to send a coded message to the recipient, allowing the sender to express feelings which could not be spoken aloud in Victorian society.Armed with floral dictionaries, Victorians often exchanged small "talking bouquets," tussie-mussies,

which could be worn or carried as a fashion accessory. (Wiki)

Tussie Mussie
“Tussie-mussie” is a quaint, endearing term from the early 1400s for small, round bouquets of herbs and flowers with symbolic meanings.

Benefits of Floral Scents and Essential Oils:

Rose

Rose essential oil is considered to be the floral counterpart of lavender as therapeutic essential oil. Indeed, it serves a wide array of purpose in aromatherapy with its anti-viral and anti-infectious properties. Among the various conditions it is able to treat include depression, stress, sprains, wounds, aging or sensitive skin, insomnia, and other ailments relating to the female reproductive system.

Rose Geranium

There are several helpful properties contained in rose geranium essential oil that makes it ideal for use in aromatherapy. Aside from its uplifting and relaxing effect on the body, geranium essential oil contains antiviral, antibacterial, decongestant, and antidepressant properties.

Beautiful Vintage Tins add character & simplicity to a single variety of flowers

Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show

I love going to the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show as it is such a wonderful inspiration to see the beautiful work of so many talented people. I always leave feeling
so happy & motivated!

My Inspiration!

Flowers have spoken to me more than I can tell in written words. They are the hieroglyphics of angels, loved by all men for the beauty of their character, though few can decipher even fragments of their meaning. ~Lydia M. Child

I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck. ~Emma Goldman

"forgiveness is the perfume of the violet on the heel that crushed it"

Lavender Shortbread

Ingredients

4 sprigs lavender (no flowers)
25 grams granulated sugar
150 grams butter
75 grams caster sugar (extra for sprinkling)
200 grams plain flour

Method

Strip the lavender leaves from the stems to make a heaped tablespoonful.

Add the granulated sugar and whiz them in a processor. Set aside until required.

Chop the butter into the processor bowl, add the caster sugar and whiz until soft and light. Add the flour and the lavender/sugar mix and process again until a dough forms.

Turn onto a floured surface and shape into a sausage approx 2"/5cm diameter. Wrap tightly in foil or film and place in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours until firm or overnight.

Heat the oven to 190 deg C/375 deg F/Gas 5.

Taking a sharp knife slice off the dough into discs approx 1/4" thick and place onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes until pale golden colour.

When baked, remove from the oven onto a cooling rack and sprinkle with the remaining sugar. Once cool, store in an airtight container. (Nigella Lawson recipe)