Cheralyn Darcey

Say it with Flowers

Red roses for love, yellow ones for friendship and daisy to wish happiness but did you know that all flowers have meanings, and they are not all that hard to find? You may be growing them, or plan to or maybe just want to grab a bunch to share or enjoy so this week, let’s explore the fascinating Language of Flowers.

People of the Victorian period (1837-1901) made the 'language' of flowers extremely popular. Blooms were used for secret messages between friends and lovers, and even between enemies. It was a time when communication between each other was dictated by social standing and the expected morals of the day played a huge part. The Language of Flowers was used as a code, to pass these messages on to each other. Flowers were also used in their jewellery, furnishings, artworks, textiles, and in gardens and floral displays. Not many not many people of the Victorian era would dream of organising a dinner centrepiece without careful consideration of the meanings of each blossom.

In Victorian times it was that fascination with the connection of science and nature, along with the arts that helped them explore these meanings, which had related to herbalism for centuries. The way a flower and its plant looked, smelt, tasted, its medicinal properties, all of these things lead to defined ‘meanings’. In the past the meanings of flowers were commonly known because people lived within nature but these days, unfortunately, the closest that many come to, for example, a chamomile flower will be chopped up in a tea blend.

The messages of flowers or even just their presence is comforting in times of grief and stress. Personally, I had a really hard time when my grandmother passed away as we were very close. Coincidently I was making a military house move of my own at the time and the new home had a horribly barren backyard, except for one plant. It was a gardenia, her favourite flower. So, whether a coincidence or just that my heart was looking for comfort, seeing that divine white flower in this rather empty garden was such a huge comfort to me.

When it comes to love, picking flowers that express your admiration for someone, longing and passion would naturally entail flowers that were precious, perhaps rare, red of colour to indicate passion, sweet smelling to swoon the recipient and the meanings that the accepted ‘language of flowers’ of your era and area had already bestowed would make it a lot easier to get it right. Important if you were wooing the person of your dreams and didn’t have the skills of the written word or might upset the etiquette of the time.

How to Buy Flowers
When choosing a bunch of blooms for someone else, it is important to think of them for a minute before walking into a florist's shop. A problem with most people is they choose what they like, not what would suit the other person’s taste or needs. A simple way to get this right is to look towards the recipient's personality. If they have a bright and happy personality or they are feeling sick or a bit down, maybe a bunch of sunflowers would be fantastic. They mean power, strength, happiness, and good health. Now you could google this or look it up in a book but just look at them! They look like big bright happy suns and that’s exactly what they mean.

Although you may want to say I love you this week, this handy reference guide will help you connect with other flowers and their meanings. You can give them to others, buy or even better, grow them for yourself.

New Job - Delphiniums mean new opportunities, possibilities and even leadership, so they are good to use as gifts or decoration when seeking a new job as well as celebrating landing one.

Get Well - Sunflowers are wonderful flowers for those who are unwell or facing health challenges. They mean strength, happiness, confidence and generally "get well soon".

Birthday - Gerberas are the perfect birthday flower. They mean happiness, celebration, appreciation and wishes for a happy life.

New Home - Cornflowers are wonderful to add to an occasion celebrating a new home because they speak of protection, new home blessings and new friendships.

Funeral - These are very personal occasions, but should you wish to give flowers which offer support then heartsease are a compassionate way to say that you are thinking of those affected and that you are there for them.

Wedding - If you would like to give flowers to someone to celebrate news of a wedding then you might consider a flowering cactus. They mean love which will always endure.

The Meanings of a Few Popular Flowers

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): get well, strength, happiness, confidence

Red Rose (Rosa):  love, courage, respect, passion, lust, relationship, beauty

White Rose (Rosa): truth, honesty, purity, protection

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): victory, support, vitality, independence

Dahlia (Dahlia): encouragement, dignity, generosity, faith, resiliency

Violet (Viola): faithfulness, answers within, subconscious, modesty

Pink Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus): love, encouragement, gratitude

Daffodil ((Narcissus pseudonarcissus): hope, inspiration, respect, renewal

Red Tulip (Tulipa): desire, passion, declaration of love, belief

Peony (Paeonia officinalis): happy marriage, honour, wealth, health, nobility

The Language of Australian Flowers

While the traditional Victorian Language of Flowers focuses on blossoms that were popular in the Northern Hemisphere, a close study of the botanical history of the plant and ethnobotany, (the uses humans have made of plants) can reveal to us the meanings of any flower and plant, including our Australian Natives. For example, a bright bunch of Billy Buttons (Pycnosorus globosus), are the perfect way to say sorry. A pathway lined with Bottlebrush is perfect for busy families to walk through before coming into the home to leave the troubles of the day behind them. 

Banksia (Banksia spp.) “I love being with you”, “Congratulations”

Boronia (Boronia spp.) “Good luck in your exams”, “Can we work this out?”

Billy Buttons (Pycnosorus globosus) “I’m sorry”, “I want to begin again”

Everlasting Daisy (Rhodanthe spp.) “I’d like to be your friend”, “I hope this last forever”

Flannel Flower (Atinotus helianthin) “I love you”, “I trust you”

Flowering Gum (Eucalyptus spp.) “Get well soon”, “I will not do it again”

Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium spp.) “You can do this”, “Be mine” 

Grevillea (Grevillea spp.) “Good luck”, “I wish you well in the future”

Gymea Lily (Doryanthes excelsa) “I believe in you”, “I’m proud of you”

Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.) “Please forgive me”, “I forgive you”

Mulla Mulla (Ptilotus spp.)”Bon voyage”, “I wish you well in the future”

Waratah (Telopea spp.) “I wish you strength”, “I am by your side” 

Wattle (Acacia spp.) “Congratulations”, “You make me happy”

You & Your Garden
How Do I Make My Cut Flowers Last?

Wendy of Long Jetty asked me this week via social media and whether they are cut from your garden or bought from one of our lovely florists, we all want the love to last as long as possible. As soon as you receive your flowers, remove all foliage from the stems that will sit below the waterline in a vase. Rinse the stems and cut on an angle. Place away from full, direct sunlight and heat and away from drafts. Change water every second day, remove any dead flowers and recut stems that look dried.

GARDENING GUIDE FOR TEMPERATE AREA GARDENERS LATE SUMMER
You can plant the following now: Culinary herbs, beans, beetroot, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chicory, cress, cucumber, endive, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, marrow, mustard, onions (spring), parsnip, potato tubers, radish, rhubarb crowns, salsify, silverbeet, swede, sweetcorn, turnips, zucchinis, ageratum, alyssum, boronia, begonia, calendula, cleome, cyclamen, forget-me-not, nasturtium, pansy, poppy (Iceland), stock, verbena, vinca, viola, wallflower

HAVE YOU GOT A GARDEN TO SHARE?
Down in the Garden is looking for Central Coast gardeners who would like to share their garden with us.We are particularly looking for: Home Nursery Businesses, Hanging Basket Gardens, Water Feature Gardens, School/Children Gardeners, Commercial Kitchen Gardens, Medicinal Plant Gardeners but all gardens and gardeners are welcome to have a chat with Cheralyn: 0408105864

Cheralyn Darcey is a gardening author, community garden coordinator and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 10am live every Saturday on CoastFM963. She is also co-host of @MostlyAboutPlants a weekly botanical history & gardening podcast with Victoria White.

Send your gardening questions, events, and news to: [email protected]



Article first published in Central Coast Newspapers - The Coast News and The Chronicle 

The Language of Sunflowers

My first Sunflower of the season!

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) will assist you in finding happiness and focusing on it. Sunflower will also support those who require additional strength and resolution at the moment. Self-esteem boost.

Language of Flowers Oracle:
A turn in fortune is indicated and a chance to mend matters of the heart as well. Friends could be very helpful and projects which require groups who are in some way connected through friendship or a mutual passion for the subject are also indicated.
Masculine and patriarchal connections are very strong when any Sunflower is showing it's energies to you.

Flower Lore:
Many myths, legends and stories (early references outside of the Americas) which speak of the sunflower are actually speaking of other flowers (such as marigold) which are also Heliotropic (follow the sun) although, Helianthus annuus is not truly Heliotropic. Young plants do follow the sun in their development but once the flower blooms, you will find they forever face the rising sun direction.
The Incas worshiped the Sunflower and it is believed this is because they found magick in it's geometry. Indications of sunflower are found in abundance in their temples and spiritual artworks.
It is said that if you wish to find the truth in a situation, you can sleep with a fresh sunflower under your pillow or bed and it will come to you.
Pick a sunflower right at sunset and make a wish to have out granted before the sun goes down the following day.

Gardening Notes:
Depicted in this card is a Wild Sunflower which is distinguished from it's domesticated sibling by it's branched stem and multiple flower heads. If you do obtain seeds from a Wild Sunflower, growing notes are the same.Although they will grow in part shade you really will do best planting them out in a full sun position with a loamy soil.
Plant your seeds after the danger of frost has passed in early Spring. I plant every 4 weeks a few times over so I have a summer full of sunflowers. Feed every few weeks.

bunches of love,
Cheralyn🌻 xx

card: the Language of Flowers @rockpoolpublishing @weiserbooks

🌸 Flower of the Day ~ Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)

Found - The Flower of the Day

Jasmine (Jasminum spp.) will assist you in succeeding. Perhaps one of the best flowers in fact to align with if you are finding sticking with goals, promises, commitments or staying on course at all challenging. Very supportive of those who feel they have lost hope with something. Jasmine naturally attracts financial gain as well so is really good to have around if you need a boost. The flower is a powerful aphrodisiac and assists to attract love.

How Do you Find the Best Plants and Flowers for Your Office?

Plants and flowers should always be included in workspace environments as they bring what is our natural human daylight living state, the outdoors, to us. Although many of our homes may do so, the vast majority of office spaces, if they feature windows at all, usually have views of other offices.

When we are in the presence of plants and flowers, we are calmed, settled and more focused while inside during the day. Flowers bring an emotional change for the better in us. They are the reproductive parts of the plant and so their job is to be attractive to pollinators and they do this by usually being beautiful, colourful and fragrant, all elements that coincidentally make us humans feel wonderful too! Plants are known to improve the air quality, and this can be of great benefit to human health. They do this by absorbing many different types of toxins, volatile gases and even germs through their leaves and roots.

a few of my well-loved friends that share my office space

WHICH PLANTS AND FLOWERS? 
To select the best plants and cut flowers for the office, always start with the most suitable plants and flowers for use indoors and particularly in office environments. Have a chat with your local garden centre and florist but to start here are some good allrounders:
Plants
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Devils Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Violet (Viola spp.)
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Orchid (Orchidaceae spp.)
Pansy (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)
my current Arrowhead crop ready for potting up

Cut Flowers
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) 
Protea (Protea spp.)
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Lobester or Crab Claws (Heliconia spp.)
Orchid (Orchidaceae spp.)
Most Australian Natives
Australia Native Greenery
(an Australian Native)
card: The Language of Flowers, Cheralyn Darcey, Rockpool Publishing

PLANT AND FLOWER CARE
Always keep your office plants and cut flowers away from air-conditioning outlets and drafts. Very few plants will survive the drying effects of constant artificial wind. Never place either right next to windows that face full sun for any part of the day as this can lead to burning of the leaves. Ensure that plants and cut flowers are situated away from electrical outlets and you have assessed the possible angles they may fall if bumped. You don’t want water or plant material on or near electrical and computer equipment or your work items. In saying all this, most plants suitable for indoors will enjoy filtered light and you will want them where you can see them of course. The same goes for cut flowers.
Though not always necessary,
I've taken my Cast Iron Plant outside to enjoy a little fresh air this week. 

To offer the best care to your office plants, keep any information that came with them and refer to it and also look up care tips for individual types. Not all plants need the same amount of light, water, grooming and repotting. Generally, soil needs to be slightly damp and saucers should not usually not be full. Make sure you repot as the plant grows out of its home. Cut flowers do better when all foliage is kept out of the water and the water is changed every second day. Trim away flowers and foliage as they die.

Most cut flowers love a good feed and a home made one:
4 cups of water, 1 teaspoon bleach, 1 teaspoon vinegar, and 1 tablespoon sugar.

The Language of Plants and Flowers for the Office
Why not include plants and flowers that hold traditional meansing to impart even more joy, energy and good vibes to your office space. The following are traditional meanings of a few office-friendly plants and cut flowers.

PLANTS FOR THE OFFICE
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)  youth, beginnings, inspiration
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) longevity, pride, self-respect
Devils Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) prosperity, protection, boundaries
Pansy (Viola tricolor var. hortensis) remembrance, immunity, loving thoughts
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) calm, communication, peace
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) happiness, cleansing, truth
Begonia (Begonia spp.)transition, creativity, removal of negativity
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) education, development, transformation
Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginate) legacy, tenacity, endurance
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) wisdom, progression, attainment
Violet (Viola spp.) faithfulness, modesty, subconscious
a new collection of plants I've found this week,
some destined for an office home

CUT FLOWERS FOR THE OFFICE
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) self-acceptance, inner beauty, excellence,
King Protea (Protea cynaroides)  creativity, courage, illumination
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) get well, strength, happiness
Orchid (Orchidaceae) uniqueness, refinement, grace
Heliconia (Heliconia spp.) pride, ideas, attention
Waratah(Telopea speciosissima) survival, courage, passion
Flannel Flower(Actinotus helianthi) calm, healing, trust
Grevillea (Grevillea spp.) creativity, solutions, work
Banksia (Banksia spp.) life, enthusiasm, interest

an office floristry design I helped create recently 

bunches of love, 
🌿 Cheralyn 🌻

PS: you can find lots of flower and plant meanings in 'Flowerpaedia' Cheralyn Darcey, Rockpool Publishing 

🌼 Flower of the Day ~ Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion will say “I promise to be true” and bring the energies of clarity, wishes granted and will help you find the truth in a situation.

🌼 Flowers to Increase your Intuition & Psychic Abilitities

So many of you are loving my articles on 'Flowers for Protection' ,  'Flowers for Love' and  'The Language of Black Flowers'  that I thought I would continue with this series and today share with you Flowers that can help invite energies into your life and spaces that will bring clarity and a boost to your intuition and psychic skills. 



Water Lily (Nymphaea spp.) 
Probably one of the most powerful Flowers that provide pathways to all forms of enlightenment and higher learning. This Flower will connect what is here, below and above and so can help strengthen your intuition and psychic abilities in all realms. Will surround all those working within its space with protection and also bring deep unity to those working together in groups. Can be burnt as an incense, used in mists as a flower essence and other botanicals. A bowl of water with a Water Lily floating upon it is a wonderful and powerful divination scurrying tool and energy supporter. 

J. Zorn, D.L. Oskamp, Afbeeldingen der artseny-gewassen met derzelver Nederduitsche en Latynsche beschryvingen, vol. 1: t. 26 (1796)


Violet (Viola odorata)
This Flower favourite to many is a little intuition powerhouse and it will shield you and your work from interference. I've often added a few dried petals to my locket for just this reason. If you are undertaking training, lessons or self-study in psychic development, violet is an excellent supporter for you in all its forms. 

Viola odorata L.C.A.M. Lindman, Bilder ur Nordens Flora, vol. 2: t. 224 (1922-1926)

Queen of the Night (Selenicereus grandiflorus)
This Flower of the night will naturally help those of you working with dream interpretation, dream magick and wanting to improve your intuitive dreams. It will help with general intuition development as well. An image of Queen of the Night/misting with its essence, is the perfect bedroom addition for those working in this realm. 

card: 'Flowers of the Night Oracle', written & illustrated by Cheralyn in block print and published by Rockpool Publishing and available worldwide  at all good book and gift stores. Stockists and wholesale enquires: Rockpool Publishing,  Simon & Schuster Publishing and Red Wheel Weiser



Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia candida)
A deepening of intuition and can help explore the shadow side of situations if desired. This flower will bring very powerful psychic growth and regeneration of powers thought lost. You can also connect with Angel's Trumpet to remove negative energies and entities. 
*poisonous, see notes below

card: 'Flowers of the Night Oracle', written & illustrated by Cheralyn in block print and published by Rockpool Publishing and available worldwide  at all good book and gift stores. Stockists and wholesale enquires: Rockpool Publishing,  Simon & Schuster Publishing and Red Wheel Weiser

Speedwell (Veronica officinalis)
The gift that lovely Speedwell will bestow is that of  providing space for you to thrive and grow strong in your intuition. It can also help heal past issues you may of faced or be facing in this field and bring greater clarity when required. I love the way Speedwell can settle down situations that are very volatile or complicated. 

O.W. Thomé, Flora von Deutschland Österreich und der Schweiz, Tafeln, vol. 4: t. 502, fig. A (1885)


Tree Spider Orchid (Dendrobium tetragonum)
If you are having doubts in your abilities, then Tree Spider Orchid is the Flower you need to spend time with. This delightful blossom with strengthen resolve and help you believe in yourself. While is a good intuition builder, this orchid will also assist when secrets are being explored. 

card: 'Australian Wildflower Reading Cards', written & illustrated by Cheralyn in block print and published by Rockpool Publishing and available worldwide  at all good book and gift stores. Stockists and wholesale enquires: Rockpool Publishing,  Simon & Schuster Publishing and Red Wheel Weiser

Centaury (Centaurium erythraea)
To strengthen intuition and psychic powers, connect with wonderful Centaury. This Flower will also bring good luck, offer general protection and is a toxic energy banisher (handy!) as well as an evil banisher. 

M.B. Valentini, Viridarium reformatorum, vol. 1: p. 45 (1719)

Himalayan Blue Poppy(Meconopsis grandis)
This elusive Flower will assist you in uncovering and developing your personal psychic skills. As it is so hard to grow outside of its natural environment, dried botanicals and flower essences along with images are going to be most helpful. Himalayan Blue Poppy will awaken any dormant abilities, shine a bright light on possibilities for you and provide intuitive clarity. Another Flower that assists those involved with dream work. 

card: 'Flower Reading Cards', written & illustrated by Cheralyn in block print and published by Rockpool Publishing and available worldwide  at all good book and gift stores. Stockists and wholesale enquires: Rockpool Publishing,  Simon & Schuster Publishing and Red Wheel Weiser


Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
A few dried Red Clover Flowers carried upon your person will provide psychic protection and can be very handy when going into crowded places that you know has a lot of unbalanced energy pinging about. This Flower will increase psychic awareness, help clear negativity and also boost self-awareness which may in turn help with the development of your intuition. 

English botany, or coloured figures of British plants, ed. 3 [B] [J.E. Sowerby et al], vol. 3: t. 347 (1864)

Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia spp.)
This earthy Flower will assist you to stay grounded while exploring your intuitive skills while providing pathways to deeper insights. What I particularly like about this flower and plant is that it will provide illumination for personal issues, goals and questions.

card: 'The Language of Flowers affirmation cards' by Cheralyn and published by Rockpool Publishing and available worldwide  at all good book and gift stores. Stockists and wholesale enquires: Rockpool Publishing,  Simon & Schuster Publishing and Red Wheel Weiser


bunches of love & blessings, 
Cheralyn 🌻



*those flowers noted as poisonous
All flowers should be used with great care and not consumed or used in preparations unless correctly identified, organic and an allergy test preformed. Those noted as poisonous must only be used in imagery, in correctly created Flower Essences and through inviting them into your space or joining them in theirs, carefully, as fresh flowers or plants. 

🌹FLOWER OF THE DAY ~ Orange Tea Rose (Rosa spp.)

Bring this little treasure of joy into your life to share new happiness, a second chance at a bright future and to boost enthusiasm!
Give to another to say, “Congratulations”, “I’m proud of you”

Bunches of love,
Cheralyn xx

⚘ The Language of Black Flowers

Back in 2010, UK Flower breeders Ball Colegrave announced that they had created the first black flower.

They came pretty close, but a true black colour in a flower is scientifically impossible. What Ball Colegrave flower breeder Jianping Ren had developed was a very dark purple petunia that is still available today and is know as, ‘Black Velvet’. Still very impressive, as up until this time, there was nothing anywhere near this depth of black in any flower, let alone a petunia.

Stuart Lowen, from Ball Colegrave in Banbury said: 'It's completely unique. It's the first black petunia anywhere in the world. It was created by experimenting with existing colours already on the market and breeding them using traditional methods. We don't use any genetic modification at all, just pollination.”

Flower naturally grow in many colours, just not black. The pigments that flowers employ to colour their petals don't produce black. While ‘black-looking’ flowers are found occurring naturally, breeders also select flowers with the highest levels of red and blue pigments and when cross them together. In doing so, they can sometimes create very dark purple petals and leaves.

Flower colour will slightly change or add an additional layer to the meanings and energies of flowers. Black will actually make the meanings far more powerful, stronger and, be careful, even more aggressive. Below are just a few black flowers and their meanings and energies. You can connect with these via the fresh or dried flowers, botanical creations made with them, flower essences and images (photos, artwork, oracle cards) or through meditation and visualisation. 



'Queen of the Night' Tulip (Tulipa spp.)
'I only want you', desire, passion, self-improvement, new goals attained 


Black Dahlia (Dahlia spp.)
 you can do this, encouragement, dignity, confidence, vitality, increased inner strength, creative success, standing strong in faith

Black Bat Orchid (Tacca chantrieri)
fearlessness, awareness, developed intuition, protection

Black Hellebore (Helleborus niger)
mental control,  protection, plant alchemy, banishing, exorcism, increased intelligence



Black Arum Lily (Zantedeschia Schwarzwalder)
magnificent beauty, complete rejuvenation, dignity

Black Cranesbill Geranium (Geranium phaeum)
'I want to be with you', silent mind, luxuriant elegance and comfort, fertility, passionate love, virility

Black Petunia (Petunia 'Balpevac') 
'I want to be with you', do not give up, protection, anger, resentment, enthusiasm, clarity, goals

Do you have or know of a black flower that you would like to know more about?
Let me know! 

bunches of love, 
Cheralyn 🌻

🌸 Flower of the Day ~ STOCK (Matthiola incana)

This divine flower will help you slow down and connect more deeply with that which makes you content. Surround yourself with the flower, it’s essence or image to help you complete projects in a more methodical and focused manner and to boost happiness in a space. Give to another to say ‘I have great affection for you’, ‘I like you’.

Bunches of love,
Cheralyn 🌻

Card: The Language of Flowers deck by Cheralyn @rockpoolpublishing and distributed by @weiserbooks

Flower of the Day ~ Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

My divine nasturtiums are flourishing at the moment so they are you Flower of the Day Bring them into your life to help ground and focus and also to help you win challenges and succeed in tests and even disagreements. Nasturtiums will help you return to centre and stay true to your passion, goals and visions. Give to another to day ‘congratulations’, ‘you can do this’ and ‘I’m with you on this’

Bunches of love,
Cheralyn 🌻

Card: The Language of Flowers, by Cheralyn and published by @rockpoolpublishing and available through @weiserbooks