As we make the transition from vegetables to flowers in the world of heritage plants, we move from satisfaction of the appetite to satisfaction of the senses. Generally speaking flowers don’t sustain the appetite but definitely fill our lives with good and pleasant feelings. Centuries ago useful plants such as fruits, vegetables and herbs were the only seeds deliberately carried from one place to another. However, from the 12th Century onwards this began to change. Flowers were regularly used to decorate monasteries, halls and churches to celebrate special occasions, and herbs such as Chamomile, Sage, Lemon Balm, Southernwood, Winter Savory and Betony became to be known as ‘essentials’.
One of the earliest heirlooms to become known to most of us are the wild flowers that we see growing in our own local countryside. Every region has its own wild flowers and childhood memories of country walks and the gathering of blossoms to take home to Mom from country lanes and meadows is for many of us a fond memory of days gone by. Today most of us would think twice before plucking a flower from the wild when we consider what damage this interference can cause to our precious, irreplaceable wildlife heritage.
As time went on, many flowering plants began to be used for medical, culinary, religious and superstitious beliefs. Here are some of the more interesting ones, the names of which I am sure will be very familiar.
Alchemilla (Lady’s Mantle)
This Europe native dates back to the 14th Century and is reputed to cure wounds. The name ‘Alchemilla’ is taken from the word ‘alchemy’ and it was believed that the dewdrops that collected on the round-serrated leaves could turn metal into gold. It was also reputed to restore fading beauty, and if a leaf were placed under your pillow, sweet dreams would be guaranteed. This is an extremely versatile plant that will grow in full sun as well as dense shade and seldom wilts. It creates a very attractive ground cover, its shapely leaves, perfecting the art of collecting dewdrops.
Campanula (Bellflower)
The botanical term ‘Campanula’ comes from the Greek, meaning a tower of bells, and this is definitely true when you explore the members of this 300-strong family. One of the most popular is Campanula rotundifolia (Hairbell), introduced into gardens in the late 1500’s. This is native to the northern hemisphere, thriving in both New and Old Worlds. The Hairbell, like other members of the Campanula family, was cultivated as a vegetable for its edible, fleshy roots, while infusions of the leaves and flowers of others were put to use to cure sore throats, and lotions were made to cleanse the skin. The creeping Campanula, C rapunculoides has been associated with the legend of Rapunzel: A peasant woman who craved the roots of this plant during her pregnancy persuaded her husband to steal them from a neighbouring witch’s garden. He was caught but released with the promise that he would give his daughter, Rapanzel, to the witch after birth.
Convallaria (Lily of the Valley)
This hardy, fragrant perennial, best known for its white, glistening bells that hang from arching stems among funneled, pointed leaves, has been around since 1000 BC. In the 17th Century it was used to cure gout and heartburn. The dried flowers and roots were sniffed like snuff to clear the head and restore the memory. Today it is regularly used by herbalists for treating heart conditions. This plant thrives in the shade and the rhizomes will rapidly spread to form a dense ground cover.
Monarda (Bee Balm/Bergamot/Oswego Tea)
This is a native North American prairie flower, named after the Spanish botanist Nicolas Monardes. A plant with three popular names : Bee Balm relates to the attraction this plant has for its pollinators who regularly frequent the nectar-filled flowers; Bergamot describes the citrus fragrance emitted by the leaves as being the scent of bergamot oranges; and Oswego a tea that was traditionally made from the flowe
