Also called Floriography, the language of flowers is, simply put, communication through the use of flowers or arrangements of flowers. Floriography has a long history, with roots found in many cultures around the world. This communication technique gained popularity in the Victorian Era, when certain romantic gestures couldn't be said aloud. Bouquets of flowers were used instead to send these messages of interest. These flowers were also used as fashion accessories; nosegays (also called tussie-mussies, talking bouquets and posys) were carried around by both men and women, a sign that they were giving or had received a romantic message. There were subtleties in the language, including which flowers were used, how many there were, how they were bound, and even whether they were given or received with the right or left hand.

The full list is included in the publication linked below, available through the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Much of the book is comprised of writings about flowers; the flowers and their corresponding sentiments are listed starting on page 265 (or page 245, if you're going by the book's page numbers) Have fun reading poetry and perusing; I know I did!
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Until next time!

​- Kristi

The first day of spring was last Monday (March 20th, just in case anybody missed it like I did), and flowers of all kinds are beginning to blossom. My mom's garden is filled with her new buds and flowers, most notably on her Crabapple trees! These are exciting times, really. This is also the time of year when wildflowers are going to start popping up everywhere. I've been noticing poppies along 680 on my drives to the lake, and it's gotten me pretty excited for the months to come.

​It's a great time of the year to start getting outside again, and to kick it off, organizations like the Peninsula Open Space Trust are suggesting hikes and nature walks in the area. I was excited to see their advertisement this morning for their multitude of hiking trails in the Peninsula and South Bay, on which you can view the show of wildflowers that is about to come. I'm planning on trying to hit all of the trails in the next month or so, and I hope many of you do the same! To access their list of trails, including which wildflowers are found along which trails, follow the link below! 

​Until next time, 

​- Kristi