Editor’s note: The following article is a synopsis written by staff members and volunteers of the Cary Public Library highlighting one of the suggested reading books, as determined by their staff.
Houlton is really blooming with flowers in beds, hanging pots, sitting pots and window boxes- a wonderful sight to enjoy after the stark whiteness of winter.
We have a big container of pansies and marigolds, which blend well and add a golden color to our deck although, we admit, they have no agreeable scent. Our book this week tells us the Victorian age gave flowers meaning and this marigold was termed “grief” signifying sadness and distress- due to its opening on sunny days and closing on cloudy days and at night.
“A Victorian Flower Dictionary” by Mandy Kirkby is a fun and well-researched read. Throughout the book are references to early-century gardeners in Europe, South America and the tropics where many plants in America today originated. Added features are names of artists whose paintings depict the flowers described. And also there are poems dedicated to certain flowers, as Tennyson’s “The Snowdrop”.
Alphabetized in text and also in an added dictionary-meanings in the “language of flowers” are concise and usually explained- best not to send a yellow carnation to a sweetheart…But you might want to send a pot of petunias, phlox or pink dianthus which would mean “your presence soothes me; our souls are united; pure love”.
While bouquets of roses, etc. are more prevalent today and have special meaning the Victorians loved flowers and with nothing else to do, why not attribute meanings to the beautiful plants they had?
This little book is a delight in itself- and learning more about Victorian life is added pleasure.
The Cary Library is open Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more info, call 532-1302.
