The Legend of Wallflowers
Wallflower, 'Sweet Sorbet'
There are so many varieties and color combinations of this age old perennial flower, but in America, we seem to be given only a few to choose from - at least from our local nurseries and garden centers. The lovely sweet perfume of the lowly Wallflower makes it a must for any true Cottage Garden.
I had some of the wild variety once upon a time (oranges and yellows), and hope one day have more varieties in my Cottage Garden.
The Legend of Wallflowers
⢠Robert Herrick ( 1591-1674), known as 'The Cavalier Poet', immortalized the wallflower in verse. He wrote about a tragic accident that occurred at Neidpath Castle on the banks of the River Tweed in Scotland. The Earl of MarchâÂÂs daughter, Elizabeth, had fallen in love with a young nobleman from a rival clan, Scott of Tushielaw. Her father wanted her to marry the future king of Scotland instead. The strong-willed Elizabeth refused and her father locked her up in the tower as a punishment. The handsome Scott disguised himself as a minstrel and serenaded her while they made plans to elope, but when the time came Elizabeth fell to her death, landing close to a sprig of wallflower growing along the towerâÂÂs wall. The broken-hearted Scott set off to wander through the land wearing a sprig of wallflower, and this flower still symbolizes faithful devotion.
âÂÂUp she got upon a wall
Tempting down to slide withal
But the silken twist untied
So she fell, and bruisâÂÂd, she died.âÂÂ
from "How the wall-flower came first, and why so called",
by Robert Herrick.
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- Gardens Illustrated, 2013
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