Black-eyed Susans

Today I have a couple of pictures to share with you of my Black-eyed Susans.  As I write this I sit and wonder who was Susan and how did this native perennial get its name?  The center of the flower isn't even black, but dark brown.  Perhaps they meant to name it 'Brown-eyed Susan'.

Well, after my curiosity got the best of me I did a little research.  According to legend Susan comes from an Old English Poem of the post-Elizabethan era entitled 'Black-eyed Susan', written by John Gay (1685-1732).

This charming poem is about how Susan was searching for her lover, William, prior to his departure on a sea voyage.  She had been crying and had black circles around her eyes.  Sweet William (Susan's pet name for him) consoled Susan as the two of them said their final farewells.  Legend has it that 'Black-eyed Susan' and 'Sweet William' bloom at the same time to celebrate their eternal love for each other.

Here is the first stanza of the poem:

ALL in the Downs the fleet was moor'd,

The streamers waving in the wind,

When black-eyed Susan came aboard;

'O! where shall I my true-love find?

Tell me, ye jovial sailors, tell me true

If my sweet William sails among the crew.'

This story just makes me love my flowers even more!  These photos were edited with the Florabella Collection using Ruth West's Wicker Texture.  The Vintage French Script Brushes are from the French Kiss Collection.

I hope my little story about Ms. Black-eyed Susan gives you a reason to smile!  This week I am joining the following blog parties:

Macro Monday @ Lisa's Chaos

NF Inspiring Photography on Monday @ NatureFootstep memes

Bloomin' Tuesday @ Ms. Green Thumb Jean

Garden Tuesday @ Sidewalk Shoes

Cottage Garden Party @ Fishtail Cottage

Home & Garden Thursday @ A Delightsome Life

Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner

Open House Friday @ Bernideen's Tea Time

Fertilizer Friday @ Tootsie Time

Flower Art Friday @ Photos by LeAnne

Floral Friday Fotos @ Floral Friday

Flowers on Saturday @ Blueberry Craft & Hobby