Japanese Anemone

I learned something new last night about the Japanese anemone - or as some would call it the 'windflower'.  The anemone is not a cheerful flower; it withers almost as soon as it is gathered.  The botanists describe this flower as a natural barometer, because as evening approaches, or just before a shower, the dampness in the air causes the petals to curl over, but peasant lore tells us this is done by the fairies who cuddle down in the heart of the flower and pull the leaves over them like curtains.

Myth has it that Anemone was the name of a beautiful nimph whom Zephyr loved very dearly; Flora becoming very jealous exiled her from the court, but when she pined away and died of a broken heart Zephyr asked to Venus, who changed her body into the flower which bears the name, and Zephyr is said to fan her all the day long with his wings.  The flower poet, Rapin, concludes his account of the transformation, with these words:  "So the fair victim fell, whose beauty's light had been more lasting, had it been less bright; She, though transformed, as charming as before, the fairest maid is now the fairest flower."

Despite all the bad karma surrounding the anemone flower, it can be a wonderful addition to your garden.  So next year, if you are looking for something new to try or want to experiment with something just for the fun of it, plant a few anemone flowers and see what happens.

The background texture used on the first photo is Ruth West's Plaster.  I also added a vintage overlay by Kim Klassen at 42% followed by a scroll overlay from Two Little Owls at 85%.

This week I am joining ...

Macro Monday @ Lisa's Chaos
NF Inspiring Photography on Monday @ NatureFootstep meme
Bloomin' Tuesday @ Ms. Green Thumb Jean
Garden Tuesday @ Sidewalk Shoes
Texture Tuesday @ Kim Klassen's Cafe
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