Wednesday, October 3, 2012

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

30 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Donna, the Anemone is beautiful. And your images are just lovely. Well done!

Ella said...

Anemone is prety flower i have white one so now i have to buy a pink one.

Rosemary said...

This graceful flower is a highlight in my Autumn garden, the history of this plant I did not know.

pam said...

I love anemones and would love to try them in our garden! I wonder if they would do okay here?

Terry said...

Pretty photos and charming story.

Hugs,

Terry

The Artful Diva said...

it looks pretty cheery to me!

sharonssunlitmemories said...

I love these. I had a big bed of them in my last garden and I really miss them now. What I really liked was the way it was so easy to spread them around. The flowers are so pretty and dainty.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

I love your sweet photos of this pretty flower and learning the mythical lore. Not many flowers bloom in pastels this time of year.Lovely. xx

mail4rosey said...

A flower with a legend, how lovely!

Maude Lynn said...

Gorgeous images!

Currie Silver said...

wonderful photographs and wondrous story. thank you!!

Beth said...

Anemones are a great part of an autumn garden...unfortunately, I only have spring flowering anemones. I plan to rectify that next year though!

betty-NZ said...

I love anemones but I had no idea the wonderful stories behind them! Thanks. Your photos are awesome.

Linda said...

...very lovely work!!

Katherines Corner said...

Donna, my friend this is lovely! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday favorite things hop. Big hugs!

Andrea said...

Your anemone creations are very beautiful indeed!

Nikki said...

What a beautiful flower and such an interesting story.

Gemma Wiseman said...

Your flowers are so romantically presented! Just gorgeous! And enjoyed the legend too!

Unknown said...

Beautiful work.

My entry.

Anonymous said...

The pictures are beautiful! I truly enjoyed all the legend behind the flower.

Unknown said...

Lovely flowers! Thanks for sharing the stories.

Carole M. said...

that is an interesting folk-lore; I know how pretty they are, and pretty hard to dig out of the garden too :)

Liz said...

Very pretty!

Heliconia Flower

S. Yissele said...

Beatifull!!! I like your blog and I'm a new follower from Blog hop! I'm following you for GFC, Facebook, Pinterest! I hope your visit!

Namaste!
http://www.mamiholisticaygenial.com

joy said...

NIc ereading the story behind this beautiful flower. From FFF: my entry: wisdom is calling: willyouhearfromme.blogspot.com

NatureFootstep said...

so delicate and lovely. :)

Laura said...

love this one too...beautiful!

Lisa Gordon said...

I have tried so many times to grow these, but never had any luck with them. You have inspired me to give it a try again next year. They really are so beautiful, and I just love this pink.

Kathy said...

Hello Donna, love Anemones - these are gorgeous and your photos are amazing! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy

Jean Campbell said...

What a lovely story.

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