H pointed out to some nondescript leaves peeping out of the ground several weeks ago and said. "That's flax." Some sort of tough little annual, I gathered.
My only experience of flax has been the oily stuff I've had to choke down for years to fight my high cholesterol levels, so I was curious to see what they looked like growing from the ground. (Flax seed is used to produce linseed oil). I've been a city girl most of my life -- being able to relate something growing from the ground with the stuff I buy in the health food store or the supermarket is new and wonderful.
Since that day the flax has thrived, all unnoticed by me, and a few days ago, I noticed the flowers have come out. They're small (about an inch across), but this Linum grandiflorum, scarlet flax, it's lovely! Not in the grandes dames way of the peonies, or the graceful showers of the bleeding hearts, but so defined, so petite, so emphatically itself. The velvety flowers are brilliant and delicately outlined in black.
Tomorrow: Tomatoes!
3 comments:
What a great experience! It's always nice to be able to connect things like that.
Yes, T :-) I think a connection to the land is pretty important...
Plants have always had meaning. I love reading up on gardening folklore. I found this just now about the flax. Take it with a grain of salt :-)
RED FLAX [G] Linum grandiflorum (red)
Linaceae, Flax Family
Psyche: Releases petty annoyances between friends, to take responsibility for actions and attitudes in deep relationships. Drops defenses against love and communication, clears miscommunication blocks between dear friends and lovers. Brings determination and commitment to all aspects of romantic/partnership relationships. Releases misunderstandings, shifts priorities to loving harmony rather than be aggravated by imperfections. Useful for the "next steps" in relationship clarification.
I'm not so familiar with this flower, but I love the contrast of red and white! excellent shot!
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