Ever since becoming aware of the fact that the only difference between plants and ourselves is that we have feet, I have been tuning into some highly informative and interesting conversations. Those of the plant and bird world, which is everywhere around us.

 

During the mid seventies I attended a meeting that opened us to the possibilities of these conversations. After an informative morning we were asked to go home and communicate with either a tree, a shrub or even a vase of flowers. I chose the vase of wild flowers I had picked earlier from the veldt and started complimenting the beauty and grace, noting the shapes that made up the whole. The hour’s meditation slipped by gracefully. We left the house for the village and on returning a few hours later I was almost blown over by the powerful force of welcome from the vase of flowers. I have never since underestimated the power of plants.

 

Over the millennia meanings have been given to flowers, herbs and trees.  What a wonderful way to send a message when words alone are not enough. This is generally known as a tussie mussie but any careful arrangement will do to convey the meaning. Tie together a bunch of Lavender, nasturtium, rosemary, sunflower, thyme and carnation. You would be telling the other person that you are friends forever, graced with natural beauty, your memory brings motivation, would like to get to know them on a deeper level, and thanks for the comfort and encouragement. On the other hand you can also send a message using Pink geranium, gladiolus, foxglove and basil. Your message would be interpreted as – I doubt you, your fickle actions have caused me pain, and are the cause of the animosity felt.

 

There is much to be said about the old way of going about things (not that I could do without the washing machine!!). With the holiday season upon us, this could be a project for young and old - sending a message by creating your own unique card, whether by dried, fresh or pot plants, and at the same time this proves to be an excellent way of de-stressing. This does not necessarily mean sitting at the computer and doing something but rather getting out the pair of scissors, glue, paper and all the other paraphernalia you might require. Recently I received the most wonderful greetings card.  An avid rock collector, I was delighted by this unique gift of rocks, each individual rock painted with a letter, which when all laid out in order, read out birthday greetings. The paint washed off over the next few rains and another rock garden bed was created.

 

Even fruit speaks its own language, so that if the card doesn’t appeal, a basket of fruit could speak for you!

 

APPLE - Wealth

APRICOT - An early marriage

CHERRY - Stormy relationship

FIG - Inheritance

GRAPE - Worldly success

LEMON - Broken engagement

ORANGE - Danger, or you’re such a sweet person

PEACH - 2 way love, good health

PEAR - New friendship

PLUM - A friend is in need

STRAWBERRY - Romantic rendezvous

 

Then there is the meaningful language, which goes so…

 

Basil can rid you of a bad mood; as the tale goes you should only sow this herb on a hot day when you’re really in a bad mood, otherwise the seeds do not sprout!

 

Beans celebrate energies of the earth and help to clear blocked environmental energies.

 

Foxglove should always be planted in the herb or secret garden, as this is where the fairies who bring good health and abundance, live.

 

Honeysuckle a piece should always be placed in the bridal bouquet to ensure a long and happy marriage.

 

Oak is the tree of the mid summer solstice and symbolizes the forces of life at their most powerful.

 

Rosemary is considered a magical healing plant, and an old tale suggests that on your wedding night the newly weds dip a rosemary sprig in wine for lasting love.

 

Violet should be placed in a sick room to give good cheer to the patient.

 

Vervain is another magical healing herb. Vervain water was sprinkled around rooms to dispel gloom and ease depression.

 

Yarrow is given to the newborn baby as protection in the life ahead.

 

Most of the old tales speak of collecting herbs over the Full Moon, especially at dawn when still full of full moon dew.  This is when the magnetic forces are at their most potent, ensuring a bountiful healthy harvest.  The moon also has healing energies during her various phases.  Moon medicine, very simplified states that the:

 

New Moon - is for regeneration and vitality   

 

Full - is the fertile time   

 

Waning  - is a good time to detox

 

A few moon plants are simple to interplant amongst your existing plants.  Moon plants and trees are water lilies, watercress, jasmine, poppy, willow, eucalyptus, pear, plum, lemon, sandalwood and camphor.  A rather amusing moon tale states that to know how many years before you marry, stand on a stone you have never stood on before, with your back to the full moon.  Hold a mirror in your hand and look at the moon’s reflection in the mirror.  There are a series of moon reflections as well, and each of these reflections represents a year!