Did you know?
by Leslie Cox; March 3, 2025
Did you know…
…folklore has it that thick patches of wild thistles were responsible for impeding the advancement of the Viking invasion of Scotland centuries years ago? The area covered with thistles were so vast they slowed the Vikings, allowing the Scots time to escape. Hence, the reason the thistle is Scotland’s national flower.
However, knowing how tough and stubborn Scottish people can be, my theory is the thistle was selected as the National Flower because of its resilience and tenacity so similar to that of the Scots standing up against numerous raids on their country through the centuries by Vikings and the English.
Quote of the Week
by Leslie Cox; Sunday; March 2, 2025
And humbler growths as moved with one desire
Put on, to welcome spring, their best attire…
~ William Wordsworth, “Poor Robin,” March 1840
“Poor robin” is a wild geranium — Geranium robertianum — also known as Herb Robert. In some parts of the world this plant is considered a noxious weed. (Photo by King County Noxious Weed Control Program)
Foto Friday
by Leslie Cox; Friday; February 28, 2025
Keeping a keen eye open for what might swim onto the lunch menu.
Another plant ID updated
by Leslie Cox; Wednesday; February 26, 2025
Another plant ID in Plants We Grow has been updated in the new format layout. Check out Eranthis hyemalis, commonly known as winter aconite, a delightful early flowering plant.
Word of the Week
by Leslie Cox; Monday; February 24, 2025
hyemalis – (hye-MAY-lis)
is Latin for “pertaining to winter”.
Eranthis hyemalis, common name winter aconite, is a lovely little plant which pops up in February in our garden. It gets no taller than about 6 inches (15 cm) and has a bright yellow flower that seems to radiate sunshine on even the cloudiest of days.
The genus name Eranthis is from two Greek words: er meaning “spring” and anthos meaning “flower”.
It was interesting that a google search only produced two other plant genus and one bird genus with the hyemalis species designation. (Mind you, I only scrolled through six google pages.)
They were:
• Agrostis hyemalis – winter bentgrass; tickle grass
• Crocus hyemalis – winter crocus; winter saffron
• Junco hyemalis – dark-eyed junco
If you are interested in learning more about Eranthis hyemalis and how it performs in our garden, click here.
