Rainy Side Gardeners' Featured Book
A Contemplation Upon Flowers
Bobby Ward's introduction begins: "Flowers and gardens have been objects of contemplation for writers from the beginning of recorded history." Here, he has
 |
The historical introduction enlightens his readers with little-known facts of folklore, mythology or botany. Juxtaposed with the obscure is the familiar: stories that awaken in us instinctive reactions of warm comfort and sometimes cold dread, reactions not learned but rather the genetic heritage of our ancestors. The selections fall into four categories: mythological themes (i.e. the story of narcissus), historical significance (the white and red roses as symbols for the houses of York and Lancaster), ecclesiastical and religious symbolism, and the use of flowers in poetic associations (love, superstitions, the Victorian "language of flowers").
Not intending to be exhaustive or systematic, Ward describes the process as "much like tending a small garden when one has a vast amount of seed and plants with which to fill the limited space. What to sow and what to toss?" This "garden" includes writers both famous and obscure, and quotes from plant-lovers as diverse as poets, doctors and farmers. A Contemplation Upon Flowers, now available in paperback, will inspire you to look at your own garden in a new light, and to consider new additions based on what William Blake or the ancient Romans said about them.
A Contemplation upon Flowers: Garden Plants in Myth and Literature
Previous featured book.
This page was last modified:
Not finding the book you are looking for? Try the search box below.
Questions, comments or suggestions? Would you like to communicate with other Pacific Northwest gardeners? Please join us on our forum.