Leggings - wild flowers

I was pottering around in the conservatory, potting up plants. I prefer the smaller varieties with an almost Victorian flavour – the first blend from wild flower to garden plant, small and delicate flowers which mimic the cultivated larger blooms.

Today it was Lily-of-the-valley, which was invasive when in the garden, a bit like mint, it spreads.

When you planted it you were rumored to die with a year, and it was said to be good for eye infections and to strengthen the brain and memory – which might be a good thing when you think about it.

The white flowers represent purity – a lovely clean white seen against the dark green of the leaves. The fruit is bright red – globular in shape perhaps a representation of fertility!

Next to them was pots of Cowslip, also a wild flower of the British Isles, a giant primula. These beauties represent the bunches of keys that were dropped by St. Peter when he learnt that a duplicate set had been made for Heaven's gates. These flowers have a delicate scent and are used to make a country wine.

I'd gathered some shoots from the Common Figwort, which was said to be good against the against the itch! It attracts wasps and is unpleasant in smell. It's destiny is a far corner of the garden.

Also I'd found some Starry Saxifrage – which hails from East Anglia and is said to be a cure for the plague. So don't be shy if you have the plague this is the one for you. To do this you have to mix the chopped roots with wine and vinegar. Pity its the roots - not much left then! It's also useful for stones

in the body. It grows happily on stone and rock, with the roots being known to crack or break stone.

The last I was cultivating for a special reason. It apparently can cure or correct a sagging bosom! I can't wait to find out if that's true – now I need a volunteer...

In the Latin – because it's more fun.... Alchemilla Vulgaris.

Apparently it breathes...

Well that's enough for tonight, lets hope I don't get woken up, it's bad for the plants...