facts about flowers

WTF Fun Fact 13373 – Moon Garden

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Sometimes it takes shedding a little moonlight on your garden to give it a magical quality. To fully appreciate the ethereal allure of the night, garden enthusiasts have embraced the concept of the moon garden.

These specially designed spaces are adorned with a selection of plants that come alive in the moon’s gentle glow, offering a captivating sensory experience after dusk.

Why build a moon garden?

The idea behind moon gardens is to create a place outdoors that naturally shines under the soft light of the moon. Sure, sunlight showcases vibrant colors, but moonlight can reveal delicate hues, silhouettes, and textures that go unnoticed during the day.

Moon gardens capitalize on subtleties, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere for those seeking a different kind of garden experience.

When planning a moon garden, it’s essential to consider plants that thrive in low light conditions and reflect the moon’s glow. White or pale-colored flowers, for instance, take center stage in these nocturnal spaces.

What to plant in your nighttime landscaping

There are plenty of plants to choose from for a night garden. Blossoms such as white roses, moonflowers, evening primroses, and jasmine emit a sweet fragrance to enhance your sensory journey.

The foliage in moon gardens is equally important, as it provides contrasting textures and shapes. Plants with silver or gray leaves, like lamb’s ear or dusty miller, stand out under the moonlight. Other options include plants with variegated foliage, which adds visual interest even when the moon is hidden behind clouds.

To enhance the atmosphere, moon garden enthusiasts often incorporate plants with night-blooming flowers. One such example is the night-blooming cereus, a cactus species that displays stunning white flowers only after the sun sets. Another favorite is the angel’s trumpet, a fragrant flower that releases a sweet scent in the evening hours.

Adding more senses

Besides the visual and olfactory delights, moon gardens also embrace the symphony of sounds that come alive at night. The gentle chirping of crickets, the occasional hoot of an owl, or the rustling of leaves can all contribute to the ambiance. So, including elements like a small water feature or wind chimes can amplify the auditory experience, creating a soothing and meditative environment.

Moon gardens are not limited to plants alone. The hardscape elements play a crucial role in enhancing the overall atmosphere. A white or pale-colored pathway, for instance, provides a radiant contrast against the dark soil, guiding visitors through the garden. Stone or marble sculptures, strategically placed under moonlight, evoke a sense of mystery and invite contemplation. Another popular feature is the inclusion of reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or metallic accents.

These elements capture and amplify the moonlight, adding a touch of shimmer to the garden. Illumination through softly lit lanterns, solar-powered lights, or strategically positioned candles can enhance the dreamlike quality of the moon garden.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Night Blooming Plants for Moon Gardens: White Flowers That Shine in the Moonlight” — The Spruce

WTF Fun Fact 13371 – The Victorian Language of Flowers

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During the Victorian era, a unique and fascinating form of communication blossomed, quite literally, through the language of flowers. Floriography is the art of expressing sentiments through specific flowers and arrangements. From declarations of love to secret messages, the Victorian language of flowers was a subtle way for people to convey their emotions.

The covert language of flowers

The roots of the Victorian language of flowers gained popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century. In a time when societal norms discouraged open displays of affection between lovers, the flowers provided a covert means of expressing one’s feelings.

Each flower held its own distinct symbolism, allowing individuals to convey specific emotions or messages. For example, a red rose represented passionate love. A yellow rose signified friendship or jealousy. The choice of flower, the color, and even the arrangement held significance. And an entire bouquet could convey a more complex message.

The art of Victorian floriography

To navigate the intricacies of floriography, enthusiasts published floral dictionaries and guides. These provided detailed explanations of the meanings associated with different flowers, empowering individuals to craft personalized and meaningful bouquets.

The Victorian language of flowers encompassed a wide range of sentiments and emotions. Examples include:

Pink roses: Gentleness and admiration.
Lily of the Valley: Sweetness and humility.
Forget-Me-Nots: Remembrance and true love.
Violets: Modesty and faithfulness.
Sunflowers: Adoration and loyalty.
Orchids: Exotic beauty and love.

The complex messages of floral arrangements

Not only did individual flowers carry meaning, but the arrangement of flowers also played a crucial role in conveying specific messages.

The language of flowers allowed for romantic gestures without overt declarations. Secret admirers could send carefully chosen flowers to convey their affections, and lovers could exchange bouquets as a silent expression of their emotions.

As societal norms evolved and communication became more direct, the practice of floriography gradually waned. The language of flowers lost its significance as more explicit modes of expression emerged.

Next time you encounter a bouquet or spot a specific bloom, take a moment to reflect on the hidden language it may be whispering!

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Victorian Language of Flowers – Floriography” — Museum Selection

WTF Fun Fact 13324 – History of Peonies

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PeonieshavealonghistorythatcanbetracedbacktoancientChinaandJapan,wheretheywerefirstgrownfortheirmedicalbenefitsbeforebeingprizedfortheirbeauty.

Early peony history

The peony was first cultivated in China more than 2,000 years ago, and because of its beauty and scarcity, it swiftly came to represent riches and grandeur. 

In fact, the peony used to be cherished so highly that it was regarded as more valuable than gold. As a result, it was occasionally used as money.

TheChineseemployedthepeonyasaremedyforanumberofillnesses,includingepilepsy,headaches, anddigestiveissues.

Because they believed the flower had a relaxing effect on the body and psyche, it was also used in religious festivals.

The peony eventually received its own “Peony Festival” in China because of its increasing popularity. In Luoyang, China, this continues to be a holiday today. Thousands of peonies are on exhibit during the event in full bloom.

The history of peonies in Japan

The peony was also prized for its therapeutic benefits and for its purported ability to fend off evil spirits in Japan.

The flower was also admired by the Japanese for its grace and beauty, and it quickly became popular with the aristocracy. It was so revered in Japan that it was frequently depicted as a motif in literature and appeared on Japanese banknotes.

The peony remains a prominent motif in contemporary Japanese art. It is often used to symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and beauty.

In addition to its medicinal benefits, the peony has a special place in Chinese and Japanese mythology. According to legend, it sprung from the blood of a beautiful nymph killed by the gods out of jealousy. The peony was said to have been the nymph’s favorite flower and was believed to be imbued with her beauty.

Today, the peony is still a popular flower for Mother’s Day and other special events, such as weddings. Peonies come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow. They are easy to care for since they can be grown in a variety of climates.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “The History Of The Peony Flower” — Appleyard London