A nosegay to say….

I love this time of year when so many favourite flowers are in bloom and the air is filled with their heady scents. Although I love all plants I have always been drawn to those that have a particular function. The first thing I did once I got my own tiny patch of garden was to plant herbs, and I have kept that up ever since. From cooking, to scenting to health and wellbeing, herbs have it all.

Another function I enjoy in plants is their symbolism and meaning. A few years ago this led me to do some research on nosegays.

A nosegay is a posy of aromatic herbs and flowers that dates back to the sixteenth century. Originally these were a necessity for ladies, carrying them through the streets to disguise all unpleasant smells and protecting  from plague and disease. Although they were created for aromatic and disinfectant purpose they soon became fashionable for a very different reason… the symbolic meaning of each plant contained within the nosegay. Suddenly a functional bouquet can become a personal and charming gift.

I have made many nosegays for friends and family over the years, often picking a theme and including the appropriate plants… maybe a gift for a friend who has been ill, containing herbs symbolising protection, health and a speedy recovery; or an array for the arrival of a new baby… containing wishes and virtues to bestow upon the infant.

This is what I found in my garden and nearby hedgerow
This is what I found in my garden and nearby hedgerow

 

 

Today I was drawn into the garden once more, the scents of herbs and flowers were just bursting into the Summer air.

 

So I gathered so many favourites, like a child in a sweet shop, unable to show restraint… I chose every plant I could think of, and I have compiled them into a very big bouquet as a virtual gift for all you lovely readers.

 

 

 

This one is for you…

 

A nosegay to say...
A nosegay to say…

 

I wish I could send all the lovely scents with this virtual bouquet but instead I will wish you all the virtues it bestows. As a thank you for reading, sharing, commenting and letting me know that you really do like what I write…

This nosegay brings you...
This nosegay brings you…

nao

Science blogger and writer; Owner of Dr. How's Science Wows; Mother of three junior scientists who have taught me that to be a great scientist you need to look at life through the eyes of a child!

6 thoughts on “A nosegay to say….

  • July 14, 2014 at 9:19 pm
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    Thanks for sharing your nosegay with us!!! Fascinating, I had never heard the word before and I absolutely love the meanings behind all the flowers, I’d say I might have known three in all. I might even print that out, I think it would look good in the kitchen.

    • July 14, 2014 at 9:26 pm
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      I am surprised how many people have not heard of a nosegay, but then again, I don’t know how I did know about them. I do love knowing the meanings too 🙂

  • July 14, 2014 at 12:11 am
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    I’ve never heard of “nose gay”, love the meaning and completely love this post!

    • July 14, 2014 at 12:34 pm
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      Thanks Emily I really love knowing the meaning and symbolism behind plants, it gives them a whole new dimension 😉

  • July 13, 2014 at 10:38 pm
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    That is beautiful, I love wild flowers and plants, my husband often arrives home with a bouquet he has picked as he has gone along the road. I’ve never heard of a nosegay but love the story behind it. Thank you for sharing x

    • July 13, 2014 at 10:42 pm
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      I just love knowing the meaning behind all my favourite plants Elizabeth 🙂 How sweet of your husband!

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